Back at the Northwest King's manor, Lu Fan was preparing to bathe, looking forward to some relaxation, when Steward Zhao rushed in. "My Lord, you've finally returned! A secret report from the Heavenly Court states that the Seventh Prince has rebelled and is raising an army to march on the imperial capital, aiming to seize political power!"
"The Seventh Prince has rebelled?"
Lu Fan was slightly taken aback, finding it rather unbelievable. He had only just returned, and such explosive news had reached him unexpectedly. He knew very well that the Seventh Prince was a member of the royal family, and if he truly rebelled, the impact would be immense.
"How could my Seventh Imperial Uncle rebel? This must be false news!"
Prince Beixi spoke up, "Although I am now a cripple, I am still a Grandmaster and a royal relative. If possible, I wish to accompany you on this mission!"
"What does the secret report say?" Lu Fan inquired.
"The Seventh Prince has raised an army in rebellion, and his forces are near the Northwest. Therefore, the Heavenly Emperor has ordered the Ninth Prince and the Northwest King to suppress him together!"
Steward Zhao explained, "The Ninth Prince has already dispatched his troops, but my Lord had not returned, which is why our Northwest King's manor has remained in a state of quiet observation!"
"Assemble the troops and go to support the Ninth Prince!"
Lu Fan commanded, his voice carrying a sharp edge. The Hell Dynasty was watching menacingly, and now there was internal strife within the Heavenly Court's royal family. This was hardly good news for the entire world of Dawn.
Meanwhile, outside the Seventh Prince's city, the Ninth Prince's forces were encamped, with many other troops gathered nearby, presenting a grand and imposing sight. However, they did not rush to attack, seemingly waiting for something.
"Father, the Heavenly Emperor has issued an order, why have we not yet attacked?"
Princess Beimei spoke, "If we can capture the Seventh Prince's manor, Father will surely hold a high and powerful position among the royal family in the future!"
"None of that is important!"
The Ninth Prince shook his head. "Things are not that simple. If my guess is correct, Seventh Brother must have made preparations. Since he plots rebellion, he must have full confidence. It's just that I cannot fathom where he found the confidence to be so assured!"
"Regardless, this matter cannot be allowed to succeed!"
Princess Beimei's expression was solemn. "Father's hesitation to act should mean he is waiting for the Northwest King."
"That's right!"
The Ninth Prince nodded. "With the military strength of our Ninth Prince's manor alone, capturing the Seventh Prince's manor is not an easy task, and we might even suffer a complete annihilation. Only when the Northwest King's forces arrive can we join forces and achieve this."
Following these words, Princess Beimei also nodded slightly, understanding this point quite clearly.
"Reporting to Your Highness, many experts from the Northwest King's manor are already heading this way and are expected to arrive shortly!"
A soldier bowed, his expression grave.
The Ninth Prince nodded slightly, a smile appearing at the corner of his lips. This was indeed the best outcome. He no longer had to worry too much. As long as Lu Fan arrived, all matters could be discussed.
However, at this moment, within the Seventh Prince's city, a man stood on the city walls, his expression resolute. He wore a yellow robe and exuded an aura of power. "Ninth Brother, I didn't expect it would be you coming to deal with me!"
"Indeed, it is I!"
The Ninth Prince nodded. "You should know very well why I am here, and you should understand that what you are doing is not for the good. If you abandon the darkness and embrace the light now, perhaps it is not too late!"
"Ninth Brother, Ninth Brother, you don't understand me at all. To ascend the throne, I will not hold back!" The Seventh Prince sneered. "After all, with my qualifications, I can manage the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty better. The affairs within the Heavenly Court Dynasty should be managed by me; I am the true Son of Heaven!"
"Seventh Imperial Uncle, do you not find your words laughable!" Princess Beimei spoke, "The Heavenly Emperor now controls the entire Heavenly Court Dynasty, yet you defy ancestral laws and commit such disloyal acts. Have you considered how you will face the ancestors of our family!"
"You, a junior, what right do you have to speak to me!" The Seventh Prince said coldly. "Even your father has to call me Seventh Brother, yet your tone is quite presumptuous!"
"In the past, you were my respected Seventh Imperial Uncle, and I naturally showed you respect. But now that you have become a traitor and still expect others to respect you, it is likely a futile wish!" Princess Beimei's expression was indifferent, her words devoid of any reservation, carrying immense destructive force.
The Seventh Prince's face turned grim and uncertain. Being spoken to in such a manner by Princess Beimei made him extremely displeased, as he believed everything he had done was in accordance with his own will.
"Turn back while there is still time. Do not err further. When we return to the imperial capital, I will plead with Eldest Brother for you!" The Ninth Prince spoke with a solemn expression. He knew very well that if the Seventh Prince persisted in his obstinacy, he would ultimately meet a terrible end. Regardless, they were brothers, and he did not wish for anything to happen to the Seventh Prince.
"I have made this decision, and there is no turning back!" The Seventh Prince said coldly. "There are things you do not understand, and Eldest Brother has been the Heavenly Emperor for too long. It is time for someone else to take the seat!"
"Are you truly so ambitious? I have told you so many times, yet you have never listened!" The Ninth Prince's expression was icy, with a chilling glint in his eyes as he stared directly at the Seventh Prince.
Facing these words, the Seventh Prince remained unfazed, as if everything was insignificant in his eyes.
Meanwhile, Lu Fan arrived with his contingent, his presence exuding considerable might.
"Northwest King, you have finally arrived!"
Upon seeing Lu Fan, the Ninth Prince smiled slightly, finally gaining a sliver of confidence. After all, only by joining forces with the two royal manors could they capture the Seventh Prince's stronghold. With the strength of his Ninth Prince's manor alone, it was unlikely they could take it.
"You are like brothers, why must you engage in such a familial conflict!" Lu Fan's voice rang out, his gaze fixed on the Seventh Prince, his eyes appearing serious. "If you have any difficulties, you can tell us directly, and we can report it to the Heavenly Emperor. We will absolutely not let the Seventh Prince be embarrassed."
"What right do you have to speak here? Is there a place for your words?" The Seventh Prince glanced at Lu Fan with utter disdain. "You, a mere child, dare to call yourself an allied king? To be on equal footing with us!"
Lu Fan's brow furrowed slightly. Being spoken to in such a manner by the Seventh Prince instantly displeased him. He had been bestowed the title of allied king by the Heavenly Emperor, and now being so dismissively treated by the Seventh Prince, how could he feel anything but aggrieved.
"Seventh Brother, if you remain deluded, do not blame me for not cherishing our past affections!" The Ninth Prince's voice was cold.