Beilao was a little helpless, knowing that no one could change what Beimei County Princess had decided.
"Everyone, I hope you can protect the County Princess safely on this journey!"
Beilao cupped his fists towards Lu Fan, his expression solemn.
"Beilao, rest assured!"
Lu Fan nodded, understanding Beilao's concerns.
Not long after, Lu Fan and the others set out for the imperial capital, not daring to delay.
Along the way, Lu Fan continuously absorbed the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, reaching a bottleneck. He had a feeling that as long as he willed it, even facing a Martial Emperor expert, he might not be without a chance to fight.
"Taiyan City is just ahead. Once we reach Tianyan City, we won't be far from the imperial capital!"
Beimei County Princess gazed into the distance, speaking with a smile, seeming somewhat expectant.
"Beimei County Princess must have been to the imperial capital before, but why are you still so happy?"
Lin Fan asked in surprise, looking towards Beimei County Princess.
"Although that's true, those were things from when I was little!"
Beimei County Princess chuckled. In reality, she was also very curious about the imperial capital, having never been there since she grew up.
Within Taiyan City, the night was quiet. Lu Fan and the others had settled down at the best inn in Taiyan City, with all expenses naturally covered by Beimei County Princess.
Having found lodging, Lin Fan didn't rest. He continuously practiced the footwork from the wordless heavenly book, his entire being becoming much more agile.
"Your footwork is quite peculiar!"
Liu Ruyan's voice rang out as she walked towards Lu Fan.
"You're not asleep yet?"
Lu Fan stopped his movements and looked at Liu Ruyan, a meaningful expression in his eyes.
"Of course, I'm not asleep!"
Liu Ruyan nodded. "How can I sleep in such a strange environment? I think your footwork is quite good, what's its name?"
"It should be Taiyan Divine Steps!"
Lin Fan chuckled. "I don't know why I came up with this name!"
"This is Taiyan City, isn't it? You didn't just make up this name, did you!"
Liu Ruyan smiled. "However, this footwork is indeed peculiar. Can you give me a copy!"
"We're friends who have faced life and death together, of course, there's no problem!"
Lin Fan's mind stirred, and he transmitted the secret technique of Taiyan Divine Steps to Liu Ruyan. He then looked at Liu Ruyan's shoulder. "Why are there cyan stripes on your shoulder?"
Liu Ruyan was startled and quickly pulled up her clothes. "I treat you as a brother, you're not having impure thoughts about me, are you!"
"Of course not!"
Lin Fan gave an embarrassed smile. "I was just a little curious!"
After these words, Liu Ruyan didn't say anything more and turned to leave, seeming to avoid Lu Fan's gaze from earlier.
Lu Fan, however, became even more confused. They had already reached this level, where they were long past caring about matters between men and women, but Liu Ruyan's behavior was extremely abnormal.
After staying in Taiyan City for a few days, Lu Fan had grasped the essence of Taiyan Divine Steps. He could even achieve "shrinking the ground into an inch." Such an ancient secret technique was truly extraordinary.
Inside the tavern, Beimei County Princess ordered a table full of dishes but still seemed somewhat dissatisfied.
In the royal residence, she ate only the finest foods, but out here, it was like withered bones.
"After this meal, we'll be setting off!"
Lu Fan spoke. "You've spent a lot for the County Princess these past few days!"
"Don't say that, it's just a small matter!"
Beimei County Princess chuckled, her gaze indifferent. It seemed she had already begun to regard Lu Fan and the others as friends.
Boom...
As they were conversing, a crashing sound echoed, and a figure was violently thrown into the tavern, appearing quite disheveled.
Everyone in the tavern suddenly stood up, unsure of what had happened. Several figures walked in from outside, exuding an aura.
"Who are you people?"
Beimei County Princess stood up and asked. "Why are you bullying someone, and a child at that!"
In the center of the tavern, a little girl was shielding her forehead with both hands, looking very frightened.
"Who are you to dare interfere with Taiyan Sect's affairs!"
The man was extremely displeased, his gaze fixed on Beimei County Princess.
"So it's Taiyan Sect!"
Beimei County Princess said coldly. "Even if you are from Taiyan Sect, you shouldn't be doing such things!"
"That's right, this girl is so pitiful, how can you hit her!"
The people in the tavern all spoke up, disagreeing with Liu Haoran's actions and even showing disdain. As a disciple of a sect, to bully a little girl, wouldn't it bring shame if word got out?
"What do you people know? She's just pretending to be pitiful to gain your sympathy!"
Liu Haoran stated directly. "As a disciple of Taiyan Sect, would I casually bully people!"
"Then explain to me, what exactly is going on!"
Beimei County Princess said coldly, her heart filled with displeasure. If they couldn't explain clearly, she wouldn't mind teaching these scoundrels a lesson.
"She's an alien race, with birthmarks on her body. If you don't believe me, you can take a closer look. Don't be blinded by aliens!" Liu Haoran said directly.
Upon hearing this, the people in the tavern were shocked. They retreated continuously, as they were extremely hostile towards aliens, even harboring deep-seated hatred.
"Alien race?"
Beimei County Princess frowned and looked towards the little girl. Indeed, she noticed special markings on her body.
"See? Now you know!"
Liu Haoran was somewhat smug and prepared to finish off the little girl.
Beimei County Princess stood stunned. She really wanted to help the little girl, but she knew that as a county princess of the royal city, she couldn't interfere in such matters. Because aliens were not of the human race, they were bound to be a disaster in human territory.
At the very least, the ideology instilled in her since childhood made her heart feel a mixture of emotions.
Liu Ruyan, sitting to the side, her expression shifted. She seemed somewhat unable to contain herself but was forcing herself to endure.
"Although aliens are not of the human race, they are still a life. She hasn't harmed anyone. Even if you are from Taiyan Sect, you shouldn't kill the innocent!"
Lu Fan suddenly stood up, his gaze fixed on Liu Haoran. The little girl's body trembled, and a warm current surged within her. In the entire human territory, she was either beaten or scolded, and many humans wanted to kill her. Only Lu Fan brought a glimmer of hope to her.
"You kid, you must be crazy!"
Liu Haoran said coldly. "How dare you speak for an alien? Are you also an alien?"
"Whether I'm an alien or not, you people can't touch this little girl today!"
Lu Fan's voice was calm yet powerful, commanding respect.
Beimei County Princess stood stunned, her eyes filled with hesitation. She truly wished she could be like Lu Fan, but she was unable to.
"What arrogant words!"
Liu Haoran was furious. As a disciple of Taiyan Sect, and this being Taiyan City, their jurisdiction, how could he tolerate someone speaking to him like this!
Lu Fan remained unfazed, as if he didn't consider the people before him to be of any consequence.
Liu Haoran didn't say any more. His palm surged with flowing light, and he violently attacked the little girl.