The identity of the Fourth Prince of the Silver Moon Kingdom once again stirred a commotion among the crowd.
In this world, martial prowess is revered above all else. At the pinnacle of the hierarchy are the super sects, followed by various prominent families. Although there are nations, each one is controlled by sects and families, with the royal family often being the largest family within a nation.
The Silver Moon Kingdom is the largest among the several countries controlled by the Silver Moon Sect, and many families have intricate ties to it. It is said that the royal family is even related to the sect leader, holding a prestigious position that exerts immense influence over the entire Silver Moon Kingdom.
Thus, when people learned that this young man in black was actually the Fourth Prince, they felt a surge of respect and awe, and even their discussions became hushed.
The Fourth Prince felt quite satisfied with the crowd's reverence. Being born into royalty, he relished the feeling of being inherently superior to others, which gave him an overwhelming sense of superiority.
Lufan was somewhat surprised; he didn't understand how a Fourth Prince had suddenly appeared. Judging by Li Zheng's reaction, it seemed to be true.
However, Lufan didn't feel much about royalty. Coming from Earth, he was indifferent to such hierarchies. Moreover, he had only left Qingyang City once in recent years and had little concept of royal authority.
Therefore, he calmly said, "So it's His Highness the Fourth Prince. May I ask how I have infringed upon royal authority?"
The Fourth Prince frowned, instinctively disliking Lufan's tone. He did not detect the expected reverence in Lufan's words. If not for his own ulterior motives, he might have ordered Lufan's arrest on the spot.
Indeed, this barbaric land only produced rude and disrespectful people. With merely Third Rank cultivation, they dared to challenge the City Lord's Mansion without knowing their own limitations. It seemed that their so-called genius status was mostly unfounded, the Fourth Prince thought disdainfully.
After confirming his suspicions, he adopted a stern tone: "Qingyang City is part of my Silver Moon Kingdom's territory, and the City Lord's Mansion represents the royal family in managing this area. As a mere commoner, you brazenly slaughtered people right in front of the City Lord's Mansion. This is a grave crime! And you dare say it isn't a provocation against royal authority!"
Lufan raised an eyebrow: "Your Highness is so arbitrary; do you not fear wrongfully accusing someone?"
"The facts are right before us; what further investigation is needed? If you do not surrender now, do you intend to resist?"
Lufan shook his head. "Everyone here can witness what just happened. This Second Young Master randomly assaulted an elderly man with no cultivation and even targeted a child. If I hadn't intervened, that grandfather and grandson pair would have likely lost their lives by now.
As for these Guards, I had already warned them not to act recklessly. If they had heeded my advice, there would have been no issue. Yet, they not only attacked but most of their strikes were directed at the grandfather and grandson. Since they brought this upon themselves, they cannot blame me for being ruthless."
Lufan's explanation was not out of fear of the Fourth Prince; it was simply that his target today was Li Zheng, and he did not want to complicate matters further. After all, if he were to be labeled as someone who despises the royal family, it would be tantamount to opposing the entire nation. Although the Silver Moon Kingdom could not truly mobilize its entire strength against him, future troubles would certainly abound.
"Is it really worth slaughtering half of my Guards for these two lowly people?" Li Zheng exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes wide.
"Lowly people?" Lufan repeated the term with a strange emphasis, looking at the Fourth Prince. "I wonder if Your Highness thinks the same?"
The Fourth Prince hesitated. Seeing the expressions of those around him, he realized that what Lufan said was likely true. While he also agreed with Li Zheng's sentiment that they were just two lowly individuals and killing them was inconsequential, he could not say such things publicly. After all, as a member of the royal family, he had to maintain some dignity.
However, he could not allow Lufan to manipulate him with words either. He immediately adopted a stern expression and said, "This prince did not witness what you described, so I cannot take your word for it alone. As for whether the events are true or not, I will investigate myself. If it is indeed as you say, Li Ran will receive the punishment he deserves.
But before that, it is an undeniable fact that you indiscriminately slaughtered over a hundred Guards from the lord's manor. This is a heinous crime that cannot be forgiven!
So now you have only one option: release them and kneel! Surrender! Once I ascertain the facts, I will determine your punishment!"
"What if I refuse?"
"Refuse?" The Fourth Prince scoffed. "What qualifications do you have to refuse? Just because of your Third Rank cultivation? Kid, don’t think that having some talent makes you invincible. In Qingyang City, you might be considered a genius, but outside this place, you are nothing!
A frog in a well does not know how vast the sky is and still dares to defy royalty—who gave you such courage? I’ll say it again: kneel! Surrender immediately! Submit to me! Otherwise, I will personally break your limbs and ruin your path in martial arts!"
The Fourth Prince's words were incredibly domineering, leaving everyone stunned as they experienced the might of royalty for the first time.
After the initial shock, many people regained their composure, their expressions strange as they displayed a strong interest in the unfolding drama, with some even beginning to discuss it in hushed tones.
"This has stirred up a hornet's nest; 'Fierce Beasts' is definitely furious!"
"On one side is the prince, and on the other is the monster; it's a battle of dragons and tigers! A true clash!"
"To witness such a scene, this trip to Qingyang City was worth it!"
"What do you think 'Fierce Beasts' will do in response?"
No one believed that Lufan would back down. If he did, he would no longer be the 'Fierce Beasts' who dared to take on an entire city alone. A person with such spirit would never bow to a mere prince!
"Hmph! The prince is right!" Before Lufan could respond, Li Zheng suddenly snorted coldly. "To deal with such a vile person, breaking his limbs is the best method. Ironclad Guardian, where are you? Surround this man, and if he shows any signs of escape, kill him without mercy!"
With Li Zheng's command, nine figures sprang out from behind him, surrounding Lufan completely. These nine individuals were clad in black armor and were none other than the remaining nine members of the legendary Top Ten Ironclad Guards from the lord's mansion.
As the nine Fourth-Rank Experts appeared, a chilling aura instantly spread throughout the area. The crowd outside felt this pressure and couldn't help but change their expressions. Even the Fourth Prince and his companions were taken aback, not expecting Li Zheng to have such a trump card.
In fact, Li Zheng was secretly pleased. He hadn't anticipated that the Fourth Prince would clash with Lufan. After all, he didn't dare to confront Lufan so openly, especially since that one was currently in Qingyang City.
But now it seemed that the Fourth Prince was unaware of his master's presence. Therefore, once he engaged in battle with Lufan, he would undoubtedly act without restraint. Just the two Refining Muscle Realm elders behind him were not something Lufan could withstand.
Thus, Li Zheng's mind raced as he decided to push things further, intensifying the situation. Ideally, he could use the Fourth Prince's hand to eliminate Lufan; then even if his master were to blame him later, it wouldn't fall on him directly—truly killing two birds with one stone.
As for himself, he kept a close eye on the opportunity to rescue Li Ran at any moment; after all, that was his only son and he could not afford any loss.
Faced with the encirclement of the Nine Armored Guards, Lufan remained calm, though his gaze began to turn icy as he slowly sheathed his sword.
The crowd erupted in disbelief, thinking that Lufan had actually surrendered, and many found it hard to accept. The Fourth Prince, however, wore a satisfied smile, believing that no matter how talented one might be, they would ultimately have to submit to his royal authority.
Yet, Lufan's next words left everyone stunned: "Screw your royal family!"
The Fourth Prince could hardly believe his ears. How dare someone insult the royal family right in front of him, especially a Junior Martial Artist with such low cultivation? For a moment, he even doubted whether he had misheard.
After a brief moment of shock, he confirmed that this was not an illusion, and an overwhelming rage surged within him.
"How dare you..."
"Shut up!"
However, in the next instant, as Lufan shouted fiercely, the Fourth Prince found himself swallowing back his words, his eyes wide with shock as he looked at Lufan standing on the stone steps below.
Not just him; everyone present was staring at Lufan in astonishment.
At that moment, Lufan held the same stance he had used when attacking Li Hao. His legs were slightly bent, sword sheathed with his left hand gripping the sheath and his right hand holding the sword at an angle by his left waist. His eyes were lowered, appearing both focused and unfocused.
More importantly, he exuded an extremely dangerous aura, like a sharp blade pressing against people's hearts, making them hesitant to move even a fraction.
"What is this?!" the Fourth Prince couldn't help but exclaim.
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