Chapter 1102: Meeting the City Lord

After Li Tianen stormed out, his pace quickened as he navigated the bustling streets towards the City Lord's building. Lu Yu, with a sigh, had no choice but to follow.

While unconcerned with public perception, Lu Yu wasn't eager for unnecessary trouble. This man was clearly stirring the pot, and a misunderstanding could be messy. Dealing with Li Tianen and potentially the City Lord on top of it wasn't ideal. Becoming labeled a "Great Demon King" and ostracized by Skyplume City wasn't exactly on Lu Yu's agenda. Stopping Li Tianen seemed like the only logical course of action.

"Why are you following me?" Li Tianen barked over his shoulder, irritation lacing his voice.

"Who says I'm following you?" Lu Yu countered with feigned innocence. "I'm heading to the City Lord's building as well."

Li Tianen scoffed. "Don't play dumb. You wouldn't know the City Lord from a hole in the ground!"

Lu Yu shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. "What's that got to do with it? Doesn't mean I can't visit."

"And for what reason?" Li Tianen pressed, suspicion coloring his expression.

"Just a casual chat," Lu Yu offered nonchalantly. "Is that a problem?"

"A chat? Don't think I'm oblivious to your scheme. You're going to try and spin some tale about slaying the Giant Crocodile. But don't waste your breath. The City Lord will see right through you. He only trusts me!" Li Tianen declared with a boastful puff of his chest.

"Oh really?" Lu Yu raised an eyebrow. "Then let's put that to the test, shall we? Since you're so confident, I'll go first."

With a decisive stride, Lu Yu bypassed Li Tianen, his pace noticeably picking up.

Li Tianen's face contorted in fury. Veins bulged on his forehead as he clenched his fists, his breathing quickening. "Lu Yu! Ever since you arrived in Skyplume City, you've been nothing but a thorn in my side! I've had enough!"

Lu Yu shot him a speechless look. "What are you going on about? I barely know you. You're the one constantly harassing me! My patience is wearing thin too."

"Out of patience, are we?" Li Tianen sneered. "Fine! We'll see what the City Lord has to say. He'll definitely choose to expel you from Skyplume City!"

Fueled by anger and a desperate need to be the victor, Li Tianen pushed open the grand doors of the City Lord's building and hurried inside.

He practically sprinted towards the front desk, where a stunning woman was just leaving.

"Excuse me, aren't you the City Lord's assistant?" Li Tianen queried hopefully.

The woman stopped and turned, a polite smile gracing her features. "Indeed, I am. And you must be Li Tianen. Here to see the City Lord?"

"Yes, is he available?"

"He is, but you'll want to be quick. He has a meeting scheduled for later."

"Perfect, thank you. I'll keep it brief. Oh, and by the way, don't let this man in," Li Tianen said, pointing a sharp finger at Lu Yu who was just entering the building. "He's not affiliated with the city in any way. Security won't let him past anyway."

The assistant cast Lu Yu a curious glance. "I don't recognize him, and he doesn't wear a city official's uniform. Security will definitely handle it. Go ahead, don't worry."

A triumphant smirk played on Li Tianen's lips as he sauntered further into the building. Lu Yu, meanwhile, took in the sight of the imposing structure. It wasn't overly grand, just a sturdy six-story building constructed from red bricks.

In this empire, the architecture, while functional, lacked the grandeur of more advanced civilizations. It resembled the industrial era more than anything.

Lu Yu stood patiently by the door. He'd overheard the assistant mention the City Lord's upcoming departure, and figured waiting wouldn't take too long.

Meanwhile, Li Tianen had already reached the City Lord's office and knocked on the door.

"Enter," came a voice from within.

Li Tianen walked in to find the City Lord, City Lord Yuan, standing by a floor-to-ceiling window, meticulously adjusting his tie. He turned with a warm smile.

"Tianen, what brings you here?"

"A minor inquiry, City Lord. What's on the agenda for your outing today?"

"Why, a celebratory ceremony in your honor, of course! Your conquest of the Giant Crocodile has eliminated a significant threat to Skyplume City. We'll be hosting a banquet, inviting prominent figures from all walks of life to celebrate your accomplishment."

Li Tianen's eyes gleamed. "A celebration tonight? With all the VIPs?"

"Absolutely. Just wait patiently. You'll be notified when the time arrives." City Lord Yuan patted Li Tianen's arm reassuringly as he started towards the door.

Suddenly, Li Tianen grabbed his arm, a hint of panic in his voice. "City Lord Yuan, I have something urgent to tell you. It's quite serious!"

City Lord Yuan raised a curious eyebrow. "Urgent? Is there anything you can't handle?"

"Well," Li Tianen stammered, "a newcomer arrived in the city. He possesses considerable strength, rivaling even mine. The problem is, ever since his arrival, he's been antagonistic towards me. It's as if he holds some personal vendetta."

"Why would that be?"

Li Tianen threw his hands up in exasperation. "Who knows? Maybe he's deranged! He seems to follow me around, and upon learning about my triumph over the Giant Crocodile, he even had the audacity to claim the feat himself!" Novel Fire - novelfire.net

Li Tianen let out a disdainful scoff. "Can you believe the absurdity? The entire city knows it was I who slew the beast! Now he comes barging in, stealing credit like some common crook!"

He clenched his fists, fuming. "We need to teach this imposter a lesson!"

City Lord Yuan listened intently. "Hmm, this individual does sound rather outlandish. However, considering his strength is on par with yours, that's quite remarkable."

"Indeed," the City Lord agreed, "a rare find in these parts."

"So, where is this imposter?" City Lord Yuan inquired. "Remember, Tianen, you're under my wing. I'll see to it that this is resolved."

Li Tianen hesitated for a moment. "He's... downstairs. He followed me here, persisting in his fabricated story. It's maddening!"

"Downstairs, you say? This fellow truly has a nerve, showing such blatant disrespect towards my authority!"

"Don't worry, I'll confront him right away. If he persists with his lies, I won't hesitate to put him in his place. You have my colleagues downstairs to back you up, of course."

"Exactly!" A voice boomed from the hallway. "We're all behind you!" A head poked out briefly, then disappeared back into the corridor.

Li Tianen beamed at City Lord Yuan. "Thank you for your unwavering support, City Lord. Eradicating this nuisance would be a tremendous favor."