High-level martial arts: Long spear with black flames to suppress demons.

Cities gradually became more densely packed on the plains.

Shen Chang'an looked ahead and saw a huge complex of buildings gradually emerging from the clouds at the horizon.

Upon arriving at the Ancient Demon King's Court, the first thing to notice was not the palace itself, but the eight surrounding areas. The buildings in each area were constructed according to different terrains, with vastly different styles, yet they did not appear chaotic when placed together. Wide roads and rivers connected them, collectively protecting the central palace.

One of the mountain peaks stands tall, with a long golden bridge spanning its summit. A massive palace clings to the cliff face, suspended in the clouds. Birds fold their wings and land within it, and from afar, only streaks of shadows drift across the clouds.

Another area is dotted with lakes and rivers, where blue palaces are half-submerged in the water, their eaves spreading out close to the surface. When the sunlight shines down, the outlines of even deeper and larger buildings can be seen underwater, and occasionally long shadows drift between the palaces, stirring up shards of light.

Further on, there are gardens surrounded by a sea of ​​flowers, towers hidden deep within ancient trees, and palaces shrouded in pale purple lightning. Even standing on the back of a dragon beast, it's difficult to see everything at a glance.

"The outer perimeter of the royal court is the territory of the eight royal families."

Cang Gu came to Shen Chang'an's side and, following his gaze, explained: "Most of the true ancestral lands of the various clans are not here. However, when the royal court has matters to attend to, it cannot simply go to various places to find people. Therefore, each clan will leave behind a group of clansmen, both for the convenience of discussing matters and to be responsible for guarding the central palace."

Shen Chang'an nodded and turned his gaze to something deeper.

Surrounded by eight outposts, at the center stands a palace city that rises in tiers according to the terrain. White city walls stretch across the land, with continuous dragon and phoenix patterns extending along the walls and converging at the city gates. Above the gate towers hang pale golden curtains of light, connecting with the protective array above, enveloping the entire palace complex.

The palaces within the city unfold in succession, their rooftops gleaming golden in the setting sun. The highest main hall stands atop a wide, high platform, its golden rooftop resembling a phoenix spreading its wings. Dragon-shaped stone carvings on both sides spiral down the long steps to the plaza in front of the hall.

"This place used to be the home of dragons and phoenixes."

Cang Gu looked at the main hall: "Later, the two races disappeared, and the position of Demon Emperor became vacant. That's when the rule of the eight royal families took turns acting as regents came about. When it was the turn of a race to take charge of the royal court, that race would move into the center to coordinate the affairs of the demon realm."

"The current acting Demon Emperor is named Lu Qingyan, the patriarch of the Jade Horned Deer Clan. You will meet her in a moment."

As the dragon beast approached the royal court, the demons gradually relaxed. Once they reached a familiar place, they no longer paid as much attention to their aura and appearance as before.

Behind Tu Shan Feiyue, nine snow-white fox tails slowly unfurled, their tips swaying gently before dangling behind her skirt. Two fox ears peeked out from her hair, adding a touch of liveliness to her already bright eyes and brows.

Golden feathers emerged from Peng Lie's forehead, and his dark gold wings on his back unfolded slightly before folding back outside his robe. Short, thick bronze hair grew on Yuan Chongyue's arms and neck, and his shoulders and back appeared broader than before.

A pair of short, blue horns emerged from Cang Wulan's forehead, and fine scales appeared along his neck.

Even Cang Gu had two ancient dragon horns protruding from his forehead, and his beard and hair hung down, making him look less like an ordinary old man.

Du Yue found it fascinating and her gaze swept over the group before finally settling on Tu Shan Fei Yue's fox tail.

Tu Shan Feiyue noticed her gaze and smiled as she offered her a tail: "Your Highness, feel free to touch it, it's alright."

Du Yue hesitated for a moment, then reached out and gently touched it. Her fingertips sank into the soft down, and her eyes lit up. She touched it again before withdrawing her hand somewhat embarrassedly.

Tu Shan Fei Yue didn't move her tail far away, but just let it hang quietly beside Du Yue.

Just then, the dragon beast let out a long, low roar and began to descend. The light curtain above the royal court then parted, revealing a wide passage, and the scene of the palace below became increasingly clear.

A huge welcoming platform was already filled with people.

At the very front was a woman, who looked to be around thirty years old. She wore a long dress in alternating moon white and light blue, with gold grass and tree patterns embroidered on the edges of the wide sleeves. She had a plump figure, a jade belt around her waist, and her long hair was tied back. Her face was gentle and dignified.

The most striking feature is the pair of antlers on his forehead, which are as white as jade and branch out gently to both sides, with the tips gleaming with a faint blue light.

The dragon lowered its body and coiled on the outside of the platform, its head hanging down to the front of the long steps. The clouds condensed again into steps, connecting the pavilion to the ground.

Lu Qingyan led the demons forward and bowed to Cang Gu, saying, "Senior Cang Gu, you have all had a long journey."

Cang Gu smiled and waved his hand, stepping aside. Lu Qingyan's gaze then fell on Du Yue, and her previously calm expression changed noticeably for a moment.

When the news arrived, she had already seen Du Yue's video and heard Cang Wulan's confirmation. But videos and seeing it with one's own eyes are ultimately different. When she truly felt that pure phoenix aura, she still involuntarily held her breath.

Du Yue felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and moved closer to Shen Chang'an.

Lu Qingyan noticed this action, quickly composed herself, and did not rush forward. Instead, she stood at the foot of the steps, clasped her hands in front of her, and solemnly bowed.

"Lu Qingyan, the patriarch of the Jade Horned Deer Clan and the current acting Demon Emperor, respectfully welcomes Your Highness back to the court."

The royal court officials behind him bowed, the sound of robes rustling echoing through the air before falling silent again.

Du Yue stood on the cloud steps, opened her mouth, but didn't know what to say. Shen Chang'an didn't urge her, but just stayed there with her, waiting for the brief greeting to end.

Lu Qingyan raised her head again, a gentle smile on her face.

"You must be tired after flying for so long. Your accommodation and meals are ready. Go in and rest first, and we can talk about other things later."

Du Yue nodded and whispered, "Thank you."

"Your Highness, there's no need for you to be so polite."

Lu Qingyan stepped aside to lead the way, and the group descended the cloud steps. Behind them, the dragon beast let out another low growl. It watched Du Yue step onto the platform before slowly raising its head and moving its massive body to the outer edge.

The palace gates open to both sides, behind which is a straight white jade path with tall stone pillars on both sides. The pillars are decorated with dragons in various shapes, and the scales, whiskers, claws and surging cloud patterns are all carved in detail. Despite the long years, they do not appear dilapidated.

The eaves on both sides of the long road are connected to each other, and a golden phoenix spreads its wings along the roof ridge, its tail feathers transforming into extended patterns that blend into the various palaces.

Traces of dragons and phoenixes can be seen almost everywhere here.

The stone carvings, murals, patterns on doors and windows, and even the formations beneath their feet were all related to the two races. As the group passed by, golden light occasionally flowed from the depths of the jade, like a feathered shadow flitting past below before quickly disappearing.

Du Yue walked a little slower, occasionally looking up at the side.