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

Shen Chang'an paused in his action of holding the cup.

Senior Ji Siye?

The name flashed through his mind, but he didn't say it aloud. He simply put down his cup and asked, "You mean, that senior with the physical disability?"

Du Yue nodded: "Yes, I only saw it for a moment. I was just about to take a closer look when the image disappeared. It was the memory left behind by the last Demon Emperor."

"Are you sure those are memories left behind by the last Demon Emperor?"

"It should be that everything was clear at the beginning, but things suddenly became chaotic at the end."

Du Yue thought for a moment and then added, "But I'm not sure, it's really too fast."

Shen Chang'an did not urge her to continue recalling.

If that figure is indeed Ji Siye, it means that he had contact with the last generation of Phoenix Demon Emperor. Connecting this with the later disappearance of the True Dragon and Phoenix clans, there is likely some kind of connection between them.

A single glimpse is not enough to determine what happened back then, much less to conclude that the disappearance of the two clans was the work of Ji Siye.

"Did you tell Senior Lu about this?"

"No, I want to ask you first."

Shen Chang'an nodded: "I've got it. That senior's matter is a bit special. Don't mention it to anyone else for now. If you see similar memories again in the future, don't rush to look deeper. Just come back and tell me."

Du Yue responded, and seeing him deep in thought, she waited a while before saying, "There's one more thing."

Shen Chang'an looked up: "Is there anything else?"

Du Yue looked at him, her voice softening: "I promised Senior Lu, I'm willing to become the Demon Emperor."

He was somewhat surprised, but didn't immediately press for answers. He simply looked at her for a moment and asked, "Have you thought it through?"

"Well, she told me some things about the royal court, and then I saw those memories again, so I thought... maybe I could give it a try."

Du Yue lowered her head and swirled the cup: "But I told her that I don't know anything, I have to take it slowly, and I will go back to the human world in the future and go out with you. I can't stay in the palace forever."

"What did she say?"

"She agreed to everything."

Shen Chang'an then smiled and said, "That's good, as long as you're willing."

Du Yue looked up at him: "Don't you think I agreed too quickly?"

"Speed ​​isn't important, just think it through. If you don't understand something, ask. If you don't want to do something, just say so. Don't think that just because you agreed to be the Demon Emperor, you have to listen to their arrangements."

Du Yue nodded seriously, a smile finally appearing on her face: "That's what I told her too."

"Then what is there to worry about?"

"there is none left."

She finished her water, stood up, and pushed her chair back: "Then I'll head back. See you at the dinner tonight."

Shen Chang'an escorted her to the courtyard gate, watching her walk along the corridor towards Qiwu Palace until her figure turned the corner before turning his gaze away.

The night breeze rustled through the sycamore trees in the courtyard. He stood by the door for a moment, but the image of the person Du Yue had described kept resurfacing in his mind.

Lately, everything seems to be related to that person. It's a pity I didn't learn about him back in Zhenyuan City...

......

As night deepened, the lights of the ancient demon king's court grew brighter and brighter.

Golden flames rose one after another along the palace walls, and lanterns suspended in mid-air illuminated the corridors and waterways. Long, drawn-out bells rang out from the eight royal residences on the outskirts, one after another, crossing the city and reaching the plains and the depths of the mountains and forests.

Occasionally, birds formed from spiritual energy would fly over the palace, spreading their wings and scattering fine golden light.

Many demons in the city stopped and looked up, while some lesser demons chased after the falling specks of light, and the once quiet streets became lively again.

Tonight's banquet was merely a welcome back for Du Yue. Lu Qingyan knew that Du Yue disliked elaborate formalities, so she didn't summon forces from all over the country to pay homage, only inviting important figures from the royal court. Even so, the eight royal clans, the five phoenix clans, plus members of the royal court in charge of various affairs, still made up a considerable number of attendees.

The banquet was held in the council hall that everyone had visited during the day.

When Shen Chang'an and Murong Yan arrived, the hall had already changed. A circular jade platform had risen in the previously empty center, with light golden water flowing slowly around its edge. Hundreds of flower-shaped lamps hung under the dome, casting a soft glow on the tall stone pillars as the music faded.

His and Murong Yan's seats were arranged on the right side of the high platform, very close to the throne above. This position was clearly beyond the treatment of ordinary human guests, but everyone present understood why they were seated there, and no one raised any objections.

After taking his seat, Shen Chang'an took the opportunity to look around.

Lu Qingyan sat on the left, closest to the main seat. She had changed into a formal suit, and the grass and wood patterns on the sleeves and collar were even more delicate than during the day. A pair of jade horns with gold ornaments hung down, gleaming warmly under the lamplight.

Cang Gu's seat was set up alone at the front, and Peng Lie, Tu Shan Fei Yue, Shi Lie, Xuan Ce, Cang Wu Lan, Yuan Chong Yue and Lei Hong had also taken their seats.

Further down are the positions of the five great phoenix clans. Jin Yao and Qing Ge need no introduction, and Shen Chang'an only met the clan leaders of the other three clans tonight.

The Crimson Phoenix Clan Chief, Chi Zhuo, was tall and imposing, with long red hair cascading down his shoulders. His arms, exposed outside his sleeves, were covered in dark red fire patterns. He was speaking to Jin Yao, his expression quite solemn, but his gaze kept drifting towards the palace gate.

Bai Li, the clan leader of the White Phoenix Clan, looked to be in her thirties, with long, snow-white hair, wearing a silver-white dress, and a cool and aloof demeanor.

Xuan Jin, the clan leader of the Xuanfeng clan, appeared much quieter. He wore a wide black robe, had a black phoenix feather mark between his eyebrows, and looked younger than Jin Yao. He concealed his aura very well.

Behind the clan leaders sat some young phoenix clan members. They tried their best to remain upright, but when they exchanged glances, they couldn't hide their anticipation.

Shen Chang'an sat for a while, and seeing that Du Yue had not arrived yet, he was about to ask when a long bell suddenly rang out outside the hall.

The conversation in the hall gradually subsided.

Lu Qingyan stood up first, followed by the other demons. Their gazes turned to the palace gate. Shen Chang'an and Murong Yan also stood up. Several maids carrying golden palace lanterns entered from both sides, their soft light casting long, thin feather-like patterns on the ground.

Du Yue walked in the middle, and when Shen Chang'an saw her face clearly, he couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

She usually dresses simply, but now, dressed in a gold and red gown, her entire demeanor has changed.

The hem and cuffs were embroidered with intricate, subtle patterns, and as the wearer moved, tiny phoenix shadows would occasionally flit among the designs. Wide sleeves hung at the sides, and the long hem spread out along the ground, with phoenix trees and clouds intertwined on it, occasionally revealing a golden leaf before it quietly disappeared.

This robe was not the most precious treasure mentioned in the daytime council; it was merely a formal dress prepared by the royal court, yet it was still made with great care.

Du Yue's long hair had also been restyled and secured with a golden phoenix hairpin, with delicate tassels hanging down the sides of her hair, gently rustling as she moved. The golden-red fire mark on her forehead was particularly clear under the light.