The great doors of the Dragon Hall slowly opened.
The heavy stone gates carved with ancient dragon patterns withdrew to either side, revealing the Dragon Emperor Throne suspended high within the hall.
Zi Yan still did not sit upon the highest seat.
She stood before the Dragon Emperor Throne, her violet-gold gown trailing down as the enormous dragon relief behind her flickered in and out of view beneath the lamplight. She did not need to sit on that throne; her bloodline alone was enough to explain everything.
Xiao Fan stood half a step behind her to the right.
Zhuxuan, Zhu Zhong, and Zhu Lie, the three grand elders, stood separately to either side.
Zhuli stood beneath the hall steps, holding a dragon staff.
Before long, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan's envoys were led into the Dragon Hall.
The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in a dark-gold robe. He was handsome yet cold, with the innate arrogance of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan between his brows. Upon entering, his gaze swept over Zi Yan first, then fell upon Xiao Fan, before finally turning toward the three grand elders.
His gaze lingered on Xiao Fan for a little longer.
Clearly, the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan had already learned quite a few things.
Jiu Feng's defeat, Huang Tian's capture, the Heavenly Phoenix Sky-Sealing Formation being seized in turn—all of it was connected to Xiao Fan.
A flicker of killing intent passed through Huang Jue's eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
He gave Zi Yan a slight salute.
"Greetings, new Emperor of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan."
Zhu Zhong's expression turned cold.
"You do not kneel before the Emperor?"
Huang Jue's expression remained unchanged.
"I am an elder of the Heaven Demon Phoenix Clan, not a member of the Ancient Void Dragon Clan."