Central Mountain Range, Cloud City.
Though this city bore the name Cloud City and was also called such by the people of the mountains, it was not truly situated amid the clouds in the sky. Rather, thick mist shrouded it year-round; seen from afar, it seemed to ride clouds and mist, hence its name.
Now, before one of the city gates, a valiant-looking man asked those around him, "Elder Brother has already led the troops out?"
The one answering was a bird-headed demon. Bowing low with his head lowered, he replied softly, "Yes. The moment Your Highness the Third Prince left, the Eldest Prince led the troops out."
"Quite proactive. He is in such a hurry to share Father King's burdens." The valiant man sneered, a cold glint flashing through his eyes. "But this time, I fear he has offered his goodwill to the wrong man and chosen the wrong target. The person who has come here is anything but simple."
"Oh?" The bird-headed demon looked surprised. "Has Your Highness the Third Prince discovered something?" He naturally knew that the reason his master had left the city was to carry out the king's orders, investigating the specific circumstances of the person who had stirred up such turmoil across several places in the Demon Kingdom.
"Indeed!" The valiant man smiled and raised a hand. Spiritual energy gathered around him, forming a tiny flame at his fingertip.
"This is?" The bird-headed demon froze, surprise appearing on his face. "This subordinate did not sense any vital energy fluctuations from Your Highness the Third Prince. Could it be direct manipulation of spiritual energy? Is this not the legendary Energy Manipulation Art? Where did Your Highness learn it? If it could be presented to the Great King, then..."
As he spoke, a flash of insight