Inside Xuan Zheng Hall of the Demon Dynasty.
Shen Tian sat on the imperial throne, looking out at the same view his father had once seen.
Beside the throne stood a chair, where Cheng Yu sat with an air of unruffled composure.
Below them, the Demon Dynasty's officials stood in the hall.
After the master of ceremonies announced the start of court, Shen Tian's first court session began.
As the session opened, a horned man wearing heavy golden armor stepped out from the rear of the assembled officials. It was Niu Da.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have a matter to report!"
A sinister-looking man looked at Niu Da and said,
"This is the new emperor's first court session. How can a mere commander of the imperial guards presume to speak first?"
Cheng Yu spoke up.
"Minister Snake, you are mistaken. The purpose of court is to encourage every official to speak, so that His Majesty may learn of affairs throughout the realm even while seated here in the Demon Capital. What does rank or status have to do with it?"
Hearing this, Minister Snake cupped his hands and withdrew into the ranks.
"Your Highness is absolutely right."
Niu Da continued in his deep voice.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the matter I wish to report is this: while the late emperor still lived, the North Sea Great Bird Race, an aristocratic family of the Demon Race in the Western Capital, plotted rebellion! They even tried to recruit me as their inside man, intending to storm the Demon Capital upon the late emperor's passing and overthrow the Demon Dynasty!"
All the officials looked aghast, while several leading dignitaries of the Demon Court wore thoughtful expressions. Shen Tian remained expressionless on the throne, but turmoil surged within him. *Members of the Demon