Jun Yelan's gaze faltered for a moment as he looked at Lan Yan's smiling face. He then took her hand, slowing his pace as they walked out of the cave.
Lan Yan followed behind, her heart filling with delight. She even hooked her fingers slightly against Jun Yelan's palm. Catching a glimpse of his reddening ear tips, the smile on her lips deepened.
Her Jun Yelan was truly a little too adorable.
Amused, Jun Yelan enveloped her small hand with his own, wanting to stop her playful gestures. At the same time, he felt a growing anticipation, shaking his head and quickening his steps.
Arriving on the open ground outside the cave, before Lan Yan could react, he scooped her up in his arms. His wings unfurled behind him, carrying them both into the air once more.
With the experience of their first flight, Lan Yan was no longer as afraid. She gripped Jun Yelan's neck, looking down at the scenery with fascination. She could see houses and demonic beasts below, as well as trees swaying in the mountain forest.
This was truly magical! The cultivation world was indeed different.
Jun Yelan had initially slowed his flight, concerned that Lan Yan might not be used to it. Now, seeing the smile on her face, a slight curve formed on his lips as he propelled his wings forward.
A quarter of an hour later, he looked down at the Demon King's Palace below and gently set Lan Yan down on the ground.
Lan Yan gazed at the palace before them, shrouded in a dark mist. However, its size rivaled that of palaces in the Spirit Mountain.
As they arrived, a group of women in black emerged from the palace, lining up on both sides. They called out, "Welcome, Your Highness Jun. The Demon King has been waiting for a long time."
"Your Highness Jun?" Lan Yan looked at Jun Yelan, hearing this title for the first time. He held her hand, leading her inside.
Jun Yelan's gaze was chilling as he surveyed the palace. Instinctively, he shielded Lan Yan behind him. This Demon King's Palace was no good place!
Lan Yan could feel the aura around Jun Yelan turn deep and cold, indicating his strong aversion to this place. She didn't look around, focusing solely on keeping pace.
Passing through a corridor and entering a grand doorway, they found themselves in a bright hall. Seated on the uppermost throne was a man in red, the Demon King.
Lan Yan cast a glance at the Demon King, feeling an uncomfortable sensation, as if being scrutinized by something unclean. A hint of wariness flickered in her eyes, and she remained standing in place.
Beside her, Jun Yelan stared at the Demon King even more coldly, his eyes filled with frost.
The Demon King concealed the hatred in his eyes and smiled, "Jun Yelan, you have finally returned. Look, I've specially prepared a welcome banquet for you. What do you think?"
He walked down, spreading his arms to gesture at the fine wines and delicacies on either side, showcasing them to Jun Yelan.
Jun Yelan's expression remained unchanged. "The Demon King is too kind, but I have never cared for such things. If you have nothing else, I shall take my leave." With that, he tightened his grip on Lan Yan's hand and prepared to lead her away.
"Wait." The Demon King then turned his attention to Lan Yan. "This must be your beautiful wife. Truly a beauty, so different from our demon realm. However, our realm has rules; outsiders are not accepted."
Jun Yelan shot him a frosty glare. "Demon King, you forget yourself. I am not under your jurisdiction. Who I am with is my own business."
The Demon King's eyes blazed with anger, and the atmosphere between them became tense. Finally, he suppressed his fury, picked up a wine goblet, and offered it to Lan Yan. "Miss, would you do me the honor?"
Lan Yan was about to refuse when Jun Yelan pulled her behind him, intercepting the wine goblet in the Demon King's hand.
Jun Yelan led her to a nearby seat and sat down, completely disregarding the Demon King before them.
Humiliated in front of his followers, the Demon King clenched the wine goblet in his hand and sat down as well. He watched Jun Yelan's composed demeanor, silently cursing him.
This man was always like this, evoking his utter disgust.
Lan Yan noticed the Demon King's gaze and tugged on Jun Yelan's sleeve, worried that the Demon King might retaliate against him. She felt that this was a trap and that they couldn't simply leave.
Jun Yelan turned to look at Lan Yan, placing his palm on the back of her hand that was holding his sleeve. He nodded slightly, conveying that he would be fine and that the Demon King was no match for him.
"Jun Yelan, this time I have a great gift for you to welcome you back," the Demon King said, clapping his hands. A subordinate then brought forward a demon beast from the back – it was none other than Leopard Master.
He smiled, "My subordinate was disrespectful to you. Today, I will have him give you an explanation." He had heard about the incident at the auction house, how Jun Yelan had taken his goods and caused a scene.
Jun Yelan's gaze fixed on the leopard demon, his tone still chilling. "There's no need. These are matters for the Demon King to handle." He never cared for the affairs of the demon realm and had no desire to participate in the struggle for the throne.
However, this fell upon the Demon King's ears as Jun Yelan deliberately humiliating him. He declared, "Jun Yelan, this demon offended you. He deserves to die."
"Demon King!" Leopard Master cried out, "Spare me!" He had only come to deliver a message, how did it turn into this?
The Demon King strode down, picked up a large saber from the side, and slashed at Leopard Master, who immediately fell to the ground.
He casually dropped the saber and looked at Jun Yelan. "Jun Yelan, is this enough to show my sincerity? You are so powerful, you should govern the demon realm with me."
The others began to whisper amongst themselves. "This Jun Yelan, relying on being an ancient demonic beast, dares to treat the Demon King this way. It's truly excessive."
"Indeed. Jun Yelan hasn't done anything for the demon realm all these years. We are not convinced anyway."
"And now he brings a woman from the outside world. What is he planning!"
More words of reproach against Jun Yelan spread, and a triumphant smile bloomed in the Demon King's eyes.
Lan Yan's heart filled with anger, but she tried her best to calm herself, knowing she couldn't fall into this Demon King's trap. She let out a cold laugh and said, "Demon King, you invited us here. These events are all staged by you, and they have nothing to do with us."
"Furthermore, with Jun Yelan present all these years, those who coveted the demon realm dared not make a move. His existence alone is enough!"
The Demon King's rage flared. "Who do you think you are, speaking to me like this!"
"She is someone I brought," Jun Yelan said, raising the hand he held tightly with Lan Yan, his eyes deepening. "What she says is what I mean. Demon King, since you are so dissatisfied with me, there is no need to summon me again in the future."
He stood up, with Lan Yan beside him, facing the Demon King. "I will not be coming again." With that, he led Lan Yan away.
The Demon King was left alone in his embarrassment. He glanced at a subordinate hidden in the corner, and after the subordinate left, he glared fiercely at Jun Yelan's retreating back.
Lan Yan, still being led by Jun Yelan out of the Demon King's Palace, muttered, "Jun Yelan, what they said was too much. I couldn't hold back for a moment. If I had known it would be like this, I would have stopped you, and we wouldn't have come at all."
"It's alright." Jun Yelan stopped and looked into Lan Yan's eyes, still concerned about him. His heart was changing; she was the only person in the world who truly cared for him.