The Demon King's Riddle: The Forbidden City of the Dragon Queens

In the heart of the Wandering Mountains, where the sky kisses the earth and the wind whispers secrets of old, there lay a city hidden from the eyes of men. It was the Forbidden City of the Dragon Queens, a place of legend and lore, where the celestial dragon queens resided. The city was said to be the resting place of ancient powers, and its gates were guarded by riddles that only the wisest of hearts could solve.

Amidst the bustling city of Chang'an, a young scribe named Liang Yuan lived. She was known for her sharp wit and insatiable curiosity, which often led her to the fringes of the known world. One day, as she wandered through the market, she overheard a hushed conversation between two travelers.

"The Demon King's riddle," one whispered, "is the only way to reach the Forbidden City of the Dragon Queens. But beware, for it is a riddle that has never been solved."

Liang Yuan's heart raced. She had always been drawn to the mysteries of the Shan Hai Jing, the ancient text that chronicled the wonders and dangers of the world beyond the known lands. She had read of the Demon King, a fearsome figure who had once held dominion over the mountains and rivers, and now sought to reclaim his power.

With a determined gaze, Liang Yuan approached the travelers. "What is this riddle?" she asked.

The travelers exchanged glances before the older one spoke. "The Demon King's riddle is this: 'In the land where the dragon queens sleep, what is the color of the sky at dawn when the first ray of light touches the earth?'"

Liang Yuan's mind raced. She knew that the riddle was no simple matter. It required not only knowledge of the Shan Hai Jing but also an understanding of the natural world. She spent days researching, consulting the ancient texts, and questioning the wise elders of Chang'an.

As the days turned into weeks, Liang Yuan's resolve grew stronger. She was determined to solve the riddle and uncover the secrets of the Forbidden City. She set out on a journey, her path winding through the Wandering Mountains, where the air was thick with the scent of pine and the ground was littered with ancient runes.

Her journey was fraught with peril. She faced bands of bandits, treacherous paths, and even the wrath of a mountain spirit. Yet, Liang Yuan pressed on, driven by her curiosity and her desire to uncover the truth.

One night, as she camped by a rushing river, she had a vision. In her dream, she saw the Demon King himself, his eyes glowing with an ancient power. He spoke to her, his voice a rumble in the mountains.

"You seek the truth, young scribe. But know this: the riddle is not just a test of knowledge. It is a test of courage and the strength of your heart."

Liang Yuan awoke with a start, the words of the Demon King echoing in her mind. She realized that the riddle was not just about the color of the sky at dawn, but about her own journey and the strength she had within.

As dawn approached, Liang Yuan reached the peak of the highest mountain. She stood at the edge, her heart pounding with anticipation. As the first light of day touched the earth, she saw the answer. The sky was a deep, indigo blue, a color of purity and ancient power.

With newfound clarity, Liang Yuan returned to Chang'an, her mind brimming with a sense of purpose. She approached the travelers who had first shared the riddle with her.

"The color of the sky at dawn is indigo blue," she said confidently.

The travelers exchanged glances, then nodded. "You have solved the riddle," they said. "Now, you may enter the Forbidden City of the Dragon Queens."

Liang Yuan's heart swelled with a mix of excitement and trepidation. She knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with even greater challenges, but she was ready. She had faced the Demon King's riddle, and she had won.

As she stepped through the gates of the Forbidden City, Liang Yuan felt a sense of peace. She had uncovered the truth, and in doing so, she had discovered her own strength. The journey had not only been about solving a riddle, but about discovering who she truly was.

In the heart of the Dragon Queens' city, Liang Yuan found a world of wonders, a place where the ancient powers of the Shan Hai Jing were alive and well. She spent her days exploring, learning, and growing, her spirit forever changed by the adventure that had brought her to this sacred place.

The Demon King's riddle had been solved, and with it, a new chapter had been written in the annals of the Shan Hai Jing. And Liang Yuan, the young scribe, had become a legend in her own right.