The imperial palace.
Taiji Hall.
Two palace maids hurriedly carried over a chair and placed it behind the Black-Robed Demon King.
"Then I shall thank the Great Xia Shoulder-to-Shoulder King!" the Black-Robed Demon King said casually. Then he sat down outright, his posture relaxed, yet he carried with him an air of solemn majesty, deep as a still abyss and lofty as a mountain.
The hall fell silent for a time.
At that moment, Ji Xuan's calm gaze fell on Bai Li, the Princess of the Demon Country, then swept over the Black-Robed Demon King seated to the side.
"The Demon Country Delegation has come from afar, and for the first time ever, a demon king has accompanied it. Aside from presenting tribute, you must have some aim. You may as well speak plainly."
Bai Li lifted her ice-blue eyes and met Ji Xuan's gaze for an instant, then rose.
She bowed again. "Our country has indeed come this time to ask for one matter. This matter concerns the Demon Country, and also concerns Great Xia's stability."
"What matter could have such far-reaching ties?" Ji Xuan said.
At that moment, Bai Li looked toward an attendant at her side and gave the person a slight nod.
That attendant immediately stepped forward, holding out an ancient, simple Black Iron Box in both hands.
The body of the box was covered in dark patterns, like dragons and clouds, rather mysterious and profound.
Bai Li personally took it. Her fingertips lightly touched the lid, and with a click, the lid sprang open.
Everyone in the hall gathered their gazes, watching this scene without understanding why.
Ji Xuan was the same.
At this moment, Bai Li reached into the box, then took out a Token the size of a palm.
The Token was neither