On the platter sat a boy and a girl of about five or six, their skin fair and clean, each wearing nothing but a bellyband.
The two huddled tightly together like frightened little beasts.
Their bodies shook violently, their eyes filled with terror and despair.
"Heh heh heh..."
The female Demon King let out a spine-chilling cackle. He raised his cup toward Li Xinge from across the hall, malice all but spilling from his eyes.
"Marquis of Chu, the Central Plains are a blessed land that produces outstanding people, but surely you have never eaten anything like this. Our Dragon Palace spent countless spirit medicines raising these boys and girls. Ordinary people never get a taste."
"Marquis of Chu, why aren't you eating?"
When Li Xinge remained motionless for a long time, a trace of mockery appeared in the female Demon King's eyes.
"Could it be that this dish is not to your liking? Or does the Marquis of Chu, who calls himself the foremost champion of Great Zhou's righteous path, lack the heart to take a bite?"
At those words, laughter erupted throughout the hall.
The Demon Kings present all watched Li Xinge with mocking amusement.
This was a trap laid in plain sight.
If Li Xinge ate, his reputation as a champion of righteousness would be utterly destroyed. Once even a whisper of this affair leaked out, his name would be ruined.
If he refused, he would be insulting the Dragon Palace.
They could even say that he, a member of the human race, had shown fear before the Sea Folk. In the Endless Sea Region, where the weak were meat for the strong, showing fear meant becoming prey to a collective attack.
The Eldest Princess sat at the head of the hall, her slender fingers toying with