Emperor Ailuo of Black Flame

Receiving an emperor from a neighboring country was a very troublesome affair.

Even if this Wizard Emperor didn't care about formalities, certain procedures still had to be followed.

Sand had, for once, donned the Eternal Night Emperor's full regalia. He wore all kinds of jewels, and most importantly, a golden crown studded with rubies. In his hand, he held a golden scepter topped with a fist-sized ruby of the same hue.

Gold represented the dignity of the Eternal Night Imperial Clan, while rubies represented the Red Sea Tree.

It was Eternal Night's responsibility, and its pride.

Sand looked at himself in the mirror. Though he knew perfectly well that he was only a temporary puppet, he couldn't help feeling a surge of pride.

"One day, I'll give this scepter real power!"

Thinking about it now, Thor's plan, though extremely risky, was the only way to truly resolve his awkward predicament.

Otherwise, even if he used his children to regain power, he would still be nothing more than a walking blood bank. Neither Eternal Night nor the Judgment Court would ever take him seriously.

"Your Majesty, the Black Flame Emperor has already headed to the Eternal Night Star Palace." The tall, imposing guard bowed beside him.

Having been emperor for several years, Sand naturally understood what the guard meant.

"Let's go."

Sand took one last look in the mirror, then lifted his scepter and strode out of the dressing room with his head held high.

He crossed a long corridor and arrived at the reception hall where he was to meet the Black Flame Emperor.

The entire hall was resplendent, from the ceiling to the carpet, every inch exuding extravagance.

But Sand knew that once the Black Flame Emperor left, the hall would return to its original state: spacious, but completely