The imperial palace.
Supreme Ultimate Hall.
Two palace maids hurried over with a chair and placed it behind the black-robed demon king.
"Then, my thanks to Great Xia's King of Equal Standing!" the black-robed demon king said casually before sitting down. His posture was relaxed, yet he possessed the imposing majesty of a deep, still pool and a towering mountain.
Silence settled over the hall.
Ji Xuan's calm gaze rested on Bai Li, the Demon Kingdom's imperial princess, before sweeping toward the black-robed demon king seated beside him.
"The Demon Kingdom's delegation has traveled far, accompanied by a demon king for the first time ever. You must seek something beyond presenting gifts. Speak freely."
Bai Li raised his ice-blue eyes, meeting Ji Xuan's gaze for a moment before rising.
He bowed again. "Our nation has indeed come to request something. It concerns both the Demon Kingdom and Great Xia's stability."
"What matter could have such far-reaching implications?" Ji Xuan asked.
Bai Li looked toward an attendant beside him and gave a slight nod.
The attendant immediately stepped forward, presenting an ancient-looking black iron box with both hands.
Dark patterns covered the box, resembling dragons and clouds, intricate and mysterious.
Bai Li took it himself and touched the lid with a fingertip. With a click, the lid sprang open.
Everyone in the hall watched, unsure what to make of the sight.
Ji Xuan was no exception.
Bai Li reached into the box and took out a palm-sized token.
Neither gold nor jade, the token was dark gold in color, its surface seemingly worn by the passage of time. At its center was an archaic character meaning "saint."
The deeply carved strokes seemed to contain an indescribable will. Merely looking at them sent a faint chill through one's soul.
"Do you recognize