"What?!"
Xue Qinghe's pupils contracted sharply, and his voice shook uncontrollably. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that Spirit Hall's target was the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's national treasure-the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud.
After becoming the Heaven Dou Crown Prince, he had learned this treasure's secrets. It was said to be intimately connected to a god, yet despite spending centuries trying, successive generations of the imperial family had never gained its recognition. They could only enshrine it within the palace's forbidden grounds, treating it as a spiritual emblem of the empire's legacy. It was more than an artifact; it embodied the Heaven Dou Imperial Family's dignity. Surrendering it would not only strip the imperial family of all standing, but might also shake the people's faith and fracture the Heaven Dou Empire's rule.
"The Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud is the Heaven Dou Empire's national treasure, handed down through generations. It must never be lightly given to outsiders!"
Xue Qinghe's eyes brimmed with resistance.
"I beg Your Holiness to withdraw this decree. The Heaven Dou Empire is willing to make further concessions on compensation in resources!"
"Whether it can or cannot be given is not for you to decide."
Bibi Dong's voice was cold as ice. Her fingertips lightly tapped the armrest of the papal throne, producing crisp clicks.
"Either surrender the Vast Sea Cosmic Shroud today, and Spirit Hall will accept your proposed compensation in resources, bringing this matter to a close for now; or your delegation will remain in Spirit City, and I will immediately send people to Heaven Dou City to negotiate in person. You should understand the consequences."
Cold sweat instantly seeped into Xue Qinghe's palms, while his back was already soaked.
He knew all too well that Bibi Dong was not making idle threats. In