```
Upon seeing Qin Zheng remain silent,
the old man continued, "However, the situation in Zhenning City soon attracted the attention of a Dragon Demon!"
"He claimed to be the Eighth Crown Prince of the Dragon Palace. Though his bloodline was impure, he indeed possessed the majesty of a dragon, and his strength was formidable, surpassing even the three lords by a notch."
"He asserted to the three lords that if Zhenning City did not pay tribute to him, he would stir up tempestuous waves and disturb the peace of the city, even leading the forces of the Dragon Palace to attack Zhenning City!"
"With no other choice, the three lords had to agree to his terms and offer tributes on schedule."
"Only then did they manage to appease him."
"As for what was offered as tribute..."
At this point, the old man hesitated, as if he dared not speak further.
But at this moment, Qin Zheng had already come to a realization.
"The tribute is members of the Human race, isn't it?"
He spoke calmly.
