The Imperial Hunting Ground lay fifty kilometers southwest of Heaven Dou City. Its terrain was vast and varied. Under normal circumstances, it served as a training ground for the Imperial Guards and the Royal Knights. Whenever hunting season arrived, it became the site of the Royal Hunt.
The young members of the Royal Family also received training here.
Commoners were strictly forbidden from entering this place, or even approaching it. More than ten thousand Royal Knights were stationed here.
There were many kinds of wild beasts within the hunting ground, but no soul beasts. The grounds had not been artificially constructed; they were simply a stretch of surrounding mountains and forest enclosed by walls to isolate it from the outside world.
Early that morning, all of Heaven Dou City became lively. Imperial Guards stood along both sides of the roads, and every street had been swept spotless. The usually bustling and prosperous Heaven Dou City seemed to have fallen silent in that instant.
Today was the day of the Royal Hunt. The emperor had risen early and changed into military attire. Though he was already old and his health was worsening by the day, he still forced himself to hold this Royal Hunt.
Standing before the mirror, he had two palace maids carefully arranging his armor behind him.
Looking at his aged reflection, the Old Emperor let out a sigh.
Once, he too had been full of vigor. He had ascended the throne at a young age and dreamed of accomplishing great deeds—revitalizing the Heaven Dou Empire and allowing it to surpass the Star Luo Empire.
Yet over the past several decades, repeated failures had dealt him blow after blow. Star Luo was stronger than the Heaven Dou Empire in nearly every respect.
Even their Royal Family was stronger than