(First update)
Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City, within the imperial palace.
"Ha ha ha..."
A hearty burst of laughter rang out from deep within the imperial palace, leaving the Imperial Guards standing watch at the entrance rather puzzled. Why was His Majesty in such high spirits today? This was far from the first time he had laughed.
Deep within the resplendent imperial palace, two men sat cross-legged opposite each other.
One of them had an aged yet dignified face. His white sideburns flared wildly like a lion's mane, and every glance from his eyes carried the aura of one long in power, making others dare not underestimate him.
This man was undoubtedly the current ruler of the Heaven Dou Empire, Xue Ye, who wielded authority over all beneath him!
Opposite Xue Ye sat a man in black robes, his face covered by a Demon Mask. Despite such a furtive appearance, there was not the slightest hint of sinister malice about him. Instead, an indescribable aura surrounded him. All things seemed to evolve faintly around his body, as though a small world rose and fell within him. He was like a divine incarnation descending into the mortal realm.
Before this black-robed man, even Xue Ye's imperial aura was no more than a speck of dust in the mortal world, appearing incomparably insignificant.
"As expected of the Sky-Blasting Gang's leader. I never imagined that not only was your strength extraordinary, but you were also so skilled at chess. I truly admire you!"
Xue Ye placed a black stone on the board. In the next instant, Yang Ming placed a white stone, not only effortlessly dissolving his offensive but also forming the encirclement of a white dragon. Xue Ye's expression twitched slightly as he looked at the black-robed man opposite him. His