Fools

Heaven Dou Imperial Palace.

Xue Ye had just taken his medicine and was reclining on a cushioned couch. He listened to the attendant's report, the piece of warm jade in his hand suspended in midair.

"A Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast?" he asked. "Are you certain?"

"Your Majesty, absolutely. The news came from our people who attended the tournament. Linyuan Pavilion has a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast that's taken human form."

Several senior ministers in the hall could no longer sit still.

"Your Majesty, that's a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast! A Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone alone would be an incredible windfall. If Heaven Dou obtained it, our strength would soar."

"Exactly! So what if Linyuan Pavilion has Titled Douluo? Send in Heaven Dou's million-strong army. How could we fail to take it?"

"Titled Douluo don't have three heads and six arms. Faced with the might of an entire nation, they'll have to bow their heads."

The men in the hall all said much the same thing, but each had his own scheme. None of them could absorb a Hundred Thousand Year Soul Ring. The prize they might actually get their hands on was the Hundred Thousand Year Soul Bone. There was only one like it on the entire continent. First, they would goad His Majesty into sending troops; after that, who claimed it would depend on their own abilities.

Xue Ye's mind was already clouded. Hearing them, he could no longer suppress the desire stirring in him. He pushed himself upright against the armrest and set the warm jade on the table.

"Good. Muster the troops," he said. "Heaven Dou will have this Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast."

Heaven Dou's troops began moving in secret.

Star Luo Empire's imperial capital, the imperial study.

Star Luo Emperor Dai Tianfeng sat upright behind his desk.

Three people