The Heaven Dou Imperial City stood as the most prosperous place on the continent—solemn, towering, and majestic.
Built from colossal stones, its walls were sturdy beyond measure. Their simple, ancient hue bore the marks of time, mottled with the wear of ages, lending an air of weathered grandeur.
At the base of the walls, stubborn wild grasses sprouted here and there, adding a touch of vitality to the imposing structure.
Yet today, this usually tranquil ancient city was anything but quiet.
"Bastards! You two bastards! Stop it! Stop right now!"
"Ah—!!!"
A shrill scream erupted from a corner outside the imperial walls.
Most of the onlookers—mostly elderly men and women who thrived on gossip—widened their eyes, captivated by the rare spectacle unfolding before them.
The younger women had long fled at the first sign of commotion.
Wealthy merchants and visiting high-level soul masters even pulled out their recording crystals, eager to preserve this bizarre moment.
"Go on, scream all you want. Even if the heavens themselves descend today, you won't escape me."
Just as the two Soul Emperor priests were about to speak, they froze simultaneously. Then, under Xue Xing's horrified gaze, they drew their rusted Tetanus Blades.
Their fanatical expressions dulled in an instant, as if obeying some unseen command, and the daggers slashed toward Xue Xing.
"No! NO!!!"
Xue Xing's desperate howls fell on deaf ears. The blade plunged straight into one of his eyeballs.
"Squelch!"
"AAAAAHHH—!!!"
Blood sprayed as Xue Xing collapsed into a growing pool of crimson.
But the horror didn't end there—the two priests yanked their daggers free from his writhing body and, without hesitation, drove them into their own hearts.
"Thud! Thud!"
Bright red blood spilled across the ground. The crowd recoiled in shock, stumbling backward.
"People are dying!!!"
Meanwhile, inside the Tianxiang Hotel, the morning sun cast a golden glow. Fu Ye stretched lazily, basking in the warmth.
The fate of the two priests and Xue Xing? Naturally, his doing.
Those who dared to move against him had to be prepared for disgrace—or death.
As for why Xue Xing was merely castrated and blinded instead of killed outright?
Fu Ye simply felt the man still had some entertainment value. After all, in the original story, Xue Xing had been forcibly redeemed later on. Killing him now would be too boring.
And Yu Xiaogang? Well, he was living a very... fulfilling life at the moment.
In a dark, damp cave on the outskirts of Suotuo City, dozens of shadowy figures swung steel whips with vigor.
"Easy there, Third Brother! I just took over."
"Second Brother, is the iron whip ready? That master was very clear—we're to whip him to the brink of death over the next three months. Twenty hours a day. And don't forget to heal his wounds in between."
(￣▽￣*)
Fu Ye had been merciful, really. He hadn't killed Yu Xiaogang outright. Instead, he'd spent 10,000 gold soul coins to hire a team dedicated to serving him—offering massages, skin-stretching, and bone-loosening treatments.
He hoped the man would endure, clinging to life through pain and more pain. After all, Fu Ye wasn't a demon. At worst, he'd extract Xiaogang's soul and hang it over a divine oil lamp to burn for millions of years.
Oh, and his system had a neat little feature—one second outside could feel like ten thousand years inside. Perfect for Xiaogang's... rehabilitation.
Let him die? No, no. Fu Ye couldn't bear to grant him that mercy just yet.
…
Three Quarters Past Noon – Inside the Imperial Palace
Xue Xing sat below the throne, his body swathed in bandages. Beside him lay the lifeless corpses of the two Soul Emperor priests.
The hall was deathly silent. Everyone knew the man on the throne was moments away from eruption.
"Xue Xing! You will give me a reasonable explanation!"
The roar shook the palace walls, each word dripping with fury.
"Big Brother, I—"
"Silence! I am not your big brother! You—you're the one who's outdone yourself today!"
With a furious sweep of his arm, Xue Ye overturned the golden table before him. Precious spirit fruits, carefully selected by attendants, scattered and shattered across the floor.
"BANG!"
The crash echoed like thunder.
"Brother, I—"
Xue Xing tried again, but Xue Ye, blinded by rage, lashed out with a kick—directly into his wounded eye socket.
Fresh blood gushed from the reopened injury.
"Why didn't you just die like them?! Do you realize that because of your idiocy, the Heaven Dou Royal Family will be a laughingstock for decades?!"
(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻
Only Xue Ye's roars filled the hall now. Xue Xing and the ministers remained silent, knowing full well that this incident would forever stain the empire's history as an indelible shame.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Xue Ye's breathing steadied. He looked at his brother—now a broken, bandaged wreck—with something akin to pity.
"Xue Xing, your title of prince is hereby revoked. Your privileges are reduced to that of an earl."
Despite everything, Xue Ye couldn't bring himself to be truly merciless. Without his brother's covert support, he'd never have consolidated power so swiftly after ascending the throne.
But he would get to the bottom of this. His brother might be lustful, but he'd never stoop to this.
Someone had orchestrated this humiliation—someone capable of controlling two Soul Emperors and his brother simultaneously.
A Soul Douluo? No—likely a Titled Douluo.
"Suppress all news of this incident. Then investigate. I want to know who dares strike at the Heaven Dou Royal Family!"
Xue Ye's wrath was absolute. Cleaning up his brother's mess was one thing, but the dignity of the imperial house? That was non-negotiable.
...
The afternoon sun shone brightly, accompanied by a gentle breeze.
As usual, Fu Ye took the girls from Tianshui Academy to train in the Great Spirit Arena. Though yesterday's incident had been unpleasant, they now knew they had nothing to fear with Brother Fu Ye and Sister Xiao Wu watching over them.
"Brother Fu Ye, are we doing team battles today?" Shui Bing'er asked, eyeing the newly registered team battle token in Fu Ye's hand with curiosity.
"Not just team battles," Fu Ye replied. "I've also signed you up for two-on-two matches. From now on, you'll be fighting four matches a day—two one-on-ones, one two-on-two, and a seven-person team battle."
The Great Spirit Arena had strict rules: each person could only participate in two one-on-one battles per day, while two-on-two and team battles were limited to one per day.
This rule existed for a reason—to prevent nobles from exploiting the arena's gambling system. By capping the number of matches, the arena minimized potential losses.
"Huh? Fine..." Shui Yue'er frowned, visibly displeased. But aside from the days when Fu Ye had taken Zhuqing to hunt for spirit rings, he always watched their matches from the stands and carried them off the field afterward.
The thought softened her annoyance. After all, this meant more chances for Brother Fu Ye to carry her like a princess!
"Hehe, sister, let's team up for the two-on-two!" Shui Yue'er chirped.
"Wu Ling, how about pairing with me?" Ning Rongrong suggested, seemingly forgetting that Wu Ling was already a Soul Elder.
Fu Ye approached Ning Rongrong and patted her head gently.
"Rongrong, I've arranged for you and Zhuqing to team up this time. I have other plans for Wu Ling."
Ning Rongrong's face flushed at his touch. As an auxiliary-type Soul Master who hadn't yet reached the Soul Elder level, Fu Ye had been pushing her to train harder.
Unlike the others at Tianshui Academy, who were all Soul Masters, Ning Rongrong had carried some lax habits from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. While harmless, being surrounded by Soul Elders should have lit a fire under her.
Zhuqing, who had started at a similar level, had already broken through to Soul Elder—whether due to auxiliary-type slow progression or Ning Rongrong's occasional laziness, the gap was undeniable.
"Yes! Brother Fu Ye, Rongrong is already level 29! I'll keep working hard!"
Breaking through three levels in two months was an unimaginable feat in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. At this rate, she'd reach Soul Master in half a month.
Just as Fu Ye was about to lead them to their matches, a tall figure blocked their path.
"Boy, come with me—"
Before the man could finish, Fu Ye cut in with a smirk.
"Dugu Bo? You old coot, still kicking?"
Dugu Bo's face stiffened. His mind went blank.
'This was the man Xue Xing wanted dead?! My savior?!'
"Judging by your expression," Fu Ye mused, "you were either sent to kidnap me or kill me on the spot."
Dugu Bo was a man who preferred tending to plants over politics. He wouldn't dare cross Fu Ye unless forced.
"I…"
Silence. Dugu Bo's wrinkled face twisted in fury—not at Fu Ye, but at Xue Xing.
"Xiao Wu, take over for me today. I've got some personal business with this old man."
Xiao Wu's ruby eyes gleamed with understanding.
"Hehe, don't worry, Brother Fu Ye. I've got this."
She pulled him into a bear hug, then—with a mischievous grin—gave his backside a playful squeeze.
Fu Ye smirked, leaning close to whisper in her ear: "Come to my room tonight."
Xiao Wu's face burned. Before, she wouldn't have hesitated. But now? Fu Ye's method could stretch one hour into twenty-four. A whole night with him would—
'No. Absolutely not. I might break!'
Seeing her flustered expression, Fu Ye chuckled.
"Fine. If you won't come, I'll visit you tonight."
Nearby, Shui Bing'er watched the intimate exchange, her heart souring. The same thought echoed among the other girls:
Their plans needed to move up—fast.
…
Later…
"Tell me, did that old bastard Xue Xing send you after me?"
The palace wasn't far from the arena, so Fu Ye and Dugu Bo walked casually as they spoke.
"It was Xue Xing's idea… but Emperor Xue Ye approved it."
Dugu Bo sighed. He owed Xue Xing his life, and while he was ruthless, he honored debts.
Yet Fu Ye had saved him, cured his daughter, and kept him alive all these years.
"Hah. A bunch of corrupt nobles daring to target my students?" Fu Ye's voice turned icy. "Killing them outright would be too merciful."
He held no love for the Heaven Dou Empire, but their arrogance grated on him.
'If they'd attack my women today, they'd raise a blade against me tomorrow.'
Fu Ye wasn't bloodthirsty—but he wasn't above killing.
"Dugu Bo, when I start killing later, stand aside. If you move, I'll cut you down too."
His gaze was steel. Even as a 94th level Titled Douluo, Dugu Bo wouldn't survive a single slash.
Dugu Bo coughed. "Naturally."
...
The magnificent palace hall stretched before them, adorned with golden beams and pillars, intricate cloud-dragon carvings winding along their surfaces.
Fu Ye had brought the old man Dugu Bo into Heaven Dou Palace with ease. The décor was impressive—though he wondered if it could withstand a single punch from him.
Fu Ye paid no mind to the exquisite gardens or other luxuries.
Did Dugu Bo really think he needed an invitation to enter the palace? The word please had never been in Fu Ye's vocabulary. If anything, he intended to have a proper discussion with that old fool Xue Ye about what it truly meant.
Heaven Dou Palace was the epitome of extravagance. Fu Ye had been here twice before—both times incognito, bickering with that troublesome sister of his, Qian Renxue.
Yet, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of helplessness at her pitifully low favorability toward him.
Back in Spirit Hall, Qian Renxue would often seek comfort in Bibi Dong's chambers, clinging to her like a child. But every time Fu Ye visited, Bibi Dong would inevitably leave with him to attend to business.
Perhaps Qian Renxue blamed him—the wicked brother-in-law—for stealing away Bibi Dong's affection. That would explain why her opinion of him swung between grudging tolerance and outright hostility.
The palace bustled with maidservants at work and eunuchs directing orders.
When they saw Dugu Bo trailing meekly behind Fu Ye, their eyes widened in disbelief. After all, Dugu Bo was a frequent visitor to Heaven Dou Palace, and his infamous reputation preceded him.
No matter how weak he might seem now, he was still a Titled Douluo—a man whose name once struck fear into hearts.
"Where to now? Should we kill that old fool from the Heaven Dou Empire first?" Fu Ye mused, glancing at the shocked expressions around him.
Alternatively, he could seek out Qian Renxue for a nostalgic chat.
'Perfect timing, really.'
He planned to visit Bibi Dong tonight anyway—might as well steal her away right in front of that arrogant girl.
"Ahem," Dugu Bo coughed nervously. "That's entirely up to you. I'm just the guide. Once we arrive, I'll take my leave. What you do afterward is none of my concern."
The mere memory of Fu Ye's persuasion sent shivers down his spine. Still, he owed the man a debt—his granddaughter's poison had been purged, and his own cultivation and martial spirit had undergone an evolution.
"Tsk, fair enough." Fu Ye smirked. "That old fool Xue Ye can kowtow to me three times. If I'm not satisfied, I'll take a few extra pieces off him. After all, he's the ruler of a nation—can't just kill him outright."
Dugu Bo broke into a cold sweat. 'Brother, your idea is somehow more terrifying than outright murder!'
"W-Well, killing him directly would cause too much trouble," Dugu Bo stammered, still hoping to mediate. The Heaven Dou royal family had once saved his life—without Xue Xing's intervention, he wouldn't have lived to see Fu Ye again.
"Hmm? No direct killing?" Fu Ye tilted his head. "Then slip him a slow-acting poison. Let him die within three days."
Dugu Bo had a point—direct assassination would be messy. Poison, however? That was elegant.
'Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!' Fu Ye grinned. 'This old man's cunning surpasses even mine!'
"I… take back what I just said."
Dugu Bo regretted opening his mouth. If the old emperor was destined to die, he should do so far away—not drag him into the mess!
┭┮﹏┭┮
"Tsk, and here I thought the famed Poison Douluo Dugu Bo had some backbone. You're scared just because I asked you to poison a tyrant?"
This old man was truly shameless. What did he care about the Heaven Dou royal family's favor? Xue Xing had saved his life once—so what?
'One life for another. That settles the debt, no?'
"Three days is too short. The court physicians would trace it back to me."
"Fine," Fu Ye waved dismissively. "Make it three years. You must have some tasteless, odorless chronic poison lying around. If not, I'll have my silly girl fetch some for you."
For the sake of justice and peace, Xue Ye had to die.
Fu Ye despised loose ends. How could one stay vigilant against enemies forever? What if hundreds of Ultimate Douluo suddenly emerged in Heaven Dou Imperial City and harmed his loved ones?
As the ancients said: The chance of being struck by lightning is 0.0000001%, but it's never zero.
Only through absolute caution could one ensure safety.
"Three years it is. By then, no one will suspect me."
"What was that about the Heaven Dou royal family's debt to you?"
"Ahem… A wise man knows when to adapt."
"..."
As Fu Ye and Dugu Bo strode into the court, murmurs erupted among the ministers.
Dugu Bo, who had initially planned to leave early, now followed with amusement. After all, Fu Ye had tasked him with poisoning Xue Ye—but he had no intention of actually doing it.
'Let the old emperor live. No skin off my back.'
Dugu Bo smirked. 'Truly, I am a genius.'
Fu Ye walked ahead, Dugu Bo trailing behind—a sight that baffled the eunuchs and ministers alike. Who was this audacious youth, daring to stride ahead of the infamous Poison Douluo?
'Is he seeking death?'
"You—!" The aged Xue Ye's voice trembled with rage. "You're the one who slaughtered my kin and crippled my crown prince?"
Fu Ye met his glare with indifference, then casually summoned a plush sofa behind him and lounged upon it.
"So?" he said lazily. "Why don't you kneel and kowtow? Show some respect."
Dugu Bo—the weakest Titled Douluo—escorting him here for judgment? How amusing. Now, the question was: Who would judge whom?
"You dare—?!"
"Your Majesty! Execute this insolent wretch at once!"
"Defying the imperial majesty is a capital offense!"
A few ministers roared louder than the rest—as if they'd just lost family members and were eager for Fu Ye to reunite them in the afterlife.
"Oh?" Fu Ye's lips curled. "You wish to join those fools below? Very well. I'll grant your wish."
...
"Well, since all four of you are so eager to reunite with your families, there's no need to wait in line. I'll send you down right now."
Fu Ye's soft whisper reached everyone's ears.
'Huh?' What had they just heard? This kid, who barely looked old enough to be out in the world, was going to send them off?
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
Before they could even muster a taunt in response, the loudest voices from earlier collapsed to the ground—limp, as if they had fallen into a deep slumber. Even the frantic kicks from those beside them couldn't rouse them.
The dull thuds of heads hitting the floor finally silenced the ministers' barking. A few brave officials cautiously pressed their fingers to the fallen men's noses.
Without exception—they were all dead.
"Ah!!! Your Majesty! They're gone—all of them!!"
A eunuch's shrill scream shattered the silence as he scrambled backward in terror.
But in that same instant, dozens of shadowy figures lunged at Fu Ye from the darkness. The strongest among them was an 87th-ranked Soul Douluo, while the rest were no weaker than high-level Soul Emperors!
Yet to Fu Ye, what difference was there between a Soul Douluo, a Soul Emperor… and a fly?
"Ding! Ding! Ding!"
Dugu Bo had long since retreated to the observation deck, lounging lazily without a care.
He wasn't the least bit worried about Fu Ye's safety—after all, wherever this freak went, he was the danger. The ones who needed to be careful were everyone else.
A crisp metallic chime rang from Fu Ye's body. He hadn't even bothered to defend himself—the Dragon God Scales cloaking him were protection enough, though under normal circumstances, no one could even perceive their presence.
"Hah! Two Soul Douluos, three Soul Sages, and seven or eight Soul Emperors… Seems the Heaven Dou Empire is running a bit short on strong fighters."
As he spoke, Fu Ye's golden pupils shimmered with nine colors, and an overwhelming aura of majesty pressed down on every heart in the room.
Dugu Bo, sensing this oppressive force, couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia.
'Ah, yes… That's the same feeling as when he stomped on my face.'
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
"Thud!"
One after another, the sound of knees hitting the ground echoed through the hall.
Under the weight of Fu Ye's draconic might, every person present was forced into a kowtow, their foreheads pressed to the floor.
Even Emperor Xue Ye of Heaven Dou, pinned helplessly against his throne by the pressure, couldn't so much as twitch.
"Xue Ye, your ministers are all kneeling… Why aren't you?"
Fu Ye rose gracefully, his steps slow and deliberate. With each footfall, the pressure crushing Xue Ye intensified.
"Tap. Tap."
By the time Fu Ye drew near, Xue Ye's body had contorted grotesquely against the throne, his face twisted in agony.
"So… Your Majesty, why do you refuse to kneel?"
Fu Ye's voice was light, almost conversational, as if he were merely commenting on the weather. He didn't even wait for a response before continuing.
"Your royal family's actions have severely disrupted the lives of me and the girls on my team. As compensation, you will pay us five billion gold soul coins. Consider it merciful that I'm waiving the mental damages."
Xue Ye nearly spat blood at the demand. 'Five billion?! That would drain the empire's treasury dry!'
How was this any different from taking his life?
"But before that… I'd like you to acknowledge your mistakes. A proper kowtow would suffice."
With that, Fu Ye released his grip on Xue Ye.
"Hah—! Cough! Cough!!"
Gasping for air, the emperor wheezed violently. After all, as a mere Soul King, how could he possibly resist an existence that forced even Soul Douluos and Soul Sages to their knees?
"Tsk. No sincerity. Well, I suppose it's about time for a regime change in Heaven Dou. Might as well kill him now."
But before Fu Ye could finish, a frantic voice cut through the air—Xue Ye's desperate plea.
"Thud! Thud! Thud!"
"I was wrong! I was wrong! I never should have offended you, Your Majesty! All of this was my foolish brother's doing—I'll hand him over to you! Please, spare me! No—just think of me as nothing, as worthless as a fart!"
Indeed, Xue Ye was kowtowing—fast, hard, and without dignity.
From the sidelines, Dugu Bo watched with immense satisfaction. 'Not bad, not bad at all.'
This trip had been worth it just to witness an emperor groveling like a dog. Where was that arrogant, domineering aura now?
In the world of cultivation, the ruler of a nation was nothing more than an ant before true power. And on the Douluo Continent—a land of fantasy, or perhaps more accurately, a sewer of it—this truth was even more evident.
An emperor? A king? If someone like Qian Daoliu suddenly took a fancy to Xue Ye's wife, did anyone think the emperor would dare utter a single word of protest?
…Not that Qian Daoliu would actually do such a thing. 'Probably.'
As the saying went: 'The chance of being smothered to death by a cat's rear is slim… but never zero.'
Watching Xue Ye's frantic bowing, Fu Ye turned his attention to the men who had ambushed him earlier. Still pinned under his draconic pressure, they remained on their knees, foreheads pressed to the ground.
"Which hand did you use to attack me? Which foot? Do you remember?"
His voice, mingling with the sound of Xue Ye's desperate kowtowing, slithered into their ears like the whispers of a demon.
The air itself seemed to sharpen, Fu Ye's sword intent condensing into a palpable force that threatened to slice them into a thousand pieces at any moment.
"I—I used my right hand!"
One of them finally cracked under the pressure. But before he could finish speaking, Fu Ye's fingertip flicked—
"Boom!"
The man's right arm and leg exploded into a fine mist of blood, splattering across the faces and robes of the others.
"AAAAAHHH!! MY ARM! MY LEG!!"
His agonized scream filled the hall, but Fu Ye merely frowned and kicked him square in the head.
"CRACK!"
The half-corpse was sent flying, slamming into the wall with a sickening crunch. From the sound alone, it was clear he wouldn't last much longer.
"Right hand! I used my right hand!"
"Left leg! Mine was the left leg!"
"I—!"
Panic erupted among the remaining attackers—once-powerful Soul Masters now reduced to groveling for their lives.
Fu Ye sighed.
"Annoying. Chopping off limbs one by one is such a hassle. Maybe I should just bisect them all like before."
…
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