"Pfft!"
"Pfft!"
After more than a dozen slashes, the power-hungry priests were left half-crippled. However, Fu Ye was not entirely merciless. Seeing them grit their teeth to suppress their screams, he chose not to strike again.
Meanwhile, Xue Ye was still frantically kowtowing at the front. It had already been over two minutes since Fu Ye began punishing the worshippers.
Considering this, Fu Ye decided Emperor Xue Ye had shown enough sincerity—enough to grant him three more years of life.
"Your devotion is commendable. Stop kowtowing. Let's discuss how you'll repay the 5 billion gold soul coins you owe me."
"Dong! Dong! Dong!"
It seemed Xue Ye had grown addicted to kowtowing—he didn't even hear Fu Ye's words, too absorbed in his prostration.
"Snap!"
Without hesitation, Fu Ye delivered a resounding slap across Xue Ye's aged face, sending him staggering.
"I said, stop kowtowing. Let's settle the compensation first. Understood?"
The slap jolted Xue Ye back to reality. The ministers nearby, still unable to lift their heads under Fu Ye's oppressive aura, trembled in fear. After all, this was a man who dared to strike the emperor—killing them would be but a thought.
"I understand! I understand!"
Xue Ye pressed his forehead to the ground, his body shaking uncontrollably. The sheer terror of the other's cultivation was overwhelming.
Outside the palace, the guards had heard the commotion but dared not enter without the emperor's explicit order. Their anxiety was irrelevant—discipline came first.
"You have half an hour. If the compensation falls short, I'll collect the difference in royal heads. I'll be fair—one head for every 100,000 gold soul coins. Pray your men are swift."
Fu Ye lounged leisurely on the dragon throne.
Five billion might seem an astronomical sum, but for the Heaven Dou Empire—a nation thriving for millennia—it was manageable. The Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect was often hailed as the continent's wealthiest, but Fu Ye found that claim absurd.
How could a sect risen in mere centuries compare to empires like Heaven Dou or Star Luo, whose prosperity spanned thousands of years?
As the famed strategist MacArthur once said: "You may call the Heaven Dou Empire flawed, but never poor."
Could an empire sustaining a million-strong army lack funds? Let the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect try funding such a force!
Still, five billion would bleed Heaven Dou dry—likely emptying the nobles private coffers as well.
[Author's Note: Never underestimate an empire's savings or the purchasing power of gold soul coins. In Douluo II, a 100,000-year soul beast embryo sold for 150 million. For a millennia-old empire, 5 billion in reserves is plausible—saving 100 million per decade accumulates to 10 billion in a thousand years.]
After accounting for military expenditures, Fu Ye estimated five billion would clean out Heaven Dou's remaining treasury.
"Your Majesty, why not accompany me to the treasury? Take whatever you desire!"
Xue Ye remained prostrate, defiance long extinguished.
This man had subdued Heaven Dou's high priests barehanded, his physique shrugging off Soul Douluo attacks. Resistance was futile—compensation was the only path to survival.
"Fine. But any tricks, and you'll be holding your own head."
Fu Ye's voice was winter's frost. Xue Ye nodded fervently.
"Let's go."
…
"One hundred million."
"Five billion."
"A billion."
"Three and a half billion."
Fu Ye frowned as the treasury's count stalled at 3.5 billion. He turned to Xue Ye.
"Tsk. Still 1.5 billion short. You have ten minutes to decide how to cover the debt."
Fu Ye never took from others—unless they provoked him. Though he lacked nothing, robbery held its own charm.
Who ever had too much money? Besides, the aggressor pays—wasn't that obvious?
As the saying went: A slap? A Louis Vuitton. A punch? A new car.
A broken leg? Feign unconsciousness, claim mild concussion, and the down payment for a downtown villa is yours.
Violence = profit. This logic held true in his past life, and it held true in Douluo. Prerequisite: Be strong enough.
Let it be clear—this wasn't theft. The five billion was compensation for emotional distress.
He had every right.
Sweat beaded Xue Ye's brow. Two minutes later, he opened a hidden compartment, revealing a diamond-shaped lens—the Vast Sea Cosmic Cover (Heart of the Ocean).
"Your Majesty, this is our national treasure, the Vast Sea Cosmic Cover—an artifact tied to the god."
Xue Ye's hands shook. A relic of the gods! Only the threat of death could pry this from him.
"Hoh? The Vast Sea Cosmic Cover? God? Do you take me for a fool? If you claim it's godly, prove it. By that logic, if I say I'm a god walking this world, would you believe me?"
It wasn't enough. To most, this artifact was more curse than blessing. Fu Ye tossed it into his system warehouse but offered a fair price.
"It's worth 500 million—pending verification of its god ties. Your word alone isn't proof."
Xue Ye's face went slack.
The treasury, emptied. The national treasure, seized. His heart bled.
"Not enough. You still owe me 1 billion gold soul coins. You have eight minutes left. Once that time is up, your head rolls. Think carefully—what's more important, your money or your life?"
Fu Ye was certain that this old man, Xue Ye, was hiding something. After all, this was a mighty empire that had stood for thousands of years. Could the treasury truly only hold 4.5 billion gold soul coins?
Yet, the reality was undeniable—Xue Ye couldn't produce another coin. Though the empire was prosperous, the nobles still needed their salaries!
This year's wages had been paid just days ago, and the military had received a grant of 300 million last month. The Heaven Dou Empire was truly broke!
"We have no money left! The army and nobles were paid recently—the imperial treasury is empty now!"
Xue Ye was frantic. His life was on the line—one misstep, and he'd be dead where he stood.
"Oh? No money?" A faint smirk curled on Fu Ye's lips. "Then what should we do? Should I take your head as payment instead?"
The man before him had dared to attack his woman without hesitation. Now, when Fu Ye demanded a mere 5 billion in compensation, Xue Ye hesitated?
He had no intention of letting the Heaven Dou Empire off. Since they had chosen to strike at him and his family, they had only themselves to blame for the consequences.
"Debt repayment! Yes, yes! I can use the empire's commercial streets to settle the debt!"
Finally, a glint of inspiration flashed in Xue Ye's eyes.
"Commercial streets?" Fu Ye scoffed. "Interesting, but useless. I can't take those with me—they're worthless as collateral."
"Ah? Then—"
Just then, light, hurried footsteps echoed from outside. Someone was approaching the treasury.
"Huh? Why are there no guards today? Not that I mind—saves me the trouble of using the side door."
A soft voice drifted in before a girl in palace robes skipped inside.
"Huh? Where are all the jars and vases? Even my favorite crystal turntable is gone!"
The girl—Xue Ke—hadn't yet noticed Xue Ye's haggard face or the surprise in Fu Ye's eyes.
"Have you decided?" Fu Ye's voice cut through the air. "You have three minutes left to choose collateral for the remaining 1 billion."
Though curious about why Xue Ke was here, Fu Ye ignored her. His focus was on the debt.
Suddenly, a crafty gleam flickered in Xue Ye's eyes as he turned to his youngest daughter.
"Your Majesty, I offer my daughter to you—"
"No," Fu Ye interrupted coldly. "I already have a woman. I don't need a princess forced upon me."
He saw right through Xue Ye's scheme. Did the emperor really think he could rope him in with a political marriage?
"No, Your Majesty, you misunderstand!" Xue Ye hastily clarified. "I mean to mortgage my daughter, Xue Ke, to you. Just grant me a few days to repay the 1 billion!"
Fu Ye: "…Hmm?"
Xue Ke: "(＃°Д°)!!!"
Only now did Xue Ke register the conversation between her father and the stranger.
Her father was mortgaging her—just to buy himself time to repay a debt?!
Her heart twisted painfully.
"Father… how could you?"
Xue Ke's voice trembled as if her very soul were being torn apart.
"Silence!" Xue Ye snapped. "You have no say here!"
Before she could protest further, he shut her down.
Such was the cruelty of royalty. Daughters born into the imperial family were mere tools—useful for marriage alliances if they lacked cultivation talent.
To Xue Ye, this was Xue Ke's duty—to sacrifice for the empire's survival.
Those who sat upon thrones were inherently ruthless, especially when the nation's fate hung in the balance.
Fu Ye remained silent, observing Xue Ye's cold demeanor. Meanwhile, Xue Ke, who had entered the treasury with a smile, now sat frozen on the ground, her face blank with shock.
She couldn't comprehend it—her doting father was selling her off like livestock!
"Your Majesty, how about this?" Xue Ye pressed, desperation creeping into his voice. "I'll gather the remaining 1 billion within a month. Until then, my daughter will serve as your maid. Does that suffice?"
He wasn't sure Fu Ye would agree, but he had to try.
Instead of answering, Fu Ye strode toward Xue Ke, crouching beside her. Gently, he brushed aside the hair clinging to her tear-streaked cheek.
"Who would've thought we'd meet again like this, little Xue Ke?"
His voice snapped her back to reality. It sounded familiar—where had she heard it before?
Her unfocused brown eyes slowly sharpened, finally recognizing the man before her.
"It's you! Big Brother Fu Ye!"
She was stunned. Their first meeting had been pleasant—but now, under these circumstances?
Seeing his daughter's recognition, Xue Ye's mind raced with new possibilities.
"Your Majesty, I—"
"Enough," Fu Ye cut him off. "This girl is worth 500 million. The remaining 500 million must be paid within half a month."
He'd struck a fine bargain—acquiring an exquisite princess for half the debt.
"In two weeks, I expect 500 million deposited into Tianshui Academy's account. From this moment on, she is my servant and no longer tied to your royal family."
With that, he casually hooked a finger under the straps of Xue Ke's dress. The petite princess, barely 1.4 meters tall, dangled from his grip like a lifeless doll.
"Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty! Your mercy is boundless!"
"Thud! Thud! Thud!"
Xue Ye kowtowed fervently, relief washing over him. Meanwhile, Xue Ke could only stare at her father in utter betrayal.
She didn't fully grasp the situation, but one thing was clear—her own father had sold her into servitude.
And she was his daughter!
...
"Captain Qin Ming, I apologize—but I wish to resign from the Emperor Team."
Inside the waiting room, all members of the Emperor Team were present. Yet when they heard their captain declare her departure, confusion and disbelief rippled through the group.
"Big Sister Yan, why are you leaving? What will we do without you? Our teamwork is flawless!"
Yu Feng was the first to speak up. Though somewhat effeminate, he—like the rest of the team—held Dugu Yan in the highest regard as their honorary captain. Even the deputy captain, Yu Tianheng, couldn't compare to her influence.
"This matter isn't up for discussion. Effective immediately, Yu Tianheng will assume the role of captain."
With that, Dugu Yan turned toward Ye Lingling. Among the team, Ye Lingling was the only other girl, and as a healing-type Soul Master, the two had grown exceptionally close.
"Lingling, do you want to come with me? From now on, I'll protect you."
Dugu Yan draped an arm over Ye Lingling's shoulder, her tone warm and sisterly.
"Big Sister Yan, I… I can't. The royal family has invested too much in me. I can't just walk away."
Though Ye Lingling longed to follow Dugu Yan, reason held her back. Her cultivation demanded vast resources—each breakthrough required exponentially more than the last.
"I understand. Then stay for now. I'll go find that husband of mine who loves disappearing first, and then I'll have him arrange your release."
The moment Dugu Yan uttered those words, silence engulfed the room.
'Husband? The one who loves disappearing?'
Every member of the Emperor Team, including Ye Lingling, stared in shock.
"Big Sister Yan, you—"
The brothers Shi Mo and Shi Xiong finally processed her words. The idea of Dugu Yan—of all people—having a husband was nearly impossible to accept.
"What's with that look? I've told you before—I have a man. When I awakened my martial soul, he purified the toxins in my body. My martial soul's evolution was thanks to him. And back then… I already pledged myself to him for life."
Dugu Yan spoke matter-of-factly, ignoring their stunned expressions. After exchanging a few more words with Ye Lingling, she turned to leave.
"Yan, you truly have a fiancé? But you know how I—"
Just as she turned, Yu Tianheng called out to her, his voice strained. Yet Dugu Yan had no patience left.
"Yu Tianheng, know your place. He isn't my fiancé—he's my husband. And let me make this clear: I don't like you. We are not the same."
A terrifying aura erupted from her body—even Qin Ming, standing by the door, felt the overwhelming pressure. Behind Dugu Yan, the phantom of a golden dragon materialized—her martial soul, the Golden Earth Dragon King.
Though still classified as an earth dragon, Dugu Yan's martial soul had evolved far beyond its original form. Over the years, Dugu Bo had scoured the land to secure her soul rings exclusively from earth dragon-type soul beasts.
For her fourth and fifth rings, he had hunted down a Scarlet Flame Earth Dragon King just past ten thousand years and a Bright Earth Dragon over twenty thousand years.
Unlike Dugu Bo, whose Jade Phosphor Serpent had evolved into a poison-infused dragon hybrid, Dugu Yan's path had been shaped by an immortal-grade spirit herb. Her martial soul now rivaled even Yu Tianheng's Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon.
The sheer force of her 59th-level Soul King aura pinned them in place. She had tolerated Yu Tianheng's weakness long enough.
"Tap… tap…"
Her footsteps echoed as she walked away. Just as she reached the exit, Qin Ming spoke again.
"Yan, are you certain about this?"
Dugu Yan didn't even glance back.
"Captain Qin Ming, I was only here to pass the time. Farewell."
Once she was gone, the Emperor Team erupted into murmurs.
"Deputy Captain, what do we do now? The captain's gone!"
"Deputy Captain, why aren't you saying anything? Why didn't you stop her?"
Ye Lingling stared blankly at the door, her expression lost.
…
Meanwhile—Tianshui Team's Waiting Room
Fu Ye lounged comfortably on a sofa as Xue Ke kneaded his shoulders. After three months together, the little princess—whom Xue Ye had essentially sold to him—had become his personal masseuse.
The rest of the Tianshui team had gone out to compete, leaving only the two of them behind.
"Brother Fu Ye, the massage techniques you taught me are getting better, right?"
Xue Ke worked diligently, her fingers pressing into his muscles.
She harbored no resentment toward Fu Ye—perhaps because their relationship had begun as teacher and student, or perhaps because, aside from these massages, he treated her with nothing but kindness.
"Mm, not bad. But press a little harder."
Before coming to Fu Ye, Xue Ke had lived a sheltered life, trained in music, chess, calligraphy, and noble etiquette. Though playful at heart, her charm lay in her innocence.
Back in the palace, she had barely cultivated. According to Xue Ye, her talent was lacking—better to focus on the arts, maintain her beauty, and marry into a powerful family.
On the surface, it sounded reasonable. But in truth, it meant she was nothing more than a political bargaining chip.
Here, however, she trained alongside the Tianshui team though she didn't compete. Her main duty? Giving Fu Ye massages.
Her martial soul—the White Swan, exclusive to the Heaven Dou royal family—was considered high-tier, but her innate soul power was mediocre, around levels 3-4.
When she arrived, she was only Level 15. Yet after three months, she'd reached Level 18. Fu Ye even considered special training to further unlock her potential.
"Knock, knock, knock."
A slow rap at the door interrupted the moment.
"Come in."
The door to the waiting room creaked open slowly. Inside, Fu Ye reclined with his eyes closed, enjoying the gentle massage from the little princess, Xue Ke.
A cold, feminine voice cut through the air, sharp and accusatory. "My dear husband, after more than ten years, you still make me come looking for you in person?"
Fu Ye didn't need to open his eyes to know who it was. 'Dugu Yan.'
This was his fault—he should have gone to fetch her long ago. But with everything happening these past few days, he'd completely forgotten. And now, she'd caught him red-handed while he was out yesterday.
"Hmm? Sister Xue Ke?" Dugu Yan's footsteps drew closer, her voice laced with mock surprise. "No wonder I haven't seen you these past few months. So this guy snatched you away."
Xue Ke blinked, snapping out of her daze. "Sister Yan!"
Recognition flashed in her dark brown eyes. She knew Dugu Yan—the captain of the Emperor Team. They'd once strolled through the gardens of the Heaven Dou Royal Academy together.
Though happy to see her old acquaintance, Xue Ke couldn't forget that she was no longer the beloved little princess of the royal family. Her former father had sold her off for 500 million gold soul coins.
"Long time no see, Sister Xue Ke."
Dugu Yan had heard the rumors from her grandfather—how that wretched emperor had sold the princess. But royal affairs were beyond her control, so she'd let it go.
Seeing Xue Ke now, massaging this unfaithful man, she figured the girl's life couldn't be too bad.
"Still pretending to sleep?" Dugu Yan strode forward, her voice dripping with irritation. "I waited years for you, and when you finally return, you don't even come find me. Do you know how much that hurt?"
Fu Ye remained motionless. 'Say what you want—if I acknowledge you, I lose.'
"Tch. Still acting?" She leaned in, her delicate yet mature face hovering inches from his, a mix of expectation and mischief in her gaze. "Your wife is right in front of you. Won't you even look at me?"
With the grace of a seasoned rogue, she perched herself atop him.
"Ignoring me?"
A cool, smooth sensation slithered across Fu Ye's abdomen—Dugu Yan's serpentine spirit. But Fu Ye was unfazed. He'd decided not to indulge her today, and not even a god could change his mind.
[Due to unknown reasons, Dugu Yan's current favorability is 100%—locked permanently.]
Xue Ke gaped at the scene, her cheeks burning. 'Sister, you're even more shameless than a bandit!'
She covered her eyes with her small, pale hands—but her fingers parted just enough to keep watching.
And then—
"Pfft."
Fu Ye's breath hitched. His heartbeat quickened.
Dugu Yan's face flushed, but she held her composure, forcing herself to meet his gaze.
"Tell me—are you my husband?"
Her cheek pressed close, their breaths mingling.
Fu Ye swallowed hard, then reached up to stroke her face.
"Of course. I, Fu Ye, always keep my word."
Before she could react, he captured her lips in a kiss.
Dugu Yan's eyes widened—then softened. After all these years, she finally had his acknowledgment. Yet her grip on his wrist remained firm, refusing to let go.
Meanwhile, Xue Ke stood frozen, her mind blank.
A knock at the door shattered the moment.
"Brother Fu Ye, we're back!"
Shui Bing'er's voice echoed from outside.
Dugu Yan shot Xue Ke a sharp hush gesture. The princess nodded frantically, like a chick pecking at grain.
"Come in," Fu Ye called.
…
After introductions, the cheerful Dugu Yan quickly bonded with the other girls. But without her, the Emperor Team could no longer compete.
"Sister Yan, so Brother Fu Ye knew you twelve years ago?" one of the girls asked. "Was he as handsome back then?"
Another knock interrupted their chatter.
"Hello. I'd like to propose a deal with your team."
The visitor was a minor noble, his tone ingratiating.
"So you're offering us 10 million to go to Suotuo City and compete?"
Fu Ye frowned. 'Wasn't this supposed to be the Emperor Team's job? Why us?'
"Exactly. Just one match per day for half a month."
Fu Ye studied the man, his eyes narrowing. 'Swindler.'
"Eight times the commission. Or we refuse."
He knew these nobles' tricks. They wanted to exploit his team to line their own pockets. Their greed was practically dripping onto the floor.
"T-That's too much!"
Fu Ye scoffed. "Then leave. I don't have to go."
He had the upper hand. With Dugu Yan now on their side and no other decent teams available, Tianshui was their only option.
The noble hesitated—then relented. "Fine. 80 million. I'll deliver the payment tonight. Just get your team to Suotuo City as soon as possible."
Fu Ye smirked. 'So eager to agree?'
He saw right through them. These small-time nobles were scrambling to skim as much as they could from their own allies.
…
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