In the kingdom of Xuechi, within the sura king Xuechi's sleeping quarters, the odor of blood spread throughout the air. In the center of his palace was a pool of dark-colored blood, in which the king had immersed himself to take a bath.

"Your highness, there's been a missive from the monarch!" An old official walked toward the edge of the pool.

"What news does he bring?"

The official replied, "It's with regards to the destruction of the kingdom of Xueju, your highness."

Xuechi pondered the matter over for a moment. "Ah, yes. Xueju was captured, and you wanted me to absorb his kingdom into my own. I've sent troops over to do so; how's their progress?"

"They've consumed the entire border, and they're spreading deeper into the kingdom as we speak."

Mobilizing large numbers of troops was a slow process, and the troops had already made impressive progress as they were.

Xuechi stood up and donned a black robe lined with golden thread. On the robe's back was sewed...