Yudhishthira's elation knew no bounds as he effortlessly and seamlessly gained the support of Hastinapur, encountering no obstacles along the way.

After a two-day journey, he returned to Indraprastha and commanded his brothers to commence preparations for the grandiose Rajsuya Yagya. Assuming responsibility for the east, Bhima excluded Ayodhya and Anga from his dominion, handling minor affairs in the Āryāvrata region. Nakula ventured towards the west, while Sahadeva set his sights on the southern territories of Āryāvrata. Arjuna, on the other hand, chose to embark on a northern trajectory. The women, too, eagerly prepared for the forthcoming Rajsuya Yagya.

The following day, Bhima embarked on his journey to the east. In due course, Nakula delivered a missive from Karna and Prithvi, stating, "Jyesht, Anga, and Ayodhya have declined our invitation to participate in the Rajsuya Yagya. What shall we do?"

"First and foremost, we must conquer the entirety of Āryāvrata before addressing this matter. Do not waste your time on this arduous affair, for both parties are known for their shrewd negotiation tactics. I shall personally visit Anga and Ayodhya to convey your perspective. Fear not, they shall be made aware of your stance, but it will undoubtedly prove to be an arduous task for me as well," Shri Krishna uttered with an impassive countenance.

"Very well, Vasudev. Anujo, now go and fulfill the dream our father cherished," Yudhishthira responded. Subsequently, the Pandavas set forth on their campaign.

As per the decree of the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, Sahadeva embarked on a southward path. His selection for this direction was based on his exceptional swordsmanship skills and Bhishma's belief that Southerners possessed remarkable prowess in the art of swordplay. Sahadeva's conquests in the south included numerous kingdoms, such as Surasenas, the Pandyan Dynasty, Matsya, King Dantavakra, kings Sukumara, Sumitra, and other Matsyas and Patacharas.

Additionally, Sahadeva encountered the descendants of Vibhishana, the king of Lanka and Ravana's brother, who presented him with a cornucopia of precious jewels, gemstones, fragrant sandalwood, celestial adornments, exquisite attire, and valuable pearls.

In Kishkindha, the monkey kings Mainda and Dwivida engaged in a seven-day war and met defeat. Sahadeva also triumphed over the city of Mahishmati, ruled by King Nila. The kingdom, bestowed with the blessings of Agni, initially thwarted Sahadeva's invasion with a formidable conflagration. However, through prayer to Agni, Sahadeva overcame the obstacle and successfully completed the conquest.

King Rukmi of Vidarbha, the territories of Bhojakata, the Nishadas, the Gosringa hill, and King Sreenimath were all subdued by Sahadeva. He further claimed victories over Navarashtra under King Kunti-Bhoja, King Jamvaka on the banks of the river Charmanwati, kingdoms situated along the Venwa River, and those along the Narmada River. Avanti, with kings named Vinda and Anuvinda, a town in Bhojakata, the King of Kosala, the King of Tripura, the King of Saurashtra, the Surparaka kingdom, Talakatas, and Dandakas also succumbed to Sahadeva's indomitable spirit.

The Mlechchha tribe residing along the coastline, the Nishadas, the cannibalistic Karnapravarnas, the Kalamukhas (a crossbreed of humans and Rakshasas), as well as the entire region of the Cole mountains, Surabhipatna, the Copper island, and the mountain named Ramaka were all brought under Sahadeva's dominion.

The town of Timingila and a tribe known as the Kerakas, who possessed only one leg, the town of Sanjayanti, the Pashandas, Karahatakas, Paundrayas, Dravidas, Udrakeralas, Andhras, Talavanas, Kalingas, Ushtrakarnikas, Sekas, Yavanas, and the Paurava kingdom were all encompassed within Sahadeva's triumphant expedition, all achieved within a span of a year.

Yudhishthira dispatched Nakula to the west, entrusting him with the task of subjugating kingdoms for the Rajasuya sacrifice. Accompanied by a formidable army, Nakula journeyed to the region once ruled by Vasudeva. He initiated his campaign by launching an assault on the prosperous mountainous kingdom of Rohitaka, emerging victorious against the formidable Mattamyurakas in a fierce battle. In subsequent encounters, Nakula triumphed over the regions of Sairishaka and Mahetta, where he vanquished the sage Akrosha. He also secured victories over numerous tribes and minor dynasties, including the Dasarnas, Sivis, Trigartas, Amvashtas, Malavas, five Karnata tribes, Madhyamakeyas, Vattadhanas, and Utsava-sanketas.

Bhima, guided by Krishna's wisdom, set his sights on the east, a domain renowned for its mastery in elephant warfare and unarmed combat. Bhima successfully conquered Dasarnas, where he engaged in a fierce battle with King Sudharman, who valiantly fought him with bare arms. Impressed by Sudharman's might, Bhima appointed him as the first-in-command of his forces. Sishupala of the Chedi Kingdom warmly welcomed Bhima and hosted him for a month. Additionally, Bhima emerged victorious in his campaigns against Matsya, Maladas, Madahara, Mahidara, Somadheyas, Vatsabhumi, the ruler of the Bhargas, the Nishadas, and Manimat. He also extended his dominion over the Southern Mallas and the Bhagauanta mountain, as well as the Sarmakas and Varmakas.

Arjuna encountered no significant challenges in the north, as many kingdoms were either allies or family members of the Pandu dynasty, eagerly embracing Yudhishthira's invitation to the Rajsuya Yagya.

After a year-long endeavor, all four brothers reconvened in Indraprastha. Yudhishthira, having acquired the knowledge of dice from the sage Vrihadashwa, was now impervious to deceit in the game of dice.

When his brothers returned to Indraprastha, Yudhishthira experienced an overwhelming sense of joy. The five siblings embraced one another tightly. Advising them to rest and spend quality time with their families, Yudhishthira couldn't help but anticipate the formidable challenges he would face with Karna and Prithvi. Consequently, he summoned Krishna and Balarama for precisely this purpose.

Duryodhana, Dushasana, and the other Kauravas lent their support to the Pandavas' Rajsuya Yagya, as there was no deep-seated animosity between them. However, they were perplexed by Karna's refusal to offer his support, anxiously hoping for a positive outcome.

Dhritarashtra harbored reservations about the Pandavas' Rajsuya Yagya, yet found solace in Karna's rejection and Ayodhya's lack of support. Aware of the Pandavas' reluctance to engage Anga and Ayodhya due to their formidable power, Dhritarashtra felt a degree of contentment.

Karna vigilantly monitored the political landscape of Āryāvrata, reveling in the intricacies of the political game. While he knew Yudhishthira would not instigate an attack on Ayodhya and Anga, he remained curious about how Yudhishthira intended to convince him. Fully aware of Krishna's support, Karna sought to amplify the challenge for Yudhishthira. He relished the notion of making it arduous for the Pandava leader.

Bhishma, Vidur, and Drona were confounded by Karna's political maneuvering. They were astonished to learn of his refusal to participate in the Rajsuya Yagya. Bhishma inquired about Karna's stance, but Karna simply declared, "My kingdom is mine alone. I am the reigning emperor of Āryāvrata, and I shall never share my power with Yudhishthira." The three elders refrained from further discussion on the matter, yet concern for the Pandavas lingered in their hearts.

Meanwhile, the royal ladies reveled in the ambiance of Hastinapur, unburdened by concerns. They delighted in playing with their children, carefree and content.

Shakuni, intrigued by the unfolding events, found himself perplexed by Karna's lack of support for the Pandavas. Although he possessed a mantra to dispel the magical barrier surrounding Hastinapur, cast by Karna himself, Shakuni recognized his inability to act while Karna resided within the city. Secretly, he hoped Karna would depart Hastinapur for a span of two weeks.

Vrishasena diligently pursued his studies and involved himself in Ayodhya's affairs.

In Indraprastha, Yudhishthira expressed his apprehension, stating, "Keshav, our Vijaya Yatra may be complete, but the Rajsuya Yagya will remain incomplete until we secure the support of Anga and Ayodhya."

"Fear not, brother. I shall journey to Ayodhya with our proposal. I believe Emperor Prithvi shall lend us his ear, and I have faith that the King of Anga shall be receptive to my entreaties," Shri Krishna assured, his hands resting on Yudhishthira's shoulders.