Duryodhana returns to Hastinapur where the Kuru elders have already received the news of Duryodhana's imprisonment and subsequent release through Pandavas' intervention. Vidura points out that Duryodhana had no business in following the Pandavas to the forest after unfairly depriving them of their kingdom. Bhishma chides Duryodhana for his childish behavior and praises Pandavas highly for their moral integrity and true kshatriya valor. 
Karna speaks in favor of Duryodhana, but Bhishma insults him, by speaking lightly of his might and his birth. Karna swears that he will prove his valor by conquering all the countries far and near and laying them at his friend's feet.
Karna besieges all the countries in all the four directions and brings them under Duryodhana's control and makes them pay tribute to Hastinapur.
Having thus subjugated all the countries on earth, Duryodhana wants to perform Rajasuya Yagna like Yudhishtra had done. But the astrologers and priests tell him that he couldn't do it as Yudhishtra and Dritarashtra who were elder to him were still alive. They suggest him to perform an equally meritoious Yagna called Vishnu Yagna.
Dritarashtra, on Duryodhana's suggestion, sends invitation to the Pandavas to attend the Yagna, but Yudhishtra declines, citing the vow of not returning to Hastinapur till the thirteen years of exile were over.
After the Yagna, Karna vows "so long as I do not slay Arjuna, I shall not allow any one to wash my feet, nor shall I taste meat. And I shall not drink wine and whoever may solicit me (for any thing), I never shall say, 'I have it not'."
The news of Karna's vow reaches Yudhishtra and he is worried. That night, he has a bad dream that sets him awake and concerned about his dear brother's welfare.
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