Playing It Safe to the Ends of the Earth

"Don't be afraid."

Kang De's calm and steady voice reached Hong San's ears.

The voice wasn't loud, firm, or forceful; it was just an ordinary tone and ordinary words, even spoken in a low voice... but it instantly calmed Hong San's heart.

He turned around and saw Kang De's face.

To his surprise, the other person smiled at him.

Hong San didn't see Kang De smile, but those smiles were either sneers, mocking smiles, sneers, or bitter smiles, and their implied meanings were mostly things like "You good-for-nothing," "You're hopeless," or "How dare you show your face in front of me."

Although there was no malice intended, it was still a condescending and judgmental view, full of disapproval and even contempt.

This smile was different from the previous ones.

It was very gentle, full of encouragement and recognition, and most importantly, it treated everyone equally.

For some reason, Hong San felt a sudden jolt in his heart, followed by a feeling of bitterness. A thousand emotions surged within him in an instant, a mixture of feelings that left him momentarily at a loss.

Well, how should I put it?

Over the years, he has been viewed with disdain and contempt.

For example, although he was a servant working for the Good Family, his status in Glimmering Sand Castle was not low. However, not only did the masters treat him as a slave, but even the maids and servants of lower status often secretly looked at him with disdain and talked about him behind his back.

But he didn't care. This was the way of life he had chosen. The opinions and disdain of others did not harm him. As long as his master didn't drive him away, he could continue to live happily like this.

Until he met Kang De.

This man was unlike any of his fellow countrymen from Cathay he had ever met before. He had strange ideas, and his attitude and style of dealing with people were even somewhat similar to his master's. But what truly shocked Hong San was not Master Kang's attitude towards others, nor the principles and rules of conduct that he firmly believed in.

It's not about what he did, but about what he did.

That night, the Viscount revealed his fangs, and Goth and his men perished one after another. However Master Kang escaped with his life. On one side, he was outnumbered and outmatched, while on the other, Glittering Sand had the advantage in numbers. Given Hong San's philosophy of life, having survived such a calamity, he naturally wanted to flee, hide his identity, and live a peaceful and secure life. As for revenge... he couldn't take it.

What can we do if we can't report it? Let's run away. Besides, they're just a bunch of Goth People.

But... the report was successfully filed.

Overnight, the world turned upside down, but in another day, the world turned upside down again.

One man against a group of people, who was beaten and fled in panic last night, today he retaliated with swift and decisive action. What viscountry, what magicians, what so-called abundance of talent, what so-called formidable military strength, all of them died without a burial place. The methods were cruel, the methods were ruthless, the methods were swift and decisive, the methods were swift and decisive, the methods were ruthless, and the methods were ruthless. In just one day and one night, the once glorious Glittering Sand Viscounty collapsed, and flames soared into the sky, burning everything to ashes.

The impact and shock of this incident on Hong San was simply too great.

Because he witnessed it with his own eyes.

Witnessing Kang De's kindness and friendliness, even his willingness to help a lowly, despicable, and lying beggar.

They also witnessed Kang De's personality change drastically, his methods becoming cruel, insane, and terrifying, with the extermination of entire families being commonplace.

It turns out that even a gentle and peaceful person can be as ferocious as a tiger.

Those powerful and influential figures were as worthless as pigs in his presence.

All of this gave Hong San a tremendous shock, making him realize one thing.

So this is how people live in this world...

Of course, he only sighed about it. As a human being who was very self-aware, he would never have such an arrogant idea as "If Kang De can do it, so can I".

--Besides, even someone as powerful as him ultimately died from a cursed artifact. This shows that relying on power is the cause of destruction. The vast majority of failures in the world stem from this. Once a person possesses power, they always want to use it to solve problems. One day, they will encounter a power that they cannot understand, resist, or predict. Being brave and aggressive, always arguing and getting angry, is truly courting their own destruction.

Hong San learned a lesson from Kang De's "demise" and strengthened his resolve in the Dao.

But in his heart, he couldn't help but feel some admiration and respect.

He greatly admired and respected Kang De.

When a person lacks something, they will envy those who have it.

Although he lived a comfortable and peaceful life, that did not mean he was unaware of what he lacked.

That doesn't mean he wouldn't be envious.

That's why he was so concerned about Princess Tina's mission, and why he didn't forget to pay homage to Kang De's memorial tablet along the way, because he genuinely admired and respected such a person.

Such a person... dares to draw their sword.

Then, Kang De appeared before him again.

And now, as he is overwhelmed by burdens and pleas he has never taken on and does not want to take on, to the point of panic, fear and unease, he reaches out and supports his shoulders.

He said, "Don't be afraid."

And they gave me a friendly, encouraging, approving, and warm smile.

He hadn't seen such kindness, such a smile, in a very, very long time.

Because Kang De was an extraordinary person.

Along the way, Hong San acted as a protector and guardian for many people. Many people respected him and admired him. He received a great deal of gratitude and praise. When he walked through the camp, he was never short of adoring and fanatical gazes. Everyone smiled at him... But he knew what that came from.

It stems from his ability to protect people, from an exchange of interests between protectors and those being protected, and from his ability to lead people to where they are today, ensuring the safety and basic needs of most.

If they can't do it, these people will probably scatter like birds and beasts.

If it causes enormous casualties, causing these people to lose their loved ones and close friends, then the admiring and enthusiastic gaze will disappear, replaced by hateful questioning.

He knows everything.

But Kang De's smile was different.

Because the other party knew Hong San's past and character, and was someone he could never reach—that Mr. Kang De, an unattainable dream, someone he deeply admired and envied—now showed him a smile of approval and encouragement...

That smile far surpassed all the false, utilitarian politeness he had encountered in the past two months.

At this moment, the complex emotions surging in Hong San's heart were truly indescribable.

He just felt that... all the hard work and exhaustion of the past month or two had finally paid off.

"Why are you looking at me like that? Say something!"

Kang De's voice jolted Hong San from his reverie and reflections.

He snapped out of his daze and saw everyone staring at him, so he asked blankly, "What did you say?"

Kang De sighed, "Maintaining morale? What are you thinking?"

Hong San immediately understood. He nodded, looked around at the people gathered on the street, and raised his arm, shouting, "My friends, you probably already know the news: the city gates are closed, the elves are attacking, the city lord has summoned me for a meeting. I'm going there to fight for a way out for everyone! Until I return, don't worry, we've already braved mountains of knives and seas of fire, we'll definitely succeed this time too!"

Frankly speaking, in Kang De's view, this short speech was nothing special, lacking any exciting moments or highlights, but the people's reaction exceeded his expectations.

It started with one person, and then the crowd slowly began to cheer, which then became frenzied. This enthusiastic atmosphere, this heartfelt relief and satisfaction, made everyone, regardless of age or gender, look at Hong San with reverence and cheer enthusiastically, as if Hong San had found a way out for everyone.

Amidst this sudden cheers and fervor, Kang De saw a dazed look and a hint of jealousy in the eyes of the leaders Chen, Song, and Huang... This was something they desperately craved.

But who knew that Hong San was actually completely indifferent to all of this, and even avoided it at all costs?

He looked again at the cheering crowd, the frenzy spreading, people following the crowd. A sudden realization flashed through Kang De's mind—perhaps these people didn't care about facts and logic; they were simply dependent on Hong San, unwilling to care about the truth, unwilling to think, just passively following blindly. They just wanted Hong San to say a few words to reassure them, and they would cling to this lifeline to comfort themselves.

Even if it's a lie, it doesn't matter.

He looked at Hong San one last time, lost in thought.

This guy... probably already saw through all of this, so he just casually uttered a few empty words of righteous indignation in a passionate and unquestionable tone.

Surrounded by the crowd, Hong San was taken to the street corner and met the mayor's messenger.

It is said that this street was recently developed and renovated to house Hong San and his group.

Hong San said that when he saw the mayor's actions—allowing this not-so-weak armed force to continue sticking together in the city instead of separating and resettling the displaced people in the group—he felt something was very wrong. Clearly, the mayor wanted this group to maintain its cohesion and organization.

Now it seems they were well-prepared, intending for them to defend the city and fight...

Kang De looked around and caught a glimpse of soldiers in armor flashing by in a building on the other side of the street.

He could sense many eyes watching him warily.

It's likely that the Chang'an elite troops around this street. If Hong San is unwilling to accept defeat and tries to incite his men to fight their way out of the city, the mayor, who is already prepared, will surely crush him in one fell swoop...

This city lord is no pushover.

The envoy's attitude was neither arrogant nor obsequious, but rather businesslike. His face was expressionless, and his tone firm. "By order of the mayor, Mr. Hong San is requested to attend a meeting at the city hall!"

Hong San smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble. I'll go with you then."

To reiterate, this guy's social skills are off the charts; his ability to tailor his approach to different people is unparalleled. The stern-faced envoy's expression softened.

Old Du, whom they had met before, brought over his horses. Several leaders wanted to follow, but the messenger stopped them, saying, "Excuse me, gentlemen, the mayor only invites Mr. Hong San."

Chen Honghu flew into a rage and was about to unleash a torrent of abuse when Song Baoyi stopped him. Hong San turned back and said, "Brothers, don't worry. I'll be right back. After I've met with the mayor, I'll discuss this with you all."

After he finished speaking, he bowed to the envoy and said, "Your Excellency, the gentleman beside me is not only my mentor's classmate but also our organization's chief military officer. He possesses superb combat experience and administrative management skills. I think that if he were to participate in such an important meeting, he might be able to offer some very useful suggestions..."

Upon hearing this, the envoy glared at Kang De, his eyes sharp and scrutinizing.

Kang De glanced back casually.

Their gazes met briefly before abruptly shifting. The envoy blinked his sore eyes, turned to Hong San, and asked with a complicated tone, "You said he's the chief military advisor?"

--What did I tell you, sir? Nobody believes there's a strategist as fierce as you.

Hong San managed to explain, "In Cathay, everyone practices martial arts, including the military staff officer. He's highly skilled in martial arts and a particularly good fighter, but it's purely a personal hobby..."

The envoy nodded and said, "Alright, take him along."

He then looked at Kang De: "Cathayan, you're quite good. What's your name?"

Yes, what's my name?

Kang De thought for a moment, and was about to blurt out "Dong Zhantian".

Hong San stepped forward again, interjecting, "My martial uncle's name is... Dong Zhuo."

Kang De's eyes widened.

Wait a minute!

The messenger laughed and said, "Dong Zhuo... Alright, I'll remember that, Chief Military Advisor."

Under the watchful eyes of the members of the Heaven and Earth Society, the three rode away. This was the first time Kang De had seen a city in another world, and it was Goth's... He couldn't tell whether it was prosperous or not, because the mayor's orders had been carried out swiftly. Shops on both sides closed their doors, and pedestrians on the street went home one after another. Everyone's face was filled with fear. When war comes, it is always the civilians who suffer the most.

Kang De only saw rows of houses and small buildings, exotic and colorful, but behind the windows were pairs of bewildered and frightened eyes; it all felt so heavy.

He couldn't help but sigh.

This is the country that Tina and Cleveland want to protect.

So, what should he do now?

By the time Kang De arrived at the city hall, he had gained a preliminary understanding of the mayor he had never met. The city hall, which sounded like an administrative building, was built like a fortress, with arrow towers at the four corners, an iron wall at the entrance, and a large open space in front that wasn't a garden, but rather a dense array of anti-cavalry posts...

The messenger arrived at the gate, exchanged greetings with the guards, and then turned to the two men with a smile, saying, "Mr. Hong San, Mr. Dong Zhuo, I must take my leave now. Someone will come to escort you shortly. We will meet again."

After saying that, he turned and left.

Hong San whispered in Chinese, "Sir, this envoy is no ordinary person; his status is certainly not low."

"None of my business."

Kang De stared wide-eyed and asked, "What's the deal with the name Dong Zhuo?"

Damn it, he was really scared when he heard that.

Hong San said to Xiao Hua, "Sir, sir, it was my own decision. This is an alias, let's keep a low profile..."

I'm calling myself Dong Zhuo, and you call that being low-key?

Hong San explained, "My master's surname is Dong, and my master's wife's surname is Zhuo. Put them together, and we'll call Dong Zhuo. It's low-key and ordinary, which is quite good. Besides, the name Zhuo is also very nice..."

Kang De waved his hand, saying it was just an alias anyway, and asked again, "How were you feeling just now? So many people trust you, so many people rely on you, their safety and hope rest on your shoulders. What are your plans? What are you going to do?"

When Hong San heard him mention it, his heart stirred, and the complex emotions he felt had not yet dissipated.

The sensation of that press still lingered on my shoulder, along with the words, "Don't be afraid."

That was a smile I'd never seen before—a smile of approval, encouragement, and gentle warmth.

He was both excited and apprehensive, and said softly, "Sir, you just said I don't need to be afraid..."

Kang De looked at him, nodded, and said, "Yes, I said so. What's wrong?"

Kang De saw all of Hong San's experiences over the past two months, his current situation, the burdens he had taken on, and the weight of trust that had accumulated on his shoulders.

To say that I felt no emotional reaction would be a lie.

He also wondered if there was anything he could do.

No... that's for sure.

If even someone like Hong San is willing to stay and fight to protect those people, how can Kang De leave? This is Tina and the Knight's country.

So he told Hong San, "Don't be afraid."

If the other party is determined to protect, he will lend a helping hand.

As long as he speaks up, as long as he's willing, as long as he makes a decision, he will no longer be cowardly and run away.

Then Kang De would lend a helping hand.

Under Kang De's gaze, Hong San gritted his teeth but remained silent.

Hesitation and struggle flashed across the faces of the Cathayan.

It's clearly a internal struggle between heaven and man.

As the saying goes, it's hard to change one's nature. Some things are deeply ingrained, and it's not easy to change them. How can someone who is used to being timid and humble transform into a hero in a short time?

He seems to be wavering between his own philosophy of life and the current crisis.

This choice must be very difficult.

Kang De could understand, and he had enough patience.

He waited quietly.

Finally, Hong San gritted his teeth, lowered his head, and clenched his fists, seemingly mustering his courage. Perhaps this was the most important turning point in his life, making a choice that transcended himself.

--A look of anticipation flashed in Kang De's eyes.

"Master..."

Hong San whispered, "Could I give you my seat?"

"..."

"..."

When the servants came out to greet them, they were shocked and startled to see Hong San.

It seemed that Mr. Hong San had been punched hard on the forehead.

"No... it's nothing..."

Hong San grinned and said, "I... I crashed into..."

"..."

The servant thought to himself, "I'm such an idiot, I've clearly run into a brick wall."

But that was none of his business; he was just a servant. "... Please, gentlemen."

Hong San hurriedly walked in, and Kang De followed behind with a sullen face, saying nothing.

They passed the staggered anti-cavalry posts and entered the main building of the city hall. Many people were busy, some carrying documents, some wearing armor. They only glanced quickly at Kang De and Hong San and then paid them no further attention.

Led by a servant, they headed toward the conference room, but before they even got close, they heard a domineering shout.

"Don't talk nonsense! Clam your ass shut, I'm not someone to be trifled with!"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Still a long chapter of 5,000 words... Goodnight everyone.

PS2: I also realized that I've almost finished paying off the bounties from April. If I calculate it at the end of April, I still have 38,000 words left, which is pretty much all I need. I'll do a final calculation at the end of the month... and then, should I make some more plans for next month? (Thinking)