Rallying to Goth's Defense

The shadow of war never dissipated, hanging over Valentan and weighing heavily on everyone's hearts.

The elves suffered a defeat yesterday and have remained silent ever since. However, no one is optimistic that the pointy-eared elves are afraid. The cultural Fallout strategy of the Dusk Moon Dynasty has been extremely successful. Even a three-year-old knows that elves are brave and skilled in battle and value honor above all else. Therefore, they certainly know what a temporary defeat means for the elves.

Just as in dramas and poems, when facing enemies, the brave elven warriors may suffer a minor defeat due to the enemy's cunning and despicable nature, but they will always learn from their mistakes and rise to the occasion, ultimately achieving a great victory.

The longer they have to prepare, the more ferocious their next attack will be.

Everyone waited in fear and unease.

And they are doing what they can do.

The soldiers seized the time to rest and prepare, while the officials performed their duties, from the allocation of supplies to the maintenance of equipment, and even the inspection of the city. Everyone was busy, and some civilians were even conscripted and dispatched.

Hong San began to take advantage of the situation again. Having spent a long time in the lower classes, he could spot problems from the smallest details and was extremely good at reading people's minds. He brought back mostly bad news.

"I'm afraid the casualties the day before yesterday were greater than I imagined."

When the Cathayan returned to report, Kang De was still crafting enchanted arrows. Without looking up, he simply said "Oh," and asked, "What's wrong?"

Hong San said in a deep voice, "This time, the garrison has been rotated, with the addition of private guards from nobles and merchants, as well as mercenaries and gladiators. Nick is resorting to the same old trick, because the next elven offensive will inevitably be unstoppable. From the perspective of defending the city, it is definitely necessary to prioritize depleting these troops... But to ensure that these people fight to the death, and at least do not mutini and desert, thus affecting the battle situation, how to coordinate and maintain balance depends on his ability."

Kang De nodded and said, "Understood."

Hong San hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

The Kang De before him was calm and composed, like an ancient mountain. Even in the face of a crisis and unparalleled danger, he remained completely calm and collected, methodically doing what he was supposed to do. Such composure was comparable to that of his master... But he couldn't do it; he couldn't.

In the past, Hong San could accept whatever fate brought him, finding joy in any situation. Even as a slave, he could find pleasure in a life of servitude. This time, he could have done the same. With his martial arts skills, even if the city fell, he would most likely have escaped. Even if he didn't, the elves would probably have spared him because he was from Cathayan.

Even if he were to volunteer as a servant, he would most likely be accepted by a high-ranking elven officer. After all, with his various skills, he could serve even the proud elves comfortably. The elves already held the Cathayan in high regard, and having a remarkable Cathayan as a follower or even a servant would be a great honor.

Therefore, Hong San Sanben should be the most carefree person in this city.

That's how it was originally.

But now... he couldn't stop worrying and anxious.

I'm worried about the fate of this city.

Besides...

Kang De glanced at him and said calmly, "Worried about your good friends?"

His tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

They were referring, of course, to the members of the Heaven and Earth Society.

After the first siege, Hong San's pent-up pressure finally exploded. After a fierce and even hysterical interrogation, he collapsed, coughing up blood. Those who had always been protected and sacrificed for by Hong San revealed a chilling indifference and selfishness.

Before taking Hong San away, Kang De had unilaterally declared a break with the other side, but he still managed to negotiate for Hong San in the subsequent negotiations, persuading Mayor Nick to let the group go and stop conscripting and exploiting them.

Although Hong San didn't say it, he understood everything Kang De had done for him. He knew that Kang De disliked the people of the Heaven and Earth Society, so he never mentioned it. He also worked hard to plan and run for Kang De's interests and did his best to assist him in defending the city... But this did not mean that he had forgotten the people of the Heaven and Earth Society.

While working tirelessly to help Kang De, he also secretly visited that street.

Nick kept his promise and no longer regarded the Heaven and Earth Society as cannon fodder to be used at will. However, the mayor was also a shrewd man. He knew that Kang De did not like these vagrants, so he naturally would not treat them with good wine and meat. As for the initial courtesy and preferential treatment, he could not even think about it.

None of that really matters.

But as expected... Hong San still couldn't let go of those people.

Perhaps it was because they were so special that these people were the first in his life to wholeheartedly rely on and trust him, allowing his skills and martial arts to be put to use for the first time, enabling him to protect so many people for the first time, and allowing him to... live like a human being for the first time.

"Simp."

Kang De rolled his eyes and said, "Why weren't you this loyal and righteous back then Glittering Sand?"

Hong San lowered his head and remained silent.

"I know what you're thinking. You're overthinking it. Those bastards from the Heaven and Earth Society aren't even fit to go to the battlefield. Besides, Nick will keep his promise; he wouldn't dare go back on his word. So don't worry about your good friends being conscripted again... But what's the point? If the city falls, they'll still die."

Kang De said, "If you're so worried about them, why don't you take a sword, go out of the city, and kill all the elves outside, thus lifting the siege?"

Hong San was startled, then smiled wryly and said, "How could I possibly have such an ability?"

Kang De said nonchalantly, "Then go to the kitchen and get some cherries, practice hard, and after the city falls, hurry up and find the elven commander, lick his asshole, make him feel good, and have some fun in bed. Maybe you can get him to take pity on you and let those Heaven and Earth Society people go."

Hong San instinctively covered his buttocks, exclaiming in surprise, "Master, I can do anything, except this!"

"Hold."

Kang De casually picked up a stone and threw it. "You can't defeat the elves, and you can't beg the enemy to show mercy, so what's the use of worrying about this? The Heaven and Earth Society and Earth Society values human life, but aren't the people in this city human lives too? The people here can die, but your good brothers can't?"

Hong San covered his head and dodged, repeatedly saying, "It's different, this is different..."

"Yes, it's definitely different," Kang De sneered. "At least the people in this city aren't so ungrateful. For example, they were extremely noisy last night, but after I explained, they were very understanding."

Hong San covered his head and said cautiously, "It's all the same. They understand because you gave them money and a knife, and you're willing to reason with them. They're incredibly lucky; how could they dare say a word against it?"

Kang De made a move as if to strike, Hong San hurriedly shouted, "I won't say anymore! I won't say anymore!"

He was quick-witted and understood Kang De's meaning. He sighed and said, "I was just worried. I know what's important and wouldn't dare let my affairs delay your important matters. I will certainly assist you in defending the city with all my might..."

Kang De said calmly, "What if we can't hold it?"

Hong San answered without hesitation, "Of course I'll stick by your side. As long as we're alive, we can always fight again. If the city really falls, following you will definitely give us a chance to survive."

Kang De chuckled and tapped him, saying, "Old habits die hard."

Hong San just smiled sheepishly.

Kang De shook his head. "So just go about your business. Think about the fall of the city when it falls."

"Yes, there is one more thing right now. You asked me to think of any other methods the elves could use besides a direct attack. I've been pondering this the whole way, and I have some ideas..."

Hong San said, "The palace intrigues of the elves are incredibly fascinating. They live long and love to ponder things, and over time, they become full of schemes and tricks. And yet, their poems and dramas still have the nerve to say that elves are naive, innocent, and kind? They have no shame at all."

"I think, perhaps besides brute force, the elves also resort to cunning and trickery..."

Kang De asked, "What conspiracy or trickery?"

Just as Hong San was about to answer, he heard a thunderous shout coming from the other side of the city wall.

Dark clouds swirled in the sky, a gale howled, thunder amplified the sound, and the wind carried it aloud. The power of magic gathered outside the city, but what struck was not a magical attack.

It is words.

Drifting here, the complete sentences have become fragmented.

But Kang De and Hong San still heard the most important words.

The name is an Eastern name, but the language is a Western language. To call out an Eastern name in a Western language, especially in a complete sentence, will inevitably sound extremely jarring to an Easterner and will immediately draw their attention.

The name "Kang De" drifted on the wind.

Kang De and Hong San both changed color at the same time.

A moment later, Leona came running out. "Kang... did I hear something?"

Kang De remained silent.

Leona's mind raced, and a look of unease crossed her face. "Should I send someone to inquire?"

Kang De thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No need... someone will be here soon."

Hong San murmured, "Is this the elves' conspiracy?"

Leona stepped forward, anxiously asking, "What elf conspiracy? How did they know Kang De's identity?"

"Looking back now, it would be strange if I didn't know."

Kang De slowly said, "In the fierce battle on the city walls, all three wooden golems were destroyed by my hand. In addition, the reinforcements arrived at the last moment. What a force to be reckoned with! Mechanical giants and green-skinned cavalry—the elves had never seen anything like it before. Under such circumstances, how could the elves not be curious about who I am? And once they were curious, how could they not guess who I am?"

"After all, I was on the city wall, and I had my gun drawn. Tina made such a scene in the north, leaving the Empire humiliated and the elves on high alert. What happened in Glittering Sand must have been on the desks of the high-ranking generals of Twilight Moon. I didn't kill all the witnesses at the time, so it's only natural that my physical characteristics and fighting style were exposed..."

Leona asked worriedly, "What does that elf want to do?"

"I don't know, but it's definitely not a good thing."

Kang De calmly replied, "Just wait, someone will come to tell us soon."

Not only were Leona and Hong San worried, but Kang De was also extremely displeased.

He was transported to Valentan by chance and began to deal with the Valentan officials for various reasons. However, he did not reveal his identity but acted under the alias "Dong Zhuo". After all, you can't judge a book by its cover, and the knight told him not to trust the Goth People, which he of course obeyed.

In such a time of war and national turmoil, Goth's status as a son-in-law was essentially useless, especially since he was a foreigner and his identity could not be definitively verified. Not only would he not gain any more benefits, but he might also bring some obstacles and trouble.

He also performed very well as Dong Zhuo, proving his worth in two consecutive battles and earning the respect and courtesy of Valentan, which was far better than his status as Goth's son-in-law, a pretty boy.

However, at that moment, the besieged elf seemed to have revealed his identity.

He didn't think the elves were just bored and openly revealing their identities to remind the Valentan People, "Hey, did you hear that? Your beautiful and gentle Princess Tina's husband is in town right now. You didn't expect that, did you? Hurry up and go see him, pet him, feed him, take pictures, and post them on Weibo!"

There must be a conspiracy involved.

The thought of this made Kang De extremely unhappy.

Anyone would feel uncomfortable being schemed against or targeted, but the China habit is to make a fortune quietly, keeping everyone in the dark...

The elves revealed all of this.

This means his identity will be completely changed, triggering a series of unpredictable changes, including changes in how others treat him, questions about his position, and much more trouble.

Damn it...

Even the little bit of understanding he had with Nick was broken.

Kang De always felt that Nick seemed to have some suspicions about his identity, but he was pretending not to know, and Nick was pretending not to know either. Their interactions and cooperation had a businesslike feel to them, with each getting what they wanted.

Now, Nick can no longer pretend to be stupid.

Just as Kang De was feeling annoyed, he heard the thunderous sound of hooves; a small troop of cavalry was rapidly approaching.

With a series of clicks and turns, the Autobots transformed into human form. Standing high above with a wide field of vision, he walked to Kang De's side and said in a deep voice, "Father, I heard your name in the wind."

A moment later, someone rushed in.

It was Preston, the city lord's younger brother, who had a good working relationship with Kang De. After Kang De displayed his great power that day and turned the situation around, this man was showing signs of evolving into a little fanboy of Kang De.

He glared at Kang De as soon as he entered. "... You are Princess Tina's husband, Kang De from Cathayan?"

"I'm not, don't talk nonsense," Kang De said, his eyes wide open. "My name is Dong Zhuo."

Preston didn't believe it. "I've heard about your exploits too. My brother also got some information. I was wondering why your weapons and abilities were so strange, like nothing I'd ever seen before. And this mechanical giant... but His Highness said you were dead, so I didn't connect it to that. And the greenskins..."

Kant blinked his large, innocent eyes. "I've already told you, my name is Dong Zhuo, this mechanical giant is my son, Lü Bu Lü Gaoda, and as for the green-skinned ones, they are the Xiliang tribe who volunteered to support Goethe..."

"What nonsense! The elves specifically named you, and they even showered you with compliments. I can't believe it was you..." Preston patted Kang De on the shoulder and said, "I heard Princess Tina has a husband, and I was thinking of giving him a good beating, but if it's you, I won't. It's just..."

He paused, then sighed softly, "You shouldn't have come."

Kang De asked, "What's wrong?"

If the elf truly harbored a wicked scheme, he certainly wouldn't have given him any room to deny it.

Preston glanced at him and said, "The Elven Commander, the Legion Commander of the Dusk Legion, in accordance with the customs of Cathay, has prepared a banquet at the city walls to invite you to join us."

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PS1: Didn't sleep well last night... This is one of my earlier updates today. Going to sleep now, will update again tomorrow. Goodnight.