In Spring, I Planted...

"..."

"..."

The Himo's Eagle soared through the air, its wings flapping. Kang De stood on its broad back, facing the howling wind, squinting as he used the scroll to activate Eagle Eye and Dark Vision, gazing at the deep, distant night sky.

His expression was very subtle.

I said...

He held his phone and spoke to Kirov, "You never intended to hide it from me, did you?"

The Russian's voice was both frustrated and helpless. "It's their decision, I can't interfere."

Kang De sighed helplessly, "Damn it."

Against the dark sky, the lights of a flight path gleamed as a massive aircraft roared through the clouds over Africa —that was Kirov's cargo plane.

There's just one small problem.

On the first delivery, Kirov arranged for a cargo plane to also take Kang De to Seligal. It was a classic An-12 transport plane. By today's standards, this transport plane is outdated and has limited carrying capacity, but only large countries have the luxury of being selective. For small countries, it is a valuable asset that can be used for decades to come. For the impoverished former Soviet Union republics, it is a delivery marvel.

The Serbia An-12 was tasked with earning extra income for the country and the military, and was often hired by philanthropists around the world to transport humanitarian supplies to underdeveloped areas.

For example, the humanitarian aid provided by the China philanthropist surnamed Kang a few days ago is a classic case of charity. The aid from the free world successfully reached the other world, bringing the warm care from Earth to the lost elves and their servants who needed guidance.

In short, the An-12 transport aircraft is truly effective and reliable.

As a transport aircraft designed during the Soviet Union era, it perfectly embodies the rugged and durable characteristics that Maoist equipment has always been known for, but the passenger experience is not good... The second shipment agreed upon with Kirov will also be carried out by the same transport aircraft, using airdrop to deliver the goods, and the agreed location is in the vicinity.

But there is indeed a small problem.

The promised An-12 transport aircraft has an extra, insignificant number after its model number: 4.

It's a minor detail, nothing really changed, except the carrying capacity increased from 20 tons to just over 100 tons, and the volume is a little bigger, hahaha...

"Grass."

Even with his limited military knowledge, Kang De knew that the larger the transport plane, the higher the requirements for the airport runway. He rolled his eyes and said, "What the hell are you doing? An-124! This godforsaken place, Comora, where am I supposed to find you a Category IV runway? Even the Russians wouldn't dare fly like that!"

Kirov said quietly, "It's no use telling me. This was their idea. The agreed-upon method of transport was airdrop, so we won't land; we'll parachute directly in. Kang De, you have to protect me! High-altitude parachuting, and at night no less, is very dangerous..."

"Don't come any further! Go back the way you came!"

Kang De was furious upon hearing this.

This is just another test by the Russia. The Russians are no pushovers. The main reason for the current Sino-Russian cooperation is the pressure from United States. The geographical location of the two countries determines that cooperation is always temporary. The Russians have done their fair share of evil deeds... They are truly cunning.

They clearly wanted to test Kang De's strength and abilities by airdropping parachutes at night or even dropping some objects.

That's too blatant. Who do they think they are?

He yelled, "Get out, get out! Throw the goods down here, and you'd better get out of here now. No people are allowed to come down, or I'll shoot them all down, they'll be perfect targets!"

Kirov said quietly, "There's no one here. The goods have arrived, but you can't use them."

"... What do you mean? I ordered ammunition, what will I use it for?"

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you, I lied to you before, I was planning to surprise you when we met. About seven or eight hours ago, while I was preparing new goods for you, I was stopped by several officials from the Bureau of Investigation. They had all the information about our transaction, and following the Kremlin's instructions, they replaced the plane with a new one as quickly as possible."

"The quantity of Soviet weapons and ammunition you previously purchased has been doubled and upgraded to the latest models. The manufacturing bureau appreciates your taste and scoffs at American equipment. In other words, the M2HB heavy machine gun ammunition and Vulcan cannon ammunition you requested are all gone. As compensation, they have provided you with more powerful Soviet heavy machine guns and high-rate-of-fire cannons, as well as the 107mm rockets you requested..."

"What are you doing!"

Kang De retorted angrily, "They replaced my goods without my permission! I just like the blue-flame Gatling gun, I just like the Type 107 that can be ignited with a lighter, what's it to you?"

"Don't say that. The Type 107 rocket is also a copy of the Soviet rocket design. We..."

"I just like the 107mm rocket launcher and support domestic products, so what?"

"... These are all free."

"Free? Free is the most expensive! Don't you know your tricks? Do you think I can't afford it? You think having a gun makes you so great? Don't look down on me! Get out of here!"

Kang De seemed completely unmoved by reason.

Are you kidding me?

Even if I, Kang De, don't want your military equipment, even if I have to rob the France, even if I have to ask my country for it, I will never let you Russians succeed!

"... You don't even want the cannon anymore?"

What kind of cannon?

"It's like this... On the way to the airport, intelligence officials questioned me in detail about our conversation. I mentioned your interest in Serbia's Nora Howitzer, and also said you wanted self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, naval guns, and Death Combine Harvester..."

"So they first sent you two D30 Towed Howitzer and one ZSU-23-4 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun. Although the latter was a downgraded version, with the fire control radar removed and weight reduced, it was still..."

"No need to say any more!"

Kang De shouted, interrupting Kirov's lobbying.

"... Let's discuss the airdrop plan."

I originally wanted to send those Russians back to where they came from.

But their cannons were just too thick and too long.

Moreover, this word "first"...

Kirov gave a knowing smile, then said casually, "The D30 Howitzer is loaded and transported along with its ammunition using the P7 Airdrop Platform, as are other supplies. However, the Shilka Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun has a combat weight of seventeen tons. Even with the ammunition transported separately, the radar fire control system removed, and some armor dismantling, it's still close to the weight limit for safe transport and is easily damaged by drops, so..."

Kang De said calmly, "You need me to show you something?"

Kirov remained silent.

Kang De pondered for a moment, then asked, "How exactly do we do it?"

What was done on the streets of Moyani has already been done, so one must be prepared to be seen in front of the world, or rather, a few major powers, especially given Kang De's next plans and his father's intentions...

Papa Kang told him to be moderate, not too high-profile, but not too low-profile either. Simply put, he shouldn't appear too weak, so that other countries or even any power would think they could easily manipulate him, nor should he appear too strong, so that the five permanent members of the UN Security Council wouldn't be able to sleep at night.

The primary principle is to conceal the affairs of the White Mist World and the Otherworld at all costs.

This is the biggest and most crucial secret.

Secondary principles include concealing one's ability to launch attacks of a nature, threat, and consequence equivalent to a nuclear strike, including kinetic weapon projection, sabotaging nuclear power plants, creating maps to replicate dangerous weapons, teleporting to any location via spatial anchoring to carry out sabotage and assassination operations, and acquiring spells from other worlds such as mental interference and curses/plagues. All of these must be concealed.

Based on this, they appropriately demonstrate their value and capabilities, and mediate between nations, using Comora as cover to collect weapons, import munitions, introduce technology, and purchase supplies... and then transform all of these into power to support or advance the development of the other world.

Destroy the elves, destroy the extraterrestrial enemies, destroy the empire—let's avenge ourselves first.

So, I really need to show off my skills.

Clusters of bright orbs shot into the sky, hovered in the night, and then slowly descended, illuminating the desolate Gobi Desert as if it were daytime.

Illumination Spell, one of the most practical and simplest spells, is often the first skill apprentices learn. Like classic beginner spells such as Fireball, Ice Spike, and Wind Blade, it has become one of the spells that has been expanded, applied, developed, and optimized in the most profound ways.

Compared to offensive magic, this spell has a much wider range of applications, from the daily lives of mages and even nobles, to wilderness exploration or caravan trading... or even war.

Battlefield-level Illumination Spell are used for nighttime offense and defense, target guidance, and projection marking. The spell scrolls engraved with these spells are standardized military supplies that every magic-guided unit must possess.

Kang De swept through the elves and their allied forces with unstoppable momentum, capturing a great deal of spoils and supplies, which were all stored in the White Mist World. The swords, spears, halberds, and excellent bows and arrows could all be used by Goth. As for the other magical equipment and magical items, they could be sorted out to see what they could do with them, and either sell them or use them.

For example, the countless orbs of light slowly descend, illuminating the heavens and earth, revealing every detail.

On board the An-124 transport plane, the crew and Kirov's group looked up at the ground. The scattered orbs of light shone everywhere, but they didn't look like flares because there was no smoke or even fire.

The pilot listened for a moment with his headset, then asked through the communicator, "During the airdrop, should the paratroopers be allowed to approach, observe closely, or even collect one of those things?"

Kirov glanced out the window a few times and said calmly, "I suggest we don't do this. As a China man, he naturally has his heart set on his motherland and is wary of you. Now is the time to build friendships and sow seeds, far from the harvest season. Do you want to give up an entire ear of wheat for a single sprout?"

The pilot replied in a low voice, listened for a moment, and then said, "Agreed. Also, arms dealer, the general is cursing you."

Kirov gave a mocking laugh, "It's my honor, General, and I am now his most trusted Russia, so, Your Excellency, please don't mess things up."

After a moment, the pilot's voice rang out. "I didn't say that out of respect for Soviet Union Red Label vodka and Sobranie cigarettes... Gentlemen, it's time to head out."

The drop lights came on, and the pilot once again surveyed the ground and reported the terrain. The Gobi Desert was flat, with good visibility and favorable terrain, making it a good location for an airdrop.

"Start."

The rear hatch slowly opened, revealing that the An-124 was divided into upper and lower levels. In the lower cargo hold, the rollers of P-7 Airdrop Platform were secured in the limiting grooves on the center line of the cargo hold floor, with cargo firmly fixed on them. As the crew operated, the towing parachute of the first airdrop platform was deployed along the cargo hold opening.

The tractor parachute swept across the night sky, opening like a flower in the wind. The drag pulled the heavy drop platform along the slide, out of the cargo hold, and into the air.

The deceleration parachute deployed.

The main parachute opens.

The "Gurt-u-PDS" parachute system began to operate, with several main parachutes, each 350 square meters in area, opening in the air and gleaming white under the Illumination Spell.

Two howitzers, a Shilka River self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle, and a quantity of crated weapons and ammunition, along with a series of parachute platforms, soared through the sky and swooped down.

Immediately afterwards, figures flew out of the front door, parachutes opening one after another, and they drifted down from 800 meters in the air, under the diffused light of the Illumination Spell, one after the other, alongside the heavy airdrop platform.

In the radiant light of the night sky, they saw the Himo's Eagle soaring through the air.

A figure stood atop the back of a giant eagle, then burst forth with black starlight. The figure darted through the sky, like a wizard from a legend, or the most imaginative creature from a fantasy movie or game. Something from human fantasy appeared before everyone's eyes.

They stared at all of this in astonishment and horror.

The figure that had been flashing and teleporting appeared below the self-propelled anti-aircraft vehicle.

Despite the drag from the parachutes, the heavy cargo, accelerated from hundreds of meters in the air, still landed at a relatively fast speed. The airdropped platforms crashed down one after another. The people who were still adjusting their posture in the air watched the self-propelled anti-aircraft gun intently. It landed without making a sound.

"... Oh my god!"

Those who saw it all couldn't help but scream in surprise.

Illuminated by the sky full of light, he saw a person carrying an airborne platform loaded with anti-aircraft vehicles being slowly placed on the ground. In other words, the China man's "show of skill" meant standing under the nearly 20-ton airborne platform, facing its 800-meter-high descent, reaching out to catch it, and then placing it on the ground.

Um.

Thank you, Feather Fall.

This spell, originally used by pioneering knights and adventurers for wilderness exploration, gradually gained favor on the battlefield due to its simplicity, ease of learning, and low barrier to entry. Especially in brutal siege battles, many brave and experienced warriors, skilled in martial arts, did not die from the enemy's swords but perished from the power of gravitational potential energy, were crushed to death by heavy stones, or fell to their deaths from the city walls. In such situations, they would certainly desire a spell that could temporarily lighten the target and reduce the impact of the fall.

However, the Russians didn't know that.

They imagined Superman slowly lowering a supersonic passenger plane that was descending from the sky onto a baseball field.

"Is everyone alright?"

After Kirov and his men landed and untied their parachutes, Kang De approached them, and these seemingly tough Russians all took a step back at the same time.

Kirov forced a smile, "Hey, does Superman like using rocket launchers too?"

"Perhaps," Kang De shrugged. "Maybe he also needs some gentler forms of attack."

He glanced at the self-propelled anti-aircraft guns not far away, as well as the two howitzers that were in a mobile, enclosed state. Considering these weapons, Kang De decided to be more polite.

Fourteen soldiers in camouflage uniforms landed with Kirov, led by Dimitri, the arms dealer's bodyguard. Seeing Kang De looking over, Dmitry saluted. "We are all registered mercenaries, and from today onwards, we are at your command, sir."

Kang De then looked at Kirov, Kirov said, "Someone has to operate these big machines, right?"

"Never mind, let's talk about it when we get back."

Kang De waved in that direction, and lights came on in the distance. Three transport trucks drove over; the drivers were mercenaries from Northern Myanmar. After being rescued by Kang De, they had also temporarily stayed in Moyani.

"Let's unload the cargo," Kang De said. "Get it done quickly, we're heading back to Moyani."

Dimitri led his men off to do their work, while Kirov stood beside Kang De: "They did give me orders."

Kang De glanced at him. "That's normal, but you should first convey my stance back. The foundation for dialogue and exchange is based on one premise—my homeland must be aware of all my interactions with you."

"Understood." Kirov nodded. "What's next? Deal with that France? We can't wait to see him make a fool of France."

"Let's go back to Moyani first."

Kang De said this, but inwardly he was sneering.

The Russians are sending weapons, equipment, and personnel, which sounds great, but it's actually quite troublesome. Dealing with Little Bob doesn't require howitzers; these are meant for the elves. However, the Russians have likely tampered with the weapons and will be keeping a close watch on them. Under these circumstances, so many weapons and ammunition disappearing into thin air is certainly a troublesome matter, but it doesn't matter.

These things will remain motionless in the warehouse without any problems.

He took a few steps, took out his phone, and dialed a number.

Having rescued his father and the king, the matter was somewhat resolved, giving them a chance to catch their breath. Now, it was time to begin that task.

The call was quickly answered, and a slightly cheerful voice rang out. "Hi! Guardian Eagle God!"

"King Chakat," Kang De said with a smile, "I would like to acquire some property in your land, perhaps a piece of land. Would you be willing?"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: 5,000 words... Ah, I always have insomnia when I travel far from home. I only slept for four hours yesterday. Time to sleep...