Not Giant

Although Goth saved his country from destruction, problems still existed.

First, there is the Twilight Moon.

The elves have suffered a new defeat, but their massive expeditionary force has not yet withdrawn, the attitude of the Twilight Moon regime is unpredictable, and variables remain. Even if the elves swallow the bitter pill for now, they will certainly hold a grudge against this defeat.

And, the Human Empire.

The empire that had previously betrayed Goth, as the sovereign of the human world, was wary of the elves' military might and national strength. Not only did it not stand up for Goth, it secretly reached an agreement with the Dusk Moon Dynasty to divide Goth. Now that the elves have been defeated, the empire has not only failed to gain anything but has also gotten itself into a mess. Judging others by his own standards, the emperor would most likely assume that the Goth People would hold a grudge. Since that's the case, then let's go all the way.

These two countries are almost the strongest superpowers in the world. Goth was sandwiched in the middle, which was extremely dangerous in terms of geopolitics. He could only maintain his life by virtue of Kang De's nuclear bomb.

But the elves and the imperials feared Kang De's Forbidden Spell because their vast wealth and the organizational structure and military model of their states destined them to be both powerful and fragile.

The capital city, economic and trade center, transportation hub, military stronghold, major port, and even military camp—even with the strength of a nation, it can only be defended for a time, not forever.

Kang De, on the other hand, could patiently lie in wait, seize the opportunity, and deliver a Shi Potian blow that could leave an unbearable wound on a superpower, and there would be a second and a third time.

Only this kind of deterrent force can make major powers wary and compromise.

Because no matter what, whether it's open or covert attacks, trickery or cunning, Kang De always had a final option.

But such Sword of Deterrence is not always effective.

There are always some people or organizations that aren't really afraid of this ultimate retaliation.

For example, a small to medium-sized, highly organized group, with its headquarters and branches located in cities of various countries, or even in extremely secluded locations, would certainly not be afraid of Kang De using forbidden Forbidden Spell to directly attack it. In fact, a solitary and unattached individual would not mind Kang De using Forbidden Spell to retaliate against the world.

If they were to cause trouble for Kang De, the deterrent effect of the Forbidden Spell would be minimal. In fact, if Kang De wanted to investigate and retaliate, he wouldn't even be able to find out which way their door opened on his own.

But in such situations, the power of the state becomes apparent. Goth could rely on the manpower, financial resources, material resources, intelligence, and resources of an entire nation to guard against, resist, investigate, and retaliate against a person or group. Its efficiency and execution capabilities are unmatched by any individual.

This is what true cooperation and complementarity mean; conventional deterrence and strategic deterrence are two different things.

But there's a problem.

There is another kind of organization in this world that is neither afraid of Goth's national power nor particularly concerned about Kang De's intimidation.

For example, Dragon Island.

Although it was just a loose, independent kingdom with a very small number of subjects, the average quality of its people was off the charts. Even if war broke out, they could burn the entire Goth to ruins with their high mobility and collective strength. After all, they didn't need to rule or enslave anyone; burning glass was all they needed to do.

They were even willing to go all out, unafraid of Kang De's Forbidden Spell. After all, Dragon Island was only one big area; they could smash all they wanted, but they wouldn't kill many dragons. After all, everyone had wings and magic, so they could run away.

Then it became a fight to the death.

Such a powerful and troublesome organization has become an enemy. The Empire and the Elves are only concerns for the long term, while the troubles on Dragon Island are an immediate worry, and the reasons for hostility are very valid.

Because Kang De messed up Dragon Defense's financial statements.

After a year of hard work, the dragons' year-end bonuses may be going down the drain.

It's an irreconcilable, life-or-death feud.

"It would be best if we didn't fight, and it would be best if we could negotiate."

Kang De, who had just returned from the White Mist World, met with the Grand Duke and others.

Grand Duke Reknos didn't say a word about what happened last night. After all, he learned about his shameful behavior from his sister's embellished retelling, and he wanted to avoid mentioning it and let time heal the wound.

Unfortunately, he knew nothing about the power of technology.

Kang De has given the precious footage he took last night to his Iron Son, so that he can recreate the bizarre videos on Bilibili, especially the scene where the Grand Duke was startled awake in his bedroom last night. It can be replayed at least ten times. Find an auspicious day to betray my magnificent father-in-law.

The Grand Duke was completely unaware of his wicked son-in-law's evil intentions. The news from Dragon Island made him particularly concerned, as it was a matter of national security. For both public and private reasons, Goth had to face it together with Kang De.

He said, "I'll talk to Dragon Island myself."

Kang De laughed and said, "No need. They're coming for me. Whether they've issued a challenge or have other demands, it's up to me to resolve it. After all, the core issue is that I've ruined their reputation."

The Grand Duke pondered for a moment, then sighed.

Kang De shot down the dragon to protect the country, and even if it provoked retaliation from Dragon Island, Goth should bear the consequences, and there is no reason to blame Kang De for it.

He merely lamented the weakness of his nation, which was not even qualified to protect Kang De from the dragon clan's attack. Instead, he owed Kang De more and more. He said he didn't want to sell his daughter, so what was he going to sell?

The Grand Duke was saddened for a moment, but quickly rallied himself and said, "Then I will dispatch elite troops, just in case."

Kang De's eyes blazed with the flames of a phoenix soaring. "That's unnecessary. I've heard that high-ranking dragons can change their forms, but they can't escape the Phoenix Vision. Aside from sending a few dragons to transform into humans and attack me, the dragon race doesn't have many other ways to resort to force. I can tell if there's a conspiracy just by looking at them."

The Grand Duke was startled upon seeing this. "... This is a secret technique of the Elven royal family, how do you know it?"

Kang De rolled his eyes and said, "What, do you suspect I'm a spy sent by the elves?"

To be honest, the Grand Duke did have that thought for a moment, but he immediately dismissed it. Kang De had killed at least 100,000 elves, Dusk Moon Dynasty was paying such a high price just to plant a spy... Reknos felt that Goth didn't have that much face.

"But..." he was still somewhat shocked, "How could you..."

You might not believe it, but I slept with the Phoenix King.

--It's best not to say such infuriating things in front of your cheap father-in-law.

Kang De casually brushed it off.

Although the Grand Duke was shocked and curious, he did not pursue the matter further. It was meaningless. What mattered was not why Kang De possessed the Phoenix Vision, but rather which side Kang De was on. Kang De had already demonstrated his stance through numerous actions and the blood of countless elves, and the Grand Duke had neither the reason nor the right to investigate this secret.

He sighed. "Then you negotiate. Whatever the outcome, Goth will stand with you."

"You are the head of state. Unless the Dragon Emperor comes, you don't need to show your face. Let Tina and Stella accompany me to the talks. This is grand enough. Besides, you don't need to worry too much."

Kang De comforted him, saying, "Dragon Island sent an envoy to sneak here and deliver a letter of invitation, instead of sending dozens of dragons lined up in the sky. The tension shouldn't be so high, and there's still room for negotiation."

I hope so.

The Grand Duke wasn't so optimistic, but he wasn't overly worried either.

Because from the very beginning, he had prepared for the worst.

He was about to speak when he suddenly snapped back to reality, glaring at Kang De: "... Wait, Tina is one thing, but why does Stella have to come along too?"

Kang De paused for a moment, then chuckled, "It was Stella who reminded me of this first. She should be quite familiar with dragons, right? Otherwise, what?"

"How would I know otherwise! Who knows what other dark and despicable thoughts you might have!"

Grand Duke Reknos stared directly at Kang De, as if trying to see through his appearance to his soul. It was the most severe scrutiny, for even the slightest evil thought would bring about the harshest judgment.

He posed a probing question, "... You don't have any ulterior motives, do you?"

Kang De retorted angrily, "What kind of person do you take me for?"

The Grand Duke said indifferently, "The mysterious Cathayan of China, the benefactor I must repay, Goth's protector, the powerful Forbidden Spell magician, the ruthless Elf Butcher, the wild man who deceived my daughter, the scoundrel who sowed discord between me and my sister, the playboy who somehow managed to win over the Crimson Queen, and the shocking scumbag with an ambiguous relationship with the Phoenix King..."

"--Who's the scumbag!"

"I've seen that painting."

"That's fake!"

"But I saw with my own eyes the way Phoenix King Dairila looked at you that day... How did you manage that?"

Why do I sense a hint of envy in your tone?

"Because I really... that's not the point!" the Grand Duke said fiercely, "You'd better..."

Before the words were finished, footsteps sounded from behind. The next moment, the tense father-in-law and son-in-law put on friendly expressions and turned around. Tina and Stella came in together. The two sisters were graceful and elegant, with different temperaments. Tina was beautiful and gentle, while Stella was confident and noble. Their equally radiant golden hair complemented each other, and their similar faces had gentle smiles. What a beautiful pair of sisters!

The beauty is like a flower, blooming in pairs, a truly rare and pleasing sight.

Kang De glanced at him for a moment, then felt the cold gaze on him. He turned his head and saw that the Grand Duke's eyes were filled with a deep warning, while Kang De wore a bright and harmless smile.

What are you talking about?

The dragon messenger has arrived, Stella is clearly a little nervous. In contrast, Tina is much calmer. Just as she said, as long as Kang De is there, she has nothing to fear.

The princess came to Kang De's side, naturally took his arm, and massaged his hard-working arm while asking Kang De questions with a smile.

"Just now."

Kang De smiled as he looked at his father-in-law; he now found it amusing to tease the Grand Duke.

He said, "We were just talking about your eldest sister. The Grand Duke said he'd like to introduce her to me sometime."

--Holy crap! Holy...

There's a limit to how much you can bully your father.

After the Grand Duke, who had forced a few polite words and left with a stern face, Tina finally smiled.

I figured it out a long time ago.

She asked, "What exactly did your father say to you?"

"Him."

Kang De glanced at Stella, who seemed somewhat distracted, and smiled, "Your father warned me not to have any designs on your second sister, and not to have any inappropriate thoughts."

Stella then snapped out of her daze, her face flushing slightly. She spat and said, "What does this have to do with me!"

"How would I know?" Kang De shrugged. "Your father thinks I'm a playboy, that's a real injustice."

"Sigh, Father just talks nonsense and imagines things," Tina nodded in agreement. "Kang De so simple, honest, and kind, how could he possibly have designs on Second Sister..."

This pair of scoundrels, one really dares to tease, and the other really dares to flatter.

The only listener had a strange expression, having completely forgotten his slight unease about the dragons. Stella stared at Kang De's face, which looked nothing like "honest and kind."

Just as she was about to say something, a figure flashed before her eyes, and Ah Xing appeared like the wind, grabbing Kant's other arm and confronting Tina sharply. "Kant, Kant, I'm here!"

A faint blush remained on her face.

I even felt that my body temperature was a bit higher than usual.

Kang De asked, "What were you doing just now?"

A Xing blurted out instinctively, "Hidden... Oh no, no, no! I didn't do anything!"

This girl has been acting a bit strange lately.

Tina, on the other hand, narrowed her eyes.

Before Kang De could ask any further questions, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow arrived. She and A Xing acted as bodyguards to prevent the dragons from having ill intentions and turning on them on the spot. Tina and Stella accompanied them to show respect.

This was the lineup for the meeting with the dragon representatives.

Aside from having a slightly higher number of female participants, there are no other drawbacks.

Thus, Santos and the Dragon Girl finally met the world-shaking figure, Cathayan Kang De.

Following him were two peerless powerhouses, the Crimson Queen and the Sword Saint Cascading Snow, as well as the two princesses of the Taidariel Family, Princess Stella and Princess Tina.

The Sword Saint was as cold as ice, his majesty as icy as a snow-capped mountain; the Scarlet Queen was fiery and vibrant like a flowing flame, her gaze domineering and arrogant; Princess Tina was elegant and gentle, her beauty unparalleled on the continent; Princess Stella was confident and intelligent, her noble bearing blending with the mysterious aura of a spellcaster, creating a unique charm.

Santos had traveled far and wide, seen and enjoyed countless things, but such a entourage—with impeccable appearance, status, strength, and position—and four of them at once, was truly unprecedented.

He gazed at Kang De, and a thousand words in his heart condensed into one sentence.

Phoenix King

Did you know that your lover is having a fling with four women in Danfeng Lucerne?

There is ice and fire, sisters, and even aunts and nieces.

Although they might think such things to themselves, a businessman's professional ethics dictate that they can lie through their teeth. Even if they despise someone in their heart, they can still utter the most sincere words of admiration and flattery. Moral integrity is nothing to them.

He stood up, jogged over, and bowed warmly.

"Homage to you, Goth's guardian, the one who wields heavenly fire, the powerful Forbidden Spell magician. The whole world marvels at your power. It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness Kang De."

He introduced himself with a warm and welcoming smile, "My name is Santos, Chief Marketing Officer of Dragon Defense, responsible for the company's external relations. I apologize for the intrusion and apologize for disturbing you today."

"Hello."

Kang De shook hands with him.

Then...

His expression became somewhat subtle, and his gaze shifted slightly to the side.

Because they were so close, a girl in a black dress with a detached expression and long, light blonde hair that cascaded down to her hips appeared not far away. She leaned forward and stared intently at Kang De's face, seemingly looking at something.

Kang De asked, "... And who is this?"

The girl said calmly, "I am a dragon."

A Xing and Sword Saint Cascading Snow's expressions changed instantly. They stepped forward simultaneously to block Kang De. Before the woman spoke, they hadn't sensed anything amiss.

Because in the perception of the two powerful individuals, the aura of this girl who called herself a dragon was exactly the same as Tina's aura; they both felt like ordinary people.

"I meant no harm, otherwise I wouldn't have brought it up."

Ignoring the hostility and wariness of the two powerful figures, the Dragon Girl continued to stare intently at Kang De, then took out a small notebook and pen from her bosom.

Kang De blinked. "This... Miss Dragon..."

"I'm not Miss Dragon." The Dragon Girl glanced at Tina. "I'm not giant, just big."

"..."

"..."

The Dragon Girl asked, "Isn't this joke funny?"

"... So, Miss Da Long, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Have."

The Dragon Girl blinked her clear eyes and said calmly, "The Phoenix King asked me to pass on a message to you."

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PS1: Update... I'm feeling better now. Updates might be a little late for the next few days, so please check back in the morning. I'll try to adjust as needed.