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"Revenge."

Upon hearing those two words, Kang De was so angry he laughed.

What revenge is Big Bob seeking? The revenge for the murder of his son.

"OK!"

Kang De said grimly, "I'll give him a chance for revenge. Let's arrange a place for a one-on-one duel!"

If you dare show your face, I'll scatter your ashes into near-Earth orbit.

Qin Mengjin's tone also carried a hint of coldness. "You're overthinking it. He's a mercenary, not a knight. His condition is that the governments of various countries hand you over voluntarily."

Kang De's smile vanished, and he said coldly, "Where does he get such a big face?"

"Shortly after the firefighting plane crashed, he contacted the France cabinet through his old connections in France and negotiated with them, making this demand a condition for his surrender."

Qin Mengjin said, "The France government sent the initial negotiation intentions and content to the UK, France, Russia, and the US, and invited us to the next round of negotiations. Our team participated in this telephone conference and argued our case forcefully. The specific content of the negotiations has been converted into video format, with Chinese translation, and sent to you. You can have someone you trust listen in and verify it to confirm that our translation is accurate..."

Kang De coldly replied, "A stray dog, a terrorist fleeing in panic, actually dares to demand the return of his lawful citizens from the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council..."

His voice grew cold, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "This kind of negotiation was never going to work out. No matter the reason, the country would never hand me over, yet this so-called negotiation still took place. This means that besides our country's refusal, several other countries are somewhat tempted... What is their offer?"

Qin Mengjin breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little uneasy.

Kang De's ability to instantly calm down from anger was not calmness, but rather the control of anger.

This state may be even more terrifying, because uncontrollable anger will be vented in all directions, while restrained anger will only be directed at one point, and will be more destructive, more decisive, and more ruthless.

She sighed, trying to soften her voice as much as possible. "It's nothing more than coercion and bribery."

What is coercion?

Qin Mengjin replied, "Tens of thousands of civilians, rulers, and foreign tourists of Zhuerban did not die, but were kidnapped by him. The huge swarm of locusts is under his control. He said that if they did not comply with his orders, he would kill everyone and order the locust swarm to invade in all directions."

"Even with pesticides, he has proven that locusts can threaten low-flying aircraft, can hide, and can burrow underground. He will let locusts eat people and wreak havoc, in Seligal, and even Comora, West Africa, and beyond... He said that if he cannot escape death, he will make more people die with him, leaving enough scars before countries find a way to kill him."

He said he would reveal his plans with the France government, tell the world what caused this catastrophe, tell people all over the world the world's hidden secrets, tell the world what he found in the Gambia Royal Tombs... exposing everything to the public.

Kang De's sneer deepened, "So that's how it is. France has been caught red-handed. But isn't this an act of terrorism? Isn't it an international convention not to negotiate with terrorists?"

"Whether he's a terrorist or not, only they can decide," Qin Mengjin said with a hint of sarcasm. "If it's just coercion, then Big Bob is a terrorist, but if you add bribery, he's a France citizen."

"Enticement?"

"Big Bob said that if his conditions were met, he would not only surrender, but also hand over everything he had discovered in Gambia, including the artificial locust swarms and the technology and secrets they contained, the supernatural powers and knowledge he found in the royal tombs, and..."

At this point, the liaison officer paused, then slowly continued, "And the secret and... method of how he regained youthful vitality from an old, dying body."

Kang De lowered his eyes.

The secret to regaining youth, extending lifespan, and even immortality.

Throughout history, this has been the ultimate temptation. Whether it is a monarch with great talent and ambition or a merchant with the wealth of the world, when faced with death, they are just as powerless as ordinary people, fearful, confused, and easily misled by foolishness.

Given such an opportunity, kind people will become cruel, shrewd people will become foolish, those who uphold the rules will trample on them, and those who adhere to the bottom line will have no bottom line at all... At that time, given such an opportunity, people will have a thousand reasons to convince themselves that it is worth doing so.

After a five-second silence, Kang De calmly asked, "You believe me?"

"I don't believe it," Qin Mengjin said. "These conditions, especially the last one, are only for your life. It's too strange. There can only be two possibilities: first, he's deceiving you; second, you pose an extreme threat to Big Bob, and he's determined to kill you no matter what."

Kang De's expression softened slightly, but his demeanor remained stern.

"I doubt the leaders and their staffs in Britain, France, and the US are that smart, right?"

"You're right."

After Qin Mengjin finished speaking, she paused for about ten seconds. Kang De heard the sound of paper rubbing together, and then the liaison officer said, "I've received instructions, Kang De. We're ordered to be open and honest. This is a critical time. Our history is full of examples of sowing discord; we cannot repeat the mistakes of the ancients."

"To be honest, France and the United States are indeed very interested. They have attacked you before, and by analyzing your character, stance, and ideology, they believe you will not give up easily. This is a good opportunity to eliminate this threat. And the secret of Big Bob's rejuvenation will be very tempting to the de facto rulers of Western countries. The rich have the greatest demand for this."

"Once this news spreads, and once Big Bob demonstrates his sincerity and evidence, I'm afraid the entire wealthy and privileged class of the Western world will try to push forward his proposal. It has already begun. The only obstacle comes from the determination and will of our government. The secret teams in the US and France have already started working."

"Technology transfers, both military and civilian, will be permitted, Bulwark will be lowered, investment licenses will be issued, and large orders will be allowed. Several upstream supply chains that have been holding us back can also be loosened, the only condition being that we acquiesce."

Kang De listened calmly to the conditions Qin Mengjin presented.

"Big Bob threw out a bone, and the Westerners licked it up like dogs, just like the France government orchestrated the invasion of Comora by Gambia... Why don't these people ever Taoism?"

He took a deep breath. "Don't they understand what it means to negotiate with a tiger for its skin?"

"First of all, what drives all of this is not just the two governments, but the people behind them who wield real power: United States's blue-blooded Bumblebee, the old money, the conglomerates, and France's rebranded old aristocracy... It is they who are fascinated by the secret of immortality."

Qin Mengjin coldly replied, "Secondly, for us China to cooperate with Big Bob is like seeking a tiger's skin, while for the Westerners, you are the tiger, and Big Bob is one of their own!"

"After all, no matter how powerful or valuable you are, you're still China. Emotionally and financially, you'll be loyal to your motherland and will never be used by the West. Even if they don't get Big Bob's benefits, it's still worth it for them to try and kill you!"

For the West, weakening China is always profitable.

The King was right, the France are not stupid.

"It seems that, outside of these five-nation negotiations, Big Bob must have secretly contacted the France government, and even promised better terms and benefits..."

"That's inevitable," Qin Mengjin said. "How could Westerners possibly tell us everything?"

Kang De slowly exhaled. "I'm actually quite valuable, aren't I? Technology transfer, the removal of Bulwark, a complete deregulation of the economy, politics, and military... it's making me want to sacrifice myself for my country."

Qin Mengjin snorted, "Don't talk nonsense. We've already been very frank and open. We won't agree to such conditions. We've suffered enough at the hands of the West in the past. We won't believe a single word of their promises. It's been made very clear from above that we've gradually risen from poverty to the path of revival, not by kneeling, not by begging, not by the West's charity—if they gave us those things, they can take them back anytime. So, what we want, we have to take for ourselves!"

Kang De finally showed a slight smile.

"So," he asked, "What should we do now?"

"We are trying our best to mediate. In the end, negotiations are nothing more than asking for the moon and haggling over the bottom. Big Bob came up here threatening to kill you, so he should back down."

"Ultimately, the France are hesitant to act rashly, and I don't think Big Bob is too afraid to break the ice either. Psychologists say that after regaining his youth, he will be even more afraid of death and eager to enjoy the things he enjoyed in his youth but can no longer enjoy due to old age... So it's a tug-of-war of bargaining."

Qin Mengjin said, "Therefore, after discussion, we suggest that you take your father back to China immediately, where you will be better protected..."

"Then what?"

"Then we'll find ways to deter and force them to compromise..."

"What about Big Bob?"

"Big Bob?" Qin Mengjin asked, puzzled at first, then said, "Wait, Kang De, although you're angry, I have to say, in this situation, taking Big Bob's life is much more difficult now, you..."

"I want him dead," Kang De said. "I also want to protect Comora."

Qin Mengjin on the other end of the phone slapped her forehead. Sure enough, this guy's heart was like a diamond; once he set his mind on a goal, he wouldn't easily compromise, unless...

She gritted her teeth and advised, "There's something I don't want to tell you. Big Bob also threatened that if you don't agree to his proposal, he'll offer the secret of immortality as a bounty for your and your family's lives. We sternly stopped him and made it clear that anyone who dares to gain benefits at the expense of China citizens should think twice before enjoying it. But even so, we can't rule out..."

As she spoke, she suddenly realized something and inwardly cried out that she was in trouble.

As expected, a calm, unwavering voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Then he deserves to die even more."

"Kang De!" Qin Mengjin cried out anxiously, "You need to calm down, after all..."

"Please protect my mother. It won't be long, and you must do so, or the consequences will be dire."

"Before you make any decision, don't let anger control you! You..."

"Miss Qin."

"Think it over carefully! Big Bob's offer seems like he's been trying to provoke you! Don't..."

I only have one question.

"... you say."

"United States, France, and maybe even United Kingdom, they fear the threat of Big Bob, afraid he'll sweep across the land with an insect plague, exposing the world's secrets to the public. They yearn for immortality, for a return to youth, because they don't want to die, they want to enjoy life to the fullest..."

Kang De said, "They fear these things, they crave these things, so they treat me like a dish on their table, already accepting that I will be at their mercy—so, aren't they afraid of me!?"

On the other end of the phone, Qin Mengjin suddenly stood up. "What do you want to do! Don't be impulsive!"

"I have remained very calm and clear-headed. Please believe me, I haven't lost control for a long time."

Kang De's calm voice echoed in the huge office of the Gambia Emergency Task Force.

I know exactly what I need to do.

Qin Mengjin desperately tried to dissuade her. "No, you don't understand, your enemy isn't just Big Bob! You're just one person, all alone. The country will help you, but we have to follow the rules!"

Kang De said softly, "I only know that if I back down once, I'll back down twice. If I run away today and compromise, even if those noble foreigners grant me a way out, next time, I'll still be a piece of cake for them to manipulate at will... In the end, that's how they are; they only Taoism after they've been hurt."

Miss Qin became even more anxious. "Don't get stuck on this, the government will help you!"

"But I don't want to cause trouble for the country. The country is under a lot of pressure too. This is something I caused myself, and I will resolve it as quickly as possible... I chose to develop in Comora, and since I chose independence, I can't rely on the country for everything. I can't have all the benefits."

"This is the path I chose, and I had to get through it sooner or later. I'll teach them a lesson eventually. Since they don't know who they should be more afraid of, I'll make them understand."

Kang De's tone was as firm as steel, containing an unwavering will.

Qin Mengjin felt an urge to go crazy. She and Kang De had different positions and perspectives. Although she could understand Kang De's feelings, she still had to do her job.

She tried her best to persuade him, "Listen to me, the country and I have already made it clear that we will not harm you. You can't act on your impulses, or you'll be in big trouble!"

Kang De said softly, "So I am grateful and will remember it forever, and I will repay you in the future. But we have different positions. I have my own life, my own experience, and my own decisions. Since Big Bob has said those things, I can never let him live in this world anymore."

"I know compromise and helplessness are commonplace. In the face of the state apparatus, individuals are so weak and helpless, powerless to control their own destiny, forced to be manipulated and swept into the torrent. But I am different, Miss Qin. I am not used to being looked down upon, not used to being a pawn, not used to being manipulated by a group of arrogant, self-righteous, and despicable people. Since this is how things are, since this is how they are used to it, since I do not want this to be..."

He paused for a moment, then said decisively, "Then let's change our way of life!"

Communication interrupted.

The emergency response team members exchanged bewildered glances. After a moment, Qin Mengjin exclaimed angrily, "Report to the higher-ups immediately! Change the satellite's orbit! Watch out for France! Find a way to contact Comora, and also contact Kang De's parents! And tell those foreigners that Kang De is about to do something reckless! Tell them to figure out how to cover for him!"

In the ambassador's office, Kang De emerged from the inner room.

The ambassador, his father, and the king all looked at him.

Kang Jinzhu stepped forward. "When do I leave?"

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid it's a bit too late." Kang De hugged his father and said, "You need to go back to the basement. I'll reinforce the defenses. You know what to do if anything happens."

Kang Jinzhu nodded and said, "Okay."

Kang De hugged him tightly. "Just this once, trust me."

His father gently patted his back and sighed, "Think things through before you act."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."

Then he looked at the ambassador. "I'm sorry to trouble you, please sit down and take the call."

The ambassador was taken aback.

After saying this, he pulled his father and the king away, looking at the king and asking, "Do you believe me?"

Chakat II said, "Who is helping me? Who has been helping us all along? Who is our chief?"

"It's me." Kang De handed a signal generator to the king. "Keep it close to your body. I'll be away for a while. Don't tell anyone about this. If there's any danger, whether it's locusts approaching or you're in danger, press this button, and I'll appear. I ask you to trust me. No matter what happens, hold on. I'll find a way to solve the current problem... Be careful, understand?"

The king carefully put it away and nodded, saying, "I promise you... Where are you going?"

Kang De simply smiled.

"Let's take a gamble, and go big."

They sent their father to an underground air-raid shelter, reinforced the walls, tore open the scroll, and released Holy Light Barrier. Brilliant streams of light filled the room, Defender Mechanism activated their protective mode.

"Think of us, and Xiaoman, before you do anything."

In the end, this was all the father could say.

"I've been thinking of you all." Kang De hugged him again, "Believe me."

Then he came out and shook hands with the king to say goodbye.

Goodbye, brother.

"Wait for me to come back."

He walked out of the embassy's main building and into the square. The ambassador opened the window, still holding the phone, and shouted angrily, "Kang De! Come back! Everyone! Stop him!"

Kang De smiled and waved, then ran out of the embassy's main gate before the armed police could react.

Turn left.

At the entrance of the France embassy, given the irrefutable evidence of the France involvement in the Battle of Comora, the area was effectively under the surveillance and house arrest of the Comora government. Even the guards were Comora soldiers. When the eight black men at the entrance saw the Warchief, they immediately straightened their backs and saluted enthusiastically. With a wave of his hand, Kang De dispersed to both sides.

Then they watched as the respected chieftain kicked the tall iron gate away with a thunderous crash.

The heavy iron gate slammed against the French-style main building with a loud bang. The ambassador's shouts from next door were deafening, desperately trying to stop Kang De. The eight black guards behind him gaped, then broke into excited clapping and laughing wildly.

Although they were strictly ordered to guard this place, isolating it from the outside world and protecting the France from the angry mob, the attack was by the great chieftain— the Warlord —which was a different story altogether.

Kang De was deaf to everything around him; only the Flame of anger burned fiercely within him.

Besides being used as a bargaining chip, besides the threat to his parents' lives, besides being treated arrogantly by Westerners, his anger may also stem from another reason: he had overcome all obstacles in another world, was invincible, used Forbidden Spell to intimidate the world, sat on equal footing with peerless powerhouses and rulers such as the Phoenix King and the Dragon Emperor, wielded great power, and made great achievements. He could no longer tolerate being arrogantly looked down upon and used by a group of mortals.

Is there anything more ironic than this?

He possessed such extraordinary power, the ability to traverse three worlds, control over an entire mirror world, the favor of the Dragon of Space and Time, and overwhelming prestige in another world. Even so, he still regarded himself as a human being and treated every life equally. Yet, the so-called nobles and benefactors who exploit all living beings through wealth, power, and status, and have continued to do so to this day, actually regarded him as an ant.

--I haven't even eliminated oppression and eradicated tyranny for the vast working people of the West, and you bastards have already climbed on my head!

His heart was filled with rage, his spiritual power transformed into sharp arrows, and his intense emotions surged within him. He felt a fiery current gathering in his hand. The Proof of Stellar Authority sensed his anger and blazed with intense light. The blazing white flames burned and swirled, spreading from the back of his hand and forming an illusory burning gauntlet.

The ring of the sun god erupted with divine Vulcan, and a three-foot-long sword of radiant light burst forth from the back of the handguard, its sharp and blazing tip pointing towards the ground.

A female office worker who witnessed this scene through a first-floor window screamed and fled the room.

Kang De waved his hand, and his lightsaber swept across, splitting the gate and iron gate in two. The broken edge was scorching hot. He stepped into the building, and two France soldiers rushed at him, shouting. He reached out and grasped their hands. The two men turned red, grabbed their necks, struggled in mid-air, and were thrown aside.

On the other side of the corridor, a military officer rushed out with a gun. Kang De glanced at him, and a beam of light transformed into a large shield in mid-air, flying out and slamming him to the end of the corridor. As he went upstairs, the light and flames swirled around him, and his floating figure seemed illusory amidst the flying Flame, leaving a trail of afterimages.

This scene robbed people of the courage to resist.

Finally, he arrived at the ambassador's office and cleaved half of the wall in two with a single sword stroke.

With a snap, the military officer inside was so startled that he lost his grip on his gun, which fell to the ground.

Kang De leaped in, surrounded by flames, his blazing blade flashing with dangerous arcs. Upon seeing this, the Fr*nce soldier instinctively raised his hands in a perfect French military salute.

"Long time no see, Mr. Ambassador."

The France ambassador stood frozen in the corner, his mouth trembling, unable to utter a single word.

Kang De stepped forward, grabbed the man by the collar amidst his scream, shoved him toward the telephone on the desk, then picked up his own cell phone and dialed a number.

"Kirov." He held the lightsaber to the ambassador's neck. "Translate!"

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PS1: A 6,000-word chapter! And so early! Praise me!

PS2: As for some friends worrying about crossing the line... don't worry, I've always been aware of this. Before writing the Africa stories, I discussed it with the editor. Which of Fr*nce, Comora, and Gambia are real countries? Have high-ranking officials appeared? Have the real names of the leaders of each country appeared? Have there been any negative portrayals of our country's departments? None of that, right? Has the main theme appeared? Yes! Has the content about uniting the people of Asia, Africa, and Latin America appeared? Yes! Every three chapters praise a country, every five chapters glorify the government, and every eight chapters emphasize ideology. The text constantly expresses contempt and disdain for the hypocritical and shameless Western capitalist governments, and all of this criticism is based on reason and evidence. Is there anyone more loyal than me?! (slams table)