The Night of Blood Has Come

Urgent report!

News of the invasion of Goth's territorial waters by the fleets of various nations reached Danfeng Lucerne at top speed.

After all, this is a major national defense matter.

Moreover, other countries were secretly fueling the flames.

The ships of various countries patrolling the high seas moved out simultaneously in unison, pressing forward step by step. They had clearly received some intelligence, but they were still wary. The Forbidden Spell that Kang De cast in the Broken Sea was enough to deter the decision-makers of various countries. A tsunami of that magnitude could destroy any coastal city in the world.

So before completely tearing off the mask, they need to test the waters and apply pressure.

You also need to know how to strike a balance.

They need to confirm the most important intelligence.

That is, whether Kang De was trapped in the underground world and unable to return.

To achieve this goal, the best weapon would be the backlash from within Goth's ranks. By using rumors and turmoil among Goth People to put pressure on Teldrassil, the criticism and rumors would eventually reach Kang De. If he still maintains his mobility and autonomy, then such a situation would occur.

Otherwise... you really won't be able to get out.

As for the consequences of the plan failing? There's absolutely no need to worry about them.

It was merely a matter of using connections, money, and promises to get some opportunists within Goth's inner circle to do things. Would Kang De really activate Forbidden Spell over such a trivial matter? The Sword of Deterrence is Sword of Deterrence because it never truly falls; before it falls, both sides will be wary of it.

Even when he was furious, he was only taking it out on those foolish, opportunistic Goth.

What does it matter?

Thus, reports of unusual movements in various countries were placed on the desk of Goth's ruler.

The Empire's border troops were redeployed on a large scale, and Imperial Sky Patrols openly entered the country for reconnaissance. Not to mention territorial waters, fleets from various countries set sail and gradually approached the territorial waters.

Such intelligence not only reached the Grand Duke, but also appeared in the salons of nobles, in the whispers of taverns, in the meeting rooms of officials' residences, and then in all sorts of rumors.

For example, the help from the Cathayan was not entirely pure.

Because there is no love without a reason in this world, he did not help Goth for Princess Tina's sake, but had other motives. As a nobleman of Cathay, he wanted to reclaim his homeland and drive out evil. He needed power, and Goth had such power, which was hidden underground in the Azure Waves Province.

It is a mysterious substance that has been dormant for a long time, capable of enhancing the power of spellcasters and advancing magical arts. Kang De came for this treasure, and his assistance to Goth was merely to gain the trust of the Taidariel Family. Now, the news has leaked and all parties know about it, but Kang De only wants to keep it for himself and does not want to share it with other countries or even Goth. He will leave immediately after obtaining the treasure and return to Cathay.

Goth would be left behind, facing the wrath and retaliation of the nations alone.

The evidence is that even now, amidst turmoil and threats from various nations, he has still not appeared.

The Grand Duke and Princess Tina were deceived by him, first alienating the elves, then offending the dragons, and even being disrespectful to the Council's envoys, threatening the Broken Isles and even the Empire. They were enemies everywhere, merely pawns used by Kang De. Once he had his way, he would leave and wouldn't care what happened to Goth.

Because he is from Cathayan.

Cathay is his country.

Such rumors, ranging from conspiracy theories to nationalism, coupled with a touch of incitement and instigation, have spread increasingly rampantly with the tacit cooperation of foreign forces.

From commoners to nobles, from the masses to officials.

This is actually just a rumor that is completely illogical.

But logic is never necessary when it comes to rumors.

Fear and prejudice are the real culprits.

For most people, such advanced technology is unnecessary.

Tina's study.

Since the Grand Duke departed with the Ring of Authority, this place has become the site of the Maple Leaf Palace's decrees. Grand Duke Reknos no longer sees outsiders and has ordered his courtiers to hand over all government affairs to Tina. The tedious tasks of post-war reconstruction can be left to the courtiers and city officials, but internal backlash and rumors are the sharpest daggers, and now they have struck like venomous snakes, requiring Goth's little princess to make a decision immediately.

"Inquiries from the powerful nobles and governors of neighboring provinces have arrived."

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow glanced through the documents and sighed, "The situation is very wrong. The Arcane Council has also made its move. They've influenced the spellcasters of Danfeng Lucerne through their vast social connections. The Magic Legion and academic leaders from various universities are also preparing to formally inquire about this matter. But even more troublesome than these are the rumors spreading in taverns, arenas, guilds, and theaters. You know, rats in the Shadow..."

Although Kang De's Forbidden Spell Broken Sea from going to sea, the resulting tsunami almost completely destroyed the port functions of this largest cargo transshipment hub in the western sea, damaging a large number of ships and causing countless business losses. They were intimidated by the power of the Forbidden Spell and had no choice but to swallow their anger in the face of Kang De. But now, with such a good opportunity, they would definitely take advantage of the chaos to throw a few stones into the well.

Tina, expressionless, tore the beautifully packaged letter into pieces.

Hilmeria shook her head.

Since the rumors began to spread, letters have been sent to the court in an endless stream. Famous mages, prestigious old nobles, retired soldiers, and well-known philanthropists, some with veiled questions, some with aggressive demands, and some even with rebukes, all demanded a clear explanation from Teldrassil.

Even if Kang De has done this country a favor, he cannot demand a return in such an unacceptable way. Furthermore, the underground treasure containing unknown substances is within Goth's territory, and its ownership should be decided by all Goth People, not by outsiders.

Even though Tina offered explanations and reassurances in the name of the Grand Duke, she was still unable to quell the doubts.

After all, many people are not true patriots; they love their families, power, and wealth more than their country. When the former is tied to the latter, they are the most steadfast patriots. But when external forces offer promises and preferential treatment, their stance can change in an instant.

It's a very simple principle.

In the Goth-Moon War, the nation was on the verge of destruction. At the last moment, Kang De saved it and turned the tide. However, after the relief, endless fear welled up in their hearts. Many people had been terrified and could not tolerate facing that crisis and fear of destruction again. Then, surrender and appeasement would take hold.

How can we ensure that we will never again face the crisis of death, national ruin, and the destruction of our family?

Simple.

Just be a dog, find a powerful master, and that's enough.

Empire, Council, even Twilight Moon.

If the mission is completed, the promise will be fulfilled: go to the most powerful country, receive the protection of the powerful, possess more power and wealth in a greater country, continue the family line, and live in peace and happiness.

All you need to do is complete the task.

Go and incite, instigate, coerce, let the ignorant and unruly masses charge into battle, let the true patriots be attacked from both sides, and let Teldrassil be caught in a storm of doubt and dilemma.

As for Kang De and the future of this country? There is no hope. No matter how powerful a Forbidden Spell magician is, he cannot protect a country. Even with that unknown mysterious substance, it is impossible to maintain independence when surrounded by wolves... Even if it were possible, why take the risk?

I can leave this small country and go to the free city-states protected by the Arcane Council, to the wealthy metropolises of the empire, and still live the life of a superior person without having to live in fear.

All you need to do is complete the task.

With a bang, Tina slammed her fist on the table.

Hilmeria said helplessly, "Getting angry is useless, you..."

She hesitated for a moment, then said, "The situation is very bad. You should consider how to deal with it. Goth is too weak at this gamble; he has no chips and can only protect himself. The one who truly holds the chips is Kang De. As long as we insist on his success and return, all the crises can be resolved."

Tina raised her head, her beautiful deep blue eyes shimmering with a light like the ocean tide.

She asked calmly, "What does Auntie want to say?"

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow hesitated for a long while, then finally rolled his eyes and said in despair, "Fine! I'll play the villain! I have no conscience! But I still have to say it! We have no other choice but to stall for time. Don't these people want an explanation? Aren't they protesting something? Then let them have their way."

"We can verbally distance ourselves from Kang De, even promising to share that mysterious element with other nations and jointly develop it, thus refuting the rumors. That way, those bastards will have nothing left to cause trouble. After a few days of delay, there will be a result. Even if we renege on our promise after Kang De returns, they won't dare to say anything..."

Tina remained calm, her beautiful face as serene as a snow-capped mountain. She then said calmly, "If Kang De doesn't return, our position will be even more suitable. We can then negotiate with other nations, relinquish development rights, or even directly join the Empire or Twilight Moon in exchange for protection... Is that what you mean, Aunt?"

Hilmeria was taken aback, then snapped angrily, "What nonsense are you spouting! I have faith in Kang De! But what good can we do now? He said it himself when he last came back: if necessary, we could feign distancing ourselves from him to buy time, but he..."

Tina said calmly, "Just because he said so doesn't mean we can do it with a clear conscience."

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow covered his head. "You're at it again!"

"... Auntie, we should have died long ago."

Tina slowly rose, her fingers tracing the heavy, warm surface of the table. She turned to look outside at the magnificent walls, buildings, and pavilions of the Maple Leaf Palace: "It was Kang De who saved us. Otherwise, most of those who wrote the letter, those who spread rumors and criticized Kang De, would probably be dead."

"You and I both know that the rumors from the outside world are not worth laughing at. Kang De's actions were for the future of Goth's country. I know his intentions; he wanted Goth to become a prosperous and powerful nation, and he was fighting for this goal. Therefore, those who doubt, criticize, or question, whether out of malice or stupidity, are unforgivable."

"To allow these scum and fools to live in the peaceful nation that was won by Cleveland, the Handmaid, the Captain, the Penguin, the victims of Valentan, and indeed all the sacrifices of this war, is an insult and disrespect to the victims and the brave."

"Just think about it. If we compromise with them, and Kang De returns, they will continue to worship the Dragon of Cathay, enjoy the benefits of the leap in national power brought about by the mysterious elements, and comfortably forget their past despicable acts and betrayals... Just thinking about this scenario makes me want to vomit."

Her slender, long fingers clenched into a fist.

Tina said softly, "All those who wrote these letters will die. After Kang De's success, this country will undergo transformation and change. Conflict is inevitable. It's good to eliminate some dross in advance."

Upon hearing this, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow's expression changed.

She exclaimed in surprise, "You want to use force to suppress them? Now is not the time! Those conspirators would love for you to do such a thing! If you dare to send people to kill them, it will cause chaos!"

Tina said coldly, "Second Brother's Gladiolus Legion is in the city. Kang De has the approval of the Divine Ring of Stellar Authority, and the Church of the Sun has a very good impression of him. Eldest Sister is still in the church, and they will help us. These scum haven't finished their alliance yet, and the rumors haven't spread widely. Now is the time to take the initiative."

She turned around, her eyes flashing like lightning, and looked at her aunt.

Once the Flower of Goth, the most beautiful and pure little princess, she has now revealed her full brilliance.

"After all, if we try to appease them or even cower and remain silent, the outside world will think we are guilty and that Kang De is in grave danger... Only the most decisive and brutal bloody suppression, reckoning, and execution can deter those fools and idiots incited by rumors and buy us more time."

Her tone was resolute, tinged with a bloodthirsty edge.

Hilmeria was stunned.

After a moment, she slowly said, "But I feel... you just want to kill someone."

Tina's eyes flickered for a moment.

Then, her stunningly beautiful smile slowly unfolded.

"Yes," she smiled brightly, "I want to kill. These fools who criticize Kang De and question his sacrifices and contributions, I want them dead right now. I just want them dead. Even if I don't kill them now, I'll find a chance to clean them up one by one later. I'll catch everyone involved in the rumors, I'll make them report everyone who dares to spread rumors, and then I'll hunt them down, retaliate against them, and execute them."

"How can an ungrateful person deserve to live in this country? Aunt, the more you understand the truth of this country, the more you realize the limits of Goth's wisdom. There is a reason why this country has fallen to this state, its power has declined, it has been bullied by the elves, betrayed by the empire, and is coldly watched by the whole world."

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow looked at his niece. "... What exactly are you trying to say?"

"Kill them all, clear the house, await Kang De, and welcome the new era."

Tina chuckled, "Or, wouldn't it be nice to use their blood as a sacrifice for my and Kang De's funeral, as an elegy for Goth and even Teldrassil's demise?"

The Grand Duke's adopted sister shuddered.

Funeral.

She saw the madness in Tina's eyes.

I understood what she meant.

If Kang De truly met with misfortune, then Tina would certainly not have survived alone. In that case, what does it matter if there's a bloodbath and mountains of corpses?

Tina smiled, sat back down at the table, and picked up her pen.

Dipped in red ink.

Hilmeria strode forward and said in a deep voice, "No one will carry out such an order. You need to calm down. I suggest we hold an internal family meeting within the Teldrassil clan..."

Tina said, "My father gave me the signet ring and the power."

"He can take it back," Hilmeria said. "Kang De wouldn't want you to."

"Does Kang De want to see us distance ourselves from him, or even betray him?"

"That was an act!"

"Fake is not acceptable either!"

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow reached out and grabbed Tina's right wrist. "Wake up! In your heart, Kang De is more important than this country. If you were just a princess, it wouldn't matter, but if you wear the Ring of Authority, you can't have such thoughts! The order to suppress the chaos by force cannot be issued. Your brother and sister will oppose it, and no one will carry it out. You..."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a calm voice pierced through. "Your Highness Tina, Hong San is here."

A glint flashed in the princess's eyes.

"Please come in!"

She shouted.

The door was pushed open, Hong San, dressed in military uniform, held a helmet and carried an exaggeratedly large heavy rifle on his back, with a bayonet attached to the muzzle that was even more cleaver than a machete.

He strode in and raised his hand in greeting.

"Princess," he said, "His Highness Kang De's forces— the Blizzard Warband, the Valentan Guards Mechanized Brigade, the Mengsk Artillery Brigade, Greenskin Musket Corps —have reached the outskirts of Danfeng Lucerne. We have been ordered by His Highness Kang De to return from the Azure Waves Province tonight and await further orders!"

A blush of joy and happiness spread across Tina's face.

Hilmeria's expression changed drastically.

She said sternly, "Hong San! Tina wants to send troops to suppress and massacre those who spread rumors and criticize. You should know the consequences of doing so. Are you really going to obey such an order?"

I have a general understanding of the situation.

Hong San pondered for a moment, then replied, "Killing them is fine. With His Highness's great ambition, he will eventually have to draw a clear line and let some opportunistic and ungrateful Goth People understand some things—the favors His Highness bestows come at a price. He is not merely a benevolent and loving savior; these people need to see the knife."

The Sword Saint Cascading Snow was both shocked and furious. "You!"

"We understand Sword Saint's concerns, but we are Prince Kang De's blade, wielded to defend him. What Goth cannot kill, we will kill; what you dare not do, we will do."

The true Cathayan bowed and said, "Your humble servant Hong San humbly listens to your plans and proposals, and with my insignificant abilities will fill in any gaps and execute them with all my might... Your Majesty."

The bloody night has arrived.

In the Azure Waves Province, Stella mobilized troops, withdrew and deployed defenses, and personally went to the Azure Waves Province capital to present evidence to the governor. She also dispatched envoys to warn the fleets of various nations to be careful.

They were also ordered not to violate the Goth Sea area.

The messenger also hurried towards Danfeng Lucerne, as she needed Goth to issue a warning to the various powers on a national level... She hoped that everything would be alright in time.

Lily and Horus rushed to the location of the outer sea Dragon Legion, only to be turned away. The other party denied that any dragon delegation had come to join them, and even after seeing Horus's video evidence, they dismissed it with disdain.

The Dragon Emperor was still on his way, and he was unable to directly command the conservative Dragon Legion.

Everything is rapidly sliding into the abyss.

In the underground world, Kang De traveled downstream and discovered the source of the confluence of the Purple River.

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PS1: Five thousand words... Time for bed.