Burial Ground

Going downstream, along the River of Origin, they fight, chase, and move forward.

A mutated dragon and a crazed human, each with their own obsessions and yearning for the final outcome, are like two fish desperately swimming in the torrent of fate, adrift in this liquid substance that should not exist in the world. No matter what, the destination is ahead.

This river will take them wherever they want to go.

Kang De was laughing hysterically.

The dragon roared incessantly.

Negotiation is useless, pleas are useless, suggestions are useless; only one solution remains, primitive and pure: fight, slaughter, until the enemy falls. This is a tradition and instinct that has prevailed through countless eras, and it is the most effective solution... to physically eliminate dissent.

Cuixisi, in her counterattack, slowly grew increasingly frenzied.

They fought, they slaughtered, they chased each other; whether human or dragon, they all turned back into beasts.

In the energy-filled Purple River, time, space, matter, and spirit seemed to lose their meaning. Neither Kang De nor Cuixisi cared about where they were or where they had come from. The Aberrant Dragon no longer considered its race or glory. Kang De cast aside life and death, protection, and promises. They only wanted to kill each other and eliminate obstacles. Thus, their will became incredibly persistent, pure in madness, and endless mysterious elements swirled around them, even unifying into one.

Then there was a response.

In an instant, the liquid elements became incredibly hot, and a dazzling light flashed before their eyes. It was as if the river's flow had suddenly increased a thousandfold, propelling them forward like two fish being propelled by a flood, riding the current and the wind, rushing downstream, traversing an infinite distance in an instant... No, the word "in an instant" is not even applicable.

Because what will also be overcome... is perhaps time.

From flow to stagnation, from speed to stillness, it may only take a moment. One second you are drifting in the endless River of Origin, and the next you are in mid-air, falling downwards.

Looking around, all was darkness, with Stellaris dotting the endless gloom.

The mighty, rushing River of Origin has also vanished without a trace.

The Grewind Swarm scattered with a roar, coalescing into a disc beneath their feet. The Divine Ring of Stellar Authority unfurled its wings, protecting Kang De as they slowly landed. Beneath their feet was a platform suspended in the void, its brass-colored ground stretching forward. This mysterious and unfamiliar realm was incredibly vast, suspended in the unknown void, and surprisingly, it even contained oxygen.

Phoenix Fire blazed in Kang De's eyes. The unparalleled pupil technique of the Twilight Moon royal family, capable of seeing through all illusions, was useless here. Even the Fire Thief's Eye of Origin Tracing could not see through the reality of these brass-colored floors, giant gates, pillars, and steps, as if everything originated from an incomprehensible mystery.

Most importantly, the Saint-Creating God King's divine power of space and time endowed him with keen spatial and temporal senses, but here, he only felt disorder, chaos, fracture, and separation.

The next moment, Kang De's expression changed drastically.

Because he can no longer perceive the spatial anchor points left on the ground.

The coordinates and locations of the White Mist World are elusive and mysterious.

In this chaotic dimensional realm, he was no longer able to open the door.

Kang De turned and looked around. In the dark distance, the Stellaris shone brightly. The unknown territory, the road ahead, the unseen end, everything was utterly unfamiliar. Everything had left him behind.

Just like at the beginning.

He stared blankly around, circling again and again. His face was expressionless, his eyes calm, his body stiff. He didn't speak, his expression didn't change, his eyes didn't shift—he did nothing.

With a deafening roar, Cuixisi landed on another spot.

The Aberrant Dragon gazed at this unknown realm shimmering in the starry sky, first astonished, then overjoyed. "Here! Here! Could this be the Chamber of Ascension? Is this the divine realm the Dragon God promised me?!"

Then, his cheers turned to shock and rage. "Wait! Why didn't I hear Akatum's decree! Why has the River of Origin vanished? Where is this place? Why didn't the Holy Dragon come to guide me? Why didn't my god appear before me? Where is this place?!"

Kang De turned to look at him, his expression blank.

Cuixisi roared, spewing venom from her gaping maw, her four wings outstretched and tentacles waving. "Kang De! Are you playing a trick on me?! Where am I?"

Light blades extended from his arms, and the swarm of insects coalesced into sharp razor blades.

The visor closed.

A dazzling purple light shone in Kang De's eyes.

The sound was distorted with a calmness.

"The place where he died."

He dashed forward, leaping and spinning, his blade flashing with light as he slashed down in a furious attack.

Danfeng Lucerne.

Maple Leaf Palace, the audience hall.

"For centuries, Goth ruled this nation, Teldrassil's sword never fell upon its own people. The descendants of the Seven Heroes ruled this land with morality and wisdom, but you wielded a bloodthirsty blade, slaughtering innocent people with violence and terror. You have destroyed the glory of your ancestors!"

The harsh criticism was directed at the delicate flowers.

In the audience hall, a dense crowd of people gathered, including nobles in their rich robes, spellcasters with aloof postures, soldiers in armor, and well-dressed civil officials. All classes, factions, and leaders of the Goth political arena were present, and all eyes were fixed on that beautiful figure.

Goth's little princess, the beautiful jewel, Tina-Taidariel, before today, was known as a beautiful, dignified, delicate and precious princess. Her legendary experiences included her voluntary mission to the empire, the hardships she endured, and her legendary love story with Kang De.

But now, they are shocked and incredulous.

The massacres, repressions, and bloodshed that shook Danfeng Lucerne were all orchestrated by this seemingly fragile princess.

People's gaze shifted from Princess Tina's calm yet icy beauty to what she held in her right hand. The stunningly beautiful Goth princess had silently set a record—she was probably the first Goth, and perhaps the first in the world, to attend a national political center carrying an axe.

Today, she stands here, facing a torrent of accusations, criticisms, and crowds.

The bloody crackdown only temporarily deterred the restless dark forces. Tina's iron-fisted and decisive crackdown made opportunists and conspirators wary, and they saw it as Tina having something to rely on... In any case, Kang De, who wielded the power of deterrence, remained a sword hanging over everyone's heads.

But this does not mean that the probing and intrigue will end.

After all, whether he has something to rely on or is just bluffing, it will eventually come to light through testing.

As for what to use to probe?

The world is never short of self-righteous fools and those who consider themselves pawns of the players.

A gentle push is all it takes to create ripples.

Just like the young official who is speaking passionately and raging here right now.

Born into poverty, he was selected for his magical talent and served as an apprentice for a period of time. Due to limited talent, he gave up the path of Arcane and relied on the knowledge he gained and the broadened horizons he acquired during his apprenticeship to enter politics. He passed the bar exam, became a civil servant, and climbed the ranks step by step.

Ambitious but lacking connections, he enjoys gambling.

He declared proudly, "This is a betrayal of the ancestors of Teldrassil, a disregard for the pioneering spirit and Goth's tradition! Most importantly, Princess Tina, why did you...?"

Before he could finish speaking, Tina coldly said, "Therefore, for hundreds of years, Germany has weakened, it has lost its glory and honor, and it has been invaded and bullied by foreign enemies. As a result, opportunists and selfish people can hedge their bets, while true patriots have sacrificed themselves heroically. This behavior must stop. The blood and screams of traitors will deter those with ill intentions... In this special moment, all means are permitted!"

Does it include killing innocent people? Does it include killing those who speak out for the future of this country?

The young official stepped forward and shouted sternly, "Then kill me too! Let my blood awaken the numb people, let them see what is right and what is wrong!"

Tina watched his performance silently, then shook her head. "I won't kill you."

A glint of delight flashed in the other person's eyes; they wanted to continue their provocation.

But then, Tina continued, "You may think you've made the right bet. You're here cursing me, accusing us, trying to gain political capital for yourself, to fight for your master. You think I wouldn't dare kill you because all the nobles, generals, gentlemen, and lords are here watching. If I ordered your execution in front of them, it would surely provoke their opposition and resentment... So you act with impunity."

Right?

Without hesitation, the man said, "This is the most shameless accusation, I..."

"--But you're wrong. The reason I'm not killing you here isn't because I'm afraid, but because killing you now would be too easy on you." Tina's gaze shifted from his face to everyone else's, as if recalling memories. "I want to wait for Kang De to return, wait for Kang De to return with victory and spoils, wait for your master behind the scenes, even the Council, the elves, the empire, all the conspirators, to fall silent, wait for you disgusting dogs to lose your protection and promises, and cower in endless fear and regret..."

Her gaze returned to the other person's face. "I'll take everything away from you, and let you die screaming in agony."

The official's expression suddenly changed.

Even many people's expressions changed.

Because Tina was clearly implying something.

Moreover, they make no attempt to hide it.

For a moment, they didn't even know what to say.

After a moment, a spellcaster coughed softly. "Your Highness Tina, President Aoshileiyin asked me to convey his views. The Royal Law Society Teldrassil's recent actions..."

Tina turned her gaze back. "I have already explained the specifics in the open letter. I urge the spellcasters of Goth to understand the meaning of 'homeland.' With your wisdom and vision, can't you see who has instigated the current chaos in Goth? Weren't you all Goth People before you became members of the Arcane Council?"

Before the monk could answer, another nobleman shouted, "What right do you have to question this? Before you became the fiancée of the Cathayan, weren't you Goth People? Now you're just protecting your Cathay lover! You're even willing to betray the interests of your own country and slaughter your compatriots!"

"Hong San!" Tina shouted sharply, "Write down his name!"

Hong San, who had made a name for himself in Danfeng Lucerne because of the visually stunning executions by firing squad and cannons over the past two days, stepped forward, his gaze sweeping across the crowd and over the speaker's face.

"Yes, Mistress," he said. "The Richter Family's illegitimate son has been noted."

"Your Highness Tina! Don't you think this behavior is going too far!"

"Is this going too far? Are you all now distancing Kang De from this country? Why didn't you call him an outsider when he joined the Goth-Moon War? Why didn't you call him an outsider when he annihilated five elven legions in Valentan? Why didn't you call him an outsider when he rushed to the aid of Danfeng Lucerne and repelled the expeditionary force?"

Tina roared, "He is still fighting for Goth's interests, yet you retreat out of fear. You fear the pressure from the nations, the pressure from the Arcane Council, but are you not afraid of Kang De? The elves had to send hundreds of thousands of troops across the sea to destroy Goth, while Kang De only needed a Forbidden Spell to raze Danfeng Lucerne to the ground—and you are not afraid of him?!"

"But he was clearly doing it for himself..."

"--He's not! And besides, are you speaking for the sake of this country?"

You messed things up--

"I will have these words engraved on your and your family's tombstones!"

"You should think about yourself! A few months ago you borrowed money from the great nobles and merchants of the empire, promising them huge interest rates, and now they're already demanding immediate repayment!"

The commotion started as a few people making noise, but the chaotic environment later spurred more people with ulterior motives to join in.

They were all terrified by the brutality of the Goth-Moon War, but this time it was not an attack by a foreign race, but a targeted war. There was room for negotiation, compromise, and even being won over, and there were also benefits to be gained.

"The fleets of various nations are advancing on the Azure Waves Province, the Imperial army is making moves on the border, and the elven army within the country has not yet withdrawn. Goth faces an even greater crisis! Where is Kang De!?"

"Goth is our nation! Not a puppet of the Cathayan! The current situation is that we face hostility from the whole world, and Kang De is nowhere to be found!"

"Why block the news? Why monopolize that resource? Goth is a small country, we don't deserve this, and we don't want to fight anymore! Why not use this new resource to make friends with other countries and gain their protection?"

"This is Goth's land! This is Goth's resource! We have the right to decide how to use it, instead of conforming to Kang De's wishes and getting involved in a war with the whole world!"

"He saved us, and we are willing to repay him, but if his reward is to join him in fighting the whole world—then we refuse!"

"Why are you giving the order? Why is the Grand Duke's seal in your hands? Did you conspire with Kang De to assassinate His Excellency the Grand Duke? We demand immediate action..."

Standing behind Tina, the Sword Saint Cascading Snow gripped his sword hilt tightly. Landisidun, the second son of the Grand Duke and a member of the military, tried to speak several times, but was stopped by his younger sister's gaze.

Before this, Tina had instructed him not to speak out or take a stand unless it was absolutely necessary. Military power and violence were the last resort and guarantee, but also the line that people feared and dreaded the most. So he should never assert his position and make the wavering people realize this.

He could only silently watch as his once gentle and elegant younger sister fiercely retaliated against the torrent of accusations.

"I don't care if you're foolish or wicked, I don't care who made those promises to you, and I don't care who your new master is— Kang De isn't dead yet! You're right! Goth's country is small, so we have no choice! You dare not refuse the demands of other nations, but can you refuse Kang De's orders? The only hope for having the right to refuse is now! Be independent! Be self-reliant! Be strong!"

"This is the path I chose for Goth!"

Hysterical arguments, shouting, and yelling.

Reformer, patriot, compromiser, opportunist, coward.

People argue because of their positions, fears, and interests.

However, the saddest thing is that... even though a considerable number of people were not pawns bought and used by the various countries, they still did not agree with the path Tina had chosen.

Why fight wars?

Why did Goth want to monopolize that mysterious element?

Protected vassal states are safer, and their people can recuperate and thrive.

Goth believed that small countries should have the awareness of small countries.

Why follow Kang De and risk everything for wealth?

We're already rich!

The fierce argument and chaotic noise were finally ended with a loud bang. The side door was pushed open, and a majestic figure stepped into the audience hall. Grand Duke Reknos, dressed in full regalia, strode towards the throne under the silent, astonished gazes of the crowd, his hand on his sword, looking down with the air of a lion.

"... Grand Duke!"

Someone cried out, "Goth needs your guidance and salvation!"

Goth's ruler ignored this and stopped in front of Tina.

The flush on Tina's face, which had been rising with excitement and rage, gradually faded, leaving her pale.

"Tina..." Grand Duke Reknos said softly, "I'm sorry."

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PS1:... Damn, these past few days have been really tough writing, but it's almost finished.

PS2: Damn, it actually started with the Grewind Swarm, and not long after that, the locust plague in Africa exploded, it was terrifying! Luckily, it died in India, if it had flown to China... damn it! Thankfully, the next part of the story has a smaller-scale scene...

PS3: It was a fucking coincidence. When I was brainstorming ideas, I was thinking about what kind of Africa- style insect plague I could come up with. My first thought was scarab beetles, since it's Egypt. But then I realized scarab beetles are just dung beetles. If I wrote about that, you guys would definitely slander my reputation and say I'm doing that kind of thing again. So I thought of locust plagues. I thought, "I'll just write about it." And then... thinking about it now, I feel a little scared.