Touching a Sore Spot

And so, it ended.

If it were just A Xing suddenly appearing, given how obsessed Tina was at the time, she definitely wouldn't have stopped.

To take it even further, Princess Goth might even invite A Xing to engage in group sex.

However, A Xing not only appeared suddenly, but also pounded on the walls and roared in shock and anger. Even though it was just a single sound, it was still like a nuclear explosion in the tense and dangerous Maple Leaf Palace.

The palace guards reacted immediately, and the news was immediately communicated to the Grand Duke. At that time, the Grand Duke was in the audience hall with the nobles, listening to the messenger's report and asking questions. Upon learning of this, everyone was shocked—in this situation, if Kang De were to be assassinated at the Maple Leaf Palace, there was no point in discussing any countermeasures; everyone might as well go watch a meteor shower.

So a large group of people rushed over.

In this situation, even if Tina was really into it, she had no choice but to stop.

Even though she loved Kang De to the extreme and wished she could take ten pounds off Kang De overnight, Tina still lacked the courage to let her father and the noble ministers eavesdrop outside.

The pent-up pressure, love, and emotions erupted boldly, but at this moment, the shyness of a woman took over. A disheveled Tina hid in her bedroom, Kang De could only pretend nothing had happened and come outside to give a perfunctory response to the Goth People who had come upon hearing the news, telling them not to make a fuss.

Although the Grand Duke's expression was very unpleasant, and the other Goth nobles also had rather subtle expressions, they ultimately said nothing and did not pursue the matter further. After all, the two sides were still in an awkward state of mutual dislike, so it was better to reduce contact. So they slunk away.

They needed to go back and hear more about the details of the Battle of Distant Harbor.

As for what just happened?

Everyone knows what's going on.

After all, these people are at the top of the Goth pyramid. Some may be stupid, some may be bad, some may be all bark and no bite, but in any case, they are definitely not virgins.

As the crowd dispersed, Kang De was about to turn back when he suddenly saw a figure standing in the corner.

Hong San noticed his lord's gaze and said solemnly, "Your Highness's calculations are brilliant; it's exactly five hours."

--Go to hell with you.

Kang De rolled his eyes and pointed at him. "Understand?"

Hong San bowed and said, "Understood."

Inside the room.

Tina and A Xing sat facing each other, their eyes locked, and sparks seemed to fly in the air.

A Xing's eyes widened, she looked angry, and a slight blush lingered on her face. She seemed still reeling from the shocking scene. It was indeed stimulating; just thinking about it made her feel hot and even a little weak. She even imagined what it would be like if she were... by Kang De.

Thinking about it made her face turn even redder.

Tina, on the other hand, was much more composed. She smoothed out the wrinkles on her clothes and long skirt, and instead of changing, she put on a light gauze shawl. Facing A Xing's angry gaze, she inadvertently pulled the shawl open slightly, revealing a red mark on her neck and traces of saliva on her chest.

A Xing roared angrily, "You!"

Before he could finish speaking, the door opened and Kang De walked in.

The A Xing's angry, bared-toothed expression vanished instantly. He put his legs together, placed his hands on his knees, lowered his head slightly, and looked up, appearing like a docile, ingratiating child.

Tina leaned against the soft back of the sofa, her eyes sparkling with a hint of flirtatious charm as she glanced at him.

The allure in his eyes made Kang De's trousers twitch.

After all, in that brief moment, he was entangled in intimate moments with this stunning beauty. The fiery passion, the lingering fragrance of her lips and teeth, the touch, smell, taste, hearing, and sight—it was the ultimate sensory experience.

However...

Kang De sighed and turned his gaze to A Xing: "... Why are you here?"

A Xing puffed out his chest and said, "I ran here!"

"... I asked you why you ran over here."

After Kang De finished speaking, his expression changed, and he angrily said, "Did Horus send you, you bastard!"

A Xing blinked. "No... I came of my own accord."

The Fire Thief shook his head and said, "... I'll have you wait at Distant Harbor for a bit."

The Crimson Queen scoffed, "Waiting until you and the Big Goldie are done doing your naughty things?"

Kang De blushed, feeling a little guilty under the aggrieved gaze of the A Xing.

Clearly, A Xing is still A Xing. Although she has transformed into human form, she still retains her animal instincts. What are animal instincts? They are to take advantage of others, to be opportunistic, to relentlessly pursue when things are going well, and to whine and whimper when things are going against them. Seeing Kang De's guilty conscience, she immediately became more energetic.

She jumped up, rushed over, and grabbed Kang De's arm, tears streaming down her face. "Why did Kang De do this with her! Why won't he do it with me!?"

--Mainly, seeing your face immediately reminds me of your gorilla-like state, and then I laugh.

Kang De would certainly not say such a thing aloud.

But he did see the dissatisfaction, jealousy, and even panic in A Xing's eyes.

That kind of panic, the fear of losing something.

"I..." A Xing said, "I don't know what's wrong, but I just feel uncomfortable! Even very sad! Seeing Kang De and the Big Goldie like that just makes me unhappy! It shouldn't be like this, I don't want it to be like this, I clearly knew Kang De much earlier, even much, much earlier..."

Kang De's mind stirred.

He thought of Yasha.

It is almost certain that A Xing is Yasha, the last Light Bearer of the previous era. She and Kang De are entangled in multiple ways in terms of time and space, completing a perfect Paradox. She received images from the future in the past and passed on the information and mission to Kang De in the present.

After giving her a final hug, she vanished into the illusion of Space-Time Flashback.

Kang De didn't know what she experienced or encountered after completing her mission. He only knew that, countless years later, on the Holy Seal Archipelago, which was sealed by the gods, Kang De, stranded in another world, rescued a chimpanzee from danger in his loneliness and anguish.

It now appears that Yasha has indeed disappeared. After completing her final communication through A Xing's body, the will from the past has shattered, and the current A Xing is still A Xing... But it seems that Yasha's spirit and will still have some influence on her.

So, this guy was left behind in the Distant Harbor, probably because his beastly instincts, combined with the lingering influence of Yasha's will, sensed something was very wrong, and thus rushed back from the Distant Harbor?

Kang De was both amused and exasperated, then felt a sense of melancholy and bewilderment. His earlier passionate embrace with Tina, after being startled by A Xing, had calmed him considerably. But worries and anxieties resurfaced. A Xing before him, the old Yasha, Tina, and...

The A Xing looked at him with a pitiful expression. "Kang De..."

At this moment, Tina, who was sitting to the side, casually said, "Tch."

The pitiful little boy, looking utterly wronged, shook his head like a lion, baring his teeth like a vicious dog, and said, "What!?"

Battle Axe Princess leaned slightly, her cloak slipping down her right shoulder to reveal a breathtakingly beautiful glimpse. She cast a seductive glance at Kang De: "If you want it, just take it by force. What's the point of crying and playing the victim?"

"I... I..."

A Xing shouted, "What makes you so great! Stealing... fine, I'll steal it!"

After saying that, she mimicked Tina's expression, turning back with a smile that sparkled like water, "Kang De..."

"..."

Hiss.

Hold on, hold on, hold on.

Kang De took a deep breath, his facial muscles twitching erratically.

The time I spent together on the Holy Seal Archipelago was truly unforgettable.

But A Xing still noticed, and she said anxiously and angrily, "Kang De!"

Tina smiled and said, "Want to learn a few moves from me? Just promise me one thing..."

She seems to have returned to normal... no, even more so than before. Although the good thing they had earlier was interrupted by A Xing, it was still a historic breakthrough, which means that their intimate relationship is progressing rapidly.

A Xing shouted, "No way! You Big Goldie are so naughty!"

The princess rose gracefully, tossing her golden hair behind her, and walked slowly and elegantly towards Kang De: "Well... then I won't stand on ceremony."

"What do you want to do! I won't allow it!"

"Whee."

Just as something terrible was about to happen, there was a gentle knock on the door.

A calm and reliable voice rang out. "Your Highness, Hong San requests an audience."

Ah, this guy, he always seizes the moment so precisely, he's like Zhang Liang to me!

Kang De breathed a sigh of relief and called out, "Wait a moment!"

He saw Tina and A Xing still staring at each other, and called out again, "What's wrong?"

Hong San, standing outside the door, immediately understood and said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, I have conveyed Your Highness's request to the envoys of the Empire and the Council, demanding that they provide as quickly as possible a list of Goth nobles and lackeys colluding with foreign forces, including a complete and accurate list of spies from both countries who are inciting rumors in Danfeng Lucerne, and Distant Harbor. This is one of the prerequisites for all subsequent negotiations—that's what I said."

Reliable retainers, advisors, and strategists reported in a wise and composed tone.

"They have all agreed to promptly relay this request back home."

"I have already exerted appropriate pressure and given indications regarding the conclusion of the Battle of Distant Harbor, the subsequent prisoner transfer and ransom, medical care and lodging, the handling of warships, and even the Paradox Element issues..."

Hong San's detailed yet concise report was calculated and deliberate.

At least Tina, who was just Dou Qi with the A Xing, has gradually shifted her attention.

The Cathayan then reported, "These are all the matters I need to report, but I still dare to come here to humbly request Your Highness's guidance. Although we have won the Battle of Distant Harbor, the negotiations after the victory will be the most crucial factor in determining our gains. Furthermore, after today's events, we and the Goth nobles have entered a de facto state of hostility. Many matters, subsequent strategies, and so on, all require Your Highness's guidance..."

At this point, Hong San paused for a moment.

Then, speaking through the door, he said, "After the great battle, Your Highness needs quiet rest. I will take my leave now. However, the matters mentioned above still require Your Highness's careful attention and concern. As for the Distant Harbor, Your Highness also needs to return as soon as possible to take charge of the situation, since the Dragon Clan army suffered the heaviest casualties, and the reaction of Dragon Island still needs to be monitored..."

--Wait, what are you going to do?

Exit?

You...

Kang De felt a surge of anxiety, but at that moment, Tina beside him had already gathered her shawl to cover the red marks on her jade-like neck and the skin on her chest, and gave Kang De a small, disdainful look.

Those soft, sweet lips parted, silently saying, "So naughty."

Then the princess raised her voice and said, "No wise monarch would shut out his most capable advisors and ministers because of his infatuation with women. I don't want to become the 'femme fatale' described in the history books of Cathay. Mr. Hong, please come in and talk. National affairs always come first."

These words, spoken with the self-assurance of the hostess, were poised, reasonable, and insightful.

Although A Xing couldn't possibly utter such words even if she racked her brains, it didn't stop her from instinctively sensing Tina's provocation. After a couple of stammers, she cried out, "I... me too!"

"..."

Where did you come from Yide?

Hong San said "Excuse me" and pushed open the door to enter.

Logically, he should have complimented Tina at this moment, praising her for being sensible and understanding. But this guy was incredibly shrewd; with the Crimson Queen standing right there, he would have been better off praising Tina than doing so.

Hong San kept his eyes straight ahead, bowed, and said, "Your Highness."

"Mr. Hong, please have a seat."

Tina chuckled softly, then took Kang De's arm and turned to look at him. "Even though it's a matter of national importance, can I still listen? After all, what Kang De wants is someone to walk alongside him, right?"

Not to be outdone, A Xing hugged the other side. "I... I want to hear too!"

One on the left, one on the right, transforms Kang De into Cloud.

Seeing this scene, Hong San still smiled, but suddenly recalled a conversation he had with the eldest son, Horus. He had to admit that, at this moment, seeing this scene, he did feel that the alchemical artifact called a camera might indeed have some use.

And so the strange negotiations began.

Hong San sat alone in a chair.

Opposite them was a long sofa, with Kang De in the middle and the two hostesses on either side.

Hong San suppressed a laugh, trying his best to appear calm.

However, once the topic was discussed, Tina set aside her jealousy and participated in the discussion with her wisdom and insights. It is no exaggeration to say that today's talks determined the future of Goth's country.

It even determines the future direction of the international situation.

"The struggles of the Mortal World, whether between individuals, organizations, or even nations, ultimately boil down to nothing more than coercion and inducement."

Hong San said, "With Your Highness's return, the Sword of Deterrence has been raised once more, and a powerful naval force capable of changing the existing naval warfare system has emerged. The word 'coercion' has already been achieved."

"However, even with the deterrent effect of Forbidden Spell and the intimidation of warships, the Empire, Twilight Moon, and even the Council still hold an overwhelming advantage in terms of overall national strength compared to Goth. The fact that our lord can maintain this deterrent is due to unorthodox methods rather than overwhelming force, so it cannot make the other nations completely respect and submit."

Therefore, in addition to coercion, there must be enticement.

"Goth is now surrounded by enemies, but ultimately, he has only three major enemies: the Dusk Moon Dynasty, the Holy Empire, and the Arcane Council."

"The relationship between these three is not harmonious, nor are they subordinate to each other. They are wary and competitive in various fields. However, if external pressure or temptation leads them to set aside their prejudices and choose to join forces, the threat would be enormous, almost equivalent to half the world uniting. If their will is consistent and unified, it would be enough to counter the destructive threat posed by forbidden Forbidden Spell and giant ships..."

"And now, they do have reason to unite."

"The Battle of Distant Harbor, the new deterrent Your Highness has displayed, your potential retaliatory actions, the shared fate of the fleets of all nations being captured, including the powerful Paradox Element and its potentially enormous strategic prospects—all of this is enough to make the defeated monarchs of the three nations consider the possibility of an alliance."

"Therefore, the next key diplomatic point is to use incentives to completely destroy any possibility of their alliance."

Kang De nodded repeatedly.

Things must be done step by step, whether it's internal cleanup or external threats.

However, a long-term plan and consideration are necessary.

For example, the resettlement of prisoners of war from various countries, the negotiations with envoys from various countries, and even the issue of extortion through covert bargaining, all must be carried out in accordance with this consideration and plan—if one wants to break the alliance of the three countries by offering incentives, one must certainly treat them differently in negotiations and in handling the situation.

In other words, the strategy is to win over one country, causing a potential alliance to crumble and making the other two countries anxious.

Which country should we court...? Wait a minute!

Kang De's heart skipped a beat, but he said nonchalantly, "Well, I think we should make initial contact first before making any further decisions. The three kingdoms need time to process this defeat. We still have enough time; we should first sweep away the internal rebellion within Goth with overwhelming force..."

Tina spoke softly, "It's alright, we're just discussing it now, it's fine to discuss it. So, Mr. Hong, in your opinion, how should we use incentives to divide and weaken the potential alliance of the three countries—in other words, which country should we try to win over and win over?"

"..."

Oh my god, you cunning strategist! There are a dozen kettles on the stove, and instead of picking them up, you went and picked up the one that's currently undergoing nuclear fusion!

In an instant, the Dragon of Cathay's gaze became distant and profound, silently reminding the young strategist to think of Xun Yu, Xun You, and Xu You.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Hong San's eyes.

Heaven help him, he was just stating the facts, but...

"Your Highness, it's beneficial for everyone."

With his mind racing, Hong San lowered his head and said, "The Empire and Goth share a continuous border. The Empire's capital is built on the coast, so your intimidation will be effective. Moreover, once war breaks out, the Empire will be the first to bear the brunt."

"At this moment, the Emperor must want to repair relations with His Highness. Moreover, as fellow human nations, they are naturally closer. After the alliance, the abundant resources of the Empire's vast territory will be at His Highness's disposal, and Goth will no longer need to worry about the threat from the east. This is a powerful support."

"The advantages of the Arcane Council are self-evident. Its profound heritage, highly skilled personnel, and magical technology are exactly what we need. In addition, the Council's developed maritime trade and numerous subordinate city-states can provide extremely important resource output. Furthermore, if Council, we can also use this opportunity to repair our relationship with the spellcasters of Goth, who could have been our allies rather than our enemies."

As for Twilight Moon...

The Cathayan remained calm. "This can greatly ease the tensions caused by the previous war. Furthermore, the Elven dominance over the world, combined with the strength of the Elven forces, will keep the Empire and the Council a state of constant fear. Moreover, the Elven possess both the Empire's abundant resources and the Council's magical advantages, along with numerous subordinate states that can provide a large pool of manpower. It can even deter the villains within Goth, since they've already been terrified of the Elves..."

Well said, well said!

Kang De cast an approving glance his way.

He was about to reject the proposal with the stern statement, "Those who are not of our kind must have different hearts."

Then Tina said, "Besides, Kang De maintains a friendly personal relationship with the Elven royal family. During the Battle of Distant Harbor, the Elven fleet deterred the Empire Fleet that was about to attack, protecting the safety of Distant Harbor to some extent. The Twilight Moon Fleet also suffered the least damage. This is an excellent starting point for improving relations. We can start from here and send a signal of peace."

"We could even restore communication and exchange with Cathay through the elves' channels..."

"..."

Oh my god, the kettle jumped up by itself! And it knocked over the other kettle too!

Kang De's expression stiffened.

Tina turned her head, her smile as gentle as a spring breeze, "Kang De, let's choose Twilight Moon."

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: I've said it so many times, but it's still so damn strange, why is it so easy to write about men...?