Kang De's Revenge

Throughout the entire dinner, Kang De maintained a smile.

Whether it was a follow-up exercise in a small meeting or a greeting at a banquet, he always made every guest feel flattered with his approachable and warm smile.

This dinner, though not large in scale, was destined to be one of the most unforgettable and delicious meals for its guests, and it concluded with a blessing from Kang De.

Soldiers, businessmen, nobles, scholars, and socialites from all walks of life, holding crystal-clear goblets filled with exquisitely flavored milk teas like U.Loveit Milk Tea, Sprite, and Wahaha AD Calcium Milk, among other high-end beverages, stood together, some elegant and others beautiful, their faces displaying reserved and graceful smiles. Some even had remnants of Orion tea on their lips as they watched the benevolent and wealthy Prince Kang De ascend the high platform.

"I hope you have all had your fill tonight, and I hope you are not yet satisfied, for in the not-too-distant future, another, even grander banquet will be held."

"I promise you all, that will be an even more unforgettable day."

"I promise you all, the delicacies of that time will be even more delicious than those of today."

Upon hearing this, even though they had already eaten enough that day, and even the ladies of leisure loosened their waistbands slightly so they could at least taste a little of each dish, people still couldn't help but show expressions of anticipation.

When it comes to food, their happiness threshold remains very low.

What could be even more delicious...?

"Because--"

People heard Kang De's voice and saw him raise his glass high, his smile growing ever brighter.

"For the enemy's fear and despair are sweet as honey! Their cries and screams of utter ruin are like heavenly music! Another victory will add luster to the new feast. Go home, everyone, eat and drink well, do the right thing, stand in the right place, and hopefully we can meet again in the near future—"

The Earthlings poured out their cups, and the real wine, crimson like blood, spilled onto the ground.

The people from other worlds may not know about this ritual; it's a ritual for those who can't drink it to do so.

Alternatively, let them drink it beforehand.

Kang De shouted, "Drink!"

It was then that the guests remembered something.

It's actually a bit cold tonight.

Since the host had announced the end of the event, the guests were to leave obediently. All the servants at the Sound of the Tide Manor had been dismissed and laid off, leaving the huge villa unattended, let alone having a butler. However, Colonel Henry Baker volunteered to take on the important task of seeing them off.

Even Master Niola, who maintained the arrogance of a world-class naval officer, and Kavisalong, put aside their airs, walking around, directing the soldiers to do things, or nodding goodbye to departing guests—they instinctively wanted to find something to do.

Or, to put it another way, to prove to Kang De that he was trying to find something to do.

The sky above Sound of the Tide Manor and throughout the city was illuminated by the spellcasters' long-lasting flares, lighting the way for departing guests. From the city, stars seemed to hang low over the earth from the very beginning of the Sound of the Tide Manor.

But every departing guest, while feeling a blissful fullness and endless aftertaste, still felt a chill that seeped into their bones. The fulfilling dinner, overflowing with happiness and sweetness, ended with a murderous closing remark. This Forbidden Spell, who was trying to control the Distant Harbor, not only displayed his immense wealth but also reminded his guests not to forget the knife in his hand and the blood on it.

So...

Who is the enemy?

On the third floor of the manor, Kang De stood on the balcony, listening to the distant Sound of the Tide crashing against the cliffs.

Well-mannered, respectable, and educated junior officers selected from the fleets of the three nations serve as attendants, cleaning up the mess under the command of their superiors and Horus.

As noble naval officers, they were forced to do the work of servants, but none of them felt ashamed; on the contrary, they were quite happy because His Highness had promised that the leftovers from the banquet would be theirs.

These respectable and proud naval officers, upon graduating from their respective military academies, probably never imagined that one day they would be overjoyed to receive some leftovers.

--Screw it, I think just two pockets full of candy would be enough to buy a house back in my hometown!

--Damn, it smells so good.

Horus was directing the cleaning work. Under his father's influence and instructions, the Transformers had become very cunning. Among the officers present, those who caught his eye or those he analyzed to have a high chance of switching sides had all received Horus's whispered instructions. For example, which candies were easy to preserve and which items should not be taken. If they were extremely rare talents, they would hear the devil's whispers in their ears.

"Distribute the candy and food you've collected to your subordinates who aren't present; I'll give you a list," Lord Horus said. "Father will send you some well-packaged items that will keep for a long time."

--Of course, the packaging paper undergoes precise and rapid flame treatment.

Some temptations you think you can overcome are simply because you haven't experienced them.

Kang De observed all of this in silence.

The Dragon Girl quietly approached him.

"Feeling better?" she asked. "I only saw you show similar anger and murderous intent when A Xing fell into the River of Origin —they were all terrified by you."

Kang De lowered his eyes. "It just reminded me of an enemy."

"Alive or dead?"

"Dead."

"You killed him?"

"Right."

"Then why are you so angry?"

"Taking revenge doesn't mean you won't be angry anymore," Kang De said coldly. "I wish he could be reborn a hundred times over."

Lily said softly, "Oh, that's really..."

She gazed at Kang De's profile.

That must be from the story of Glittering Sand.

The Battle of Valentan shocked the world, propelling Kang De to the center of the world stage. From the Aerial Battle of Danfeng Lucerne to the Battle of Distant Harbor, the Cathayan, achieved victory after victory, while their enemies were all the world's powerful hegemons, yet they still managed to win head-on.

Such a muscular man is a rare find, perhaps only once every eight hundred years.

Therefore, the priority and importance attached to intelligence regarding Kang De increased rapidly in a short period of time, making it a top priority that the leaders of various forces were constantly monitoring and investigating.

But his life was a blank, and his first official appearance was in the Glittering Sand Territory of the empire.

This part of his life after meeting Princess Tina was investigated repeatedly. Now, the dilapidated Glittering Sand Town is full of life because spies, demon hunters, bounty hunters, adventurers and mercenaries from all countries and forces have settled there. Their large numbers have driven the local economic recovery. These spies searched everywhere for survivors and asked for information repeatedly. From the mounds of corpses to the tire tracks on the ground, everything was recorded and filed, resulting in a mountain of intelligence.

But so far, they only know the general outline of the events.

The Good Family betrayed their generations-long friendship with Teldrassil and ruthlessly attacked the Goth delegation, killing the entire delegation except for Princess Tina escaped using the Eternal Tranquility's Protection. Meanwhile, Kang De, who encountered them at sea, became a vengeful spirit, igniting a raging fire that turned Glittering Sand Territory into a hellish place.

But the most crucial question, and the one that the monarchs and leaders of various powers most want to know, remains shrouded in mystery.

That is, how did the Cathayan, who were obviously extremely weak at the time and even had to flee in panic due to the betrayal and ambush of the Good Family, suddenly acquire the terrifying destructive power and cruel methods to wipe out the entire military force of a viscountry overnight, and even learn Forbidden Spell when they arrived in Valentan?

This abnormally rapid pace of advancement instilled a terrifying sense of unease in the monarchs.

Therefore, they were eager to know the answer.

Now, Lily realizes that she has vaguely grasped something crucial.

She said softly, "Is it... a little beggar?"

Kang De remained silent.

That's it.

Who could have imagined that the person who transformed Kang De from an Eastern visitor who was chased and fled in disarray by a group of lowly peasants wielding pitchforks in just a few months into the ruthless and decisive Dragon of Cathay of China, capable of slaughtering hundreds of thousands of elven armies without hesitation, was actually a beggar as lowly as an ant?

This is the truth hidden beneath the dust of history, but the Dragon Girl felt no joy because of it.

She simply gazed calmly at Kang De.

Beneath the other person's silent exterior lay an overwhelming surge of sorrow and anger.

In fact, the spies had done a very good job of gathering intelligence.

Having read all of Kang De's intelligence from the Dragon Emperor, the Dragon Girl also knew that, according to eyewitnesses that night, Kang De had broken through the encirclement alongside another Goth knight, desperately escaping amidst a group of commoners and serfs incited by the wanted poster—but only Kang De returned to seek revenge.

That knight was Goth's son, Cleveland.

Considering Kang De's patience and concessions to former Prime Minister Goth in Danfeng Lucerne, the truth is already very clear.

"He must be very happy to see you today."

The Dragon Girl's voice broke the silence of the night.

Kang De turned his head, his gaze as calm as the sea, so calm it was frightening.

Lily ignored it.

Gazing at the moonlight outside, she whispered, "You know, throughout history, the attitudes of kings and lords towards beggars have been—it doesn't matter if they starve to death, as long as they're not in the way. Let them wallow in the mud, die, and rot as they please. But sometimes, they will also adopt these orphans without parents."

At this point, the Dragon Girl revealed a mocking smile.

"They are fed and clothed, but they are also trained with medicine and secret methods. They are made to fight beasts and each other. They are taught the art of killing and the concept of loyalty. Many of them will die or be crippled. The former are discarded without a second thought, not even worth the effort of digging a grave. The latter are killed outright because they have no further use."

"Those who truly survive become death squads; their sole purpose is to die for their master, whether it's to assassinate him or to shield him from assassination. That is the entire meaning of their lives."

Lily turned back and looked at Kang De.

"You hate that little beggar, you hate him so much."

"Hearing about the orphans in the Distant Harbor today reminded you of the past, awakening the rage and hatred within you. Yet, you didn't vent your murderous intent on these orphans, nor did you choose to train them into merciless assassins who only obey your orders. Instead, you changed their lives, reshaped their personalities, taught them skills, and gave them a second chance..."

"You want all the beggars in the world to no longer be like that ant."

"Impressive! As a dragon, I must express my respect to you."

"You have accomplished something that none of the world's rulers could do."

Your friends will surely be happy about this too.

Tonight, or rather right now, Lily's tone is very gentle, just like the moonlight tonight.

Kang De broke his silence.

"No, you're wrong. I'm just seeking revenge."

"Because it was filled with a furious and violent hatred for its dead enemy, I made sure that no one like it would ever be like it again, and that all little beggars like it would have a better life. In the end, it was the only one left, like trash, twisted and lowly as a maggot or dust, getting nothing... If it had any knowledge after death, it would surely be filled with envy, twisted hatred, fury, resentment, and jealousy. If that were the case, I would be very happy."

His tone was heavy as a mountain, each word seemingly etched with pain.

Even so, your friend will be very happy.

Lily said softly, "If he knew, he'd probably shake his head helplessly, saying, 'I just can't do anything with this guy,' but then he'd also say, 'Well done...' That's probably the kind of person he is."

Kang De fell silent again, gazing at the dark ocean tides in the distance.

His gaze was calm, as if he were reminiscing about a long time ago.

I don't know how much time passed, or what I was thinking.

Then...

"... Meow."

He seemed to be hallucinating; the voice was soft yet slightly stiff, but extremely familiar and pleasant to hear. Kang De blinked, instinctively turning his head, still not understanding what was happening.

Under the moonlight, a slight blush rose on the Dragon Girl's fair face.

"What are you looking at?"

Her voice turned cold. "Since you solved one of my puzzles tonight, and your method suited my taste, this time it's free! A full 0.1% of the shares! You've made so much money for free! So cheer up! Next time you'll be charging!"

Then Lily turned and strode away.

Kang De snapped out of his reverie and exclaimed, "I didn't hear you!"

"What's it to me!"

The hurried sounds were followed by the loud slam of the door.

Kang De paused for a moment, then leaned against the railing and slowly smiled.

However...

"I got the picture."

If a daughter is a father's warm, comforting coat, then the Iron Son is Kang De's protective armor. Horus's voice is rigid and indifferent, yet it exudes a reliable, leader-like demeanor.

"Lily's expressions, demeanor, appearance, and voice when she meowed at you—that amazing charm—have all been captured by my ultra-high-definition camera."

Kang De snapped his fingers, "As expected of you! Come on! Let me see!"

"So..."

Horus's voice was reliable and faithful. "Father, what do you intend to exchange for it?"

Kang De retorted angrily, "You unfilial son! You even stole Earth's internet to download things! Have you seen what those good people have made you pay for? I'm your father, and I have to pay you for this?"

"No, Father, you are wrong."

The close-fitting power armor transformed into an Iron Maiden.

Horus said, "It's not about what you're willing to use to exchange for seeing this, but what you're willing to use to exchange for Princess Tina, A Xing, and even Miss Wang Xiaoman not being able to see this."

"You fucking do it again--"

The next day.

Kang De exuded a low-pressure atmosphere.

What a disgrace! To be forced to sign a shameful treaty with a rebellious son.

--Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration.

After all, the black material in Horus's hands is like the Forbidden Spell in Kang De's hands; it cannot be used casually. Deterrence can only maintain its maximum deterrent effect before it occurs; once it is used, it will lead to mutual destruction. Horus has been with Kang De for so long, and he understands this principle.

He was simply taking the opportunity to express his dissatisfaction.

And they made demands.

In short, Horus disliked a particular part of his current job.

He was forced to transform from the sharpest dagger behind his father's back into a customer service representative for hundreds and thousands of idiots.

The Transformers had to collect statistics, build files, analyze plans, create charts, and also find time to complete the weapon design given to them by their father, conduct numerous experiments, and spend their days and nights with hundreds of soldiers equipped with bracelets. Even mechanical life forms, which are incomprehensible to Earth, couldn't withstand so many threads working simultaneously. This heavy workload made the Transformers feel exhausted on a spiritual level.

His protest was that Kang De needed to find a replacement in the near future.

To take on all the boring work for him.

After all, the more ordinary people he met, the more he liked his father. These Mortal World lives were shallow, ignorant, and foolish; how could they compare to his creator, who was full of endless flaws and possibilities?

As for Kang De's question, "Where can I find an artificial intelligence that can replace you?"...

"Father, this is a problem for you to consider, not for me. I am still young, I don't understand anything, and I am still a useless mechanical life form. What I can solve, you can also solve. What I cannot solve, such as the Aberrant Dragon and the Paradox Element, Father can solve single-handedly..."

--Clearly, Horus was deeply, extremely, and intensely dissatisfied with Kang De's order to leave with Lily in the underworld. He was the kind of person who wanted to show Wang Xiaoman all the photos and videos of the women his father had flirted with in the other world.

Kang De could only humiliatingly agree to his unfilial son's conditions.

As for the timeframe, Horus was understanding and agreed to give Kang De some leeway, but his father had to get it done as soon as possible, otherwise...

"Otherwise, Princess Tina and Miss A Xing would have seen the world's first family documentary."

Yesterday, the imperialists reopened old wounds, and then Kang De was betrayed by his rebellious son. It's only natural for Kant, with his petty mind, to take his anger out on others—no, not take his anger out on others, but rather to seek accountability.

Look, these little beggars, orphaned and uncared for, have turned into scum. Whose responsibility is it? The responsibility of the nobles, the responsibility of the officials, so it must be the responsibility of those reactionaries.

Look, why did Horus betray me? Because he was always at 24247. Why was he so busy? It's because those reactionaries wanted to oppose me, so it must also be their responsibility.

Kill them, kill them ruthlessly, bit by bit, kill them.

While eating breakfast, Kang De looked at the Dragon Girl across from him, and his mood improved a little.

A smile finally appeared on his face.

Lily glared at him. "What are you looking at?"

I just thought your meow last night sounded really good, so I made a funny edit of it.

Of course, such a stun grenade cannot be used casually.

Not long after, Han Zezheng to visit.

The Cathay merchant, who had sided with Kang De, done some things for Kang De, and reaped the initial benefits yesterday, was now more humble, but somewhat worried.

"Your Highness..."

He said in a deep voice, "I've noticed something ominous. The food supply to the Distant Harbor may be in trouble."

Lily put down the ice cream waffle she was holding.

Kang De, his expression unchanged, added a little pickled vegetable to his porridge, "Why do you say that?"

"I thought about it all night. If they insist on being your enemy, or at least want to reach a relatively tolerant agreement with you, then you must demonstrate your strength. Yesterday you won the hearts of the people and made them trust you. You conquered them with delicious food, so the means of retaliation... will also be food."

Han Zezheng said, "After I figured this out, I immediately arranged for people to stake out the grain stores, city gates, and river transport docks overnight to observe the grain being transported into the city this morning..."

He took out several sheets of paper from his sleeve and respectfully handed them to Kang De.

Written in the Zhendan Language.

Kang De's favorability rating increased by three points.

They even used the statistical table that Kang De presented at yesterday's meeting.

Although it was very clumsy.

My favorability rating has increased by five points.

"This drawing was done by my son," Han Zezheng said softly. "I have already severely punished him, and he has admitted his guilt, after all, he misused His Highness's clever techniques..."

Kang De waved his hand, and Old Han immediately shut his mouth.

He glanced at it a few times and said, "Hmm, if I'm not mistaken, the price of grain is going to go up a bit today?"

"Right."

Han Zezheng a low voice, "Price increases should be gradual, accompanied by rumors of panic buying to trigger a buying frenzy, then prices can be raised further, causing even greater panic..."

Kang De smiled.

He went straight to the point. "Let me test you. Go on, what do you think will happen next, and what should you do?"

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Update... I was planning to watch the PS5 launch event, but never mind, I'll watch the recording tomorrow.