Overwhelming Force!

The wheat fields roared as they fell from the sky.

Like a waterfall cascading from the kingdom of the god of abundance, it shimmered with golden light in the sunlight, as if the whole city was filled with the scent of wheat.

That was life, that was hope, that was a blessing, that was an unprecedented miracle.

Everyone, each with their own agenda, remained where they were.

Because the seemingly endless waves of wheat cascaded down from the river mouth of the sky, flowing ceaselessly as if without end, they stood there, forgetting their purpose in coming out, forgetting the courage they had mustered, even forgetting their anger and hunger. Everyone stood there dumbfounded, staring blankly...

At the Sound of the Tide Manor, Dragon Girl watched the cascading waves of wheat from her window and clicked her tongue in amazement.

Yet my heart was filled with turmoil.

Although it was anticipated that Kang De might have a solution to the food problem...

But no one expected such a violent and shocking scene.

It was smashed in the face of all opponents and skeptics in the most primitive yet powerful way.

If she understood Earth's culture, she might have some kind of reflection.

--Kang De was a man of many things to do.

She looked at the equally stunned people in the conference room.

"Let's do it."

The plan was carefully laid out before action was taken; everything was in place.

The crowds of commoners who had come to the street, preparing to cry and beg His Highness for mercy near the Sound of the Tide Manor, were looking up blankly when they suddenly heard a dragon's roar coming from the direction of the manor.

Amidst the shimmering light, eight colossal dragons flapped their wings against the wind, their perfect forms symbolizing the strongest race in the world soaring through the sky. They swept overhead, while below, horns, Modi, and trumpets resounded in succession—the war cries of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, the Arcane Council, and the Holy Empire!

Black robes billowed out, layer upon layer, like a giant black wave, as the Suppressors of Rebellion swarmed out of their temporary camp near the Sound of the Tide Manor and spread throughout the city.

The people who came onto the street were instantly surrounded. A buzzing sound filled the sky as white magical devices floated in the air, their massive black eyes fixed on the panicked and terrified crowd. A powerful, awe-inspiring voice boomed. "All citizens of Distant Harbor, stop where you are, submit to inspection, show your identification, and be wary of the unfamiliar faces around you. There are malicious villains mingling among you!"

"Stand still!"

"Stand still!"

The Suppressors of Rebellion, wielding greatswords and shields, roughly parted the crowd, and following Lord Horus's instructions, dragged out those who looked panicked. Some waved iron plaques, shouting, "I have identification! I have identification! Forgive me! I know nothing!"

A drone landed nearby, its camera zooming in.

The Transformers's voice carried a hint of coldness. "The owner of this identification is Solachia, of medium build, with a short beard, and lives on Second Street in the dock area—does anyone know him?"

Suddenly, a cry of surprise rang out from the crowd, "He's not!"

"Arrest them!" Horus shouted. "Stone Fist Squad, locate Solachia Geslo in the dock area!"

Individuals without proper identification or registration who were hiding in the crowd were identified and appraised one by one.

The same applies to those who have obtained identification through various means.

Those with clearly impure motives were arrested on the spot. Before the resisters could even draw their weapons or take hostages, they were sniped and had their heads blown off. Whether it was the elven marksmen or the weapons mounted on the armed drones, they were faster than the arresters. The blades and food dispelled all the panic and hostility of the civilians, and the Suppressors of Rebellion easily suppressed the commotion.

Drones flew into the distance, their onboard speakers emitting loud noises.

"Attention all residents of Distant Harbor..."

"The Grain Exchange established by His Highness Kang De, belonging to the West Goth Company, will open in one hour..."

"All residents of the Distant Harbor can, upon presentation of their identity documents and after being verified as innocent by the court, receive five days' worth of grain free of charge, based on a standard of four pounds of dry wheat per person per day. After five days, the Grain Exchange will resume normal sales, selling grain at a price of five copper coins per pound, a price that will remain stable indefinitely..."

"Rejoice! Be grateful! This is His Highness Kang De's blessing! From this day forward, stable grain prices will provide ample supplies for the entire city, for all kind and loyal citizens..."

"Always remember His Highness Kang De's admonitions and the lessons of today..."

"Food is for eating..."

First came fear, then bewilderment, but after hearing these words clearly, the poor people who had taken to the streets looked at each other in disbelief, then burst into tears of joy and cheered loudly.

As the drones spread the news, celebrations and gratitude resounded in every neighborhood.

The forgetful public has also forgotten their previous criticisms and complaints.

I began to feel genuinely grateful to that omnipotent adult again.

But as the good news continued to spread, from the outer city to the wealthy inner circle, the cheers gradually gave way to discordant voices: curses, shouts, rants, breakdowns, and even weeping.

If we exclude oil, water, and other food items, an adult needs about four kilograms of grain to meet their daily energy needs.

In this situation, a family that bought ten jin of grain is pitiful, a family that bought one hundred jin is normal, and a family that bought one thousand jin can be said to be prepared. But what about those who bought five thousand jin, ten thousand jin, or even more?

It's simply a matter of accepting the consequences of a gamble; there's no such thing as a sure thing in this world.

"--How did he do that! It's impossible! It's impossible!"

In the elegant pavilion of the Eastern Villa in the Tulip District, the composed atmosphere had vanished. Sir Luste was breathing heavily, his face contorted with unbelievable rage.

He didn't even dare to look the supervisors in the eye.

His previous bold words and confident pronouncements still echoed in my ears.

But the next moment, a roaring wave of golden wheat fell from the sky.

What a huge irony.

An unspeakable humiliation.

The immense sense of shame made his very soul tremble.

But why?

Where does the food come from!?

He was like a gambler blinded by greed, roaring, questioning, going mad, and howling.

"Who? Who was it? Did Archduke Goth open the national granaries and let him bluff his way in here? Has that traitorous Phoenix King come to help his mistress again? Council and the empire's spineless officials bowed to Kang De? Where did the grain come from? Where did it come from? Where did it come from!"

His face was contorted with rage; all elegance and composure had vanished. Veins bulged on his forehead, and his face was flushed crimson. He muttered to himself, almost neurotically, "Where did things go wrong? Where did things go wrong? Our intelligence? Our people? I clearly blocked all supply routes. Everything was under my control. Intelligence showed that none of the three kingdoms intended to offer assistance..."

"The whole world is clearly laughing at Kang De..."

"He clearly can't get any food..."

"--Enough!" Though his bulbous nose showed shock and panic, he still felt a sense of satisfaction at the other's reaction. He said coldly, "I think your grand ambitions have come to fruition. Now..."

The next moment, the drone's broadcast came from afar, growing louder as it approached.

Free grain distribution.

Normal sales will resume in five days.

Five copper coins per pound...

Hearing this, Luste seemed to have grasped at a last straw.

He exclaimed ecstatically, "Fool! Foolish! Five?! Only five? We still have a chance! We still have a chance! Our funds can still find ways to buy up large quantities of grain at this price, we still have a way to devour Kang De's grain reserves! I refuse to believe his grain reserves are inexhaustible, I..."

The next moment, Aona cried out in panic, "Dragon!"

A dragon's roar echoed in the sky.

A crimson dragon swooped down like a celestial fire, seemingly heading in this direction, towards this oriental-style garden. Visibly, black dots detached from the massive dragon's body and fell downwards. Magical brilliance flashed continuously, and wind magic controlled the deceleration—these were mages!

The swooping dragon continued to descend, then tossed the warriors with the strongest Dou Qi down one by one.

"Not good!"

The Overseers of the Broken Isles paled, panicked, and cried out, "Run! The secret passage is gone!"

But gusts of wind stirred up turbulent currents, and the Dragon Might's might enveloped everything. The leading mage, wielding two short staffs, roared as he descended. Right at the corner of the high platform, amidst the fluttering of black robes, spellcasters descended one after another, followed by warriors raising their greatswords. These were all fully armed elites, prepared specifically for the hunt of the great fish.

They were surrounded from all sides.

"Alset Scourger, a member of the Inquisition for the Traitor Suppression Society, and a hound under Lord Kang De."

The mid-level mage, who manipulated wind and spirit, revealed a cruel smile.

"His Highness has issued an arrest warrant for everyone." He raised his staff. "Those Suppressors of Rebellion, obey his command."

"Sinners, fight!"

Following orders, the hunting dogs began a new round of hunting operations in the city.

Riding in Humvee and armored vehicles, the most elite Suppressors of Rebellion crossed half of the Distant Harbor and arrived at the square in front of the city hall, where fully armed soldiers lined up at top speed.

Go ahead.

The Justice Hall was filled with the panic, despair, and shouts of the nobles. This unpredictable and terrible scene not only signified the complete failure of the plan to manipulate grain prices, but also foreshadowed even more horrific consequences.

The people's hearts were in disarray, and even the most brilliant leader could not unite this disorganized group.

The next moment, the door was pushed open with a bang, and a figure strode in.

One by one, the Suppressors of Rebellion, their black robes billowing, drew their weapons and filed in, advancing along the corridor along the walls amidst screams and shouts, thus partially surrounding the dignitaries in the hall.

Han Zezheng ignored all of this. He walked with a brisk pace and firm steps, meeting the gaze of the figure on the stage, and walked step by step to the highest peak of power in Distant Harbor.

He walked up step by step, and with each step, the surrounding noise subsided a little. He couldn't help but think of ten days ago when he had also pushed open this door, when he went to seek refuge with His Highness Kang De, paying his first pledge of allegiance and issuing an ultimatum to the powerful figures here, amidst endless curses and terrifying threats.

And now it has come again.

They were already accompanied by armored soldiers and surrounded by awe.

He was no longer that minor baron of Cathay.

He already deserves to have a name in this city.

Han Zezheng walked onto the stage and looked at the governor, whose expression was complicated.

"Before I begin, let me relay a message from His Highness Kang De to the Governor."

The old man from Cathay took out a piece of paper. Even though he had read it several times, he still couldn't figure out the meaning of the words. He recognized all the words, but he couldn't understand them when they were read together.

But since it is His Highness's order, then we shall carry it out.

Han Zezheng stared at the governor and shouted sternly, "Oil! Ah! Felder!"

--ah?

Norman had prepared for the worst, bracing himself for the cruelest treatment and ridicule, but these words stunned him—what did they mean? What language were they speaking?

After Han Zezheng, he didn't pause. He put the paper away, took out a parchment scroll from his chest, unfolded it, and the scroll rolled down. The Cathayan stepped forward without hesitation, pushed the governor in front of the stage aside, and looked around at the terrified nobles.

"Now I will read out His Highness Kang De's decree!"

"Due to suspicion that Governor Norman of the Azure Waves Province colluded with local dignitaries to manipulate grain prices and create panic during the famine in the Distant Harbor, thereby reaping huge profits for his family and himself, causing hunger among innocent people, destabilizing social order, and colluding with foreign forces to harm Germany interests, it is hereby decided to suspend you from all your duties and subject you to trial, questioning, investigation, and judgment!"

"Furthermore, the behavior of the aristocratic class in Distant Harbor during this incident was disgusting. As nobles, they harmed commoners for their own selfish gain, causing the situation to deteriorate to this extent. It is utterly repulsive. The administrative bureaucracy is rotten to the core; the administrative system is completely inefficient and incompetent, and corruption is rampant. For the sake of the people, His Highness Kang De has temporarily assumed all military, administrative, and economic responsibilities in the city, serving as the regent of Distant Harbor to cleanse the situation—"

"Anyone suspected of committing a crime, regardless of their identity or position, will be punished!"

Upon hearing this, the nobles could no longer contain themselves—abolishing the governorship and unilaterally declaring regency, who do you think you are? Archduke Goth? The emperor of mankind?

Even a Forbidden Spell spellcaster doesn't have the right to do this!

Someone wanted to protest loudly, but the next moment, the clanging of swords and the murderous aura came from behind, and a gloomy and cold pressure enveloped him, reminding him of the fear of death.

The so-called Suppressors of Rebellion behind the scenes were the navies of the three kingdoms.

They wouldn't care about the lives or deaths of the Goth nobles.

Han Zezheng coldly surveyed the crowd, and no one dared to meet his gaze.

"Gentlemen, rather than so-called honors and rules, you'd be better off caring about your own family fortune, ancestral property, wealth, and children—sweep the snow from your own doorstep first!"

He looked at the scroll and continued reading.

This is an ultimatum, not a suggestion.

"The following are several instructions regarding the political tutelage in the Distant Harbor..."

"Firstly, the trading of bulk commodities must be regulated. From now on, all bulk transactions, including those involving grains, fabrics, meat, beverages, and building materials, must be conducted under the supervision of the new Distant Harbor government!"

"Secondly, given the obvious involvement of external hostile forces in this grain price incident, all lending, borrowing, and mortgage activities must be suspended until the matter is thoroughly investigated. Any deliberate violations will render all lending activities illegal, and all related funds will be confiscated!"

"Thirdly, all profits from buying and selling grain in the market must be taxed immediately. The newly established tax bureau will assist you with the declaration and tax payment process!"

Fourthly...

Panic, questions, and screams rang out continuously, and some nobles had already fainted.

Azure Waves Province, Creek Willow County, this is the temporary headquarters of the Dragon Defense Credit Department.

The events that occurred in Distant Harbor have been communicated to Golden Dragon Stiegel through Lily's Dragon Ballad, and then Golden Dragon relayed the message to Santos.

Prior to this, the dragon intelligence agents in Distant Harbor had already reported this matter.

The news has been confirmed.

An enormous amount of golden wheat surged forth from the Phase Gate, piling up outside the Sound of the Tide Manor to form a colossal mountain—a spectacle never before seen in history.

In short...

"Kang De has won again."

Jinlong and Santos looked at each other in bewilderment.

Even the dragons had never heard of such a thing.

"He..."

Stiegel said in a hoarse voice, "How did he do that? We've already investigated..."

The Dragon Clan's unparalleled intelligence network and keen eyesight failed to detect any grain transport activity, nor did they hear of any country's decision to borrow grain from Kang De —nothing at all.

Jinlong lowered his voice. "Where did you get so much grain?"

Santos remained silent for a moment, then slowly exhaled and glanced at his secretary.

Is this important?

He said it calmly.

"Of course it's important!" Jinlong glanced around instinctively, then lowered his voice, "A person of unknown origin who suddenly appeared, whose power, alchemy techniques, and even magic are unheard of. Powerful alchemical weapons could be considered the pinnacle of wondrous skill, but at least 100,000 tons of grain can't just appear out of thin air. Where are his grain fields? Or rather..."

Santos slowly shook his head. "No, you're wrong."

Stiegel asked in confusion, "Where?"

The chief marketing officer of Dragon Defense patted his partner on the shoulder. "You're both wrong—whether this matter is important or not isn't up to you to decide."

"... Who is that?"

"He, Kang De."

A complex light flashed in Santos's eyes, perhaps envy, or perhaps a sigh.

He had never heard of or seen such a person before.

"It's up to Kang De... If he wants to say it, then this matter is extremely important, and if he doesn't want to say it..." the human said softly, "Then it's not important at all."

Because he can decide for himself whether the secret is a secret or not.

That's so enviable!

Jinlong remained silent.

It was quite unsettling that a mere human could act so arrogantly towards Dior.

"Alright, we need to get back to work."

Santos signaled to his secretary to prepare to activate the Dragon Ballad.

"Three orders."

"First, all sales staff must immediately cease all lending activities."

"Second, hand over all the lists of suspects collected over the past few days to the members of the Traitor Suppression Society who are going to the Inquisition in various locations. The dragons stationed in each target city will transform into human form, disguise themselves as human mercenary warriors, and assist the Inquisition in their arrest and search operations!"

Thirdly...

Santos paused for a moment. "This message was sent to the board, requesting the finance and liquidation department to prepare to dispatch armed forces... We'll be having debt collection business soon."

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PS1: Update! Going to bed early! Goodnight everyone!