The New King
The sky is high and the air is crisp, the sea breeze is refreshing, the Endless Sea, Broken Isles.
This trading center and commercial jewel of the western seas teems with tourists and sails come and go, flowing with gold and joy, overflowing with desire and intoxication.
Every year, millions of people make a living here, tens of thousands of tourists come to visit, and even many powerful and wealthy people come here to enjoy themselves. Countless trade routes transit through here and create wealth.
With its famous attractions, rare antiques, magnificent estates, and cuisines from around the world, this region serves as a trade hub and boasts a diverse, creative, and vibrant culture, making it an exceptional tourist destination.
It is also a wonderful paradise for a small group of people.
Because this place is far from other countries, unrestricted by laws and morals, money reigns supreme, and power means everything. On certain islands that are open only to invited private individuals, it is the world's most dreamlike paradise. Wearing a special mask to hide your identity, you are the king of the island, where you can enjoy all the imaginable and even unimaginable pleasures.
Slavery, indulgence, drugs, group activities, killing performances, themed banquets... In these paradises open only to the richest and most powerful people, there is an endless array of ultimate pleasures. You can see many familiar people and things here, long-lost famous songstresses, missing queens of fallen kingdoms, and even elves and dwarves, regardless of gender or even species.
Money reigns supreme; life is insignificant.
Every year, thousands of people go missing in the Broken Isles. These are all laborers lured in by the high salaries. No one cares about their lives or whereabouts. In the eyes of more powerful figures, their lives are nothing more than tools for amusement.
In any case, by the second year, even more outsiders looking to make a living will fill the vacancies. They are convinced that they will realize their dreams and win a good life in this prosperous and beautiful archipelago, but this place is just a melting pot, and they are all just fuel.
The more prosperous a place is, the more sins and bloodshed it conceals.
Less than a month has passed since Kang De cast the Forbidden Spell near the Broken Isles.
The Forbidden Spell struck down from the sky that day, crashing into the sea near the archipelago. The towering waves it created nearly drenched the entire area. The Combined Fleet, which was eager to launch an expedition against Goth and take advantage of the chaos, was almost completely destroyed. Everyone in the entire sea area, regardless of their social status or age, was affected by the power and might of the Forbidden Spell, causing considerable panic on the spot.
Tourists fled in haste, workers panicked and stopped work, and businessmen rushed to withdraw their investments. An unprecedented fear was spreading, but in less than a month, everything had returned to normal. Workers continued to work, businessmen continued to make money, and the powerful and wealthy continued to indulge in pleasure.
"Living a life of debauchery, unaware that death is approaching..."
A faint sigh drifted from the spellcaster's apartment on Ajinsi Island.
A black-haired, yellow-skinned Cathay spellcaster glanced at the spotlessly cleaned room, then turned to look out the window and gently shook his head.
Outside, a bustling and prosperous scene unfolded. The White Tower reflected the sun, ships entered the harbor, horns sounded softly, and joyful laughter mingled with the sounds of nature. Quiet yet delighted noblewomen, holding parasols, marveled at everything they saw.
What are you saying?
Footsteps came from behind. It was his good friend, a brown-haired mage dressed like a well-dressed city clerk, his black suit impeccably tailored and his shoes gleaming.
Meeting his companion's questioning gaze, he shrugged. "It's better to dress more plainly. At this time, both your identity as a spellcaster and your face are a bit too conspicuous."
Although the fear brought by the Forbidden Spell seems to have subsided, Kang De, the Cathayan, remains the most talked-about figure on the Broken Isles in recent days. From that terrible Forbidden Spell to the recent Bread from the Sky, and even the discord between this Dragon of Cathay and the Broken Isles, from the foul-mouthed docks to the elegant and tranquil high-end restaurants, discussions about Kang De are everywhere—this has even escalated into a rejection of Cathayan.
After explaining, he asked again, "Why were you sighing just now? Were you reluctant to leave? Then why are you leaving?"
"No, it's not that I'm reluctant to leave," Master Cathay said softly. "I'm referring to this city... I see the Shadow of war slowly looming over it. This city is still indulging in the illusion of prosperity and arrogant conceit. My friend, why don't you leave with me?"
These two spellcasters are arcane guards serving the Mage Tower array in the Broken Isles.
During a shift duty more than twenty days ago, they witnessed firsthand the terrifying scene of Kang De unleashing Forbidden Spell that triggered a tsunami that swept across the Broken Isles.
The more a spellcaster dedicates themselves to exploring the mysteries of the world, the more they can feel this overwhelming power disparity. From that day on, Master Cathay made up his mind to leave.
He found the new king of Cathay.
Three days ago, his contract expired. Instead of renewing it, he completed the handover, received his salary, returned the equipment, and then booked a ship ticket. The whole process took three days. Now everything is ready, and a merchant ship carrying sugar will depart later today for Distant Harbor.
The captain reserved a second-class cabin for him.
He was going to pledge allegiance to the new king.
The brown-haired, curly-haired mage hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and forced a smile, saying, "Forget it. You're from his hometown, so you'll be highly valued there. I'm an Imperial citizen—think it over. There's nothing wrong with working here. You get paid, the benefits are good, and there are discounts on entertainment and shopping. If you go to Distant Harbor, Kang De might not even want to see you. Besides, you're from the Broken Isles, which might arouse suspicion..."
Without hesitation, Master Cathay said, "Doubt is understandable, but I can prove my innocence with my actions. I don't need to see Prince Kang De. From Han Zezheng to Hong San, two Cathayan have already been given important positions. This trend is quite obvious. Prince Kang De is recruiting talent. As long as you can demonstrate your value and work diligently, you will definitely stand out..."
Furthermore...
He paused, then said in a low voice, "Furthermore, my reason for going to serve His Highness Kang De is not merely to get ahead. These past few days, I've noticed increasingly strange looks and subtle rejection from my colleagues and strangers, just like when I first arrived on this island, because of my skin color, my hair color, my origins... Ailike, in these waters, my compatriots and I will never find true dignity."
The brown-haired mage named Ailike sighed, "Very well, May, my friend, if this is your decision, I can only wish you a safe journey and hope you get what you want..."
"That must be true, Ailike." May smiled at his friend, "You..."
Before the words were finished, a sinister voice sounded from outside the door, "You probably won't get it."
Both of them were startled. The next moment, a violent explosion rang out, accompanied by a woman's scream. The door and wall were cracked open, and streaks of lightning suddenly flashed. Gray gas spread from the broken poison bottle, and six shield guards rushed in, holding up their magic-breaking shields!
The moment the explosion occurred, May and Ailike reacted immediately. They were good friends and longtime partners. Nature Shield deflected the electric snakes, Hurricane Armor blew away the poison, and the Cathay Mage retreated to the window. But outside, a squad of crossbowmen stood ready with their bows drawn. Ailike drew his protective staff, conjured five dark energies in the void, and surrounded himself, ready to unleash Shadow Bolt.
He shouted, "I am Ailike, an Arcane Guardian and a four-star expert officer..."
Before he could even give his name, a cold laugh rang out again from behind the shield guard, "I know who you are."
The crowd parted, and a familiar face appeared with a cold smile. The two mages frowned together. The newcomer was their superior, the second-in-command of the mages on Ajinsi Island, a native of the Broken Isles, who naturally held arrogance and disdain for immigrants. Their relationship with the two mages was very bad.
The fully armed mage, wielding a crystal-forging spell, had several ice shards swirling and circling around him. His cold gaze fell upon his former subordinate. "Mei Xizhu from Cathayan... We've overheard your words. To abandon your post at this time, intending to go to the Distant Harbor? Are you a spy for Kang De? I have every reason to suspect you've gathered crucial intelligence!"
He pointed his staff at the Cathayan: "In the name of the Ajinsi Department of Legal Affairs, I hereby arrest you! Cathayan, Mei Xizhu, surrender!"
Ailike's expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed, "This is impossible! May has been in the Broken Isles for many years! Long before Kang De appeared in this world! How could he possibly be..."
"Shut up." The second-in-command of the mages glanced coldly at him. "Four-star mage Ailike, I order you to cooperate with the Legal Department in arresting the Cathay spy! Await interrogation!"
Ailike roared, "I refuse! I will lodge a protest with the Security Council..."
Mei stopped her companion's anger and calmly asked, "Where's the warrant for my arrest?"
The other person paused for a moment, then said, "You have no right to question this..."
"As expected!" Ailike shouted angrily, "You're settling a personal score! There's no arrest warrant whatsoever; you're using your position to retaliate against Mei for what she did to you..."
"Enough!"
The mage roared, "Arrest warrant? Based on what he just said, based on his plans and actions, kill him right here and now, and the Security Council won't object! Anyone who stands with Kang De is an enemy of the Broken Isles! They are a threat to us!"
His face was contorted with rage, yet also gleamed with a venomous pleasure.
He looked at Mei Xizhu and suddenly sneered, "--So what if I'm settling a personal score? I have a conflict and personal grudge against you, and I find you, Cathayan, very suspicious. I noticed your whereabouts, noticed your resignation and departure, and noticed you bought a ticket to Distant Harbor. I suspect you are a spy for Kang De, and I suspect you have collected a lot of confidential information about the Broken Isles, intending to present it to your master. Therefore, I reported you to the Security Council, and therefore, I decisively led my troops to intercept and arrest you. What's wrong with this process!"
Even if I use this to settle a personal score, what can you do about it?
His face was grim, then he revealed a smile of triumphant revenge, "So, what can you do? Resist! If you resist, I'll kill you on the spot. Of course, you can also choose to surrender. I'll throw you in prison and have my fair, impartial, and ruthless uncle interrogate you. Don't worry, if you're innocent, we'll definitely give you justice and your freedom! Hahahaha!"
Ailike trembled with rage. "Shameless!"
"Shameless? This is power! This is authority! This is the difference between someone as noble as me and lowly outsiders like you! We are the rule-makers, we are the rulers of the Broken Isles! You outsiders who want to enjoy the wealth and freedom of the Broken Isles, you must kneel! Kneel!"
He stared intently at Mei Xizhu, trying to break his spirit with words, trying to use hardship to make this damned Cathayan show despair and beg for mercy. The mage grinned menacingly. "How do you feel? How do you feel, Cathay pig? If you kneel down and beg for mercy now, I might let you suffer less. Yes, beg me! You can only beg me!"
He made a gesture, and the shield guards slowly stepped forward. The mage channeled his magic and summoned ice crystals. This Cathayan was a troublesome spellcaster, as was his companion Ailike. However, he was not afraid, because if either of them dared to resist, he could order his men to kill them on the spot!
Beg! Kneel down!
"For now I am your god! The master of your life and future! My will will determine your suffering and your life and death! Who else can you rely on but me? Can you still expect Lord Kang De, whom you sought refuge with, to come and save you? I tell you, the Broken Isles are not afraid of him! We will surely win! We will drive you evil Cathayan back to your filthy, putrid home, I..."
The next moment, a tremendous roar came from the sky.
In an instant, the main control arrays of the mage towers on the twelve main islands were activated simultaneously, the massive fortress defense system of the Broken Isles was operating at full capacity, the patrolling escort fleets sounded their sirens, beams of magical light shot into the sky, and huge elemental shock waves swept across the sea, causing the local elemental concentration ratios to rapidly become unbalanced!
Highest alert level!
The noise outside the window fell silent instantly, followed by an even more intense scream. The second-in-command of the mages, filled with shock and anger, cried out, "What's going on! What the hell is going on?"
"Grown ups!"
A shield guard exclaimed in surprise, pointing out the window. From here, one could see the largest pier on Ajinsi Island and even the vast sea to the east. This magnificent scenery, like an oil painting, had always captivated and amazed tourists. But now, the calm and magnificent sea was turbulent, and a black portal suddenly opened!
A silver-white warship, reflecting dazzling sunlight, leaped out from the Phase Door!
Like a gleaming blade cleaving the azure sea, stirring up waves!
That is--
A massive, sailless warship forged from steel.
Unparalleled in the world, only one of its kind.
It belongs to...
"Kang De!"
At that moment, almost simultaneously, the same exclamations rang out from the islands of the Broken Sea. In an instant, the sky and earth lost their color and fell silent, with only the air raid siren of the Knight Astolfo echoing throughout the archipelago!
The Horizon class frigate cuts through the waves, roaring forward.
Passing by bustling docks and frantic ships, its colossal form, like an ancient calamity, casts a terrifying Shadow on the sea and land. This majestic Valkyrie attracts everyone's attention, its massive ships strutting about as if they were nothing.
She passed through arrays of mage towers, through zones of magical barrages, heavy island-defense magic devices, fortress-level ray focusing devices, elemental irradiation from mage towers, and the hastily arrayed escort warships. The Broken Isles' defensive system, built over centuries with countless riches, was all aimed at this warship. If the island lords ordered an attack, the onslaught that erupted in an instant would be enough to annihilate a powerful elven fleet—yet this warship fearlessly advanced under such threats.
It's like taking a walk in a backyard.
It didn't cause a ripple.
It was as if the highest level of alert had not been issued.
It was as if the island's sophisticated, powerful, and terrifying defense system had not been activated.
The Broken Isles remained silent throughout.
Let this hostile and uninvited guest cut through the waves.
Because the other party did not launch an attack.
Therefore, our side must not act rashly.
The nobles looked at the Atmospheric Perspective, the mages used Eagle Eye, and the mortals climbed to higher ground. Everyone watched in silence as the warship sailed toward the central island.
The initial landing point when the Broken Isles were established.
That was the heart of the entire sea, a place where power, authority, and wealth converged. There stood twelve bronze statues, sculptures of the twelve pioneers who built the Broken Isles. It was a glorious and magnificent plaza, open only to the public during celebrations—and now, a figure floated from the warship.
"I am Kang De."
"I speak to the Broken Isles."
The calm sound was carried far by the gale, echoing across the archipelago in ways incomprehensible to humans.
"The Broken Isles, comprising 625 members from Luste Weideng down, participated in price gouging in the Azure Waves Province half a month ago. I have ordered the execution of all participants and the confiscation of all Broken Isles property and illicit gains in Azure Waves Province as proceeds of their execution."
"I'm here today to tell you why I beat you."
"I demand that the Broken Isles apologize for this, arrest and prosecute all those involved and those who made the decisions, and provide adequate compensation to make up for the losses suffered by the innocent people of the Azure Waves Province."
"Furthermore, given the Broken Isles' repeated expressions of hostility and actions towards me, I am prepared to launch a campaign of conquest against you to end your arrogance and wickedness once and for all. I give you three days to consider whether to submit to me or be destroyed."
"Choose for yourself."
As these words were spoken, a huge red box suddenly appeared in the sky.
Then, the steel shell suddenly crumbled, and blood, fragments, and severed limbs rained down from the sky along with Qiaobu's screams, crashing into the most sacred Pioneer Square in the Broken Isles. Internal organs hung from the Pioneer sculptures, blood stained the white floor, and fragments of flesh fell into the fragrant flowerbeds. In an instant, the pure and sacred square was transformed into Khorne's garden.
Kang De's voice remained calm.
"These are the bodies of the prisoners. Families can come and claim them; they're all here."
Dead silence.
There was nothing but deathly silence.
In an instant, countless important figures cursed and wailed in their respective fortresses, mages abruptly ended their Eagle Vision with pale faces, and many more mortals didn't even know what had happened. But no matter how they expressed their opinions, the sea where the steel warship was located remained calm.
After a moment, Kang De's voice rang out again.
"Does nobody want to hit me?"
After waiting a while, he spoke again.
"Why don't you just surrender?"
After waiting a while longer, only a scornful laugh rang out.
"Oh."
The Phase Gate opened, and the silver warship disappeared at the end of the folded space.
The Broken Isles remain lifeless.
"Snap."
The slap was loud.
The second-in-command of the Ajinsi Island stared at Mei in disbelief. He covered his swollen face, first in shock, then with a twisted, crazed look in his eyes, his Magic Power surging wildly. "You...!"
"Get out of here."
The voice of the Cathayan was as calm as ever, yet it seemed different from before.
It's like a sword having a bone.
The sorcerer seemed to understand Mei's change and reliance. His eyes flashed with ferocity as he roared, "Attack! Take him down! I order you to take him down!"
The Shield Guards exchanged hesitant glances. Having witnessed what had just happened, they were already uneasy about the operation—attacking the Cathayan was not a wise move.
"What are you hesitating about? Is he Kang De? Does Kang De even know him? Do you think you can come and go freely on the Broken Isles just by using Kang De's name?" the mage roared, but his eyes flickered. "He..."
"Enough," Mei Xizhu said calmly. "If you've been paying attention to news from Distant Harbor, you should know one thing: His Highness Kang De is extremely kind to the common people of Distant Harbor, distributing food for free and being furious about price gouging—but he's not Goth People, do you understand what I mean?"
"If he can be so kind and lenient to Distant Harbor who have nothing to do with him, how much more so to me, who is of his own kind? What do you think His Highness Kang De would do if he killed me here, or left me to die in prison? Do you think I didn't send any messages, such as letters, before I went to Distant Harbor? Are you willing to bet on that? Do you think your uncles or the island lords would be willing to bet on that?"
"You think that killing me here would give Prince Kang De more excuses and even ruin the island lords' plans? What kind of treatment will you receive?"
"Now, get out of my way."
Mei Xizhu towards the door, as if a steel warship were strolling through the island defenses of the Broken Isles. He calmly passed through the shield guards' blockade, and upon reaching the broken doorway, he turned to his friend. "--Coming?"
Ailike gritted his teeth. "Damn it! Come on!"
Mei smiled.
Just as he had predicted, Cathay had a new king.
--What is a king?
He was certain that Prince Kang De did not recognize him, and he was also certain that he had not sent any message to the Distant Harbor before. He was also unsure whether Prince Kang De would go to great lengths because of his disappearance. However, even now, even though Prince Kang De had sailed away, the supreme deterrent cast upon this place still remained like a phantom, protecting Cathayan like him from the invasion and malice of foreign races.
This allows him to walk here, facing every pair of astonished eyes, with composure.
It was as if that omnipotent and incomparably powerful figure was always standing behind him, displaying majesty, determination, strength, and the will to protect.
The one who can do this is the new king of Cathay.
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PS1: Six thousand words... I was laughed at by Tencent today, it was the ultimate humiliation.