I Could Tell at a Glance You Weren't Human!

The seawater churned and surged in violently.

The Phase Gate connects to the White Mist World. The portal opens in the sea area of Zhu'erban Port, and a continuous stream of seawater, like a celestial river pouring in, roars in along the underground entrance.

Water and fire are ancient and powerful forces that humankind has been utilizing ever since.

It can still be useful today.

In the Star Worship Square, the Island Lord listened to the surging Sound of the Tide outside and showed unease. Even the Lord of the Star Palace showed surprise. "This kind of spatial technique..."

He glanced at the servant. "Don't panic, this foolish method is useless. With me here, do you think I'd let you drown? Hmph, I should have known..."

Before they could finish speaking, they heard Kang De shout, "You old bastard! Aren't you going to surrender? I'm going to pour oil in! You'll either burn to death or suffocate!"

The Overlord scoffed, "Suffocated? You ignorant mud-bloods, unaware of the wonders beyond..."

After a while, Kang De shouted again, "You want to tough it out, right? You have magical equipment to ensure you can breathe, right? I've already sent people to find the island's latrine; I'm going to dump my excrement in there!"

Upon hearing this, the island lord's reaction was secondary; the God of the Star Palace finally changed color, revealing a look of fury. "How dare he do this? This is the most despicable and disrespectful blasphemy!"

He considered himself a noble and transcendent god in the heavens, regarding Mortal World beings as pitiful mud-like creatures. How could he tolerate such an insult? Even though his power was enough to repel seawater and block his breath, seeing the ominous, flocculent matter floating in the murky waves around him was an unbearable and immense humiliation!

How dare he do such a thing!

He wanted to leave, but he was still worried that Kang De was just using a trick to lure him away, and then take the opportunity to run back in and discover the secret of the well—"it" had not yet fully awakened. If the Fire Thief somehow caused irreparable damage to it, the whole plan would fall apart!

Although he spoke of the Mud Clan with utter disdain, he remained wary, guarded, and respectful towards Kang De —because Kant was Fire Thief, and for Fire Thief, any amount of respect and apprehension was wise.

... hateful!

It was all planned out!

Why is this Fire Thief so bizarre and acts so irrationally?

The God of the Star Palace was momentarily lost in thought.

This version is too unfamiliar.

He devised this ambush plan based on the strategies used against previous Fire Thief.

And they felt there was absolutely no chance of anything going wrong.

After all, every Fire Thief is like this.

After the Armor-Donning Ritual, having grasped the use of this cursed power, they fought, devoured, and grew stronger. Their temperament underwent subtle changes in this process of usurpation and plunder. Influenced by the fragments of the souls of their prey before their deaths, they slowly transformed into top predators. In this process, bravery, confidence, and an invincible belief were gradually forged, but conversely, it could also be a sign of recklessness, recklessness, and arrogance.

Therefore, if previous Fire Thief had encountered this situation, they would have relied on their unparalleled strength and invincible Fire Thief power to charge headlong into the castle, smashing and destroying everything in their path. They would have crushed all schemes and traps with their fists, and, under the influence of their words and provocations, fought their way down the mountain. Then, in this plaza, they would have encountered a ravenous deep-sea monster...

--This is how things should have gone!

As it turned out, this Fire Thief preferred strange and ingenious tricks, didn't follow the right path, had bizarre thinking, outrageous behavior, and extremely wild methods. After rushing in, he first demolished the house and then released the water, completely disregarding him!

So what's with this mud seed?! It's far too cautious! You're Fire Thief!

This absurd and outrageous feeling greatly surprised the God of the Star Palace, even leaving him feeling helpless and bewildered. It was like having a blast playing the game on the night of the update and maintenance, only to be completely crushed two hours later when the version was updated and he started playing again—why did it have to be changed like this?!

Yes.

For him, the fall of the previous Fire Thief...

It happened not long ago.

Then an even more troublesome one appeared.

For a moment, he was caught in a dilemma, unsure whether to leave or stay. This predicament twisted into anger, and he glared at the island owner. "How did you manage to provoke such a despicable person!"

The island lord dared not argue, and said in a trembling voice, "It's all my fault... I am willing to share Your Majesty's burdens."

The ruler coldly replied, "Share my burdens? How can you possibly share my burdens?"

The island lord spoke respectfully and with utmost submissive loyalty, "Now that things have come to this, how can Your Majesty be subjected to such humiliation? Your humblest servant is willing to risk his life to surrender to Kang De, to lull him into complacency, to deceive him, to trick him, and to find a way to bring him here..."

The God of the Star Palace narrowed his eyes.

He glanced at the loyal servant. "--You're not planning on playing any tricks, are you?"

Throughout, Star Palace's understanding and views on the Mud-type have remained stable and unwavering.

They considered these Mortal World mortal races to be shallow, arrogant, foolish, and ignorant, so pathetic that they pitied them, filled with tedious worries and ridiculous desires, incapable of communication or understanding, with cheap loyalty, frivolous beliefs, and a nature etched with baseness and greed, making them untrustworthy.

So even though the island lord before him was so docile and willing to be a slave, he still regarded him as an untrustworthy Mudblood who could betray him at any time. The reason was too simple—the other party's loyalty was not out of heartfelt worship and admiration, but rather because he had ulterior motives and demands.

This mud-roots person abandoned his foundation, fame, and wealth, simply wanting more.

If he doesn't get what he wants, he'll abandon me immediately—and if he's in danger, it's perfectly normal for him to turn on me and betray me right away.

After all, he's a mud-born kid.

Faced with his question, which concealed a murderous intent, the island lord knelt on the ground with a thud and said without hesitation, "My ancestors made a pact with the gods of the Star Palace. We have served the Star Palace for generations, and we have received unimaginable things from it. I have enjoyed everything I could in my life, and now it is time to repay you. If Your Majesty doubts my loyalty, you may take my life immediately!"

The ruler of the Star Palace twitched his eyebrows, inwardly scoffing, but his face remained noncommittal.

The island lord continued, "What are you worried about now? Are you worried that I will really surrender to Kang De? No, he is an extremely cruel and bloodthirsty man. Countless nobles have been killed by him. We have come to this point, and he has no chance of sparing me. Besides, how could I dare to betray the Star Palace? I fear your punishment more than Kang De's execution. I believe you are the victor more than that mud-blooded Kang De!"

He said sincerely, "Look at my frail and old body, my humble and insignificant life as a seed of mud. How much longer do I have to live? I won't live much longer. Only the Star Palace can give me hope to prolong my life. Besides you, who else can I serve? Who else can give me what I want?"

Upon hearing this, the enemy from outer space softened his expression slightly.

I see.

Want to take a gamble here? What he wants is quite in line with his current situation.

You've convinced me.

He said expressionlessly, "Alright, if you can lure him down, I can promise you that the Star Palace will compensate you tenfold for what you lost today. You said you've enjoyed everything you could, so we'll give you enough time to enjoy it all again."

The island owner was overjoyed and repeatedly praised, "Great master, you are like the blazing sun in the sky!"

He immediately activated the small magical device in his sleeve and shouted, "Kang De! Close the Phase Gate now! Stop pouring! I surrender! I surrender!"

A moment later, Kang De on the screen shouted, "Get out here! Don't try anything funny!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

The island lord's voice carried a hint of fear. "I'll leave right now! Please, please don't kill me! I have very important information to tell you! I still have great value!"

He glanced at the Sovereign, then moved forward, saying as he walked, "My secret assets everywhere! My treasure trove! My businesses and investments worldwide! And most importantly!"

The island owner lowered his voice and kept throwing out his chips.

"Evidence of the world's political and wealthy elites indulging in pleasure here! Their backgrounds! Their crimes! The depraved things they did here that are unacceptable to the world! This evidence is enough to send them to the stake—for me, it's merely a means of self-preservation, but in the hands of a powerful and influential person like you, it's enough to make them obey your every word!"

He went to great lengths, revealing all his schemes and trump cards in order to pique Kang De's curiosity and quell Kang De murderous intent.

"The Empire, Twilight Moon, the Council, nations and races, countless dignitaries! A vast network of interests spanning the continent has been woven together! They will all obey you!"

The island owner used every trick in the book, like a salesman, to peddle his good stuff to Kang De.

As he walked, he cried out, "Merciful Dragon of Cathay, Great Prince Kang De, I am willing to offer everything I possess, only asking for your forgiveness!"

"Come on! I definitely won't beat you to death like I'd beat a dog!"

"I am willing to believe your promise! Kind Your Highness, but I must remind you, killing me will bring you nothing! Torture will be useless!"

The Fire Thief shouted impatiently, "Aisastan, get out here already!"

--Who is that?

The island owner quickened his pace and jogged.

A moment later, Kang De's questioning voice focused on the small magical device on his wrist. "By the way, do you have a record of the old emperor of the empire patronizing underage girls?"

The island owner paused for a moment, then said, "I really do! When he was young, before he was emperor, we were good friends! I once hosted him here!"

"Oh, you're not friends anymore. He'll say he doesn't even know you now."

Just as the island owner was about to speak, a gentle breeze came from behind.

He turned around in surprise and found the Dominator standing behind him, his tone unreadable. "Having a pleasant conversation, it seems he's quite interested in what you have."

"You have to gain his trust."

The island owner asked cautiously, "What is this...?"

The Overlord said indifferently, "I suddenly feel it's inappropriate to let you go out alone to face the unpredictable Fire Thief. Although he's a Mudblood, we've always been generous in our love and rewards for those who are loyal to us. So, I'll go out with you; it'll also protect you."

Upon hearing this, the island lord's eyes immediately filled with tears, his face filled with deep emotion. He felt an overwhelming urge to give his life for the cause, and without hesitation, he knelt down. "Your kindness and grace..."

Before he could finish speaking, a gentle force suddenly stopped him in his tracks. The Overlord coldly said, "Don't waste time, lest you arouse his suspicion."

"Yes!"

The island owner quickened his pace, then turned and whispered, "But your identity..."

"Rest assured, I can endure this humiliation to deal with the Fire Thief," the God of the Star Palace said calmly. "I will disguise myself as the powerful guard you have invited, and then act according to the circumstances."

The island owner obediently agreed.

He continued to try and get closer to Kang De, unaware of the cold glint in the eyes of the God of the Star Palace behind him.

Mud-based seeds are unreliable.

Furthermore...

The enemy from beyond the heavens pondered, for he had his own plans.

The previously devised ambush plan was to lure Kang De to the edge of the Well of the Deep Sea, where the hungry behemoth would deal with him. The reason the Overlord avoided direct confrontation with Kang De was out of fear of the Fire Thief. After all, the Fire Thief throughout history have been extremely ferocious and powerful, with a high degree of unpredictability. They are especially adept at becoming stronger in the heat of battle and turning the tide of battle. Looking at the many records in the Star Palace, their own side has a very high failure rate.

But this generation of Fire Thief seems quite different.

It seems he's misused the Power of the Fire Thief, and he's a cunning, unorthodox fellow—on the other hand, cunning and caution are not necessarily synonyms for weakness and cowardice.

Only those who are not strong enough will act cautiously.

This discovery and speculation led him to make this decision—he wanted to observe the other party's true strength up close; if his suspicions were correct, the other party was actually not that powerful...

Then we can try launching a surprise attack head-on.

If he can kill the Fire Thief in one fell swoop, he will surely be rewarded!

They were even permitted to walk the Great Road once more...

The thought of this filled him with excitement and anticipation.

After traversing the long underground passage, the seawater had stopped flowing in, but there was already quite a bit of water accumulated. We arrived at the underground entrance to the square, where Kang De's clamor could already be heard outside.

"They're here! They're here!"

The island lord walked up the long steps, into the sunlight, and onto the square. He was surrounded by soldiers, their eyes fixed on him with a complex mix of curiosity and a thirst for gossip.

They all knew that this person might be hiding a lot of shocking information.

The island lord recognized Kang De; the black hair of the Cathayan was very striking. "The great..."

"--stop."

Kang De pointed to the Lord of the Star Palace: "Who is this?"

"Ah..." the island lord said respectfully, "This is my guard. I saved him years ago, and he has been my guard ever since. He is utterly loyal. Although he is called a guard, I treat him as a brother..."

Kang De looked at the other man and clicked his tongue twice. "So, he's very loyal?"

The island owner broke out in a cold sweat and whispered, "Hmm..."

As Kang De was observing the God of the Star Palace, the other was also observing Kang De. This was an extraterrestrial enemy facing the new Fire Thief at extremely close range, and his feelings were extremely complex.

There was an instinctive sense of dread and disgust, as well as a subconscious sense of surprise and doubt.

So much so that upon first seeing Kang De, he forgot to calculate the distance of his shot and the certainty of hitting the target.

Because Kang De's aura... is extremely subtle.

It was a mixture of many different auras, most of which disgusted him, but a considerable portion of them surprisingly felt close to him. This conflicting contradiction puzzled him greatly, even causing him to momentarily forget the crucial question of whether he should intervene—what was the origin of this Fire Thief?

Just as I was pondering this, a voice whispered in my ear, "--Then you poop for him to eat."

"..."

?????

Even the island lord, known for his deep composure, couldn't suppress his emotions upon hearing these words.

Kang De observed all of this.

The Lord of the Star Palace didn't even react—his brain refused to process the sentence.

"What?" Kang De said arrogantly, "You wouldn't even dare eat your master's excrement, yet you dare to talk about loyalty?"

The deity residing high in the Star Palace was instinctively enraged.

Then he saw the island lord suddenly retreat, and not far away, Kang De's eyes revealed murderous intent. The surrounding soldiers had already scattered far away, and the ruler suddenly realized.

--They've seen through it!

With a fierce shout, the God of the Star Palace released a cloud of water vapor around him and instantly covered a distance of tens of meters, charging towards Kang De. Kang De, however, showed no fear, and his eyes blazed with brilliant phoenix flames!

"You audacious monster, I can tell you're not human at first glance!"

He raised his hand and formed a hand seal, causing space to tremble, the Phase Door to open, and the divine power of spacetime to operate!

" --Great Majestic Heavenly Monkey!"

The black portal swirled open, and a massive, heavy staff swept out!

"A Xing, beat him up!"

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PS1: I'm lying down now...

PS2: Writing earlier resulted in constant writer's block, constant frustration, and extreme anxiety until after 1 a. m., when everything went smoothly, my mindset instantly calmed down, and I finished writing... Damn it...