Those Who Feast on Meat Are Short-Sighted

"The Empire and the Council..."

Dairila's voice trailed off, as if she wanted to say something but then stopped.

Kang De's pupils suddenly contracted.

He understood what the other person meant in an instant.

After hearing Kang De's warning and announcement, all nations learned of the extremely shocking events that had occurred on the Broken Isles, that ferocious deep-sea monsters had surfaced, that they posed a devastating threat to ships at sea, and even that a terrifying deep-sea behemoth was about to awaken.

They knew the other party had the ability to threaten or even block all maritime trade routes.

The Silver Moon Council, the elite group that uses to limit royal power, reacted immediately upon learning of this matter by summoning its fleet and dispatching an advance force to bypass Kang De and carry out the mission.

This decision, besides being arrogant, also stemmed from skepticism and greed. They didn't believe Kang De's words and information, or at least not entirely; they were also interested in the so-called deep-sea monster.

If it can disrupt global maritime trade, and if it can be used by us, wouldn't that mean the elves could firmly control global maritime trade?

At the very least, it must be ensured that Kang De or other countries and organizations cannot control it.

Therefore, acting alone became the only option.

So here's the question.

That's what the elves are thinking, but what about the Council and the empire?

Kang De took a deep breath and pulled out his phone. "Horus! Connect me to Niola and Henry Baker!"

The two commanders of the Azure Fleet and the Imperial Fourth Subfleet became the link between Kang De and the two countries, and the communication bracelet he carried was quickly connected.

Before the two could speak, Kang De said sternly, "Immediately convey my warning to your leader, the Emperor, and the Chancellor! Don't make any moves until all the refugees and soldiers on the Broken Isles have been evacuated! Keep their fleet away from the Broken Isles! That monster needs flesh and blood... Never mind! Where are you now? I'm coming to find you!"

Hearing his barely suppressed rage as he roared, Dairila sighed silently.

Watching Kang De open the Phase Gate and vanish without a trace, the Phoenix King stood there for a moment, then gently shook his head.

About fifteen minutes later, both the Tower of All-Seeing and the Divine Court of the Kings received a warning from the Dragon of Cathay, who was furious but still very patient. He warned the two rulers that the sleeping behemoth of the Broken Isles was extremely dangerous and that they should not allow it to obtain more flesh and blood. Therefore, they should not send any teams to act on their own.

We must wait until everyone has successfully evacuated.

This warning letter was displayed in the council chamber of the Tower of All-Seeing.

This was met with ridicule and mockery.

"Who does he think he is? The chosen one of the saints? The Son of God?"

Congressman Aokexindun slammed his fist on the table and laughed loudly, "He's actually trying to teach the Arcane Council how to do things? We've maintained peace in this world. History has spanned countless years, and we've experienced and fought against countless disasters, invasions, and crises. Who gives him the right to tell us what danger is?"

He must be trying to cover something up or delay things.

Another member of parliament said in a deep voice, "Their fear of our involvement must stem from some ulterior motive. This Cathayan must have discovered something in the Broken Isles... or something worse."

He exchanged a glance with Congressman Aokexindun, and said in unison, "He wants to control that deep-sea monster?"

"That's right."

Another senator agreed, saying, "Our intelligence indicates that he has captured the ruler of the Broken Isles, Lord Pating. The timing of those sea monsters' appearance was too coincidental; they were most likely released by Lord Pating in response to Kang De's attacks and threats. Now that he has been captured by Kang De, given his businessman's nature and temperament, he will certainly choose to use this secret to seek a way out."

"In that case, we mustn't fall for Kang De's tricks."

Congressman Aokexindun said grimly, "No wonder the Cathayan made such a huge show of force, even bringing out a giant aircraft that could arouse the fear of other nations. It was all just to divert our attention. He used this large-scale evacuation as a pretext to cover up his true purpose—he just wanted to buy time, distract us, transfer the survivors from the Broken Isles, and then carry out his real plan."

"--Control the power beneath the deep sea."

He looked at his colleagues and said, "We cannot let the Cathayan succeed. As you all know, the prosperity and development of the Civilization world today is built on maritime trade. If the Cathayan takes control of this economic lifeline, what will happen in the future? Do I need to remind and predict it?"

Then he looked at the Grand Speaker: "Please take immediate action!"

At this point, a hesitant objection slowly arose. "What if this is true? Let's assume Kang De had ill intentions, or even acted hostilely. If everything is as Kang De says, then even the deep-sea monster is beyond our control. In that case, we would not only gain nothing, but we would also greatly damage our relationship with Kang De..."

Congressman Aokexindun glanced at the speaker and sneered, "Fermat, are you so eager to get your hands on Kang De's confectionery business? Are you so afraid of offending him?"

The other man raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Congressman Aokexindun, are you so eager to make an enemy of Kang De because you're afraid Kang De 'll sell his alchemical weapons to the Council and ruin your family's livelihood?"

Aokexindun flew into a rage and abruptly stood up.

The other party retorted sharply, standing up and stretching their neck.

The first rule of the Tower of All-Seeing forbids the use of offensive spells and weapons, especially during deliberations. This ensures that disagreements do not escalate into bloody duels. However, the original rule-makers were rather naive, or rather, they overestimated the limits and integrity of their successors.

While offensive spells and weapons are prohibited, the use of fists and feet is not.

Therefore, in order to persuade their opponents during heated debates, most of the members of parliament demonstrated their martial arts skills, which, for the monks with many interests, was simply a way to exercise and maintain their health.

Councilor Aokexindun was renowned in Tula Xiaye for his Imperial Guard Grappling and Throwing Techniques, a wrestling style originating from elven battlefield martial arts. Elven swordsmen discovered that in small-scale skirmishes outside of formal military formations, the most efficient way to kill an enemy also heavily armored was to throw them to the ground and then unleash massive axes, hammers, and armor-piercing blows—far more effective than simply hacking and slashing.

Meanwhile, Senator Fermat took a different approach, hiring a wandering Cathay artist from Aurora at a high price. He learned a superb punch and cannon hammer technique, which he used to run rampant in the council, causing countless pandas to be defeated.

Fighting among council members has become a traditional pastime of the Arcane Council, a topic of much discussion among the public, and even enjoyed by the council members themselves. As a result, several speakers felt that this was not a respectable thing and wanted to amend the rules to add a clause prohibiting physical fights. However, the council members were surprisingly unanimous in their opinions, even setting a record for the highest number of votes in favor, and rejected the idea on the grounds that "the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed."

Just as another contest was about to begin, the Grand Speaker's thunderous voice boomed, and the highest ruler of the Council expressed his views and suggestions.

"Congressman Aokexindun's views are valuable, but Congressman Fermat's concerns are not without merit. We are not at odds with any particular person, but rather acting in the best interests of the Council and the world at large. Our guiding principle is to uncover the truth, eliminate threats, and ensure that powerful forces do not fall into the wrong hands."

The Grand Speaker said, "Therefore, we must independently investigate the events of the Broken Isles and not blindly believe Kang De's words. Of course, this is not out of hostility or distrust towards Kang De, but out of responsibility to the Council and the world. Now, clerk, draft a reply to Kang De."

"We would like to say that we thank His Highness Kang De for his reminder. We will take his warning seriously. The powerful fleet and brave investigators of the Arcane Council will confirm the threat with their cautious and wise approach. Their superior combat capabilities and professional skills will not only protect the interests of the Council, but also protect themselves well."

"The Arcane Council grateful for everything he has done for world peace and sincerely hopes to continue working with the great Forbidden Spell magician to ensure the stability of the Mortal World and the safety of all living beings."

"Let's just say it like this... a little polishing and a more humble tone is fine."

The Grand Speaker instructed the clerk, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Issue another order, commanding the fleet and vanguard to conduct reconnaissance and advance with even greater caution, to maintain constant contact, and to remain vigilant against sudden dangers and enemies from underwater."

In the imperial capital, low laughter drifted from the magnificent palace.

He's getting anxious.

The supreme ruler of the human world, like a god high in the clouds, watched the people in the room with amusement.

His children and his ministers surrounded him, respectful and smiling, each trying to conceal their flattery so as not to appear too blatant or vulgar. They all tried their best to please him, racking their brains to win his favor. This is the beauty of power. He sometimes indulged in it, occasionally tossing out a few crumbs of bread, which would cause the hungry dogs to fight over them and make a fool of themselves.

The speaker was his eldest son Alex, whose right hand appeared somewhat thicker and stronger.

He has already completed about half of his homework.

At this moment, the eldest prince looked at his competitors, his younger siblings, and a mocking smile appeared on his face, "Does anyone really think that Kang De went to such lengths, spending countless sums of money and effort, even saving the lowest of the low and beggars, just to satisfy his suddenly lofty moral sentiments, without any other motive? Surely not?"

Just then, the emperor suddenly asked, "What if that's really the case?"

Alex was startled, his face turning deathly pale. "Father?"

The empire's ruler ignored his eldest son, glancing past him to his children. "Does any of you know why Kang De even saved the lowly people and beggars of the Broken Isles?"

He called on his second son to answer, and then one by one, the children's voices rang out, some confident, some timid, some hesitant, and some uncertain, but none of them answered the question correctly.

Kang De was trying to use this opportunity to conceal something.

The Cathayan are trying to win people's hearts.

He wanted to take full control of all the wealth and value of the Broken Isles.

All these speculations are tinged with contempt, arrogance, and foolishness.

The emperor of the empire sighed silently.

No one gave him a satisfactory answer, and no one voiced the possibility that he was truly worried about.

That is, Kang De truly wanted to save those untouchables.

Although this answer was inexplicable and absurd, it was indeed the most terrifying and the one that worried him the most.

It was also what made his... murderous intent boil.

"Reply."

The emperor rubbed his temples and sighed wearily, "Just say, I understand."

He is the true ruler of the human world, and he cannot tolerate Kang De's interference. It would be a huge joke to withdraw troops and blindly obey Kang De just because of a letter from Kang De.

Emperors are suspicious, and kings never easily believe. There had long been disagreements between the empire and Kang De. He did not believe that Kang De would reveal everything without reservation, and he also wanted to know the secrets of the Broken Isles.

The two replies eventually reached Kang De's hands.

One is elaborate and detailed, the other is incredibly simple.

But the arrogance, contempt, and foolishness revealed in his words were a direct slap in the face to Kang De.

The Fire Thief's face turned ashen.

He finally realized a major problem.

He realized he had overlooked something.

He acted righteously and with good intentions, launching the largest aerial evacuation operation in the history of the other world. He saved the innocent, mobilized the masses, gained recognition and support, and demonstrated his power.

Having pierced the fog of the world's truth, he glimpsed the true form of the extraterrestrial enemy overlooking the Mortal World realm. Though powerful, the enemy was not invincible. The young Fire Thief, full of ambition, plotted, advanced, designed, and prepared for battle. He not only aimed to destroy the body and soul of this malevolent so-called "god," but also to confront the enemy foretold in the doomsday prophecy. He had already made plans and envisioned his future, and was putting them into practice.

This is an opportunity to reveal the Star Palace's cruel intentions and despicable acts to the monarchs and leaders of various countries, and to gather the strength of the entire world to fight against the world's enemies.

This plan incorporates the unique characteristics of the Fire Thief; it is not about gathering heroes from various nations to fight the Demon King, but about calling on all people to fight together.

This temperament, thought, and concept did not arise out of thin air, but rather were the result of education received from childhood. Kang De's generation was educated about "the cause of liberating all mankind," heard the call to "build a community with a shared future for mankind," and were most familiar with the slogan "Long live the great unity of the people of the world."

He had a natural familiarity with and fondness for such ideals and plans, taking them for granted. He naturally believed that in the face of crises and difficulties, all living beings in the world would set aside prejudices of race, language and nationality and fight together for a common goal. He had always believed this.

Because his country, despite decades of adverse international circumstances, still educates its people to believe in a great cause and conviction—not just the prosperity of one nation or one people, but the flourishing of all human Civilization. This influence and permeation is the power of Civilization, causing every individual in this Civilization to unconsciously act according to the same creed... He has always subconsciously believed in this ideal.

To this day.

He issued warnings and invitations to the rulers of various nations, eagerly anticipating joining forces with these powerful countries to defeat the formidable enemy from beyond the heavens. They readily agreed, and the situation seemed incredibly favorable.

But beneath the surface, undercurrents are swirling, and each person in power has their own agenda.

He suddenly realized something he had been subconsciously ignoring.

That is, reality is never as good as we imagine. The selfishness, stupidity, greed, and arrogance of intelligent beings are endless. They don't follow logic, or rather, they have their own set of logic.

Those who eat meat are base and incapable of long-term planning.

That's well said.

They aren't actually contemptible; they just have their own interests to pursue.

They are too smart.

Upon hearing the reply, Kang De took a few deep breaths and calmly said, "Thank you for your hard work. Go on with your work."

Master Niola and Colonel Henry, barely daring to breathe, ran away in fear.

After closing the door, Kang De's expression shifted several times, from annoyance to anger, and from anger to rage. He suppressed his anger, Flame raging in his eyes, and a hand pressed on his shoulder.

"If you're angry, just shout it out, or chop something up to vent your anger."

Dairila said, "When I'm furious with those shameless and greedy elven elders, I vent my anger this way... Do you want to lend me your sword?"

"... No need."

Suppressing his anger, Kang De regained his composure. "Impotent rage is pointless; it only makes me feel worse... Dairila, we must stop these fools from their presumptuous spying. Could you please issue a warning to those two bastards in the name of the Phoenix King?"

Dairila smiled bitterly, "Kang De, it's no use. I believe you because... Anyway, don't count on the rulers' trust. Just as they would never believe you have no selfish motives, they would never believe you would tell them all the truth and intelligence, because judging by their own standards, they themselves would never do that."

Kang De let out a cold laugh.

"Even if I warn them, do you think they'll believe me? No, they won't. They'll only be suspicious, thinking I've made some kind of deal with you, that we're in cahoots, that you want to join forces with the elves to swallow the great secrets of the Broken Isles... They really will think that."

At this point, Dairila glanced at Kang De discreetly.

Unfortunately, Kang De kept his head down, his face somber.

"Damn, that's fucking stupid!"

Kang De cursed, realizing that things had reached an unsolvable impasse.

Even if he could monitor the fleets of both countries, his elite advance troops had plenty of ways to infiltrate secretly. He didn't know where they came from, or whether they would be intercepted by the God of the Star Palace. He knew nothing, and even if he discovered them, he had no good solutions.

Strike first, kill them outright?

If the news leaks out, war will break out.

That's putting the cart before the horse; the extraterrestrial enemy would laugh themselves to death in the sea.

"... There's nothing I can do but focus on my own tasks first!"

Kang De said coldly, "Accelerate the evacuation of civilians and prepare for battle... Today has been a good lesson for us. Empire, Council... just wait! You'll have your day!"

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PS1: Tomorrow I'm starting a new round of adjusting my schedule. Want to make another bet? (Serious face)