Are You Really Willing to Let Kang De Have It for Free?

The bombing was incredibly intense, with nearly two hundred heavy bombs whistling down from the sky, raining down like a shower of flowers, the death sparks flying like stars.

Thick black smoke billowed, gusts of air surged, and the dense smoke from the explosion even obscured the massive structure that stretched for several kilometers. Flames raged, and intense heat steamed up water vapor. Each burst of flame was the violent explosion of more than half a ton of high-energy explosives. This was an unprecedented military operation.

The most intense combat attack launched against a single target.

Even the ruling class of the three kingdoms, who monitored the sea area through ultra-long-range detection spells such as the Beacon Tower System, felt the immense and somewhat terrifying power and intimidation.

Whether it's the Starry Sky Council, the Imperial Cabinet, or the Silver Moon Council.

This was the first time that the high and mighty rulers had witnessed the Dragon of Cathay launch an attack.

What do you think?

In the Dome of True Seeing, the Grand Speaker calmly gazed at the constantly gathering and dispersing fire elements on the elemental sand table—a simulation of the shocking scenes transmitted from the front lines.

He said, "If it were the Azure Fleet that was attacked, it would have been so sudden and so swift."

No one spoke. The Secretary of the Navy opened his mouth, then lowered his head.

He did not voice his speculations.

In the Forbidden City, the brilliant starlight shimmered. Under the illumination of the Stellaris in the sky, the emperor stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the image formed by the interwoven starlight. Cabinet ministers and princes and princesses stood on either side, silently glancing sideways.

The Human Sovereign said quietly, "Can anyone tell me if the Imperial Capital was suddenly attacked by Kang De? The Dragon of Cathay appeared above us via Phase Teleportation, unleashing this alchemical weapon upon the entire city? Can our space monitoring array detect it immediately? Can it intercept, blockade, and retaliate?"

The Minister of Magic, steeling himself, stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, it is possible. The Imperial City, after being renovated and solidified by more than a dozen monarchs, is the most impregnable magical fortress in the world. The Radiant Sun Imperial Guard and the Royal Mage Guards are highly trained and ready to repel any invading enemies. Once the Dragon of Cathay opens the Phase Gate, the Spatial Lock spell will be activated immediately, Mirror of Firmament Light will be activated and launch an attack within twenty seconds..."

The emperor snorted, "The imperial city is safe, but what about the capital? He'll blow most of the capital to smithereens."

The Minister of Magic was speechless.

Everyone held their breath, staring at their toes, not daring to make a sound.

The emperor turned his head and looked at the people in the crowd who were trembling slightly like quails.

That was his eldest son.

"Kang De... Kang De..."

He sighed, lamented, and murmured the name.

A major threat.

For a moment, he even felt a little dazed and sighing, lamenting the impermanence of fate and wondering if there was any retribution in the world.

Initially, fearing Goth's opening of sea routes and resurgence, he reached a tacit agreement with a faction of the elves. As Goth's suzerain state, he would stand by and watch as Goethe was invaded by the Twilight Moon Blade, offering perfunctory responses, neither sending troops nor providing support or engaging in negotiations beyond words. This led to Goth's repeated defeats, forcing him to send Princess Tina as an envoy to the capital to seek aid, attempting to win assistance through public opinion.

He then tacitly allowed his eldest son to bribe and subdue the Good Family, and to secretly poison the Goth delegation.

Who would have thought that this good-for-nothing son not only failed to achieve any of his goals, but also brought an enemy from Cathay to the empire.

While it's true that power is inherently sinful, an empire that rules the human world and commands widespread fame has countless enemies who hate and fear it. So, one more powerless, furious, and wrathful loser who can only curse and howl in the shadows is no big deal. But if that enemy is an alchemist with astonishing skill, almost godlike, and even possesses Forbidden Spell capable of destroying the world, then the situation is entirely different.

Now, this Cathayan is Megatron. He possesses enough power to single-handedly secure his place on the international stage. His joining any country would completely alter the balance of power among nations. If he were to join any of the three great powers, the current world order could be rewritten entirely. Yet, this man has an extremely unfriendly relationship with the Empire.

Even hatred.

At this moment, the emperor was overwhelmed with mixed feelings—if he had fulfilled his duty as the sovereign of mankind and taken a firm stance to defend the peace of the human world and stop the elves' ambitions, things would have been different.

Tina didn't need to come to the Empire for help, nor would she encounter this Cathayan on the way.

There's no reason for his foolish, good-for-nothing son to hold a grudge against him.

Even better—it's not just Reknos, that hypocritical, delusional fool, who has a daughter.

And now, everything has been ruined by that hateful, stupid, good-for-nothing son.

The emperor withdrew his gaze, concealing the murderous intent in his eyes.

--If Kang De responds to my proposal, or even reciprocates with great goodwill, then Alex, I will arrange for your sudden death and give all your possessions to him.

But if he doesn't...

The emperor gazed at the thick smoke and dust churning in the sea, his eyes, reflecting the light and shadow, gradually gathering a deeper sense of apprehension and... murderous intent.

They're such an eyesore, Cathayan.

Silver Moon Council.

"I absolutely disagree!"

Elves have long lifespans and are far more handsome than humans. Even in middle age or old age, their faces do not show many signs of aging. The elegant elven elder angrily slammed his fist on the table.

"Even if I were to draw my sword right here in the council hall today and commit suicide, I would never agree to this absurd demand! Does the great Dusk Moon Dynasty bow to the strong and fawn over force?!"

The base, engraved with magical runes and flowing elemental torrents, emitted a dazzling light, supporting a huge sphere floating in the air. On that sphere, there were mountains, oceans, plains, forests, and hills, which was the entire landscape of this planet. To the west of the continent, in the ocean, a huge red dot shone. The real-time situation here was also projected onto the elemental crystal plates in front of the councilors for them to observe and judge.

Intense flames still blazed around the enormous beast.

The elder's anger seemed to burn even brighter than the fireworks of a heavy bomb.

He roared, "Don't forget! Your Majesty! Don't forget what he did! They killed countless of our brave soldiers! We should have avenged our fallen heroes without hesitation! And you! Not only did you flirt with him, but you also wanted to marry him! Disgrace! Disgrace!"

The hall was abuzz with discussion. The elders whispered among themselves, a small group joined in the commotion with that elder, while the majority of the elves remained silent.

On the throne, the supreme Phoenix King rested his chin on his hand, crossed his legs, and looked down at the other party with a disdainful gaze.

She parted her lips slightly and said calmly, "Kang De and I are a perfect match, a match made in heaven. What right do you, a complete idiot who only knows how to fart here, have to object? Damn it, why do you have to meddle in this kind of thing?"

The elves were all stunned, then erupted in uproar.

Amidst their indignant roars, a loud thud behind the inner palace gate was easily drowned out—a sound of someone banging their head against the wall, filled with frustration and despair.

Separated by a door, Dairila pressed her head against the wall, frantically tearing at the exquisite and delicate wood carvings with her hands. Her face was flushed red, filled with shame, anger, and resentment, as if she wished she could die right then and there.

--How foolish I was, truly! I only knew that the elders would vehemently oppose my proposal, even attacking and questioning me, and that I wouldn't be able to withstand it. So I agreed to the ancestor's suggestion, letting her persuade these stubborn spirits in my place. But I forgot that her mouth was even more irritating than Kang De's...

Outside the gate, the roar of another Phoenix King overwhelmed the entire arena.

"You idiot from the Qian'aoge family, what the hell are you pretending to be so big for? You even said that Kang De killed elven soldiers, so you can't form an alliance or marriage alliance—your ancestor, Rikenqiya, followed the rebels in the Fallen Leaves Coup back then, and the number of elves who died because of it was more than a million. My... my ancestor didn't wipe out your family back then either. Now that you've prospered and become an elder, you think you can forget about the past?"

"You... Your Majesty! This is utter slander!"

"You're slandering your mother, you shameless bastard! You even dare to overturn the verdict! How about we make a bet? If it's not true, you can sit on the throne! If it is true, your entire clan can commit suicide!"

--Dairila covered her face.

"Holy crap, what's wrong with this council? Look at you all—can't you hear me?! Speak up! The Queen said she can't hear me, and that's final! What kind of elders are you, speaking so softly!"

In the hall, the valiant Phoenix King, a man of great martial virtue, furiously berated the weak and pathetic elders of the present day.

"This is absolutely incredible! Before the Golden Age, the various elven clans were constantly at war. Today they would fight tooth and nail, countless people would die, and tomorrow they would be sitting together dividing the spoils and becoming sworn brothers. Do I have to recount the glorious deeds of your respective clans? Now there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to bring this once-in-ten-thousand-years talent into the Dusk Moon Dynasty. You have absolutely no idea what Kang De is worth!"

The former Phoenix King Malegith, roared, "How come you're all these pretentious, arrogant, and ignorant fools serving as elders now! You should know shame! Know shame!"

Before long, an elf exclaimed in shock and anger, "No! Her Majesty the Queen is elegant, dignified, decisive, and brave. How could she speak like that! Who are you! You are definitely not Her Majesty the Queen!"

Her Majesty the Queen's maniacal laughter erupted. "Heh heh heh! I'm not pretending anymore! I'm laying my cards on the table! This is the true face of me, Dairila! I've had enough of your pathetic, foolish elders' childish games! It was Kang De who opened the door to a new world for me! Fools, do you know what I've realized as I reflect on my long life? The more I govern a country, the more I discover that this feudal monarchy has its limits!"

"So, it's time to instill your spirit in you!"

As the phoenix cried out, waves of flame danced wildly, and a blazing pressure surged forth. The elders' expressions changed drastically. Without a doubt, this was the overwhelming power brought by the noblest Phoenix Bloodline of the Twilight Moon Royal Family, and it was purer, stronger, and more terrifying than they had ever imagined!

--Your Majesty! You've been hiding this very well!

Dairila felt like she was about to explode.

She desperately wanted to rush in and sew up her ancestor's beak—but she dared not. If she went in now, the situation would completely change. Two Phoenix King, possessing the same Phoenix Bloodline —if this were exposed to the elders, it would cause a huge upheaval throughout the entire Dusk Moon Dynasty.

"--In short, I'm very compatible with Kang De, we've even slept together!"

Malegith shouted, "Think about it! What's the situation now? Kang De killed our warriors, slapped us in the face, damaged the reputation of the Dusk Moon Dynasty, and even seduced your empress, and you can't do anything about it—so, make a choice!"

"Is it better to abandon a great reconciliation or even to gain an advantage, maintain the status quo, or even continue to be an enemy of Kang De, then be helpless and furious in the face of his ever-displaying enormous potential and terrifying power, and continue to watch as their empress secretly flirts with him and their scandalous affairs fly around?"

Are you really going to let Kang De get away with this for free?!

"Let that despicable Cathayan pay the price—make him marry into the royal family! Let him work for the Dusk Moon Dynasty, using his Forbidden Spell, alchemical weapons, ingenious ideas, and enormous potential to serve us elves like slaves. Anyway, he's just a human; you can just grit your teeth and bear with it for a little while, and he'll be dead!"

In the hall, the arrogant Phoenix King pointed and shouted, "What are you looking at! Royalists! You'll get the benefits too! You may not know Kang De's secret, but I do! Everyone gets a share!"

An elf weakly said, "But... but the royal bloodline will be tainted by humans..."

"What's so special about that! My husband's family is rich enough! He doesn't need to inherit the Twilight Moon throne after we have a child!" Malegith exclaimed happily. "Don't I have a younger brother? Let him get married, have children, and then we can adopt one!"

"Oh, this..."

After a moment of silence, another elf whispered, "Shall we swear an oath?"

"Oujiba Ke!"

--Dairila had already sat down against the wall, looking utterly dejected.

A fierce chorus of opposition erupted again. "Absolutely not! Your Majesty, such an absurd decision would make us a laughingstock of the entire world!"

"What the hell are you talking about? What a laughing stock! After your grandfather, Luo Weikesili, became the commander of the Mist Legion, no elf ever mentioned the embarrassing incident where he was dragged 2,300 meters by a unicorn when he was twenty, even causing Dio to bleed. After we, the Twilight Moon, unified the world and shook the heavens with Kang De's alchemy and Forbidden Spells, those kings and emperors may say they were envious, but they were definitely envious in their hearts!"

--Dairila finally couldn't bear it any longer, and a trace of phoenix aura leaked out.

A moment later, the Phoenix King in the hall said, "I'll go buy an orange!"

As Malegith Dairila Deirella's room through the inner palace gates, the Phoenix Flame Greatsword was already pressed against the neck of the previous Phoenix King. Her Majesty was filled with shame and anger, gritting her teeth.

"Oh dear, most people throw the matchmaker over the wall, you're just chopping up the matchmaker herself!"

The Parrot said sarcastically, "My descendant, what caused you to draw your sword against your ancestor?"

Dairila growled, "What are you saying! How will I ever face them again!"

The Parrot chuckled, "You're a politician, so you need to be a little thick-skinned. Just pretend nothing happened. Look, if I hadn't used some drastic measures to expose your affair with Kang De, with your innocent look, it would have taken forever for you to get together with Kang De. Isn't everything fine now?"

"What's so good about it!"

The Queen gritted her teeth and said, "Now that you've caused such a scene, many elders, even if they don't verbally object, are secretly disapproving and even plotting against us. Our goal hasn't been achieved either; the matter is stuck with the council, and we can't provide full support to Kang De. He needs help..."

"--No," the Parrot said calmly, "It's not necessary. Besides, the goal will be achieved. They're verbally opposed now, but their attitude will probably change soon."

Dairila asked blankly, "What?"

Malegith took a deep breath. "Him... didn't you see? He chose to deal with that guy alone, and the Distant Harbor wasn't evacuated, which means he intends to kill that monster at sea."

Dairila frowned. "But the Forbidden Spell's power is uncontrollable, he..."

"It's not Forbidden Spell."

"If it's not Forbidden Spell, then what is it?"

"I can roughly guess what he's planning to use..." the Parrot said calmly, "But I haven't seen it with my own eyes, and I can't imagine it—but now, I can probably see it."

"... What exactly is it?"

"Even if I told you, you wouldn't understand, but you'll see it."

The Parrot waved its hand. "It's alright, relax. Even if things go wrong, you can go to Kang De and say, 'Waaah, to help you, someone's reputation was damaged, and they were opposed, humiliated, and scolded by the elders. You must take full responsibility.' Then you can do whatever you want to him."

"--I would never do that!"

"Okay, okay, whatever you want."

The Parrot shrugged. "I'm going to continue my furious rampage against these weaklings..."

Dairila's expression changed. "--Wait!"

"What?" Malegith chuckled strangely, "Does Her Majesty the Queen intend to personally intervene?"

Her Majesty the Queen looked extremely frustrated—but her ancestors had created such a mess, and now she was being asked to clean it up; the thought alone made her scalp tingle.

"Don't worry, everything is under control."

The Parrot gestured to her, then darted away. A short while later, her voice echoed through the hall again, "A golden opportunity, you fools! Now is the time when Kang De needs help the most! See that giant octopus? That level of attack couldn't inflict permanent damage. We must join forces with Kang De to take it down—this is also a great opportunity to improve our relationship!"

Hearing the growing arguments and even shouts outside, Dairila covered her head.

--Gods, how shall the historians record this day?

She was filled with hatred, but there was nothing she could do about this lawless ancestor.

No, we can't let her continue to be so arrogant and smug.

--Kang De, it seems Kang De also wants to deal with her... Let's think of a way together!

Distant Harbor.

"Your Highness, how is the situation?"

In response to Hong San's questioning, Kang De said, "The first wave of attacks was ineffective, as expected, no need to worry. How are your preparations going? Scrolls, magical artifacts, and those fortress magical artifacts I brought back..."

Hong San quickly replied, "We are mobilizing the large number of heavy and super-heavy magical artifacts that His Highness retrieved from the Broken Isles. We have gathered professionals to assess, repair, and test-activate them. We will deliver the heaviest blow to that monster as it approaches the Distant Harbor!"

Kang De smiled. "It's not about hitting it."

Hong San asked in astonishment, "That is...?"

"Just follow my instructions when the time comes," Kang De patted Hong San on the shoulder. "Let's get this done as soon as possible."

He turned to leave, Hong San suddenly remembered something and called out, "Oh, right! Your Highness! I was telling you about the plan to deal with the sea monster..."

Before he finished speaking, the Phase Gate opened, and Kang De vanished.

"..."

He returned to his tent with a troubled expression and began working. Half an hour later, the tent was opened.

Immediately, the teacher's long-absent roar came crashing down.

"Outrageous! Such disrespect!"

Even the late emperor would never dare to treat me so poorly!

Dong Tianming glared and bristled, then began to question the meaning of life, "I only asked him to climb a mountain! To climb a mountain to see me! I didn't make him climb for nothing! Understand?! Why didn't he come?! He even looked down on me! Arrogant brat, he's infuriating! He's not a human being! Utterly hateful!"

Hong San, with a pained expression, comforted him, "Master, Master, His Highness is extremely patient with farmers and even beggars, how could he possibly mistreat you? It's just that the situation is urgent, and he has no time to spare..."

"The more urgent the situation, the more you should consult this old man! Stop wasting your time!"

Dong Tianming glared and said, "Where did he go!"

Hong San lowered his head and said meekly, "Our lord has gone to the sea to meet the enemy..."

"Nonsense!" Dong Tianming grew angrier the more he thought about it, and rolled up his sleeves, saying, "I'm going to see what kind of skills this brat has that makes him look down on my abilities!"

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PS1: 5,500 words... You've been updating so early lately. (Looking into the distance)