May They Never Meet

The Broken Isles.

When the Combined Fleet from the Distant Harbor once again sailed through this commercial hub on the west coast, the crew couldn't help but sigh with regret, feeling a profound sense of the impermanence of life.

Even the well-informed elf couldn't help but sigh, and was even inspired to write a short poem on the spot.

A few days earlier, they had been in this area as part of Kang De's military forces, conducting a deterrent operation and evacuation of citizens from the Broken Isles.

They witnessed firsthand His Highness Kang De's political wisdom and military prowess; with just the evacuation of his citizens, he brought the thriving commercial activities of the Broken Isles to a near standstill. But what followed was unexpected—a ferocious sea monster and the collapse of the Broken Isles.

And the massive evacuation operation that left them deeply moved and awestruck.

A network of firepower intertwined above the island, endless bursts of explosions, hot air balloons traversing the sky forming lifelines, and giant aircraft roaring into the sky carrying creatures yearning for salvation back to Distant Harbor... Many members of this fleet personally experienced and participated in these events.

They are proud of it.

Even the proudest elves had to admit that Prince Kang De was a unique leader, powerful yet benevolent, cruel yet just, wise yet tolerant. His awe-inspiring power and compassion together created the miracles that took place on the Broken Isles.

Tens of thousands of innocent lives were saved in a single day, traveling thousands of miles to bring them back to the Distant Harbor. This involved the use of a large number of cutting-edge magical devices, rapid troop deployment, massive mobilization of resources, and the cooperation of an entire city. Mortals would cheer for this great rescue, while the wise would tremble deeply.

But when these wise men decided to pledge their loyalty to His Highness Kang De, the trembling of fear instantly transformed into extreme exhilaration—this was the mood of the fleet's sailors at that moment.

Because they are already serving, working, and fighting for His Highness Kang De.

Using the most advanced alchemical weapons and magical devices, fighting under the command of a great commander like Lord Horus, enjoying the most delicious and abundant food in the world, and no matter where you are or what danger you are in, you don't need to be too discouraged or desperate—because Prince Kang De will definitely come to your rescue.

None of this is boasting; it is what they have truly experienced, witnessed, and felt.

They felt deeply honored by what had happened and been experienced in the Broken Isles.

But this glory is not without its flaws.

After rescuing all the stranded people, His Highness Kang De faced the colossal, ferocious beast alone, while they remained in the Distant Harbor, waiting in bewilderment. Only when news of victory arrived did they realize what had happened—while the people rejoiced, they felt only shame and disgrace.

Only now, revisiting the place, do they realize what has happened.

The night before last, a meteor shower fell from the sky, the night sky turned crimson, and the aurora borealis shone brightly. That must have been the scene of His Highness Kang De activating Forbidden Spell to annihilate a powerful enemy. And today they witnessed the scene.

Have you searched it?

Quilion deactivated Eagle Eye and looked at the people boarding the ship.

Han Guangcheng nodded and said, "We've searched... we haven't found any survivors yet."

This fleet, under Kang De's orders, went to the Broken Sea to search, blockade, and guard the area. Quilion was the commander, and Han Guangcheng was the deputy commander, to coordinate the operation of the Elven ships and the Distant Harbor ships. The defectors from the Broken Isles, Mei Xizhu and Ailike, also accompanied the fleet as guides.

They were in charge of things like "feeding perverts to death."

The shock on Mei Xizhu's face had not completely disappeared. He had worked in the Broken Isles for many years, and now he was witnessing firsthand the destruction of prosperity and the desolation of the wasteland, all in just a few days... Even the most thick-skinned person could not pretend that nothing had happened.

He said, "Firestorms have broken out all over the island, probably ignited by meteors falling from the sky. All sorts of strange debris are flying everywhere, many buildings have collapsed, and incidentally, there are also dead sea monsters, their corpses scattered everywhere... Your Excellency, many strange and novel things have appeared on the island."

Quilion's gaze swept past them to the sea, and he said softly, "I see it."

A dozen nautical miles away, several huge rocks, glowing with an eerie red light, floated in the air, about ten meters above the water. Each of them was the size of a medium-sized warship, and they floated around each other, entangled in an endless stream.

Such Levitation Stone can be found in many places on the sea and islands.

Golden Radiant Crystal clung together, blooming like clusters of flowers, some floating in the sea, others blossoming on cliffs, and still others drifting down from the sky like snowflakes.

The green gel-like substance continuously gathers, either floating in patches on the sea surface like algae clusters, or gathering on land like small lakes.

Rainbow-colored fragments, large and small, are scattered across the islands. Many have sunk into the sea, while many others retain their original form amidst the Flame burning on land. These fragments, of all sizes and with inexplicable uses and origins, have attracted the fire and now lie dormant in this desolate and broken land.

What are these things?

This is a common problem for every member of the fleet.

Mei Xizhu continued, "I propose we prepare Rainfall Spell to extinguish the fire on the island, and then report what has happened here to His Highness Kang De."

"It's already been done."

Quilion said calmly, "Maintain cautious reconnaissance. Our mission remains primarily blockade. Issue orders to all fleet members not to make any unauthorized contact with these unknown substances. This sea area and everything within it rightfully belong to His Highness Kang De; these are His Highness's spoils of war. As for figuring out what these things are or what their purpose is, that is not our task."

He turned to look at the ship captains and chief mage who had been summoned.

"Since you have all made up your minds, we are now serving both His Highness Kang De and Her Majesty the Queen. His Highness Kang De has clearly stated that all research work will be conducted in conjunction with Twilight Moon and Dragon Island, and the results and gains will be shared. Therefore, you need not worry, and do not use loyalty and patriotism as a pretext to do anything improper. Unauthorized salvage and concealment will be considered treason and will be subject to both the laws of the Distant Harbor and the laws of the Elves—this is to be announced to every member of the fleet, understand!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

Quilion nodded. "Remember, our mission is blockade and vigilance. Any ships or individuals that intrude without authorization must be expelled immediately. We only have one chance to be patient and give warnings. If they try to evade responsibility or play tricks, then sink or kill them immediately. Leave no one alive!"

"Yes, Your Excellency!"

The order was given, and the ships dispersed to various parts of the Broken Isles to conduct patrols and reconnaissance, communicating with each other using the communication devices bestowed upon them by His Highness Kang De, and closely monitoring any unusual activity.

Giant dragons cruised in the sky, and hot air balloon troops took off one after another. The observers in the high sky had a special mission—to observe the terrain of the islands in the sea after being damaged by the meteor shower, and to mark the large flat areas in various places. His Highness Kang De wanted to open a new airport here and send combat personnel to be stationed here.

The flagship toured the area, remaining silent for the time being. On the deck, Quilion and the others were chatting idly. Although the elves were proud, they knew some of the formalities of officialdom. Moreover, Han Guangcheng and Mei Xizhu were both from Cathayan. Based solely on their shared hometown with Prince Kang De, the newly joined Quilion didn't mind exchanging a few pleasantries with them.

"Speaking of which..."

Han Guangcheng pointed mysteriously to the sky, where a golden dragon was soaring across the heavens and flying into the distance. "This guy told me that something big happened in Distant Harbor yesterday."

Everyone looked at him curiously.

Han Guangcheng's father, Han Zezheng, is already the chief financial officer of Distant Harbor. He can be considered a second-generation rich kid to some extent. At least compared to everyone else present, he is relatively closer to Prince Kang De.

The young man from Cathay looked around seriously, then whispered, "I heard... it's just a rumor. I heard that yesterday, Twilight Moon sent a dowry to Distant Harbor."

Everyone was taken aback. Quilion exclaimed in surprise, "What?"

This heartfelt, overly joyful voice drew sidelong glances from the others. The elven commander composed himself and said, "That's unlikely."

"The dragon said it all: they arrived yesterday afternoon, elven merchant ships, one after another. The elven mages on board were casting spells and shouting, and everyone in the dock area could hear them—and strangely enough, as they shouted, the elves started hurling insults at each other..."

Everyone exclaimed, "Wow!"

Han Guangcheng's face lit up with excitement as he said this, "And there's more—I heard from that dragon that, guess what? Princess Tina is in Distant Harbor right now!"

"Wow!"

An even louder exclamation arose, and everyone cried out in unison, "Oh no, oh no!"

Despite saying that, everyone present was beaming with joy and grinning from ear to ear.

Even the Dragon of Cathay can have its inner quarters catch fire!

They revered Kang De as a god, aweeding his power and majesty, and admiring his kindness and justice. Yet, upon hearing of the fire in His Highness's inner quarters, they felt a sense of closeness, as if an illusory and perfect figure had become real—and such things had always been a source of pleasure for men.

What's rather intriguing is that no one seems particularly worried about it.

The ship was full of elves, who were eager for Prince Kang De to kick Princess Tina aside and marry into the Twilight Moon royal family. The human officers present were either surrendered generals from the Broken Isles or Kang De's direct subordinates from Distant Harbor, such as Han Guangcheng —he was Cathayan, Kang De's natural subject, and it was none of his business who Prince Kang De married. As for the surrendered generals from the Broken Isles, they didn't care at all.

They discussed excitedly what would happen.

"Shouldn't His Highness Kang De be Princess Tina's?"

"Yes, that should be it, otherwise they wouldn't have gotten involved in the war because of Goth."

"And what about the Elf Queen?"

"I heard that the Elf Queen has fallen in love with Prince Kang De..."

"--Hey, you two, don't speak ill of our perfect Empress in front of me. In my opinion, Prince Kang De was simply deceived by Princess Tina, only to later realize that he truly loved the Empress..."

The fans of the couple started arguing.

They argued, discussed, and imagined, neither able to convince the other, but ultimately reached a consensus on certain matters—for example, His Highness Kang De must have had a difficult time last night.

"Alas, even the Dragon of Cathay has such troubles."

The boatswain brought out the finest wine, and as they enjoyed the sea breeze, gazed at the unique and beautiful scenery of the Broken Isles, and chatted about the gossip surrounding Prince Kang De, they finally smiled at each other and raised their glasses in celebration.

Quilion offered his toast. "To our wives."

Han Guangcheng smiled knowingly, raised his glass, and said, "To our lovers."

Ailike, Mei Xizhu, and the elven officers raised their glasses together, the glistening wine swirling in the sunlight.

They said in unison, "May they never see each other again!"

Distant Harbor.

"You traitor..."

Town Hall.

"Ungrateful wretch..."

Mayor's Office.

"Who pulled you out of the mud...?"

In front of Hong San.

Have you forgotten all of Valentan's kindness?

Kang De glared at his retainer. "Do you know how anxious I was last night?"

Hong San smiled wryly, "Your Highness, yesterday was your family banquet. How could I have interfered? Besides, Princess Tina is about to take over the Ministry of Unity, and Miss Leona is integrating the West Goth Company. As the mayor, I will have to deal with them in the future. I dared not have been an eyesore yesterday..."

His Highness Kang De slammed his fist on the table and said, "You can't just stand by and watch someone die!"

After he finished shouting, he complained, "Damn it, A Xing glared at Tina first, then Leona glared at me, Lily glared at me too. Then they started glaring at each other. During dinner, I was laughing so hard my mouth was practically twisted. It was so awkward. I told over fifty jokes. Tina and Leona were sitting on one side, and A Xing and Lily were on the other. Tina was putting food on my plate, and then they all got really into it. If A Fu hadn't smoothed things over, I would have died there..."

"Hilmeria is just as disloyal as you. After dropping Tina off, she ran straight back to Danfeng Lucerne without even having dinner..."

The Dragon of Cathay covered his face with one hand. "And another thing, what the hell is wrong with the elves? They all rushed over to wish me and Dairila a long and happy marriage... and Tina even personally signed for the gift, smiling as she did so..."

His head slammed against the table. "I fucking thought she was going to chop me up with an axe..."

Hong San shook his head. "Did she cut it?"

"No."

"Are the ladies angry with you?"

"... No, not at all."

"Then why are you so agitated?"

Kang De sighed, "That's the worst part. They don't get angry, they don't cry, they don't yell at me, they just look at me calmly. I just want to find a crack in the ground to crawl into..."

Hong San nodded. "Your Highness's moral standards are higher than ordinary people's; we'll have to get used to it."

Kang De glared and said, "Habit my ass!"

"... So Your Highness will only marry one?" Hong San asked. "Who is it? Princess Tina? What about Ms. A Xing? What about Empress Dairila? And..."

Kang De exclaimed, "With the Star Palace still standing, how can we have a home!"

Hong San nodded and said, "I understand. Your Highness enjoys the time spent with each beauty and the wonderful memories, and deep down you want to be intimate with them forever. However, due to some inexplicable guilt and moral principles, you dare not speak your desires aloud..."

"Hey! I didn't come here for psychological counseling!"

Hong San calmly said, "Even so, Your Highness must understand that throughout history, marriage has been the most effective way to form contracts and alliances. It is a common custom worldwide. My master also intends to arrange a marriage between you and the Empress of Cathay..."

Kang De, looking displeased, said, "Again?"

Hong San said calmly, "Otherwise what? Your Highness is going to rescue Cathay, bringing a large army to sweep away the treacherous and evil forces. What will you do next? How will you integrate Cathay's forces? How will you reassure the Cathay court and its officials? How will you make them believe that you will not take advantage of the situation to destroy them and seize the throne? How will you ensure that they maintain their confidence and composure for the next few years or even decades?"

He held up one finger. "Marriage alliance, only through marriage alliance, by marrying the Queen of Cathay, you will naturally possess all the laws, legitimacy, and rights of Cathay, and can smoothly integrate Cathay's national power, while the court and the people will cooperate with you without any doubt—do you understand what I'm saying?"

Kang De calmly replied, "I understand. You mean that in order to save the world, to maintain world peace and the happiness of all people, I have to offer my pure and innocent body to a wealthy and powerful woman I've never met—thinking it this way, my moral pressure is much less."

"..."

Hong San's eye twitched slightly. "It's good that you think that way."

Kang De's face fell. "What a load of rubbish! I..."

Just then, Kang De heard Horus's voice. "Father, news has come from the Broken Isles that the fleet has arrived. They've discovered a large amount of debris there and are preparing to summon rain and extinguish the fires. I think we should go and take a look, collect samples, and gather researchers."

Kang De for a moment, then stood up.

Seeing this, Hong San also stood up. "Is Your Highness leaving?"

"There have been discoveries in the Broken Isles; we're preparing to send personnel there and set up mines." Kang De sighed, "Sigh, I should go back to the Sound of the Tide Manor and say hello..."

"Your Highness, please take care."

Kang De pursed his lips, opened the Phase Gate, and returned to the White Mist World.

Horus's voice rang out. "Father, I've been consolidating the army these past two days, and I have an idea."

Kang De stopped in his tracks. "Speak."

"It's like this—Father, is the next strategic focus on Earth?"

"... Probably not. The Star Palace's retaliation will have to wait a while. The nuclear weapons should be enough to deter the Empire and the Council. The next period will be a rare opportunity for Distant Harbor to develop. External potential enemies will be deterred, and the internal situation will be excellent. After I finish this period, I'll return to Earth to arrange development there." Kang De thought for a moment and said, "After all, if we want to increase our strength as quickly as possible, it's better to obtain supplies and weapons from Earth based on the time difference."

"And perhaps we can go back and hide from Princess Tina and the others?"

"Hello!"

"Since that's the case..." Horus continued, as usual, delivering a backstab, "Has Father considered expanding the Doom Warriors and having them permanently stationed in the White Mist World for combat training?"

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PS1: Update... Han Zezheng's son has changed his name to Han Guangcheng. Don't ask, it's just a sensitive word that suddenly appeared.