Sell

"One good news, one bad news."

Tula Xiaye, Tower of All-Seeing, Starry Sky Council.

Communication with the remnants of the Yilan-Tai'er people is progressing slowly and with difficulty, but the pace is accelerating. Although the two sides do not speak the same language, they can learn from each other. With the help of scholars from the think tank to decipher, learn, and speculate, both sides are gradually mastering a way to communicate fluently, and the efficiency and accuracy of information exchange are becoming higher and higher.

The councilors were eager to seize the opportunity, mobilizing resources or colluding behind the scenes to divide up the insane ancient heritage of Yilan-Tai'er. They waited anxiously for the long days to come, wishing they could drain the Endless Sea and drag out all the Yilan-Tai'er survivors trapped within.

And now, the agonizing wait has finally seen significant progress.

"The good news is..."

The Grand Speaker surveyed the impassive, cunning faces, frowned, and slowly said, "The Deep Sea Pioneer and the Deep Diving Walker have arrived at the Broken Sea and are ready to begin operations. Following the instructions and requests of the remnants of Yilan-Tai'er, they will delve into the seabed to begin the first phase of the rescue operation for Yilan-Tai'er."

The lawmakers exchanged glances, all seeing the joy and anticipation in each other's eyes.

"Very good."

One councilor stated, "We are eager to rescue these pioneers. Their indomitable spirit and unwavering will will be a source of inspiration and strength for us to move forward. The Arcane Council is ready to welcome the immigrants of the previous era with open arms, to respect, embrace, and accept them."

The other person nodded and said, "That's right, the Kelo Family has made all the preparations to help them, and it's our duty to do so; this is the spirit of the Council."

The senator sitting opposite said, "This time..."

"Alright, everyone."

The Grand Speaker's voice, booming like thunder, drowned out the politicians' speeches. "This matter must be kept absolutely secret. Even if the survivors of Yilan-Tai'er are rescued, it cannot be announced anytime soon. So, you may put your brilliant speeches to rest. There are no listeners here, and your actions will not help improve your personal image."

"..."

"..."

After being subtly provoked by the Speaker, the members of parliament remained silent without a trace of embarrassment. One member then asked, "So, what's the bad news?"

The Grand Speaker did not answer directly. He raised his hand and pointed, and the elemental disk in the center of the chamber gathered water and earth elements to construct a metamap of the seabed, with the seabed unfolding, seamounts rising, and deep trenches.

Surrounded by water, the hazy and enchanting ruins of a city appear ethereal and indistinct.

"Based on the suggestions and requests of the survivors, the two submarines have a heavy workload. They need to find a way to break down the terrain that has changed over time, restore the city's structure, and then search for enough tide stones to allow the obelisk to stand again—but this is only the first step."

He glanced at the impatient expressions of the councilors and knew that these once promising mages had degenerated into political animals and probably wouldn't pay much attention to these technical issues.

"Regarding the specific operational implementation, whether it's the feasibility study, the planning, or even the distribution of supplies, I will arrange for the Navy Department to take the lead, with other departments providing assistance. Although the execution of the plan will be difficult, it is not insurmountable. In this first stage, the two submarines should be able to successfully complete their mission."

The Grand Speaker pointed again, and the sand table changed once more. "After the obelisk is erected again, it needs to be recharged and activated. Only after it is activated will the sanctuary of Yilan-Tai'er begin its recovery mode, allowing the remnants of the era to leave their prisons and return to the Mortal World —this second step is the most crucial."

The congressman who had asked the question earlier said, "You just said there was bad news."

"Yes." The Grand Speaker's face darkened. "This is bad news."

"Why?" the congressman asked. "Please explain in detail."

"Because activating those three obelisks requires the three cornerstones of Civilization that Yilan-Tai'er is so proud of," the Grand Speaker paused, then slowly said, "Radiant Crystal, Levitation Stone, and Primal Gel."

In an instant, the Starry Sky Council was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The lawmakers all looked like they'd just eaten shit.

The super-magical crystals used to activate and guide extraordinary power, the floating stones used to construct sea cities and even sky vehicles, and the Living Substance used to tame ancient marine creatures and deep-sea species—these are the three cornerstones of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization. Legends about these things have even resisted the erosion of the changing eras and continue to fascinate and drive scholars to madness, and even make them a topic of great interest.

The experience and skills in discovering, utilizing, and researching these three substances are the ultimate treasure that the Arcane Council has always dreamed of. After all, it is the technological accumulation of an ancient super- Civilization over hundreds or thousands of years, enough to allow the Council's national power to grow explosively, and even surpass the elves.

To obtain these technological treasures, the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization must be rescued.

To rescue these survivors, these three legendary substances are needed.

To obtain these three legendary substances, we must find and collect them.

This grand plan remained so idealistic up to this stage that even the members of parliament were daydreaming about it—it was practically a divine gift, a stroke of luck.

After all, if it weren't for a stroke of luck, who would have known that the remnants of the Yilan-Tai'er still existed in this world? Even if they knew, how could they have made contact? And even if they could have made contact, what method was there to carry out a rescue plan while being guarded by endless sea monsters and colossal, ferocious beasts?

Even if the rescue plan could be carried out, where would we find the three legendary substances from the previous era?

It was the Council, only the Council, that gathered all these stringent conditions one after another. The sacrifice of the Ocean Traveler enabled the two sides to establish communication and contact. The peerless ferocious beast was burned to ashes by Kang De's Forbidden Spell, and the three legendary substances reappeared in the world. Best of all, everyone knows where those things are!

But...

One of the councilors swallowed hard. "Activating the obelisk... how much... how much do we need?"

"Our units of measurement differ from those of Yilan-Tai'er, but the think tank scholars have still grasped the conversion method through the definition and parameters of the basic elemental particles. According to their description, a conservative estimate is that approximately two tons of the three legendary substances would be needed to fully activate the obelisk and release the Shelter."

"..." The congressman's face showed some anticipation, "How many do we have now?"

The councilors all straightened up.

Everyone knows where those three legendary substances are—in the Broken Isles.

On that day, Forbidden Spell swept across the sky, Kang De slew an unparalleled ferocious beast, causing its remains to evaporate, disintegrate, and scatter everywhere. These three legendary substances spread throughout the seas and flowed rampantly, their sheer quantity astonishing.

It is obvious that the unknown, peerless ferocious beast and its vast herd have been devouring the essence of the Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er for countless years to multiply and grow stronger. Now, under the Forbidden Spell, the ferocious beast has perished, while the crystallization of the Civilization of the previous era has been cleansed of its filth and reappeared in the world under the blazing light.

The great legacy of the previous era should not be monopolized by any one individual.

Especially the mysterious Cathayan.

For the stability of the world and for the future of Civilization, there must be a wiser and more steadfast will to guide and take the helm in place of the young Cathayan. The Arcane Council should shoulder this important responsibility.

Driven by the will of the Council, the massive Azure Fleet arrived at the Broken Isles, imploring Kang De to choose a more dignified and mature way to resolve his conflict and contradictions with the Council.

--Then, according to reports from the front, the elite forces of the Azure Fleet, the most powerful naval force in the western sea area, have been repeatedly and brutally beaten by the third-rate navy cobbled together from the Distant Harbor in recent days.

Let them beat me up, I've embarrassed myself before anyway, so the councilors don't really care.

They knew perfectly well that the Azure Fleet had become a pawn that could be sacrificed when necessary. In any case, all the elite soldiers who had accompanied the ships had been recalled, and important figures from various councilors and families had also been called back under some pretext. The most powerful naval force on the west coast was certainly important, but it was nothing compared to the legacy of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization.

Their mission was to provoke Kang De, to stall Kang De, even if it aroused the wrath and hostility of the Dragon of Cathay; in fact, it was better this way.

This would divert Kang De's attention from the Council's secret arrangements and plans—that two submarines had secretly arrived in the Broken Sea to steal the most precious spoils and treasures right under the nose of the Dragon of Cathay.

The Council possess the greatest wealth of an ancient, super- Civilization.

But now, something subtle has happened.

To save the ancient Civilization, a vast quantity of three legendary substances was needed, and Kang De regarded these substances as spoils of war, keeping them firmly under his control in the Broken Sea.

Who can obtain these legendary substances?

Azure Fleet.

In fact, the Azure Fleet is indeed doing this kind of work.

Their orders were to acquire the three substances by any means necessary. This was both a way to divert Kang De's attention and a way to "cut their losses." After all, being exposed to the threat of the Forbidden Spell meant they could be smashed to pieces by a meteorite from Kang De at any moment. It was better to make as much money as possible before they died.

That's quite a coincidence.

Who could have imagined that the unintentional order would yield results that would be useful in the rescue plan?

The councilors looked at the speaker expectantly. "How much has the Azure Fleet acquired in the last few days?"

The speaker remained expressionless and slowly said, "One point four..."

Oh, oh, oh, oh, only 0.6 tons left? Well done, Azure Fleet! Although there's still a large gap, with a little more effort, we can achieve it. Not bad at all!

"... kilogram."

You could hear a pin drop.

The expressions on the members of parliament underwent a fascinating transformation.

It was like a rollercoaster of twists and turns.

It's like going from "I played it and felt that the story of 2077 was obviously cut a lot, but the presentation and the main and side quests were very good. The missing parts will be filled in by the free DLC. I give it a 9 out of 10. Okay, I'll play it again for more fun" to "What the hell? How come you didn't do any of the things you bragged about, like map interaction, 3D structure exploration, buying houses, modifying cars, modifying guns, changing cybernetic bodies, shooting Mewtwo, the subway, and NPC action modes? You son of a bitch, are you kidding me with false advertising?"

After the initial shock came anger.

The councilors slammed their fists on the table and rose to their feet, issuing angry rebukes.

"Too little!"

"Why is there so little!"

"You dare to call yourself a navy officer after stealing so little?"

"That's just too little!"

A violent storm swept in.

If anger is like a tidal wave, then the Azure Fleet has already been swallowed up by an unprecedented mega-tsunami.

Seeing that the senators' anger was directed at the head of the Navy, the Grand Speaker said calmly, "According to the report, the Azure Fleet has probably done its utmost. Their repeated, courageous attempts have been thwarted by the fleet under Kang De's command..."

One member of parliament angrily retorted, "This is utterly absurd! Apart from Astolfo, the Distant Harbor Fleet that Kang De cobbled together was nothing more than third-rate. How did we lose?!"

"Because the intensity of the war was strictly limited, neither side used any lethal means, which was our disadvantage... because the enemy was well-rested and ready to fight."

The Grand Speaker narrowed his eyes. "So, do you have any better insights or suggestions? Our brave warriors are doing petty theft for the Council, and they face the constant danger of escalating conflict. If you are unaware of this, I suggest you go to the front lines to supervise and command them personally."

The congressman reluctantly shut his mouth.

"This problem must be solved," another senator said. "The gap is too large. If the Azure Fleet is helpless, where will we get such a huge amount of legendary material?"

The lawmakers looked worried.

If it were any other country, they would have already sent a fleet to openly rob it. If that didn't work, they would have imposed economic sanctions and military pressure. Putting aside everything else, if they could get the enemy's mages to cause trouble, they would have a 60-70% chance of winning.

But this time, the enemy is Kang De.

Just kidding. The purpose of rescuing Yilan-Tai'er is to enhance national strength. If a serious military conflict arises with Kang De in the process, or even escalates into Forbidden Spell war, what's the point of saving the ancient Civilization?

If the hard approach doesn't work, we'll have to try the softer one.

"... Buy it."

Someone said, "Compared to the gains and rewards of rescuing the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization, even if Kang De takes the opportunity to extort money from us, it's worth it. The Cathayan aren't omnipotent; they also have things they need."

The congressman had clearly done his homework. "Elite spellcasters, well-trained soldiers, artisans and slaves, even magical resources and researchers, even air routes, land, and trade preferences—anything he wants to talk about, he can talk about... It's all worthwhile."

"Congressman Fermat, are you sure? Kang De will definitely rip us off, and besides..."

The old rival opposite him sneered, "Don't forget the recent intelligence: Kang De reorganized the Shogunate, and Dong Tianming has officially pledged his allegiance to him. Even disregarding Kang De's own scheming and cunning, wouldn't this legendary Cathay minister of China have noticed something amiss from our eagerness?"

"Oh? Then what insightful opinion do you have, Congressman Aokexindun?"

"In fact, I do have a proposal."

Congressman Aokexindun smiled, gave his old nemesis a defiant look, and then said, "Does everyone remember? Osko was dispatched by us to the Azure Fleet to mobilize the naval personnel to carry out orders. He submitted a report a few days ago requesting our assistance..."

The Speaker frowned. "Members, we've already discussed this. Osko's accusations and criticisms against Commander Nixiyasi of the Azure Fleet are completely unfounded, like the whispers of rats in the Shadow —disgusting. This despicable politician's slander and fabrication of charges are foolish and short-sighted. I'll settle this score with him sooner or later..."

"I know, I know, Your Excellency Grand Speaker, I have no intention of bringing up the past, nor do I doubt Commander Nixiyasi's loyalty, but we cannot deny the objective facts..."

Facing the smiling member of parliament, the speaker frowned and asked, "What did you say?"

"What I mean is, the objective fact is that Commander Nixiyasi did indeed travel to the Broken Isles every day and stay for extended periods. She was clearly in a good mood upon her return, and she was extremely resistant to the Council's orders, even refusing to perform her duties and allowing command to slip away... These facts are not fabrications by Osko Oscot."

"Don't play word games, Congressman."

"Very well, Your Excellency Speaker, then I will get straight to the point."

Congressman Aokexindun said calmly, "While I'm emotionally reluctant to doubt the loyalty of a distinguished naval commander, reality doesn't follow logic. Consider Kang De's inexplicable masculine charm; he even managed to seduce the Phoenix King. How can we be sure Commander Nixiyasi hasn't been bewitched by him?"

"We do not forbid or interfere with the emotional lives of our soldiers. I have faith in Commander Nixiyasi's professionalism, dedication, and loyalty, and..."

"Alright, Your Excellency Speaker, I know you admire Commander Nixiyasi, and I respect this strong and proud lady. But now, I want to say that an opportunity is presented to us—one that can fulfill Commander Nixiyasi's feelings, save the Council a great deal of wealth, prevent us from being extorted by Kang De, and allow us to obtain the legendary material we desire with a more legitimate reason..."

Congressman Aokexindun calmly stated, "Then, as the presiding councilor of the Starry Sky Council, as the supreme leader of the Council, Your Excellency the Grand Speaker, what will you choose when faced with the interests of the nation?"

The Grand Speaker's expression changed drastically. "Do you want a decorated general to sell his body for the Council's power?"

"That's a terrible accusation," the senator said calmly. "It's to give her the opportunity to find love—consider it a dowry, in exchange for Commander Nixiyasi's freedom, and for her joining Distant Harbor as an excellent naval commander. If that's not enough, we can add something else."

"Warships, magical artifacts, craftsmen, mages... anything will do."

The councilors looked at each other, all very interested.

It certainly sounds like a good deal.

The Grand Speaker angrily retorted, "Commander Nixiyasi is not willing to accept such an arrangement!"

"No, she'll accept it." The congressman's smile was meaningful. "After all, she loves her family so much... she'll definitely be willing to make this kind of sacrifice, which isn't really a sacrifice."

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PS1: Phew... My mind is clearer now, my thoughts are more organized, I should be able to update smoothly. I'll find some time to write something and give those Poland idiots a good scolding, then I'll probably feel completely at peace...

PS2: This time, the problem isn't bugs, optimization, or even empty promises; it's deception. It's the exaggerated advertising and relentless hints followed by a failure to deliver on promised game content. They used a PC version to create a "gameplay demo" for PS4, tricking console gamers into pre-ordering a completely unplayable garbage version. The Minecraft score, even lower than The Last of Us Part II, is well-deserved. CD Projekt Red is cashing in on the reputation built up by the Witcher series. It's absolutely outrageous.