Plain and clear

Negotiations, especially between powerful nations, are usually a long and arduous endurance race.

The negotiators from both sides engaged in repeated back-and-forth battles, often arguing heatedly over every clause and even every word. Moreover, due to the gravity of the matter, they had to constantly consult with their domestic counterparts, making the process even more time-consuming.

And this negotiation between Distant Harbor and the Arcane Council should have been the same.

Because this negotiation aims to quell and end the paramilitary-level conflict that has been unfolding over the Broken Isles in recent days, the standoff between the Distant Harbor Fleet and the Azure Fleet has attracted worldwide attention.

--In fact, according to common sense, with the Broken Sea completely blocked and the two fleets isolated overseas, it would not be possible to obtain intelligence or transmit information so quickly, given the communication methods and espionage concepts of the other world.

However, if Distant Harbor officials personally intervene and stir up trouble, that would be a different story.

The daily briefings ensured that all intelligence agents, both overt and covert, gathered in the Distant Harbor received firsthand information from the Ministry of Unity. Influential figures from around the world, including wealthy merchants and scholars, were also invited to the City Hall to watch the precious footage of the Azure Fleet being thoroughly thrashed.

From pictures to audio, and also video products.

Not only are there videos of the capture on site, but there are also subsequent interview transcripts with the prisoners.

On the large screen, a naval prisoner, his face blurred, tearfully accused a small group of Azure Fleet officers of disregarding the lives and honor of their soldiers. They accused the officers of coercing and bribing the soldiers to become shameful bandits and steal precious extraterrestrial materials from the territory of the Dragon of Cathay.

All of this was a malicious conspiracy by the Council.

The compiled confessions, audio recordings of repentance, numerous photographs, and a complete set of videos were so detailed that no one could disbelieve it. Information about the matter was sent around the world like snowflakes, and within just a few days, everyone from the eastern mountains to the west coast knew that the Council had lost face in the Broken Isles.

The Starry Sky Council learned of this matter several days later.

The members of parliament were all seething with hatred. Although they summoned the ministers of various countries to explain the situation, as the saying goes, "Don't talk nonsense without a picture." Although the spokesperson bragged wildly, always claiming that the Arcane Council defended peace and resisted disasters, and always talking about how the reckless and selfish behavior of the Cathayan would threaten the whole world, there was no evidence to back it up. As a result, the ministers pretended to agree and nod in agreement on the surface, but in their hearts they were laughing and sighing that times had changed.

The Arcane Council, the guardian of all mages, with half of all spellcasters in the world coming from its ranks, boasts a powerful nation and formidable military might. Looking across the globe, only the Elven hegemony can make these proud mages yield even a step.

If an ordinary second- or third-rate country offends the Council, the Starry Sky Council can order the country's magical domain to shut down, a large number of spellcasters will go on strike and leave, and the arcane power will be rendered useless. If the ruler does not immediately admit his mistake, the righteous army that defends world peace will arrive with thunder and rain.

And now?

The ministers had never seen a Council speaker who was so effeminate and constantly complaining.

Times have truly changed.

The Starry Sky Council also realized the damage to its reputation and the decline in its standing in the martial arts world. Inadvertently, they became a stepping stone for the Cathayan to improve their prestige.

From this perspective, they must strengthen and defend the authority and status of the Council in this negotiation, that is, maintain a tough stance and prioritize appearances over substance.

But this negotiation, which was supposed to be extremely lengthy, was not as simple as it seemed.

Its essence is not to resolve disputes or defuse conflicts.

It was a conspiracy, a deception, a lie.

The Council's true purpose in participating in the negotiations was to obtain enough relic materials from the Distant Harbor to break the seal of Yilan-Tai'er, save and monopolize the remnants of that era.

The faster the better, but the Cathayan must not be alerted. The true purpose must be concealed within various illusions. This requires a great deal of skill in speaking insinuations, and is a huge challenge and torment for negotiators.

In the VIP room, Congressman Aokexindun lay on the sofa, slowly exhaling.

After two hours of intense negotiations, the Council's diplomats were led to a VIP room to rest. He rubbed his temples, feeling extremely tired.

The legendary Princess Tina was neither gentle nor kind; instead, she was sharp-tongued and aggressive, putting him under immense pressure and making him constantly anxious, always fearing that she would discover something.

This damn job!

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and a familiar voice said, "Your Excellency, it's me."

Aokexindun's eyes flickered slightly. "Please come in."

Anthony Syracuse slipped through the door and was about to speak when the senator waved him to be quiet. Aokexindun rubbed his ring, and an invisible sound barrier quietly opened, blocking the sound from spreading.

"The Cathayan many sinister magical artifacts; who knows if they have any eyes or ears here used for spying."

After a casual explanation, the senator smiled and said, "There's something I'd like to ask you."

Anthony bowed respectfully. "I await your orders."

He looked down on this country bumpkin, who had only become a spellcaster from the countryside through so-called hard work and effort. Unfortunately, becoming a mid-level mage was the ultimate fate of this kind of person.

If it weren't for the fact that she happened to have a successful daughter, how could he be worthy of standing in front of her?

Now, Aokexindun still had to put on a smile and treat this nouveau riche politely, because Kang De, who was obsessed with women and had a lustful mind, had taken a fancy to this man's daughter, and even this negotiation was largely related to Nixiyasi... so he had to be polite to this man.

The direction and even the outcome of this negotiation are closely related to this father and daughter.

This damn job.

He cursed Kang De, Senator Fermat, and the Grand Speaker in his heart, but his smile grew even brighter, "It's like this, Mr. Anthony. After these negotiations conclude, your appointment as Senate will be officially issued. I previously suggested to the Grand Speaker that, given your outstanding performance in these negotiations, you would also be given a corresponding promotion and reward..."

Anthony was overjoyed and said, "Thank you for your favor. The Syracuse Family will forever remember your help!"

The councilor smiled insincerely, "Don't thank me, thank the Council. Ultimately, my friend, we are all fighting for its glory, regardless of personal gain or loss."

Yes, of course!

Anthony was extremely skilled at feigning politeness, as if he was born with it. He chatted with Aokexindun for a few minutes before getting to the point.

"You know that."

The councilor said sincerely, "Regarding extraterrestrial matter, the Arcane Council no selfish motives. We are concerned that matter from other realms carries some kind of dangerous power. We have handled many related cases over the centuries, and this time, we share the same concern. We want to remind the young Dragon of Cathay not to blindly mine and use this mysterious object that fell from the sky, but at least for us to study and confirm its harmlessness..."

At this point, Aokexindun sighed, "--Unfortunately, he was blinded by greed and shortsightedness, repeatedly rejecting our well-intentioned reminders, and even suspecting that we had ulterior motives..."

Anthony immediately looked worried. "His Highness Kang De was indeed somewhat impulsive."

"Who can argue with that?" Aokexindun shook his head and sighed. "We are not acting out of a desire for power or to save face by resorting to military measures. We are simply worried that Kang De's actions might set a bad example for many countries and organizations around the world, causing them to disregard the experience, contributions, and power of the Council, and to choose to conceal and monopolize their discoveries in similar situations instead of handing them over to the Council for assessment of threats and containment and neutralization. This could lead to a huge crisis."

Anthony dutifully chimed in, "That's definitely a worrying situation."

"We originally intended to reach some consensus through peaceful negotiations, but as you have seen, the outcome of the talks was that Distant Harbor was aggressive and unwilling to make any concessions. This beautiful city has become tyrannical, impulsive, and disorderly under the control of a dictator. Kang De, relying on the power of the Forbidden Spell, has wantonly trampled on our goodwill and sincerity. We compromised and prioritized the greater good, but what we received in return was ridicule and contempt..."

Anthony's expression changed upon hearing this.

--Wait a minute, stop for a second. Fine, you can lie all you want, it sounds quite interesting, I could even try to imitate you. But what's with this topic?

Are you trying to start a war or what?

Then, he heard the congressman continue, "Even so, and although I am very angry, what is more important than honor and reputation is world peace. The most urgent task is to immediately examine those substances to confirm their harmlessness and eliminate the threat. Kang De refuses to hand them over to us, and we are willing to pay a large sum of money to buy them, but you saw the negotiation process... The Distant Harbor authorities have no interest in this."

Aokexindun said gravely, "They're getting bogged down in who's right and wrong in the military conflict, even wanting us to issue a public apology so they can enjoy the immense honor of defeating the Council, while completely ignoring the real threat. It truly pains me and leaves me utterly bewildered..."

Anthony said sadly, "The Council defends world peace, yet it is not understood by Mortal World. This is the fate of heroes. Councilors, you need not worry. The gods will know what we have done... So, what can I do for you? Or rather, what can I do for the Council?"

"I think there's a problem with the negotiation strategy at Distant Harbor. I'd like to negotiate directly with His Highness Kang De, but he's unwilling to see me. I've heard that Ms. Nixiyasi and Kang De Highness Kant have a very deep personal friendship, and that you were even received by the Dragon of Cathay before..." Aokexindun said sincerely, "If possible, I would like to ask you to find a way to convey my attitude and hopes for the negotiations, and ideally, I could speak with His Highness Kang De in person..."

"This..." Anthony looked troubled. "Nixiyasi isn't here, and I have no connection with Kang De Highness Kant. What reason would he have to listen to my advice?"

"As long as there is a glimmer of hope, we will fight with all our might."

Aokexindun pleaded, "Your Excellency, you will also be joining the Senate and becoming one of the helmsmen of this nation. This is your sacred duty, Council implores you to do your utmost."

"Well... okay."

"Thank you, sir. Regardless of the outcome, I will always appreciate your efforts."

As Aokexindun watched Anthony walk out the door, the smile on his face slowly faded.

That's a complete pile of dog shit.

He could tell at a glance that this country bumpkin must have made a deal with Kang De, most likely he was going to hedge his bets, and that his clumsy acting couldn't fool him, a veteran of politics.

It's okay, though.

Even traitors have their uses.

He stroked the ring on his hand, his face gradually darkening.

He was the one who proposed exchanging Nixiyasi for extraterrestrial matter, but his intention was merely to stage a deception. However, judging from the Council's attitude, they probably see this negotiation as the beginning of normalizing relations between the Council and Distant Harbor. These guys are completely terrified by the Forbidden Spell.

They've got a good plan.

They made a deal with Kang De, signed an agreement, secretly rescued the remnants of the Yilan-Tai'er people, and secretly brought them back to the Council's territory to settle them, all without Kang De's knowledge.

Thus, the Cathayan remained completely unaware of what was happening. The relationship between Distant Harbor and the Council gradually normalized due to this negotiation and transaction. The Council not only rescued the remnants of Yilan-Tai'er but also gained benefits in diplomacy and even trade. What a perfect plan!

But.

Without the ever-present threat of war, who would I sell my magical artifacts to?

If Kang De's Forbidden Spell no longer pose a sustained threat to the Council's homeland, then what will become of the funding and numerous orders for the anti- Forbidden Spell magical devices developed by my Alchemical Ordnance Center?

I also offended that old bastard because of Nixiyasi's matter, damn it, I was doing it all for the Council! That Fermat dared to kick me when I was down—he's been wanting to suck up to Kang De for a long time, and once he makes a deal with Kang De, the balance of power will shift, and the problem will become even more serious!

Besides...

The image of Nixiyasi flashed through his mind.

If this woman finds out the truth, if she knows it was his suggestion that led to her being used as a bargaining chip and put on the market, and then she whispers in Kang De's ear...

These things must not be allowed to happen.

He stroked the ring on his hand, his eyelids lowered, concealing the madness and sinister intent in his eyes.

War must not break out.

But war must be something that could break out at any time.

The Council, Kang De, Nixiyasi, the Broken Isles... With me here, none of them will have a moment's peace.

"He looks so pitiful, hahaha."

In another lounge, Kang De, with his arm around Tina's waist, watched a replay of the negotiation process with Hong San, reviewing it. Under the recording of the high-definition camera, all the emotions were accurately reflected in the frame-by-frame changes of the facial muscles. Council Negotiation Minister Aokexindun had no secrets.

Kang De pointed at the congressman's face and said with great interest, "See that? This negotiation has left him exhausted and anxious. That subtle expression reveals his boredom and reluctance. I bet he didn't come here willingly; he was forced to."

"But according to the intelligence we have, this Councilor Aokexindun enjoys considerable prestige and power in the Arcane Council. For him to be relegated to this arduous task without resistance, it must have been with the Speaker's approval. The reason why the Grand Speaker of the Starry Sky Council would punish this fellow is a clear point of leverage, and he must be filled with resentment, which can also be exploited..."

Hong San nodded repeatedly and explained, "Although he's full of resentment, he's still doing his job diligently. It's probably not because of any sense of duty or loyalty, but rather out of fear of retribution and punishment if the mission fails. His real mission is to obtain the three types of relic materials quickly and efficiently without arousing our suspicion..."

Kang De snapped his fingers, "And this is the opportunity we can take advantage of."

Tina sat on the comfortable sofa, her beauty as radiant. She maintained an elegant and charming smile as she listened to Kang De and Hong San's rapid, oblivious conversation. Her smile grew increasingly stiff, and her gaze became more and more subtle.

She sensed something was wrong.

Although they were discussing national affairs and negotiation strategies, watching his beloved and his trusted advisors talking animatedly and with great interest about a man...

This is really strange, isn't it?

She wanted to express her own views at the right time to participate in her lover's discussion, and also to make Hong San, the soon-to-be prime minister, realize that his mistress was not just a beautiful vase. However, the princess soon discovered that she could not keep up with the pace of the two of them. The understanding of men by this monarch and his minister was simply terrifying.

Well...

She struggled for a moment, but eventually gave up in despair and continued to maintain her beautiful appearance.

Hong San continued, "What opportunity does Your Highness wish to take advantage of?"

The two men exchanged a smile, Kang De grabbed the paper and pen from the table. "That depends on what we want."

He scribbled three lines on the paper—in this other world, he was still illiterate, and the characters he wrote were modern Chinese, but Tina and Hong San could already recognize them.

"Forcing the Council profits."

"To squeeze something out of this congressman's family business."

"Get him."

Kang De put down his pen and said, "The first point is easy to understand. The Council wants to obtain three substances for underwater operations. They think we don't know them, and we need to make them think we don't know them either. But in fact, they don't know that we do know them. This information asymmetry is our huge advantage in the negotiation process. We can use this to extort as much as possible from the Council as we want."

"Technology, population, weaponry... everything needs to be fast."

"As for the second one..."

The Dragon of Cathay glanced at Councilor Aokexindun on the screen. "This man has a powerful background and extraordinary influence. His companies and research centers specialize in alchemical weaponry, and the magical artifacts they manufacture are sold worldwide. There are rumors that he is the most hostile towards me in the Starry Sky Council, perhaps because I stole his business?"

He snapped his fingers at this point, "How can we not fleece such a fat sheep? Since he's hostile to us, we don't need to be polite when we're scheming. Anyway, when the Council's submarine operation succeeds and we intercept it instantly, this bastard will realize that we've been fooling him all along, and that the mission failed. He'll suffer a huge humiliation when he returns home, and he'll definitely harbor endless hatred towards us..."

"Since that's the case, let's strike first." Kang De gestured with his hand, "To kill, we must also destroy their spirit."

Hong San pondered for a moment, "How do we attack someone's heart?"

"Simple— the Council's secret operation, the submarine hidden deep in the sea, the mission was top secret, yet we easily located it and intercepted it instantly. May I ask...?"

Kang De's teeth gleamed, and his smile was captivating, "How did we know?"

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PS1: Ah, I saw something good...