Unyielding Integrity

That evening, a grand banquet was held at the Distant Harbor City Hall.

People from all walks of life in Distant Harbor mainland were invited to participate.

In addition to officials and soldiers at all levels of the military and government system, there were also local model workers who had performed outstandingly in the past month, residents of the Broken Isles who stepped Distant Harbor to assist the evacuation, as well as businessmen, scholars, and spies from all over the world.

Oh, right, and there are also the "progressive aristocrats" from Distant Harbor.

Of course, the most eye-catching and dazzling guest tonight is Mr. Aokexindun from the Broken Isles —a member of the Starry Sky Council, the head of an arcane family whose emblem is the Arc of Blazing Light, a world-renowned tycoon, and a merchant of military magical artifacts whose products sell well across the continent.

With this gentleman's title, status, wealth, and power, he would enjoy royal treatment wherever he went and would always be the focus of attention. Apart from the Holy Emperor, the Phoenix Queen, and the Star Council Chairman, who are monarchs at the top of the planet, he is the most powerful and influential giant.

At least in the Distant Harbor, and in the minds of the guests at the banquet, he was the most important person at the banquet that night; there was no guest of higher status than him.

However, it soon became clear to those with keen eyes that things were not so simple.

Mr. Aokexindun, this absolute VIP, did not seem to be enjoying the dinner with ease and pleasure. Instead, his eyes were darting around, revealing a strange sense of unease. He exuded a low-pressure atmosphere and had little patience or interest in anyone who came up to him for conversation.

Experienced communicators have come to a rather intriguing conclusion about this performance—the powerful core members of parliament seem to have encountered some kind of continuous, repressive setback.

So here's the question.

Who can defeat and suppress members of the council whose power is almost equivalent to that of the king?

The answer is obvious.

In the Distant Harbor, only one person's will can achieve this.

Amidst the joyous and laughter-filled banquet, those with discerning tastes exchanged meaningful glances while enjoying a multitude of delicious dishes they had never heard of or seen before.

All curiosity and the thirst for knowledge revolve around what has already happened.

Why has Congressman Aokexindun come? What happened to him in Distant Harbor? How will the dispute and conflict between His Highness Kang De and the Arcane Council develop and end?

Small groups of people whispered among themselves, exchanged glances openly and subtly, and engaged in various speculations, arguments, and rumors. However, none of the participants realized one thing.

On one side is the Arcane Council, whose members comprise half of all spellcasters in the world, boasting a vast territory and a powerful military.

On the other side was just a city, and a Cathayan.

Not long ago, during the Paradox Element incident, when Kang De explicitly refused the Council's intervention in the meteorite event, Goth's nobles were terrified and fearful, believing that even with the power of the Forbidden Spell, Kang De would probably be forced to bow down under the formidable reputation of the Arcane Council.

Now, everyone—at least those currently in the Distant Harbor, or even those who have personally witnessed and experienced the Great Evacuation of the Broken Isles —is subconsciously placing Kang De and the Arcane Council on equal footing, tacitly assuming a roughly equal balance of power between the two.

I even think Kang De might have a slight advantage in some aspects.

... It must be said that their intuition was correct.

Because an hour into the banquet, Congressman Aokexindun was attacked.

The Cathayan don't have any martial ethics; what was supposed to be a banquet suddenly turned into a press conference.

When Acting Mayor Hong San took Councilor Aokexindun's hand and led him to the podium, the atmosphere instantly fell silent. Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, this newly rich man from the Distant Harbor announced some good news with a beaming smile.

In negotiations surrounding the conflict in the Broken Isles, the diplomatic team of the Distant Harbor Ministry of Unity and the Council delegation reached a preliminary agreement for the first phase.

Both sides agreed to cease all military conflict activities in the Broken Sea and to begin follow-up negotiations on prisoner ransom and accountability.

Regarding the issue of extraterrestrial materials, the Arcane Council proposed exchanging magical artifacts, high-grade magical potions, and rare mineral raw materials for the three exotic substances.

Mayor Hong San announced that, taking into account the friendly, candid, open and inclusive neighborly cooperative relationship with the Arcane Council, and after full evaluation, Distant Harbor, in accordance with the principles of maintaining regional stability and development and advocating free trade, generously and responsibly agreed to the Starry Sky Council's request.

At the same time, the acting mayor urged the Council deeply recognize the folly and danger of the previous military conflict in the Broken Isles, and pointed out that the series of regrettable events that occurred in the past few days were entirely due to the military adventures launched by a small group of council opportunists who wanted nothing more than to Council trouble on the west coast. Such behavior, which disregards regional peace and stability for its own political interests, will surely be deeply hated and utterly despised by the people of the world.

Distant Harbor hopes the Council thoroughly investigate those responsible and prevent similar incidents from happening again, and calls on the Starry Sky Council to handle regional incidents in a peaceful and amicable manner.

Distant Harbor firmly opposes all acts of military bullying and oppression, and following Comrade Kang De's instructions, has begun to establish the Continental Humanitarian Observation Group to observe and assess moral issues in various countries and regions, discuss the necessity and feasibility of intervention and rescue, and calls on the Council work with all parties to jointly safeguard the right of all living beings in the world to live in peace and prosperity and to develop peacefully.

And so on.

Everyone was completely dumbfounded.

"Although Mayor Hong San's remarks and speaking style were unprecedented, I still instinctively realized that this was probably some kind of extremely mature political rhetoric..."

Afterwards, one of the participants, who wrote the article claiming to be an imperial merchant but was actually an imperial spy, wrote a report back to the country overnight.

"It sounds like the social jargon that nobles are used to, but it's different. More importantly, these long, formal pronouncements, amplified by the military might of the Dragon of Cathay wielding Forbidden Spell, are so powerful and threatening. I guess this might be political terminology that has recently emerged in Cathay and been translated into Continental Common Language. But the Cathayan present are equally bewildered..."

"With reverence and a thirst for knowledge, I asked my new friend from Cathay, whom I met that evening. He also sounded bewildered and said that he had tried to translate these words back into Zhendan Language. He had never imagined that he could say such things in his native language, which he had used for more than thirty years. I agreed with him because these words were indeed strange—no, he denied my statement. He told me that it wasn't strange; in Zhendan Language, it was called 'weird and eccentric.'"

He explained the meaning of the word to me in the Continental Common Language. Although cultural differences cannot be precisely described in language, I still roughly understood what he meant. The word is very vivid, because from what I've observed, Congressman Aokexindun, who has endured such a verbal attack, is indeed quite pitiful...

It was more than just pitiful; everyone present vividly remembered the awkward expression on the Starry Sky Councilor's face.

Mayor Hong San held his wrist firmly, and as he stood beside him, listening to the vicious verbal attacks coming from the Cathayan, he could barely control his expression and emotions.

Even so, His Excellency the Member of Parliament did not lose his temper or lose his composure in public.

Even though his expression was more unpleasant than ever before.

"My friend from Cathay used another vivid word to describe the senator's current state."

Translated into common parlance—they only dare to be angry in their hearts, but not to express their anger in words.

"As usual, I praised their long-standing and profound culture. In my impression, Cathayan really appreciate this. He laughed and said that he still preferred the new words brought by His Highness Kang De."

"That word has a similar meaning, but it's much harsher and more vicious. It means—extreme anger and frustration coupled with a complete inability to do anything about what's happening, like a complete failure."

"I must say, I have to marvel at how vividly this word is used."

That's absolutely true.

If there's anything that the guests at today's banquet will remember vividly, it's undoubtedly the state of Congressman Aokexindun. His uncontrollable expression juxtaposed with Mayor Hong San's gentle smile creates a powerful and evocative scene, stirring a sense of longing and regret in every guest with an artistic sensibility and basic aesthetic sense—a moment worthy of being captured on paper and preserved forever.

It's okay, though.

The considerate officials of Distant Harbor have already listened to the public's voice.

After the banquet, each participant received an exquisite souvenir—not to mention the intricately crafted and exquisitely made commemorative items, there was also a complete set of banquet memos, including translations of Mayor Hong San's speech in various languages, and a stack of photographs.

Among them, the scene of Mayor Hong San and Aokexindun taking a photo together on stage was enlarged and reproduced. The A4-sized photo could not contain the senator's anger. These photos and documents, along with reports, were sent out quickly and were placed on the desks of important figures around the world as fast as possible.

Of course, the most important person to receive the photos the fastest was the former Phoenix King Malegith.

It was personally delivered by the Dragon of Cathay.

The banquet was hosted by Hong San, and none of Kang De's family attended. After all, the focus of the banquet was to announce the meeting and engage in some sarcastic and ambiguous Council. If Kang De had brought his "family" with him, most of everyone's attention would have been drawn away, and no one would have cared about Aokexindun. Flattery was the priority.

So I didn't go, and besides, it wasn't fun.

After having dinner with Tina and the others, Kang De excused himself to check on the end of the banquet, leaving Hong San alone to face Congressman Aokexindun's fury, while he went to see the Parrot.

"Pah, you scumbag."

Upon meeting, Malegith greeted them with disdain, but this sarcasm only lasted a short while. Soon after, the two of them huddled together, laughing heartlessly.

Upon seeing Aokexindun's photo, which looked like he'd eaten shit, the Parrot laughed and said, "That expression is absolutely brilliant, so rich and varied, and so meaningful."

Kang De nodded and said, "Yes, too much of a pioneer of reform."

He must be furious.

"Yes, they're settling scores with Hong San right now."

"Are you just going to leave your loyal dog there to bear the wrath alone?"

"... Shut up, my foot." Kang De shrugged. "You know, before this, Hong San had maxed out his skills in reading people's expressions and was very good at flattering and serving others."

The Parrot frowned and said, "So you're sending him to appease the enraged Aokexindun?"

"No," Kang De laughed. "Just as a battle-hardened goalkeeper knows exactly what kind of shot is most threatening, a skilled defender knows exactly what kind of attack is most lethal. Hong San was once extremely adept at flattery and ingratiating himself with people, so of course he knows how to use sarcastic remarks to leave people speechless."

"..."

The Parrot's gaze was somewhat strange.

Kang De felt uncomfortable under his gaze. "What's wrong?"

Malegith snorted, "You seem to know him quite well."

Kang De immediately smiled and said proudly, "That's right! Our friendship has stood the test of time!"

"... Oh shit."

"Hmm? What's wrong?"

"Never mind..." The Parrot hesitated for a moment, then shook its head impatiently. "Anyway, you're practically antagonizing Aokexindun and even the Council."

In the new city north of Distant Harbor, the headquarters of the Truth Office, and the location of the temporary research center, Kang De and Malegith strolled leisurely in the wide open space, gazing up at the stars in the sky.

While looking at the sky, Kang De replied, "Once the Council prepared the goods, the Yilan-Tai'er materials will be delivered, and they will launch their plan. We must also prepare to intercept them— the Council will be furious if we steal their spoils, and that would be truly horrifying. Since it's unavoidable, let's intensify our efforts."

The Parrot thought for a moment and said, "Don't make it sound so easy. Although we don't know exactly what the Arcane Council discovered, you've seen the negotiations these past few days. They're willing to make such huge concessions, agreeing to conditions that are almost extortionate, just to get those three substances."

"This shows that what they can gain is far greater than what they are paying now. They will probably grit their teeth and endure your humiliation and scheming tonight. However, after paying such a huge price and making such a sacrifice, being constantly blackmailed and humiliated by you, and having your plan almost succeeded, you have stolen the fruits of their labor. Have you ever thought about what these spellcasters will do after they realize that all of this was your scheme and deliberate act, after they discover that you used the Council and gained the final benefit?"

"Of course I've thought about it."

Kang De replied, "We have the deterrent effect of Forbidden Spell and are in cahoots with major powers. The chances of the Council resorting to war are extremely small. After all, we have only reaped the benefits without shaking their foundations or touching their core interests. The consequences of waging war against us are unpredictable and would be a losing proposition."

The Parrot turned to look at him. "But war isn't the only means a nation can use. You've taken what the Council has taken, and they'll definitely find a way to make you give it back. Diplomatic pressure, public opinion pressure, conspiracies, open and covert struggles, pressure from Goth, pressure from all the other nations—all sorts of underhanded tactics, impossible to guard against, leaving you exhausted... What are you going to do about all this?"

The Fire Thief smiled slightly, "Indeed, the Arcane Council doesn't dare to use force, and will mostly have to start with diplomacy and economics. But I've been making friends, trying to increase our number of friends, so that even if the Council wants to play dirty tricks, we won't be all alone, and we have you to help me."

Malegith scoffed, "Help you? You've got so many friends now. And these friends... you mean your sworn brother Dragon Emperor, and His Majesty the Phoenix King, right? Oh, and probably your much-vaunted father-in-law, the Emperor you've been bragging about. Help you? Are you sure it's not Dairila who's helping you? I'm just a retired emperor, nothing like Dairila. Even the Council have to think twice before you open your mask."

Upon hearing this, Kang De approached with a fawning grin, saying, "Your Majesty, just say the word, and my brothers will immediately uphold the rightful ruler, escort you to the capital, and seize that damned throne..."

"And then you'll be given the deposed Empress Dairila as a sex toy?"

Kang De waved his hand and said, "Oh dear, it's not that bad..."

But the Parrot seemed a little different tonight. Malegith aggressive, staring into Kang De's eyes. "If I really went and took back the throne, deposed Dairila, and gave her to you so you could watch over her, how would you treat her?"

Kang De wanted to say something witty to gloss over the situation, but the Parrot's eyes shone like stars, fixed intently on him. A thought flickered in his mind, and the witty remark stuck in his throat. He simply shrugged and said, "What else can I say? How I treated you, well..."

The Parrot's eyes flickered, and it quietly clenched its fist.

"Just cut off one-third of it for her."

Malegith's expression changed. She looked at Kang De, remained silent for a long time, and then suddenly said, "If she hears you say that, she might be very hurt."

Kang De smiled frankly, "That's just how it is... That's really what I think."

"Then why is it a third less?"

"Because during those days on the Holy Seal Archipelago... during my most painful and difficult time, you were by my side. People have different degrees of closeness and distance; it's impossible to treat everyone equally."

"... snort."

What are you humming now?

"So that memory was only worth a third of its value."

"Damn, you're so weird."

What's strange about it?

"Well..." Kang De scratched his head, but couldn't quite put his finger on it.

After all, he was a virgin and inexperienced. He didn't know that this coquettish and unreasonable behavior was an expression of a girl's cute emotions; he only vaguely sensed a trend.

"... You seem a bit different; you're not quite the same as when I first met you."

"No way," the Parrot said, glancing sideways. "Besides, even if things have changed, they haven't changed as much as you have. Look at you now, bullying the weak, relying on your superweapons to engage in strategic intimidation and blackmail every day, even taking risks. You don't take the Council, a world power, seriously at all. Oh, and Earth too, you recklessly defy Western countries..."

Kang De proudly declared, "This is called unwavering integrity and resolute struggle against the reactionaries!"

"Iron Will, my foot! You're clearly only acting so recklessly because you have the Forbidden Spell at your disposal," the Parrot sneered. "If you didn't have extraordinary power, would you be able to speak to Grand Secretary Yue like that?"

"I won't accept that," Kang De retorted. "My upright and unyielding character is a precious quality cultivated since childhood. Even without supernatural powers, I have never bowed my head to the forces of evil!"

"Oh? Which thug made you bow down?"

"Hmph, you'll be shocked if I tell you. Ever heard of the Amerikkka Federal Bureau of Investigation? From childhood to adulthood, this American Empire intelligence organization has warned and threatened me hundreds, if not a thousand, of times, and I've never given them a second thought! And they've never dared to do anything to me!"

"Get out of here!"

The atmosphere of the conversation shifted from pleasant to subtle, and then back to pleasant again. Malegith stood with her hands behind her back, gazing at the stars in the sky. Moonlight streamed into her emerald hair, creating a hazy glow.

Kang De asked her, "What are you thinking about?"

The Parrot whispered, "The fairy will help you."

"Um?"

"Snort."

"... What's wrong now?"

"Again? You're just annoyed with me, aren't you?"

"..."

Another silence fell. After a moment of contemplation, Malegith, "Shall we begin soon?"

Kang De nodded and said, "In the next couple of days, the Yilan-Tai'er materials will be delivered to the Council, the heavy underwater machinery will be in place, and A Fu is ready. We'll soon find out what the Council going to do."

"Yilan-Tai'er, the Civilization destroyed by the Star Palace, the glory of an era..."

The Parrot looked up at the starry sky, where the greatest enemy of the Mortal World was hidden in the boundless firmament.

"I always felt they wouldn't let this go so easily..."

She suddenly reached out and grasped Kang De's hand, feeling its tangible warmth, the flow of blood, the elasticity of his skin, and even the pulsation of his heart. This was a Fire Thief, a living Fire Thief right beside her, only...

It's someone else now.

Under the starry sky, she said earnestly, "I will protect you... and you are not allowed to leave again."

Kang De paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded.

In the distance, a shooting star streaked across the sky, carrying a sense of heroic fearlessness and no return.

Descending to the Mortal World.

￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥￥

PS1: Long live the people!