It's About to Begin

Three days later, then another three days.

The Starry Sky Council reluctantly agreed to the list of relics materials provided by the Distant Harbor for trading.

Those political animals found the Cathayan's extortion to be extremely cunning, basically hitting a psychological price point that was simply unbearable. Both the matters being extorted and the amount were very subtle.

Neither magical artifacts nor knowledge touched upon the Council's core interests or top-secret technologies. The demands for special resources such as potions and crystal ores were not outrageously exorbitant.

Therefore, if they refused outright, they would be ridiculed for "this Council so vast and rich, yet it can't Arcane Council, a mighty mage kingdom and a powerful Mortal World nation, had never been manipulated and extorted like this before, and the councilors simply could not swallow this insult.

But without a doubt, they ultimately had no choice but to agree.

Because they were facing Kang De.

The current leaders of the Starry Sky Council, or rather the Arcane Council, are unknowingly falling into the trap of the Dragon of Cathay. Even though they are not personally visiting the Distant Harbor, but relying on magical communication to confirm the situation and assess the circumstances, they are still gradually being swayed by Kang De's emotions and drawn into the rhythm of the evil Cathayan through reports and live updates.

Simply put, they are like naive and ambitious young girls who are gradually lured into the abyss by Kang De, a cunning and ruthless man.

This somewhat cunning and beautiful young girl dreams of marrying into a wealthy family and sees the false promises and glimmer of hope. However, her target, the handsome, elegant, and wealthy young man, always maintains a distant attitude towards her, and his attitude and behavior are even quite bad.

But she chose to endure, because a golden tomorrow was just ahead. So, she would bear with it, forgive his suspicions, tolerate his rudeness, and take the initiative to give to him and cherish him... because it would be soon, very soon.

That's roughly the situation.

--I was rudely mocked and treated rudely.

Let's be patient. After all, the purpose of the negotiations is not to end the conflict, but to obtain the relic materials.

--I was shamelessly extorted and blatantly robbed.

Let's be patient. At least he's starting to fall for it, and we'll make our money back with interest.

--This bastard openly announced the negotiations to the whole world, and the entire continent knows that we have bowed down to the Dragon of Cathay. What a shameless inducement and evil scheme.

Just bear with it. At least the agreement is really finalized, it'll be soon, very soon.

In the past few days, an eerie atmosphere has permeated the entire Starry Sky Council, and the councilors have even become somewhat obsessed.

Their appetites had been whetted, and they placed high hopes on Yilan-Tai'er. Only by obtaining enough benefits from these remnants of an ancient Civilization could they soothe the mental trauma they had suffered in the past few days. This, in turn, created a powerful psychological suggestion, making them subconsciously believe that this operation would definitely go smoothly and that everything would fall into place naturally.

They are even reluctant to develop contingency plans for unexpected changes.

Because their subconscious is unwilling to face the terrible possibility that "this will go wrong".

The culprit behind all this is currently conducting goods inspection.

The goods and supplies prepared for this exchange have been gathered within the past three days and are piled up in a special warehouse, awaiting the personal collection of the Dragon of Cathay.

As a result, large passenger planes took off from the Distant Harbor, flew for half a day, entered the Council's airspace, and arrived at the designated pickup city.

The launcher, marked with a space beacon, roared down from the hatch, plunged into the ground, and opened Phase Gate. From the dazzling and mysterious portal, a heavily armored power armor-clad man leaped out.

Under the astonished gaze of the council leader in charge of Council handover, in less than half an hour, these warriors swept away all the goods that the laborers had been carrying all day. After signing for the goods, the leader of the Iron Men even patted the person in charge on the shoulder, his voice distorted by the loudspeaker and filled with the clanging of metal.

"His Highness Kang De said that if anything is tampered with in the goods, or if there's even a hidden dimensional marker for reading spatial continuum, then the deal is void, and you'll all be sent to eat shit."

After saying that, he turned and left, disappearing into the Phase Gate.

When the news reached Tula Xiaye, the Starry Sky Council was filled with shock and anger.

After hearing that Kang De was coming to pick up the goods in person, they did have some crooked ideas.

This guy, wielding the Sword of Deterrence, first offended the Empire, then made an enemy of Twilight Moon, and then defied the Council. He even fought a battle with the Dragon Clan. In less than half a year, he had taken down all the top forces in the world. Logically speaking, such an arrogant guy should have been killed by open and covert attacks long ago, but he is thriving and living a very comfortable life. He can even Council, one of the great powers, without being at a disadvantage.

Ultimately, the factor of mastering Forbidden Spell accounts for only 30% of the reason.

The other 70% is that unreasonable spatial ability.

No matter how powerful the forbidden Forbidden Spell are, they can only destroy cities one by one. As long as a major power grits its teeth, withstands the losses, and sends out its strongest warriors to surround and pursue the enemy regardless of the cost, even a Forbidden Spell mage will perish under such a vengeful offensive. However, if the Forbidden Spell mage is also a phase scholar and has even stronger expertise in spatial science than in Forbidden Spells, then the situation will be different.

In fact, nations and major powers have accumulated a thick stack of reports and plans in response to the "Forbidden Spell threat" and the "war on Kang De," and think tanks and renowned generals around the world are remarkably in agreement.

To confront Kang De, one must first imprison his spatial abilities.

However, we all understand the truth, but I really can't do it.

Not only could they not do it, but they didn't even know what Kang De's spatial skills were. In the current magic system on the continent, time and space are the most profound and obscure topics. Space is slightly better, but it is still a muddled mess where people "know what it is but not why it is." The phase scholars didn't even understand their own academic system, let alone Kang De's unorthodox approach.

Initially, the Council attempted to recruit Kang De, grant him titles, and assign him professional ranks. In addition to winning over the Dragon of Cathay, the council also intended to allow Kang De to demonstrate his abilities and explain his path, so that the Council's scholars and think tank could build models and analyze the nature of his abilities.

But things always change faster than planned. Due to the Paradox Element incident, Kang De and the Council eventually fell out, and the matter was left unresolved until now. Faced with Kang De's blackmail using Forbidden Spell, the Council had no choice but to grit its teeth and endure it, only cursing Kang De's unbalanced abilities as an international cancer and having a terrible diplomatic experience.

When Kang De said he would deliver the goods in person, the Starry Sky Council wanted to take the opportunity to tamper with the cargo by placing some dimensional markers and phase stones, hoping to confirm the nature and principles of Kang De's spatial abilities through subsequent dimensional reactions. However, this plan was stopped by the Grand Speaker.

The reason is simple: he wasn't sure if Kang De would find out.

One thing that can be confirmed is that once Kang De discovers this, the trade in the relics will likely be interrupted. Even in the most optimistic scenario, they will have to face more extortion from Kang De and endure the frustration of the trade being indefinitely suspended... This is a risk that cannot be taken.

The report from the delivery warehouse also brought them some relief.

At the same time, they were both shocked and angry.

Because of Kang De's methods of "acquiring goods".

Large aerial vehicles entered at high speed, dropping spatial beacons and opening Phase Gate, from which warriors equipped with heavy magical armor platforms leaped out.

This tactic sent chills down the spines of the lawmakers.

The heavily armored magic warriors that spawned today are here to collect goods; tomorrow they might be here to claim lives.

Dozens of people were sent here today; tomorrow it could be hundreds or even thousands.

"This is absolutely a demonstration by Kang De! He's showing us force!"

The hawks in the council raised their arms in celebration, while the doves looked extremely grim.

Whether they are hawks or doves, anti-X or pro-X, they are all enemies.

Their differences lie only in their methods and ideologies.

At that moment, the important figures clearly sensed a threat that made them uneasy.

Although the Forbidden Spell is powerful, it is a powerful yet restrained threat. The councilors knew this; Kang De would never voluntarily cast the Forbidden Spell on Tula Xiaye, because that would mean a total war to the death.

That's why they felt comfortable being Kang De's enemy.

But now the situation has changed.

Kang De might not cast Forbidden Spell on Tula Xiaye to kill everyone, but he could use a pre-set teleportation beacon to send dozens of assassins to Tula Xiaye to kill their entire family.

Therefore, never before have the great figures been so clearly, angrily, and even fearfully aware of the significant national defense threat posed by Kang De.

How should we prepare for this situation?

"Beware of those damned magical flying machines entering our skies! Beware of anything carrying teleportation beacons entering our territory! We need a report and a feasibility plan!"

"Anti-air special attack defensive magic device! Our own aerial combat alchemy branch!"

"A wide-ranging detection method for checking whether objects exhibit abnormal dimensional intersections, and even a fixed device capable of interference and erasure—we must equip and deploy it in Tula Xiaye as soon as possible!"

The Starry Sky Council was in complete chaos. The councilors were discussing and debating in a fit of anger. Even the "pro-Kant" councilors who had always intended to do business with Kang De did not utter any nonsense such as "Kang De would not do that." Instead, they seriously put forward their own thoughts and suggestions.

In other words, in areas such as city gates, the entrances of important government and academic institutions, and even in streetlights and roads, there are testing instruments used to detect abnormal dimensional fluctuations.

They were all terrified.

This led to them displaying an extremely serious and earnest attitude.

But attitude is one thing, feasibility is another.

Rather, the more serious one's attitude, the more impotent and furious one becomes.

They discovered that various defensive measures were not effective.

Using anti-air defense magic devices to bombard inbound enemy aircraft is the most mature plan. After all, before shooting down enemy aircraft, anti-air defense magic devices already had the tactical need to counter dragons and even elven air forces. Their form and function have also been fully developed, and they are more than capable of countering Kang De's magic aircraft. After all, judging from the observation reports of the Broken Isles Great Evacuation Operation, Kang De's aircraft were not very fast.

However, ground defense has one problem: it is too passive.

The idea of using magic to defeat magic, or using magical flying vehicles to intercept magical flying vehicles, sounds good, but in reality, it is fraught with difficulties.

Because the alchemical military project for high-speed aircraft had only been established for less than half a month, and before the Council's intelligence personnel witnessed the large passenger plane take off in the Distant Harbor, no one in the entire Mage Kingdom believed that a bird made of steel could soar through the sky like a dragon.

The Council's wise men deduced the principles behind the aircraft based on observations and feedback from the front lines, conducted simulations in the elemental laboratory, and then quickly initiated a replication program.

In less than half a month, they produced many prototypes using their top-tier industrial manufacturing capabilities and alchemical military expertise from another world, and began intensive test flights.

The results were disastrous—despite completely replicating the shape, the resulting aircraft either couldn't take off, or if they did, their maneuverability was extremely poor. Some disintegrated in mid-air, some crashed to the ground in a haphazard manner, and those that managed to maintain flight exploded instantly after a period of time due to overheating of the power system.

The only good news is that two engineers opted for a less ideal solution. Instead of adopting Kang De's aircraft layout and mounting heavy turbines under the wings, they used the aerodynamic inspiration and wind characteristics derived from his design to create a small aircraft that could only carry two people. The power source was a propeller at the front of the aircraft, and it actually managed to fly, and quite stably at that.

But while this thing can fly, it's useless. It lacks maneuverability and speed. Trying to intercept Kang De's large aircraft with this thing is simply wishful thinking.

"Your Excellencies, we have done our utmost. Even without witnessing it firsthand, I can confirm that His Highness Kang De's magical flying machine is undoubtedly a supreme miracle."

The two engineers' humble responses to the court's praise and inquiries displeased the important figures.

"Even our clumsy imitation, made with expensive materials and involving massive and complex calculations, can only carry two people at a maximum distance of a dozen kilometers in the air."

The engineer's tone was filled with admiration and awe. "And His Highness Kang De's creations can carry thousands of people thousands of miles to and from an altitude of ten thousand meters. I can't imagine how much brilliance, exquisite calculation, and ingenious craftsmanship such alchemical weaponry incorporates, but I know that if we were alchemy apprentices, then without a doubt, he would be the god of alchemical weaponry in this world."

Aircraft are not an immediate solution, and the large-scale security checks proposed by Senator Fermat are highly impractical, given the enormous material costs, complex engineering work, and lack of theoretical support.

Because they still don't even know what Kang De's space beacon looked like.

Frustration grew and spread, and the bigwigs became discouraged. Just then, someone suddenly said, "Why don't you ask Yilan-Tai'er?"

The councilors were all moved – Yes!

During the week-long negotiation and inventory preparation process, besides reviewing the meeting minutes, criticizing Kang De, sulking, and reluctantly preparing the goods, the most frequent activity the parliament did was brainwashing.

The think tank scholars have gained a preliminary understanding of the language and communication situation between Yilan-Tai'er, and the information exchange between the two sides has changed from images to text, which carries a greater amount of information.

The content of the exchange gradually became more in-depth.

The wise men of the Arcane Council and the forerunners of the era discussed their understanding of the world and exchanged spiritual wealth from an era apart. The sharing of wisdom from ancient Civilization made the think tank members dance with joy, and even triggered the Yuri, which further fueled the council members' optimism.

They firmly believed that the remnants of Yilan-Tai'er could usher in a new era for the Council.

They were very satisfied with the friendly attitude and request for refuge shown by the other party.

However, this exchange process was not without its flaws.

For example, the Yilan-Tai'er remnants who communicated with them while holding the resonant crystal plate refused to reveal their identities, and only communicated with them in the name of the entire tribe.

The other party also refused to reveal the current situation of their race, such as the number of people and the assets they possess. To date, the Starry Sky Council does not know much about the situation of the remnants of the previous era. These remnants of the previous era are still shrouded in mystery.

However, the council did not take it seriously.

It's not surprising that the remnants of the era held back some things; after all, for a Civilization that nearly perished and is about to be reborn, even the greatest caution is necessary.

Considering the astonishing and substantial knowledge revealed by the other party, and the fact that their techniques for utilizing the three types of relic substances proved to be quite effective after testing and experimentation, the Starry Sky Council was willing to show the utmost tolerance and patience.

After all, they are descendants of an era who possess astonishing knowledge and the essence of Civilization. They cannot be equated with the lowly natives of the southern city-states who cause trouble all day long; they must be treated differently.

Therefore, the council did not press for further questioning, but instead showed considerable goodwill and patience, claiming that it was doing its utmost to obtain the three relic substances that could unlock the seal.

However, the process was fraught with twists and turns, because the three substances were controlled by an evil and greedy person who instigated a war, slaughtered the innocent with Forbidden Spell, and frequently threatened and oppressed the world. The Council paid a heavy price to obtain the three substances that had been forcibly taken from him.

The survivors of the era were naturally extremely grateful and once again promised that they would always remember the Council's help and were willing to forge an eternal friendship and alliance.

When the Council asked how to deal with the Cathayan's unsportsmanlike phase jumps and time-space attacks, they responded immediately.

"Centipede octopuses, tamed with Primal Gel and fused with Levitation Stone, float in the air, their spiritual dome enveloping the earth, allowing them to monitor all phase changes. They are the best watchtowers. In addition, sentinel devices created by Radiant Crystal imprints can also seal off dimensional intersections... There are many methods."

The lawmakers breathed a sigh of relief and high-fived each other in celebration.

Great!

The end of the Cathayan has come.

So, there's only one thing left to do.

The biggest obstacle between the Council and Yilan-Tai'er, those two tons of relic material, is no longer a problem. With the handover of the materials, the Distant Harbor also began to fulfill the terms. A large amount of relic material was salvaged and continuously transferred to the Azure Fleet. The Azure Fleet would then send it to Tula Xiaye via teleportation arrays and other means. After processing, it would be sent to the two submarines via the Phase Hub.

Then, we can begin to break the seal and release the remnants of the era.

It's about to begin.

In the Broken Isles, in the dark realm beneath the deep sea, amidst the shimmering coral light, a hand laid down an elemental crystal plate, and a soft murmur did not carry far.

"... It's about to begin."

The creature that spoke and wrote turned its head, its gaze piercing through layers of barriers. Beyond this narrow, hidden realm lay a blood-red dome. Within this vast, sealed prison, frenzied shouts echoed, uniform and desperate, like prayers, like roars, like wails.

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PS1: Ah, I've been thinking about this plot for a long time... How should I put it? I didn't want to write the story of the Yilan-Tai'er survivors as a blue-haired, big-breasted mermaid with a group of extremely loyal tools waiting to be rescued and then offering themselves to them. I struggled with this for a long time because it would make the plot more complicated. In the end, the answer is still the same as before: just write it.