Wild Haymakers

The sun was setting, and dusk was approaching.

Perhaps terrified by the horrific scene of Kang De's brutal execution of the "false gods," or perhaps truly believing the high priest's explanations and pronouncements about the gods, the Yilan-Tai'er have become extremely docile.

The sinners removed their powerful battle suits and handed them over to the Man of Steel "messengers of the gods," along with all sorts of ancient weapons and war platforms, all of which were separated from their pilots and placed in standby mode.

Then, with trepidation, they followed the signs and boarded ferries of various sizes.

Soon, the bewildered soul found its first solace.

Each person was given a blanket, and everyone was given a seat. The sinners sat down in their assigned chairs with trepidation, and then they were stunned.

The seat wasn't a stool made of stacked sea stones, but a soft, backrested, comfortable chair. The blanket felt softer than fish skin and was very warm.

They had never enjoyed anything like this before. Most of the sinners' beds were nothing more than dried seaweed fibers on a pile of cold, rough sea rocks. Heat sources were scarce in the Land of Shelter, and even drying seaweed required the priests to control heat vents and geothermal furnaces. The lords called this "God's grace." If one wanted to receive God's grace, one naturally had to pay money or make offerings.

Now, everyone has soft blankets and comfortable chairs.

The sinners looked around in bewilderment, surrounded by their lowly fellow beings. They whispered fearfully to each other, asking how much sacrifice was required to enjoy such a wonderful thing.

Throughout the entire ordeal, no one came to announce the divine decree to them. They glanced discreetly at the priest who was guiding them, and were immediately filled with astonishment.

Because even the high and mighty gentlemen are covered with the same blankets and sit in the same chairs as them.

"Do you see? The priests are provided for in the same way as us!" An older sinner tugged uneasily at his blanket. "This is disrespectful! Shouldn't we put down these wonderful things, leave these precious chairs, and kneel on the ground? How can we share the same things as the priests?"

"Are you insane?" another whispered, "That's a divine decree! Are you trying to say the gods' plan was wrong?"

The criminal cried out in fear, "Of course not! I... I just..."

Whatever happens in the future, at least enjoy this moment.

The man named Yilan-Tai'er closed his eyes and whispered, "Warmth, peace, like returning to my mother's embrace... But my mother passed away long ago. The gods were kind to her, allowing her to live for a full forty years, yet I still regret that she didn't live to see this day and receive this divine grace."

"Divine grace..."

The sinner whispered softly, savoring the word.

From birth, his parents and priests preached to him about God's punishments and blessings, so that he could work diligently and give alms to redeem his heavy sins. He believed it without a doubt from a young age, but occasionally when he saw the priests looking high and mighty, dressed in fine clothes and with rosy cheeks, and touched his tattered straw clothes and felt waves of twisted hunger in his stomach, he would wonder why God's grace only shone on the priests.

But now, seeing the priest draped in the same blanket as himself and sitting in the same chair, he suddenly had a vague sense of reality regarding the so-called divine grace.

The ferry turned, cleaving through the blue waves. The criminals felt the ship bobbing and surging. Turning to look out the side porthole, they saw waves crashing and rushing past.

The people of Yilan-Tai'er are Civilization of the sea and a race of water. Even though they have been confined to the Shelter for countless years, none of them are landlubbers. At first, they shouted, then calmed down, looking at the churning sea. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the sea, reflecting a brilliant light like fire.

This was something they had never seen before in their lives.

"Look! Over there!"

Someone shouted, and the criminals cautiously leaned out. In the afterglow of the setting sun, they saw the outline of the sea, a waterless place, floating like a lone boat.

Having lived in the deep sea for so long, the concept of islands had disappeared from the oral traditions of the Yilan-Tai'er; at this moment, all they saw were mountains above the sea.

"The first batch of Yilan-Tai'er has arrived at the southern port and is disembarking."

Horus reported, "One hour and forty minutes have passed since the first volunteers consumed the Earth food. They are feeling good, wanting more, and in good condition."

Kang De wiped the sweat from his brow and chuckled, "It's time to let the ancient remnants experience the delicacies of Earth."

He was initially worried about whether the remnants from the previous era would get used to Earth's diet, but carbon-based life forms are all pretty much the same, and the Yilan-Tai'er had been trapped in the deep sea for a long time with extremely scarce resources, so they couldn't tell the difference between good and bad food. At least the fat, brainless priests who were forcibly dragged out as "volunteers" were very happy with their food, especially showing a mad dog-like predatory interest in ham sausages.

It's pitiful; after eating fish for so many years, it's only a rare treat to finally see meat from the land.

The hospitable, generous, and wealthy Fire Thief commanded, "Come, feed the remnants a feast of otherworldly joy."

Horus replied, "Preparations are already underway."

Instant noodles, Biscuit, and ham sausages—these are basically Kang De's three-pronged approach to winning people's hearts and ravaging the taste buds of the natives in this other world, highlighting a diet heavy in oil, salt, calories, and additives, and a damn ton of spices.

If that doesn't work, then add Ma Deuce chili sauce and some soda—a combo that can sometimes take down even nobles, let alone commoners used to hardship.

These fast foods are endlessly disliked by mothers, but even on Earth, these things are an unparalleled delicacy or even a life-saving meal for at least a billion people.

Simple to cook, extremely high in calories, and even relatively balanced in nutritional value to some extent, these fast and even ready-to-eat foods are very suitable for the current situation. After all, food is the most important thing for people, and no amount of slogans, promises, or reassurances can compare to a hot, delicious, and plentiful meal.

Whether it was to provide relief to the poor in Distant Harbor or to aid refugees from the Broken Isles, this Happy Meal played a crucial role. Those Distant Harbor who are now extremely loyal to the people, and those Broken Isles refugees who have decided to settle in Distant Harbor, still fondly remember the delicious taste they had during their most difficult and helpless moments.

And now, Yilan-Tai'er is determined to find it difficult to escape this culinary routine.

Kang De smelled the aroma of food that was beginning to waft through the air and nodded, saying, "It's time to expand my charitable work."

Taking in refugees from the Broken Isles, supplying the work-point system of the Distant Harbor, and now having to feed Yilan-Tai'er, the demand for all kinds of food is growing rapidly. The White Mist World's supermarkets and warehouses are already stretched thin, but in modern society, as long as you have money, there are always ways to make a living.

Earlier, when Zhuerban dug the tunnel, Kang De made a fortune from the five countries. After establishing AWSL Company, Kang De instructed the investment management department to start making random, indiscriminate purchases.

From mountainous regions in China to the badlands of Africa, AWSL Company has begun to establish large-scale warehousing bases, ranging from grains and cereals to fast food and canned military rations, demonstrating a massive spending spree.

Don't ask, the answer is always the same: I'm going to do charity.

This whimsical, impulsive, and wasteful act is very Kang De —at least that's how it appears in various countries. But if you ask whether the country supports it, of course it does.

Foreign trade orders, using money extorted from various countries to increase the country's foreign exchange reserves, drive the growth of an industrial chain, benefit tens of thousands of jobs, and the products produced will ultimately benefit the hidden hungry population in the country through this charitable cause - after all, there are still hundreds of millions of people in the country who are just full of food, but not good at eating.

Why not support such a good thing?

However, one of the most secretive research departments has added a bold hypothesis: Could Kang De have increased his power by doing good deeds?

After this bold conjecture was examined, everyone actually felt that it made some sense. After all, the extent of Kang De's growth in strength was indeed a mystery—he first revealed his extraordinary abilities to the world during the Comora coup. At that time, although he was not weak, he was not very strong either.

But later, during the Moyani plague, he suddenly gained the ability to manipulate celestial phenomena and dominate the world. If anything happened during this period, it was that this China man risked his life to save many innocent civilians.

The question then arises: from what good deeds did Kang De's display of force and strength in rescuing his father originate?

After all, judging from his life experience and records, this young man's growth experience was unremarkable, no different from that of an ordinary person, and he had never experienced any major events.

Upon hearing the question, the comrade who proposed this conjecture confidently replied, "Sir, don't refrain from doing good deeds just because they are small. According to our in-depth investigation, Comrade Kang De has done countless good deeds since childhood, including, but not limited to, enthusiastically sharing download links for 18+ games, picture books, and movies in groups and forums, and generously sharing character creation save files for adult games, for which he has earned the gratitude of many people..."

This explanation is far-fetched.

But if this conjecture is true, it would be both exciting and worrying.

However, Kang De will not stop. His every move will be closely watched by countries around the world. Whether good or bad, the Fire Thief continues to influence the entire world.

Tuosidiwa stepped out of a prefabricated steel building and slowly exhaled.

He looked at the vast camp, where square, box-like dwellings stretched out, all the same length, width, size, shape, and interior. Each room had eight bunk beds, soft pillows and blankets, a table, and chairs.

They all look exactly the same.

Standardized manufacturing, a mature industrial system, strong productivity, and...

His face was illuminated by the distant, flickering arc of light. The new king of Yilan-Tai'er looked up and gave a wry smile, "... I'm starting to doubt whether you really are a god."

In the distance, a massive crystal floated in the void, its hidden purple light illuminating an invisible domain. On this vast flat land, buildings identical to the corrugated steel houses beside him solidified into physical form amidst a stream of light, projecting real-world forms onto the material world, one after another, spreading into the distance.

He witnessed it all firsthand. In less than half an hour, the Fire Thief used his Phase ability to create a camp large enough to hold tens of thousands of people—and that number could even double.

In Tuosidiwa's view, there was too much useless space in each house, enough to fit at least four or six more double beds, and even so, it was still much better than the original living conditions of the criminals.

"If every Fire Thief possessed such miraculous abilities, then the power of the Star Palace would be far too terrifying, so..." Tuosidiwa chuckled softly, "Let's be more optimistic."

He heard footsteps behind him and turned around.

The Oathbreakers have arrived.

"..." The leader of the Oathbreakers looked complicated. He didn't know how to address Tuosidiwa, the high priest who ruled Land of Shelter with lies, their greatest enemy. "You're looking for us?"

Tuosidiwa bowed his head and said, "Yes, my compatriots, I beg for your help."

The Oathbreakers said slowly, "You have erected a new god for Yilan-Tai'er."

"I have no words to say, no explanation to offer. But use your wisdom, my fellow countrymen, this is the best outcome. Our people cannot accept the truth immediately; it will require a generation's effort and a long period of time."

"Before this, the people will be enslaved by the new tribe's 'gods'."

No, it won't.

Tell us your judgment and reasons.

Tuosidiwa raised his hand, pointing to the dazzling light and shadow in the distance and the houses that were constantly shifting and projecting.

"Ever since the executions, he has been busy settling us in, summoning ships, and building camps. Would a cruel and cold-blooded ruler do this himself?"

The new king said softly, "My compatriot, you ask me for my judgment and reasons. I don't have many words to explain. I just met him today and just learned that his name is Kang De. A brief encounter may not be enough to judge a person's true character, but I am still willing to believe him because of three things I have witnessed with my own eyes."

"What's up?"

"This warm, spacious room, with a cool floor, could comfortably accommodate at least thirty people sleeping inside, yet he only placed eight beds, all equipped with pillows and blankets, as well as a table and chair for each person."

Tuosidiwa gazed at the ships slowly entering the harbor in the distance. "Those ships, big enough to crammed with thousands of people inside and out, he only put a few hundred in, because there are only a few hundred seats."

The Oathbreakers looked at each other in bewilderment.

Their newly elected leader said in a deep voice, "And the third thing?"

"The third thing... whether sinners, Oathbreakers, priests, or even myself," Tuosidiwa said calmly, "We all travel on the same kind of ships, live in the same kind of houses, and use the same tables, chairs, and bedding."

A long silence followed.

"Okay, I admit he's a magnanimous and benevolent leader, but such respect and attention can also be seen as an investment in and a request for Yilan-Tai'er. We can certainly be grateful for this help and repay this kindness, but to worship him as a god and submit to him, don't you think that's a bit too much?"

"Yes, but we should indeed follow him."

"Why?"

"Did you see the scene where he executed the God of the Star Palace? In every era, there will be such a person who leads the Mortal World to fight against the apocalypse. He is the Fire Thief of this generation."

Tuosidiwa said softly, "Words are not enough. This is my judgment. Perhaps there is still a deep chasm and distrust between us, or perhaps you have other plans. But what you see today—this ship and this house—do they give you any trust or hope? I hope you will stay for now and see for yourselves."

The Oathbreakers looked at each other, and finally, they all looked toward the new leader.

After confirming Aifu's death, whaler Dasuokasi had no choice but to step forward.

"... Tuosidiwa, you know my past, you know my experiences."

"Yes, Dasuokasi, I apologize for what happened in the past. I have no excuse. If you do not wish to associate with us, then I will understand."

"No, Tuosidiwa, I will stay."

The scarred Oathbreakers calmly said, "This is for Aifu. Yilan-Tai'er cannot be divided any longer, and I will keep a close eye on you. If you, like your ancestors, try to fool the people and seize power again, the Oathbreakers will do everything in their power to stop and punish you. If we fail, the departed spirits of the Oathbreakers will join Aifu in eternally cursing your depraved soul."

Tuosidiwa smiled slowly.

"You know," he said softly, "I'd rather die than let this happen."

"I know, that's why I'm standing here, talking to you." Dasuokasi reached out his hand, looking into the other's sorrowful eyes, and said in a deep voice, "Never forget Aifu, never forget the fallen tribesmen and the eternal wounds."

"Just like my heart, etched in my soul."

The two looked at each other.

"You just said you need our help?"

"Yes, although a new god has been established, the decaying priesthood needs reform. We must save our people from ignorance and confusion. The legacy of our ancestors has reached the Mortal World, from the Phantom Spirit Think Tank containing a wealth of knowledge, to the translucent coastal module for marine agriculture, the Starry Sky Codex, the Icarus Sky Ladder, and even our weapons, our cities, Thunder God's Cage, the Deep Sea Giant Drill..."

Tuosidiwa said, "The legacy of our ancestors needs to be initiated and inherited. Yilan-Tai'er must move from ignorance to wisdom as quickly as possible. In this process, the people will become enlightened, and the priests' privileged position will be challenged and stripped away. Their interests are no longer on my side; they will oppose Yilan-Tai'er. I want to ask for your help to confront them, suppress them, and change them..."

Kasuodasi sneered, "What if they can't do it? What if they're unwilling?"

"That's a pity." A sharp glint flashed in the new king's eyes. "Then we can only let the Yilan-Tai'er fight each other one last time, using their flesh and blood to build the steps to a new era."

"... Ha, that sounds interesting."

"So, my fellow countrymen, let's embrace the future together." At this point, Tuosidiwa wrinkled his nose. "What's that smell? It seems..."

"--Ah, that's about right."

Kang De put down the last supply depot... well, it was a prefabricated steel structure. He stretched his limbs, rubbed his head, and muttered, "Damn, I'm so tired."

"Don't worry, Father, the whole process has been filmed," Horus said. "One more piece of material for showing off."

These prefabricated steel houses covering the hillsides are also part of the Kang De Project.

To resettle the people of Zhuerban who had lost their homes and were awaiting relocation, and to help the displaced people of Moyani, the generous Warchief used his own money to build temporary homes for everyone. All the necessary building materials, machinery, supplies, and construction teams were transferred from within the country. All the supplies and equipment were transported by Kang De. All that was needed was to send a few planes of workers from within the country, and a large camp was built in a short time.

This China speed is so fast it's almost tactical, making you want to lean back.

"First, settle things with Yilan-Tai'er and the Azure Fleet. Then, Yilan-Tai'er should do some archaeology, and the Azure Fleet should dismantle its ships."

Kang De clapped his hands and yawned. "You and A Fu should put in more effort to analyze and collect the content of their daily conversations, and decipher their language. The most important thing now is the translation."

"Yes, and Father, most of the war weapons and large structures that surfaced in Yilan-Tai'er have been collected into the White Mist World. We should begin studying and deciphering their war technology, but the process won't be quick and will require the cooperation of the Yilan-Tai'er people..."

Kang De nodded.

Horus continued, "That will require you to continue to use your personal charm."

Kang De paused for a moment, then exclaimed with delight, "Oh, does Yilan-Tai'er have the legendary beautiful female scientist?"

You'd be better off focusing on dealing with men.

"You son of a bitch..."

Before she could finish speaking, a message came through the communicator from Distant Harbor. Tina's soft voice rang out. "Is everything going smoothly? How's the situation?"

Kang De declared proudly, "Tina, I'm going into real estate. I'll be the richest man in mainland China in six months."

"Wow, that's impressive, but now is not the time to invest in real estate."

Her Highness's voice held a hint of helplessness. "Your diplomatic protests and ultimatums Council. The Starry Sky Council has publicly refuted and condemned your arrogance, insolence, and provocation, demanding that you immediately release all officers and soldiers of the Azure Fleet. As for the demand that the Grand Speaker personally come to the Distant Harbor to explain the situation and apologize, it has provoked great resentment from the Council. I've heard that there are already voices calling for the use of force to resolve this."

Kang De's expression shifted. "So, they refused my ultimatum—that I send the Grand Speaker to offer tea and apologize?"

"... Of course, what else?"

"They publicly announced their rejection?"

"Yeah, I even scolded you."

"Wonderful!"

"Ah?"

Kang De said gleefully, "Then everyone heard it, it's the Grand Speaker who didn't come— Tina, send out invitations to all the countries in my name!"

"Um?"

"This matter of Yilan-Tai'er can't be kept secret any longer. Those bastards in the Starry Sky Council won't get their share, and they won't be content to watch me have it all to myself. They'll definitely spread the news and put pressure on me along with other nations. After all, the legacy of an ancient Civilization is far more powerful than some Radiant Crystal Levitation Stone Primal Gel..."

Kang De sneered, "Then I'll have to strike first... Come on, drag that Aokexindun out here."