Distant Harbor Holiday

The night scene was bustling, with melodious music playing, the Distant Harbor brightly lit, and laughter echoing everywhere.

Brilliant fireworks soared into the sky, exploding in dazzling arcs of light, eliciting gasps of amazement and admiration.

The streets were bustling with people calling to each other, and the high-powered city lights dispelled the darkness, making it as bright as day and illuminating the smiling faces of everyone.

More than three thousand people from Cathay disembarked from the buses and disappeared into the crowd almost instantly. They looked around the unfamiliar and novel city with a mixture of confusion and hesitation, and then they saw countless smiles and were involuntarily drawn into this festive atmosphere.

Amidst the bustling footsteps and constant laughter, the polite Cathayan soon found themselves with aching backs and arms, as everyone they encountered smiled at them. Some bowed with their hands on their chests, some removed their hats and bowed, and some knelt and nodded, uttering "Hello" and "Welcome to Distant Harbor" in their clumsy, broken pronunciation.

Zhang Li and Shen Maocai were still on the same road, and they were overwhelmed by the sights of this prosperous era.

Along the way, I've met all sorts of people.

Different hair colors, different appearances, and even just by looking at their physique and appearance, one can tell that they are of different races.

The exceptionally handsome, towering man with pointed ears and an imposing presence was clearly a warrior of the Elven race. The one with emerald green skin and frightening fangs was likely a so-called "orc." The one with a short, stocky build and an extremely long beard was undoubtedly a dwarf. The one with extremely fair skin and deep blue hair, like the sea, was likely the so-called "Yilan-Tai'er."

Despite differences in ethnicity and even race, everyone lived together harmoniously at this joyous feast.

The elves kept a slightly arrogant and aloof distance from the people, the dwarves shouted, "Look down, we're here!", and the orcs yelled, "Little shrimp, don't push!" Even though their habits, customs, and personalities differed, humans and other races maintained a proper distance and respect, without insults or arguments.

More often, they would put their arms around each other's shoulders, smile and greet each other, chatting about which neighborhood had unlimited drinks, and discussing which mobile stall had shorter queues. Someone said that Lay's had launched a barbecue flavor, which caused a joyful shout, while someone else said that the new cherry cola was fucking awful, followed by a wave of skepticism.

"Friends from Cathay, the Hibiscus Theater is showing 'Dragon Cavalry' tonight! It's a joint production of Distant Harbor Pictures and Dragon Island Defense, and it tells the story of a giant dragon battle group fighting against Wyvern!"

"Thank you for the reminder, brother!"

Zhang Li bowed to the Goth People who had spoken to him in gratitude, but the man waved his hand and smiled and walked away.

"Dragon Cavalry..."

The two scholars from Cathay opened their tourist brochures and quickly found the notes for the movie section. These so-called movies were puppet shows that used specialized alchemical equipment to preserve time illusions and recreate scenes in front of people, so lifelike that it was as if they were there again—just reading this description made the two men very excited.

Among several representative films, "Dragon Cavalry" stands out.

"The story tells of Conens, a candidate for Goethe, who idolizes his dragon knight father. After several periods of decline, he finally rises up, soaring through the skies with his silver dragon partner. Together with his companions, they defeat a group of despicable, shameless wyverns serving an evil magical kingdom, and he becomes an excellent dragon rider."

"It sounds like..." Shen Maocai mused, "That son inheriting his father's business is a good story."

Zhang Li nodded, "Since it was so highly recommended by that friend, it must be good."

As soon as he finished speaking, he vaguely heard a soft laugh, followed by a gentle female voice.

"Shameless."

That's what the lady said.

Zhang Li turned around abruptly and saw a beautiful couple leaving together in the dim light.

"You actually did something like that! You're shameless!"

Dairila's disgruntled rebuke rang in his ears, while Kang De merely whistled, a smug look on his face.

The two naive Eastern talents were unaware that this so-called "Dragon Cavalry" movie, beneath its captivating spectacle, concealed an evil propaganda scheme.

Wyvern, hybrids of dragons and griffins, naturally possess hybrid vigor. In addition to inheriting some of the dragons' power, they also have a reproductive rate that dragons can hardly match. In recent years, under the leadership of the current Wyvern King, they have been working feverishly against the thriving Dragon Island Defense.

Unlike the top-tier security products offered by Dragon Island, Venom Nest precisely targets the lower-tier market, seizing the pain point of third- and fourth-tier countries, regions, and organizations that crave cost-effective war units for low-intensity warfare. Taking advantage of Dragon Island Defense's high prices and lack of lower-tier products, it has captured the third- and fourth-tier markets in one fell swoop. Furthermore, by touting its cost-effectiveness and advantages in cluster operations, it has begun to seize Dragon Island Defense's market share in first- and second-tier powerful countries.

Seizing the dragon's wealth is like digging up its bones; Dragon Island Defense would never give up. However, as a respectable dragon in the underworld, the Dragon Emperor followed the rules and did not call for war. Instead, he first tried to acquire and control the dragon.

Then I was rejected.

The Dragon Emperor immediately assembled the Twin Red Dragons and the Giant Dragon operators, preparing to engage in a commercial war with the Wyvern.

However, things didn't go smoothly. The world had long suffered from the dragons, and every year, nations paid enormous sums in hiring fees, insurance premiums, and various product upgrades to acquire dragon operators. After all, there were no substitutes. Now that Wyvern had entered the fray, nations were naturally overjoyed, hoping for a price drop. How could they let the Venom Nest collapse?

Moreover, this generation's Flying Dragon King is also a highly skilled individual. Through alliances and persuasion, he managed to get various countries to step forward and obstruct Dragon Island's further commercial warfare activities against the Venom Nest —this was truly too shameful, and the Dragon Emperor suffered a silent loss, not even having the face to tell Kang De.

But things took a turn for the better.

Kang De and the Council been at odds for the past few months, and the Council the biggest customer of the Wyvern. Especially these days, Kang De's air force has repeatedly invaded his territory, and most of the reconnaissance, interception and interception work has been carried out by the Wyvern. The most outstanding result was that several Wyvern took turns in the air, carrying deflecting prisms, and guided elemental light spears to almost destroy a large transport plane.

Well, you think you can just run away after offending Kang De?

Kang De also adopted a policy of diplomacy before resorting to force, sending envoys to inform the Venom Nest that Arcane Council.

The Wyvern would certainly not agree. They already knew about the relationship between the Cathayan and the Dragon Girl Lily, and they had even heard the rumor that Kang De and the Dragon Emperor were "sworn brothers from different fathers and mothers"—even if they broke off their cooperation, they wouldn't get any good out of Kang De. What was the point of breaking off the cooperation?

The Cathayan's revenge came swiftly, with their forces divided into three groups.

First, intensify efforts to shoot down all Wyvern during the invasion of the Arcane Council's airspace.

Secondly, West Goth Company is involved in the security field. Whichever company hires Wyvern, West Goth Company's mercenaries will go to the other side to help, and the price is negotiable.

Finally, there's the movie "Dragon Cavalry".

By Earth's sophisticated film industry standards, this film is extremely rudimentary; however, it is more than sufficient for the other world. Every frame of this ideologically charged film exudes malice.

--A Wyvern eats children, an evil and cold-blooded "Magic Federation," sinister power transactions, selfish and ruthless war logic, veiled insults, innuendo, and extreme malice.

When it comes to powerful cultural export, film takes the lead. The West Goth Company's caravans have already begun to build a trade network. Wherever they go, films pave the way, and they are shown for free in front of the merchant guild every once in a while. After the screening, they even introduce various products in the film, with excellent results.

This Dragon Cavalry movie caused a huge sensation. With each screening, the reputation of Wyvern was tarnished, and the "Magic Federation" was also implicated.

In this way, given time, the rumors will spread like wildfire, and the civilian market for Wyvern will shrink rapidly, while the military market will fare no better—although kings and generals will not heed the exaggerations in the movies, the soldiers and civilians who hire wyverns will be plunged into great panic.

In the end, this back and forth will still influence the decisions of the decision-makers.

"Shameless, utterly shameless."

Dairila glanced at her and asked, "Aren't you afraid of completely offending the Wyvern?"

Of course I'm not afraid.

After a comprehensive assessment of the individual combat capabilities of the Wyvern, Kang De, Horus, and A Fu unanimously concluded that this ferocious and terrifying flying creature could "lift a hammer with a single hand-operated machine."

While Dairila condemned Kang De's despicable actions, as a monarch, she naturally possessed the vision and consideration of a ruler. Her expression was somewhat uneasy, and her tone grave as she said, "The people actually believe the contents of a film without question, even more so than the pronouncements of priests and the orders of the government... Is this what they call 'seeing is believing'?"

Kang De glanced sideways at the deep, thoughtful Dairila, and said sarcastically, "Oh dear, it seems a certain empress is going to make a politically indoctrination film to control the people's minds..."

The Queen retorted angrily, "I would never do that! Only fools would believe a movie!"

"Really not going to do it?"

"I won't do it!"

"Don't you care?"

"I don't care!"

Kang De clapped his hands. "Then it's decided! The next movie will be a love story between a handsome, mysterious Cathayan from China and an elf queen who secretly ran away to a foreign land for fun. The title will be 'Distant Harbor Holiday'..."

He had barely finished speaking when he was struck in the chest by an elbow.

"It hurts so much!"

"Liar, I didn't use any force at all." A flash of Phoenix Fire appeared in her eyes, Dairila scoffed, "Besides, you didn't seem to be in any pain or discomfort."

Sigh, there are no secrets at all between them.

Kang De complained, "Why did you hit me?"

"To utter disrespectful and presumptuous words to the monarch is certainly punishable."

"What kind of rudeness is this?"

"To make... to make that kind of film is, of course, a great desecration and transgression!"

"Oh dear, come quick! The Phoenix King is interfering with creative freedom, blatantly interfering with this emerging art form of film. He probably often does things like threatening playwrights back home, forcing them to sing his praises!"

"... I didn't! Never!"

"Then why won't you let me make movies?"

"Who knows how it will turn out? It might be a really annoying story."

"No, I'll write the script myself!"

"This makes the elves even more uneasy!" Dairila cautiously glanced at the passersby, then glared at Kang De, her golden eyes flashing with reproach. "Furthermore, a holy and great monarch cannot be portrayed! It is undoubtedly blasphemous, and if the actor is... is a shameless scoundrel..."

As she spoke, her voice stammered, her face flushed, and she abruptly stopped, stealing a glance at Kang De —her worry carried a hint of something suggestive, and she wondered if he understood...

Kang De stroked his chin, pondering, "I see. Just like how a famous voice actor's boyfriend often begs his girlfriend to participate in sex on demand to fulfill his ultimate dream of having sex with anime characters, you're worried about...?"

Although he didn't understand what this guy was saying, he clearly understood this pervert!

Dairila interrupted him, blushing, "Anyway..."

"In that case—" Kang De said, "Why don't you just play the role yourself?"

His Majesty the Phoenix King's body stiffened abruptly. "Huh?"

"Why don't we play the male and female leads?" Kang De shrugged. "You and me, we..."

"--I! Don't! Want! It!"

After saying this, the Queen hurried forward with her head down, Kang De could only follow behind, advising, "Making movies is a lot of fun, especially embellishing and preserving stories that were once known only to a few people..."

You just want to film me making a fool of myself, don't you!

How dare you slander someone's innocence out of thin air?

Running and chasing through the streets and alleys, in this hazy yet lively feast tonight, no one cares about the identities of those they see. People are wholeheartedly immersed in this joy, having their own happiness for today and no worries for tomorrow. In this chase filled with laughter and songs, shyness and resistance have gradually dissipated.

I want to eat candied hawthorn!

"Oh, let me look..."

"You have to queue! You have to buy it yourself!"

"The wait will be very long..."

"So it will be very sweet!"

"... I can't understand it."

So they lined up. Dairila was in front, and Kang De was behind. The heavy cloak covered the empress's unparalleled beauty and martial prowess. She stood quietly in the queue. Her hands, which were used to holding divine weapons and issuing commands, were now behind her back. She held the hem of Kang De's clothes and smiled with her head down in front of him, out of Kang De sight.

The children ahead excitedly announced what they wanted to eat next, while the elves and humans passing by discussed their next destination. They wanted to watch Football game; tonight was the ultimate showdown between the Big Iron Stick Team and the Fire Wheel Tutu Team. They were arguing about whether Goldtooth or Bloodaxe was the best quarterback.

"Let's queue up..."

Zhang Li placed the empty Coke bottle on the table, the empty bottles neatly arranged. People kept putting the bottles back on the table and throwing the wrappers into the trash can.

He looked at the bustling streets, which were almost free of litter and debris. Long queues formed at all the mobile stalls, shops, ticket offices, and other areas, all in an orderly fashion.

People... are queuing.

The dazzling lights, the fireworks that lit up the sky, the delicious goods, the magnificent images, the self-propelled vehicles, the giant steel ships floating on the water... everything he saw tonight was so novel and unprecedented, but what truly moved the heart of this talented young man from Cathay was the ordinary scene before him.

"It's so neat and tidy, everyone's used to it."

Shen Maocai also sensed the gravity of the situation and whispered, "I'm afraid even the local militia couldn't do this..."

"The crowds bought up all the wine at Shiqiao, and carts piled high with long bottles..." Zhang Li paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, "His influence on education is evident in the small details; he already possesses the qualities of a sage king."

Then he laughed loudly, grabbed Shen Maocai's hand, and exclaimed, "Brother Shen, let's go see a movie!"

You did a great job.

Dairila, walked side by side with Kang De, enjoying a secluded tranquility amidst the bustling night market teeming with tourists.

Kang De swallowed the strawberry coated in syrup, chewed it, and was immediately struck by its sourness. He squinted his eyes and swallowed the sweet and sour pulp and syrup. He then heard Dairila's words.

"What?"

"This city... I've almost watched it change with my own eyes," Dairila said softly. "You've done a great job... I even feel that Silver Moon City can't completely overshadow Distant Harbor."

This is already the highest praise.

Kang De smiled and shook his head, "It's nothing."

I don't remember you being this modest.

"So it's the truth, nothing special," Kang De replied. "Actually, it's a clever trick, an ideal world created with extreme material wealth, astonishingly powerful Superman, and absolute military authority... Giving a man a fish is nothing remarkable."

He held up one finger. "When all of Goth is living like this, then you can praise me, and I'll gladly accept it."

Dairila seemed thoughtful, then smiled and said, "What if it were the entire continent?"

Kang De, his face contorted with arrogance, roared, "Then I'm the most powerful emperor in history, and to thank me, all the beautiful girls in the world should become my queens..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was hit with another elbow.

"You're being inappropriate again."

Dairila hesitated for a moment, then said softly, "Oh, by the way, I came to see you today to remind you of something."

"What?"

"You shouldn't have taken out that kind of thing."

"Um?"

The Phoenix King sighed, "That combine harvester..."

"Oh."

"You were too careless... The intelligence about the combine harvester has already caused a huge stir in the council, and the same is true for the entire continent. The shock this alchemical machine has given to the nations far surpasses that of the ancient ruins of Yilan-Tai'er. Do you know why?"

In response to Dairila's question, Kang De replied, "If the number is sufficient, it can release the vast agricultural population of various countries who are bound by farmland, greatly increasing arable land area and grain production."

The Phoenix King asked in surprise, "You clearly knew, so why did you...?"

Kang De blinked. "How can we get the Silver Moon Council to agree to our plans if we don't show them our resources?"

After saying that, he ate a elbow.

Kang De protested, "I clearly said 'covenant'..."

He was hit again by an angry Dairila.

Don't worry.

He spread his hands and said, "Good things, when they fall into the hands of the weak, are called 'possessing a treasure is a crime,' but when they are controlled by the strong, they are called 'the virtuous possess them.' Combine harvesters and a series of agricultural technologies, in my hands..."

He scoffed. "That's core technology and competitive advantage."

"This thing..." Dairila said helplessly, "Even we want to take it."

"You won't steal it, because the risks of war are too great," Kang De smiled. "The forgetful elders of the Silver Moon Council will suddenly remember that you and I share a wonderful personal friendship."

Dairila was immune to this level of teasing, or rather, this wasn't the time for jokes. She said with displeasure, "The Empire and the Council definitely want to take it too."

"A good beating will teach them that they should beg instead of plundering," Kang De replied. "The legacy of Yilan-Tai'er, the technology of agricultural machinery, and the victory in a great war... these are enough to dispel the fear and hostility of other nations towards me, to make them acknowledge my status and power, and to bring them back to the negotiating table."

He looked at Dairila: "These technologies and machines will be handed over to the nations for a fee. The power of the Mortal World needs to be strengthened. We don't have much time left. The Star Palace's retaliation may come soon. Before that, all living beings in the Mortal World must be armed. We must seize every opportunity to increase our strength..."

The Queen's gaze froze, then a look of guilt crossed her face, and she whispered, "I'm sorry."

"Ah?"

"I haven't been of much help to you... I couldn't persuade the Silver Moon Council to support you; they're demanding more from you, even your submission."

As Dairila spoke, she felt increasingly guilty. She and Kang De both knew of the threat posed by the Star Palace and that uniting the Mortal World was the only way out, but they couldn't convince most people—the world's vision couldn't see that far ahead, and even when Mount Tai was pressing down and a crisis was imminent, they still couldn't unite completely.

When Kang De invited nations to the conference, citing the legacy of the Yilan-Tai'er Civilization as a gesture of goodwill, Dairila was unable to respond to his proposal because the Silver Moon Council blocked her access.

In the end, Kang De was left to fight alone, facing the tacit indifference and hostility of the entire world.

"It's okay, you have your own perspective."

Kang De reached out and patted Dairila's head. "Also, you've already been a great help."

The noble queen didn't even emphasize the impoliteness of the head-patting gesture; her golden eyes gleamed with curiosity as she looked at Kang De, her gaze questioning.

"Next, Distant Harbor will face even more greedy conspiracies and schemes, even war. This war will win Distant Harbor Shogunate a place among the great powers... But I can assure you that these conspiracies and wars will be kept within a reasonable and cautious range. The continental nations will not press too hard, because of you."

Kang De reached out and tapped Dairila's smooth forehead.

"Because you're protecting me. As long as you're here, the Emperor, the Grand Speaker, and all those other so-called monarchs will realize something important—if pushed too far, I'll run straight to Twilight Moon Island, join your country, marry you, and dedicate all my wisdom, wealth, and power to Twilight Moon."

The night was filled with mournful sounds, and dazzling fireworks lit up the sky. The distant clamor mingled with the tranquility of this place, and Kang De and Dairila locked eyes.

Suddenly, the Phoenix King turned around, circled behind Kang De, and grabbed Kang De's waist.

His head pressed against Kang De's back.

She said softly, "Okay."

Kang De's body trembled. "Ah?"

"Just kidding." The Queen smiled slightly. "I meant, that movie you mentioned— 'Distant Harbor Holiday' —if it's not screened, and if it doesn't have a weird script, then I could try acting in it with you."

"You..."

Before Kang De could speak, His Majesty the Noble and Honest Phoenix King offered a reasonable reason and explanation for his actions.

"After all, if our ancestor knew about this, she would definitely impersonate me and act out that scene with you without hesitation. Rather than let her continue to tarnish my image and reputation..."

She opened her mouth, and through Kang De's clothes, her silver teeth snapped shut, and she bit Kang De.

"I'll do it myself."