Extortion

"Huh?"

Despite the inappropriate setting, Director Naisha couldn't help but let out a surprised exclamation.

Duke Kang De and Chief Justice Kaliusi both turned to look at him.

Despite being severely injured and narrowly escaping death, Kaliusi showed no weakness or fear. Upon hearing Kang De's words, he realized that the Dragon of Cathay was trying to take advantage of the situation and seek benefits, which concerned the national interests of the Arcane Council. Therefore, he immediately focused on the matter and pondered deeply.

Because he had already realized his responsibilities.

Realizing that the fate of the Arcane Council had reached a crossroads after Griffin's defection and the chaos in Tula Xiaye, he knew he had to take action and shoulder his responsibilities.

Only I, I must.

He worked his still aching brain, pondering the thorny situation.

Griffin's plot to carry out this massacre, intending to consolidate power and provoke war, was already a bad thing. What was worse was that Kang De took the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Tula Xiaye, forcing Griffin to flee in defeat.

This isn't entirely good news.

The greedy and cruel wolf was driven away, but the more cunning and decisive dragon lingered there, refusing to leave. Kang De not only had dozens of forbidden Forbidden Spell poised to be unleashed in the sky, but he also deduced the cause and effect of the massacre from the corpses scattered on the ground in the sanctuary. He had grasped this great secret that was enough to shake the stability of the council Council the state, and he had even saved his own life, pointing out that this was a great favor.

And they demanded a reward.

It's obvious they're trying to take advantage of the situation.

The concept of gratitude is ultimately absurd; even favors between individuals can be reneged upon, let alone those between nations. Kang De's attempt to use his debt of gratitude to the executor Kaliusi to seek national interests is, in fact, a ridiculous and laughable act.

... If those dozens of Forbidden Spell that could fall from the sky at any moment didn't exist.

Forbidden Spell exist, and there's still a possibility that Kang De could wipe out Tula Xiaye in one fell swoop.

Therefore, kindness is necessarily kindness.

It wasn't just about the life-saving grace of Executor Kaliusi, but also about Kang De's help Council exposing Griffin's true colors to the council, forcing him to escape, and preventing the bloody battle from breaking out.

--And of course, there is the kindness of "His Highness Kang De knowing of Griffin's evil schemes and the shameful things that happened in the Council, but still being magnanimous and merciful and deciding not to speak out".

Ah, I'm so angry! Griffin deserves to die.

Upon thinking of this, Kaliusi's murderous intent surged once more.

He organized his thoughts, just about to speak, when he heard Director Naisha exclaim in surprise, her voice filled with even a hint of inexplicable annoyance, or perhaps... disappointment?

Already in a bad mood, and then inexplicably interrupted, Executive Officer Kaliusi frowned and turned to look at Director Naisha, his tone respectful yet tinged with displeasure. "Director, what is it?"

Kang De also turned to look at the still charming, slightly mature woman, frowning slightly. He thought to himself, "Is this old lady so clueless? Why is she making such a cute, affected, virginal sound in such a serious setting?"

It's hilarious.

As a result, after her initial surprise and loss of composure, Ms. Naisha, the head of the Fourth Bureau Security Committee of the Arcane Council, immediately drew the attention of both the Dragon of Cathay and the Executive Officer.

From her perspective, the black-haired Cathayan and the brown-haired executive were almost in the same frame, their faces close together. Their furrowed brows and head-turning movements were perfectly synchronized, their expressions cold and stern. For some reason, this gave her a subtle feeling of "Am I superfluous?"

The bureau chief's expression stiffened.

She realized she had probably misunderstood.

Kang De's earlier statement about repaying a debt of gratitude was likely an act of extortion and exploitation at the level of national interest, rather than anything related to sex or hunting...

That's true. It's a matter of national importance, the life and death of millions of people. It's not the time to talk about such things.

How embarrassing! I misunderstood. Luckily, I didn't make a fool of myself.

... wrong.

Naisha's gaze was deep and thoughtful, her mind racing.

As one of the top figures in the Security Committee, she was used to the intrigue and deceit, and accustomed to dealing with powerful figures with deep cunning. After all, most of the powerful people standing at the top of this country do not speak human language. When dealing with them, one must carefully consider and analyze their true intentions.

So here's the question.

When Kang De, the Cathayan, who was extremely skilled at seducing women and even won over a silver dragon and the elven queen, said those words to me, did he really have no ulterior motives?

That's impossible.

In any case, those words were far too ambiguous, and their purpose was clear. If it was just about taking advantage of someone's kindness, then it was too harsh to hear.

Moreover, given his experience, skill, and awareness as a master of seduction, how could he not realize that these words were ambiguous, pointed, suggestive, and easily misunderstood?

He definitely knows.

There's only one answer left.

He said that on purpose.

Director Naisha's eyes flickered, a cold smile playing on her lips.

I see, that makes sense then.

Hmph, those ambiguous words he said to me made my mind wander, and he probably realized that he's attractive to me...

But he also realized that someone like me might be interested in a strong person like him, but only if I wanted to taste his body and enjoy a night of pleasure. Instead of going along with it, he used this method to tease and reject me, wanting to leave a deep impression on me with his current disappointment and astonishment, so that I would care more about him... and even harbor feelings of dissatisfaction and anger.

This would make it easier for him to make further moves.

What a greedy fellow.

As expected.

Women obsessed with their noble status are not merely satisfied with physical pleasure; they crave complete conquest and possession... Did they see me as new prey the moment they first met me?

As expected of you, Dragon of Cathay.

She looked at Kang De, a slight smile appearing on her lips.

Now that she had seen through his tricks, she naturally wouldn't fall for it. Instead, a sense of mockery arose in her heart—the legendary Casanova's skills were nothing more than this; I was actually better than the Phoenix King.

So, what should we do next?

Giving him a profound lesson... that's definitely out of the question.

But I could pretend to let him lead me by the nose, and then, after he thinks he's succeeded and won my heart, I could coldly reveal the truth, ridicule and mock him—that would be fine too...

I'm not your prey, you little thing.

--Kang De looked into Director Naisha's deep gaze and felt a chill run down his spine.

Why is that woman looking at me like that?

Judging from the fact that Kaliusi called her "Director" and she was a woman, she must be Naisha, the Director of the Fourth Bureau of the Security Committee, who is mainly responsible for preventing any espionage or sabotage activities launched by the Mortal World nations against the Council.

This is also the biggest obstacle for the Suppressors of Rebellion in carrying out their mission within the Council.

So, why is she looking at me?

Kang De remained calm, but his alert level rose—this woman might have ill intentions.

Are you staring at me like that, looking for my weakness? You're probably still unhappy with me, after all, I really caught the Council red-handed this time. I used Forbidden Spell, scared people, and even found out about the Council's most embarrassing scandal. They probably wish they could make me commit suicide in the basement.

So, they're plotting how to get rid of me?

Wishful thinking!

Kang De gave Naisha a forced smile.

The innermost layer of my armor is enchanted with an array that I painstakingly carved over a hundred hours. Paradox Element are also infused into the armor's layers. On the outside, there's another layer of armor constructed from the Divine Ring of Stellar Authority. And on top of that is this Phase Armor that could terrify the Star Palace. Besides all that, I can open a portal at any time to escape. I've also activated time acceleration, which greatly enhances my thinking ability and portal-opening speed—even if I'm ambushed, as long as I'm not wiped out in one go, I can immediately open Phase Gate and run away!

I! Absolutely! Not! Believe! You! Can! Instantly! Defeat! Me!

He glared at Naisha smugly, his eyes filled with disdain.

Then he turned to Kaliusi, his expression gentle. "Let's continue."

--Hmph, such a clumsy demonstration and provocation, nothing more than that, Kang De.

Naisha wasn't angry at all; on the contrary, she found it amusing—having seen through this audacious lecher's daring scheme, his behavior was nothing more than laughable in her eyes.

While this was happening, Kaliusi finalized his plan.

He said solemnly, "The most urgent task is to capture the escaped Griffin and the criminals, and to stop their evil schemes from going any further... They've escaped, but they won't hide; they'll definitely have a backup plan."

Kang De nodded. "Yes, yes, keep it up."

Kaliusi seemed to have anticipated this, and said calmly, "Us?"

"The one who defected was your supreme leader, and the prisoner killed your councilor, so pursuing and apprehending the fugitive is your internal affair, and we dare not interfere," Kang De said, whistling. "So that we don't get pointed at by some 'pretentious and despicable' country and accused of interfering in other countries' internal affairs."

He wagged his finger. "So you can discuss your own issues behind closed doors. I'm here to demand compensation for emotional distress, a thank-you gift, and other damages. As for the rest, that's none of our business."

That's incredibly vulgar.

Director Angelos frowned and said, "Master Kang De, the gift of gratitude is understandable. You saved Executive Officer Kaliusi and did your best to avert the turmoil and crisis in the Council. The Arcane Council remember this kindness and will certainly repay it. But what about compensation for emotional distress? From beginning to end, only the Arcane Council suffered losses. You and Distant Harbor have remained unscathed."

Kang De scoffed, "What do you mean by 'unscathed'? I was in Distant Harbor, listening to music and watching dance, and suddenly I was framed by your Council!"

Naisha said calmly, "Framed? Leaving aside the fact that what happened today was Griffin's arbitrary act, even if it were him, he didn't openly claim that all this destruction and massacre was your doing, did he?"

"In the end, this matter has absolutely nothing to do with you, yet you launched a surprise attack on Tula Xiaye and even threatened to use Forbidden Spell to massacre the city. The Council did nothing wrong from beginning to end, yet you rudely bullied and attacked them. If we're talking about compensation for emotional distress, it should be us demanding it from you."

That's the crux of the problem.

Everyone knows that Griffin orchestrated the crash of a plane into Tula Xiaye and sent a group of "Kang De's henchmen" to attack the Tower of All-Seeing. His goals were twofold: first, to eliminate dissidents and consolidate power; and second, to slander Kang De and launch a war. If things went smoothly, once the first step was completed, Griffin, who was in control, would give a speech and mobilize public opinion, and the second step would naturally follow.

But man proposes, God disposes; who could have imagined that Kang De would be so ruthless and decisive, launching a swift and forceful attack?

Even though Griffin was driven away and the situation was prevented from escalating, the Grand Speaker did not have time to accuse Distant Harbor and Kang De. In the end, the Council did seem like the victim, while Kang De was the unwelcome guest who took advantage of the situation and caused trouble.

"That's not right," Kang De explained. "Not to mention that, judging from this method, Griffin was trying to frame me, forcing me to go through all that trouble, incur huge costs, and embark on a long and arduous expedition. Moreover, after the plane crash, people all over Tula Xiaye were stirring up trouble against me, starting to slander and accuse me. And you not only didn't refute or stop these rumors, but you also sat idly by and watched these things happen, even spreading them yourselves..."

He said meaningfully, "By bringing up this completely fabricated story again, you're essentially saying you also bear some responsibility, aren't you?"

Kaliusi said calmly, "Speaking of responsibility, doesn't Your Excellency bear any responsibility? In the entire scheme between that self-proclaimed Star Palace member, Phaethon, and Griffin, you were the central figure."

"It can be said that this mysterious, powerful, and evil enemy who has stirred up bloodshed in the Council has come for you. In fact, it wouldn't be entirely unreasonable to say that you brought him here—is Your Council the Duke involved in the tragedy that has occurred in the council today?"

Their eyes met, and a storm raged between them.

Kaliusi lowered his eyes. "Your Grace, do you regret saving me?"

"On the contrary," Kang De smiled, "Now I can be certain that coming to save you, and giving the God of the Star Palace and Griffin a chance to escape, was indeed worthwhile."

The executive officer suddenly opened his eyes, a look of astonishment on his face.

"Although I don't know what you went through, or how you survived... your survival helps maintain the balance of power in the Council and the stability of the country. You also overheard Griffin and Phaethon's conversation, which is an unexpected bonus... no, the best part."

He said this with a genuine smile, "Saving you was definitely the right thing to do."

Kaliusi looked bewildered. "I... I don't understand."

"You will understand. Although words cannot explain it clearly in a short time, or even completely convince you, this is a good start."

Kang De said softly, "Finally, someone has faced them directly, faced their most cruel and cold-blooded side, realized their immense threat, and then survived from the brink of death, harboring the deepest hatred for them."

The executive officer's expression shifted.

The painful, recent memories resurfaced in my mind.

He asked in a deep voice, "Who are they?"

"The God of the Star Palace, that's what they call themselves," Kang De replied. "They come from the Star Palace, in the starry sky above us. Before this day, there have been many eras in this world. When the Civilization of each era developed to a certain scale and triggered a certain mechanism, they would destroy the world."

These words were spoken so casually, as if to say, "Water flows downhill because of gravity." This calm tone, however, caused the members of the Security Committee to change color.

Absurd.

That's what they wanted to say.

But I couldn't say it, as if my mouth was glued shut.

Everyone present looked horrified, except for Kaliusi.

"I see," he murmured. "Then the so-called ancient civilization of Ilan-Tyr..."

"They are the descendants of Civilization they destroyed," Kang De replied. "The reason the remnants of Yilan-Tai'er attacked the Azure Fleet was because they were misled and instigated by the Star Palace."

When the topic of what had happened not long ago came up, the members of the Council all looked displeased.

Kaliusi pondered for a moment, then looked at Kang De: "And what about you?"

Kang De turned his head, his gaze sweeping over Malegith and A Xing, and smiled slightly before answering without hesitation, "For various reasons, I'm going to take them down."

Kaliusi nodded again. "There's one more question. Three months ago, you proposed holding a summit in Distant Harbor, inviting monarchs from various nations to share the essence and legacy of the Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er. Did you intend to use this opportunity to discuss the threat posed by the Star Palace and foster an alliance against it?"

I'm not that idealistic.

Kang De replied, "If I've learned anything these days, it's that you're all fools and idiots who never know how to shed a tear when you're about to die."

"I don't expect you to believe the Star Palace's claim of destroying the world, nor do I think you all have the courage to fight to the end—you're probably all thinking about how to grovel before the Star Palace."

He made veiled accusations, and the monks' expressions all turned ugly.

"But I still want to take this opportunity to do something," Kang De sighed. "If the Civilization of Yilan-Tai'er can be absorbed and learned from by other nations, it will inevitably lead to new technological breakthroughs, competition among nations, achievements, and increased national power, thus enhancing the power of the entire Mortal World."

Upon hearing this, the resentment on everyone's faces gradually faded.

They looked at the calm-spoken Dragon of Cathay China.

We're not young anymore; the justice and Truth we once firmly believed in are now riddled with holes. But that's precisely why we're so deeply moved when we see that truly dazzling light.

Naisha stared blankly at Kang De, then slowly exhaled.

"... I see."

Kaliusi said softly, "Then, one last question... Your Highness Kang De, did you come to the Council this time to seek an alliance?"

"... No, I'm here to prevent a bloody war from breaking out, to stop your nation from plunging into foolish internal strife, to prevent the most dazzling jewel of Mortal World Civilization from being tarnished," Kang De replied. "Most importantly, I'm here to extort you. Hand over the compensation, damages, and gifts!"

Kaliusi was taken aback by this, then gave a wry smile, "Let's not joke like that now."

Kang De rolled his eyes and said, "Who's joking with you?"

"This..." the executive officer asked, puzzled, "If the intention is to join forces against the Star Palace, why the extortion...?"

"Because you're all idiots, morons, and morons."

Kang De stated unequivocally, "These precious talents, valuable resources, and vast amounts of human and material wealth will only be shamefully wasted in your hands. It's better for me to have them; at least they can shine and contribute!"

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PS1: The private thread is locked again... Ugh, no more comments, I'm losing motivation. This time it's locked because of a meeting in Beijing, standard procedure. Everyone, please wait ten days... (sigh)