Greed

After sitting idly downstairs for half an hour, the emperor's envoy Beimengde, was summoned by Kang De.

He returned to the study of the Dragon of Cathay. The guard opened the door, and he immediately saw the young man who had stirred up the winds and clouds on the continent sitting lazily, with the beautiful woman from Cathay standing beside him.

However, his demeanor and complexion were completely different from before, and his eyes had a different kind of gleam.

It's like a puppet coming to life.

He glanced at it only once, then looked away, bowed silently, and waited for the Duke of Qin to speak.

"I have already read your Emperor's letter."

Kang De waved the things in his hand. "The phone, the instruction manual, take it back to him."

Beimengde paused for a moment. "His Majesty wants a reply and an answer..."

"This is more convenient than writing letters," the Earthling replied, "And safer too."

As the emperor's shadowy blade, Beimengde scrutinized the phone in Kang De's hand. In his eyes, a letter was far safer than this miniature magical device of unknown origin.

After all, it is common knowledge that Kang De's alchemy was unparalleled and his phase techniques were unparalleled.

He repeated, "Since His Majesty has written this letter in his own hand, as a gesture of reciprocal sincerity and courtesy, you should also reply and then discuss a safer and more convenient way of communication..."

Kang De replied indifferently, "Are you telling me how to do things? He can leave if he wants."

Beimengde bowed and said, "Then this foreign subject will take his leave for now, to return to his country and report to His Majesty, so that His Majesty may make a decision."

"... Neuropathy."

Kang De impatiently pulled out a piece of paper and picked up a pen.

Wei Yunyuan peeked over and saw that the master had written in a very formal, even more standard imperial capital script on the paper than a primary school student.

"I've read it. The dog you sent is suspicious. I suggest you be careful. He insisted on reading my reply, so I couldn't stop him. He might have even secretly read your letter too. He probably knows that you told me the First Prince Alex is actually Beimengde's son, so killing him wouldn't hurt. He might launch a sneak attack on you when you see this line. You must be careful."

... Oh, this.

Although Wei Yunyuan's face remained calm, she was inwardly both amused and exasperated.

Such a blatant and deliberate attempt to sow discord is bound to fail... It's like a child's act.

Kang De folded the letter a few times, took out a durian from the White Mist World, gently patted it to open a small crack, and his spiritual power flowed into the crack, opening a miniature spatial door inside the durian before stuffing the letter inside.

He held the durian, weighed it a few times, and then tossed it over.

"You say your emperor, as the supreme ruler of the empire, sent you all this way empty-handed just to deliver a letter. This shows how incorruptible and virtuous he is. Although our conditions here aren't great, since he wrote to us, I can't leave without showing some appreciation. These priceless rare fruits are a return gift for your emperor. Give them to him along with the letter. Don't think I'm stingy; I'm not some cheapskate who wouldn't even send a gift."

Even though Beimengde was an intelligence chief and had seen countless people, he couldn't help but twitch his face upon hearing this.

Forbidden Spell, alchemy, phase manipulation... these unparalleled arts have fallen into this man's hands, enabling him to stir up storms in the Mortal World and oppress nations. What are the gods thinking?

Seeing that he didn't move, Kang De glared at him and said, "What, aren't you leaving? Are you trying to assassinate me?"

"..."

Beimengde bowed indifferently, turned and left, his retreating figure looking somewhat disheveled.

"Pretentious show-off."

Master Kang spat from behind, "An intelligence agent so shady, how amateurish."

When the sound of Beimengde coming downstairs reached her clearly, Wei Yunyuan breathed a slight sigh of relief and whispered, "Master, this person is very unusual... and very dangerous."

"Yes."

The Phoenix Fire in Kang De's eyes subsided and died down, his tone meaningful. "And it looks very familiar."

There was no response to his words. He only felt that the fragrance of the secluded valley lingering at the tip of his nose had become stronger. The orchid-like breath gently brushed against his cheek. Kang De turned his head and saw that Miss Wei Yunyuan had already half-squatted down and leaned closer.

Her eyebrows were slender and delicate, her face as beautiful as a peach blossom, but her eyes, as clear as autumn water and as bright as precious pearls, revealed a serious expression. "When you meet with officials from outside the capital, it would be better for you to appear dignified and composed."

She stared at Kang De's face, a hint of infatuation in her eyes. "He was so good when I read the letter to him before—calm, dignified, decisive... like an ancient sage king..."

"..."

Ah, here we go again.

Having just poured out her heart, this beautiful young woman suddenly became ignited, as if she had found the most magnificent cause for mankind, and resolved to assist Kang De in becoming an extraordinary adult.

The situation was really difficult, so Kang De had to call on Beimengde to save the day. But after that guy got out, Wei Yunyuan came to offer advice again... Here's a very critical problem.

Everyone knows that honest advice is hard to swallow, and even Emperor Taizong of Tang was so angered by Wei Zheng that he considered killing him several times. But the question is—who can resist a top-tier beautiful girl looking at you earnestly, even obsessively, and saying, "You look very handsome when you're serious; could you be a little more serious when you're talking to strangers?"

How touching!

Tina always says I'm handsome, and she'll even smile happily just by looking at me without moving. It's because she loves me.

Wherever I go, I am the center of attention, like a bright star. From the Amerikkka on Earth to the empires of another world, my name is known to all. I am warmly welcomed and supported by everyone, simply because my outstanding character and exceptional talent have earned the trust of all.

From beginning to end, everyone treated and supported me with enthusiasm for various reasons, but they were only attracted by my character, behavior, and abilities. Their eyes were drawn to these mundane inner qualities, and no one could discover my truly dazzling aspect—my captivatingly handsome and dashing appearance.

Has anyone finally noticed?

They were trying to persuade me to rein in my carefree and dissolute behavior, so that the world could see my captivating beauty?

Kang De, gazing intently at the deep, affectionate look so close to him, involuntarily looked away. "I refuse, meow."

"... Meow?" Miss Wei was surprised for a moment, then patiently persuaded, "Why? In my studies, I have never heard of ancient sage kings disregarding propriety and law..."

Kang De interrupted her quoting, "Because my handsome appearance has become a sin, if displayed to the world without concealment, it will inevitably cause terrible wars and bloodshed. For the sake of world peace, I have to seal away my beauty and hide my true appearance with cynicism..."

Wei Yunyuan stared blankly at his face. "... No way."

Kang De retorted angrily, "What makes you say that? The emperor is even considering me his son-in-law! Do you know the Elf Queen? I'm discussing marriage with her! Dong Tianming has been playing matchmaker, trying to set me up with your emperor. Several of the world's major powers are coveting my good looks. If a world war breaks out over me, can you bear the responsibility? I hide my amazing charm with silly jokes and witty remarks out of necessity! Do you think I don't want to live in this world as a handsome man?!"

"..."

These words were utterly shameless, but because they were so forceful, they stunned the young woman for a moment. However, the bright and intelligent girl quickly came to her senses.

"... Master is playing a trick on me!" she complained. "This was serious advice!"

"But I don't want to be some kind of saintly king." Kang De smiled and changed the subject. "Besides that, don't you have anything else to ask me? The emperor said quite a lot in his letter."

"That's not important."

Wei Yunyuan resolutely replied, "Those who are not in a position should not concern themselves with its affairs. Even if I knew about the so-called enemies and prophecies of disaster, I would be powerless to stop them in the slightest. Knowing them would only add to my troubles. All I can do is serve you, my lord, with daily chores and care, and when necessary, I will speak frankly and honestly. When danger strikes, I will defend you against powerful enemies, even at the cost of my life... That is enough!"

She became more and more resolute as she spoke, and even her body unconsciously moved closer.

Kang De, somewhat unaccustomed to these resolute words, said, "... Don't call me 'Master' anymore. That title is outdated and antiquated; it makes me sound old and belittles you."

Wei Yunyuan paused for a moment, then blinked. "Yes, Your Majesty. Since you are the Commander of the Divine Luan Martial Dais, and have already been appointed as the Martial Prime Minister and Duke of Qin, those who have been appointed as Prime Ministers and Dukes since ancient times have been called 'Prime Minister.' Is it appropriate for me to address you like this?"

"..."

Judging from Wei Yunyuan's quoting of classical texts, it was clear that there was indeed such a precedent in Cathay. However, the mischievousness and shyness hidden in her bright eyes revealed another layer of meaning as well.

As an upright and decent person, I would normally refuse such an ambiguous form of address.

But who didn't have a decadent, backward, feudal dream of having a beautiful woman by their side when they were young?

Kang De, feigning composure, said, "Yes."

A young woman in ancient attire, with flowing black hair and a face like a peach blossom, called out sweetly, "My husband."

--Ah Wei ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah!

"My lord, please forgive me. The word 'dignity' is an extension of etiquette and law. The book says..."

Here we go again...

Listening to the melodious sound like a babbling brook, gazing at the beautiful face so close to his own, and even feeling the delicate fragrance wafting towards him, Kang De whispered, "You're too close."

For him, it was no easy task to simultaneously experience the unique, novel, and elegant ancient charm while also secretly being on guard and layering armor under his clothes for protection.

The split personality caused by lust and caution was clearly making the suspicious virgin feel somewhat uncomfortable.

Wei Yunyuan was stunned upon hearing this.

But soon, seeing Kang De's awkward expression and wandering eyes, and recalling the descriptions and teachings about men given by the palace matrons, she suddenly realized something.

Her bright eyes revealed an expression of disbelief.

Her smile widened, and she moved even closer, giggling, "What are you saying, my lord? You see, this is the consequence of lacking dignity. It makes me lose all respect and easily take advantage of you. If you want me to step back, you must command me with an authoritative air, and I will surely obey..."

Are you a masochist?

Kang De turned his head to the other side and said blankly, "You'll never see my beauty again—no matter how close you get, I'll always be the one who benefits."

Wei Yunyuan smiled and said, "My lord is too kind. Since I have already pledged myself to you, there is no question of what is cheap or expensive. If you wish me to do anything, you only need to give the order..."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but lower her head, a blush spreading across her beautiful cheeks.

With lowered eyes and a meek, yielding demeanor, she was so docile.

But I always felt like there was a fox's tail slowly swaying behind me.

Kang De looked at her and suddenly sighed.

"... Listen carefully."

His expression turned serious, and his tone became solemn and cold.

Wei Yunyuan trembled upon hearing this—that was exactly the feeling.

She considered herself a chosen one of heaven, but was born at the wrong time. Unwilling to accept an ordinary fate, she crossed the sea to a foreign land with the noble intention of sacrificing herself to feed a tiger. Deep down, she felt that Kang De, whom she had never met, was not worthy of her. She was only sacrificing herself for her country and Divine Land.

Until recently, she finally understood what she was looking for.

Perhaps it is this very man before her... with strength, will, determination, faith, compassion, and good deeds. She will assist and serve such a man, to achieve a feat akin to a myth.

Hearing his cold and forceful tone, Wei Yunyuan felt a strange sense of anticipation and excitement.

It was like when the other person glanced at her unconsciously while she was reading the letter, it seemed to destroy all her confidence and pride up to this point—how cold, how authoritative!

"Will you do whatever I tell you to do?"

The voice asked.

"... Um."

Her voice trembled so badly it didn't sound like her own.

Yes.

I'll accept whatever it is.

She subconsciously looked up, trying to meet that indifferent gaze that made her tremble.

But as I looked up, I felt a gust of wind whistling in front of me, and then a sharp pain on my forehead, snap.

He got a sharp flick on the forehead.

"Cast away the meaningless guilt and sense of mission, shatter the shackles and weaknesses deep within your heart. You are not meant to live as someone's appendage or possession, nor do you need to find any new pillars or beliefs for yourself. Figure out what you truly want... Then, I will truly welcome you to join me."

After Kang De finished speaking, he gently poked Wei Yunyuan's forehead again.

Even when a beautiful woman is lost in thought, she is equally captivating and charming.

"I..."

Wei Yunyuan stared blankly at Kang De.

The topic and events did not develop in the direction she had envisioned, which disappointed her somewhat, but at the same time, something was stirring within her.

It was as if something was shouting, trying to break through something, to shatter something.

That is the shell that has been solidified and constructed in my life so far due to environment, culture, and thinking.

She whispered, "I don't understand..."

"Hong San didn't understand before either," Kang De smiled, "But he understood later... That's why I have great confidence in this, and I'm sure you can do it too."

"The emperor could deduce many things I did in the Mortal World through intelligence, insight, and vision, but he overlooked the most important point, something that his vision and experience could never have imagined—I want people to understand one thing, to understand it forever, and never go back to the way things were before."

Wei Yunyuan seemed to understand, but not quite.

She whispered, "But... why are you telling me all this? It makes no difference. Even if I understood, I would still do everything in my power to help you, just like I do now..."

"There is a difference."

Kang De paused for a moment, then shook his head. "I can give you many grand pronouncements, but... just consider me a greedy person, and I truly am."

He gazed at the stunningly beautiful face before him, his eyes shifting, and involuntarily reached out his hand, his fingertips tracing across her smooth skin.

The sound was barely audible.

"I want everything," he said. "I want it all."

Wei Yunyuan was slightly startled and instinctively leaned back, while Kang De also came to his senses.

He scratched his head, concealing his earlier unusual reaction, and said, "You read the letter and learned some information. Although it's not a big deal if it leaks out, we can't just leave it unattended. I need to think about it carefully... How about this, since you said you don't understand, you can stay here for now and listen."

He straightened his collar and said, "War is about to break out. The army will head to the border to confront Griffin's forces and secure victory for us... I need to give a pre-battle pep talk."

Imperial Court in the capital.

"..."

The emperor gazed at the durian before him, faintly catching a pleasant aroma. "What is this?"

"A return gift from the Duke of Qin," Beimengde replied blankly. "The letter is inside... He also subtly mocked you for not sending him a gift. Should I repeat his words?"

The emperor waved his hand, staring at the durian in front of him. "Has it been inspected?"

"The variety is unknown, but it appears to be a tropical fruit from the south. We conducted a basic check and sensed a certain amount of fire element infused within the fruit, but it's not enough to pose a threat. Its significance is unclear. Spatial continuity testing has not yet revealed any problems, but my advice is to proceed with caution. After all, Kang De's phase manipulation skills are beyond imagination, and he may be hiding secrets unknown to us..."

The emperor chuckled, "No need, just open it like this."

Beimengde advised, "Your Majesty?"

"Kang De had far too many opportunities to do something underhanded, and I trusted my judgment. Since I treated him with sincerity, he would surely respond with honesty and would not do anything without certainty, just as I have never arranged for an assassination or other radical hostile actions against him."

The emperor declared proudly, "He wouldn't take this opportunity to harm me, because he couldn't afford the consequences of a failed attempt!"

Upon hearing this, Beimengde could only bow.

The emperor waved his hand and said, "You may leave. I will see for myself."

The King's Shadow Blade hesitated for a moment, then its body dissipated into a thick fog.

The emperor looked at the durian in front of him and snorted.

The floor of the sealed room instantly lit up with a full-power magic array, and the monarch's spiritual power connected with the entire room, constructing an absolute life domain. The emperor grasped the amulet on his chest, and radiance enveloped his entire body. The divine armor passed down by emperors throughout the ages solidified from nothingness into reality.

He pushed the table, which slid towards the center of the room. Arcane Bulwark lit up along the edge of the table, completely surrounding the durian. The Supreme Emperor of the Empire then raised a radiant heavy shield in front of him, and an invisible shield of light extended outwards. After doing all this, he raised his other hand, controlling the top-tier battle puppets that had awakened on both sides of the study. He drew his sword, carefully approached the durian on the table, and gently swung the blade, splitting the thing in two.

The infused fire element began to bloom intensely.

"!!!!!"

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PS1: When monk-themed novels dominate the internet, every reader who persecutes a pure writer who harbors beautiful fantasies about love and girls and strives to express them through their writing is not innocent!