Shut Up!

"..."

My first reaction was to activate the body's toxin-isolating mechanisms.

My second reaction was to turn on the air purifier in the study.

My third reaction was, "What did that bastard Kang De throw at us?"

As the war puppet cleaved the durian's outer shell with its longsword, the fire element injected into it began to ferment intensely.

Rumor has it that Jin Shengtan left a dying wish before his execution, saying that durian, when heated in a microwave oven, tastes like stewed excrement. This is, of course, an outright rumor.

In fact, heating durian for a short, careful, and restrained time can enhance its flavor and texture. However, heating it for too long can produce an astonishingly hellish smell, which, while not nearly as exaggerated as stewed shit, is still quite unpleasant.

The emperor frowned and took a few steps closer. He saw that after the thorny and hard shell had cracked open, the golden flesh inside was now emitting wisps of heat, and some parts were slightly charred.

Upon smelling the odor, the Emperor of the Empire initially suspected that Kang De had sent some terrifying substance that could not be described in detail, but after a closer sniff, it seemed that this was not the case.

Amidst the wisps of moisture emanating from the golden flesh, the mysterious aroma that had previously surprised and intrigued him still lingered... He noticed an envelope embedded among the fruit; it must be Kang De's reply.

The Supreme controlled the battle puppet to gently lift the letter, then cast three top-tier purification spells on it. Only then did the battle puppet unfold the letter, and the Supreme stood at a distance to read it carefully.

... This character is strange.

The characters were perfectly straight, too rigid, and written in the most basic Imperial capital script... This reminded him of his five-year-old son's calligraphy practice book.

The above only contains one paragraph, which can be summarized as "Believe me, your dog has offended me, and I'm going to speak ill of him to frame him," which sounds like the clumsy grammar and tricks a five-year-old could use.

Although he knew this was a frame-up by Kang De, upon seeing the words "he might launch a sneak attack on you," the emperor still subconsciously looked around, a slight chill running down his spine. He then began to carefully consider whether Beimengde had done anything suspicious recently and who he would side with if he were to betray him.

But he soon realized that this was Kang De's deliberate scheme.

Whether this was a lucky accident or a deliberate act, this clumsy frame-up did indeed strike at the king's Achilles' heel: suspicion, selfishness, harshness, and sensitivity—unavoidable traits of a powerful ruler.

He cursed, "You bastard!"

He looked at the letter again, over and over, but found nothing more.

The emperor angrily retorted, "And then?!"

Damn it, I personally wrote such a long letter and offered such sincere suggestions, and all you sent was a pile of shit, along with a shit-like reply?

Just then, a voice rang out from outside; it was Beimengde.

"His Majesty."

Through the intercom, the intelligence chief said, "Your subject requests an audience; I have important matters to report."

After a short while, Beimengde heard a voice. "Come in and talk."

The king's blade respectfully and gently pushed open the door, and a strange aura blew in. Beimengde was startled, but he only saw his lord sitting upright in his chair, dressed in casual clothes, with a calm expression. Apart from the fruit that had been brought being cut in half and a letter on the table, nothing seemed to have happened.

He immediately pinpointed the source of the mysterious aura to the fruit on the table, and knelt down to beg for forgiveness, saying, "It was my oversight; please punish me severely, Your Majesty."

The emperor smiled faintly, "That frivolous and boring brat Kang De, afraid to use any secret schemes or tricks against me, resorts to such despicable and pointless methods, thinking he can scare me. He really underestimates me. It's just a fruit that has an odd smell when heated; does he think I'd make a fuss about it?"

Beimengde remained expressionless, bowing his head as he said, "Your Majesty is a wise ruler, beloved by your subjects and revered by foreign tribes. The wars, confrontations, and games you have experienced far surpass Kang De's imagination. In the end, he was nothing more than a nouveau riche favored by the gods. His vision is far inferior to Your Majesty's; this is something I have witnessed firsthand. The so-called Dragon of Cathay is nothing more than a mean and cunning person devoid of grace and magnanimity..."

Upon hearing this, the emperor laughed.

From a young age, he understood that the world was made up of lies, interests, and desires; everyone who was close to him had something to ask for, and everyone who was hostile to him had something to desire.

After he ascended the throne, this situation worsened. The virtuous and gentle concubines, the filial and intelligent children, the loyal and reliable ministers... everyone was acting, everyone was lying, everyone was trying to please him in exchange for what they wanted. The praise and songs were nothing more than choosing the best words to say, and the reports and suggestions were nothing more than echoing his wishes.

But seeing through things doesn't mean you hate them.

The concubines were noble and dignified in front of the noblewomen and servants, and the princes and princesses were exceptionally capable and held extremely high positions outside. The powerful ministers and nobles were even more powerful and influential, but these nobles who were like gods in front of others had to show fawning smiles in front of her.

Very interesting.

Every day, I watch these pathetic creatures, each with their own agendas and greedy desires, racking their brains to please and flatter me. I see the disgust, fear, greed, and even murderous intent hidden beneath their docile exteriors. I see them having a thousand thoughts in their hearts but being helpless and forced to be as docile as dogs.

Very interesting.

Watching these dogs wag their tails while secretly gritting their teeth, watching their anger build up, yet at the slightest wave of the bone in their hands, they would involuntarily drool and fawn, watching their pitiful state of hating their fate yet succumbing to their primal desires... this made the emperor extremely happy, or rather, it was one of his rare moments of amusement.

Only by keeping the dogs on their leashes, using bones to make them suppress their true nature and dance gracefully, watching them display their ugly side, each harboring their own thoughts yet believing they have fooled the emperor... only in this way can the emperor feel that he is the emperor, only in this way can the emperor feel that he is truly alive.

He said, "Beimengde, I can hear the dissatisfaction in your voice. It seems that Kang De did not treat you very politely. Did you suffer any injustice at the Sound of the Tide Manor?"

Beimengde replied blankly, "It's nothing. My judgment and words were devoid of any personal emotion; they were merely offering Your Majesty a trivial assessment and opinion."

Ah, even Beimengde is like that.

He usually puts on a taciturn, apathetic, and dull appearance, but when necessary, he will flatter me vigorously. "If someone who seems silent, upright, and without desires praises the emperor, it must be out of genuine respect." This is the dog's principle of flattery... He thinks I don't know.

I simply choose not to say it.

So, to confirm that he was the emperor, the emperor tugged on the dog's leash.

"I suspect you've had a conflict with Kang De," the Emperor laughed. "Otherwise, Kang De wouldn't have written this passage."

As he said this, he pointed lightly, and the letter Kang De had written flew to Beimengde.

Upon seeing this, Beimengde immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and a look of panic appeared on his numb face.

He stammered, "Your Majesty, I didn't see it... I really didn't see it! And... there's more..."

That bewilderment was mixed with hatred, fear, and unease, because Kang De's method of framing, though clumsy, was vicious, claiming that "the eldest prince is Beimengde's son," and that Beimengde would assassinate the emperor...

"What are you worried about, Lord Beimengde?"

The emperor laughed and said, "You were just saying that I am a wise ruler, loved and respected by my subjects. Doesn't that include you among those who love me? If so, why do you think I would doubt you because of this clumsy and poorly written letter of accusation? Why would I doubt my trusted confidant who has followed me for decades?"

Upon hearing this, Beimengde almost collapsed to the ground, his voice trembling and trembling with a hint of tears.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."

The emperor burst into laughter, waving his hand and saying, "Get up, get up! If someone sees this, they'll say I'm humiliating a minister... Alright, I won't tease you anymore. I know you're loyal, but Kang De is a bastard."

Beimengde then stood up, tears streaming down his face. "The Duke of Qin is utterly unreasonable!"

Ah, they're still putting on an act.

The emperor smiled, but inwardly he was coldly scrutinizing the emperor.

But he was still quite satisfied.

By frequently pulling the leash and giving the dogs a nudge around the neck, the emperor would be convinced, through their fearful, aggrieved, and fawning expressions and actions, that he was indeed the emperor and that he was truly living a powerful life.

Everyone's like that, everyone wants something from me, everyone's a dog.

He looked at Beimengde, who was both frightened and grateful, his eyelids slightly lowered.

The sting of Kang De's words still left him with an instinctive sense of unease.

What a bastard.

Thinking this, the emperor glanced at the durian on the table and said calmly, "This fruit was a gift from Kang De. I accidentally startled you today, so I'll reward you with a taste."

The dog's reaction pleased him, Beimengde replied without hesitation, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The king's shadow blade stepped forward, carefully plucked a piece of fruit, ignored the strong aroma, put it into his mouth without blinking, chewed it carefully without changing his expression, and then swallowed it.

His expression subtly changed.

The emperor's gaze remained calm as he casually asked, "How does it taste?"

"... It's very sweet." Beimengde looked somewhat bewildered. "The texture is soft and chewy, like a gummy candy."

"..." The emperor looked doubtful. "Is it really that delicious?"

"At least to my liking..." Beimengde confirmed, "It's delicious."

The emperor stared at the durian, hesitating for three seconds.

As the supreme ruler of the empire, his territory was incredibly vast, encompassing plains, hills, mountains, forests, valleys, rainforests, deserts... all kinds of landforms, all kinds of products, even specialties from other countries and rare treasures from overseas. With the emperor's status, wealth, and power, what couldn't he obtain?

I've never seen anything like it before.

And it was a gift from Kang De.

The important point is that it was a gift from Kang De.

"..."

He looked away and changed the subject. "You said you had something to discuss with me?"

"Yes."

Beimengde, remembering the reason for his renewed audience, respectfully stepped back. "A dragon... A giant dragon arrived in the airspace near the capital and was stopped by the Griffin Knights and the Heavenly Domain Mage Guard. He said he was here to deliver a package."

The emperor raised an eyebrow and asked, "Express delivery?"

"They say Kang De purchased Dragon Defense's transportation business and asked the dragons to deliver something to you," Beimengde whispered. "After all, we don't allow people from the West Goth Company into the capital."

For months, West Goth Company has been recruiting, expanding its territory, and establishing a sales network. But who would dare let those Goth People into the city? As everyone knows, Kang De's phase manipulation skills are unparalleled, and his teleportation ability is extremely strange. Goth People allowed to open shops in the city, it will be a teleportation portal to mass-produce troops in no time.

Even though I know it's mostly useless, I still need to seek some psychological comfort.

The emperor thought for a moment, then chuckled and asked, "What is being sent?"

"A space beacon." Beimengde's expression was somewhat unnatural. "An opportunity to meet His Majesty face-to-face."

The Supreme Being frowned and immediately asked, "Didn't the dragon tell the Griffin Knights and the Heavenly Domain Mage Guard about his origins and that Kang De hired him?"

Beimengde replied, "No, they only said they wanted to see His Majesty, and specifically asked for me."

The emperor nodded. "Not bad... no!"

He immediately realized what was happening, his teeth clenched in anger and amusement mixed with exasperation. "After all, the Griffin Knights and the Heavenly Domain Mage Guard have both seen me, and now they want to see me. It's bound to attract the attention of those with ulterior motives. If they investigate further, they might find even more 'clues.' This bastard is still taking advantage of me... Sneaking around is more attention-grabbing and convincing than being open and aboveboard!"

"Then we should refuse..."

"Bring the things over." The emperor slowly exhaled. "I should have met him a year ago... In any case, I want to see this young man who has changed so many things."

"If you insist... please allow me and the guards to defend you with our lives."

"No need," the Emperor of the Empire said calmly. "I believe in Kang De, and I have confidence in myself... We may argue and debate fiercely, but we will never kill each other. Kang De cannot bear the consequences, and I will never be afraid of a naive, shallow, and boring child. This will be a dialogue between men."

Beimengde stood there, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

The emperor said with displeasure, "What? Didn't I say..."

"Your Majesty," Shadowblade said meekly, "The dragon wants money... saying the delivery is cash on delivery and very expensive."

"..."

The meeting took place in the emperor's study as usual. Beimengde led the most elite imperial guards to stand guard outside, while the imperial court was cautiously placed under martial law and sealed off. People did not know what was happening and simply waited with their breath held.

Inside the room, the emperor watched as a small purple prism floated into the air.

A dazzling portal of light rotates and opens, cutting through overlapping areas to construct a gateway to another world.

The sovereign of the human world blinked, adjusting to the dazzling light. Before him lay the most wondrous scene—a swirling, scattering portal of light, like a suspended painting containing a vibrant, yet serene, world of dazzling colors.

Between the mountains and the water, he saw Kang De.

Kang De also saw the emperor.

Old and young, suspicious and suspicious, scrutinizing and scrutinizing, emperor and people.

The ruler of the empire.

The Dragon of Cathay.

They had never met before, yet their fates became intertwined.

A year ago, the emperor's ruthless decision effectively tore up a covenant, thus changing the fate of many. Throughout history, individual destinies have been beyond our control under the sweeping tides of time, but this time was different. It wasn't just the Goth People whose fate was changed; there was also a stranger who drifted to this land. His destiny was rewritten that night, which in turn affected the vast empire.

We could have met a year ago.

If that were the case, things might be different.

With such sighs and bewilderment, the two most powerful men in the Mortal World gaze at each other from two different worlds, separated by a dazzling, swirling portal.

... clad in mythical-grade rune-enchanted armor.

The emperor had already activated the indoor defense mechanisms that had been modified and strengthened over hundreds of years, and was fully equipped with personal protective gear that was usually reserved for imperial military campaigns.

Meanwhile, Kang De habitually stacked enchantments, Holy Light, and Phase Armor—even though he was in the White Mist World, he couldn't let his guard down.

Both of them were taken aback when they saw each other.

Immediately afterward, Kang De scoffed, "Look at you, so cowardly! It's laughable."

The emperor said coldly, "An emperor must never allow his own recklessness to override the country and his subjects. As for you, visiting me dressed like this clearly shows you have something to hide."

"Ridiculous! I'm dressed so formally, how is that suspicious?" Kang De pointed to the flickering elemental energy in the study. "You've made the drawing room like this; clearly, you have ill intentions."

"I did this to protect your safety. After all, you've made enemies everywhere. If someone were to assassinate you during our conversation, wouldn't I be the one to take the blame?"

"I'm dressed like this so I can shield you from harm if necessary. After all, you've done so many bad things, like giving birth to a son without an anus. If you suddenly face retribution during our conversation, wouldn't I be hard-pressed to escape suspicion and end up committing a lot of killings?"

The Emperor snorted, "Eloquent tongue... Dressed like this is extremely disrespectful to one's elders. I ask you, would you dress like this when you went to see that coward Reknos?"

Kang De replied proudly, "Yes, so what?"

"..."

The emperor was momentarily speechless, then said sullenly, "Alright, get over here."

"Hey, why should I go over there? Can't you come over?" Kang De beckoned, "Come here!"

Although he was incredibly curious about where Kang De was now, since it didn't look like the scenery of the Distant Harbor... even the emperor, with all his heart, refused to step over there.

"You hired the dragon to deliver the space beacon, and you yourself requested to pay a visit. How can you expect me to go?" The emperor retorted, "Show some manners, lad."

"Hey, I wonder which guy wrote this letter asking all sorts of questions. If it weren't for his apparent sincerity, I wouldn't have bothered making this trip." Kang De casually tossed out a few sheets of paper. "Come on, let me read them to you. Let's see who this emotionally rich, lonely middle-aged man is..."

"--shut up!"