A Gentleman Cannot Be Deceived by Appeals to Righteousness

They would definitely agree.

Horus's voice trembled slightly as he read this.

"Who are they?

Kang De, seated in his chair, propped his legs up on the table, his expression unchanged.

He slowly uttered a sigh, "... Oh ho."

"This is a conspiracy!"

As a high-ranking imperial tutor and top-level enforcer, Dong Tianming would certainly not avoid the situation at this time. He also listened to the contents of Griffin's letter and was filled with shock and anger.

The white-haired old man roared, "If we coax our lord back to his hometown and halt our preparations for war in the Mortal World, and then the Star Palace suddenly turns its back and launches a surprise attack, who in the Mortal World can stop us? How can we expect the Star Palace to keep its promise?"

Kang De shrugged and laughed, "Who would understand that?"

Dong Tianming was so angry that his beard trembled.

But even the Imperial Tutor himself didn't notice the... anxiety in his tone.

Yeah... who knows?

Having lived most of his life and met countless people, how could he not understand that people are all like tortoises? How could he not understand that people all like to mediate and harbor a sense of wishful thinking?

He couldn't even imagine that if the siege of Cathay were lifted, the barbarians withdrew, the plague disappeared, and the strange and bizarre events within the country ceased, how many officials and citizens would be willing to continue fighting that despairing enemy and seek justice for the blood debts of the past decades?

Even under the weight of righteousness, no one dares to ignore the humiliation, sacrifices, and blood debts of these past years, but...

"We need to rest and recuperate!"

"The nation is in peril, and it is fortunate that we have managed to hold on until now. Fortunately, the war has temporarily ended. We should lick our wounds, allow the people to rest, and wait until the nation's strength is restored before planning our revenge!"

"I need to rest for a few years eventually!"

Even if it's a deception disguised as a snake, time is on my side, so why not delay for a few years?

This was bound to happen.

This is a true, open strategy, striking the mark precisely and hitting the weakest point in the Mortal World.

Everyone has selfish desires—especially those who have always been in a superior position!

Even in the future, when everyone knows the threat of the Star Palace, and everyone knows that Kang De is the greatest hope for defeating the Star Palace... the highest virtue is to subdue the enemy without fighting! Rather than entrusting everyone's power and lives to Kang De and fighting alongside him against a powerful enemy they may not be able to defeat, if the war could be stopped before it even breaks out, if there is a way to avoid fighting and losing privileges and status, who wouldn't be tempted?

In an instant, the Imperial Tutor flew into a rage, roaring, "Griffin! You traitor! You deserve to be torn to pieces!"

Judging from his appearance, if Griffin appeared in front of him now, he would probably be torn to pieces by this old man.

Kang De raised his hand to try and comfort him, when he heard Horus speak.

"Father, is there anything else? Shall we continue reading?"

Kang De paused for a moment, then chuckled, "This bastard has been beaten down by us for months, and he's finally come back with a bit of the upper hand. He must be quite pleased with himself... Keep reading, let's see what he says."

Horus then continued, "Kang De, everyone will want you to leave."

"I allow military observers from various nations to watch the battle between our two countries, and I let you flaunt your power, so that all nations Arcane Council, as a powerful nation in the world, has exhausted all means, amassed a massive army, and never made a mistake, yet it still cannot defeat you! Even with the many divine artifacts of the Star Palace, it is no match for you! This may sound like exposing our weaknesses, but the Empire, the Elves, and the Dragons all know this."

"If you had maintained good relations with the Goth House, if you had reconciled with the Empire, if you had served as a 'respectable noble example,' if you had been willing to share your knowledge and wealth with the nobles, then the Mortal World would have welcomed a great guardian, and you would have become an epic, legendary leader, leading the world against the Destroyer from the sky, and thus making your name in history... But you did not."

"I still can't understand your actions. You should rely on the power of the nobility and do your best to win them over and become one of them, because they hold the strongest power in the Mortal World. While fighting against the Star Palace, you seem to want to do another important thing. How can you do two important things at the same time? The current awkward situation is your own doing... All the power holders in the Mortal World are hostile and wary of you."

Upon hearing this, Kang De scratched his face and shrugged.

So, leave.

Horus paused for a moment, then continued reading, "Staying here will only exacerbate the conflict. Your conflict with the nobles is irreconcilable and will inevitably be resolved through war."

"Even if we manage to defeat the noble class, the war will engulf the entire continent and severely weaken the Mortal World. If the Star Palace launches an attack at this time, the Mortal World will face only defeat and destruction. The dead will have died in vain, and the sacrifices will have been meaningless. Is this what you want to see?"

"So, go back, Kang De."

The Transformers' cold words echoed through the fortifications, "Return to your homeland, but please continue preparing for war."

Before I leave, I will persuade the Mortal World rulers who are close to you, and I will also persuade my friends, to make everyone aware of the impending crisis and to get the Mortal World to prepare for war.

"If you choose to leave, the nobles who are hostile and wary of you will know that you pose no threat to their power and status. The biggest point of conflict will be resolved, and then we can join hands against external threats."

"If possible, please leave your knowledge behind. In exchange, we will bestow our wisdom. Your departure will buy time for the Mortal World, for you will become a true deterrent, conveying the message to the Star Palace —that you will return when they break their promise."

Upon reading this, Iron Son shook his head and said, "Oh, what a son of a bitch."

He spat a mouthful of engine oil on the ground, and seeing that Kang De and Dong Tianming did not express their opinions, he continued reading aloud.

"I know this sounds a bit shameless, but frankly, it's the optimal solution. And I also believe that if you really only want to stay in the Mortal World to fight the Star Palace, then as Fire Thief, you won't refuse this offer... After all, it can lull the Star Palace into a false sense of security and buy the Mortal World precious time to prepare."

"After all, no one understands the threat and power of the Star Palace better than you, does he?"

Horus grew increasingly impatient, clicking his tongue and saying, "My God, he's even more disgusting A Chuan."

Even as Dong Tianming's anger boiled over, he was still taken aback—who was A Chuan?

"This is my plan, Kang De. Whether you agree or not, I believe it's the best approach."

"I've spent several months with Phaethon, subtly inquiring about his strength, and have gained some understanding of the power of the Star Palace. The Mortal World is no match for them, and perhaps even with you added, it wouldn't be enough. But we still have an advantage."

"That's you... As an outsider, you have the power of an entire world behind you."

"Phaethon doesn't really understand anything... at least he lacks common sense. For the past few months, I've been instilling and exaggerating your threat to him and the Star Palace behind him. There has never been Fire Thief like you before. The light cannons you fired into the starry sky are terrifying enough. They are on high alert and on high alert."

"Therefore, you are most powerful and intimidating when you leave the Mortal World."

Do you understand what I mean?

"If you remain in the Mortal World, once the Star Palace repairs the Starry Firmament Bridge, they will immediately take action and do everything in their power to annihilate you, their ancient nemesis, whether they like it or not."

"But if you were in another world, they would be more hesitant, worried about not being adequately prepared, and even feel that they shouldn't easily start a war or invade the Mortal World, lest they attract you too early... Another discovery I made is that they still possess the joys and sorrows, as well as the wishful thinking of intelligent beings."

This will undoubtedly buy more time for the Mortal World.

"I have acquired enough new techniques from the Star Palace. It will take more time to analyze, digest, and apply them. I am also trying to delve deeper into the Star Palace's hidden tricks and trump cards in the Mortal World. It will also take time to remove them. We can exchange results. I know who the real enemy is."

"This is my thought, my perspective. Please consider the bigger picture, ensuring a greater chance of victory and fewer sacrifices... Although I don't know what Fire Thief is, if someone like you fearlessly draws your sword against the Destroyer from the stars in every era, then you should agree with my plan."

"Looking forward to your good news."

After Horus finished reading, he said, "Father, you've finished reading."

After hearing this, Kang De let out a long sigh of relief.

"This Griffin..."

He suddenly laughed, "Looks like you're trying to have your cake and eat it too."

Dong Tianming forced himself to suppress his anger and slowly nodded.

"Hypocritical, shameless scoundrel," the Imperial Tutor said coldly. "He uses the Star Palace to bolster his own position, while secretly colluding with the Lord, employing the Fire Thief to control and intimidate the Star Palace, preventing it from easily invading the Mortal World. He, in turn, profits from both sides..."

"If the Star Palace wins in the future, he will be a hero; if our lord wins in the future, he will be your close comrade-in-arms. Yet you insist on putting on this righteous and awe-inspiring face..."

Kang De raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Isn't this a ruthless hero?"

"That son of a bitch!" Dong Tianming finally couldn't hold back and roared in fury, "I'll skin him alive! Shameless traitor! Selfish and harmful to others! He deserves to die!"

"I'm thief, I'm thief."

Kang De gestured for him to relax, took the letter back, glanced at it, then shook it twice, making a rustling sound, "--I'm actually a little tempted."

Dong Tianming exclaimed, "My lord!"

Although Cathay did not have the story of "serving Qin with land, like carrying firewood to put out a fire," the underlying principle is the same.

Kang De calmly countered, "Mr. Dong, if it is truly as Griffin says, that the Star Palace has ceased its conquests, intrigues, and subversions against Cathay, allowing the crumbling Divine Land nation to continue... would you be willing to cooperate?"

"I don't want to!"

Dong Tianming retorted sternly, "The countless blood debts and sacrifices are plain for all to see; how can they be easily forgiven? The peace bestowed upon us is nothing but poison coated in sugar—"

The Earthling calmly interrupted him, "What about the Cathay government and people? Are they willing to understand this principle?"

Dong Tianming felt a chill in his heart and was speechless.

Kang De placed the letter on the table and said calmly, "Griffin does have one good point... that is, he pointed out our most fatal weakness. After all, the flaw is right here. Even if Griffin hadn't said it, it's not impossible that someone would have thought of it in the future. It's better to expose it now than to use this trick when the Star Palace is at our gates later..."

If the Mortal World kingdoms truly witness the Star Palace's magnificent military might and overwhelming strength, and are then lured by this poisoned bait, claiming that exiling or killing Kang De would ensure the survival of the Mortal World... it's not impossible that the Mortal World will descend into chaos.

However, upon thinking of this, Kang De suddenly frowned slightly.

"Wait a minute..." he pondered, "Why does Griffin want to reveal this card now?"

Horus replied, "The outcome of the offensive and defensive battles is obvious. As the commander-in-chief of the Council's army, he has realized our superior military capabilities and knows that if the fighting continues, he will not only be defeated and killed, but also utterly disgraced and unable to preserve his reputation... So he is simply trying to survive against all odds."

Kang De waved his hand and said, "I think he's quite happy being a servant of the Star Palace... He's bound to be disgraced, his reputation will inevitably be ruined, and defeat in battle is certain, but death is not out of the question."

He said leisurely, "Regardless, he is, after all, a peerless expert of our time. Joining forces with a God of the Star Palace, at least escape is possible. The Star Palace wouldn't bear to let him die like this..."

Dong Tianming, who had been silent all along, finally spoke up, "Griffin is indeed a ruthless and ambitious man. Even if there's only the slightest possibility, he won't willingly remain subservient to anyone. In my opinion, he won't wholeheartedly and willingly become a lackey of the Star Palace. He says he's maneuvering with the Star Palace, extracting intelligence, and buying time, and he does have some sincerity in that regard. But in reality, his words and actions are nothing more than hedging his bets; otherwise, there would never have been this battle today."

Kang De raised an eyebrow and smiled, "So, according to you, Griffin is someone we can try to win over?"

"Absolutely wrong," the Imperial Tutor said coldly. "Griffin deserves to die, he must not be spared. He may speak sweet words, but he's only thinking of himself. Even if he changes his stance in the future and raises the banner of opposing the Star Palace, he will inevitably have selfish motives and add variables to the war. It's better to kill him now to deter others and set an example for others!"

Having said that, he shouted, "My lord, this old minister requests permission to fight!"

Dong Tianming's expression was stern, his hair and beard stood on end, and his robes billowed, clearly indicating that he was extremely angry.

Kang De neither confirmed nor denied it, and then asked, "Why do you say that?"

"It's very simple," the Imperial Tutor said through gritted teeth. "He keeps insisting that you return to your homeland, which is tantamount to forcing you out of the Mortal World. He only says that this can buy time, but he avoids a question—what if you are angered by this, become disheartened, stop caring about the dangers of the Mortal World, or even stand by and watch the Star Palace invade?"

"He doesn't care at all! Even if the Star Palace destroys the world, he will still be the one who forced you away, and he won't suffer any loss. On the contrary, he will be rewarded by the Star Palace!"

"Besides, he keeps trying to persuade you with the mission of the Fire Thief, which is practically moral blackmail. If he succeeds, what will happen if Mortal World follow his example?"

Dong Tianming grew increasingly angry as he spoke, "We, the people of Cathay Dan, are willing to sacrifice our nation and country, with an empress awaiting marriage and the entire empire as our dowry, begging you to save the day from collapse! These foreign bastards only know how to spout empty words and manipulate people; they are utterly inhuman!"

At this point, the Imperial Tutor could no longer contain himself, Cathay dialect erupted from him, his curses so intense they shook the heavens and earth.

Kang De was both amused and exasperated. "I think I understand what you mean."

Dong Tianming nodded emphatically, his voice brimming with murderous intent. "A gentleman cannot be deceived by his principles; whoever does will die!"

Iron Son asked from the side, "Then, Father, what should we do with this letter?"

Kang De shrugged, a cold smile playing on his lips.

"It's moral blackmail again, and this roundabout way of 'saving the country'—if I weren't China, I'd really be fooled."

He scoffed, "Griffin's trying to pull this on me? He's really drunk from the Genki Forest."

He pulled a piece of paper from the table, took out a ballpoint pen, and casually asked, "Is the messenger still here?"

"Exist."

Kang De nodded upon hearing this, and then began to write his reply with great speed and fluency.

"To the traitor himself--"

"I've heard that you, my foolish brother, have a desire to save the country through indirect means, and I'm very pleased. Having this intention at least helps to preserve your son's health. Your suggestion is quite interesting and not something we can't discuss."

"But if you're going to put on an act, you have to go all the way—I need to make the Star Palace realize my formidable military power and overwhelming threat before they'll be intimidated, before they'll have the greatest fear and apprehension towards me, and before they'll push my intimidation to its limit."

Therefore, I need you, my foolish brother, to make a small, insignificant sacrifice.

"My dear brother, though I am not capable, I will soon launch a full-scale decisive battle to utterly crush and wipe out your army's lines. I urge you, my brother, to prioritize the greater good and order your troops not to resist. This will preserve many useful lives for future battles against the Star Palace, and allow the Mortal World nations to witness a resounding victory, deepening their fear and confidence in me. This will also benefit the implementation of your brilliant deterrence plan."

"After all, in this way, the other nations will believe that even if the Star Palace army besieges the city, as long as I, Kang De, launch an attack, everything will be alright."

"Furthermore, the God of the Star Palace Phaethon orchestrated the massacre at the Tower of All-Seeing, earning him the deep hatred of Kaliusi, the new executor of the Southern Council. My suggestion, my brother, is that this God of the Star Palace should not be allowed to live. When our army launches its attack, I urge you, my foolish brother, to deliver a righteous betrayal to this villain, preferably capturing him alive, so that I, your brother, can personally escort him to Tula Xiaye and win over the hearts of the people."

"Such righteous actions also demonstrate your unwavering will to resist the Star Palace. When the war is won and the nations settle scores with the traitors, I can use this incident to prove and exonerate you."

"After crushing your army, my humble brother, I must conduct a thorough search of the mountains and seas, launching an endless manhunt and relentless pursuit of you, announcing your crimes and betrayal to the entire continent. Only in this way can I gain the trust of the Star Palace and contribute to the great cause of resisting the Star Palace. You surely understand, don't you?"

"At that time, I, my virtuous brother, will return to my Homecoming in sorrow and depart from this Mortal World, while you, my foolish brother, will endure hardship and betray us. Although we are separated by two lifetimes, we will still be loyal to each other, and we will both have a bright future."

"Since you care so much about the Mortal World, you must be able to endure this great sacrifice."

"Furthermore, after the Tula Xiaye Incident, the interim Grand Chancellor Kaliusi launched a massive purge of your confidants, families, students, and influence, implicating many. I, your kind-hearted brother, could not bear the bloodshed, so I used military supplies and equipment to ransom these people and settled them in a five-star hotel called Lubyanka."

"They are very uncooperative and unwilling to serve me. I originally intended to send them to mine, but many of them are mages and scholars, which would be a waste. Today, I heard that you, my foolish brother, are in the Star Palace but your heart is in the Mortal World, and you are already on the same path. I am overjoyed. Isn't this a coincidence?"

"I intend to place these people under your command, firstly because they were acquired at a high cost, which is somewhat unfair. Secondly, you, my brother, are undertaking such a difficult and arduous undertaking, and you must be reluctant to let these students and confidants suffer with you. Fortunately, since we share the same goal—to fight against the Star Palace —serving these good brothers under your command is actually not much different from serving under me."

"Therefore, I humbly request that you write a letter, or provide evidence, explaining the situation and persuading your trusted disciples to dedicate themselves to serving me, clarifying your hard work and sacrifices. Since you are so righteous, you should not bear to see these talented individuals wasting their time in Lubyanka, should you?"

"Whether you agree with my other plans or not, please make sure this is done first. After all, the path of a traitor is arduous and perilous. If you, my foolish brother, fail in your mission and are stabbed and wounded by the Star Palace, wouldn't you be branded a traitor and infamous for eternity? Your disciples and confidants must know of your great sacrifice."

Looking forward to your good news.

After finishing writing, Kang De glanced at Dong Tianming, who was standing to the side in a daze, and then sealed the letter.

"Give this to the messenger and have him take it back to Griffin," Kang De said. "Horus, prepare the army, gather the reserves, devise a deployment plan, and prepare for the decisive battle."

"Yes!"

Having said that, Kang De stood up and said to Dong Tianming, "I have to leave for a while. Please stay here and oversee things. I'll be back soon."

Dong Tianming's expression shifted slightly, and he extended his hand, saying, "My lord..."

Before he finished speaking, Kang De opened the Phase Gate and vanished.

Only the Imperial Tutor remained standing there, stunned and speechless.

Earth, on the picturesque Great Lakes.

"To be honest..."

Kang De's voice carried a hint of something indescribable.

"If we can gain three to five years..."

He whispered, "I'm actually a little tempted."

Malegith while sitting in the computer pod.

After a long pause, she pressed "Next Round," removed her headphones, and the Audio-Technica triangular earphones slid smoothly down her long, flowing emerald hair, encircling her neck. The Parrot, with a lollipop in its mouth, mumbled, "What did you just say?"

Kang De rolled his eyes.

The former Phoenix King then laughed, "Suit yourself. Why the long face? You are the Fire Thief; the plan to fight against the Star Palace is yours to decide. Besides..."

She looked at Kang De and said softly, "I told you before, it's none of your business, you don't need to carry that burden."

Kang De spoke up, "What I mean is..."

"You mean, given the time difference between the two worlds, three to five years in the Mortal World can create twenty to thirty years of free time between Earth and the White Mist World. Using Earth's scientific and industrial capabilities, combined with the Mortal World's magic system, you could farm to your heart's content, which would be far more efficient than struggling in the Mortal World."

The Parrot blinked and spoke in a gentle voice.

"And thirty years is enough time for you to fulfill your responsibilities and obligations as a son and China citizen, after which you can return to the Mortal World without any worries, is that right?"