Special PUA Techniques
The place where Kang De received the surrendered Council was just a temporary shed erected on a high ground.
There were no unnecessary furnishings, no carpets, just two large tables and a few small tables.
A large table was stacked with screens of various sizes, displaying real-time images of the battlefield. A tangled mess of wires led to a generator outside the shed, humming loudly. Some people complained about the noise and, after obtaining Kang De's permission, drew a soundproof barrier around the area.
On another large table, there were an astonishing number of KFC family buckets and cups of iced cola, while the enticing aroma of fried chicken filled the air, enough to make the stomachs of the hungry churn.
The Mortal World warriors who had previously participated in the siege of Phaethon gathered in distinct groups according to their origins, holding cans of cola, some sitting in chairs, others leaning against tables, and enjoying a cool rest.
The atmosphere was peaceful, even warm, because there was no distinction between high and low, or between superiors and inferiors.
Even the three Mortal World giants, Kang De, the Dragon Emperor, and Her Majesty Dairila, did not have any prestigious positions or magnificent thrones. Instead, they sat leaning against the table, chatting and laughing in a relaxed manner.
This gave the interim Grand Speaker Kaliusi, a certain illusion.
He felt that with Griffin dead and the Northern Council's rebellious army defeated, this erroneous war and regrettable division could finally end, and the country would be reunited.
But Kang De smiled and said to him, "You don't think this war is over, do you?"
Upon hearing this, the air in the shed fell silent for a moment.
The powerful figures present were all influential figures in their respective countries or even the entire Mortal World, but upon hearing these words, they all stopped what they were doing and looked in this direction.
He was still holding fried chicken and a hamburger in his hand, but his expression gradually became playful.
When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down.
With their wisdom and experience, it's not hard to guess what will happen next.
What a naive speaker who's caught up in the situation!
The Dragon of Cathay is not so easily dealt with.
Kaliusi's mind went blank for a moment.
With Griffin dead and the mind-controlled army rescued, a glimmer of hope appeared for ending the division and the war. This gave rise to a naive fantasy in the young ruler, who had been appointed to the position in a time of crisis and had not yet developed the mindset of a politician—he may have thought too highly of Kang De.
I subconsciously felt that Kang De would take the initiative to stop the war and help the Council reunify.
That's how it should be.
Isn't the goal to oppose the Star Palace?
A unified Arcane Council be your greatest asset.
This war has already caused too many deaths and injuries.
Why?
At that moment, Griffin's dying words suddenly came to mind.
"Kaliusi, the road ahead is more difficult than you imagine."
"Because I have seen clearly Kang De's path."
He took a deep breath, suppressing his turbulent emotions, and kept his expression calm.
Before kings and envoys of other nations... we must uphold the dignity and honor of our country!
The acting Grand Speaker said in a deep voice, "The war is over. Kang De is in power. Griffin is dead. The executioners who started the war and deceived the people are gone. This bloodied nation longs for peace, and the soldiers want to reunite with their families... The soldiers of the Council feel this way, and so do your soldiers."
Kang De gave a faint smile, "No, it's not over yet."
Kaliusi's fist slowly clenched, his nails digging into his flesh. "Kang De's rule is already..."
"I said it's not over." Kang De looked at him. "Then it's not over."
Before Kaliusi could say anything more, Kang De had already straightened up.
They locked eyes with the nominal supreme leader of the Council.
Do you really think I run a charity?
He gave a cold laugh, "Who was it that provoked us at every turn? Who started the war? Who stirred things up? Now that we've lost, you're just going to say the war is over and call it a day?"
Is there really such a cheap thing in the world?
"You really think I run a charity?"
"Did the weapons and ammunition I used in this war just fall from the sky?"
"Do you think mobilizing a large army and conscripting soldiers to fight you, the resources consumed, the pay paid, and the logistical expenses all cost nothing?"
"Having been locked in a stalemate with Griffin here for months, the positions we've built are enough to establish new cities around the Distant Harbor. How do you think we managed to build such an impregnable defensive line to counter Star Palace?!"
"Letting these tens of thousands of surrendered soldiers observe the White Mist World for a month, and I have to feed and take good care of them, how much do you think that will cost? Do you think I should do this kind of work for nothing?"
"You were the ones who declared war, you were the ones whose soldiers were controlled, and after I killed Griffin, I was responsible for rescuing your cowardly soldiers, spending countless resources and making heavy sacrifices to win this war, and even saving your people along the way... and then you just open your mouth and say the war is over, everyone go home and pretend nothing happened—there's no such thing as a free lunch!"
Kaliusi blushed under the barrage of questions.
He felt his dignity being humiliated and trampled upon... in front of the envoys of various nations! He was so angry that he wanted to cover his face and leave. The supreme glory, prestige and dignity of the Arcane Council were now withering in the soil, making him want to cry out and roar.
But he couldn't leave; he had to stay here.
"... Kang De was in power."
The interim Grand Speaker did his best to remain calm. "Griffin was the one who did this, and this nation is also a victim. Its honor has been trampled upon. I only hope that under the threat of the Star Palace, you will temporarily set aside your personal grudges and treat this equally betrayed nation with forgiveness and magnanimity. From now on, the Arcane Council become your most loyal partner, we..."
Kang De chuckled.
"Griffin did it," he said slowly, "But Griffin wasn't the only one who did it."
The expressions of the surrendered generals standing to the side, their faces bitter, changed several times.
"The vast lands of the northern counties, Griffin's stronghold, responded Council his call to war, mobilizing troops and providing supplies. Military rations flowed continuously from the granaries, and weapons of war were being manufactured in the alchemy workshops and golem factories. Soldiers emerged from every household, brandishing their weapons at the innocent Distant Harbor— "
He said to Kaliusi, whose expression had changed, "Griffin may be dead, but the war is not over."
"... Kang De is in power!"
Kaliusi exclaimed, "I believe that once justice is served, they will have no reason to continue opposing you!"
"Then surrender!" Kang De shouted sternly. "Then pay the price for defeat!"
"But..."
"Let me be blunt, Grand Councilor Kaliusi!" Kang De stepped forward, his tone resolute. "If you want to reunify the North and South Council, then represent your country and take responsibility for the Yankees' defeat! If not, then shut your mouth and wait until we've taken over the entire territory of the Northern Council before we discuss this matter again!"
We will compensate you!
Kaliusi gritted his teeth and said, "The losses of these past few months of war, the damage to the Distant Harbor, and your leniency and generosity—this nation will repay you with blood and loyalty! We will not shirk our mistakes, we only beg you to consider the bigger picture of the conflict with the Star Palace and not to set an overly harsh figure... I implore you!"
Kang De paused for a moment, then sighed.
"Well said. To endure humiliation for the future of the country, I believe you are a true patriot."
Upon hearing this, Kaliusi looked over with some surprise.
"But there's a problem," the Fire Thief looked at him, "You said you would compensate for the losses and fully assist me in my future battle against the Star Palace..."
The interim Speaker nodded in agreement.
"--Can you make that decision? Do you have the final say? Can you guarantee that your country will, as you promised, set aside all internal strife, waste, and ambition, and wholeheartedly prepare for war, focusing all its resources, manpower, and energy on confronting the Star Palace, without hesitation, without wavering, and without regret?"
Kaliusi was about to respond instinctively, but then he remembered Griffin's dying roar.
Speechless.
If this country is a one-man show by the Grand Speaker, where he can make all the decisions himself, then why would Griffin need to collude with the Star Palace, stage a coup, and start a war?
That's the reason.
Kang De said calmly, "What benefit would it bring me to Council?"
"I heard you're rebuilding the council that Griffin wiped out. Most of the dozen or so core council candidates for the Starry Sky Council are from the same clan as the previous batch of council members who died. I think they couldn't get elected before, so they're just picking up the scraps, and they might even be worse off than the dead ones."
He paused, a half-smile playing on his lips, and said, "Your Excellency, Northern Council back to these insects really allow this nation to make a greater contribution in the fight against the Star Palace?"
"To put it another way, how should you promise that, if I help you reunify, in the foreseeable future, there won't be a second, even more insane ruler, like Griffin, who suddenly goes mad and brazenly declares war on Distant Harbor again, provoking what happened today?"
Kaliusi was unable to respond.
He wasn't incapable of rebutting or arguing, but he had realized that Kang De's ideas were difficult to change.
So he sighed softly and said, "Please state your plans and conditions."
"I was merely a victim forced into a defensive counterattack, seeking to eliminate the potential threat of war once and for all and to claim my due spoils, nothing more."
"What must the Council offer in exchange for your forgiveness and understanding?"
"It's very simple."
Kang De smiled slightly and said casually, "I want the entire northern region of the Council."
With a loud "poof," a giant dragon sitting around a table with its kin, eating chicken, made a loud noise.
The dragon, with a crispy fried chicken leg in its mouth, had just been leaning over to grab a stack of tender beef patties piled on the table when it heard this statement about having an appetite even bigger than the Dragon Emperor's, and instinctively took another bite.
So, one half of the chicken leg fell onto the table, and the other half, bone and all, got stuck in his throat.
So, under everyone's unanimous gaze, the stupid dragon blushed and stood there dumbfounded.
With the physical abilities of a dragon, it would only need to mimic Shen's throat contraction to crush the hard chicken bone.
--By the way, this behavior is absolutely prohibited in the internal employee guide for mercenary agents of Dragon Defense. A certain male dragon with questionable morals caused a death when he was hired.
Of course, that's not the point. The point is that when the dragon, which made a loud noise, was being stared at by the Dragon Emperor, Kang De, and everyone present, it panicked and forgot to crush it with its claws. Instead, it foolishly opened its mouth wide and tried to grab it with its hands—an action that was not only extremely undignified but also looked even more ridiculous.
His fellow dragons and colleagues immediately grabbed his arms, pinned him down, and shouted in hushed tones to the panicked dragon, "Breath fire! Breath fire, you idiot!"
The dragon then realized what was happening. Just like a human gargling, it tilted its head back and made a gurgling sound, its mouth wide open and head tilted back, as dragon flames flickered in its throat.
After finishing cooking the half chicken leg, the dragons sat down, their faces stern, looking around with a haughty "What do you want?" expression.
Given the reputation of dragons being even more discerning than elves, everyone turned their attention away.
The default setting is that nothing happens.
Here, Kaliusi finally calmed down from the raging storm in his heart.
... but it was only a superficial recovery.
His voice was filled with extreme grief and indignation. "Did you intend to divide our country from the very beginning?"
"You should thank me," Kang De said calmly, "I helped you retain half of the country."
Kaliusi's hands and feet were ice-cold.
One of the great powers of the Mortal World realm, the glorious Arcane Council, a nation on par with the Elves and the Empire, is it about to be divided in two by the schemes and machinations of the Cathayan?
He instinctively turned his head to look at the powerful figures from various countries.
I wanted to get some support from them, a sense of shared sorrow for the fallen.
The observers from various factions and small principalities were simply preoccupied with their fried chicken, not even glancing at him, deliberately avoiding his gaze.
Only the powerful figures of a few major nations did not shy away from his gaze.
The elves occupied a corner of the tent, some standing and some sitting.
They each held a family bucket, eating while watching the commotion. An elven mage opened his large, fan-like hand, grabbed a handful of Colonel's Chicken nuggets, and tossed them into his mouth like he was eating fried beans.
Phoenix King, meanwhile, sat at the table next to Kang De, eating slowly and deliberately, the clean chicken bones neatly arranged across half the table.
The Imperials sat in another corner, and a standing officer of the Sun Imperial Guard handed an empty bucket to his colleague next to him. The colleague then expressionlessly passed it to the side, until it reached the table, where the empty buckets were stacked high.
The dragon was still as arrogant as ever, but the dragon that had just made a fool of itself was now meekly tidying up the messy table, carefully sweeping the chicken carcasses and scraps scattered on it into an empty bucket.
Only the Dragon Emperor, his face ashen, sat on the other side, slowly chewing with a serious expression.
He was thinking, "What the hell is this bubble potato chip fried chicken?"
Completely, there was no one to offer support, and not even a single person showed any concern or dissatisfaction.
Kaliusi felt a chill in his heart. Perhaps he was pleased to see the Arcane Council split, or perhaps he dared not speak out because of Kang De's fierce power. In any case, the Dragon of Cathay had become completely unrestrained.
In the recently concluded battle, he has demonstrated courage, strength, authority, military might, and weaponry that are enough to awe the Mortal World, achieving a victory that commands respect from all corners of the globe.
The victor undoubtedly has the right to claim the spoils.
Even if this right is...
--Divide the Arcane Council into the desired number of parts.
The darkest hour has arrived.
Kaliusi, however, continued to force himself to endure his frustration and indignation.
He thought of Griffin and grew increasingly disgusted with this traitor who had betrayed and divided the country; it was his foolishness that had led to everything that was happening today.
But the more this was the case... the more he wanted to stay.
In the most difficult and turbulent times, to preserve this country to the greatest extent possible and restore the honor lost by the Council — Griffin! For every bit of effort I put into this country, your tombstone will become one bit dirtier!
Calm down, calm down.
Kang De may have been exerting pressure, or he may have been blackmailing. He was not a man obsessed with power; his ultimate goal was to defeat the Star Palace. This is probably the path Kang De was described by Griffin.
So...
He first appealed to their emotions.
"Governance, war is brutal, everyone suffers, and if you want the instigators of the war to pay the price, they have already paid the price..."
"No, Your Excellency Speaker."
Kang De, his heart as hard as stone, spoke coldly, "Griffin has indeed paid the price, and the soldiers who fought have also paid the price. The dead have paid the cruelest price, and the living have been tormented by war and betrayed by their leaders. Their punishment has been enough, so I send them home."
"The common people also paid a price—more taxes and labor; those who sacrificed their men to fight paid an even heavier price, but I will not pursue those who did."
"But besides these people, there are those who should pay the price the most... Don't think you can stand aside."
Kaliusi had no choice but to reason with him.
"This is not a rational decision. For Kang De Council divide a nation like the Council under his rule is far too domineering. It would arouse overt and covert suspicion from other countries, and would hinder the policy of uniting nations to resist powerful enemies. That's one point."
"Secondly, the war has resulted in heavy casualties. The Northern Council not have provided funerals for every family, but there have been many dead and wounded... Although it is Griffin's fault, fools never dare to blame the big shots. Instead, they will blame Distant Harbor under the guidance of those with ulterior motives. This is very detrimental to the occupation and rule."
He spoke earnestly, trying his best to persuade her.
"As the occupier, Distant Harbor can only be controlled by force when ruling the northern territories of the Council. This would not only require a large military force, but the locals would not cooperate in the short term. The best solution is for the Council reunify, and for us to pacify and rule the north..."
He solemnly declared, "At that time, whatever you desire from the northern counties, we can provide it for you—troops, resources, weapons, mages... anything is possible."
Kang De shook his head and said, "What I want, you cannot give me."
"Please state what you want. The Council is not the strongest nation, but..."
The Fire Thief raised his hand and pointed outside the tent.
On the battlefield, banners fluttered in the wind.
A mighty torrent of steel, an ever-victorious army, proudly unfolds, surveying the battlefield.
"Before, they were defeated and routed soldiers, pitiful wretches whose homes were destroyed, ordinary people of humble or even lowly origins... Now, they are the iron-willed army that defeated you."
He said earnestly, "What I want is for the Northern Council's vast population to give rise to a far greater number of brave soldiers. I believe that even a hundred years from now, you will never have such an armed force."
Kaliusi's expression shifted, and he looked in the direction Kang De was pointing, listening to his words, involuntarily imagining the armies that would emerge from the northern counties according to the ratio of soldiers and civilians at the Distant Harbor... But the next moment, he came to his senses—how could this be! How could such a thing happen!?
Just as he was about to begin debating, Kang De seemed to have grown tired of the question-and-answer session.
"You say we are incapable of governing the northern counties... I disagree."
He shouted, "Horus!"
Horus, who was sitting outside drinking aviation gasoline, stood up. His Terminator- like appearance—a metallic mechanical structure and a grotesque, skull-like face—always inspired awe in those who saw him. "Yes!"
"Formulate a marching plan, select guides from the surrendered soldiers of the Council, and prepare for a blitzkrieg to occupy the entire territory of the Northern Council as quickly as possible... Before that, issue ultimatums and propaganda."
"Yes!"
"Dong Tianming."
"Your old minister is here."
"In my name, issue an ultimatum to the officials, clans, families, and conglomerates of the northern counties, and let them see Griffin's fate."
Kang De, his expression cold and stern, ordered, "Tell them, tell these war criminals who succumbed to Griffin's persuasion and incitement, and who brandished their blades at the Distant Harbor, that I give them two choices."
"First, the army will advance, crushing their last resistance. Then I will execute their entire clan—all men, women, the elderly, children, and infants—hanging their bodies high in the forest, leveling their genealogies, records, and cemeteries, erasing their name and bloodline from history as the end of traitors and a deterrent to Mortal World beings. Griffin's today is their tomorrow."
Kang De glanced at the several Council had surrendered and whose faces were stiff, and gave a soft snort.
"The second path, which is also the path I hope they choose."
He paused for a moment, then said, "Give me all their real estate, including houses, castles, shops, land, woodlands, mines, workshops, factories, docks, and so on."
"Leave behind all their servants and employees, including maids, laborers, guards, crew, advisors, mechanics, apothecaries, and so on."
"Give them half of their wealth, including precious metals, magical items, shares... and so on."
"Then..." Kang De said slowly, "The whole family moved to Distant Harbor."
"I have planned a new city for them north of Distant Harbor. I allow them to become part of the regime I directly rule and lead, granting them new rights and obligations. They will have the privilege of receiving education, engaging in Distant Harbor labor, serving in the army, enjoying the conveniences of the latest technology, and dedicating their lives to the future of the Mortal World, just like the people of Far Harbor. I will treat them fairly and without bias."
His gaze shifted from the surrendered generals back to Kaliusi's pale, uncertain face.
"Before they surrender their property and relocate their entire families, they have an obligation to assist the Distant Harbor Army, appease the local people, and cooperate with the inventory work. Those who perform well will receive certain rewards and preferential treatment. After all, there are many management positions in the new city, and I hope they will start working on it now."
"Those who disobey, their entire families shall die; those who refuse to surrender, their entire families shall die; those who resist, their entire families shall die."
"Anyone who maliciously destroys my rightful spoils of war and spreads rumors among the people shall have their entire family die."
Kaliusi, enraged, laughed instead.
--It's the same old trick again. Can fear and oppression really stabilize order?
Dong Tianming bowed and accepted the order.
"The third thing," Kang De added, "Is also something you, Dong Tianming, are to do. A Fu must cooperate, and all the surrendered soldiers from the Council, especially the newly surrendered ones, must know about it."
The Imperial Tutor remained still, awaiting Kang De's instructions.
"All Council soldiers who died in this war, whether during the standoff or in today's battle," the Fire Thief said calmly, "Will be recorded as having died in the line of duty in the fight against the Star Palace."
"Provide land and pensions to their families, the standard of which you shall determine, but it shall not be less than thirty percent of the standard pension for wounded soldiers of our side, but of course, it should not be too much. When the surrendered soldiers return home, they shall also be given travel expenses according to their performance and accumulated temporary work points."
"All the money was squeezed from the powerful clans and wealthy merchants of the Northern Council."
"Yes," Dong Tianming said, bowing slightly, "My lord is merciful."
"Just trying to win people's hearts," Kang De sneered, staring at Kaliusi. "The officials who have undergone intensive training these past few months, and the activists from the Council's military, should be gradually dispatched to the northern counties. Land reform, asset restructuring, and industrial transformation should also be put on the agenda. If Grand Speaker Kaliusi thinks we are incapable of governing the northern counties, then let him see what we're capable of."
"Clear."
Kang De then looked at the generals of the Council: "The surrendered officers and soldiers can go home after a month-long observation period. During this month, they will be subject to observation and re-education."
"After gaining their freedom, they will also sign a pact as a reward for my rescue and release. They will swear never to be my enemy for life. They will also swear to cooperate with the governance of the Distant Harbor to the best of their ability, which will provide these former soldiers with new jobs."
"Those who wish to continue serving in the military can apply and undergo relevant assessments. Those who pass all assessments can become new recruits. Those who do not wish to serve can remain in their hometowns. The new regime needs many civil servants and local notables; you will become our partners or good collaborators."
"Generals, do you hope to find a new job here and wash away today's shame through a revenge war with the Star Palace, or do you wish to return to the Southern Council as former traitors, bearing the stain of disgrace, only to be gradually marginalized and eventually retaliated against?"
He extended his hand. "Those who chose the former, please come over and shake my hand."
Upon hearing Kang De's words, Dairila raised her head and glanced at the sword saints.
The sword saints hesitated for a moment, then casually put down their family buckets.
But the generals hesitated only for a moment before stepping forward and solemnly shaking hands with Kang De in turn.
Damn it, there's not a single chicken.
Kaliusi watched all this unfold, his lips trembling, almost grinding his teeth to powder.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to."
Kang De said sincerely, "The Council been weakened by this battle and is unable to play its due role in the war against the Star Palace. Therefore, I have to find another way to make up for it here."
The interim Speaker said indifferently, "You have already made your decision, why bother explaining further to me?"
"Because I still see you as a potential comrade, and I want to do my best to resolve any resentment you may have—at least to ensure that your personal grudges don't affect the overall situation."
"Snort..."
"To put it another way, I need your cooperation regarding the affairs of the northern prefectures—for example, I hope you can appease the discontent and opposition from the Tula Xiaye region."
Upon hearing this, Kaliusi's gaze shifted from icy to astonished, even mocking.
"The situation in the northern prefectures, while a settled fact, takes several different forms."
Kang De raised his finger.
"Firstly, the northern prefectures have been annexed by the Distant Harbor; you will never be able to reclaim your homeland in this lifetime."
"Secondly, a new Council government has been established in the north, rivaling yours, and a civil war is expected in the future."
"Thirdly, the new regime of the Northern Council will only maintain de facto independence, nominally still under the jurisdiction of Tula Xiaye, but its military, economic, and official appointment powers will not be in your hands. They will operate according to the model I want, and future wars will also be conducted in the name of the Council."
He said calmly, "The three models are essentially the same, but the third one will give you the greatest hope. In the future, you can defeat the Star Palace, restore peace to the Mortal World, and perhaps even achieve a return to unification."
Kaliusi's face was contorted, his eyes wide with rage.
He hissed, "Do you know what awaits me if I agree to your terms?"
"Of course I know. If you agree to or even tacitly approve of this, you'll be sitting at the same table as Griffin." Kang De said calmly. "Your competitors and opponents will bring this up and endlessly curse and attack you. They don't care how much shame and burden you bear; they'll only accuse you of betraying your country and disgracing it."
Kaliusi glared fiercely at the Cathayan.
"Aokexindun will help you, and the independent northern counties will continue to maintain economic, cultural, personnel, and military exchanges with the South, provided that you remain the Grand Speaker."
"Distant Harbor will also support you and help you secure your position as ruler. I hope you remember your mission: the enemy is the Star Palace. I repeat, the enemy is the Star Palace. You must prepare for war, you must cooperate, you must obey, otherwise, you will be ousted from this position, and Aokexindun will surely take over as Grand Speaker."
Kang De did not flinch in the face of this almost hateful glare.
He straightened the other person's clothes.
"You could do what Griffin did today again."
"And I will lead an army far stronger than yours today, and defeat you once again."
The Fire Thief said gently, "But Kaliusi, don't be mistaken. If this happens again, I swear the outcome will not be as gentle as it is today."
"By then, there will be no more rescues and releases, no more confiscation of property and mass relocations, no more 'three-one' levies. Because if this happens a second time in the same country, the guilty will not only be those who started and waged the war..."
Kang De patted his chest.
"And all those who failed to stop the war, those who deserve divine retribution for their treachery."
After saying this, Kang De bowed to Kaliusi and then extended his hand.
"Patriots, great patriots, for the future of the Mortal World, for the unwashed shame and tarnished glory of the Arcane Council, for the threat to the Star Palace and for those worthy of protection..."
Can I shake your hand?
Would you be willing to call me comrade?
He looked up and said earnestly, "Thank you for your trouble. Please don't refuse."
Witnessing all this, Horus had just issued an order via data link, spat out a mouthful of engine oil onto the ground.
"Tch," he scoffed, "Scumbag."
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PS1: 8,000 words... I'm so sleepy.