Now That's a Scumbag

Ignorant of Iron Son's disdain, Kang De looked at the silent Kaliusi, stretched out his hand, a faint smile on his face, and his tone softened.

That's how it is.

If you want to make a friend, ask him for a favor.

"I also hope to end this misguided war and get things back on track. This requires your help, Grand Chancellor Kaliusi. You know this is not a personal grudge."

If you want an ally, make sure you share common ideals.

"It is to fight against the Star Palace, to prevent countless lives in the Mortal World from being wantonly trampled and slaughtered by those Destroyer, and to prevent today's tragedy from repeating itself... We share the same ideals and the same goal."

If you want a staunch and unwavering supporter...

I hope you can call me comrade.

--Then you don't even need to make him like you.

Even if I know I have angered you, that I have divided your country, that I have trampled on your dignity, even if I know your opinion of me is already at its worst, I will still not change my mind.

All you need to do is be shameless and unreasonable.

"But I still hope that you can put aside personal grudges, carefully consider my words, understand my predicament, forgive my unavoidable circumstances, and become a partner and friend who fights alongside me."

You can encourage them.

"Griffin has a million faults, but he's right about one thing: under the current circumstances, parliamentarism can no longer enable the country to make correct decisions, and appropriate centralization is necessary. He has already cleared the obstacles for you, and if you're willing, we'll help you as well, taking this opportunity to change some systems and reduce opposition."

It can be forced.

"But I must sincerely remind you that my humility and patience with you are not out of fear, but out of respect. I believe that only a patriot who has endured hardship and setbacks and remains steadfast is worthy to rule this nation, but you are not the only one. If you are unable to contribute to the fight against the Star Palace while in office, Comrade Aokexindun is ready to fill your vacancy at any time."

Threats are permissible.

"If you cannot give me a satisfactory answer, if our talks cannot achieve a result for a better future, then I am afraid the war will not end, but will continue. I must remind you that today's friendly negotiations and concessions cannot become tomorrow's cold and harsh treaties."

It can be bound.

"Please become my partner. The fate of Distant Harbor and the Council is, in fact, intertwined. Everything I have obtained from the Northern Counties will be used in the war against the Star Palace, which is entirely in line with your goals and ideals. We will fully support your efforts to restore the Council's glory, and the Northern Counties will respond to your call, becoming your force to deter domestic factions and your solid backing... just like I am."

Give him a legitimate, appropriate, and bright motive.

"This is all for defeating the Star Palace; you shouldn't doubt my motives. I don't crave power, I have no interest in ruling. All our perseverance, effort, and sacrifice today are for a victorious tomorrow."

A flight of stairs that you walk down.

"I am the tyrant who forced the Arcane Council and oppressed the Mortal World; you are the hero who endured for the sake of the nation and deserve everyone's respect. My propaganda machine will guarantee this fact."

A reason to convince yourself to compromise.

"Honestly, why bother with fleeting fame and facts? If the Star Palace wins, no one will survive. Council intact or not, whether the nation is honored or disgraced, it all becomes meaningless."

A vision for the future.

"If you promise me, the Arcane Council will not split, and after defeating the Star Palace, I will guarantee the reunification of this nation. This is the promise of the Fire Thief."

A man's promise.

"On the day of victory, the Mortal World, the people, history... I will give you the fairest evaluation. Even in the annals of history, people will remember that Grand Chancellor Kaliusi took up the banner when the nation was in turmoil, washed away the shame brought by Griffin, defeated a desperate and powerful enemy, and ultimately preserved the unity of the nation."

Then, using all the methods mentioned above, make him pay a heavy price for you, take huge risks, gamble a lot of chips, and agree to these harsh conditions.

"Therefore, I implore you, for the sake of the future of the Mortal World, for the sake of the Arcane Council, to grant my conditions, even if it means temporarily enduring accusations of treason, attacks from political enemies, and the misunderstanding of the people."

Let him know that you're doing him a favor.

"Because I need to more effectively integrate and utilize the war potential of the northern counties, this is the only way to make up for the losses caused by Griffin, all for the sake of victory."

Let him know that you will remember his kindness.

"I hope that you will become my comrade in this great cause. I will also support you, remember you, and in the future, when we defeat the Star Palace and accomplish the great task of protecting the Mortal World, you will also receive a share of the medals."

This is called... an obedience test.

Kang De extended his hand a little further, his smile gentle yet firm, "May I hold your hand?"

Then, he will yield, become an ally bound by shared interests, incur more sunk costs, and become more dependent on and loyal to you—this is the first step.

Would you do that?

Looking at Kang De's smile and his outstretched hand, Kang De 'Kaliusi expression shifted. He gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing, and slowly and heavily raised his hand.

--He will.

Kang De suddenly reached out again and grabbed Kaliusi's hand, his voice firm and resolute.

You will!

Kaliusi's hand was grasped, and he shuddered violently, a complex expression on his face.

"Thanks you."

Kang De pulled hard, causing the Grand Speaker to stumble, and then suddenly gave him a hug.

The Mortal World will thank you.

Strike while the iron is hot and press your advantage.

"Thank you, Comrade Kaliusi."

Say some comforting promises and words to him; it's free anyway.

"Listen, everyone... From this moment forward, I will never allow any separatist activity to occur within the Arcane Council. The northern counties will never secede from this nation, nor will they ever be invaded or annexed by any power. Distant Harbor will not send any occupying forces, only volunteer troops to assist in maintaining order and eliminating the remnants of Griffin's forces. Distant Harbor will not send officials; instead, it will be governed by local activists and retired military personnel, ensuring they are no longer deceived by political conspirators like Griffin."

And create a fait accompli in front of a large audience.

"Please remember my words and declaration: I have made a pact with Grand Chancellor Kaliusi."

Drones equipped with cameras and video cameras hovered around, capturing images from multiple angles of Grand Speaker Kaliusi shaking hands with Kang De and standing side by side... The other man's expression was complex.

Kang De had already instructed his younger brothers to "pass on the message."

"Tell those wounded Council soldiers, controlled by conspirators, that I have made an agreement with the new Grand Councilor Kaliusi. They can return home in a month, and they will receive a sum of compensation. Soldiers who died in this war will be recognized as martyrs who died fighting against the Star Palace, and their families will receive land and pensions. From today onwards, no one will force them to join the army."

The surrendered soldiers still on the battlefield, and the prisoners who had entered the White Mist World and were waiting to register for management, all heard these words and saw the photo of Kang De with the new Grand Speaker.

They shouted "Long live!" and praised Grand Chancellor Kaliusi's benevolence and efforts.

"But I still urge you to shoulder your responsibilities to your hometown, cooperate with our work, and ensure that the remnants of Griffin's regime do not rise again, so that the land beneath our feet can return to its former glory."

If you think they would be grateful to Kaliusi for the compensation, consolation money, freedom, and future prospects...

That's incredibly naive.

All the money spent was my own.

Now, my money is everywhere in the northern prefectures.

"I hope that during this one-month observation period, you will strive to reform yourselves, make serious progress, cooperate with our work, and work hard for freedom and tomorrow."

After all, you will have to spend a month to experience the blessings Kaliusi enjoys today.

"Gentlemen—" Kang De addressed the camera, a warm, peaceful smile that inspired trust and affection, "Your war is over."

I am Kang De.

--Become my partner.

After Kaliusi emotions were complicated, recovered from his shock and bewilderment and whispered that he needed to be alone, Kang De watched him leave before turning back.

Seeing the scene inside the tent, he was taken aback. "What?"

The elves stared blankly at him, mechanically stuffing chicken nuggets and popcorn into their mouths, while two of them were still performing a pantomime while holding an empty bucket.

The dragons looked on with awe, their gazes shifting back and forth between Kang De and the Dragon Emperor, their enormous dragon eyes filled with immense doubt and bewilderment.

The people's expressions were all frozen, clutching their hamburgers and holding their Cokes, their faces filled with astonishment and disbelief.

When Kang De looked over, some people instinctively shivered.

The two sides just stared at each other blankly.

The next moment, Kang De stepped forward, revealing a fierce expression, and threatened, "Whoa!"

The elven sword saints were so frightened that they jumped up. The dragons coughed, and the dragonfire they spewed almost burned the strange-looking Sun Imperial Guard opposite them. It also startled several nearby Holy See mages, who instinctively activated their shields, causing a small-scale elemental disturbance.

The chaotic commotion lasted for a minute before finally subsiding.

The Cathayan rolled his eyes. "Crazy."

He turned to look at Dairila, and the Queen instinctively leaned back tactically.

Kang De glared at him and said, "What are you doing?"

Dairila whispered, "Scared."

Kang De thought for a moment before he understood. This simpleton... He shook his head, reached into the White Mist World, grabbed a new bucket, and handed it to him. "What are you afraid of? I wouldn't do such a thing to you."

The Queen reached out and took it, her head bowed, seemingly somewhat disappointed. "... Oh."

What's wrong with this guy?

Kang De shook his head, and just as he was about to say something, his expression suddenly changed.

He stood there in silence for a few seconds.

During this time, Dairila, who had lifted the lid of the family bucket, peeked at him eight times and noticed that something was wrong with Kang De. But before she could ask him anything, he suddenly turned around.

He said to the Sun Imperial Guard, "Hey, Imperialist."

The burly man from the Empire wiped his mouth with a napkin from the table and stood up. "Your Excellency, Duke."

"Was this matter reported to the Emperor today?"

"His Majesty's requirement is that intelligence be transmitted back to the Imperial Court every half hour." The imperial official was quite frank. "The clerk is currently recording and organizing your conversation with Kaliusi."

"Then you can add an urgent report now—I just dug up an old story."

The Duke of Qin's gaze turned icy, sending a chill down the spines of the empire's people.

After uttering these words, Kang De did not continue speaking, but remained silent for a few seconds.

He then spoke, "Tell the Emperor as soon as possible that during the previous standoff between the two armies, Alex came to see Griffin and the God of the Star Palace. I don't know what Phaethon gave him or what mission he was given, but it's clear that the Star Palace have taken in a new dog. Besides Griffin, there are others who have betrayed the Mortal World."

Upon hearing this, everyone present abruptly raised their heads and looked at the imperialists.

Everyone's eyes held a silent, subtle pity, as if to say, "You're doomed."

--Just like the way diplomats from various countries looked at Iraqa when American Empire Secretary of State Powell pulled out a tube of laundry detergent at the 2003 UN Security Council meeting.

Everything that just happened is still vivid in my mind.

The Arcane Council, a powerful and glorious nation, the cradle of mages, what a great country it was! Yet, after a single defeat, it was torn apart and devoured by the lion-like cruelty of Kang De, splitting it in two.

The previous Grand Speaker was publicly executed, and this current Grand Speaker has been manipulated like that...

Now, it is obvious that after tasting success, Kang De has once again wielded the big stick of "I suspect you are a traitor to the Mortal World," this time targeting the Holy Empire.

Everyone knows of his long-standing feud with the Empire, and even more so of the fact that the First Prince Alex had incurred a blood feud with the Dragon of Cathay because of his foolishness two years ago. The higher Kang De's reputation became in the Mortal World, the Alex would be ridiculed and mocked. To date, the First Prince of the Empire ranks second on the list of fools in the Mortal World.

Second only to Archduke Reknos of Goth.

Now, Kang De says to the Imperials, "Your eldest prince Alex has sided with the Star Palace. It seems like he's deliberately seeking revenge... Considering his old grudges with the Empire, it's not surprising at all."

In other words, after dealing with the Council, he's going to immediately start building the empire?

Upon hearing this, not only the people of the empire, but also the powerful figures from various nations secretly changed color.

The Sun Imperial Guard' expression shifted several times before he exclaimed in astonishment, "Your Excellency, this... you are...?"

"Do I need your opinion when I'm speaking to the emperor?"

Kang De said indifferently, "Consider this mind control that has affected the battlefield and tens of thousands of elite troops. If Phaethon had given Alex the same thing, how much could he have accomplished in all this time?"

The imperial man's expression changed drastically.

He broke free from the instinctive thought that "Kang De would retaliate," and after a moment's thought, he immediately realized that Kang De had no need to launch an attack at this time.

--The greatest spoils of this battle, the northern prefectures, were not even consumed, let alone digested. The subsequent series of events that consumed our energy and the enormous gains still need to be accounted for.

With so many things to do, why would I be in a hurry to cause trouble for the empire?

The commander immediately turned around and urged repeatedly, "Hurry, hurry, hurry!"

The expressions of everyone else also turned serious—could it be true?

After Kang De finished speaking, he stood there, his expression solemn, like a storm brewing.

He stripped and received almost everything from Griffin; the power and memories of the Sorcerer Supreme of Council were vast, unprecedented in both quality and quantity... Because the subject of the Extraction gave no feedback and revealed his innermost thoughts, the Extraction process was quite complete.

Therefore, for the time being, Kang De was completely unable to absorb and integrate Griffin's legacy, whether it was the other party's Mortal World arcane cultivation or decades of experience, memories, wisdom and life experience.

Now, the spiritual entity, symbolizing all of Griffin's spiritual wealth, is formed into a small ball, suspended in the sea of spirit, and lovingly watched over by the Dragon God Mark and the Light of Sura.

It's like a book that Kang De could read and absorb at any time.

From the Extraction until now, Kang De has been going through Griffin's many memories and techniques. Just now, he saw Griffin's memories from some time ago... Alex's visit.

They knelt down, fawning over the God of the Star Palace.

From Griffin's memory, he saw Alex's appearance for the first time.

A boiling killing intent awakening within him is roaring, intertwining with the trembling of his soul.

He remembered a vow he had made.

It feels like just yesterday.

The hand that had been held and then gradually disappeared seemed to still retain warmth in the palm.

Griffin's heartfelt confession and subsequent death today brought back memories of the past, including a past encounter with another spirit who wasn't so brave before dying... This memory dragged him back to that nightmarish night.

He finally realized something clearly.

The revenge is not over... so the soul cannot find peace.

Finally.

Finally.

He unconsciously moved his hand, the memory of that night still lingering in it. He held that hand, watching it dissipate like specks of light. Finally, the touch of his palm changed from cold to nothingness, bit by bit...

--Became warm and powerful.

Kang De looked down in surprise and found his hand being held.

Dairila turned her gaze and leaned over to grab his hand.

Her Majesty the Empress's eyes were like rippling waves, shining like stars, as she smiled gently at him.

When he turned his gaze again, he was as cold and majestic as a king.

She glanced at the twelve elves who were focusing three-tenths of their attention on eating and drinking, seven-tenths on Kang De, and nine-tenths on the Queen.

The elves immediately stood up and scattered. The burly men pushed and pulled, shooing away the powerful figures from various countries who were eating there, shouting, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and write your reports! Didn't you hear? The Imperial Crown Prince Alex has betrayed the Mortal World! Eat, eat, take it out and eat!"

Even the Dragon Emperor wisely stepped aside.

After driving away the third wheel, the twelve powerful elves, their faces filled with unspeakable resentment and displeasure, remained loyally surrounding the tent, their expressions ferocious.

A fly, attracted by the aroma of food in the tent, circled around it with great effort. A Dharma King glanced at it with a sinister look, and the fly's entire body, as if boiling water, exploded with a bang, leaving not a trace behind.

Inside the tent, Kang De slowly exhaled. "--I'm going to kill him."

"You will. To you now, he's like an ant. You're no longer the person you Glittering Sand Town. No one will ever be like Alex, able to hurt those you care about and change your destiny with just a flick of a finger from a place you can't reach."

Dairila said softly, "There will be no such enemy, Kang De. Even the Star Palace will fall to you. You no longer need to worry or fear... Let's go and kill him together."

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PS1: My stomach feels a little uncomfortable... That's strange.