Civilization: Beyond Two Worlds

282 I, The Phoenix King, Need Money!

Hong San went to write a letter.

If he was still a little afraid of his master previously, he could not care less now, because the elves had brought shocking news.

Previously, when Tagris was talking to Kang De, Hong San was guarding the door and listening.

After hearing that a mysterious force was obstructing the progress of civilization, suppressing the development of the various countries, and even personally pushing Cathay into the abyss, he immediately broke out in cold sweat.

His master, who had crossed the sea and traveled far away, was drunk all year round and disheartened. Occasionally, he would wail and lament, or kowtow and cry to the west. Every once in a while, he would fly into a rage and curse himself, his disciples, the heavens, and some people he did not know. He would scold everyone until they cried and be depressed for many days.

!!

The disciples were both shocked and worried, but no one dared to get to the bottom of it. On the day everyone crossed to the east, the oldest was only 12 or 13 years old. Some were even born on the continent. They only knew that the Divine Land had fallen and the country had changed hands, but they did not know the sins, conspiracy, and blood debt hidden under the appearance of the dynasty changing…

After all, he was only a child. How could he know those things?

Only Hong San was young, the most talented, and the most favored by his master. Every time he served him and heard his master mutter when he was drunk, he would remember it bit by bit. He wore beads for many years and pieced those words into a relatively complete jigsaw puzzle, deducing a terrifying secret.

The collapse of the dynasty was not a normal cycle of separation. Instead, there was the interference of a powerful external force that broke the rules and instantly reduced the huge dynasty to ashes.

In other words, a mysterious force that surpassed the mortal world accelerated the cycle of destruction of the Cathay Dynasty.

His master was one of the ministers who supported the afterglow of the dynasty when the sky fell back then. He should have died in the country, but he left the country and crossed a foreign land. Although he did not know the reason, this must be the reason why his master had been drunk and in pain all these years… He had once cursed him for escaping at the last minute and abandoning his ancestor, but Hong San felt that that was not the case. His master only had a last resort to hide in the West.

Moreover, it must be related to this faction that had planned for a long time and cut off the dragon vein of the Divine Land as soon as it was activated.

Now, according to the elves, this faction had targeted Prince Kang De.

This was because he grasped a strange power that surpassed common sense and made the world wary.

Therefore, Hong San felt that he had to tell his master about this.

Even if he was unwilling to help because of various factors, even if it was only a reminder and provided some information, it was good.

This was because the enemy this time was very terrifying. Not only was his strength terrifying, but it was also unknown.

The other party was hidden behind the scenes and in the shadows of history. He would not be known by most living beings to begin with. Otherwise, how could he be considered a mastermind? On the other hand, if even ordinary commoners knew that XXX was a mysterious organization with a long history of controlling the world, they were most likely bragging.

Some things were destined to be known only by the person involved.

Perhaps his master knew some of their details.

With such thoughts in mind, Hong San wrote a letter overnight and wrote it with the Yin line in the sect’s secret language. Only his master knew how to turn this Yin line into the Yang line and translate it into words.

Then, he arranged for a messenger to carefully send it out.

“I originally wanted to make a personal trip, but His Highness’s situation is also worrying.”

That was what Hong San said at breakfast the next day. He shook his head and smiled bitterly, “Moreover, with my current reputation and ‘status’, if I leave Valentine and the range of Your Highness’ protection, I’ll definitely be discovered. Then, I’ll continuously be visited by various people and even captured and interrogated. I won’t be able to rest in peace…”

This was very normal.

Hong San was recognized by the outside world as Kang De’s head butler and messenger. He must also know many secrets about him. Among these secrets, there might be Kang De’s background and weakness.

Perhaps with this background and weakness, they could control Kang De or kill him.

Although the various factions had gathered in Valentine and yearned to establish a connection and build a good relationship with His Highness Kang De, if the rulers of the various countries had the chance to kill him, they would definitely not hesitate.

No one would be happy if a human-shaped nuclear bomb that was enough to change the rules of the current international order suddenly appeared in the calm world. The reason why they did not easily show hostility was that they were afraid of being the sacrifice.

Kang De only shrugged. “So don’t go. It’s fine.”

Hong San frowned and pondered for a moment before suddenly suggesting, “Your Highness, why don’t you move and go to the Empire to see my master and ask him to come out of seclusion? At the very least, ask him for help.”

Kang De had a subtle expression, “That’s not good, right? Your master was chased here by them and stopped caring about the world. Then, we eagerly lured the monster to him and forced him to attack. It’s really a little immoral. When your master recovers, he’ll probably kill you too.”

Of course, Hong San could also think of this. He sighed, “It’s very important and the situation is dangerous. If there’s really nothing I can do, I can’t care less. If Master wants to fight, kill me.”

Kang De waved his hand and said, “Alright, don’t come up with bad ideas. Write what you should write and send what you should. It’s very good that your master is willing to come. If you’re not, feel free. Things haven’t reached this stage.”

It seemed that Hong San was indeed extremely worried and said, “Your Highness, do you want to hide?”

“Dodge? Where to?”

The best safe haven was Earth. If this mysterious organization could cross worlds to find him, it could really be said to be awesome. There was nothing else to say.

—As if. If they find me, I’ll immediately run to the center and surrender. Then, I’ll go to Lop Nur to be the bait to lure them over. At that time, I’ll open the door and escape and wipe the floor with a hundred nuclear bombs.

No matter how things developed, he always had a way out, so he was not afraid. Moreover, although Tagris said it was very terrifying, Kang De still did not feel the strength of that organization.

The other party had come to find trouble with him for no reason and even wanted to hurt him, so there was nothing else to say.

D*mn, it was really baffling.

In the end, this was all because the elves had started the war, so Kang De was forced to attack and get involved in this matter. Now that the elves were willing to help, Kang De did not have to be polite.

“It’s rare for the elves to do good. Let’s see how good that person is at fighting.”

Kang De reached out and slashed. “However, we can’t believe the words of the elves. We still have to confirm if this organization has any hostility towards me to prevent them from using me…”

If it was an envoy sent by the other party, he might not have come to turn hostile and flip the table to hit people. In the end, after being scolded by the elves, Kang De directly arranged for troops to lay ambush and set up the minefield to kill them side by side… It would be too awkward to form a grudge for no reason.

Hong San pondered for a moment, “It’s not impossible, but Your Highness, I think what the elf said is very credible. After all, with my master’s experience as evidence…”

“I know, but there’s nothing wrong with being careful. Make arrangements. If the other party directly attacks, we’ll start directly. If they talk after they appear, let’s hear what they have to say.”

“Yes.”

Hong San nodded in agreement. His counselor’s instinct made him start to calculate and think, “If we want to ambush, where should we choose the location? What’s the plan and tactic? How can we control the collateral casualties and reduce the impact?”

Kang De sighed and said helplessly, “I don’t know. The number is unknown, the strength is unknown, and even when they’ll come is unknown. We know nothing about the enemy. This is not good. We have to think of a way to pry it out of that elf… Let’s ask today.”

When Hong San heard this, he suddenly smiled.

Kang De glanced at it and said from the corner of his eye, “What are you laughing at?”

Hong San recalled their conversation yesterday and held back his laughter, “I also recalled something happy.”

“…What?”

Hong San said seriously, “My lord proposed to the Phoenix King.”

Kang De grabbed the spoon and pretended to hit him. Hong San hugged his head but could not help but laugh, “Apart from that, you actually get along very well with that elf and chat happily… As expected of you.”

Only then did Kang De put down his spoon and say proudly, “Don’t you know who I am?”

“…It’s precisely because it’s you that I’m surprised.”

“—Hmm?”

“It’s nothing.” Hong San raised another pot as if nothing had happened. “Since there’s an unexpected change, what should Princess Tina say?”

Kang De pondered for a moment and said, “We still have to fight here. Should we let them wait before coming? I heard that Sword Saint Snowfall is quite good at fighting. Should we invite him over to help?”

Hong San said helplessly, “Your Highness, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about the Cathayan Empress. The news of the elves has already spread. Aren’t you going to explain it to Princess Tina?”

Kang De was suddenly shocked, “No way, right? This can be spread? It won’t sound good if it gets out, right?”

“Of course. Among the full set of conditions promised by the elves, this is the most exciting,” Hong San said softly. “Everyone doesn’t care about openness in trade and culture. That’s the Eastern monarch, the Empress of Cathay. Who doesn’t like to hear that?”

“…”

D*mn.

Kang De’s expression changed. Hong San poured another bucket of gasoline. “If that elf is bold and unrestrained, or if the Goethe people present say something, they’ll even tell others about you proposing to the Phoenix King.”

Kang De’s eyes widened.

Hong San said innocently, “—Don’t look at me like that. You said in public that your interest in the Phoenix King is far greater than your interest in the Cathayan Empress. Everyone heard it.”

Kang De said angrily, “That’s mockery! The mockery that the elves treat the Cathayan Empress as a tool and bargaining chip for marriage and ask them what the price of their Empress is—this is mockery!”

Hong San shrugged—he had learned this action from Kang De.

Then, he sighed, “Master, you’re thinking too much. This is politics. Duke Tiling personally said that she wanted to submit your proposal to the Phoenix King. Then this is an official proposal. The right to explain is with her. You didn’t explain at that time, so you couldn’t explain later.”

“Because the elves took it seriously, the others will take it seriously and are willing to take it seriously—because the essence of humans is to be idle, lowly, and watch the show. Speaking of how you proposed to the Phoenix King and even implicated the Queen of Cathay and the Princess of Goethe, who doesn’t like to hear this? Even the talented and shrewd ruler of the Human Empire can be energetic when he hears it.”

Kang De was shocked and subconsciously said, “What if she agrees?”

“…”

Hong San looked at Kang De with a subtle gaze, as if he wanted to find him a few peaches.

Kang De said angrily, “What’s with your expression? Could it be that with my handsome appearance, noble personality, and shocking talent, I’m not worthy of a mere Phoenix King?”

Hong San turned his head to the side in a difficult manner.

After being reborn and becoming a new person, this person’s moral integrity was also rising exponentially. He could speak against his conscience, but it was a little unacceptable to go against his conscience to this extent…

What kind of person was Kang De? He was upright and open-minded. He hated it when others were unwilling to tell the truth.

He looked at Hong San and said kindly, “Say whatever you have to say. You have to tell the truth. You have to dare to tell the truth. Don’t be afraid of offending people. With me upholding justice for you, let’s see who dares to throw you into the toilet and sink into the river. Take off your clothes and hang them on the flagpole. Stick ugly photos of you everywhere—”

When Hong San heard this, he was very touched. His Highness’ noble character made him realize the importance of honesty. He was grateful and was touched, “You’re worthy… worthy…”

“—Pfft!”

A voice suddenly sounded from outside the door.

Kang De and Hong San stood up at the same time and looked at each other. Kang De pressed it to his waist. Hong San threw out his soft sword and pulled open the door. He looked to the side and saw Tagris not far from the corridor.

The gorilla was beside him with an unfriendly expression.

Kang De frowned and said, “How long have you been listening?”

Tagris snorted. “Why? Are you talking about something you can’t stand the elves?”m

Then, the gorilla said, “Don’t listen to him lie to you. He just crept in and was long discovered by me. He thought that no one had seen him and looked around furtively with his butt raised. Then, he walked towards the kitchen. After I caught him, I pressed him down and walked over. How long did he listen…”

The gorilla thought for a moment and replied, “I’ll start from the sentence that your handsome appearance, noble character, and shocking talent can match the little Phoenix King.”

At this moment, not only were there Kang De and Hong San in the corridor but there were also guards and servants who had heard the commotion. All of them heard it clearly. For a moment, breathing sounds sounded one after another.

Tagris did not give him any face and laughed.

Kang De’s expression was calm. “What are you doing?”

The elf looked at him and continued to smile. “What did you just say? High morals?”

The noble Prince Kang De calmly instructed the maid in the distance, “Get the two large boxes of Sprite in the kitchen to be smashed and the ingredients for lunch that are being prepared to be fed to the pigs.”

Tagris immediately grabbed the corner of Kang De’s shirt. “I was wrong!”

“…Let’s talk inside.”

The people outside were dispersed and the group returned to the banquet hall. Tagris looked at the mess of cups and plates on the table. After sitting down, he shouted, “I didn’t eat breakfast! You have to manage the food!”

Kang De gestured for Hong San to go out and make arrangements. Then, he said, “Can we use the main door in the future? Sneaking in and sneaking around will make us wary.”

Tagris curled his lips and said, “Are you sure? The entire Valentine is staring at you. Moreover, after raising such a condition, if the Goethe people see me, an elf envoy, enter and leave your house all day, what will they think? What will the other countries think? I’m thinking for you.”

“Moreover, this woman’s nose is very sharp. With her as a bodyguard, you don’t have to worry about who will quietly sneak in and take your life. However, I still suggest that you recruit a spell consultant…”

At this point, the elf raised her eyebrows and said mysteriously, “When we establish an initial cooperation and trust relationship, I can recommend a magic expert to you. I guarantee that you’ll be satisfied. How about it?”

“Let’s talk about it after we establish an initial cooperation and trust relationship.”

Kang De casually replied, “You came at the right time. I also have something to ask you. Since you’ve decided to ambush those guys, what’s your plan? How many will the other party send? Or a group?”

Tagris smiled proudly. “I don’t know!”

“…” Kang De choked, “How’s your combat strength?”

“I have no idea!”

“In what way will it appear?”

“I have no idea!”

“…What do you know?”

Tagris said proudly, “I know I can definitely kill them!”

Kang De sighed and said to the gorilla, “Take him out.”

The elf shouted, “Wait! I really don’t know! After all, the various countries are all tied to the ground. Their grasp of the sky and even the outer world is very weak. There’s no system that can monitor the sky at all. Cathay established the Imperial Astronomy and built the Star Plucking Tower and the Heavenly Star Array for this consideration, but you saw the outcome.”

Kang De rolled his eyes and said, “So your so-called cooperative ambush proposal is for me to be the bait and wait for them to attack. Then you’ll jump out and ambush them, kill them, and raze Valentine to the ground?”

Tagris smiled dryly, “You’re not so passive. If they appear, I’ll immediately sense that this is the talent secret technique of the royal family. It’s an ability that only the Phoenix King bloodline has…”

Ah, Elven Meat Radar.

Kang De was interested and asked, “What’s the exact range?”

“About… 10 to 20 kilometers… Don’t look at me like that. It’s already big enough!” Tagris said resentfully. “Moreover, I’m not very good at it…”

Kang De’s gaze was meaningful. “Aren’t you a famous mage? What aren’t you good at?”

The elf glared at him fiercely, “So what? This has nothing to do with cultivation. Like me… like my sister, I can only do 10 to 20 kilometers. There’s not much difference.”

“Because we’re young and not the creator of this secret technique. The ancestor who created this secret technique talent can use his mental strength to monitor the sky above the entire continent. Unfortunately…”

Kang De asked curiously, “What’s a pity?”

Tagris rolled his eyes at him. “I’m not telling you the secrets of the palace!”

Kang De snorted, “If others can do it, but you can’t, then you’re naturally useless. You still have to find an objective reason… Tsk…”

“I’ve already said that this has nothing to do with personal aptitude! Why don’t you understand? That secret technique was created by a Phoenix King. It’s a bloodline talent secret technique. That Emperor doesn’t have any children and has experienced some things. The throne and secret technique were hurriedly passed down to his brother. This is only one level short. The bloodline has been passed down from generation to generation. Of course, it’s gradually thinning, and the effect of the secret technique has gradually decreased. It’s not something that can be made up for by postnatal cultivation and hard work!”

Of course, Kang De could understand this, but if he did not argue, it would be much less fun in his life.

He smiled and said, “If he can create it, why can’t you create or modify it again? In the end, you’re still useless and embarrassing…”

Tagris was even angrier. He did not understand the word bickering, but he felt that Kang De was so annoying. However, pestering his opponent until he went crazy and angry was also one of the joys of a troll.

The elves still did not understand this realm.

“I already said that this is a secret technique based on the bloodline aura. It can’t be improved!” He said angrily, “According to the certification division of the ancient era, you’re still a Forbidden Spell Envoy. Your magic attainments should far exceed the current era. Come and create and improve it for me to see. You can’t even learn it!”

Kang De was teasing him excitedly and chuckled, “I disdain to learn it…”

Tagris said disdainfully, “There’s no need to learn a secret technique based on the aura of your bloodline. You don’t even know this, and you’re still pretending here. What a joke—you just have to activate it with a secret technique!”

He raised his finger, and his eyes suddenly turned into fiery eyes. He raised his hand and pointed at Kang De, “Just like this! However, you don’t have the bloodline of the Phoenix King. It’s simply…”

In the next moment, Kang De’s eyes suddenly turned into brilliant golden flames. They were even more dazzling and intense than the flames in Tagris’ eyes. In the burning spiritual flames, it was as if a blazing immortal bird had spread its wings and soared.

The humans and elves looked at each other.

Then, Tagris jumped up. The stool was instantly shattered, and the entire table collapsed. He seemed to have seen a ghost, and his voice changed, “F*ck! What’s going on?! What’s going on?!”

The shock in the elves’ eyes could not be hidden. They looked at Kang De with curiosity, confusion, and uncertainty.

Then, he rushed up and grabbed Kang De to look around. He muttered to himself, “Impossible, you don’t have the elven bloodline. You’re not a half-elf, but how did you obtain the Phoenix Vision…”

Kang De blinked. It was very difficult to describe the change now, but he felt that the world in his eyes was clearly different. Previously, when he focused and calmed down, he could see the changes in the composition of the elements that contained magic power. Now, he seemed to be able to see something new. The profundity behind it could not be guessed for a while.

However, this was not the point.

Most importantly… how could an Earthling like him have the bloodline of the Elven royal family?

—Wait!

A glint flashed through his eyes as he clapped his hands forcefully. “I understand!”

Tagris’s body shook and he took two steps back. He looked at Kang De seriously, as if he wanted to know the secret. This matter had really impacted him too much.

Kang De pointed at the elf and shouted, “I’m your ancestor!”

“That’s right! I’m the reincarnation of that Phoenix King! I’ve lost my memory and magic power. I need 100 million gold coins to unseal it! Good grandson, transfer the money quickly!”