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“Revenge.”
Hearing this word, Kang De laughed in anger.
What revenge did Big Bob want? The revenge for killing his son.
“Alright!”
Kang De said gloomily, “I’ll give him a chance to take revenge and arrange a place to fight one-on-one!”
—If you dare to show your head, I’ll throw your ashes into low-Earth orbit.
Qin Mengjin’s tone also revealed a trace of coldness, “You’re thinking too much. He’s a mercenary, not a knight. His condition is to let the governments take the initiative to hand you over.”
Kang De even restrained his smile and said coldly, “Who gave him the guts?”
“Not long after that fire-fighting plane crashed, he contacted the French cabinet government through his previous connections in France and negotiated. He made such a request as the condition for his surrender.”
Qin Mengjin said, “The French government sent the intention and content of the initial negotiation to the four countries of England, France, Russia, and the United States and invited us to the next round of negotiations. Our team participated in this call and argued logically. The exact content of the negotiation has already been changed to a video format and transmitted to you with a Chinese translation. You can let someone you trust listen and verify it to confirm that our translation is correct…”
Kang De said coldly, “A stray dog and a terrorist fleeing in panic can actually ask the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for a legal citizen…”
His voice gradually turned cold, and a sharp glint flashed through his eyes, “Such a negotiation is impossible to establish. No matter what the reason is, it’s impossible for the country to hand me over. However, this so-called negotiation still happened. This means that other than our country, the other countries are a little tempted… What’s his price?”
Qin Mengjin heaved a sigh of relief, but she felt a trace of uneasiness.
Kang De’s performance of instantly calming down from his anger was not really calm, but anger.
This state might be even more terrifying because the anger that could not be suppressed would be randomly vented in all directions. The restrained anger would only point at one point. Moreover, the destructive power was greater, more decisive, and more ruthless.
She sighed and tried to make her voice as gentle as possible. “It’s nothing more than coercion and bribery.”
“What is coercion?”
Qin Mengjin replied, “The tens of thousands of commoners, rulers, and foreign tourists in Pearl Ban are not dead. Instead, they were kidnapped by him. That huge swarm of locusts is controlled by him. He said that if we don’t agree to his orders, he’ll kill everyone and order the swarm to invade in all directions.”
“Even with the pesticide, he’s already proven that locusts can pose a threat to aircraft flying at a low altitude. He can hide and hide underground. He’ll let the locusts eat people and wreak havoc. Senegal, even Comoros, West Africa, and even further away… He said that if he can’t escape death, he’ll let more people die with him. Before the various countries think of a way to kill him, he’ll leave enough wounds.”
“He said that he would tell the world about his plan with the French government and what caused this calamity. He would tell the people of the world, tell them the secrets hidden in the world, and tell the world what he discovered in the Royal Mausoleum of Gambia… expose everything in public.”
The cold smile on Kang De’s face became more and more intense, “I see. France can be said to have been pinched. However, this is a terrorist act, right? Didn’t you say that not negotiating with terrorists is an international convention?”
“Whether they’re terrorists or not is decided by them.” There was a trace of mockery in Qin Mengjin’s voice, “If it’s only coercion, then Big Bob is a terrorist. However, if we add temptation, he’s a French citizen.”
“Temptation?”
“Big Bob said that if he agrees to his conditions, not only will he surrender, but he will also hand over everything he discovered in Gambia, including artificial creations like the locust swarm and the technology and secrets it contains. The supernatural power and knowledge he discovered in the royal tomb, and…”
At this point, the liaison officer paused for a moment and slowly said, “As well as the secret and… method of how he recovered his youth from his old and dying body.”
Kang De lowered his eyes.
He had regained his youth, extended his lifespan, and even the secret of eternal life.
Since ancient times, this had been the ultimate temptation. Be it the heroic monarch or the rich merchants of the world, they were as helpless as the commoners in the face of death. They were afraid, confused, and gullible.
As long as there was such an opportunity, kind people would become cruel, shrewd people would become stupid, people who upheld the rules would trample on them, and people who stuck to the bottom line would have no bottom line… At that time, with such an opportunity, people would have ten thousand reasons to convince themselves that it was worth it.
After five seconds of silence, Kang De said calmly, “They believe him?”
“I don’t believe it,” Qin Mengjin said. “These conditions, especially the last one, are too strange to be taken out in exchange for your life. There are only two possibilities. Firstly, he’s lying. Secondly, you’re an extreme threat to Big Bob. He has to kill you no matter what.”
Kang De’s expression softened slightly, but his expression was still cold.
“I guess the leaders and advisory team of the British, French, and American countries won’t be so smart, right?”
“Correct.”
After Qin Mengjin finished speaking, she stopped for more than ten seconds. Kang De heard the sound of paper rubbing. Then, the liaison officer said, “I received instructions, Kang De. The higher-ups ordered us to be honest. Now is a very critical time. There are too many cases of sowing discord in our history. We can’t make the same mistake as the ancients.”
“Let’s tell you the truth. France and the United States are indeed very tempted. They’ve already attacked you previously. Through analysis of your personality, stand, and ideology, they determined that you won’t let go easily. This is a good opportunity to eliminate you as a threat. The secret of Big Bob regaining his youth will move the actual controllers of the Western countries very much. The rich have the greatest need in this aspect.”
“Once this news spreads, once Big Bob shows his sincerity and evidence, I’m afraid the rich and interest classes in the entire Western world will think of a way to push his proposal. It’s already begun. The only obstacle comes from the determination and will of our government. The secret team of the United States and France has already begun to work.”
“The transfer of military and livelihood technology, the opening of the barrier, investment permits, and large orders can also be untied. The only condition is that we maintain our tacit approval of this.”
Kang De calmly listened to the conditions Qin Mengjin mentioned.
“Big Bob threw a bone, and the Westerners licked it like dogs, just like how the French government instigated the war of Gambia’s invasion of Comoros… Why don’t these people know the lesson?”
He took a deep breath. “Don’t they know what it means to ask a tiger for its skin?”
“Firstly, all of this is not only pushed by the two governments but the people behind them who hold the true power, the blue-blooded hornets of the United States, the old money, the consortiums, the old nobles of France who have changed… That’s why they’re fascinated by the secret of longevity.”
Qin Mengjin said coldly, “Secondly, our China working with Big Bob is asking a tiger for its skin. To the Westerners, you’re the tiger, and Big Bob is one of them!”
“After all, no matter how strong you are and how valuable you are, you’re still Chinese. You’ll be loyal to your motherland from the bottom of your heart and interests. You’ll never be used by Westerners. Think of a way to kill you. Even if you can’t obtain the benefits of Big Bob, it’s worth it to them!”
As long as they could weaken China, it was profitable for Westerners.
The king was right. The French were not stupid.
“It seems that other than this five-nation negotiation, Big Bob must have secretly contacted the French government and even promised better conditions and benefits…”
“That’s inevitable,” Qin Mengjin said. “How can the Westerners tell us everything?”
Kang De slowly exhaled, “I’m really valuable. Technology transfer, liberalization of barriers, full economic, political, and military untied…—it makes me want to sacrifice myself for my country.”
Qin Mengjin snorted, “Don’t say strange things. We’ve already been honest and won’t agree to such conditions. We’ve already suffered enough from the West in the past years. They won’t believe a word of their promise. The higher-ups have already made it very clear. We’ve gradually walked the path of revival from a poor person. We didn’t kneel, beg, or receive charity from the West. If they gave those things, they can take them back at any time. Therefore, we have to get what we want ourselves!”
Kang De finally revealed a smile.
“Then,” he asked, “what should we do now?”
“We’re doing our best to mediate. In the end, negotiations are only asking for a sky-high price and bargaining on the spot. Big Bob came up and said that he wanted your life. He should give in.”
“In the end, the French are wary. I don’t think Big Bob dares to fall out. The psychologist said that after he recovers his youth, he’ll be even more afraid of death and be in a hurry to enjoy what he enjoyed when he was young, but he can’t enjoy it because of age… Therefore, this is a bargaining battle.”
...
Qin Mengjin said, “Therefore, after discussion, we suggest that you bring your father back to the country immediately. There will be safer protection in the country…”
“And?”
“Then, we’ll think of a way to deter and force them to compromise…”
“What about Big Bob?”
“Big Bob?” Qin Mengjin was first puzzled, then she said, “Wait, Kang De, although you’re very angry, I have to say that in this situation, it’s much harder to take Big Bob’s life. You…”
“I want him to die,” Kang De said. “I still have to protect Comoros.”
On the other end of the phone, Qin Mengjin slapped her head. As expected, this guy’s heart was like a diamond. He had already decided on a goal and would not easily compromise, unless…
She gritted her teeth and advised, “There’s something I don’t want to tell you. Big Bob also threatened that if we don’t agree to his suggestion, he’ll use the secret of longevity as a bounty to exchange for your and your family’s lives. We sternly stopped him and made it clear that anyone who dares to harm Chinese citizens in exchange for benefits has to think about whether they’ll die to enjoy it. However, even so, we can’t rule out…”
At this point, she suddenly reacted and cursed in her mind.
As expected, calm words sounded on the other end of the phone.
“Then he has to die even more.”
...
“Kang De!” Qin Mengjin was anxious, “You have to calm down. After all…”
“Please protect my mother. It won’t be long. Please do it, or the consequences will be unpredictable.”
“No matter what decision you make, don’t let anger control you! You…”
“Miss Qin.”
“Think about it! Big Bob seems to have been trying to anger you by raising this condition! Don’t…”
“I only have one question.”
“…Tell me.”
“The Americans, the French, and perhaps the British are afraid of Big Bob’s threat. They’re afraid that he’ll sweep through the ground with a pest plague and expose the secrets of the world to the public. They yearn for longevity and return to their youth because they don’t want to die and want to enjoy themselves…”
Kang De said coldly, “They’re afraid of these and yearn for these, so they treat me as a dish on the table. They’ve already tacitly agreed that I’m at their mercy—so, why aren’t they afraid of me?!”
On the other end of the phone, Qin Mengjin suddenly stood up. “What do you want to do?! Don’t be rash!”
“I’ve been very calm and awake. Please believe that I haven’t lost control in a long time.”
Kang De’s calm voice echoed in the huge office of the Gambia Emergency Team.
“I know very well what I want to do.”
Qin Mengjin tried her best to dissuade him, “No, you don’t know. Your enemy is not only Big Bob! You’re only one person and alone. The country will help you, but you have to follow the rules!”
Kang De said softly, “I only know that there are consequences if I give in. If I escape today and compromise, even if I let the noble lords give me a way out, next time, I’ll still be a dish they think they can fiddle with as they please… In the end, they’re like this. They only know their lesson when it hurts.”
Sister Qin became even more anxious. “Don’t dwell on this. The country will help you!”
“But I don’t want to cause trouble for the country. The pressure on the country is also very great, right? I caused this matter myself. I’ll flatten it as soon as possible… Back then, I chose to come to Comoros to develop. Since I chose to be independent, I can’t ask the country for help for everything. I can’t take all the benefits.”
“This is the path I chose myself. I’ll have to pass this stage sooner or later. In the end, I have to teach them a lesson. Since they don’t know who they should be more afraid of, I’ll make them understand.”
Kang De’s tone was as hard as steel and contained an unshakable will.
Qin Mengjin had the urge to go crazy. Her stand was different from Kang De’s, and she looked at the problem from a different angle. Although she could understand Kang De’s mood, she still had to do her job.
She tried her best to persuade him, “Listen to me. The country and I have already said this. We won’t harm you. You can’t do this as you please, or there’ll be huge trouble!”
Kang De said softly, “Therefore, I’m very grateful and will definitely remember it. I’ll definitely repay him in the future. However, our positions are different. I have my life, my experience, and my decisions. Since Big Bob has already said that, I definitely can’t let him live in this world anymore.”
“I know compromise and helplessness are common. In front of the nation, individuals are so weak and helpless. They can’t help themselves and can only be manipulated and involved in the torrent. However, I’m different. Miss Qin, I’m not used to being looked down on, used to being a pawn, or played by a group of high and mighty, self-righteous despicable people. Since this is the case, since they’re used to it, and since I don’t want this…”
He paused for a moment and said firmly, “Then let’s do it another way!”
The communication was cut off.
The people on the emergency team looked at each other. A moment later, Qin Mengjin said in exasperation, “Hurry up and report to the higher-ups! The satellite has changed orbit. Pay attention to France! Think of a way to contact Comoros and Kang De’s parents! Also, tell those foreigners that Kang De is going to rampage! Let them think of a way to take responsibility!”
In the ambassador’s office, Kang De pushed open the door and walked out.
The ambassador, father, and the king all looked at him.
Kang Jinzhu walked forward. “When do I set off?”
“I’m sorry, I’m afraid it’s a little too late.” Kang De hugged his father and said, “You have to return to the basement. I’ll strengthen the defense. You know what to do if anything happens.”
Kang Jinzhu nodded and said, “Alright.”
Kang De hugged him forcefully. “This is the last time. Believe me.”
His father gently patted his back and sighed, “Think more before you do anything.”
“Don’t worry, I know what to do.”
Then, he looked at the ambassador. “I’ve troubled you. Please sit and answer the phone.”
The ambassador was stunned.
After saying that, he pulled his father and the king away. He looked at the king, “Do you believe me?”
Chakat II said, “Who’s helping me? Who’s been helping us? Who’s our chief?”
“It’s me.” Kang De handed a signal generator to the king, “Keep it close to you. I’ll leave for a period of time. Don’t tell anyone about this. When there’s danger, be it the locusts approaching or you encountering danger, press this button and I’ll appear. I ask you to believe me. No matter what happens, persevere. I’ll think of a way to resolve the current problem… Be careful, understand?”
The king put it away carefully and nodded. “I promise you… where are you going?”
Kang De only smiled.
“I’ll take a gamble and make a big move.”
After sending his father to the underground bomb shelter, he strengthened the wall again, tore open the scroll, and released the Holy Light Barrier. Dazzling streams of light crawled all over the room. The Defender mechanism had set the protection mode.
“Think about us and Xiaoman before you do anything.”
In the end, his father could only remind him.
“I’ve been thinking about you guys.” Kang De hugged him again. “Believe me, I have.”
Then, he came out and shook the king’s hand.
“Brother, goodbye.”
“Wait for me to return.”
He walked out of the main building of the embassy and came to the square. The ambassador opened the window and was still holding the phone. He said in exasperation, “Kang De! Come back! Everyone! Stop him!”
Kang De smiled and waved. Before the armed police could react, he ran out of the entrance of the embassy.
He turned left.
At the entrance of the French Embassy, due to the concrete evidence of the French in the Battle of Comoros, this place had already been de facto monitored and placed under house arrest by the Comoros government. Even the guards were Comoros soldiers. When the eight black uncles at the door saw the war chief, they immediately straightened their backs and saluted fanatically. With a wave of Kang De’s hand, they scattered to the sides.
Then, they watched as the respected Chieftain kicked the tall iron door away.
The heavy iron door whistled as it smashed into the French-style main building. With a bang, the roar of the ambassador next door sounded endlessly, shouting at the top of his lungs for Kang De to stop. The eight black uncle guards behind all opened their mouths wide, then revealed extremely excited expressions. They clapped their hands forcefully and were laughing wildly.
Although they were strictly ordered to guard this place and isolate the outside world to protect the French from the impact of the angry people, the person who attacked this place was the great chief—the War Lord. That was a different story.
Kang De turned a deaf ear to everything around him. Only angry flames burned in his heart.
Apart from being treated as a bargaining chip, other than his parents’ lives being threatened, other than being arrogantly treated by the Westerners, his anger might also have another reason. He had overcome many obstacles in the other world and was invincible. He used a forbidden curse to deter the world and sat on par with peerless experts and rulers like the Phoenix King and the Dragon Emperor. He grasped great power and made contributions. He could no longer tolerate being arrogantly looked down upon and used by a group of mortals.
Was there anything more ironic than this?
He had grasped such extraordinary power, the ability to cross three worlds, the control of an entire mirror world, the favor of the Dragon of Time and Space, and the monstrous reputation of the other world. Even so, he still treated himself as a human. Even so, he still treated every life equally, but the so-called nobles and interests who relied on wealth, power, and status to exploit all living beings and continue until now actually treated him as an ant.
—I haven’t eliminated oppression and tyranny for the vast working people of the West, but you b*stards climbed onto my head first!
Anger filled his chest, and his mental strength turned into an arrow. Blazing emotions surged in his heart. He felt hot flames gather in his hand. The Proof of Star Authority sensed his anger and burned with intense light. Blazing white flames burned and curled, spreading from the back of his hand and constructing an illusory burning gauntlet.
This Sun God’s divine ring sprayed out a divine light of sunfire. A three-foot-long sword of flames gushed out from the back of the gauntlet, and the sharp and blazing tip pointed at the ground.
A female clerk who saw this scene through the first-floor window screamed and fled the room.
Kang De reached out and waved his hand. The light sword swept past, bisecting the door and the iron door. The cut was hot. He stepped into the building and two French soldiers shouted as they rushed over. He reached out and held it in the air. Their faces flushed as they grabbed their necks and struggled to fly into the air, then they were thrown aside.
On the other side, a military officer rushed out of the corridor with a gun. Kang De swept his gaze and the flames turned into a large shield in the air. He flew out and collided, sending him flying to the end of the corridor. Along the way, flames curled around his body. His floating figure was like an illusion as the flames soared, dragging out an afterimage.
This scene made people lose the courage to resist.
In the end, he arrived at the door of the ambassador’s office and slashed down half of the wall.
With a bang, the military officer inside was so frightened that he could not hold his gun and it fell to the ground.
Kang De flew in. Flames curled around him, and blazing light blades shone with dangerous arcs of light. Seeing this, this French soldier subconsciously raised his hands and saluted French. It was very standard.
“Long time no see, Mr. Ambassador.”
The French ambassador froze in the corner. His mouth trembled and he could not say a word.
Kang De walked forward and grabbed the other party’s collar amidst his screams. He pressed him to the phone at the desk, then picked up his phone and called a number.
“Kirov.” He placed the light sword by the ambassador’s neck. “Translate!”