Yi Xingzhong, upon learning of the other party's urgent need for grain, said helplessly, "We do have grain, but only a few hundred thousand tons. It's unavoidable, as the output of the mutated sago palm trees is limited and requires frequent fertilization. However, we need non-ferrous metals and petroleum products. We are not lacking in those for the moment. As for non-ferrous metals, is your output sufficient?"
Yi Xingzhong was not lying. The original tropical regions were indeed suitable for growing various crops. A few hundred thousand tons of grain was not much, especially since planting could be done year-round. However, after the appearance of mutated birds, they suddenly began to snatch human food. The crops planted were targeted by the mutated birds before they could even be harvested. The mutated birds did not care whether these things were planted by humans or not; as long as they were edible, they would swarm them. Therefore, people could not wait for the harvest season.
However, it could be considered fortunate. The islands in Southeast Asia, in addition to planting rice and corn, also grew many special crops, such as Dioscorea. These underground crops, being in the soil, were generally not easily dug up by birds. Thus, people were able to eat their fill under these circumstances.
It was also fortunate that the Qinghong Gang possessed mutated sago palm trees. The harvest cycle of these coconut trees was originally very long, but after mutation, they could be harvested once every six months, causing the output to surge and accumulating a considerable amount of grain.
Even with the arrival of the Little Ice Age, tropical grain production was not severely affected. The average temperature only dropped by a few degrees Celsius. Tropical regions were hot year-round, and the reduction in sunlight was not significant. It could be said that as long as the sago palm trees existed, the Qinghong Gang could continuously produce grain.
At this point, Qian Bufei directly said, "Isn't it just non-ferrous metals? We definitely have them for you. However, please send the grain as soon as possible. Yunnan Province doesn't have much grain left. In the future, if the Qinghong Gang needs anything, feel free to tell us. If we have it, we will definitely trade."
Speaking of this matter, Yi Xingzhong pondered for a moment and said, "Since Mr. Qian has said so, I do have a question that has been on my mind, and I would like Mr. Qian to answer it. Please enlighten me."
Qian Bufei quickly replied, "Please speak freely. As long as I know, I will definitely inform you."
Yi Xingzhong looked around, ensuring that no one could eavesdrop on their conversation, and then asked, "I heard that the headquarters dispatched an aircraft carrier fleet into the ocean, supposedly to salvage extraterrestrial meteorites. Is this true?"
Shen Feng and Chu Chaoyan were also very concerned upon hearing this news. Extraterrestrial meteorites, regardless of who obtained them, could rapidly cultivate a large number of espers. How could such important items not be valued by everyone? It could be said that whoever obtained the extraterrestrial meteorites would have the ability to become a king or a hegemon.
Qian Bufei gave a wry smile and said, "The matter of extraterrestrial meteorites has always been a top secret. You ask me? I cannot give a definitive answer. I can only say that it is possible. However, I have never experienced salvaging meteorites, so I cannot provide an answer."
Yi Xingzhong looked at Shen Feng and asked, "Mr. Shen, what do you say? You personally participated in salvaging meteorites. Although it was two years ago, your words carry some authority on this matter."
Shen Feng pondered for a moment and said, "I think salvaging meteorites is impossible because of the presence of sea beasts. The difference between sea beasts and land mutated beasts is that giant sea beasts can use esp powers. For some reason, I always feel that these sea beasts are more powerful than ordinary espers. Especially since the sea beasts are now protecting the extraterrestrial meteorites. As long as the extraterrestrial meteorites are in the sea, they can continuously mutate the animals in the ocean. Anyone who wants to salvage meteorites will inevitably be constantly attacked by sea beasts."
Upon receiving this answer, Yi Xingzhong could not help but murmur, "Is the rumor true?"
"What rumor?" everyone quickly asked. At this moment, Yi Xingzhong seemed to know some insider information, and since it was related to extraterrestrial meteorites, it naturally attracted attention.
Yi Xingzhong did not hide anything and quickly said, "Actually, recently the Qinghong Gang received news that someone rumored that the mutated blue whale was dying, so it was staying in one place and not moving. At this time, no sea beasts were following the blue whale. The blue whale could no longer restrain the giant sea beasts. By killing the blue whale at this time, the extraterrestrial meteorites could be retrieved from its body."
"The blue whale is dying?" Shen Feng showed an expression of disbelief upon hearing this news, as this was news that Shen Feng found hard to believe.
Two years ago, Shen Feng had actually seen the mutated blue whale. When the blue whale emerged from the sea, it was like a small island suddenly emerging from the seabed. The moment the blue whale appeared, it snatched the extraterrestrial meteorites that were being salvaged. The most important point was that this giant blue whale was the king of sea beasts. It was unimaginable that such a giant sea beast was dying. If the blue whale was truly dying, then retrieving the extraterrestrial meteorites might indeed be possible if they were snatched.
Shen Feng quickly asked, "When did this news appear? Where did it come from?"
Yi Xingzhong quickly replied, "This news came from North America. Because avian influenza is now raging globally, and there is also a new disease called psittacosis. Some people say this is North America diverting attention, but others say it is something that is truly happening."
Shen Feng hesitated, unsure which rumor to believe. If he believed North America's statement, then at this time, there was a possibility of salvaging the extraterrestrial meteorites. But if it was false, wouldn't going to sea be a wasted trip?
"Mr. Shen, are you perhaps thinking of going to salvage meteorites?" Yi Xingzhong asked, seeing Shen Feng in deep thought.
But Shen Feng shook his head vigorously and said, "No, this is just a rumor. I won't go. Besides, I'm returning to Yuzhou soon and don't have time to go to sea."
Shen Feng knew the difficulty of salvaging meteorites. Not to mention that the sea was the domain of giant sea beasts, and one could easily be besieged by sea beasts capable of using esp powers. Even within the divine realm, all electromagnetic signals were chaotic. Under such circumstances, no one could quickly salvage the extraterrestrial meteorites. Ships could not enter the divine realm. Even if espers could take away the meteorites, the meteorites were still inside the blue whale. It was unknown what kind of esp powers the blue whale possessed, so it was not advisable to take the risk.
Yi Xingzhong said with a wry smile after hearing Shen Feng's statement, "Originally, my boss wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to salvage meteorites. We don't need much, just a fragment chipped off from the meteorite would be enough. Since Mr. Shen doesn't want to participate, then our Qinghong Gang will have to act on our own."
Shen Feng did not expect Wang Ao Ye to have the idea of salvaging extraterrestrial meteorites. After all, Wang Ao Ye was just a civilian force and did not have warships. Shen Feng doubted whether Wang Ao Ye could accomplish this task.
After discussing important matters, everyone naturally had to continue with pleasantries for a while. Chinese people generally value building relationships. Since the goal was to build relationships, it required communication in formal settings, exchanging small talk. This way, the goal of strengthening relationships would be achieved.
Thus, Shen Feng had completed his mission to the south. The Burma Road could be used, and oil and natural gas were now available. Yuzhou's energy crisis had been alleviated. Considering the time, it was already summer. Du Xinshi was due to give birth in two months. Thinking of this, Shen Feng also needed to return home quickly.
Qian Bufei originally wanted to keep Shen Feng, because there were still countless mutated birds in Mian Dian. It was said that they were mutated swallows that lived in tropical regions and had learned to settle down, requiring powerful espers to deal with them. If Shen Feng could stay, he would definitely be a great asset.
However, Shen Feng was determined to leave. Therefore, no matter how Qian Bufei tried to persuade him, Shen Feng had to leave. Before leaving, he said to Qian Bufei, "These mutated birds are still for you to deal with. Good luck, you can do it. Also, I'm going home."
Shen Feng's statement made it clear that he did not want to continue helping. Considering the time, Shen Feng had been away for almost four months. Staying outside for such a long time was irresponsible. After all, he was the lord of Yuzhou. What kind of message did it send to be away for such a long time?
Qian Bufei showed a look of regret upon hearing Shen Feng's words and then said, "Since Mr. Shen wants to go back, I will arrange a car immediately. I promised to let Mr. Shen taste the wild mushrooms and hand-grabbed rice of Yunnan Province, but I haven't fulfilled it. This is a good opportunity. Please enjoy them patiently on your way back."
But Shen Feng shook his head and smiled, saying, "No need. Please prepare some food for us. We have our own way of returning. As for the delicacies of Yunnan Province, we will try them next time."
Afterward, Chang Haojie used his esp power to create a huge cloud. The four of them stood on the cloud. Shen Feng carried some food, and then also used his esp power. Instantly, a strong wind blew, and the group flew north on the cloud. The cloud gradually ascended higher and higher, eventually turning into a small black dot and disappearing.
It was the first time everyone had witnessed such a scene, and they were immediately stunned by what they saw, exclaiming, "Holy crap, is this flying on clouds? Esp powers can be used like this?"
If they hadn't known that these people were espers, they would have thought they were seeing immortals descending from heaven in broad daylight. After all, in many people's understanding, immortals traveled by riding clouds. The scenes on television were fake, but what they were seeing now was real.
Yi Xingzhong was also an esper who controlled wind. However, upon seeing Shen Feng and his group moving freely, he was truly surprised. He had never imagined that esp powers could be used in such a way, requiring the cooperation of different esp powers.
"If I find a wife in the future, I will definitely find a woman who can control clouds, so that I can go anywhere," Yi Xingzhong thought to himself.
While flying in the sky, Chang Haojie couldn't help but say proudly to Shen Feng, "Brother-in-law, did you see the look on those people's faces? Their jaws almost dropped. This is the charm of our brother combination. From now on, we can call ourselves the 'Wind Sweeping Clouds Combination,' which will definitely surprise everyone."
"Do you think you're debuting as idols?" Shen Feng said with annoyance, "Getting a little achievement and being so smug. How can you be successful in the future with this attitude?"
Being able to fly in the sky with one's own abilities was a remarkable feat. Due to gravity, the higher one fell from, the more severe the impact.
Therefore, after becoming an esper, Chang Haojie directly gained the ability to fly, which was a very impressive thing. However, Chang Haojie's flight time was too short at the beginning, and he almost fell into the zombie horde and was drowned by zombies. Fortunately, he was caught on a lamppost during his descent, which allowed him to survive.
And Chang Haojie's esp power was not perfect. The biggest problem with his esp power was its slow flight speed. He had to rely on the wind to fly. Without the wind's help, the cloud's movement would be very slow. However, with Shen Feng's help, Shen Feng instantly used "Vast Wind," and the cloud accelerated its flight. It took half a day to fly to the Yangtze River. Following the wind, the speed was very fast. After resting for one night, they flew along the Yangtze River the next day and finally reached Yuzhou.