Ability potions were something everyone dreamed of, even ability users themselves. This was because obtaining an ability potion could turn an ordinary person into an ability user, granting them a long life and even greater powers. In the apocalypse, it at least provided the strength to protect oneself.
Countless people dreamed of obtaining ability potions, believing that with one in hand, they could live a comfortable life. Naturally, many dreamt of acquiring them, but ordinary people rarely had such an opportunity. Even if an ability potion were placed before them, they would be unable to obtain it.
At this moment, when Li Keyi appeared before Tu Shuangming with an ability potion, he was stunned. He couldn't believe this item was meant for him. Had happiness truly arrived so suddenly? He had been plagued by unsolvable work issues during this period, and now, finally, there was a reward.
Li Keyi said calmly, "This is what you deserve. After all, you have been working diligently. This job is also very meaningful. You must not slack off now, or you will disappoint our expectations!"
After saying this, Li Keyi handed the ability potion to Tu Shuangming, making him understand a principle: as long as you work hard, your superiors will always notice your performance, and your rewards will follow.
Upon receiving this reward, Tu Shuangming stared blankly at the precious ability potion in his hands. Even selling it would fetch an immeasurable fortune, allowing him to live comfortably without doing anything else in the future, as such items were always in demand.
Once Tu Shuangming understood the value of the reward he had received, he knew what he had to do. He immediately knelt before Li Keyi and said, "Madam, thank you for the reward. I will continue to work without complaint, and I will strive to complete any task, no matter how difficult!"
The reason Tu Shuangming suddenly declared his loyalty was because he realized Li Keyi was subtly warning him. His previous unintentional grumbling must have been overheard and reported, leading to this reward.
Of course, this matter was not just about a reward but also a warning. Li Keyi's words conveyed a clear message: the fighting on the front lines was crucial, and any delay would be a grave offense.
Understanding this, Tu Shuangming immediately pledged his loyalty.
Normally, rewards wouldn't need to pass through Li Keyi's hands. Although she managed affairs for the Fengshen Palace, she wasn't involved in every trivial matter. Her presence here indicated a specific attitude.
At that moment, Tu Shuangming chose to pledge his loyalty. He understood that Yu Prefecture was currently under Chang Jianyi's command. The entire civilian system was under her control, and she had sufficient defensive forces at her disposal. Therefore, provoking her now would have severe consequences.
After completing her task of warning, Li Keyi nodded and prepared to leave. As she departed, she casually remarked, "The battle in the south this time is very important. Anyone who performs exceptionally well or makes significant contributions can still receive ability potions in the future!"
This piece of news, casually dropped, was overheard by many, who became immediately excited. Normally, ordinary people like them would never have a chance at an ability potion in their lifetime. But now, they suddenly realized that in this special period, with excellent performance, they might have a chance to become ability users. Although these words were likely just empty promises, there were always exceptions.
"What if my luck is really that good? Wouldn't that be a windfall?" Almost everyone harbored this thought and began working diligently. These people were not fools to be easily deceived, but they were working hard now, hoping for a chance to change their lives.
Their rationality had been shaken because almost everyone was holding onto a sliver of hope, thinking, "What if I'm the chosen one?"
Thus, people began to work frantically, all for the sake of a miracle that could change their destiny.
When faced with numerous difficulties, Yu Prefecture's primary recourse was various reward systems. Offering sufficiently attractive rewards would undoubtedly draw a large number of people to work. With the front lines currently engaged in fierce combat, any halt in the rear would lead to defeat. They had to persevere this time to have a chance at victory.
The situation on the front lines was also not ideal. Despite using the most advanced weaponry, progress remained slow.
The number of Giant Hornets was simply too great, and they had been breeding for over half a year. During this time, these insects had been furiously accumulating energy for reproduction, leading to a dramatic increase in their numbers. Moreover, these Giant Hornets were omnivorous, consuming not only meat but also fresh leaves, allowing them to proliferate exponentially within a mere half-year.
"There are too many of these damned insects! We eliminated so many during the day, and by dusk, they reappear. They are here day and night. How long will it take to win this battle under such circumstances?" Under these conditions, many began to voice their grievances.
It wasn't that the soldiers were afraid of fighting; rather, they were subjected to high-intensity combat daily, with the constant threat of death. Under such intense fighting, everyone faced immense pressure. As the war dragged on, countless people complained, and no one was an exception. Even some officers, though silent, harbored the same thoughts as the common soldiers.
Shen Feng also led his men into the tent. They needed to discuss future decisions. "The war has begun. In a month, we've only advanced 100 kilometers south. Under these circumstances, completely occupying the south and eradicating these Giant Hornets is clearly not something that can be achieved in a short time. Furthermore, it's rumored that many Giant Hornets in the south have accelerated their breeding rate, and their numbers continue to increase."
"Now, everyone, please share any methods you have to kill these insects. Any means are welcome, but please refrain from suggesting anything that could harm future generations!" Shen Feng said, looking at the people in the tent.
They took their seats in the corners of the tent. Although the tent was large, the number of people was substantial. The leaders of many mercenary groups also sat to the side, as they needed to offer their opinions. After all, they were active participants, and disregarding their input would be excessive and could potentially undermine morale.
However, during such meetings, these mercenary group leaders typically remained silent. Their role was to complete their assigned tasks and receive their wages. Therefore, they were indifferent to how long the war lasted. As long as the war progressed smoothly, they would not suffer significant casualties and would continue to earn profits.
"I believe the most crucial thing now is to destroy the Giant Hornets' reproductive system in one go. If we continue to engage in this war of attrition, we will be bogged down, and the war costs will continue to increase. To end the war quickly and avoid being trapped in a quagmire, we must find a way to destroy their breeding system!" Lu Xian said helplessly.
"We all understand that, but the key issue is how to destroy the Giant Hornets' reproductive capacity. Currently, there seems to be no drug that can limit their reproduction. So, how can we reduce the Giant Hornets' breeding ability?" Yang Chang then inquired.
"Why don't we ask the City Lord to summon a typhoon to this region and have it rain continuously for three to four months? These Giant Hornets will surely be unable to venture out due to the constant rain!" Lu Kaiyang also offered his opinion.
Shen Feng thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "This method is not good. If it fails, the persistent rainy weather will inevitably lead to mountain floods, and once mudslides and landslides occur, it will be even more difficult for us to advance south using the existing roads. It will only create trouble for our subsequent marches. Moreover, rain cannot deal with Giant Hornets like it can with locusts. These Giant Hornets clearly are not afraid of rain."
In the past, the Chuan-Yu region had faced a locust crisis. At that time, Shen Feng had summoned a typhoon, which brought over ten days of rain, causing heavy casualties among the locusts, which were eventually drowned in the abundant rainfall. However, the situation was different now. Not only did the Giant Hornets build nests, but they also built them on trees. Even if submerged in water, these Giant Hornets would not die immediately; instead, there was a possibility of widespread mudslides and landslides. In the end, they might fail to drown the insects and instead cause unnecessary dangers.
"Alternatively, we could pause our offensive, accumulate a large quantity of poison, and once we have enough, we can launch a full-scale southward push. We can use the poison to suppress the number of Giant Hornets and then continue to advance!" Chang Haojie also expressed his viewpoint.
"This method is also not good. If we were to accumulate a large amount of poison, it would undoubtedly give the Giant Hornets sufficient time to reproduce. After a few months, their numbers would certainly be more astonishing, making them even more troublesome to deal with. Furthermore, poison production is also limited. Although the production capacity of Chuan-Yu and Dian Province has been maximized, the current production of poison is only sufficient for battlefield use. Accumulating a large quantity of poison is unlikely to be achieved in a short period!" Shen Feng said in a deep voice.
Although Giant Hornets are just insects and not particularly intelligent, they do possess a degree of awareness. When they detect danger, they flee without hesitation. Moreover, they can fly, allowing them to move from dangerous areas to safe ones. Their migratory nature is extremely strong.
If poison were used against humans, the matter would have been resolved smoothly because human mobility is clearly inferior to that of insects. Insects can fly for days without rest, day or night, and then land. However, humans cannot do this. Therefore, after using poison in one area, many insects would fly to other locations, preventing the poison from functioning effectively.
"Since conventional methods cannot deal with these insects, why not consider other means?" Chu Chaoyan suddenly thought of something and immediately proposed his idea.
"What other means are there? Quickly tell us, perhaps it will have a miraculous effect!" Shen Feng asked urgently.