The victory in Yuzhou not only shocked China but also reverberated across the globe, astonishing the world with Shen Feng's prowess. The method to defeat the mutated birds had been surprisingly simple. While other regions lacked hypnotic pollen, they possessed ample quantities of poison gas.
Chemical warfare had commenced during World War I, with battlefields in Europe being its initial stage. Now, upon discovering that area-of-effect attacks were the most effective against mutated birds, minds turned to more sinister methods. Though pollen was scarce, poison gas was abundant. Attacking avian creatures with highly toxic gas seemed an easy feat. Humanity, in terms of technology, had never feared any animal.
Thus, Europe began its assault on the birds. Their method was straightforward: distribute protective masks to the populace as a defense against the gas, then load fighter jets with compressed poison gas. These planes would ascend into the sky and release the gas upon the flocks of birds.
The power of science was truly unpredictable, as eliminating the mutated birds with scientific means was remarkably effortless. Upon inhaling the poison gas, the birds' internal organs or nervous systems would be attacked, leading to their demise within minutes. This method of attack was significantly simpler than using pollen.
Subsequently, poison gas attacks were implemented worldwide, resulting in heavy casualties among the mutated birds. However, in less developed regions, the inability to even procure poison gas rendered them incapable of effectively resisting the mutated birds, where the avian creatures remained the dominant force.
"These scoundrel leaders, they show no regard for the lives of their citizens. A single gas mask cannot withstand the attack of poison gas. The birds are killed, but so are many people." Simultaneously, online forums erupted with condemnation, primarily directed at Europe. Poison gas was far too dangerous; while birds succumbed easily to its inhalation, humans were similarly affected. The notion that a mere gas mask could resolve the potential harm to the public was laughable.
Furthermore, in some parts of Europe, during poison gas attacks, not even a single protective mask was provided, leaving the populace to fend for themselves. Europe's selfishness knew no bounds.
Yet, Yuzhou had barely enjoyed a few days of peace before news arrived from Rongcheng: "Yuzhou, please be advised. The mutated birds that previously flew over Rongcheng are now advancing towards Yuzhou, possibly heading in your direction."
Upon receiving this news, Shen Feng sensed impending danger. Could the mutated birds truly be seeking revenge? Had he been too brutal in eliminating the mutated birds besieving Yuzhou, prompting those in other regions to retaliate on behalf of their kin?
As Shen Feng pondered this possibility, similar reports emerged from Xiangyang and Changsha: mutated birds were also en route to Yuzhou. While these areas were no longer under direct attack, it was clear that many mutated birds had simply shifted their target. With Yuzhou now in their sights, an offensive was imminent.
"Damn it, what's the meaning of this? Are the mutated birds specifically targeting powerful cities? They attacked Yanjing before, and now that they've discovered Yuzhou's strength, they're coming here?" Upon learning of the approaching mutated birds, Shen Feng couldn't help but become enraged. This was simply too preposterous. Yuzhou had just resolved its crisis with the mutated birds, only for more to arrive. Were they fixated on him?
Yuzhou had no choice. The City Lord's mansion once again broadcast a notice to residents, urging them to be cautious of mutated bird attacks, as the danger had not yet passed.
"How can such a thing happen in the world? It's utterly unjust. Yuzhou, so powerful, is now drawing enemy fire for other cities. According to statistics, thirty million mutated birds are heading towards Yuzhou for an attack. This is utterly insane," Chu Chaoyan exclaimed indignantly upon seeing the latest intelligence.
Shen Feng's expression darkened. He hadn't anticipated such a turn of events. He had believed that once the existing mutated birds in Yuzhou were cleared, things would settle. Little did he know, the nail that sticks out gets hammered. Yuzhou was simply too strong. After Yuzhou eliminated its own mutated birds, those from other regions were now converging on Yuzhou. It seemed that being powerful was also a flaw.
However, there was no time for complaints. The mutated birds would arrive soon, and Shen Feng had to find a way to deal with them. The hypnotic pollen had been largely depleted in the previous battle. Without a better offensive, facing thirty million mutated birds, even if he could kill a hundred thousand per day, it would take three hundred days. Relying on his own strength was no longer feasible.
"Perhaps we should consult the scientists in Yanjing? The professor who told me about the mutated birds' vengeful nature was from Yanjing, named Zhou He. He studies animal behavior, and perhaps he can offer some advice now," Chu Chaoyan suggested.
Shen Feng nodded and said, "Senior sister, the defense of Yuzhou will be your responsibility. Until a better solution is found, we need formidable air defense capabilities. As for me, I will go to the laboratory with Chaoyan. Yiyi, you will work with senior sister."
Chang Jianyi nodded solemnly. The Art of War states, "All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far, we must make him believe we are near. Lead him with baits, and confuse him with disorder. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected."
The meaning of Sun Tzu's words was simple: in frontal engagements, sufficient strength is needed for direct combat, and the ability to employ surprise tactics is crucial. Frontal resistance is the key; only by resisting the enemy's attack head-on can surprise tactics be effective.
Shen Feng affectionately referred to Li Keyi as Yiyi. In their daily interactions, Shen Feng had simple appellations for the three people around him. For Chang Jianyi, he called her "Senior Sister," a habit of many years. For Chu Chaoyan, he called her "Chaoyan," as calling her by her flower's meaning, "morning glory," would likely result in a beating. As for Li Keyi, he called her "Yiyi," a name Li Keyi was quite pleased with.
Shen Feng, accompanied by Chu Chaoyan, went to the laboratory and found Professor Zhou from Yanjing, seeking a solution to the current gathering of mutated birds.
Professor Zhou, however, began by asking, "Wind God, can you not continue with your previous attack? As long as you continue with your previous offensive, killing the mutated birds should not be too difficult."
Upon hearing this suggestion, Shen Feng could only offer a wry smile. "Professor Zhou, it's easier said than done. I can continue flying; that's not a problem. However, there is no stock of hypnotic pollen left. Our two-year supply was used in the previous battle. Who could have foreseen subsequent attacks by mutated birds?"
Professor Zhou pondered for a moment and said, "If pollen attacks cannot be used, then poison gas attacks are the only option. Does Yuzhou have the capability to acquire sufficient poison gas? If so, have everyone stay indoors, and poison gas attacks would be feasible."
Hearing this, Chu Chaoyan's eyes lit up. She thought, "My chance to shine has finally arrived. I am now a fifth-tier ability user, and I cannot casually use my abilities in normal times. This is finally an opportunity to prove myself."
Thus, Chu Chaoyan quickly said, "Professor, you can rest assured about this. Producing poison gas is not a significant problem. With me here, we can produce as much poison gas as needed."
Shen Feng, however, felt that poison gas attacks were not entirely reliable. He then said, "I have observed many battles involving poison gas in Europe. It is very easy to cause collateral damage to residents, and if the concentration is too low, the killing effect is also poor. Are there any other methods besides this form of attack?"
Professor Zhou sighed and said, "Wind God, why don't you understand? If the mutated birds cannot be killed in one go, even if you stall for time, they will return the following year. Mutated birds have a strong sense of revenge. Only by eliminating them each time can Yuzhou be safe from attacks in the future. Do not be overly merciful."
Shen Feng's current concerns were dismissed as excessive mercy and indecisiveness. In the professor's eyes, as long as the mutated bird crisis could be resolved, paying a certain price was acceptable, and Shen Feng should understand this principle.
Shen Feng did not react with anger to this accusation. Despite the harshness of the evaluation, he spoke earnestly, "Professor Zhou, this is not excessive mercy; it is a necessary consideration. We cannot disregard ordinary people just because we can solve the mutated bird crisis. If I were the kind of person who would sacrifice others' lives, I wouldn't have stayed in Yuzhou all this time. I would have long since prepared to contend for supremacy across the land. It is precisely because I care about the lives of ordinary people that I do not wish to harm them."
Professor Zhou felt ashamed upon hearing Shen Feng's words. Shen Feng had always strived to avoid unnecessary casualties, which was a difficult feat.
"I apologize, City Lord. I was wrong. The City Lord is benevolent and kind. I was heartless. However, if you wish to minimize casualties in Yuzhou, then find a way to delay. Delay until winter arrives. In another month, Yuzhou will also experience snowfall. Once the land is frozen, Yuzhou will be safe," Professor Zhou quickly apologized.
"Delay for a month? That won't be easy. The economic pressure is too great. Fighting at full capacity for a month will strain the economy," Shen Feng mused.
Seeing Shen Feng's predicament, Professor Zhou suggested, "City Lord, I can recommend some meteorologists. Perhaps consulting them might yield other answers."
Zoologists were of no use; they could only analyze animal behavior. To truly deal with mutated birds, it was better to consult meteorologists. Utilizing the climate to deal with mutated birds was now a viable option.
As Shen Feng and Chu Chaoyan were on their way to find the meteorologists, Chu Chaoyan said to Shen Feng, "Ah Feng, what are you still hesitating about? I can produce chlorine gas for you. You can fight in the sky with poison gas, and no matter how many mutated birds there are, they will be killed, won't they?"
"Chaoyan, have you not considered it carefully? What if the mutated birds adopt a low-flying strategy? Would I then have to envelop the entire city with poison gas? In that case, who knows how many people would die tragically? Even zombies cannot withstand your poison gas attacks; how can ordinary people endure it?" Shen Feng explained earnestly.
Chu Chaoyan still wanted to argue, "People can seal their doors and windows with wet towels, can't they? That way, people won't be poisoned."
"Mutated birds are not foolish. They might peck through doors and windows, and then the poison gas will still enter the houses, resulting in casualties nonetheless," Shen Feng continued.