Sitting on the clouds, Shen Feng could see the beautiful scenery on the ground. No wonder humans yearned to ascend to heaven. From the heavens, the vision was first broad, and with a broad vision came a broad mind. Looking out, the world was at his feet. The feeling of being above all things was indeed different.
Shen Feng simply lay down on the clouds, gazing at the blue sky and enjoying the gentle breeze, feeling an indescribable sense of ease.
At this moment, Chang Haojie spoke, "Brother-in-law, thank you for helping me out today. My sister is really too overbearing. She even wants to take away the person I like!"
Chang Haojie could still recall his sister's stern demeanor during today's confrontation. He had found someone he liked, yet he was constantly interfered with. Marriage was supposed to be free, and his sister and brother-in-law had gotten together without anyone forcing them, but he couldn't. It was truly exasperating.
However, Chang Haojie always respected his sister, so he couldn't directly resist. He could only remain silent to express his defiance.
Shen Feng explained to his brother-in-law, "Your sister is doing this for your own good. Don't be too sad. What's wrong with Zhang Xixi? She's only two years older than you, and her mind-reading ability can discern if an enemy is lying, which can help you solve many problems. Her brother is also an ability user, so she probably thinks you two are a good match."
Upon hearing this, Chang Haojie became somewhat angry and turned his head, saying, "This kind of marriage based on status is not free at all. I won't accept it!"
Shen Feng saw that his brother-in-law's attitude was a classic case of teenage rebellion. To Chang Haojie, Chang Jianyi and Shen Feng were not only sister and brother-in-law but also parental figures. Chang Jianyi's idea was to arrange everything, including her brother's future. No matter what he became, plans had to be made.
Shen Feng himself had no rebellious phase, mainly because he had an older sister who was five years his senior. If he dared to rebel, their parents would stand by with their arms crossed, and then Shen Yu would take action. Under the threat of physical force, Shen Feng could only obediently go through his childhood and adolescence. It wasn't until he went to college that he finally left Rongcheng and lived in a different environment. A year later, the apocalypse broke out.
Therefore, Shen Feng had no experience dealing with rebellious teenagers. At this moment, he could only try his best to persuade him, "Don't be too anxious. Don't make your sister angry. I'll go and speak a few good words for you. It's unlikely I can completely change your sister's mind about Zhang Xixi, but I can try to help you marry the person you like. You know, it's the apocalypse now, and no one cares how many times you get married!"
Shen Feng's meaning was clear by this point: he was suggesting Chang Haojie be bolder and marry two women!
In Shen Feng's view, this was the most suitable solution. It would satisfy Chang Jianyi and please Chang Haojie, achieving two goals with one arrow and solving the problem with ease.
However, Chang Haojie did not appreciate Shen Feng's compromise suggestion and directly said, "I don't agree. I'm not like you. I don't like older women. I like people my own age. Besides, even if I were willing, Zhang Xixi might not be. She's always avoiding me, which clearly shows she also disagrees with this marriage."
Shen Feng thought about it and could only shrug helplessly, saying, "Young people nowadays, I don't know what's on their minds. Just two years older, and that's not considered the same age anymore! Forget it, you'll have to figure this out yourself. I can't help you anymore!"
At this point, Shen Feng decided to drop the matter. It was a matter between the siblings, and it wasn't good for him to interfere too much.
Seeing that his brother-in-law was unwilling to help, Chang Haojie calmly said, "I have my own ways. I can elope with the person I like. I've been looking at many maps these days. As long as I can fly in the sky, where can't I go?"
It turned out Chang Haojie wasn't foolish either. He had already thought of a solution. If he couldn't resist at a critical moment, he could elope. Since he could fly, he could go anywhere in the world.
"Don't think you're so great just because you can fly. Many birds have mutated now. Even I might not be able to protect myself in the sky, let alone you!" Shen Feng's words made him genuinely worried that his brother-in-law might do something rash. If he really eloped with someone and encountered danger on the way, it would be truly disastrous.
However, Shen Feng's words did not garner Chang Haojie's attention. Chang Haojie said earnestly, "Brother-in-law, don't scare me. I'm not a timid person who will obediently listen just because you scare me. You often scare children using this method!"
"You brat, you're really infuriating!" Shen Feng finally understood why his sister had hit him before. When a younger brother couldn't be reasoned with, speaking with fists was the most effective method.
Shen Feng felt that he was stating the truth, yet Chang Haojie didn't take it seriously. His mood soured. He thought that only by letting this kid suffer a real hardship would he become more honest.
In reality, mutated birds were breeding all over the globe. Compared to mutated beasts on the ground and in the water, mutated birds in the sky naturally possessed a huge advantage. For one thing, they wouldn't encounter danger in the sky. Moreover, birds could travel long distances without encountering obstacles. Birds also had their own navigation systems, allowing them to know their location at all times, increasing their range and opportunities to find food.
Thus, the mutation of birds became unstoppable. Even when facing large-scale human eradication, these birds had the ability to migrate to distant locations. Unless one possessed powerful aerial forces, it was impossible to eliminate mutated birds.
Just as the two were preparing to return to the Wind God Palace, Shen Feng's phone suddenly rang. He picked it up and saw it was Chu Chaoyan calling. After connecting, Chu Chaoyan immediately said, "Afeng, Xixi has returned from Rongcheng. She was sent back by train. She also brought a letter from General Xie for you!"
Shen Feng had planned to go to Rongcheng in the next few days to bring his family back. However, before he had even set off, Zhang Xixi had already returned and brought the latest news, which surprised him.
Shen Feng was silent for a moment and replied, "I'll be back right away. Tell Xixi to wait for me. I have a few things to ask her."
When Chang Jianyi sensed danger before, she had prepared for the worst. Zhang Xixi had been staying in Yuzhou, and her abilities were not combat-oriented. To protect Zhang Xixi, Chang Jianyi arranged for her to go to Rongcheng, where Shen Feng's family could offer some protection.
Zhang Xixi's sudden return, and by train no less, coincidentally happened after Shen Feng had a falling out with the headquarters. This carried a significant implication.
Shen Feng and Chang Haojie quickly returned to the Wind God Palace. The Wind God Palace was undergoing reconstruction. In the previous battle between ability users, more than half of the Wind God Palace had been destroyed. Meng Weichang's abilities were truly powerful. Earth-element ability users were not to be underestimated. Although they couldn't cause large-scale earthquakes like Andorf, localized tremors had a significant impact. The once sturdy main hall was destroyed by the vibrations.
To repair the Wind God Palace, Chang Jianyi immediately allocated some funds to recruit workers. The first priority was to repair the deep cracks in the ground, both on the city walls and the ground, which needed to be eliminated as soon as possible. Additionally, the destroyed houses had to be rebuilt.
Upon arriving at the castle, Shen Feng immediately saw Zhang Xixi sitting to the side. Chu Chaoyan was also standing nearby holding Little Tiger. Chang Jianyi had gone to the City Lord's Mansion to handle official business, so taking care of the child fell to Chu Chaoyan.
Seeing Zhang Xixi appear, Shen Feng quickly asked, "Xixi, you've returned from Rongcheng. How are my parents?"
Zhang Xixi quickly replied, "Brother Shen Feng, Uncle and Aunt are doing very well. They don't need to go out to work and receive all sorts of supplies. They are well taken care of, but there's one thing they can't do: they can't move around freely!"
This outcome was within Shen Feng's expectations. He believed his parents could have stayed with him and would not have faced any danger. However, his parents had not left because his sister had a stable job in Rongcheng with a bright future. Shen Yu felt that staying in Rongcheng would allow her to achieve great things. This made the family Shen Feng's weakness, essentially hostages at a critical moment.
Therefore, when Shen Feng had his falling out with the headquarters, a call from Rongcheng came not long after. Shen Feng knew it was his family on the other end, but he couldn't answer. He chose to ignore it, knowing that if he answered, his parents would use familial affection to bind him, and whether this was their true intention was unclear.
As hostages, Rongcheng would naturally treat Shen Feng's family well, as any harm to them would negate their leverage.
Shen Feng continued to ask, "You were sent back? What happened? Didn't I tell you to wait for me to pick you up?"
Zhang Xixi quickly replied, "I didn't want to be sent back, but General Xie insisted that I return and gave me this letter for you. He said you chose an unwise path and that it's not too late to turn back now. If you insist on going your own way, it will surely lead to destruction!"
As she spoke, Zhang Xixi handed Shen Feng a letter she had been carrying. The letter had not been opened and had been kept with her, so no one else could know its contents.
Shen Feng took the letter and began to read. It said, "Shen Feng, I hope this letter finds you well. We met briefly two years ago and haven't had time to meet since. However, I have observed your words and actions for a long time and know you are a man with a sense of justice. I also believe that under Professor Chu's guidance, you know you should save the common people. However, the path you have chosen is wrong.
Today, although the land of China has not yet been divided, in reality, it is in a state of fragmentation, with nominal unity barely maintained. Yuzhou, as the gateway to the southwest, holds a strategically vital position. If Yuzhou and the headquarters work together to resolve the crisis of this chaotic era, they will be remembered for generations. But if you insist on going your own way and choose to isolate yourselves, you will inevitably be confined to one region and will only invite destruction. In the end, history will only record the name of an ambitious man. You must not continue down this path.
I also know you have been wronged and feel treated unfairly, believing the headquarters is targeting you. However, I can tell you that the Heavenly Dragon Bureau's arrival in Yuzhou was at the instigation of a small group of people who wished to gain influence by occupying Yuzhou. They have now been punished, and they will all face consequences. You, too, should put aside your prejudices and choose reconciliation.
If you are willing to reconcile with the headquarters, I am willing to mediate and resolve the unpleasantness between both sides.
Be aware that the Three Gorges can sever Yuzhou's waterways, and Rongcheng, Xiangyang, and Guiyang can cut off Yuzhou's railways. Roads are blocked everywhere. Yuzhou will be like a turtle in a jar. If it truly comes to that, it will be too late to regret. Think carefully, think carefully!
I will take good care of your parents. Furthermore, your sister is highly capable and will become a cadre in Rongcheng. This is a sincere offer, please consider it!"
After reading the letter, Shen Feng couldn't help but frown. The analysis in the letter was reasonable. According to what was written, he had indeed been impulsive before.