“Lord Fengshen, I have footage from the front lines that has just been sent back. After watching it, you will know what has truly happened on the front. Our people can no longer withstand the insect attacks!” Qian Bufei said, taking out a USB drive containing the firsthand footage.
Shen Feng nodded and said to Xu Xing, who was beside him, “Hurry and find a projector. I need to see the situation at the front lines before making a decision. Also, do not alert the two ladies.”
Xu Xing went to find a computer and returned a few minutes later, carrying a laptop that could play USB drives. They could now directly see the situation at the front.
Qian Bufei began to play the footage. The USB drive contained many videos, most of which were blurry. This was unavoidable, as it was already remarkable that many surveillance systems could even record. Many people didn't even have the chance to capture such images.
A shocking scene appeared on the laptop screen: an endless swarm of insects descended from the sky, landing on humans and biting them relentlessly. The insects varied in form. Some specialized in releasing venom, others in gnawing at humans, and some were insidious, specifically designed to parasitize the human body.
Qian Bufei explained, “Please look at the diverse forms of these insects. Many of them have their own unique abilities. Take these Asian giant hornets, for instance. Before mutation, a dozen of them could kill a person due to their potent venom. After mutation, a single Asian giant hornet can kill a person!”
“Insects that use venom? That is quite troublesome, as there are often no antidotes for the toxins released by many of these insects!” Shen Feng’s expression grew solemn. Many mutated insects possessed potent venom. A single sting could cause immediate allergic reactions or poisoning, leading to death.
Qian Bufei continued, “There’s more. Here is a mutated mole cricket, commonly known as a ‘little earth dog.’ They are actually a type of insect that lives underground and likes to bite people. They can directly sever human arms or feet. These insects are very fond of burrowing, so even people hiding in air-raid shelters have been attacked!”
“Insects attacking from the soil, that is also very troublesome, making it impossible to guard against. Even camping in the wilderness requires vigilance against potential attacks from the ground,” Shen Feng nodded.
Qian Bufei switched to another video and said, “There is also this detestable insect. Although very small, it lays eggs under human skin after landing. After a few days, the human body will take on the shape of a corn cob, with numerous small holes. Countless insects will then fly out of the human body. It’s impossible to kill them all!”
Shen Feng recalled the death of Yue Hengyi’s wife. His accidental death was primarily due to parasitic insects, specifically ticks that could burrow into the human body to reproduce. Now, new types of insects had appeared in the south. Judging by their appearance, with wings on their backs, they might be capable of flight.
“Just seeing these three types of insects fills us with dread. A normal person would never agree to your request!” Shen Feng said calmly.
Qian Bufei became anxious upon hearing this. “Lord Fengshen, many cities in the south have already been destroyed, and people are displaced. Countless individuals are fleeing towards major cities, only to be attacked by various mutated beasts along the way. We are out of options and can only request your help.”
After saying this, Qian Bufei seemed to recall something. He then found the secret weapon – the other footage on the USB drive – and said sincerely, “This shows the living conditions of the people in the south. Please watch it carefully, and you will change your mind. We are not simply begging for help; we are requesting your assistance for the survival of humanity!”
With that, Qian Bufei clicked on the new videos, allowing Shen Feng to watch directly.
These videos showed people fleeing with their families, many in tattered clothes, clearly having no clothes left to wear. Many children followed their mothers with bare bottoms. Along the roadside, there were numerous unclaimed corpses, left in the grass. If wild dogs passed by, they would not hesitate to devour these bodies. However, during their escape, people seemed accustomed to such scenes and did not even glance at the roadside.
Many children knelt by the roadside, weeping while hugging their parents’ corpses, not knowing what their future held. Their only remaining family members were now dead, and these children could do nothing but cry.
The videos also showed the state of the cities. Many cities were in ruins, and countless people had been attacked by insects. Some died from poisoning, while others were parasitized. Their bodies developed small holes, from which insects emerged. These insects developed within the human body, growing from eggs to larvae, then to adults, and finally flying out of the human body, which had become their nourishment.
Seeing these scenes, Xu Xing felt a pang of sympathy. She said to Shen Feng, “City Lord, these people are truly pitiable. If we do not help them, they will ultimately die a tragic death!”
Shen Feng looked at Qian Bufei and asked, “Do you think showing me these things can make me overflow with sympathy and make a rash decision? If that is your intention, I believe it is unnecessary!”
Qian Bufei said earnestly, “Lord Fengshen, I admit that I did intend for you to feel sympathy after watching these videos. However, I must also state that the plight of these people is evident. If you do not believe me, please go and see for yourself. I guarantee you will witness even more tragic scenes!”
“Countless soldiers are fighting bravely, solely to resist the invasion of these insects and to ensure their families can live. Yet, it is all in vain. City after city is being destroyed by these detestable insects. You know that there are too many insects in Dian Province. If this continues, we will not even be able to preserve the last sanctuary of humanity. Human civilization will suffer a great blow and may even spread to the Chuan Yu region!” Qian Bufei said sincerely.
Shen Feng was also filled with worry. If these insects truly destroyed all the cities in the south, they might eventually cross the Yangtze River and threaten the people in the Chuan Yu region.
Shen Feng stood by the window, looking at the scenery in the distance. At that moment, Chu Chaoyan and Li Keyi walked past the front of the castle side by side.
Shen Feng looked at Chu Chaoyan, who appeared happy, and Li Keyi, who was smiling, and felt a surge of tenderness. After so many years in this doomsday, the only sanctuary in his heart was the love given by his family. Now, his wives and children were living in this environment. If this peace were to be shattered, he would surely regret it.
However, Shen Feng had to consider one thing. If he ignored the situation and the insects eventually reached the Chuan Yu region, the cost would be even greater.
“The great river flows eastward, with waves piling up; the river water surges unceasingly. Across the river, a den of tigers and wolves; a true man’s heart is bold and heroic. Boats crossing the river are like willow leaves; with the slightest carelessness, they are extinguished like an oil lamp in a gale!” Shen Feng sighed.
Shen Feng’s mood was complex. He felt an urge to rush to the battlefield and save people from fire and water, yet he also worried that a single misstep could lead to a complete loss. If the Chuan Yu region were plunged into war, he would be considered a sinner in the eyes of the people.
Qian Bufei, upon hearing these words, immediately applauded and exclaimed, “Lord Fengshen is truly talented! In just a few minutes, you have recited such an astonishing piece of poetry. I believe the content of these verses is remarkably similar to Guan Hanqing’s ‘Guan Yu Single-Handedly Crosses the River with His Saber’!”
Seeing Qian Bufei praise him so highly, Shen Feng noticed a flattering expression on his face. It was clear that he was trying to curry favor to make Shen Feng happy!
“Stop saying such embarrassing things. How can I dare to compare myself to Guan Hanqing? I was merely expressing my feelings. I have now made up my mind. Sometimes, avoidance is not the solution. When action is needed, one must act!” Shen Feng said helplessly.
Qian Bufei’s heart was filled with joy. He thought, “Indeed, flattery works wonders. As long as I say enough good things, even if the other party has doubts, they will eventually be swayed!”
Xu Xing also breathed a sigh of relief, surprised that Shen Feng had changed his mind. She quickly asked, “City Lord, even if you agree, you must also persuade your subordinates to agree. You cannot act unilaterally!”
Shen Feng smiled and said, “You don’t need to remind me of this. I already have an idea because I possess information that many others do not know. It is time to release this information!”
Xu Xing pondered for a moment and then suddenly asked, “Is it about aliens?”
Shen Feng nodded. “That’s right, it is related to information about aliens. Furthermore, I must state one thing: as long as the oxygen concentration on Earth does not decrease, these insects will not stop mutating, and human lifespan will continue to shorten. To stop all of this, we must personally end this doomsday.”
Qian Bufei became confused upon hearing their conversation and asked, “Lord Fengshen, so you still believe in the supernatural in this world? It has long been proven that aliens do not exist, yet you believe these rumors. What are you thinking?”
Shen Feng said calmly, “When the real is treated as fake, and the fake as real. In fact, the information about aliens is not baseless. You will understand what I mean in a few days. At that time, I will announce news that will shock the world. Once this news is released, people will change their minds!”