Shen Feng directly called Yuzhou. When Chang Jianyi answered, she quickly asked, "Afeng, what's the situation on your end? Is the progress going smoothly?"
Shen Feng directly replied, "The progress is average. Do you remember the ability-enhancing potion I asked you to keep safe? Give it to Yue Hengyi's cousin, Qu Zhaoqian, I believe his name is. Let him become an ability user, and then in a few days, have Xiaojie bring him over so they can help us fight."
Upon hearing Shen Feng's instructions, Chang Jianyi quickly replied, "I understand, I'll do it right away. But, is it really okay to have just these two youths help you?"
Chang Jianyi knew that Shen Feng was likely facing difficulties, so she quickly inquired. Chang Haojie's combat power didn't seem very strong, and even if Qu Zhaoqian became an ability user, he wouldn't have much combat effectiveness in such a short time. In this situation, Shen Feng was still short of personnel.
Shen Feng said seriously, "It's fine, they don't need to fight. The enemy is mutated beasts, I can handle them. But for the mushroom forest, they will need to cooperate. Also, how is the situation in Yuzhou? If you're too busy, I'll have Chaoyan go back to help you."
Chang Jianyi quickly said, "No need. Let Chaoyan stay with you. In Yuzhou, the matters of farming and arranging for disaster victims are a bit complicated, but I can handle it. Recently, the city lord's mansion recruited a group of people. Although they are new, they are capable. The children from the orphanage are also helping. Yuzhou is fine. If you still need people, just ask, and I'll arrange for others to come and help."
Shen Feng had been worried about the situation in Yuzhou. Both he and Chu Chaoyan had left Yuzhou. At this time, only Chang Jianyi was left to handle the documents. Shen Feng had intended to have Chu Chaoyan return to help Chang Jianyi, but Chang Jianyi had now refused. In this situation, Shen Feng couldn't go against Chang Jianyi's decision.
Shen Feng also knew that his actions were raising the stakes. Shen Feng chose to trust Qian Bufei, believing he could ultimately defeat the mushroom forest.
As long as Ruili was recaptured, oil could be obtained first. Yuzhou would be able to get rid of the transportation method of steamships and could develop the refining industry in the future. Moreover, with the existence of the Burma Road, supplies could also be sent from Southeast Asia to Yuzhou, and the trade routes that were previously cut off by headquarters could be reconnected.
With all these benefits, Shen Feng saw even greater long-term returns. Although it required more effort, as long as victory was achieved, the benefits would be endless.
Shen Feng chatted with Chang Jianyi for a while and suddenly remembered something. He quickly said, "Senior sister, please help me pass on a few words. Tell Du Xinshi that I won't be able to return for a while, and the return time might be a bit later. Tell her to take care of herself."
Chang Jianyi said, "I understand. I'll have Hua Jingran deliver the message. Be careful out there. As for things at home, I'll take care of them."
This was not the first time Shen Feng had heard Chang Jianyi say such things. Every time he went on a trip, Shen Feng could handle his affairs with peace of mind. Hearing Chang Jianyi's words again at this moment, Shen Feng was deeply moved and said, "Senior sister, I'm sorry for what I did before. When I return, I will give you an explanation."
"What nonsense are you talking about? Perhaps my possessiveness is too strong," Chang Jianyi couldn't help but laugh. She knew that Shen Feng hadn't changed at all.
After hanging up the phone, Chang Jianyi called Hua Jingran and said to her, "Go to Madam Du's house and convey a few words. Also, keep an eye on the kitchen. I'm hosting a dinner tonight. It's just a few people, no need for a grand welcome, but make the dishes plentiful. Handle it properly."
Now, Hua Jingran had become the new steward of the Fengshen Palace. Although she hadn't been formally appointed, her relationship with Chang Haojie meant that no one dared to object. Moreover, Hua Jingran often received guidance from Du Xinshi and knew how to manage matters within the Fengshen Palace. Chang Jianyi had also discovered Hua Jingran's strengths, namely her obedience. She might be a bit timid normally, but she could complete the tasks assigned to her.
Hua Jingran then found Du Xinshi and explained the situation. Du Xinshi couldn't help but shake her head and say, "The world is truly too chaotic. Even Shen Feng cannot control his own actions. And I can't ask for more. Life is always about continuous loss. Work hard, and you will surely have a bright future."
Hua Jingran quickly said, "Madam Du, you worry too much. When you and sister reconcile, you will still be the steward of the Fengshen Palace. Don't be so pessimistic."
At this moment, Hua Jingran thought that Du Xinshi was sad about losing her position as steward, so she quickly comforted her. She owed her current position to Du Xinshi's guidance, so she naturally wouldn't dare to take Du Xinshi's place.
Du Xinshi smiled and pointed to Xiao Long, who was playing with toys, and said, "Unlike the child, he has plenty of time, while I have lost time. Never mind, let's not talk about this anymore. I still need to continue making clothes. If you have nothing to do, sit down with me. If you have something to do, then go, don't mind me."
Hua Jingran quickly took her leave at this moment. She still had to consider the banquet tonight. Chang Jianyi was hosting guests, and the invited guests were Yue Hengyi's family. Hua Jingran didn't know the reason.
After seeing Hua Jingran off, Du Xinshi couldn't help but cough violently, her expression filled with pain. She knew that her time was running out.
"Heaven is unfair to me. If only I had ten more years," Du Xinshi thought to herself.
Meanwhile, on Shen Feng's side, ever since Qian Bufei began to pay serious attention to the mushroom forest, Shen Feng had been running errands all day. After all, even within the mushroom forest, no one could stop Shen Feng's progress. With speed and the ability to protect himself, he was naturally the best candidate for reconnaissance.
Thus, Shen Feng spent his days carrying equipment and wandering through the forest. The equipment would emit ultrasonic waves, and different data transmitted back by the ultrasonic waves would be used to detect what was underground.
After reviewing a large amount of literature and data, Chu Chaoyan finally made a judgment: "To defeat the mushroom forest and open a path through it, the key is not the mushrooms on the surface. No matter how tall these mushrooms are, whether they are ten meters or twenty meters, or whether they emit spores, the most important thing is underground. There are mutated fungal sclerotia underground. If the sclerotia cannot be defeated, the mushroom forest can never be defeated."
This conclusion was agreed upon by many. Shen Feng spent his days running around the mushroom forest with equipment, also detecting the underground situation. From the data, everyone could conclude that there was a huge sclerotium underground in the mushroom forest, and this was the main body of the mushroom forest. This sclerotium controlled the actions of the surface mushroom forest.
The so-called sclerotium is formed by countless hyphae condensing and intertwining. Some mushrooms can form sclerotia, while others cannot. The sclerotium appearing underground in the mushroom forest at this time is actually the largest organism in the world, and the mushroom forest on the surface can be understood as the reproductive organs of the fungus.
Upon learning of this conclusion, Qian Bufei couldn't help but frown and ponder, "The enemy is underground. It's not easy for bacteria and viruses to penetrate underground. To corrupt the sclerotium, one needs to dig holes in the mushroom forest. This is also not easy to achieve. Furthermore, there are many mutated beasts in the mushroom forest. These mutated beasts have also been selected after being raised in a 'gu' culture, and they are also a considerable force that needs to be dealt with."
As the investigation deepened, the true nature of the mushroom forest was revealed. Although the mushroom forest appeared to be the main enemy, the real enemy was the underground sclerotium. No matter how many mushrooms on the surface were cut down, they could regrow. Therefore, to achieve victory, more problems needed to be solved.
Qian Bufei couldn't help but encourage himself, "I must work hard. As long as I defeat the sclerotium, I will be the hero of Dian Province. I can bring benefits to Dian Province and help the people on the plateau and mountains escape poverty. I can definitely do it. What did Mencius say? 'If you wish to govern the world, in the present day, who else but me?'"
At this moment, Qian Bufei even used Mencius's words to motivate himself. He knew he couldn't give up. In the current situation, as long as he completed the mission, the subsequent matters would be much simpler. The southern countries would not be able to stop him from capturing the port.
Meanwhile, Chang Haojie brought the newly turned ability user Qu Zhaoqian to the camp. Compared to a year ago, Qu Zhaoqian was much more composed. He was still a junior high school student, but he was about to go to the battlefield.
Qian Bufei didn't expect that the helpers Shen Feng found were two youths. Chang Haojie was fine, a fourth-tier ability user who could fly freely and snipe enemies from the sky. But Qu Zhaoqian was even younger than Chang Haojie. Could he be of any use?
"Mr. Shen, can these two youths you found really be of use?" Qian Bufei couldn't help but ask Shen Feng quietly.
Upon hearing this, Shen Feng said seriously, "Don't underestimate them. They are very powerful, especially Qu Zhaoqian. Didn't you know? He's actually Yue Hengyi's cousin, and I personally chose his ability. What are you still worried about?"
"What am I worried about? Yue Hengyi is very strong, I admit that. But Yue Hengyi being strong doesn't mean his cousin is also strong. I have some doubts about whether they can help," Qian Bufei said honestly.
Unexpectedly, these words were overheard by Chang Haojie and Qu Zhaoqian. Chang Haojie directly said, "Ambition is not measured by age; those without ambition live a hundred years in vain. Mr. Qian, looking down on us two ambitious youths like this seems excessive."
Qu Zhaoqian also said at this time, "Since we were chosen by the city lord, we must be capable. When it comes to combat, we will definitely not disappoint you."
Shen Feng shrugged and looked at Qian Bufei, saying, "See? They are all eager. Do you have anything else to say now?"
Qian Bufei quickly apologized, "Alright, alright, I underestimated the two young heroes. Then I will look forward to their great performance in the upcoming battle."
Qu Zhaoqian still couldn't forget about avenging his cousin. Although the people from the Tianlong Bureau had been forced to disband by Shen Feng and Wang Ao Ye, Qu Zhaoqian had not forgotten that among those who framed his cousin were the Thirteen Guardians of Mount Lüliang. These guys deserved to die. He would wait until he grew up, wait until he became stronger, and then he would wipe out Mount Lüliang.
As the days passed, the monsoons from India brought abundant moisture, and the rainy season had arrived in Ruili.
In this season, the rainy season was still a distant prospect in the north. Perhaps at this time, the north was just beginning to sow seeds, but in Ruili, the rainy season had already arrived.
There are sayings about eating wild mushrooms in Dian Province, especially when picking mushrooms, one must be early. Because after the rain, mushrooms would emerge from the ground. However, under the rain, there were also hidden problems. Mushrooms decayed very quickly, and the appearance of rain was conducive to the reproduction of bacteria. Many mushrooms grew at night, and only by getting up early could one find the freshest mushrooms. For example, getting up at five or six in the morning, before dawn, was when the most mushrooms were harvested.
Two months passed, and Qian Bufei was ready by this time. After the first rain, he made a decision, "Prepare for battle. I now have a good understanding of the mutated fungi here. According to the plan, prepare to act."