Had they known that this operation would attract so many mutated birds, they wouldn’t have left the city. Other people’s business was not related to their Jiangnan Base.

Zhao Jinghao angrily retorted, "If it weren’t for you selling these mutated beasts and that large aircraft, how could so many mutated birds have gathered? This is your fault. If anything happens to our Jiangnan Base because of this, you’ll be eternally blamed."

Such words would surely incite public outrage. The soldiers at the scene were already casting unfriendly glances at Zhou You and his team. Some chimed in, "Yes, we bear all the risks but don’t reap the rewards. They should be sent out since they killed two high-level mutated birds with ease. They should handle those birds outside."

Ren Zhiyuan, alarmed by their escalating accusations, tried to intervene, "Silence! Just a flock of mutated birds and you're ready to forsake your own kind? If you know they're experts, then trust that we'll get through this."

Ren Zhiyuan realized that any place guarded by Marshal Shao couldn't possibly be breached by a flock of birds.

Shao Qi, accompanied by Zhou You, ascended the city walls. In mere minutes, the sky outside was dominated by the mutated birds, darkening the horizon and obscuring much of the sunlight.

"What are your plans, Commander Ren?" Shao Qi asked, positioning himself strategically before Ren Zhiyuan could reveal his true identity.

Ren Zhiyuan responded cautiously, "There are too many mutated birds. We need to initiate an attack. We've installed a high-voltage current at the city gate that can induce thunderstorms, making it the perfect weapon against these avian mutants."

It wasn't that Ren Zhiyuan lacked capability; he had simply grown too comfortable, habitually hiding within this relatively safe base.

"Very well, we'll proceed as you've suggested."

Observing the erected electric poles on the city wall, Zhou You curiously inquired, "How do we use this electric current?"

"To summon lightning."

As he spoke, although there was no noticeable shift in the surroundings, the sky darkened abruptly. It wasn't the horde of mutated birds blocking the sun this time, but sudden dense clouds forming overhead. Zhou You muttered to himself, "That's... not scientifically possible, is it?"

However, to beasts, lightning was nature's overwhelming power, especially for birds in flight. They were innately fearful of thunderstorms.

The mutated bird swarm grew restless. Their cries intensified. Two superior mutated birds soared above, flapping their wings and sending a gust of wind sweeping towards the city walls, causing the electric poles to wobble.

"Impressive," commented Zhou You. "Do they realize the lightning is summoned by these electric poles? I remember encountering a large white bird atop a mountain when I first ventured out. Its size and power seem comparable, probably another superior mutated bird."

Shao Qi replied calmly, "The sudden appearance of these weaponized poles on the city walls is obvious to any creature with a modicum of intelligence."

"Should we prioritize taking out these two superior mutated birds? They seem to have become leaders." Zhou You noticed that, initially, the mutated birds acted individually and without discipline.

But with the leadership of the two superior birds, the others quickly aligned, resembling soldiers awaiting commands, which was rather alarming.

Ren Zhiyuan concurred, ordering the artillery to target the two superior birds, "Once they're down, the rest will be easier to manage."

Cheng Ziang arrived with a fully-equipped squad from the military district and asked, "Commander, should we move the civilians to shelters?"

Ren Zhiyuan nodded gravely, "Activate the air raid sirens. Not only should the civilians take shelter underground, but we should also summon elite warriors from all factions to assist. We need to be prepared for any eventuality."

"Understood!"

Shortly after, air raid sirens echoed throughout the inner city. Having undergone regular air raid drills, civilians were quick to grab their emergency kits and head to the nearest shelters.

Li Yanqing was home alone; his parents were at work. He tried calling them after hearing the siren, but due to the strong atmospheric interference, all signals in the base were disrupted.

Mi Ai knocked on his door, and without hesitation, they both grabbed basic iron swords and dashed out.

"Should we head to the shelter or find our parents?" Li Yanqing, almost knocked over multiple times by the panicked crowd, asked.

Taking refuge in a corner, Mi Ai, fueled by adrenaline, proposed, "Actually, I'd rather go to the outer city. Haven't we felt stronger from our recent training? While we might not take down superior mutants, we can probably handle the lesser ones!"

Thinking Mi Ai had lost his mind, Li Yanqing retorted, "What makes you think you can take on mutants? Have you even ever killed a chicken or a duck? Just a few days of training and you think you're a pro? Aren't the martial arts instructors from our neighborhood better than you? Have you seen any of them rushing out?"

Presently, aside from the military personnel, only elite disciples from various factions, all certified warriors, were supporting the defense. With so many experts around, they were confident of the base's safety.

"But the opportunity is rare..."

"Snap out of it. Let's head to the shelter first. Once the signals return, we can call our parents. Even if we can't face off against the mutants outside, we can protect the civilians. Isn't that a commendable act too?" Li Yanqing reasoned, leading Mi Ai towards the underground shelter.

Several rocket launchers simultaneously fired at the two superior mutated birds. However, owing to their swift and agile flight, none hit the target. Instead, numerous lesser birds were scattered by the blasts.

The continuous artillery fire left a scent of gunpowder in the air. The haze further blurred the already low visibility, making it challenging to spot birds.