The temperature dropped for the first time, but Sand Port erupted in persistent thunderstorms and strong winds.

The fierce wind blew a large amount of Dead Sea haze towards the land, which drastically reduced ground visibility and caused a series of problems.

The air purifier Max issued a warning: "The air quality index level has reached level six, healthy people's exercise tolerance has decreased, showing obvious and intense symptoms, and certain diseases may appear earlier."

"Children, the elderly, and the sick should stay indoors to avoid physical exertion, and the general population should avoid outdoor activities."

Mechanical Doctor Da Vinci issued even stricter words: "The harm of this summer's severe weather has exceeded the last autumn fog. The Death Light concentration near the Dead Sea area has increased by 11.1% above the usual average, and the inland Oasis Side also increased by 5.2%. Even though the Maria Hospital has Building Life bodies blocking it, the concentration of Death Light in the wards has also increased by 0.1%."

"An increase in Death Light concentration, accompanied by enhanced energy radiation, will exceed the existing human physiological threshold, possibly causing flesh and blood life pain, swelling, bleeding, and even organ failure."

"Everyone is advised to stay indoors as much as possible, either in buildings or Mushroom Houses. Buildings can effectively block and absorb Death Light, reducing physiological load on the human body."

In fact, meteorological satellites had already issued warnings three days ago.

Zhou Yi had also convened leaders from various departments early on to make targeted plans for the disaster weather.

Thunderstorms and strong winds occurring simultaneously made it seem as though Jade City nearby was submerged by the Dead Sea, with occasional flashes of lightning and thunder, and very low visibility around.

Fortunately, with last year's experience, the response this time was much quicker.

Guangtai workers and outdoor employees were all staying home to rest.

The company's underground granary had a sufficient supply of food.

The staples included sweet potatoes, wheat flour, peanuts, dried mushrooms, as well as pickled cabbage and radishes. The underground freezer also stored plenty of chicken and fish, fully capable of satisfying the employees' food needs for a long time.

The slightly more troublesome issue was water supply.

Last year during the foggy days, many still went to fetch water. After all, not everyone lived in Jade City and had access to tap water.

Fortunately, now there was the Dead Sea Channel, which diverted some river water to the reservoir, not only for irrigating farmland but also for leading water to residential areas.

So now people only needed to step outside to collect drinking water, which was much more convenient than having to travel to the Oasis Side in the past.

Zhou Yi immediately contacted Lord Sand Sea to inquire about the situation in the west of Sand Port.

"No major problems."

Lord Sand Sea said on the other end: "Just the wind knocking down some trees and collapsing an old warehouse storing dry papyrus, injuring four people, but otherwise okay."

"I figure, it won't be long before it starts to rain heavily. After that, the city will have to deal with drainage issues."

Zhou Yi then contacted several other sea lords.

Tree Monster Territory's lord said: "Here, we just lost some fruits because the Death Light concentration rose, causing a lot of ripe fruits to rot, and some fish died too. But this is also normal; natural disasters are like this."

Duke Beidu was hardly affected.

The post-war reconstruction of Shell City added many Mushroom Houses. After growing over the past half year, these Mushroom Houses stood tall and strong, becoming natural windbreaks and effectively protecting various parts of the city.

Steel Refining City, however, faced significant challenges.

"The blast furnaces in the steel plant can't operate now; we just have to shut down temporarily."

"The refrigeration box factory was just built, but this wind blew down half of it directly, injuring a worker."

Steel Refining Lord was somewhat frustrated: "The mines were also affected by the strong wind causing landslides; this time, luck isn't on our side. But we'll handle it, rest assured, it won't affect the refrigeration box schedule."

Although everyone faced setbacks, it was generally controllable.

Zhou Yi opened the satellite imagery on his tablet.

Near Sand Port, various areas had different degrees of natural disasters, but basically, either thunderstorms, strong winds or torrential rains directly affected them minimally.

Zhou Yi had to zoom out the map, expanding the search range.

The last hurricane event in Shell City made him realize a pattern—disasters are also opportunities and variables, natural forces force some places to change.

If he could identify affected areas, there might be good opportunities to promote and sell the company's products.

Now that the outside areas were sanctioned by the Mechanical and Electrical City Group and the economy was down, he also needed to find ways to generate some income.

Red Kestrel reminded him: "Zhou, there's a place where opportunities exist."

Zhou Yi saw, the screen pinpointed a sizable land area.

It displayed high temperatures and a severe locust plague.

Shuanghe Region.

"The destructive power of a locust plague, even for Skywalker, is hard to handle without specific capabilities."

"These insects themselves possess a strong tolerance for Death Light, and with a large lurking area, their presence indicates they have already pervaded the region. Indiscriminate attacks could endanger all the plants in the whole area."

Zhou Yi thought for a moment: "But can we handle this locust plague?"

"Yes."

Red Kestrel explained: "You forgot, we still have a vast biological army."

Zhou Yi immediately snapped back to reality: "Sand rats."

"Not just sand rats, but also Coal Shell Bugs and Drill Head Rats."

Red Kestrel said: "Insects have always been part of their diet."

Zhou Yi was greatly reassured.

An army is trained for years to be used at a crucial moment.

The time had finally come for them to be of use.

The electromechanical mouse Nemo was sent over by Red Kestrel.

"Chairman, I understand the situation. If it is dealing with locust plague locusts, I have some insights."

"In the past in Sand Port, there had been locust plagues and termite infestations, but all were eradicated by sand rats. The primary condition to handle them is to eliminate their underground eggs to prevent further expansion, and only then to strangle the surface living forces."

"On the other hand, locusts on a large scale will mutate. They use the vast majority of their energy to enhance flying and feeding capabilities, and their bodies carry toxicity and smell. However, sand rats are not picky eaters; these insects still form part of the rat swarm's diet."

"If I go there, I need to bring some Drill Head Rats, they are strong at burrowing, with voracious appetite and energy. Plus, integrating the local sand rat population, we can carry out targeted elimination and extermination of local locusts."

"The entire process requires time; it involves thorough cleaning from the bottom up because the Shuanghe Region is extensive."

Nemo is always cautious.

If it says it can handle it, then it's solid.

Zhou Yi immediately said to Red Kestrel: "Contact Lin Qin from the Shuanghe Region."

A dozen seconds later.

A somewhat familiar voice came through the loudspeaker: "Mr. Zhou, long time no see."

The tone was as courteous as ever.

Zhou Yi said, "I noticed that the Shuanghe Region is currently facing a locust plague. If you need it, I can send people to help you deal with this problem."

There was a pause on the other end.

"Does your company also have experience in pest control?"

"A bit of experience," he replied.

Zhou Yi said, "Although I cannot guarantee rapid eradication, it is nonetheless a solution."

"What would we have to pay?" Lin Qin asked.

"It would be money, of course."

"What's your price?"

"Just offer a reasonable amount."

"Please hold on for a moment."

Five minutes passed.

Lin Qin said, "After calculations on our side, the locust plague poses significant damage and is already harming Harvest City and Upstream City. If your support proves effective and contains the plague within these two cities, we are willing to pay 5000 Light Seeds as a reward. What do you think?"

The price was already quite good.

"No problem, then I will come and try."

Zhou Yi immediately ordered Nemo to rally the sand rats and the drill head rats.

Before long, Jade City First Building, carrying 44 drill head rats and 143 sand rats, took off.

...

Two hours later, Jade City landed on a barren land outside Harvest City.

Zhou Yi looked around and found that the area still suffered from severe drought, under a scorching sun, with sparse and yellowed grass.

In the distance, one could vaguely see a cloud-like swarm of insects that did not charge over mindlessly but undulated like waves, consuming heavily along the way.

Unlike the full city alert and soldier encirclement last time, this time they were greeted by Lin Qin and two mountain dogs.

Its true body was indeed a large water octopus, housed inside a hemispherical glass filled with water, beneath which were mechanical structures, wheels, and mechanical arms.

"Mr. Zhou is indeed swift and decisive."

Lin Qin asked, "What exactly is the method you mentioned?"

Zhou Yi called out, "Nemo."

Electromechanical mice with their insecticide squad assembled outside.

Seeing them, Lin Qin almost instantly understood: "Oh, it's through the sand rats... but isn't this number a bit too few?"

"They will join forces with the local sand rats, don't worry about that."

Zhou Yi immediately ordered, "No time to delay, Nemo, go ahead. Jade City will back you up here."

"Yes, Chairman."

"Red Kestrel, you also go and assist Nemo by providing real-time data."

"Yes."

Under drone navigation, the electromechanical mice led the rat group towards the locusts.

Four days later.

Lin Qin came to share the good news: "It's incredible! Your company's sand rats have stopped the locust swarm on the west side, significantly slowing their expansion rate!"

Over these days, Zhou Yi also continuously observed the situation via a tablet.

From the satellite view, one could clearly see groups of sand rats appearing on the ground.

They didn't directly collide with the locusts but started from the insects laying eggs in the rear, gradually cutting them off, first wiping out small groups of locusts, and then progressively compressing the activity range of the larger swarm.

This type of military formation was obviously under Nemo's command.

The scattered and mutually aggressive local sand rats were quickly organized and integrated by it.

The order and social nature of the rat group were far superior to the locust swarm, so the larger the numbers, the greater the disparity between them.

"Still need to watch."

Five days later.

Red Kestrel came back to report, stating that the main force of locusts and underground eggs in Harvest City had been annihilated, with only scattered flying locusts still moving about, posing little threat.

Lin Qin remarked, "I didn't expect Mr. Zhou to also be studied in these matters, it seems we need to pay close attention to environmental and ecological balance issues, and need to increase the budget in this regard..."

Suddenly, it paused as if interrupted by something.

Moments later.

Lin Qin suddenly said, "Mr. Zhou, Duke Mie Ding has a million-level Light Seed project and would like to invite you to discuss it in detail in Harvest City."

A million-level Light Seed?

This was a significant deal.

Zhou Yi said, "Lead the way."

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