Yang Xiangchun had defected to the Underground Race and become the Bizarre Tree's agent. That meant the Underground Race had brainwashed him long ago.
Human civilization, the continuation of civilization—none of it meant anything to him. It was like talking to a wall, and nothing could possibly change his mind.
Of course, General Zeng and the Old Men of the Joint Command Group had exposed Yang Xiangchun's identity and motives at this moment for two reasons. First, to stop him from causing trouble. The other reason was to unify everyone's thinking, steady morale, and rein in those whose will to fight had wavered or who had doubts about this expedition.
This was more than a battle. It was a war between humanity and the Underground Race for control of the Surface World, a war to the death.
The losing side would lose not only its territory, but also its right to survive.
In the past, the destruction of a nation and the extinction of its people had been the worst consequences anyone could imagine. But the war against the Underground Race was even worse.
Everyone present was smart enough to sense where this was heading.
Their expressions turned solemn.
People might have different views on the decision to send troops out in haste. That was normal military discussion.
But if they acted like Yang Xiangchun, the nature of the matter changed completely.
Those who had agreed with Yang Xiangchun earlier were especially ill at ease now. They wished they could declare their position on the spot, insisting that they had never had any private dealings with him. They had agreed with his views only out of caution, and purely from a military perspective.
Deputy Governor Li, Li Yuntao, seemed to sense the delicate atmosphere and tried to smooth things over.