Hearing that it was Eagle Country, Chen Jianguo's pupils contracted.
They had cleared a passage to the surface and started operating already?
"Keep shooting them down. Don't let them approach the World Tree!"
After giving the order, he thought for a moment, then turned toward the communications station and said gravely:
"Get Elder Zhao on the line."
A few seconds later, Elder Zhao's face appeared on the screen.
Chen Jianguo immediately stood at attention and saluted.
"Reporting, sir! Eagle Country has sent drones to scout the World Tree. We've shot down two, and more will very likely follow. Please advise!"
Elder Zhao frowned slightly.
"Intercept them with everything you have."
"Ensure the World Tree's safety at all costs."
He paused, his voice turning cold.
"If they won't behave, we'll give them a hand and make sure they stay in their Underground Cities to enjoy their remaining years in peace."
"You know what to do."
Facing Elder Zhao's meaningful gaze, Chen Jianguo's heart gave a violent thump.
Enjoy their remaining years in peace?
The meaning of those words could not have been clearer.
Before ending the call, Elder Zhao left him with one more sentence.
"If anything happens to the World Tree, I'll hold you accountable!"
Chen Jianguo's back was ramrod straight.
"Yes, sir!"
The call ended.
Chen Jianguo turned around, his gaze icy.
He looked at the surveillance feed. The World Tree had already grown over five hundred meters tall.
Its crown spread like a giant umbrella, sheltering a patch of life.
Within several hundred meters of it, radiation levels were no longer harmful to humans.
This tree was Great Xia's hope.
There could be no room for the slightest mishap.
Chen Jianguo ordered sharply:
"Deploy the armored units!"
"Establish a defensive line beneath the World Tree!"
"You are authorized