Chapter 451 [A Golden Rain]
Just finished speaking.
Xia En's figure flashed again, and the long blade in his hand was like the sickle of the **** of death, quickly reaping the lives of these [Ancient Spirit Clan].
After a moment, all the members of the [Ancient Spirit Clan] on the ancient tree fell down and the sound of the flute completely disappeared.
As the sound of the flute stopped, the giant apes and beasts in the forest gradually returned to peace.
Some beasts woke up like dreams and hurriedly retreated back to the forest.
The surging beast tide was suddenly in full swing.
And the giant apes seemed to have lost their command, not only began to fight on their own, but their offensive also became chaotic.
Xia En stood on the ancient tree and breathed a sigh of relief.
He knew that he had successfully cut off the control of the beast tide of the [Ancient Spirit Clan], and the pressure on the city wall would be greatly reduced.
However, he did not relax his vigilance.
Because he knew that the threat of the [Heartbreaker] had not been completely eliminated, and the real crisis might have just begun.
"We must return to the wall as soon as possible and prepare for the next battle."
Xia En's figure flashed and quickly galloped towards the direction of [Rhine City].
…
…
Above the city wall, Jane and everyone had noticed the changes in the forest.
The beast tide gradually receded, the giant apes' offensive became weaker, and the pressure on the city wall suddenly eased.
"Shane succeeded!"
A hint of joy flashed in Jane's eyes, but she quickly returned to calm.
She knew that it wasn't time to relax.
In fact, even the attack of the [Ancient Spirit Clan] itself may be just a test.
Not long.
Xia En's figure quickly returned to the city of [Rhine City] like a black lightning.
His breathing was slightly rapid, but his eyes were still as sharp as a knife.
Sha Jingjing immediately came up with concern in her eyes.
"Shane, are you okay?"
Sha Jingjing's voice was a little nervous, and her eyes quickly swept across his body to confirm whether he was injured.
Xia En shook his head and showed a faint smile.
"I'm fine, I just consumed some secret power."
"I have solved the [Ancient Spirit Clan] in the forest, and the offensive of the beast tide should be weakened a lot."
Sa Jingjing breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's time to clean up the remaining guys."
After Shane returned to [Rhine City], he immediately began to organize the cleaning of the remaining enemies nearby.
Xiange, Feiya and the soldiers in the city took action one after another.
The string song unfolded the huge dragon wings and rose into the air.
The fiery dragon breath poured down like a rain of fire, burning all the giant apes and beasts that were still wandering near the city wall.
Her dragon roar shook the sky and the earth, shocking the remaining enemies and forcing them to retreat one after another.
Feiya stood at a high place in the city wall, and the steam guns in her hand kept spitting out hot shells.
Each shell hit the target accurately and shattered the giant apes trying to get close to the city wall.
His eyes were cold and his movements were neat.
Like a ruthless war machine.
Sha Jingjing stood on the other side of the city wall, and the bow and arrow in her hand were like the staring of the **** of death.
Every time the string is pulled, a dark yellow arrow flew out, accurately hitting the enemy's key points.
Her arrows are not only fast, but also contain powerful secret power.
It can easily penetrate the black mist barrier of beasts and hit their core.
Shane stood on the wall, his eyes swept across the battlefield, confirming that the remaining enemies could no longer pose a threat.
But soon Jane walked to him and reminded.
"Captain Shane, the corpses of the giant apes and beasts... seem to be something wrong."
Xia En followed Jane's gaze toward the city wall.
I saw a faint black mist filled the bodies of the fallen giant apes and beasts.
These mists seemed to have life, slowly penetrated into the ground and even began to spread into the air.
“【Dirty Secret Power】…”
Xia En murmured in a low voice, his eyes gradually becoming solemn.
He jumped gently and came around the corpses.
Then, Xia En reached out and touched the ground, feeling a cold and evil force that was seeping out of the soil.
The black mist seemed to be eroding everything around, and even the air became turbid.
"These [filthy secret forces] are polluting soil and air."
Shane stood up, his tone heavy.
"If left unchecked, the surrounding environment around [Rhine City] will be completely corrupted and may even affect the residents in the city."
Jane's face also became ugly: "No wonder [Heartbreaker] will control the [Ancient Spirits] to launch this attack."
"Their purpose is not just to break through [Rhine City]."
"I also want to spread the [filthy secret power] on this land through the death of the beast tide."
Xia En nodded, glanced at everyone on the city wall and said in a deep voice.
"We must clean up these [filthy secret forces] as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."
He turned around and whispered to the soldiers on the city wall: "Attention everyone!"
"Cleaning the corpses of giant apes and beasts under the city wall immediately, be careful of the black mist!"
"The secret path uses secret power to purify it, and others burn it with flames. Never allow the [filthy secret power] to continue to spread!"
With Xiaen's orders, the soldiers on the walls acted quickly.
The secret paths all used their own secret techniques to purify the black mist.
The flames ignited under the city walls, and the corpses of the beast gradually turned into ashes in the flames.
However, those [filthy secret powers] seem to be more stubborn than they imagined.
Even under the burning of flames, they still adhere tenaciously to the soil and even began to spread further away.
"Ordinary flames and secret techniques have limited effects on these [filthy secret powers]."
Jane frowned and said, "We need a stronger purification method."
And at this time.
Xia En thought of the passage between [Elf Secret Realm] and [Rhine Secret Realm].
The previous [Purification Stone] has been used on the [Fourth of Life] in the [Elf Secret Realm].
If the secret power of [Fountain of Life] can be transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm] through that channel.
Perhaps it can purify these [filthy secret powers].
Xia En quickly made a decision and turned to Jane and said.
"I need to return to the [Elf Secret Realm] immediately and use the power of [Fountain of Life] to purify these [Defiled Secret Powers]."
"You continue to command here to ensure the safety of the city walls."
Jane nodded, her eyes firm.
"Don't worry, I will keep here and you will come back as soon as possible."
Xia En didn't say much, quickly activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal], and his figure flashed and disappeared from the spot.
…
…
[Elf Secret Realm].
An Qi and An are still working hard to maintain the stability of the ritual.
The energy fluctuations in the light gate have become much more stable than before, and no longer appear in an illusory state.
A fine bead of sweat oozed from Angel's forehead, her hands moved quickly on the emerald green crystals, and she whispered an ancient spell.
Anze stands beside the [Fountain of Life].
Touch the spring water gently with both hands, and the secret power in the body resonates with the spring water, guiding the power of the spring water into the ritual.
At this moment, Xia En's figure suddenly appeared beside them. "Captain Shane!"
An Qi and An exclaimed at the same time, a little surprise flashing in their eyes.
Xia En didn't have time to explain too much, so he said directly.
"There is a new situation on the battlefield of [Rhine City]."
"[The Secret Power of Dirt] is polluting the land and the air, and we need to purify them with the power of [Fountain of Life]."
Anqi immediately understood Xia En's intention, and she nodded in a hurry.
"I understand. I will adjust the ritual immediately and transmit the power of [Fountain of Life] to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
Shane nodded: "The faster the better, the time is tight."
Angel did not say much and quickly began to adjust the ritual.
Her hands moved quickly over the emerald crystals, whispering more complex spells.
As she moved, the energy fluctuations in the light gate gradually increased.
The newest ⊥Xiao⊥Speak⊥Send⊥Six⊥9⊥Book⊥⊥⊥⊥Back⊥⊥⊥⊥!
A brilliant light shot out from the crystal and rushed straight into the sky.
"An, continue to guide the power of [Fountain of Life] to ensure the stability of energy transmission."
Anqi's voice was filled with a hint of urgency.
An nodded, touching the spring water with his hands again, and the secret power in his body resonated quickly with the spring water.
The light in the spring water increased again, like a trickle of water flowing into the light gate.
Shane stood aside, staring at the energy fluctuations in the light gate.
He could feel that the power of [Fountain of Life] was gradually transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm] through the rituals.
"Success!"
Angel said happily.
Her hands were still moving quickly on the emerald green crystals to ensure the stability of the ritual.
"The power of [Fountain of Life] has been successfully transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
"Then you only need to guide this force to purify those [filthy secret powers]."
Shane nodded, his eyes firmly: "Ms. Angel, you continue to maintain the stability of the ritual."
"I will return to [Rhine City] and guide the power of [Fountain of Life] to purify it."
Angel frowned slightly, her tone of concern.
"Captain Shane, although the power of [Fountain of Life] is powerful."
“But its purification process can cause severe energy fluctuations, and you need to be careful.”
Xia En smiled confidently: "Don't worry, I will act cautiously."
After saying that, he activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal] again and shuttled back to the [Rhine Secret Realm].
…
…
On the wall of [Rhine City], Jane and everyone were still nervously clearing the corpses of giant apes and beasts under the wall.
Although the warriors have tried their best, those [filthy secret forces] are still stubbornly attached to the soil.
It even began to spread deeper.
Jane's face was solemn. She knew that relying solemnly on their power alone, she might not be able to completely remove these [filthy secret powers].
At this moment, Xia En's figure suddenly appeared on the city wall.
"Shane!"
A hint of joy flashed in Jane's eyes and she quickly walked to him: "How is the situation?"
Xia En nodded, his tone calm.
"The power of [Fountain of Life] has been successfully transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
"Next I will guide this force to purify these [filthy secret powers]."
Jane breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with expectations.
"That's great, we finally have a way to deal with these [defiled secret powers]."
Xia En didn't say much, quickly walked to the edge of the city wall and swept across the battlefield below.
He could feel that the power of [Fountain of Life] had gradually come to the sky above [Rhine City] through the rituals.
As the Lord of Rhine, no one can perceive this external power more clearly than him.
"Let's get started."
Xia En murmured in a low voice, and the secret power in his body surged quietly.
Resonate with that invisible force.
His hands slowly raised, his palms facing upward, as if he was holding some invisible power.
As he moved, a faint golden light gradually emerged from the air.
These lights slowly fall from the air like tiny light spots, sprinkling on the land polluted by the [filthy secret power].
The whole scene seemed like a grand, golden rain that came to the territory of Rhine City.
"Buzz—"
The moment the golden light spot touched the black mist, it made a slight buzzing sound.
Immediately afterwards, the black mist quickly began to dissipate as if it had encountered a natural enemy.
"efficient!"
Jane's eyes flashed with joy.
She could clearly feel that the air around her was gradually becoming fresh.
Xia En did not stop and continued to guide the power of [Fountain of Life].
There were more and more golden light spots, gradually forming a golden rain of light covering the entire battlefield.
The soil polluted by [Defiled Secret Power] gradually returned to its original color under the baptism of light and rain.
The black mist was completely purified, and a fresh breath filled the air.
The soldiers on the city wall also felt this power, stopped their movements, and looked up at the sky.
"Is this the power of… [Fountain of Life]?"
Sha Jingjing murmured in a low voice, her eyes full of shock.
She could feel that this power not only purifies the [filthy secret power].
It also made her body feel warm, as if even her fatigue was swept away.
Even the secret power in the sand crystal body has been slightly enhanced.
The aura that was already close to legend has improved a little further.
"I...I broke through!"
In the city, the warriors of the [Yongyue Clan] couldn't help but exclaimed a joyful cry.
And there is more than one such voice!
These soldiers had already experienced a hard battle and were baptized by the [Fountain of Life] at this moment.
The secret power was replenished and naturally broke through the original rank.
It is foreseeable.
After this battle, the comprehensive combat power of the [Rhine City] soldiers will usher in a considerable improvement.
Shane stood on the city wall, his eyes swept across the battlefield below, and he felt a little relieved.
The power of [Fountain of Life] is indeed powerful. It not only successfully purified the [Defiled Secret Power], but also greatly improved the warriors in the city.
Although the battle was difficult, the result was unexpectedly good.
"Shane, you did it!"
Jane walked to him and sighed.
Xia En smiled slightly, with a little tiredness in his tone.
"This is everyone's credit."
"Without your persistence, this battle would not be possible."
Jane shook her head, her eyes firmly: "No, it was you who led us through this crisis."
"If it weren't for you, [Rhine City] would have fallen long ago."
Xia En didn't say anything more, just looked into the depths of the forest.
He knew that this battle came to an end for the time being.
But the threat of [Heartbreaker] has not been completely lifted.
They must be prepared as soon as possible to meet the greater challenges that may come.
(End of this chapter)
Just finished speaking.
Xia En's figure flashed again, and the long blade in his hand was like the sickle of the **** of death, quickly reaping the lives of these [Ancient Spirit Clan].
After a moment, all the members of the [Ancient Spirit Clan] on the ancient tree fell down and the sound of the flute completely disappeared.
As the sound of the flute stopped, the giant apes and beasts in the forest gradually returned to peace.
Some beasts woke up like dreams and hurriedly retreated back to the forest.
The surging beast tide was suddenly in full swing.
And the giant apes seemed to have lost their command, not only began to fight on their own, but their offensive also became chaotic.
Xia En stood on the ancient tree and breathed a sigh of relief.
He knew that he had successfully cut off the control of the beast tide of the [Ancient Spirit Clan], and the pressure on the city wall would be greatly reduced.
However, he did not relax his vigilance.
Because he knew that the threat of the [Heartbreaker] had not been completely eliminated, and the real crisis might have just begun.
"We must return to the wall as soon as possible and prepare for the next battle."
Xia En's figure flashed and quickly galloped towards the direction of [Rhine City].
…
…
Above the city wall, Jane and everyone had noticed the changes in the forest.
The beast tide gradually receded, the giant apes' offensive became weaker, and the pressure on the city wall suddenly eased.
"Shane succeeded!"
A hint of joy flashed in Jane's eyes, but she quickly returned to calm.
She knew that it wasn't time to relax.
In fact, even the attack of the [Ancient Spirit Clan] itself may be just a test.
Not long.
Xia En's figure quickly returned to the city of [Rhine City] like a black lightning.
His breathing was slightly rapid, but his eyes were still as sharp as a knife.
Sha Jingjing immediately came up with concern in her eyes.
"Shane, are you okay?"
Sha Jingjing's voice was a little nervous, and her eyes quickly swept across his body to confirm whether he was injured.
Xia En shook his head and showed a faint smile.
"I'm fine, I just consumed some secret power."
"I have solved the [Ancient Spirit Clan] in the forest, and the offensive of the beast tide should be weakened a lot."
Sa Jingjing breathed a sigh of relief and said, "It's time to clean up the remaining guys."
After Shane returned to [Rhine City], he immediately began to organize the cleaning of the remaining enemies nearby.
Xiange, Feiya and the soldiers in the city took action one after another.
The string song unfolded the huge dragon wings and rose into the air.
The fiery dragon breath poured down like a rain of fire, burning all the giant apes and beasts that were still wandering near the city wall.
Her dragon roar shook the sky and the earth, shocking the remaining enemies and forcing them to retreat one after another.
Feiya stood at a high place in the city wall, and the steam guns in her hand kept spitting out hot shells.
Each shell hit the target accurately and shattered the giant apes trying to get close to the city wall.
His eyes were cold and his movements were neat.
Like a ruthless war machine.
Sha Jingjing stood on the other side of the city wall, and the bow and arrow in her hand were like the staring of the **** of death.
Every time the string is pulled, a dark yellow arrow flew out, accurately hitting the enemy's key points.
Her arrows are not only fast, but also contain powerful secret power.
It can easily penetrate the black mist barrier of beasts and hit their core.
Shane stood on the wall, his eyes swept across the battlefield, confirming that the remaining enemies could no longer pose a threat.
But soon Jane walked to him and reminded.
"Captain Shane, the corpses of the giant apes and beasts... seem to be something wrong."
Xia En followed Jane's gaze toward the city wall.
I saw a faint black mist filled the bodies of the fallen giant apes and beasts.
These mists seemed to have life, slowly penetrated into the ground and even began to spread into the air.
“【Dirty Secret Power】…”
Xia En murmured in a low voice, his eyes gradually becoming solemn.
He jumped gently and came around the corpses.
Then, Xia En reached out and touched the ground, feeling a cold and evil force that was seeping out of the soil.
The black mist seemed to be eroding everything around, and even the air became turbid.
"These [filthy secret forces] are polluting soil and air."
Shane stood up, his tone heavy.
"If left unchecked, the surrounding environment around [Rhine City] will be completely corrupted and may even affect the residents in the city."
Jane's face also became ugly: "No wonder [Heartbreaker] will control the [Ancient Spirits] to launch this attack."
"Their purpose is not just to break through [Rhine City]."
"I also want to spread the [filthy secret power] on this land through the death of the beast tide."
Xia En nodded, glanced at everyone on the city wall and said in a deep voice.
"We must clean up these [filthy secret forces] as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable."
He turned around and whispered to the soldiers on the city wall: "Attention everyone!"
"Cleaning the corpses of giant apes and beasts under the city wall immediately, be careful of the black mist!"
"The secret path uses secret power to purify it, and others burn it with flames. Never allow the [filthy secret power] to continue to spread!"
With Xiaen's orders, the soldiers on the walls acted quickly.
The secret paths all used their own secret techniques to purify the black mist.
The flames ignited under the city walls, and the corpses of the beast gradually turned into ashes in the flames.
However, those [filthy secret powers] seem to be more stubborn than they imagined.
Even under the burning of flames, they still adhere tenaciously to the soil and even began to spread further away.
"Ordinary flames and secret techniques have limited effects on these [filthy secret powers]."
Jane frowned and said, "We need a stronger purification method."
And at this time.
Xia En thought of the passage between [Elf Secret Realm] and [Rhine Secret Realm].
The previous [Purification Stone] has been used on the [Fourth of Life] in the [Elf Secret Realm].
If the secret power of [Fountain of Life] can be transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm] through that channel.
Perhaps it can purify these [filthy secret powers].
Xia En quickly made a decision and turned to Jane and said.
"I need to return to the [Elf Secret Realm] immediately and use the power of [Fountain of Life] to purify these [Defiled Secret Powers]."
"You continue to command here to ensure the safety of the city walls."
Jane nodded, her eyes firm.
"Don't worry, I will keep here and you will come back as soon as possible."
Xia En didn't say much, quickly activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal], and his figure flashed and disappeared from the spot.
…
…
[Elf Secret Realm].
An Qi and An are still working hard to maintain the stability of the ritual.
The energy fluctuations in the light gate have become much more stable than before, and no longer appear in an illusory state.
A fine bead of sweat oozed from Angel's forehead, her hands moved quickly on the emerald green crystals, and she whispered an ancient spell.
Anze stands beside the [Fountain of Life].
Touch the spring water gently with both hands, and the secret power in the body resonates with the spring water, guiding the power of the spring water into the ritual.
At this moment, Xia En's figure suddenly appeared beside them. "Captain Shane!"
An Qi and An exclaimed at the same time, a little surprise flashing in their eyes.
Xia En didn't have time to explain too much, so he said directly.
"There is a new situation on the battlefield of [Rhine City]."
"[The Secret Power of Dirt] is polluting the land and the air, and we need to purify them with the power of [Fountain of Life]."
Anqi immediately understood Xia En's intention, and she nodded in a hurry.
"I understand. I will adjust the ritual immediately and transmit the power of [Fountain of Life] to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
Shane nodded: "The faster the better, the time is tight."
Angel did not say much and quickly began to adjust the ritual.
Her hands moved quickly over the emerald crystals, whispering more complex spells.
As she moved, the energy fluctuations in the light gate gradually increased.
The newest ⊥Xiao⊥Speak⊥Send⊥Six⊥9⊥Book⊥⊥⊥⊥Back⊥⊥⊥⊥!
A brilliant light shot out from the crystal and rushed straight into the sky.
"An, continue to guide the power of [Fountain of Life] to ensure the stability of energy transmission."
Anqi's voice was filled with a hint of urgency.
An nodded, touching the spring water with his hands again, and the secret power in his body resonated quickly with the spring water.
The light in the spring water increased again, like a trickle of water flowing into the light gate.
Shane stood aside, staring at the energy fluctuations in the light gate.
He could feel that the power of [Fountain of Life] was gradually transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm] through the rituals.
"Success!"
Angel said happily.
Her hands were still moving quickly on the emerald green crystals to ensure the stability of the ritual.
"The power of [Fountain of Life] has been successfully transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
"Then you only need to guide this force to purify those [filthy secret powers]."
Shane nodded, his eyes firmly: "Ms. Angel, you continue to maintain the stability of the ritual."
"I will return to [Rhine City] and guide the power of [Fountain of Life] to purify it."
Angel frowned slightly, her tone of concern.
"Captain Shane, although the power of [Fountain of Life] is powerful."
“But its purification process can cause severe energy fluctuations, and you need to be careful.”
Xia En smiled confidently: "Don't worry, I will act cautiously."
After saying that, he activated the [Empty Beast Heart Seal] again and shuttled back to the [Rhine Secret Realm].
…
…
On the wall of [Rhine City], Jane and everyone were still nervously clearing the corpses of giant apes and beasts under the wall.
Although the warriors have tried their best, those [filthy secret forces] are still stubbornly attached to the soil.
It even began to spread deeper.
Jane's face was solemn. She knew that relying solemnly on their power alone, she might not be able to completely remove these [filthy secret powers].
At this moment, Xia En's figure suddenly appeared on the city wall.
"Shane!"
A hint of joy flashed in Jane's eyes and she quickly walked to him: "How is the situation?"
Xia En nodded, his tone calm.
"The power of [Fountain of Life] has been successfully transmitted to [Rhine Secret Realm]."
"Next I will guide this force to purify these [filthy secret powers]."
Jane breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with expectations.
"That's great, we finally have a way to deal with these [defiled secret powers]."
Xia En didn't say much, quickly walked to the edge of the city wall and swept across the battlefield below.
He could feel that the power of [Fountain of Life] had gradually come to the sky above [Rhine City] through the rituals.
As the Lord of Rhine, no one can perceive this external power more clearly than him.
"Let's get started."
Xia En murmured in a low voice, and the secret power in his body surged quietly.
Resonate with that invisible force.
His hands slowly raised, his palms facing upward, as if he was holding some invisible power.
As he moved, a faint golden light gradually emerged from the air.
These lights slowly fall from the air like tiny light spots, sprinkling on the land polluted by the [filthy secret power].
The whole scene seemed like a grand, golden rain that came to the territory of Rhine City.
"Buzz—"
The moment the golden light spot touched the black mist, it made a slight buzzing sound.
Immediately afterwards, the black mist quickly began to dissipate as if it had encountered a natural enemy.
"efficient!"
Jane's eyes flashed with joy.
She could clearly feel that the air around her was gradually becoming fresh.
Xia En did not stop and continued to guide the power of [Fountain of Life].
There were more and more golden light spots, gradually forming a golden rain of light covering the entire battlefield.
The soil polluted by [Defiled Secret Power] gradually returned to its original color under the baptism of light and rain.
The black mist was completely purified, and a fresh breath filled the air.
The soldiers on the city wall also felt this power, stopped their movements, and looked up at the sky.
"Is this the power of… [Fountain of Life]?"
Sha Jingjing murmured in a low voice, her eyes full of shock.
She could feel that this power not only purifies the [filthy secret power].
It also made her body feel warm, as if even her fatigue was swept away.
Even the secret power in the sand crystal body has been slightly enhanced.
The aura that was already close to legend has improved a little further.
"I...I broke through!"
In the city, the warriors of the [Yongyue Clan] couldn't help but exclaimed a joyful cry.
And there is more than one such voice!
These soldiers had already experienced a hard battle and were baptized by the [Fountain of Life] at this moment.
The secret power was replenished and naturally broke through the original rank.
It is foreseeable.
After this battle, the comprehensive combat power of the [Rhine City] soldiers will usher in a considerable improvement.
Shane stood on the city wall, his eyes swept across the battlefield below, and he felt a little relieved.
The power of [Fountain of Life] is indeed powerful. It not only successfully purified the [Defiled Secret Power], but also greatly improved the warriors in the city.
Although the battle was difficult, the result was unexpectedly good.
"Shane, you did it!"
Jane walked to him and sighed.
Xia En smiled slightly, with a little tiredness in his tone.
"This is everyone's credit."
"Without your persistence, this battle would not be possible."
Jane shook her head, her eyes firmly: "No, it was you who led us through this crisis."
"If it weren't for you, [Rhine City] would have fallen long ago."
Xia En didn't say anything more, just looked into the depths of the forest.
He knew that this battle came to an end for the time being.
But the threat of [Heartbreaker] has not been completely lifted.
They must be prepared as soon as possible to meet the greater challenges that may come.
(End of this chapter)
