Zhou You recalled the astonishment on people's faces when they discovered his ability to control weapons. He had assumed that anyone with profound internal energy could do the same.

After making some corrections, Zhou You turned to Shao Qi, "Can I upload this revised manuscript?"

Shao Qi briefly glanced at it, then straightened up, his gaze sharp and intense, "You can even modify someone else's secret techniques? Have you studied all of these?"

"Not exactly. But isn't the essence of internal energy cultivation quite universal? Drawing spiritual energy into one's body, nourishing the meridians by gathering it in the Dantian. Over time, the accumulated energy in the Dantian increases, and thus one's internal strength. Different schools might have slight variations in their methods of drawing this energy." Zhou You explained casually, but only those who practiced internal cultivation knew its real intricacies.

Shao Qi logged into his XingNet account, which had administrative privileges. He uploaded the modified images Zhou You had given him, and meticulously added a note: "Users downloading this document must pay ten points. Given the origins of these images, all proceeds will be returned to the respective martial schools."

Closing his tablet, Shao Qi gestured for Zhou You to join him, "Come on, let's visit the Martial Arts Association."

As they drove into the city, Zhou You observed the still-damaged city gate, with a massive hole in the thick metal barrier. It was hard not to marvel at the power of the armored vehicle.

Shao Qi clarified, "The armored vehicle wasn't that powerful. I made that hole with my weapon first."

"Weren't you afraid the military might see it as an act of rebellion?" Zhou You inquired.

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." Shao Qi didn't mention his urgency to get inside; Zhou You was a rare master he had chanced upon and he couldn't risk losing him here.

But Shao Qi was yet to recover his full strength. He couldn't fight on Zhou You's behalf, so he had convinced others like Cheng Zi'ang. However, it turned out that finding a worthy opponent for Zhou You within the base wasn't easy.

As they journeyed through the city, Zhou You noticed remnants of recent skirmishes: fallen lampposts, damaged buildings, and bullet holes. Today, the city buzzed with discussions centered on the Heavy Sword Sect.

Passing Autumn Square, Zhou You asked, "Were there many students today?"

"Many. We ran out of space."

"Are you not selective? Wouldn't that reduce efficiency?" Zhou You believed that not everyone was suited for martial arts. Traditional martial schools had their reasons for being picky.

"My goal isn't to produce masters. A few days of basic self-defense training is all. I'm planning a live broadcast tomorrow, so people won't all flock here, causing chaos and not even getting a clear view of the techniques," Shao Qi explained.

"Will you still use the title of the Heavenly God Sect's leader?" Zhou You felt this title was unnecessary, especially with the sect's current weakened state.

"The first batch of students were followers of the Heavenly God Sect. The title helps in maintaining discipline. Your deeds, as a protector, will soon be the talk of the town. Both of us are bound for fame," Shao Qi laughed heartily.

He hadn't encountered such intriguing events in his life. Previously, he thought only the battlefield held excitement. Now, he realized that there's joy to be found in everyday life too.

Chapter 055: Do you have a twin brother?

"Here we are." They alighted at the entrance of the Martial Arts Association branch, where Zhou You noticed it was the tallest building in the Jiangnan Base.

A grand arch stood at the entrance with stone sculptures on both sides. Beyond the archway was a training field, even more extensive than Autumn Square.

"Why not requisition this place?" Zhou You's eyes were drawn to the rows of weapons outside the training ground. He hadn't had the chance to experience such facilities in the military base yet.

Shao Qi pointed to the notice beside him and said, "See that? No entry for the general public."

"Why isn't there a guard at the door? No one stopped us from coming in, did they?"

"Who would dare cause trouble in the Martial Arts Association?" Shao Qi headed straight for the main door. There was a self-service kiosk at the entrance. As they approached, it spoke, "Welcome, esteemed guest. Please select the service you wish to avail."

Shao Qi chose "Schedule an Appointment". A list of the Association's leadership appeared on the screen. The slot for Chairman Hu Shi En was now vacant. He immediately selected Vice Chairman Shi Di Fu.

"Steve? A foreigner?"

"No, the Martial Arts Association doesn't accept foreign martial artists. Vice Chairman Shi is one of the elders of the Blade Alliance."

Zhou You leaned in, asking, "Can just anyone successfully make an appointment? Such good service?"

Shao Qi glanced at him amusingly, "If the service was that good, the doors wouldn't be locked and they wouldn't need a machine for reception. And believe it or not, there's no complaint service here. As for the appointments, not everyone can get one."

Zhou You already saw the pop-up page asking for the visitor's name and code. Every martial artist had a unique code. Whether the appointment gets accepted depends on the Vice Chairman's decision after submission.

Zhou You watched him enter a code, and the name Shao Lin. Surprised, he asked, "Do you have a twin brother? Was my guess wrong?"

Shao Qi nodded with a hint of seriousness, "Yes, I have a twin brother, and he's quite influential."

Zhou You wasn't sure if he should believe this. Soon after the request was sent, a voice responded, "Dear guest, the Vice Chairman's schedule is full for today. Please select another date."

Zhou You teased, "Seems like even the influential Brother Shao isn't so useful after all!"

Hearing the term "Brother Shao" from Zhou You's mouth felt strangely irritating to Shao Qi, making him want to shut him up.