"…" Xuan Jue's face turned a shade of red as he snorted coldly, "I don't believe for a second that you don't miss home when you're away."

"I have no home," Miao Miao stated coldly. She briskly squeezed past them, and everyone could tell she was upset, though they were unsure why. Just then, Qin Lifen approached and said, "Tang Jiu, take a few with you to the temporary warehouse on the west side to get supplies. The requisition form has already been submitted. Check each vehicle thoroughly and let me know if anything is missing. You can depart in the afternoon."

"You guys?" everyone exclaimed, "What do you mean? Aren't you coming back with us?"

Qin Lifen had grown quite fond of this group. They were less bound by military formalities, and though they could be unruly, the bond formed through life-and-death situations made it different.

"Indeed, we have to escort the experts back. With the foreigners we've captured this time, we need to report back. So, we won't be accompanying you," he replied.

Everyone looked surprised, then slightly dejected. Without them, it felt like they were losing their pillar of strength, even the joy of going home seemed halved.

Tang Jiu calmly asked, "Is Zhou also leaving with you?"

Others thought it was a redundant question, assuming Zhou, being a spouse to Shao, would obviously accompany him. However, Qin Lifen said, "He'll go with you. Listen to him on the road, and don't mess up. Zhou isn't as friendly as you might think."

For some reason, everyone assumed Zhou You was splitting from Shao Qi just to accompany them. They felt somewhat touched, thinking their mission was more about gathering numbers rather than contributing much. They felt slightly guilty given the rewards they'd received.

"Stop standing there, hurry and get the supplies. They're limited, and you don't want them taken by the Life Base folks," Qin Lifen commanded, waving his hand as he left.

Once they were all ready, some sneaked away to bid farewell to newfound friends. After yesterday's battle, strangers had become comrades. Parting was bittersweet, and exchanging contact details felt necessary.

Sang Liwu made a few close friends during the battle. Having saved many, he was well-regarded. They were willing to share anything not classified with him.

Sang Liwu, being the exploration team's leader, was more adept at social relations than Tang Jiu. He quickly secured business deals and even acquired a map of the Dawn City and a card from a big shot to facilitate future visits.

He learned sooner than the rest that Shao Qi wouldn't be returning to Yang City with them but would be heading to Dawn City with General Xue.

Sang Liwu had suspected Shao Qi's identity, but without confirmation. Yet, after learning of Xue Yangchen's rank and status, he believed his suspicions to be accurate. This time, he truly had the backing of a powerful figure.

Seeing Tang Jiu practicing with someone, an idea dawned upon him.

He had saved Tang Jiu during a mission when he was near-death. To his surprise, Tang Jiu recovered and became one of their team's strongest members.

Tang Jiu, though talented, was inarticulate. He felt that the resources he provided for Tang Jiu were insufficient. On this journey, Sang Liwu noticed that Shao Qi seemed impressed with Tang Jiu, and perhaps there was another path for him.

He privately discussed this with Shao Qi, expecting some hesitation. But Shao Qi laughed heartily, "Are you willing to let him go? I've had my eye on him for a while. He's perfect for martial arts training, completely focused. I can offer him advanced training manuals and ample resources."

Shao Qi had considered recruiting Tang Jiu before, noticing that people with such dedication often excel in martial arts, much like scholars in their respective fields.

"Have you discussed this with him?"

"Not yet. I thought I should get your agreement first."

Shao Qi nodded, suggesting, "You might want to take Zhou You along when you talk to him. Tang Jiu admires strength and looks up to Zhou."

Sang Liwu quirked a smile, "Aren't you afraid he might steal Zhou from you?" Everyone knew Tang Jiu admired Zhou, though not romantically.

"I'm stronger. And Zhou prefers the strong," Shao Qi stated confidently. In truth, his confidence came from his abilities, which had helped him win Zhou's affections.

After lunch, Zhou You departed with his team. The fact that Tang Jiu was conscripted didn't bother many. Half of them planned on enlisting upon return. In the prime of their youth, with talents to boot, why shouldn't they serve their nation?

Since martial arts regained its splendor, sects had risen above national authority. Many disciples obeyed only the rules of their sect, disregarding the law. They sought supremacy, holding martial rankings above all else. Yet, their recent experiences taught them the value of fighting alongside comrades. True martial arts isn't just secluded training; real combat is crucial. Only through bloodshed can they grow into towering protectors for their loved ones.

(End of Volume 2)

Chapter 188: The Conference

In the central conference hall, over half of the thousand seats lay empty, rendering the space both vast and desolate.

Today was the annual assembly, attended by leaders from various government departments, esteemed families from Shu Guang City, and representatives of all factions.

"Will the military attend this year's assembly?" someone whispered.

"Unlikely. He never attends such meetings. If anything, he'll send a deputy or just forward the military budget. He's always been so autocratic and..."

"Shush... Rumor has it that the Lin family members were arrested last night, vanished without a trace. Some say it was his doing."

"The Lin family? The ones involved in mining?"