"It's just a minor scene," Zhou You said dismissively.

Laughing, Shao Qi replied, "Indeed, it's a small affair. Come, let's toast!" His interest in Zhou You grew, considering further inquiry into Zhou You's background.

Xu Mengxi was the star performer here. After her performance, many men threw flowers and jewelry onto the stage. If not restrained, some would've jumped up themselves.

Her gaze frequently darted in this direction. Approaching an age where she might be replaced, she had been searching for a new patron. While many wealthy men in the city wanted to support her, she was interested in none. The only one she fancied remained elusive.

Observing the opulent scene, Zhou You mused, "Seems the wealthy still make up the majority." Comparing this extravagance with the hardworking people in the food street, the difference was stark.

"There are many pretenders too. Big businesses are rarer these days, small ventures don't earn much, and only a minority dare risk it all for wealth. Most people here are lost in hedonism, living day by day, uncertain of tomorrow."

"That's expected."

Shao Qi continued, "Though martial arts have seen a resurgence, many adults feel they've missed their prime. Daily practice is rigorous, and given the pampered upbringing of this generation, few persist. That's why there are so few warriors, hence why the Dawn Squad, with just over a hundred members, must escort tens of thousands of civilians."

"Yet I see many with ambition, willingly training with Captain Li daily."

Shao Qi responded indifferently, "An hour of daily practice is shorter than elderly square dancing. True masters have dedicated their lives to their art."

Zhou You nodded in agreement, "Like disciples from major martial sects, many have trained since childhood."

"Exactly. Hence, when the air composition changed, they were the first to excel, opening doors globally. The state now promotes martial arts as a core curriculum. Students split their day between academics and martial training. As this generation matures, national strength will rise."

Zhou You, looking at the inebriated guests, remarked, "We can't rely solely on the next generation. Most here are still young and able-bodied. Why can't they continue their martial training? Even for their families' sake, they should strive."

Shao Qi, resting his chin on his hand and sipping his wine, pondered, "I have a nascent idea."

"If it's half-baked, better leave it unsaid." Zhou You was wary of Shao Qi's schemes, wishing he could distance himself if not for Shao Qi's prominent status.

"No, it's vital. And we need your assistance." Shao Qi had an epiphany on the spot. With the existing Celestial Cult in the Jiangnan base, why wouldn't they utilize them?

Zhou You was clueless about Shao Qi's intentions when suddenly a commotion erupted in the hall. Several men were surrounded and beaten by a mob. Someone even shouted, "Traitors! How dare you show your faces before me? The Celestials will surely forsake and punish you!"

"Damn, they're traitors of the Celestial Cult! Move, move, move! These ignorant fools need to be taken down!"

"Hilarious! They have the audacity to distribute flyers here. Are they tired of living?" Flyers scattered everywhere; one person picked one up, glanced at it, crumpled it, and joined the fray.

Zhou You also picked up a flyer. On a simple white sheet, it read: "The Celestial is false. He's a demon. He wants to kill us!"

Shao Qi remarked coldly, "Didn't expect so many followers of the Celestial Cult here. Seems we've come to the right place."

Observing that most of the people had started fighting, with some wielding bottles and others sticks, Zhou You remembered Shao Qi's earlier comments about them being unambitious. He thought: If they were this passionate about martial arts, they'd probably have become martial artists by now.

"Those individuals must have escaped from the cave. No one seems to believe them."

Witnessing the potential beating to death of the men, Zhou You asked, "I thought disturbances were prohibited here? Why aren't the security stepping in?"

"Perhaps the boss is also a follower of the Celestial Cult?" Shao Qi said, casting a sidelong glance at the passive security personnel.

"Chen Jingzhou? Could it be?"

Shao Qi patted him on the shoulder, "First, let's rescue them. We'll plan our next steps later."

As Zhou You was about to act, Shao Qi caught sight of the surveillance cameras and cautioned him, "Take out the cameras first."

Zhou You hurled a few bottles, controlling the spilled liquid to shield all the cameras.

Shao Qi couldn't help but applaud, "Brilliantly done! That skill is unparalleled globally."

Zhou You dived into the crowd, moving his hands rapidly. Many found themselves immobilized, some fell straight backward, while others were sent flying. Yet those being beaten vanished suddenly.

It was at this moment that Shao Qi took the stage, illuminating the hall. "I heard you invoking the Celestials. Are you followers of the Celestial Cult?"

Having just stashed the men in a dark corner, Zhou You turned to see the radiant figure on stage, who was now mesmerizing the crowd with his charismatic aura.

Zhou You thought, "He's putting on quite a show! feel like applauding him."

Chapter 048: The Art of Charisma

"Who is this man?"

"Where's Elder Xiong? Haven't seen him in days."

"Exactly, even traitors are boldly distributing flyers now. Why haven't we heard anything from the elders?"

Those who had fallen earlier now stood up. Rather than pursuing the traitors, they gathered around the stage, bombarding Shao Qi with questions, "Who are you?"