Shao Qi, lost in his thoughts, spoke somberly, "The year the disaster struck, the United Nations had already initiated the 'Fireseed Project'. Seventy countries signed the accord. Ultimately, thirty-two spacecraft were launched into space, carrying over ten thousand individuals. Yet, not a single one survived."

Zhou You, startled, turned to him and asked, "Given that they couldn't find a hospitable planet outside, how could they dare?"

"The initial plan was to preserve a segment of humanity, sending these ten thousand individuals to a space station. The supplies there would suffice for three years. By then, the disaster would've presumably subsided, allowing for their return. However, they didn't even last three years. Five of the ships exploded during the ascent. The rest only survived three months in the station. A shift in the solar system's magnetic field introduced a deadly radiation in space. Even in their protective suits, they couldn't escape its effects. They aged visibly and eventually succumbed to diseases."

Zhou You remained silent for a while. The individuals chosen as part of this 'fireseed' project would undoubtedly have been the elite. The loss of over ten thousand such elites in outer space was a tragedy by any measure.

"Moreover, after the change in the magnetic field, the space station drifted away from Earth. All the early satellites became obsolete. Now, there are very few functional satellites worldwide, making communication exceedingly difficult."

Seeing Zhou You's silence, Shao Qi aimed to lift his spirits, sharing some advancements in space technology over the years, such as the upcoming launch of new military satellites. This would provide the military with a more detailed overview of the outside conditions and a more comprehensive map.

As the bulldozer journeyed, constantly at work, it took over an hour to reach their destination. It was then that Zhou You realized Shao Qi had brought him to the Martial Arts Association.

The last time Shao Qi wanted to meet the vice-president of the Martial Arts Association, he couldn’t. This time, without making an appointment, he took Zhou You directly inside, accessing all areas with a card. It was only when they were on the elevator heading to the 25th floor that Zhou You asked, "Why didn’t you use the card last time?"

"I didn't bring it then." This card was issued later. Zhou You, gripping his hand and looking earnestly, asked, "Mr. Shao, can this card also be used in the AR hall downstairs?"

Shao Qi, caught between laughter and tears, remarked, "Are you seriously unwilling to even part with fifty points?"

"A penny saved is a penny earned. There are endless expenses ahead." Zhou You indeed had made a significant amount, but he hadn't anticipated spending at such a rapid pace. Just equipping weapons could deplete his entire fortune. Fifty points saved could feed him for several days.

Shao Qi pushed the card into his hand, coaxing him, "Go have fun. If I call you, you better come rescue me."

"Rescue you? What are you planning to do? Surely not challenge the entire association?"

Shao Qi shrugged, "Something like that."

Zhou You pocketed the card, "Then let's get the official business done first. After that, I can play. This rare opportunity to spar with the experts from Jiangnan base is not to be missed."

Shao Qi wanted to mention that such an opportunity might be unlikely, but chose to remain silent. He then opened the door to the conference room.

Chapter 074: Learn About Split Personality

The conference room was already filled with individuals. The leadership of the Martial Arts Association's Jiangnan Base branch was entirely present, all eyes on the two young entrants.

Having been informed about a meeting by the headquarters earlier that day, they had assumed leaders from the headquarters would be attending, not expecting these two young men.

Most present had seen them in videos but were unclear about their identities. However, considering their prowess in killing high-level mutated beasts, it's likely they were sent by the headquarters.

Some wondered internally if the situation with the Heavy Sword Sect had already been detected by the headquarters.

The vice-president, Shi, stood up, and the rest followed suit.

"It's quite unexpected to see such young and dashing heroes. To which school or faction do you belong?" Vice-president Shi had tried to dig into their backgrounds, but both remained enigmatic with no discernible information.

With a slight smile on seeing the vice-president take his seat, Shao Qi remarked, "We don't belong to any specific school or faction. We're just martial artists, and we've come with a small favor to ask."

This left many baffled. Who could command such audacity to ask the entire association for assistance?

Among those present were representatives of all factions and lone martial artists from the Jiangnan base. Even the military wasn't this audacious in its requests.

Vice-president Shi casually pointed to two seats for them and jestingly inquired, "Did you two come from the Dawn City? How are the leaders of Qingfeng doing?"

Settling into a chair, not minding that it was slightly off from the main seat, Shao Qi replied, "You can see for yourself how they're doing."

Shao Qi opened his laptop, displaying an ongoing video. After tormenting several major faction leaders overnight, they'd finally come up with a compromise.

While everyone was curious about the secrets of other sects, none wanted to offer their own in exchange. So, Head Master Fu came up with a "brilliant" idea: Since Marshal Shao was stationed at the Jiangnan base, why not use it as a pilot to test the feasibility? Additionally, it was essential to evaluate if the inputs matched the outputs proportionally.

If revealing their sect techniques would significantly enhance the overall quality of the people, then they'd be pioneers advancing history. But if it barely made a difference, they would remain the revered leaders they always were. After all, since the apocalypse began, these individuals were at the forefront.

Virtual images were projected onto the screen. Those present were suddenly confronted with the legendary Sect Leader, most of whom also led the Martial Arts Association. They stood up in astonishment to greet them.

Deputy Chairman Shi's heart raced. Gosh, these two had an impressive background! Their usual interactions were with sect stewards or disciples. How could they meet such esteemed sect leaders?