Shao Qi placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it with measured force. "Protector, show us what you're capable of."

Zhou You leaned in and whispered, "What are you trying to pull? I won't teach them."

Shao Qi murmured, "The best way to stop Master Wei from making a comeback is to cut off all his support. Mere rumors of his cult won't do. There are hundreds of thousands of followers in this base, and even the military has been infiltrated. Now, the best strategy is to take over this cult and guide them to righteousness."

"Easier said than done. These followers might be easy to sway when drunk, but once they sober up, who's going to listen to you? Moreover, how would you deceive the more rational and intelligent believers outside?"

"That’s where your fists come into play, Protector Zhou. Even if they figure out our deception, as long as your strength significantly surpasses theirs, they will willingly worship you."

Zhou You was unaware that these words would foreshadow his future. Today, Shao Qi laid the groundwork for his eventual ascension to godhood.

Zhou You gave him a sidelong glance, "I'll play along tonight, but you'll have to figure things out yourself tomorrow."

With a grand wave of his hand, a cascade of golden light poured down. Everyone present felt instantly invigorated and lighter, followed by a soul-stirring voice, making them true believers.

Every single person knelt, reverently listening to an incomprehensible Taoist chant.

Zhou You simply recited a few verses of the "Qingxin" mantra, indifferent to whether anyone understood, and then stood aloof on the stage.

As the crowd snapped back to reality, a short-statured young man whispered to his friend, "Doesn't he seem more like the Supreme Old Lord rather than a heavenly deity?"

His friend had an epiphany, "I've always felt there was something off about the Church of the Celestial God. It seems we misunderstood. This is our Eastern deity. 'Celestial God' as in the god from the heavens. Makes sense."

The church was founded without any serious doctrines. It relied on a few disciples deceiving people with minor skills, charging entrance fees, occasionally holding public lectures, and persuading them to buy their products. Xiong Yi profited from these believers' purchases, and sometimes, when a sacrifice was required, he would select from the lowest-ranking followers.

Master Wei never made public appearances. The Church of the Celestial God served only as a cover for him. His disciples could do as they pleased. As the church's influence grew, even government officials and military personnel joined. Xiong Yi took this opportunity to court these officials and started his underground operations.

The club, Ye Qingcheng, wasn’t owned by the city's master but by Xiong Yi. However, most of the money he made was given to the officials, with the largest share going to Chen Jingzhou. The amount he kept for himself wasn't much, explaining the mere twenty thousand points in his account.

Everyone present had previously attended the lectures. Compared to Elder Xiong's brainwashing theories, a simple "Qingxin" mantra was far more convincing. After all, a deity should be simple and free of desires.

As sobriety returned, the once vibrant and hedonistic setting transformed into a sanctified hall, where a mere offering table would be enough to begin worship.

Pleased with the effect, Shao Qi declared, "Whether or not you believe in me is not of consequence. Starting tomorrow, those wishing to follow the Celestial God, to draw closer to him, should gather at Qiu Shui Square in the city center at 5 a.m. I will assign someone to teach you martial arts. Whether you wish to learn is up to you."

As Shao Qi's words faded, the lights in the hall suddenly went out. When they came back on moments later, the stage was empty; the two figures had vanished in a matter of seconds.

"If they truly possess such power, they could easily kill us without resorting to deception, right?"

"Why would they deceive us into meeting at Autumn Square tomorrow morning? It's not as if they're gathering us for a community dance."

"True or not, we'll find out by going there tomorrow. At worst, it'll just be a wasted trip."

"Is someone genuinely willing to teach us martial arts? I hope it's not like those martial art schools that charge fees after teaching a few random taekwondo moves."

"Setting that aside, even if it's real, can any of us truly master it?"

Everyone chattered with different opinions. Everyone desires strength, but few are willing to put in the effort and persevere. Over time, many ordinary people just believe they lack the talent to become experts.

"Why are warriors held in such high esteem? It's because they are the chosen ones, blessed with talent and accepted by the great sects, becoming warriors effortlessly."

But the effort they put in behind the scenes often goes unnoticed.

Li Yanqing said to his companion, "If they genuinely offer to teach us martial arts, I'm willing to learn, real or fake. Three years ago, the Iron Fist Sect didn't accept me. I thought it was because of my lack of talent. But how would I know unless I try?"

"But why would anyone teach us for free? All the sects charge fees for training." These reputed sects treat every recruitment like a talent show, constantly filtering, and only the crème de la crème gets selected. Those who don't make the cut naturally feel they lack talent.

"Let's wait and see. If they demand money, we simply won't attend."

Everyone's mind was in turmoil. Many were destined for a sleepless night, with some even heading to Autumn Square in the middle of the night to wait.

Chapter 049: I Have a Thought

Dawn was breaking. Ordinary people felt the cold more keenly than martial artists. A chilling breeze blew, making many yearn for the comfort of their warm beds.

"Do you think someone will really show up? Or is this some kind of prank?" Li Yanqing and his friend huddled under a down jacket. Their families were well-off, both parents being skilled workers. They could lead a decent life without all this.

"Who knows? It's almost 5 am. We'll see soon. Damn, it's freezing. I think the cold winter is approaching." Nowadays, the weather was unpredictable, with temperature fluctuations of up to thirty-four degrees within a day. In winter, even the south would feel the chill like never before.