From a military standpoint, Shao Qi saw benefits in recruiting top martial artists into the armed forces.

As dinner was served, hardly anyone touched their food. Shao Qi pondered, "How do we convene all the martial artists in Dawn City for the triennial grand competition?"

"Considering a ratio of one in a thousand, a large base would send thousands, and smaller ones a few hundred. Our combined aircraft should suffice."

"I disagree!" Dean He frowned, "Aircraft are risky. We shouldn't risk our best talents on them."

It was clear. The ones selected represented the best. A plane crash would be a monumental loss, a burden no one would want to bear.

"I don't agree with that approach either," Shao Qi said. "Safety comes first. But we can consider a land route, with military escorts from each base. It can also serve as a training experience on the way."

"But this would greatly extend the travel time, especially for the more remote bases. We might be talking about months just for the journey, right?"

Shao Qi pondered for a moment and suggested, "A one in a thousand rate is still too high. Let's choose one in ten thousand. Only the truly formidable can overcome the numerous challenges on the road."

Gu Zhuo added, "I concur with the marshal's opinion. As for the junior and youth categories, I have no preferences, but do we really need one for the middle-aged? Who wants to watch a bunch of old men compete?"

The Daoist priest, Master Qingfeng, closed his eyes and nodded, "We could expand the age range for the youth category. That's no issue."

"As for the organizers..." Shao Qi didn't want the Martial Arts Association to monopolize the event. He smiled and said, "It's best if official entities take the lead, and the military can spearhead."

"The military has its own grand competitions. Since this martial arts tournament is nationwide, it shouldn't be too official. We can collaborate. Marshal Shao, how about assigning judges? Let's settle for ten judges, with each of us nominating five?"

The two exchanged a glance, clearly each with their own intentions, and nodded in agreement to the proposed arrangement.

Gu Zhuo's hand clenched his trouser leg under the table. No wonder the old Daoist didn't want to dine with him alone; he came specifically to negotiate with Shao Qi. If these two collaborated on the martial arts tournament, wouldn't they monopolize all the upcoming talents?

He had once boasted to Shao Qi that he would surpass him by next year. However, observing their demeanors, it was clear they didn't take him seriously.

"Alright, I'm not interested in your martial arts affairs. Times have changed. With the emphasis on martial arts over literature, good seeds are all learning martial arts. Who will conduct research in the future?" He Yuan took a bite of fish, which tasted even more delicious than the delicacies before the apocalypse, mitigating his regret slightly. "Nevermind, considering you are the guardians, I won't hold a grudge."

"The vegetarian dishes here are pretty good. You should give them a try," Master Qingfeng said, his appetite growing after resolving a matter, and selecting the spiciest dishes. Only this Sichuan restaurant had strong enough flavors, even their stir-fried vegetables had chili.

After only a few bites, Shao Qi stopped eating. Master Qingfeng politely inquired, "Is there something wrong with the food?"

"No, it's just that someone's presence here makes it hard for me to swallow."

"Ahem..." It was clear who Shao Qi was referring to. Gu Zhuo's face turned a mix of red and white. With a cold huff, he put down his chopsticks and left.

Shao Qi joyfully resumed eating and even ordered the removal of the dishes Gu Zhuo had tasted. His emotional display both impressed and made the two elders at the table envious.

It seemed that when people reach a certain age, they no longer act impulsively based on their likes and dislikes, especially those in high positions. Being too emotional might expose one's weaknesses.

Shao Qi was someone they had watched grow up. Over the years, he hadn't changed much. While outsiders believed Shao Qi concealed his identity for fear of revenge, they knew better; Shao Qi merely despised unnecessary attention.

Some might call him immature, given his whimsical nature, but he was never lax about serious matters. His young age as a military commander wasn't solely due to his martial prowess.

"Gu Zhuo is still young. The impulsiveness and recklessness of youth make it easy to lose one's bearings. It's only right to check and balance him; otherwise, the Gu family might think they're the sole prominent family in Dawn City," He Yuan commented, clearly siding with Shao Qi.

Master Qingfeng calmly stated, "Having too many powerful families can complicate matters. Few large families have lasted long. Gu Zhuo has talent, but his ambition and desires might ruin his potential."

Shao Qi joked, "Perhaps if he were to train with the Wudang or Shaolin for a few years, his temperament might stabilize."

Master Qingfeng pretended not to catch the jest, retorting, "You've spent time in major sects yourself during your younger days, and I haven't noticed your temperament becoming particularly stable."

"If I'm not stable, then there's hardly anyone stable in this world. Esteemed elders, I'm sure many have approached you during my absence, attempting to win you over. But remember, if one day you choose to stand against me, I won't consider our past camaraderie."

"Tsk! Disrespectful youth!" He Yuan replied dismissively. After years of mutual support with Shao Qi, both had benefited greatly. He had no intention of collaborating with anyone else.