Looking down on them from a higher position, Shao Qi spoke with an indifferent expression, showing a touch of divinity, "My senior disciple, Xiong Yi, has been killed. Do any of you know about it?"

"What? Elder Xiong is dead?"

"Impossible! Wasn't Elder Xiong a senior martial artist? Only a few in the base were stronger than him."

"Well, there are rumors that someone returned today driving Elder Xiong's armored car, but he never returned."

"Could he have been killed by this man?"

"Shush... Let's not jump to conclusions." If he managed to kill Elder Xiong, dealing with them would be a piece of cake.

"Let's gather evidence first. If he turns out to be a fraud, we'll report him!"

Shao Qi, addressing the followers below filming with their phones, said, "Today, for the first time, I reveal my true face. First, to ease your minds, and second, you won't be able to share the photos and videos you're taking."

Many tried to check their phone signals. Indeed, not only could they not send the videos, but even the saved videos and photos were corrupted.

"What on earth is going on?" How would commoners, lagging behind the times in this small base, have any inkling of the military's advanced technology?

Zhou You leaned against the wall, observing the act. He was still unclear about Shao Qi's intentions. Was he pretending to be Master Wei? But why impersonate Master Wei? Surely it couldn't be just to experience a moment of admiration from others?

Within the Divine Sect, it's uncertain how many knew their leader was Master Wei. The fact that they could block all mobile signals suggested that Shao Qi's allies were nearby. Despite being with him, Zhou You hadn't noticed anyone around. He had let his guard down.

"You... You are...?"

Shao Qi sighed, reaching down to grasp the hand of a devotee. He gently tapped the man's forehead, "May the Divine bless you!"

The man, initially taken aback, soon felt a cool sensation flow from his head to toe, a refreshing feeling. The hangover headache he had from drinking vanished, "Has the Divine really shown its power?"

Shao Qi smiled and replied, "Not exactly. It's merely a simple technique granted to me by the Divine Sect, capable of healing. If any of our devotees fall ill, do not avoid medical treatment. The Divine cares for all its people."

Goosebumps covered Zhou You. How could Shao Qi say such cheesy words with such sincerity? If Zhou You wasn't in the know, he might've believed him. How many tricks did this man have up his sleeve? And what if someone with a serious illness came to him for a cure?

The devotees pushed forward, hands outstretched towards Shao Qi, yearning for the Divine's blessing. Yet, Shao Qi refrained from further actions, expressing sorrowful words that contradicted core socialist values.

Zhou You thought: Could someone like this really be a national marshal? How did he pass the political review?

"As the children of the Divine, you ought to excel. Unfortunately..." Shao Qi shook his head, disappointment evident, "Sadly, you're too weak. The Divine is hesitant to save those who lack ambition. Calamity is imminent; relish your final days."

"What? Another disaster?"

"When has there ever been a year without calamity? Our Jiangnan base is too close to the coast. A single tsunami could wipe us out."

"What should we do?"

Suddenly, someone knelt, prostrating before Shao Qi, "Oh Divine, save your followers!"

Kneeling is the most solemn gesture ingrained in our culture. Not everyone is willing to prostrate before a dubious leader. Many still doubted his identity, pondering how such a young man could be their leader.

"How can you prove your identity? We won't just believe a few words."

Shao Qi laughed, "Why would I deceive you simple folk? What's in it for me? Xiong Yi was my top disciple. Besides him, I had six others. Sadly, they were all selfish and turned traitor, betraying me. They are gone now, and I'm not keen on accepting new disciples. I am willing to share all techniques bestowed upon me by the Divine. Are you willing to learn?"

"Impossible!"

"How could such a thing be true? The sects within our base are strict about accepting disciples, and their tuition fees are exorbitant."

"It's a scam, just to swindle money."

Shao Qi declared loudly, "I teach on behalf of the Divine, and I charge no tuition."

"They say Elder Xiong is a senior martial artist. As his master, you should at least be of the Martial General rank. If you can produce the Martial General badge, we'll believe you."

Shao Qi arrogantly retorted, "Martial General? As the direct disciple of the Divine, how could I possibly be just a Martial General?" He beckoned Zhou You, "Guardian, come forth!"

Zhou You's eyes widened, silently questioning, "Since when did I become the Guardian?"

Shao Qi winked. All eyes were now on Zhou You, the newly-appointed guardian.

"Is he the guardian?"

"I've always heard that the sect leader has a formidable guardian by his side. Could it really be him? He just looks like an ordinary man."

"These two are impostors!"

"Hmph, if they dare to deceive us, they won't leave through these doors!"

With a sigh, Zhou You channelled his inner energy, enveloping himself in a golden aura. With a tap of his toe, he gracefully soared onto the stage.

"Such a move is astonishing. It's just like the light-footed skills described in martial arts novels, and with that golden glow, he looks even more divine than the one onstage."

"And for many, a god from the East shouldn't be a muscular man with a rugged face but someone ethereal like the two on stage."

Standing next to Shao Qi, Zhou You respectfully inquired, "Any instructions, sir?"