"There's no need to rush to make a decision. We can discuss it with our disciples. I believe that those who have reached the level of marshal all aspire to move forward. However, the direction forward isn't clear. The only way is to pool the strengths of various factions, seeking breakthroughs step by step, in order to forge a completely new path."

Shao Qi's analysis was clear and well-reasoned. Everyone understood, and indeed, he seemed to have an eye on the secret techniques of various factions. However, what he said wasn't without merit. These questions were presented before them, and it wasn't as if no one had pondered them.

"Modern martial arts training also emphasizes science and efficiency. For example, the Shaolin have taken in a prodigious disciple. But is he truly suited to practicing Shaolin's martial arts?"

"We now understand how important suitability is. Some are naturally physically strong, making them suitable for external martial arts. Others are introspective and have exceptional insight, making them better suited for delving into internal cultivation techniques. You've also seen the case of modifying internal cultivation manuals on the Star Network. Most major sects likely have incomplete versions. If we could collectively contribute to restoring and even extending these incomplete versions, it would undoubtedly inject a strong catalyst into the world of martial arts."

"Of course, nobody wants to lose their sect's treasures or their current status. These issues can be solved, but it depends on whether everyone is willing to take that step."

This step is quite challenging. They've heard the benefits, but they also have to consider the drawbacks. Once they lose the secret techniques their sects depend on for survival, would their sects still need to exist in a few years?

To be able to learn their martial arts without entering their sects poses a challenge to the essence of traditional martial arts. It's quite vexing.

"So, would masters still need to teach disciples in the future?!" Sect Leader Fu didn't dare to openly defy Shao Qi but couldn't help but voice skepticism.

"Of course they would. However, perhaps the master-disciple relationship would evolve into a teacher-student dynamic. Initiates are often naive and ignorant, requiring guidance and explanation from their teachers. Masters will still need to teach their disciples, and there will be many more of them."

Shao Qi was almost quoting from literature, but unfortunately, he didn't have that ink in his belly. He only knew that if this plan succeeded, it would truly usher in an era where everyone could learn martial arts.

The Emei Sect Leader, who had remained silent, spoke resolutely at this moment, "We, Emei, guard the southwest and have had little interaction with you all. There's no need to involve us in this matter. Furthermore, the Martial Arts Association shouldn't overextend its influence. Our southwest base isn't as pliable as the Jiangnan base."

Normally, everyone would accommodate this formidable lady. They had no choice since she possessed both strength and a dominant personality. If you resisted, she could scold you mercilessly. Moreover, as she said, Emei only established a branch in Dawn City; their headquarters remained in the southwest. They had always maintained a stance of non-engagement, and it was likely that they wouldn't heed Shao Qi's opinions.

Shao Qi smiled lightly. Leading his troops into the Southwest Base had been a tremendous effort. The women of the Emei Sect were remarkable. Not only did they swiftly assert their authority, but they also managed the base with precision. What Shao Qi had done in the Jiangnan Base, they had been doing five years prior. Hence, they possessed the strength to stand their ground.

"Elder Xu should better understand my true intentions," Shao Qi said with a smile. "Ultimately, we are all working towards elevating the collective quality of the populace, guiding everyone through the ordeal."

Xu Yuanqian snorted coldly. "I do comprehend, but I won't be part of your endeavor. We are capable of managing the base on our own. We don't need interference from the Central Military Region. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

As her screen turned black, a wave of emotions swept through the room. While her tone might have been audacious, only with substantial power could one dare to defy the Central Military Region. A group of esteemed gentlemen had, indeed, been bested by a collective of women.

Chapter 073: "Step Closer and I Won't Be Polite"

Shao Qi had spent the entire night without sleep. The next morning, bright and early, he knocked on Zhou You's door. Little White Tiger had found its way to the second floor, lounging by Zhou You's door. Upon seeing Shao Qi approach, it languidly opened its eyes, then stretched out its limbs and sprawled on the floor.

The room was warmed by underfloor heating, particularly cozy on the first floor. By midnight, it became too warm for the tiger to bear, which prompted it to ascend to the second floor. If Zhou You hadn't strictly instructed it to remain indoors, it would have been rolling around in the snow outside.

Shao Qi crouched to inspect its leg injury. The venom had been neutralized, and astonishingly, the skin and flesh had healed significantly overnight. This remarkable healing ability truly left medical experts in awe.

The field of medicine had outgrown the term "rapid development." Progress was akin to rocket speed – limb regeneration and organ transplants were now minor surgeries. The Central Military Hospital had recently developed a medical pod that enabled critically injured individuals to undergo autonomous treatment, greatly enhancing survival rates for severe injury cases.

"I truly ought to keep you well-hidden. If humans get hold of you, you'd become an experiment subject on the lab table. Little one, you should treat me a bit better."

Upon hearing a voice, Zhou You opened the door to see Shao Qi, his demeanor affectionate as he held Little White Tiger. To an uninformed observer, it might have seemed like he was romantically addressing a tiger early in the morning.

"Speaking of which, is Little White a male or female?" Zhou You hadn't really noticed before.

Shao Qi lifted its leg for a glance and replied, "Male."

Zhou You wasn't sure about the duration of the current mutant tiger's growth phase. When Little White Tiger reached its mating season, their connection would likely diminish.

"You didn't sleep all night?" Zhou You sporadically caught his voice. With his abilities, two walls hardly posed any barrier. If a beautiful woman lived across from him, he might even catch glimpses of her while showering.

"One sleepless night isn't much. If you're free, accompany me somewhere."

The snow outside hadn't ceased. The snow in the yard had piled up considerably. Opening the second-floor window allowed direct access outside, and the car he had driven back the previous day was now only visible by its roof.

Shao Qi wasn't sure what kind of privilege he had obtained from the military. Astonishingly, his car had been allowed into the inner city yesterday without even undergoing an inspection. It must be acknowledged that having connections made things significantly smoother.

Downstairs in the yard, Qin Lifeng and Zhuo Hao were clearing the snow, while Ms. Miao wore an adorable tiger-eared hat as she built a snowman. Excited by the hat on her head, Little White Tiger dashed out, but its effort was too strong, causing it to sink into the snowdrift and emit a pleading whimper.