"Zhuo Hao's knife... I remember there's a 'Dragon Slayer' in the Gu Zhui Pavilion, a masterpiece by Master Fan. While its reputation might slightly exceed its merit, it's still one of his finest works. If you like it, I'll gift it to you."

Zhou You only remembered that the knife was valued at 100,000 points, a price he initially found outrageous. But now, given Shao Qi's willingness to gift such an expensive item, it showed his generosity to his own people.

Zhuo Hao nodded enthusiastically, "Great! I've always wanted the Dragon Slayer but never could bring myself to buy it!"

Zhao Jinghao, seeing their rewards, tentatively spoke up, "Mr. Shao, I've heard of a spiritual elixir on the market that accelerates training, especially beneficial for internal strength. Sadly, it's not available in our Jiangnan base. Do you think you could procure some? I'm willing to pay."

Shao Qi glanced at Zhou You, then smiled at Zhao Jinghao, "Sure, but I can only spare a hundred pills for now."

"A... hundred?" Zhao Jinghao thought he misheard, "I can't afford that many. Ten would be enough." He felt humbled. Truly, the wealthy play on a different level.

Shao Qi waved it off, "It's fine. Just pay 10% of the market price. With Zhou You knowing the elixir's ingredients, it'd be foolish not to make this deal."

Cheng Ziang also requested a hundred pills. He was about to be promoted, and he urgently needed to boost his martial skills. It wouldn't be fitting for a military leader to be weaker than his subordinates.

Cheng Suyan didn't want any pills, believing that real combat was more beneficial. He inquired, "Mr. Shao, Mr. Zhou, I've heard you'll be leaving Jiangnan base soon. Could I come along? It's dangerous to travel alone. I'm quite capable — driving, cooking, doing laundry. You can treat me like a little brother."

Cheng Ziang looked at him expressionlessly, "I spoke with our family this morning. Your father wants you home. He'll send someone for you."

"I'm not going back." Cheng Suyan was smart. Staying with these experts would provide more learning opportunities than returning home. Moreover, even his uncle was trying to win over Shao Qi, clearly an influential figure. Staying with such a powerful person meant more opportunities.

Of course, the more pressing reason was that he had someone he was reluctant to part with.

After Cheng Suyan finished, Shao Qi turned to Zhou You, "What do you think?"

"Think about what?"

"About him coming with us. I don't mind, but it mainly depends on your opinion." Shao Qi's words drew everyone's attention. Cheng Suyan blinked, seemingly realizing something about the relationship between the two men, blushing, then paling, hoping no one noticed.

Zhou You gave him an eye roll, "I don't mind. The more the merrier."

Shao Qi had already planned how to treat Cheng Suyan on the journey, confident that within three days he'd want to leave, thinking he could steal someone from him. He really didn't know his place.

What surprised everyone was that Long Gan also expressed his desire to join. Unlike Cheng Suyan, who was just a titular young master, Long Gan was the captain of the Longxing exploration team.

"What about your team members?" Miao Miao inquired seriously.

Long Gan had been pondering this question for days. But after hearing Cheng Suyan's words, he made up his mind.

"I've always considered my martial arts skills quite commendable. I've led a decent life at the Jiangnan base, my career showing promise, leading dozens on perilous missions. Yet, I'm well aware of my shortcomings. Although hunting strengthens me, I lack a proficient mentor. Mr. Zhou, I hope to take you as my master. If you're hesitant due to my age, I still yearn for your guidance. I'll forever be in your debt, even if it means entrusting my life to you."

The sincerity and gravity in his words were palpable. Zhou You knew he was a man of honor and loyalty, evidenced by his recent assistance with his comrades.

He replied, "Taking on a disciple is not in my interest, nor can I promise to guide you. However, I can offer some advice on internal strength. As for your life, if it comes to a situation even I can't resolve, risking your life would be in vain. There's no need to abandon your career and friends to join us; we can communicate via email."

Long Gan shook his head, "I've thought about this for a long time. I'm not originally from the Jiangnan base, having initially come here for work from the south. I've not settled down with a family here; there’s no one I’d leave behind."

"What about your teammates? How will they fare without you?" Zhao Jinghao, being closer to Long Gan and having previously teamed up with him, knew of the prestige of Long's team. Their departure would be a great loss to the Jiangnan base.

"I'll recommend them to the military zone. We've been in established positions, initially reluctant to military discipline. But now I see that receiving military training to protect our homeland is noble." Long Gan sensed the forthcoming reorganization in the Jiangnan military zone and believed that joining the main forces might be safer than exploration teams.

"If you've made up your mind, then let it be so," Cheng Ziang nodded, signaling his approval and assuring his support for the team.

Zhou You raised his glass with a chuckle, "I initially considered inviting Yun Xi to join your team. But now that you're leaving first, there's no need to ask. Let's all depart together."

Li Yunxi firmly stated, "Brother Zhou, I'll never leave you. I want to learn martial arts under your tutelage. If you refuse to take disciples, consider it a teacher-student arrangement, and I'll pay tuition annually."

Observing the growing entourage, Shao Qi silently reminisced about the simpler times when it was just the two of them.

Late at night, Geng Qinglu came to catch up with Shao Qi. Entering the room, he was greeted by the aroma of wine and his empty stomach rumbled.

"Is this Baiyu wine?" Geng Qinglu picked up the jug, pouring himself the little that remained and sipped it slowly.