Deputy Chairman Shi noticed that the leader of the Blade Alliance, Qin Yuantian, was present. He quickly greeted his sect leader and asked, "Honored elders, please advise. Although our Jiangnan base might be undeveloped and poor, it has a significant population."

Fearing a financial request, Deputy Chairman Shi clarified their monetary sources. Part of the Martial Arts Association's funds came from annual membership fees, with another segment from their industries. Each base was financially independent and had never contributed a penny more.

Qin Yuantian asked gruffly, "Brother Shi, you've been at the Jiangnan base for several years, right? How's life there for you?"

Facing this younger senior, Deputy Chairman Shi was unsure how to reply. Their relationship was not truly of the same sect; it was more about their shared weapon preference and Qin Yuantian's superior skill.

Shi was initially dispatched against his will. Qin Yuantian didn't care about his preference for the Jiangnan base. However, over the years, it had become his second home.

"I've adapted, thank you for your concern, senior."

"That's good to hear. For a while, you'll be assisting the president of the Jiangnan branch of the association, and the Blade Alliance's matters will also be entrusted to you."

Everyone was taken aback. Wasn't Deputy Chairman Shi the natural choice for president? They all assumed he'd get the position.

Daoist Wu Qingfeng coughed and announced, "Hu Shi'en has been eliminated for some time, leaving the Jiangnan branch's president position vacant. After deliberation, we've chosen Mr. Shao Qi as the interim president. Once a suitable candidate emerges, a formal appointment will be made. In the meantime, everyone should assist him diligently."

The attendees looked at Shao Qi differently. Initially perceived as a skilled disciple from some sect, he was now soaring above them.

Deputy Chairman Shi felt the most conflicted. He thought he was the perfect candidate after Hu Shi'en's demise. Instead, an unknown youth replaced him. After making grand statements, all he was left with was embarrassment.

He quickly stood up, vacating the main seat. Amidst a mixture of surprise and mockery, he ushered Shao Qi to take his place.

Shao Qi had no interest in the position of branch president and might soon leave. However, these elders, hesitant to exchange their secrets, wanted to test a new model, pushing the Jiangnan base to the forefront and even making him the acting president.

Zhou You was utterly shocked. Why would Shao Qi become the president out of the blue? Wasn't he occupied with military duties? He'd never seen such a relaxed leader.

"There's another matter I'd like to discuss with everyone..."

Zhou You watched the Wu Dang sect leader speak. His tone was measured, his face expressionless, but his words felt like directives. Though he claimed to be discussing, there wasn't really room for negotiation.

Observing others, their faces showed a range of emotions. Starting from Deputy Chairman Shi, one by one, they seemed on the verge of exploding.

"This is for the benefit of the country and the people. Choosing the Jiangnan base as a pilot is mainly due to the recent leak of secrets. As compensation, the major sects present will each offer a technique to the Jiangnan branch."

Those on the edge erupted with mixed feelings, transitioning from shock to joy. Everyone eagerly looked at Master Qingfeng.

"We, the Wu Dang sect, are renowned for Tai Chi and Tai Chi Sword techniques. However, there's also a 'Qingfeng Sword Technique' passed down, from which I take my name. We'll present it to the Jiangnan base."

The Qingfeng Sword Technique? It sounded formidable. The attendees were overjoyed. Techniques from prominent sects like Wu Dang were certainly superior!

"Amitabha. We, Shaolin, will contribute the 'Demon Subduing Tiger Fist'."

"Our Blade Alliance will provide a blade manual. Please don't look down on it. We blade users don't have many profound secrets."

"Hahaha, Master Qin, you're too modest. Everyone knows that the Blade Alliance consists of the most formidable blade users. Although their styles vary, they're all masters."

"Thank you, Master Fu, for the praise. What will your sect contribute?"

Fu Xingwu's ancestors were couriers. Generations passed down a chest containing various martial arts techniques. Surprisingly, these treasures were preserved till now.

In the early days of the apocalypse, he was among the first to evolve as a martial artist. By mastering the family's secret manuals, he swiftly rose to prominence in the City of Dawn and later founded the Star Mansion Sect.

"Our Star Mansion Sect may not compare to your venerable and well-established schools with their rich traditions and numerous techniques. However, I offer you my personally crafted Nine Dragons Palm technique."

The leader of the Iron Fist Clan hurriedly inquired, "Do the techniques gifted by the elders come with the internal energy cultivation method?"

In unison, everyone responded, "No!" Jokingly, internal energy methods aren't things one simply gives away. Due to their profound nature, even major sects rarely possess complete manuscripts. They would never give them away, though they might be open to lending them if someone could complete the scripts.

Every psychic controller is inevitably an internal energy expert. But nationally, very few martial artists become psychic controllers. Those arcane texts are hard enough to understand when complete, let alone when pages or sections are missing. Even a genius would struggle to comprehend them.

Shao Qi exited the video conference, and a minor sect leader whispered, "Why isn't Master Xu of the Emei Sect present?"

Zhou You, upon being reminded, wondered the same. Could it be that Shao Qi failed to persuade the Emei Sect leader?

Still, his ability to progress this matter so quickly was commendable. He thought it unlikely for major sects to have agreed.