"Is this the essence of internal martial arts? It truly stands apart. I believe mastering internal power is the ultimate direction in martial arts. Even the most profound techniques rely on internal strength. External prowess, no matter how perfected, can't compare to the power of internal mastery." Miao Miao and the others can sense the aura but cannot harness inner power. Rumor has it that even their youngest student can now do so. Perhaps they should start focusing on cultivating their internal strength.

Unable to resist, Shao Qi drew his blade to join in, continuing the same swordplay. Their moves mirrored each other perfectly, as if printed from a textbook, but they conveyed entirely different vibes.

Zhou You's blade dance exuded grace, reminiscent of a majestic swan, while Shao Qi's was overpowering, like a force that could swallow mountains and rivers.

Once they sheathed their swords, snowflakes fell gently, but not a single one landed on them.

"Impressive! I wonder who would come out on top if they dueled."

Qin Li Feng retorted confidently, "Of course, our leader is superior!"

Zhuo Hao believed that no one's martial skills could surpass Shao Qi's. He seemed born for martial arts with an exceptional physique and extraordinary talent. Every instructor he had ever met would marvel, "The student has surpassed the master!"

Li Yun Xi, infatuated with Zhou You, countered, "I'm not so sure. Looking back, it was strange for Zhou You to appear alone in the mountains. He must be able to roam freely there."

Miao Miao argued back, "So can our leader. He's slain so many high-level mutated beasts that they could form a mountain."

Li Yun Xi curiously asked, "Most high-level mutated beasts are massive. A few hunts could pile up to the size of a small hill. Zhou You has even defeated mutated bears and leopards!"

The two women bickered over who was stronger while the two men in question sat down to discuss the flaws in the swordplay.

"This technique originates from the Sword Alliance and is rather basic there. Its weaknesses are clear: the moves lack sharpness and are too gentle. Furthermore, the transitions between the moves are rigid, as if forced together." Shao Qi quickly identified the flaws but refrained from harsher criticisms. After all, for beginners, simpler techniques can be more accessible.

"I also noticed the awkward transitions. When infused with inner power, some moves clearly defy the direction of force application. Modifications are in order."

"Let me!" Shao Qi stepped forward, unsheathing his blade and performed the technique from start to finish. It looked similar to before but was vastly improved.

After sheathing his blade, he turned to Li Yun Xi, "Did you catch all that?"

Li Yun Xi bit her lip and nodded. She remembered every move, so she quickly identified Shao Qi's modifications. Upon trying them out, she found the flow much smoother.

Miao Miao sent the recorded video to Li Yun Xi, muttering, "These so-called instructors are useless. Our leader's casual demonstration surpasses their teachings."

Zhou You shook his head with a smile, "Not everyone has the eye to detect flaws, nor does everyone possess Mr. Shao's magnanimity."

Chapter 079: Battling for Command

Miao Miao liked what he said and replied with a grin, "Mr. Zhou is no slouch either. You're a revered grandmaster in my eyes."

"Grandmaster is a title I dare not claim. I've just dedicated more time to studying martial arts than others." Zhou You's ten years of dedicated training wasn't for nothing. His achievements today are a result of his hard work.

That night, the blizzard seemed to abate slightly. However, the heating in the city suddenly went out. Many were awoken by the cold and turned to their backup energy sources to warm up. After a while, not only was the heating gone, but the electricity was out too.

"What happened? It's common for the heating to fail, but a power outage? Did a circuit short?" Citizens couldn't check in the middle of the night. Used to post-apocalyptic life, they were prepared with essentials. Occasional power cuts didn't cause panic.

Zhou You was awakened by the drop in temperature and donned a jacket. Sitting on his bed in meditation, his body warmed up as his internal energy circulated.

Shao Qi brought over a heater. Seeing Zhou You in meditation, he didn't disturb him but sat in another corner of the room to practice, sharing the heater to save energy.

As dawn broke and the sun pierced the thick clouds, the snowstorm ceased. This welcome news was broadcast throughout the city early in the morning.

"A warm reminder from Jiangnan Broadcasting Station: Temperatures continue to drop during the snowmelt period, with water, electricity, and heating disruptions in the inner city. Citizens, please take precautions against the cold. Municipal departments are urgently repairing the pipelines. Additionally, we urge residents to continue attending classes. Success stems from relentless perseverance. Do you wish to venture out of the base to hunt mutated beasts? Do you desire the freedom to traverse Earth? Do you want to protect your loved ones from harm? Only by becoming stronger can you achieve what you desire. Half-hearted efforts will not lead to a bright future..."

"Next, we have a breaking news update. Satellite cloud imagery has detected a considerable number of mutated beasts near the Yunlan Mountain Range. Due to the electricity grid failure, these creatures are swarming the farmlands in large numbers. The Jiangnan Military District has been alerted and has deployed tens of thousands of troops to hunt down these beasts. We urge all citizens to stock up on food, stay indoors, and avoid unnecessary excursions. We will keep you updated on the situation. In case of danger, please move orderly to the underground shelters..."

"Seriously, it's one piece of bad news after another." Miao Miao suits up, ensuring she's fully equipped with weapons and ammunition. She also straps on a glider, checking everything one last time before setting out.

"Sister Miao, are you really going outside the city?" Li Yunxi asks with concern. Having recently faced a siege of mutated beasts, she's acutely aware of the danger they pose, knowing that this mission is fraught with peril.

Miao Miao turns around and gives her a reassuring smile. "Of course, I'm a soldier! Don't worry, I've taken down many mutated beasts before. I won't let anything happen to me. And while I'm away, don’t slack off. Keep practicing your blade skills."