"I might be overthinking, but I believe everyone should be aware of the current world and what Mutant Beasts look like. These creatures evolved from animals we once knew. They aren't invincible; even non-warriors can overcome them with tactics and weapons. The Research Institute's digital database is affordable and comprehensive; I suggest you all take a look."

Soon, comments flooded in: "If we never leave the base our entire lives, do we still need to learn this?"

Training in martial arts is both tiring and arduous. Many give up after the initial enthusiasm wanes, thinking it's easier to lay low and remain safe as long as they don't venture outside.

Zhou You highlighted this comment, asking the audience, "How many of you believe Jiangnan Base will remain safe forever?... Yes, training is exhausting..."

He panned the camera to a group training in the courtyard, "Many of you might recognize them - elite instructors from the Central Corps. They used to teach at 5 AM daily for free but switched to livestreaming due to heavy snow. They train punctually, starting at 5 AM, break at 6:30 AM for breakfast, then resume. They train all day unless on a mission."

"Sorry, I digressed. Next question: how to determine which weapon or technique suits you? This depends on individual physical attributes and preferences..."

Zhou You's lectures were theoretical. It seemed he taught nothing concrete but clarified many doubts, serving as a wake-up call for many.

"Xiaomi, I feel like Mr. Zhou is hinting that disaster is imminent and Jiangnan Base isn't safe anymore. Is that true?" Li Yanqing, a loyal fan of Zhou You's streams, inquired upon tuning in.

Mi Ai shared the sentiment, "Not just him. I've heard this platform was set up by Mr. Shao, the acting chairman of the Martial Arts Association. Many believe it's for the association's reform and collaboration with various sects. But my cousin mentioned that the sects aren't keen on this."

Mi Ai's cousin was also a martial artist but not a core disciple. Those who joined sects had to sign confidentiality agreements, forbidding sharing techniques with outsiders.

"Thus, we need to persuade our parents to intensify training, especially during holidays. I also plan to convince them to purchase firearms. A basic rifle with 100 bullets costs only five points. We can use them for shooting practice."

Although the government no longer restricts civilians from bearing arms, those from the old world are hesitant to use firearms, fearing accidental discharge.

"You're right. We should at least have one gun per person. We can practice with cheaper ones and get better ones for actual use. If we can get a laser gun, even better."

"Also crossbows. Mr. Zhou uses one. We might not afford the best, but a basic alloy one should be affordable. In close combat, defeating Mutant Beasts is challenging, but from a distance, our chances are better."

The two young adults discussed and made several decisions. Their parents, after hearing them out, were supportive. After all, shooting seemed simpler than martial arts.

After an hour, some felt enlightened by Zhou You's lecture, while others thought he was too verbose, wishing he'd taught practical martial arts. But with ten points covering a full course, they were curious about what Zhou You might say next.

Shao Qi ascended the stairs and stood at Zhou You's door. "I thought you were going to teach everyone inner cultivation," he remarked. The current courses only cover external techniques. Inner cultivation is abstract and difficult to understand. It's tough to convey precisely and is often left to intuition rather than verbal explanation.

"What about next time? Can I teach the secret manuals we posted online?"

"Of course. Let me know which sect you'd like to teach, and maybe their sect leaders would want to learn from you too."

There's truth to that. Many sects can't fully grasp their inner cultivation manuals. Even if they do, what they understand is basic and lacks depth. Over time, people realized that not only is inner cultivation hard, but its practicality might also be limited, leading to fewer practitioners.

Still, there are a few masters of inner cultivation in the country. Hu Shi En can be counted as one, while the Mysterious Sect mainly focuses on inner strength. There are also independent cultivators without a sect affiliation.

Chapter 086: Possessiveness Strikes

No one knows the exact techniques Zhou You practices, but anyone who's seen him in action can tell his inner cultivation is profound. He's the archetype of a master who walks the path of inner cultivation.

The Martial Arts Association immediately checked Zhou You's records, only to find that he had never registered with them, taken any grading exams, or even owned a certificate. His skill level remains a mystery.

Some suggested inviting Zhou You to take the grading exam. Knowing his skill level would help others determine how to interact with him. We truly live in an era where strength speaks volumes.

In the afternoon, Long Gan personally delivered an invitation. He had promised a thanksgiving banquet for Zhou You and Shao Qi. The recent funerals of his fallen comrades delayed him. By the time he was ready to send out invitations, Zhou You and his group had already stirred up the town with their deeds.

"This is the place? I'm surprised the government lent them the grounds of the Heavy Sword Sect. They must have a unique status, right?" Cheng Yuran, who had come to see Zhou You, commented. He had collaborated with Long Gan in the past, and they were on par in terms of strength.

"Regardless of their status, we should focus on their contributions to the Jiangnan Base. The Heavy Sword Sect's fall was in part due to saving you. Lending them support is only fitting," Long Gan replied impassively.

Cheng Yuran would never forget his days trapped in that basement, devoid of dignity and freedom. Just when he was about to give up hope, someone defeated Hu Shi En and rescued him. He'd remain forever grateful.