He chuckled, “Why return? The Wan Sword Sect is decent, but it pales in comparison to the major sects. The Central Military Zone is teeming with talents. With my skills, I'd be at the bottom there. Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. It's more comfortable here.”

Cheng Yuran understood his sentiment and asked, “Have you ever met Marshal Shao?”

“No, but I heard his voice during a video conference once. Probably altered though,” he sighed, “I wager that fewer people have seen his face now, aside from the military elite five years ago. However, I heard a rumor that the Marshal hasn't been at the central command for a while.”

Cheng Yuran, intrigued, whispered, “Could it be possible he's here now?”

Cheng Ziang knew what he was getting at and responded, “I'm not sure. It's possible. But a friend of mine in the armory told me that Shao Qi is their Chief Engineer, appointed by Old Song. Old Song has stepped back but hasn't left yet.”

“But I heard he uses the name Shao Lin in the association,” she added. Not a secret, really; many only knew he had the surname Shao but not his full name.

“Two possibilities – one, due to his unique role, he's always had dual identities, not uncommon for some state agents. Or, he might have more than two identities and can use any name he wants outside, a privilege few enjoy.”

“Impressive! But if that was the case, people would suspect him just by hearing the surname.”

“Indeed, perhaps I'm just a decoy for Marshal Shao. Who knows where he might be? But be wary of crossing paths with Shao Qi; he's not a minor figure.”

Cheng Yuran innocently remarked, “He's a friend of my benefactor. Why would I have a grudge against him?”

Cheng Ziang glanced at her, somewhat agreeing, but when they discussed her mysterious benefactor – an even more enigmatic figure than Shao Qi – it was as if they had never heard of him before.

Zhou You, avoiding patrols, made his way to Ren Zhiyuan's residence. He lived in the same building as Cheng Ziang, a modest five-story apartment. Ren Zhiyuan occupied the top floor.

Climbing up the building's side, Zhou You crept alongside the fifth-floor wall, evading searchlights and crouching outside a lit window.

All was silent inside. Zhou You tried to open the window but couldn't. As he considered using his internal energy to break the lock, the sound of a door opening came from within.

“Take a seat,” echoed Ren Zhiyuan's voice. He sat just behind the window, mere inches from Zhou You.

“Heh, your tea is as splendid as ever, Commander. I ought to ask for a few pounds for when I feel drowsy,” a raspy voice chimed in.

Zhou You didn't recognize the voice, but he decided to stay and listen, intrigued. Not many could address Ren Zhiyuan with such familiarity in the Jiangnan base.

“I called you over today to discuss the project's progress. We agreed on results in ten days, and today marks the tenth.”

“Commander, I understand your eagerness. It's a significant investment. But as you know, this venture was always a gamble, filled with uncertainties. While my ten-day estimate was accurate, we don’t have results yet. I came to explain personally to ease your concerns.”

“What?” Ren Zhiyuan, clearly frustrated, demanded, “Why aren't the results out? Isn't it apparent from a mere glance?”

“Genetic mutations are unpredictable. We can't ascertain results until the very end. You've waited two years; what's a few more days?”

“Our base wasn't this crowded before. If he discovers it, we'll both die!” Ren Zhiyuan said through gritted teeth.

The doctor laughed, sounding neither worried nor scared. “What's there to fear? Those alone are the easiest to deal with. Regardless of their martial arts prowess, escaping Jiangnan base, especially in this weather, is impossible. All communication is severed. Their fate lies in your hands.”

Zhou You smirked, quite certain they were discussing his group.

From the looks of it, Ren Zhiyuan has always been wary of Shao Qi. What exactly is this project they're talking about? Shao Qi might have some knowledge about it.

"You think it's that simple? Do you know what a true master is? That man... Hah, compared to the wine-sippers and gluttons in this Jiangnan base, he's unparalleled. And let's not forget about the enigmatic Zhou You by his side."

"Heh, that Zhou You you're talking about? I've seen him on TV. A real talent, indeed. If you could bring him to me, perhaps there'd be a significant breakthrough. Your dream might just come true."

Ren Zhiyuan didn't fall for it, replying calmly, "I don't have any dreams. I'm merely fulfilling yours out of respect for the friendship you shared with my father."

"Indeed, my dream is close to becoming a reality. But really, you wouldn't consider bringing Zhou You over? His physique represents perfection. Current warriors, undergoing their second evolution, seem like they're reverting back to primitive ancestors, resembling large apes. Of course, beastly mutations are also a form of devolution, but humanity should progress. I believe that Zhou You represents the next stage of human evolution."

Zhou You made a face, unimpressed by the praise. At this moment, he also realized the so-called doctor's true intent, which likely involved human experimentation. The only question was in what capacity.

"You can drop that thought. No one on my side can match him. Capturing him within the base is impossible."