Chapter 094: Deliberations

Within the Heavy Sword Manor, Zhou You and the others resided. Their every move was closely monitored by many factions. Word got around about a few vehicles taking a detour to the east suburbs yesterday, but Zhou You's discreet departure at night went unnoticed, save for the knowledge that another vehicle returned later.

Cheng Yuran and Long Gan visited the next day. Learning that Shao Qi was back brought relief. Even though Zhou You had no classes that day, they diligently practiced meditation together. With free guidance from a master, no one wanted to miss the opportunity.

So, when Shao Qi woke up after a good rest, he found the house eerily empty. Everyone was training indoors, which made him feel both proud and a tad uneasy, as if he was the only idle one.

It wasn't just at the Manor. At the Jiangnan Base, nearly everyone was engrossed in training. Not all saw results, but even janitors made time to watch classes. Ten credits were a hefty sum for the underprivileged, but with installment payment options, earning a credit a day was feasible. If all else failed, they'd watch recorded sessions in forums.

The atmosphere in the military zone changed as well. A typically lazy winter transformed into a prime season for martial training. Seeing others strive motivated everyone. Even Ren Zhiyuan felt Shao Qi's arrival was a blessing.

Shao Qi arranged to meet Cheng Zi'ang at a restaurant. With the cold weather, few ventured out. Even food delivery was now managed by robots, and barring mechanical glitches, they were punctual.

In a private room, after Shao Qi ordered dishes, Cheng Zi'ang sat opposite, slightly nervous. He could guess why he'd been summoned. He had once secretly sent out a letter, unsure if it'd reach its intended recipient. But not only did the person arrive, but he also ushered massive reforms for the Jiangnan Base.

"What can I assist you with today, Mr. Shao?" Cheng Zi'ang was in casual attire, his thick down jacket, hood, and scarf concealing all but his eyes. Even if Cheng Yuran walked in, recognizing him would be tough.

Shao Qi was also in disguise, even wearing sunglasses to cover his eyes, completely unrecognizable.

"You probably have an idea. You're more familiar with what's outside the orphanage's walls than I am. How about we collaborate?"

Cheng Zi'ang was surprised Shao Qi had identified the location so quickly. It took him significant effort to find out about the shady dumpsite. No one he sent could access its interior or even understand the situation.

He had tried bribing janitors to film inside, attempting to locate the entrance, but all efforts were in vain. Those trailing the location seemed to vanish upon entering the dump.

He solemnly replied, "I'm not sure what you're suggesting. But please instruct me, and I'll oblige. After all you've done for our base, it's only right for our military to assist."

Shao Qi smiled, interpreting the underlying message. They were willing to provide manpower but not intel, which was satisfactory.

"How many men can you spare, Deputy Cheng?" Shao Qi mentally calculated a number. If he led the operation, a small squad would suffice. But with Jiangnan's troops, at least a company would be necessary.

Taking a sip of tea, Cheng Zi'ang deeply inhaled, "Shouldn't we gather intel first? Ren Zhiyuan's project has been long-running. We don't know the number or nature of the personnel or if they've developed something anomalous. There will be considerable armed resistance. Your associates might be elite, but my soldiers are regular fighters."

Cheng Zi'ang was concerned about heavy losses. This was a negotiation, and any manpower he provided needed adequate compensation.

Shao Qi responded, "I need fifty soldiers, all at least novice fighters. Once successful, I'll ensure you receive a shipment of our latest weaponry, sufficient to arm a battalion."

This tempted Cheng Zi'ang. Acquiring such advanced weapons was always a challenge for their military. Securing them would elevate his standing.

However, negotiations required counteroffers, "Apart from the weapons, I'd like the institute's latest biological detector, rumored to detect mutated beasts within a ten-kilometer radius."

Shao Qi was well-aware of this request. The institute had consistently pursued this project. Previous detectors had a mere hundred-meter range. This advancement expanded the range to ten kilometers, discerning mutated beasts from regular ones, essential for wilderness excursions. But they were prohibitively expensive.

He hesitated for a moment before explaining, "Currently, the research institute only has three of these detectors; mass production isn't yet possible. The primary reason is the rarity of the energy stones it consumes. I can give you one, but I'm concerned you might not be able to afford the ongoing costs of these energy stones."

Cheng Zi'ang was aware of his limited finances. If donated to the military zone, he might be able to use it for some time. He wondered if the other officials would agree.

"That's a matter for later. The transformation Shao Gong brings to the base might not show immediate profits, but over time, the benefits will become evident. I have confidence that the Jiangnan Base will flourish in the coming years."

With so many ordinary people starting martial arts training, if just one in a thousand can progress successfully, it would elevate the strength of Jiangnan Base. Combined with the overall improvement of martial artists, the landscape would change dramatically.

After preparing lunch, Zhou You noticed Shao Qi was once again not at home. Assuming he went out on another investigation, and seeing the group engrossed in their discussions, he lost his appetite.

Li Yunxi was the first to notice his unease. With her chopsticks in her mouth, she asked, "Zhou You, are you okay?"