"And this grilled meat dish, why is the portion so small? I bet it's the most expensive on the menu, simply because it's made from high-grade mutated beast meat, which is hard to come by."

"Don't talk as if I plan to settle down there."

With an embarrassed smile, Cheng Yuran suggested, "Why don't we head to Dawn City next? It's the largest and most advanced city in the country, and it's not too far from here."

Cheng Yuran cast a glance at Shao Qi. He found it hard to believe that Shao Qi, a soldier, could be so leisurely, spending all his days accompanying Zhou You. Given that they are from the Central Army Corps, they must surely be heading back to Dawn City.

Shao Qi, however, seemed unconcerned and replied leisurely, "I'm fine with wherever you wish to go."

Knowing his true status, Zhou You doubted Shao Qi's words. As a commander, how could Shao Qi have so much free time? How was it that he seemed to be idling around?

Chapter 116: Selling Materials

Like the Jiangnan Base, the outer city of Yang City also hosts an army. "With half a million regular soldiers, their numbers rival the Central Military District. This indeed makes Yang City the largest city next to Dawn City."

As they drove past the military district entrance, Zhou You sensed at least three electronic scanners sweep over them.

They circled the outer city by car, comparing each location with the map. Even though their electronic map is satellite-based, those satellites haven't been maintained for years, leading to potential inaccuracies. Thus, they always familiarize themselves with local terrain whenever they have the opportunity.

The next morning, the manager from Qian Ji Hall returned, bringing several luxurious cars, insisting on hosting them. After Wang Mang learned in detail about their experiences in the ancient ruins the previous night, he decided to get closer to Zhou You and his group.

But when Wang Mang heard that the skinny young man among them was also a top-tier expert, he was skeptical. At least his trained personnel hadn't seen an expert who looked just like an ordinary person.

When Zhou You and his group arrived, Wang Mang personally greeted them at the entrance with his son, showing great respect. Despite some dark elements in his past, Wang Mang's reputation in Yang City was good. He was known for his generosity and bravery, making his Qian Ji Hall more respected than other factions. Even the government and military held him in regard.

Wang Mang wasn't as naive as his son, believing that every talent in the world could be bought with money. Any individual from Zhou You's group was beyond being hired as a bodyguard for his family. He couldn't fathom his son's judgment.

Wang Mang's hospitality was neither servile nor overbearing, making him likable. Even the wary Shao Qi warmed up to him, chatting more openly after a few drinks.

"Since you've come from Jiangnan Base, you must know about the martial arts association there launching online martial arts courses, right?"

"Oh? Has news of this spread so quickly?" Cheng Yuran cast a glance at Shao Qi. He truly admired Shao Qi and would've enjoyed sharing more drinks if not for them being rivals.

"Ha! This news probably spread to every base by now. It's all over the internet. It's hard to miss. However, we aren't sure about the finer details. Now that you're here, can I get some firsthand information?" Wang Mang, having heard rumors online, sent someone to investigate at Jiangnan Base for clearer details.

"Well, you've asked the right people. We here..." Cheng Yuran was cut off suddenly, turning to look at Zhou You beside him, speechless.

Zhou You, with a playful smile, said, "What's wrong? Talked too much and got thirsty?"

Qin Lifei smoothly continued, "You've indeed asked the right folks. The martial spirit of Jiangnan Base was weak. The major factions were too self-focused. There was even an incident where a sect leader imprisoned experts from different sects to steal martial arts techniques. One of the victims was right here, the young leader of Wan Jian Sect, Cheng Yuran. During the operation to eliminate the villains, the martial arts secrets of various sects were accidentally released."

The local martial arts association and the sect leaders decided that since the secrets were out, they might as well open their teachings to the entire base. It was winter then, and everything was snowed in, so they used online live streaming to teach. Surprisingly, the results were quite good."

"I see," Wang Mang responded, bowing slightly to Cheng Yuran, "So you are the Young Sect Leader Cheng. My apologies for not recognizing earlier. I've heard of that incident and admired your resilience. If only my son had half of your determination."

Wang Mang's son, who had been silently drinking at the table, suddenly stood up, smashing his glass, "Of course, others always have better children. Too bad you're stuck with a useless son like me!" He stormed off angrily.

Wang Mang paused, then shook his head with a rueful smile, "I apologize. I've spoiled him too much."

Although Zhou You was reluctant to question others' upbringing, he believed that if Young Master Wang continued his current behavior, it would certainly harm both himself and others. Thus, Zhou shared with the old man all the events that transpired after their encounter at the ancient base ruins.

He speculated that the few who survived wouldn't complain to Wang Mang. Those who perished because of Young Master Wang might never receive an apology. In Zhou You's opinion, the loss of skilled individuals for such a despicable person was a sheer waste.

Shao Qi listened intently to Zhou You's story, noting that he purposely omitted his own act of killing. A faint smile appeared on Shao Qi's lips. However, Wang Mang's face grew increasingly dark with anger.