"I was merely seeking answers, and I believe many share my concerns."

He even took a step forward, sidestepping Zhuo Hao, and asked, "Marshal, how do you plan to oversee the operations upon your return? Is your health still robust?"

"How dare you!" Zhuo Hao sent him flying with a single palm strike. His piercing gaze settled on Gu Zhou and his entourage, saying coldly, "Whether the Marshal is in good health is none of your concern. Speak out of line again, and I might think you wish for his death."

Zhou You stepped forward, an invisible aura pulsating around him. Everyone felt an uncontrollable force, their legs automatically backing away, creating a clear path.

"Now that you've seen the person in question, I'll be taking Shao Qi home," Zhou You said calmly.

Shao Qi slowly walked over, placing a hand on Zhou You's shoulder, addressing the cameras, "Thank you all for your concern. Returning alive is my greatest fortune. Regrettably, I couldn't bring my comrades back. Moreover, my internal injuries are severe, requiring a long recuperation. Thus, I've decided to resign from my position as Marshal of the Central Army Corps. The official resignation will be processed within three days."

After those words, Shao Qi got into a black sedan with Zhou You. From his appearance to his departure, it lasted less than a minute, leaving netizens who thought this was a staged event dumbstruck.

"Ah! Marshal Shao truly has returned!"

"It's real! I'm so moved... He's alive!"

"I apologize for my previous rash words. Sorry! And Marshal, I'll always support you!"

"Exactly, as long as Marshal Shao remains, I won't let anyone else take that position."

"Support Marshal Shao!"

"Stop blabbering! Didn't Marshal Shao say he's severely injured and needs to rest? How can he continue serving in that role?"

"I don’t care. Even severe injuries heal in time. He can walk and run, he's able-bodied. Who says a Marshal has to be a martial arts master?"

"I agree, strategic prowess is what truly defines a leader! His contributions are monumental. As long as he's alive, no one can replace him!"

Online public opinion was overwhelmingly in favor. People were voicing their wishes for Shao Qi to remain their Marshal. Even though they don't have the authority to select the Marshal, they can express their views.

Shao Qi leaned on Zhou You's shoulder. He hadn't slept all night, which was too taxing for his current condition.

Xu Yan was driving, so overwhelmed with emotion she couldn't speak, tears silently streaming down, her hands trembling on the wheel.

Shao Qi sighed and said to her, "Please, focus on driving. I wouldn't want to miraculously survive only to die in a car crash."

"Nonsense." Zhou You nudged him and then told Xu Yan, "Drive directly to the sanatorium. Grandfather doesn't know about this yet."

"Okay."

"I think you should stay at the sanatorium too, given your health. If you don't recuperate for a year or two, it may shorten your lifespan." Zhou You checked his pulse daily but only had basic knowledge about internal injuries, far from a medical professional.

Apart from his internal injuries, Shao Qi's physique genuinely required meticulous care.

"Let's forgo the sanatorium. I prefer staying at my own home. Let's move there."

Zhou You's primary concern was safety. The sanatorium, affiliated with the military, could ensure the highest level of security.

But with him around, naturally, he could protect Shao Qi completely.

Once at the sanatorium, Xu Yan answered a call. Upon hanging up, a smile crept onto her lips. "Boss," she said cheerfully, "things are progressing smoothly. Online sentiment remains firmly on our side."

"Hmm. For now, let them infight. It gives me a perfect chance to recuperate."

"Yes, about the resignation..."

"We'll address that once they reach a consensus." Shao Qi's return wasn't without preparation. Although he couldn't fight, as long as the Flame Squad existed, he held sway within the corps.

At this stage, he couldn't do much, but he could use this opportunity to weed out the traitors within the corps.

Elder Shao sat sunbathing in the garden, with Shao Zhen frequently glancing towards the entrance, often lost in thought.

"Zhen, is something on your mind? If you have matters to attend to, go ahead. I'm perfectly fine without supervision."

Trying to contain her excitement, Shao Zhen responded, "Nothing much, just wondering if sister-in-law will come back today."

"You miss him? Understandable, given he's been away for days. But remember, Zhen, even though he's your brother-in-law, don't call him that to his face, especially after your brother's departure. He has his own life to lead."

"Mhm," Shao Zhen replied distractedly.

Soon, a group entered from outside. Shao Zhen instantly recognized the man in the middle.

While others might need confirmation to recognize Shao Qi, Shao Zhen, being family, knew him too well. She identified him at a glance, covering her mouth as she wept silently.

"What's the matter?" The elder followed her gaze, instantly frozen in shock. Were his eyes deceiving him, or was he daydreaming? How could a dream feel so vivid?

Shao Qi approached and embraced them both, "Grandpa, Zhen, I'm back."

Shao Zhen sobbed uncontrollably in his arms, while the elder, in disbelief, pinched himself hard. The pain was real!

"I can't believe I'm not dreaming! Oh my God..." In his excitement, the elder's vision blurred, almost fainting. Zhou You quickly administered a rejuvenating elixir and applied some clarifying ointment.

Shao Qi couldn't lift him, so Zhou You had to step in. The family entered, settling down for a quiet conversation.

At the same moment, convoys from various bases were en route to Dawn City, with Yang City's procession being the most spectacular. Not only did it include the warriors participating in the finals but also close friends and family of Zhou You and Shao Qi.