Tong Liwei paid no attention to the rumors, dismissing them as fake. He believed that the spotlight would soon return to the Yueyang sect.

As midnight approached, the year-end show's highlight was a combined performance by several sect leaders. While each showcased their skills separately, the audience loved it. The sheer power displayed, like splitting steel plates, shattering massive rocks, or cutting curtains with the wind from a sword swipe, left them in awe and excitement.

After the showcase, as the hosts announced the voting results, the Yueyang sect unsurprisingly topped the list. Head of the sect, Master Tong, called over Zhou Yichen, introducing him to other sect leaders.

Dressed in traditional Han attire, Zhou Yichen's cold face carried the pride of a prodigious youth. Yet, he respectfully greeted the elders.

Many of the leaders were familiar with him. Some were friends with Zhou Huajin and didn't hold back on their praise. However, many subtly expressed a wish to get acquainted with Mr. Zhou You and hoped Zhou Yichen could introduce them.

Zhou Yichen's response was icy, "He's not at the base. He's left the city." This wasn't secret information, as many visiting the Litchi Villa received similar responses, although most didn't believe it.

Now, some seemed convinced but still persisted, "When he returns, may I arrange a dinner for the both of you?"

Uninterested in the invitation, Zhou Yichen declined, "No. I don't know him well enough to invite him on your behalf."

He was truthful. His relationship with Zhou You wasn't close enough to facilitate such connections. Besides, he felt Zhou You had no need to acquaint himself with heads of minor sects.

The meeting ended on an indifferent note. Tong Liwei wore a triumphant grin, but only once they were in the car did he remind Zhou Yichen, "You're quite spirited, but remember to be humble and gentle when addressing your elders, to avoid offending anyone."

"I'm just speaking the truth." Zhou Yichen was deeply grateful for his master's mentorship. The opportunity today was originally for the senior disciple, but the master chose him against all odds. He might have offended many of his peers, but he wasn't afraid.

Tong Liwei offered him a few more words of advice. Smooth and diplomatic, Tong's role as the vice-president of the Martial Arts Association wasn't just due to his seniority; his affable nature played a part. But, his own disciple being a tad arrogant was understandable; after all, he had reasons to be proud.

As they approached their destination, Master Tong casually asked, "Do you know where your brother has gone?"

"Of course not. Why would he tell me?" Zhou Yichen replied with discontent. More and more people have been asking about Zhou You lately, making him quite displeased, feeling as if everyone wanted to curry favor with his brother.

"Doesn't your father know? Where could he be during the festive season?"

Zhou Yichen snorted, "He's spending time with his significant other, of course."

A glint appeared in Tong Liwei's eyes, "Oh? Mr. Zhou has a partner? Who might that be?"

"It's Shao Qi, who's always with him. I'm sure you've heard of him, Master."

"How could this be?" Master Tong, taken aback, instinctively retorted, "This can't be. Is your source reliable?"

Zhou Yichen looked puzzled, "Why do you ask, Master? This is true. Just a few days ago, they both came over to give New Year gifts to my father. I heard it myself."

Holding onto the car door handle, Tong Liwei took a moment to stabilize his emotions. With a calm facade and a smile, he commented, "I'm just taken aback. After all, they're both men, and there was no previous news about this."

Zhou Yichen grew even more confused, "Did you know them before, Master?"

"Do I need a special introduction? They are now celebrities in Yang City. Everyone knows about them, especially about their top rankings in that game. Who doesn't know that the top two players are them?"

"Oh," Zhou Yichen thought that Zhou You must have gained fame due to Shao Qi. While his brother was exceptional in gaming, who had seen him in action in reality? Why was everyone so convinced of his capabilities?

Of course, he was certain Zhou You was extraordinarily talented. Upon closer contact, one would find a dominating aura about him, and those eyes seemed to pierce the very soul.

"Would you like to meet him, Master?"

"If I have the opportunity to meet such a personality, I would definitely take it. I've received some news from the Jiangnan base. I probably know a bit more than others. Your brother is indeed quite remarkable."

Chapter 163: The First

Only when Zhou Yichen returned home did he realize why Zhou You had become the talk of the town. It turned out that the latest news from the Jiangnan base had spread. Whatever he had done there had now become well-known, perhaps even exaggerated. Some of the tales seemed hard to believe.

Mrs. Zhou laughed incredulously, saying with skepticism, "Killing a hundred mutated beasts alone to save the citizens? Hunting down two high-level mutated beasts by himself? And teaching everyone internal power techniques? Isn't this a bit too exaggerated? Have we regressed in our communication?"

"It might not all be fabrications. I've contacted my friends over there, and this is the news they sent. It's not exaggerated." Zhou Huajin had seen some videos before, but the pieces of information everyone got weren't complete. When pieced together, they seemed like a very exaggerated report.

"Is it true that Shao Qi was once the chairman of the martial arts association's branch at the Jiangnan base?" Mrs. Zhou wasn't sure whether she was envious or jealous. Both of them are so skilled; one must be careful not to offend them in the future.

Zhou Hua Jin nodded, "Although he was the acting chairman, during his tenure, he initiated a martial arts teaching live streaming platform. It inspired the entire Jiangnan region to practice martial arts. Rumor has it, within a month of their departure, over ten thousand individuals advanced to become novice warriors, a feat previously unimaginable. And this rate of advancement is still increasing."