Master Qingfeng remained calm, "The Martial Arts Association only deals with matters related to martial artists. We don’t get involved in political or military affairs. Whichever one of you takes that position, I'll collaborate. But in my opinion, Gu is still inexperienced. Were you not outmaneuvered by him this time? I heard Gu Zhao has recently been close to the Yang family and plans to marry the Emei heroine, revealing his obvious ambitions."

Master Qingfeng handed his teacup to Shao Qi, "Pour me some tea. I have good news for you."

Shao Qi, smiling, poured him a lukewarm cup, "It's a bit cool, please bear with it."

After taking a sip, Master Qingfeng confidently stated, "His wedding won't happen."

"Why?"

"Because... Lady Han is set to be our Wudang sect's daughter-in-law! Hahaha!" For the first time, Master Qingfeng looked gleefully arrogant, leaving Shao Qi and another person speechless.

"Your disciple Huai Sen and Han Xi?" Headmaster He was also taken aback, "This has been kept quite the secret. Now the Gu family is bound to lose face."

"It's just a future daughter-in-law. From the way you're talking, one would think she's marrying you," Shao Qi commented under his breath.

Winter in Yang City was finally coming to an end. The temperatures began to rise, evident from the rampant growth of flora outside the base. Within the base, workers started clearing the emerging weeds – an annual task requiring a significant workforce, given the incessant sprouting.

Apart from those in the city, many hunting squads ventured outside. Having been confined throughout the winter, the exploration teams were getting restless. The stored mutated meat from before winter had long been consumed. Most people in the city were surviving but desperately needed energy replenishment.

The entire base sprung into action.

Zhou You's return with his team had caused quite a stir. Their departure had been discreet, but the news of the satellite launch success turned them into the center of attention. Every day, media outlets, alongside family members, gathered at the city gates.

They departed with sixty members but returned with fewer than forty. The grief of the families of the deceased was palpable. Some survivors shared their stories during interviews. Zhou You didn’t mind, as publicizing the challenges faced during the satellite mission seemed appropriate.

A few days later, the government and the military region jointly held a memorial service for the deceased, providing financial compensation and honor certificates to their families. On this occasion, over half of the returnees joined the military ranks, becoming soldiers.

As details of this mission surfaced, the public's attention towards this holographic online game heightened, nearly reaching a level of nationwide engagement. This month's leaderboard has been released, and it's dominated by the elites of Yang City. Clearly, they've swiftly adapted to the game's competitive mode, scoring faster than those unfamiliar with the game.

Every month, the top hundred players receive rewards. The game's creators, in collaboration with the government, host grand award ceremonies, with prominent figures promoting the game, leading to a growing trend of players dedicating three hours daily to the game.

While many ordinary people who've never left the base get their thrill from hunting mutant beasts in the game, they've genuinely acquired valuable skills, ensuring they wouldn't be paralyzed with fear when confronted with mutants in reality.

Progress is accumulative. When the first average player made it into the top hundred, a new incentive was introduced: standouts from regular players could attend martial arts school for a month free of charge. After this period, if they pass the assessment, they can continue; otherwise, they return to their previous lives.

This opened a pathway for ordinary people to advance as martial artists. Many began taking the game seriously, giving their all not just in-game but also incorporating physical training into their daily routines.

Over time, they realized the game's NPCs serve as excellent mentors, from whom they can learn techniques. The game's secret manuals were genuine, further motivating the citizens of Yang City to embrace a martial arts culture.

Zhou You didn't participate in these events. After returning, he stayed at the Litchi Villa. He visited Zhou Hua Jin once, mentioning his plans to soon leave Yang City for Dawn City.

Zhou Hua Jin was understandably sentimental. After many years apart, father and son were finally reunited. He wished Zhou You would stay, but understood his son's commitment to Shao Qi meant eventual departure.

Although he seemed to stay put at Litchi Villa, Zhou You had been actively working behind the scenes. Shao Qi entrusted his private forces in Yang City to him with a single goal: to prevent military and political powers from falling into malicious hands.

Zhou You had pondered his future path for quite some time. Given his martial prowess, he could easily secure employment, make money, or even start his own martial arts school. However, he had no desire to establish a sect or work under Shao Qi in the military. After consideration, he returned to his roots, joining the National Security Department as an agent codenamed "Owl."

Within his department, agents came from various backgrounds: beggars, teachers, nightclub hostesses, socialites, and even high-ranking officials.

After getting certified with Shao Qi, Zhou You's status drastically changed. Such individuals were highly welcomed in the National Security Department but were also expected to maintain a low profile. Consequently, only a few higher-ups were privy to his real identity.

After returning from Wine City, Zhou You's priority was investigating any covert connections between Yang City and foreign forces. Ren Zhiyuan might not have been the only one.

He also planned to visit the Jiangnan Base. While Ren Zhiyuan was dead, his close associates were still active. A more thorough investigation might reveal some leads. If there existed a connection to an overseas base, it must be controlled by the state. Dragon Gan, hearing of Zhou You's plans, volunteered to accompany him, with the trip scheduled for early spring.