Chapter 193: Homecoming

Zhou You hadn't expected that on the day of his departure, Master Xuan would include Xuan Jue in his team. Was this a genuine request for him to help train the successor?

Of course, the rewards were generous. Not only a vehicle and supplies, but he was also gifted ten disciples from the Xuan Sect, each with a martial arts level above Wu Shi, to serve as bodyguards.

Zhou You had never indulged in such lavish protection. He even wondered if Master Xuan sent them to avoid drawing attention to his grandson.

However, he accepted the offer, letting them protect Xuan Jue on the road. As for himself, if there was an enemy he couldn't handle, ten more bodyguards would make no difference.

Xuan Jue let Long Gan drive his car while he rode with Zhou You. He was on a covert mission, with his grandfather repeatedly urging him to persuade Zhou You to take him as an apprentice.

Who would have imagined, the direct grandson of the Xuan Sect's leader seeking another as a mentor? And the latter might not even accept. But if Zhou You did, their two families would become one, and perhaps he'd agree to take over the Xuan Sect.

His grandfather had high hopes for him, but he doubted they would come to fruition. Why would Zhou Ge take notice of someone with his modest abilities?

"Ah..." he sighed deeply.

Zhou You glanced sideways at him and asked curiously, "Why the sigh? Don't you want to go out with me?"

"No, no, I wouldn't pass up such a rare opportunity. It's just... calling you 'Zhou Ge' doesn't seem right. Should I call you 'Uncle' instead?" Xuan Xue pondered, thinking it might muddle their relationship otherwise.

Zhou You playfully tousled his hair, "I prefer 'Zhou Ge.' If you have any concerns, speak now. I'm in a good mood; I might just agree."

"Really?" Xuan Xue was overjoyed, immediately kneeling as if to kowtow, but Zhou You held him back.

"Heh, I wish to take you as my master. My grandfather said you mastered our clan's profound inner strength in just three days. It took me a whole year to get a mere glimpse of it. Some take three years and still fail. You're so skilled; I know I'd become strong under your tutelage."

"And once you're strong, what do you aim to do?" Zhou You inquired, showing his fondness for the young Xuan Xue, or he wouldn't have allowed him to accompany him.

"When I become powerful..." Xuan Xue pondered seriously and then listed, "Firstly, I'll have many disciples. Grandfather wishes to propagate our family's techniques, so I'll need many disciples. Then, I'll travel nationwide, even worldwide, to hunt and explore. Lastly, I aspire to become a renowned hero, championing justice."

Zhou You looked at him with a tilted head, seeing the sparkle in his eyes and sensing his genuine passion. Such naive dreams are difficult for adults to achieve. Zhou You hadn't thought about taking a disciple, but Xuan Xue might just be an exception.

"I have a test for you."

Xuan Xue sat up eagerly, accidentally bumping his head on the car roof. Rubbing his head, he implored, "Mr. Zhou, do you truly consider accepting me as your disciple?"

"Pass the test first."

"Alright, name your test! I promise I'll pass!"

"Patience. We'll discuss it after our business at the Jiangnan base," Zhou You commented, glancing at a recent map. It showed some changes since his last visit, but the changes wouldn't be drastic after a winter season. Spring was a time of renewal; soon, familiar paths would be unrecognizable.

"Since we're out, let's hunt more mutant beasts. Start with the lower-tier ones. Show me your limits." Zhou You intentionally chose a more perilous route for Xuan Xue, challenging him daily until exhaustion.

In Dawn City, on the final day of the assembly, a significant proposal was passed. Marshal Shao proposed digitizing all martial arts manuals nationwide to form an e-library. It would be open to all without the need for credits. Those lending the manuals would be compensated either in credits or with higher-tier manuals. Shao Qi planned to expand the scheme initiated at Jiangnan base to the entire country.

There might be initial resistance, but as the times change, these old manuals would become obsolete. Many new manuals have emerged, even from non-martial artists. An official platform showcasing these would boost creativity.

Convincing politicians was not hard for Shao Qi. The most challenging part was persuading clans and sects. Still, he presented the impressive growth in new martial artists from the Jiangnan base after his teaching platform's introduction. The increase was substantial, suggesting a promising future for the once marginalized region.

Numbers spoke volumes. The proposal was undeniably beneficial, and none opposed it. Taking the opportunity, Shao Qi introduced more strict regulations for martial artists.

Martial artists were governed by the Martial Arts Association. Shao Qi supported stricter regulations, notably holding martial artists accountable for unjustified killings outside bases.