Someone pointed to two corpses on the ground and inquired, "Mr. Zhou, Chairman Shao, what's this about?"

Shao Qi couldn't be bothered to deal with them. Conveniently, Miao Miao and the others drove the car back. He signaled Zhou You to get in. Zhou You nodded towards the crowd, saying simply, "These two escaped from the lab. We're taking them with us."

Zhou You waved dismissively. Zhuo Hao and Qin Li Feng each dragged away a body. Even though these two monsters were dead, their corpses couldn't just be taken. If someone were to study and decipher them, all their efforts would have been in vain.

As their vehicle departed, members from various sects remained. They first visited the city lord's mansion and witnessed several fight scenes. They felt fortunate for their timely arrival; any earlier would have meant certain death.

The car entered the military zone. The guards immediately let them pass upon seeing them. Zhao Jing Hao had already prepared, having taken control of the entire base.

The team under the command of Ren Zhi Yuan never returned after leaving the base. Logically, they should've been meeting with the lab's personnel, but Zhou You and his team never encountered them.

"Mr. Shao, Mr. Zhou, have you arrived? Is everything settled?" Zhao Jing Hao had accomplished a significant feat that night, equivalent to a rebellion a thousand years ago. Thankfully, he succeeded.

Shao Qi nodded, "Almost. Send a team into the lab to ensure all test subjects are removed. If anyone's inside, bring them out. Guard both entrances. I'll have Zhuo Hao assist you."

Out of reflex, Zhao Jing Hao saluted, "Yes, I'll send someone right away."

Strangely, he found himself heeding the advice of a senior engineer. He acted upon a command to seize military power, which, in hindsight, was terrifying. Had he failed, not only would he have died, but his comrades would have as well.

It truly was a high-stakes gamble.

"Mr. Shao, what about Commander Ren...?"

"He's in the hospital. Haven't you sent someone to check on him?"

Zhao Jing Hao scratched his head, wary of approaching Ren Zhi Yuan in his current state, lest others suspect him of foul play.

"And... Deputy Chief of Staff Cheng?"

Shao Qi smirked, "Why not ask about everyone? They're all in the hospital. Whether they're alive or dead, I can't say."

Zhao Jing Hao looked embarrassed, quickly clarifying, "As long as they're alive. I'm too young and inexperienced to manage on my own."

"That's why I'm here," Shao Qi said as he walked further in. Zhou You chuckled; Shao Qi might be around the same age as Zhao Jing Hao, but he clearly had more leadership prowess.

"Others from various sects might still be arriving, invite them in. Also, get every single journalist. I intend to hold a public inquiry." After instructing, Shao Qi ordered the bodies be moved to the military hall to clear up the entire incident and reassure the citizens.

Zhao Jing Hao suggested Shao Qi and his team rest first, and they could commence once everyone had gathered.

After a night of traveling and fighting, they were both hungry and exhausted, so they headed to the guesthouse for rest.

This time, they didn’t share a room but had adjoining ones. After showering, food and fresh clothes were delivered.

Preferring company during meals, Shao Qi brought his food to Zhou You's room. When Miao Miao and the others arrived, they found the two, clad in bathrobes, dining and chatting — an unexpectedly homely sight.

Miao Miao thought: If these two aren't a pair by now, I'll write my name backward.

"Is everything sorted?" Shao Qi inquired, setting down his chopsticks.

"Ren Zhi Yuan's injuries were too severe; he died before reaching the hospital. The two major generals have minor injuries, while Cheng Zi Ang suffered multiple broken ribs and a fractured arm. He'll need a month to recover. Additionally, Long Gan has also been seriously injured."

Ren Zhiyuan is dead. Zhou You glanced at Shao Qi and heard him say, "Even if he didn't die now, his end was imminent. Concealing his deeds from everyone, he bears the greatest blame. Think of how many have died in the lab. Each death weighs on him, not to mention today's casualties."

"Eighteen were lost outside today, with seventy-nine fatalities both inside and outside the city lord's mansion. Including Commander Ren, the death count has reached ninety-eight. Dozens more are critically injured and over a hundred have minor injuries." Today, with so many gathered outside the city lord's mansion, there were significant casualties, not least from the stampede.

Shao Qi's gaze turned icy, rage evident in his eyes. "Seize all assets from Ren Zhiyuan's household and use them as compensation for the victims!"

If this had been before the apocalypse, they wouldn't dare take such measures. Now, hearing this news will likely elate many.

Zhou You stopped them, saying, "Send someone else. You should rest as well. You're not made of iron, after all."

Miao Miao smiled at him, saying with a hint of praise, "Mr. Zhou knows how to be considerate. Our boss is just a blockhead, always making us work."

Shao Qi looked at her speechlessly. In the past, working tirelessly for days was normal. Although last night was exhausting, was it to the point of needing pampering?

And now she's even making coy eyes at Zhou You. Does she not realize her rugged face doesn't suit such a flirty expression?

Yet Zhou You chimed in, "Having such a boss is indeed unfortunate. I'm considering quitting."

Shao Qi raised an eyebrow, asking unhappily, "What have I done to you?"

"Nothing, I just don't need the money anymore and am tired of catering to you."

Shao Qi felt wronged. When had Zhou You ever waited on him? Wasn't it just three meals a day?

Miao Miao and the others thought: Is there really a difference between resigning and not? Don't they all live the same way?

Chapter 107: Balance between Inner and Outer is the True Path