Shao Qi opened his phone and accessed a tracking app. A moving red dot appeared on the screen. Zhou You, recognizing the location, exclaimed, "How are they moving so fast? Are they nearing Yang City?"

"The distance between Jiangnan Base and Yang City isn't that great. With clear paths, it only takes five days. Their group has skilled individuals, so their journey must've been smooth."

"Let's head to Yang City. Based on the timeline, they should arrive the day after tomorrow. It'll be a good opportunity to meet Mr. Li."

The helicopter began its descent, sending a signal to the base control tower below. Few things fly these days, so the control immediately alerted higher-ups.

As the plane descended, the small airport was filled with individuals, mostly in military attire.

News of a Central Corps helicopter landing in Yang City had the military send a delegation. Helicopters, once a common aerial vehicle before the apocalypse, became rare in the post-apocalyptic world. Most airborne vehicles were either large transport aircraft or powerful fighter jets.

As the sleek helicopter descended, spinning its rotor blades, a singular thought dominated everyone's mind: Who was daring enough to fly here like this?

Zhou You captured the bug into a bottle. Last time, it was unconscious and didn't resist, but this time was different. In the end, it was Shao Qi who tricked it into the bottle using a nutrient solution.

"If people were to discover the use of this tiny creature, our nation might soon see an army of these insects," Shao Qi mused, gently shaking the glass bottle. He whispered to Zhou You, "Do you believe the benefits of this outweigh the risks, or vice versa?"

"Insects are living creatures, and these are a highly dangerous mutated type. Who can confidently claim they can control them? Given their mental strength, it’s more like they'd control humans."

Zhou You observed him lost in thought, "Do you genuinely feel indebted to these creatures for saving our lives?"

"No, I'm just pondering whether we should deliver them alive or dead," Shao Qi's fingers lightly covered the bottle's cap. With a single push, he could end their lives. But dead specimens aren’t as valuable as living ones. Their offensive capabilities are simply too intriguing.

Unraveling mysteries comes at a price, and he's unsure if he can bear it.

Zhou You placed his hand over Shao Qi's and, gazing at the lively insects inside the bottle, whispered, "Without understanding what these creatures truly are, none of us will be at ease. Regardless of how formidable the mutated beasts are, only by knowing them can we effectively deal with them."

"Mm."

"A sword is just a sword. Good or evil depends on the wielder. And you, you're that wielder. You must believe it’s you who determines its path."

Shao Qi took his hand away, holding Zhou You's hand in his own, "Do you know where those seized robots ended up?"

"No clue. I assume those robots would be the new fascination for many experts?"

"Not exactly a fascination. We aren't devoid of such technology domestically. However, the mass production of robots was never greenlit, so the topic was dormant for many years. This recent capture has thrust it back into the spotlight."

"As martial artists, we naturally oppose the extensive deployment of robots in civilian and wartime roles. But the average person won’t see it that way. Robots can ensure their safety, are obedient, and purchasable if one can afford them. Isn’t that easier than martial training? With robots, people's perspectives will shift. They’ll view this opportunity as a unifying bond amidst polarized views."

"There are pros and cons. No one can predict what tomorrow brings. For matters we can't oversee, we must let time be the judge."

"You're right."

As the plane began its descent, Shao Qi stashed the bottle into his backpack, taking Zhou You's hand as they prepared to disembark. "I heard that in my absence, Master Xuan chose you as his successor? He does have a keen eye."

"I haven’t agreed yet. But the inner cultivation techniques of the Xuan Sect are enticing. I’m currently practicing the second volume."

"Not many can match your pace of cultivation. Master Xuan will be even more reluctant to let go once he knows. No wonder he's even sent his own grandson to be with you. Such strategic thinking."

Zhou You leaned in, pecking his lips, and chuckled, "I smell jealousy."

Chapter 207: The March

The ambiance in Yang City seemed unusual. Throughout their journey, Zhou You and Shao Qi witnessed numerous individuals gathered along the streets, wielding banners and flags, seemingly in protest.

The duo declined the military zone's hospitality, opting to return to Litchi Mansion with Zhao Xiaoluo.

Unexpectedly, a crowd had also gathered in front of Litchi Mansion, some hurling objects inside. They couldn't discern the shouts from a distance, but some banners seemed to reference robots.

Shao Qi browsed the local Yang City news on his phone, learning of an article published online earlier that day. It claimed the nation had acquired cutting-edge robotic technology capable of producing robots surpassing even martial artists. With a robot army, humanity could reclaim its pinnacle position in the food chain. With control over this robot force, mutated beasts would pose no threat.

He realized the profound impact of this article. It represented a chance for ordinary people to reclaim control.

Upon checking the Dawn City website, he found the atmosphere there remained undisturbed and calm.

He forwarded the article to the Internet Communication Department, urging them to investigate the author behind it. This individual is either an extremist or a tool deployed by certain forces to sway public opinion.

Shao Qi instructed the driver, Zhao Xiaoluo, to make a U-turn. "Let's head to Master Fan first."

After reading the article, Zhou You asked with a hint of confusion, "We haven't publicized the robot situation; not many in Yangcheng should be aware of it. Could it be that one of our own leaked the information?"