"Not necessarily. The regulation in Dawn City is strict. News online is quickly suppressed, but other bases are more lenient. Perhaps they aim to disrupt the fragile order we've established from the outside first."

"It must be in response to the plan you proposed. Someone doesn't want martial arts to become popular nationwide."

Master Fan's place is quite tranquil. Most of his disciples are out searching for quality materials. He's locked himself in the forge for a month, rumored to be crafting a sword to rival the "Everlasting Peace."

Only the elderly butler and servants were in the villa. Entering it, Shao Qi felt as at home as in his own residence. Few knew that Master Fan had an early will stating that upon his demise, all his possessions would be inherited by Shao Qi.

Shao Qi is not only his chief disciple but also his adopted grandson.

Shao Qi entered the study for a video conference. Seeing this, Zhou You informed him of his intention to visit the Zhou residence.

Before leaving, Zhou You disguised himself. As he walked on the streets unrecognized, people kept handing him flyers, urging him to join an organization named "Robot Alliance" that aimed to usher in a new technological era.

"Brother, you clearly look like an ordinary citizen. Are you content with living within the base forever? Don't you want to explore the outside? With powerful combat robots, we can go wherever we want."

"You see, we have to show respect to martial artists even though they are just fighters, looking down upon us technicians. Are you fine with this?"

"We earn meager points, yet they can earn a fortune from killing just one mutant beast – enough for us to live well for years. This wealth disparity is too much. With robots, we could also go hunting in the future."

Zhou You couldn't bear it any longer, tore up the flyer, and asked, "Do you remember who has been protecting the base and the citizens? Who's been battling mutant beasts outside, risking their lives? Without martial artists, could you live this peacefully?"

Even if Zhou You wasn't a martial artist, he wouldn't think in such a manner, "It's been 11 years since the apocalypse. Now that you know about robots, you aim to gain status and freedom through emotionless tech. What about the sacrifices martial artists made before this? Should they be forgotten?"

"Also, don't be naive. You think these artificial beings can help you hunt outside? You must have a screw loose!"

"How can you speak like that? What nonsense are you spouting? When did we deny the martial artists' contributions? We just want the nation to produce combat robots and advance technologically. Times should progress, not regress." After his outburst, he added weakly, "We just want to see the outside."

Zhou You sighed and encouraged, "You can do it on your own as well."

"Stop with the nonsense. You've probably been brainwashed by those people. Do you think everyone can become a master with some martial arts manuals? Even college entrance exams have a high fail rate. Not everyone can become strong through martial arts."

"Have you tried?"

"What?"

"Have you worked hard to become strong?"

"Of course."

"How many hours do you practice daily? For how long?"

The man hesitated, stuttering in his reply, "We... we never had the opportunity to practice before, and... and we're already adults. We're well past the prime age for martial training. No matter how much time we spend now, it would be in vain."

"So, you believe that with robots protecting you, there's no need to learn martial arts?" Zhou You laughed in exasperation. "You've yet to grasp the truth that one should rely on oneself, not others. Robots are merely tools. Overdependence will surely backfire on humans."

"Robots are weapons. While martial artists use swords and knives, we common folk use robots. As long as we can protect ourselves, the weapon doesn't matter."

Zhou You couldn't refute him, as such a sentiment was all too common.

"But even without weapons, martial artists are still stronger than you."

He hastened his steps, striding through the streets of Yang City which was now overrun by commoners celebrating. The city guards attempted to disperse the crowds but were met with furious mobs in retaliation.

They had grown bold.

As he approached Zhou Huajin's residence, he noticed people trying to break in, shouting the names of Zhou Huajin and other high-ranking officials.

Zhou You climbed over the fence into the complex. Inside, it was unusually quiet. When he reached the Zhou residence, he found it filled with familiar faces.

"This was bound to blow up sooner or later. The top brass hid robot technology, refusing to produce robot soldiers. Why? Because the decision-makers are martial artists. They don't want to be on equal footing with ordinary people."

"Most government officials are commoners. Those skilled with weapons often opt for military roles, which grants them more prestige in society."

"We're not saying Marshal Shao's decision is wrong. Different people view things differently. The Marshal dreams of a nation where every citizen practices martial arts, but I don't share that vision."

After all, not everyone can endure the hardships of martial training. With readily available robot bodyguards, many feel there's no need to practice martial arts.

"Old Zhou, what's your take? After all, Marshal Shao is your son-in-law. It's understandable if you support him."

Zhou Huajin, singled out, responded with a hint of frustration, "Did you come to my home just to discuss this?"

"Of course. The number of protesters outside is increasing. This might not end well. Most people in the base are commoners, and who wouldn't want a robot bodyguard?"

"You're making assumptions. Aren't you aware of the origin of those robots? They were captured by Shao... cough... the Marshal. Our technicians will need time to decode the technology. It's not something that can be implemented quickly."

"But I've heard that years ago, our research institute developed advanced robots. Production was halted due to opposition from the top."