"Aren't you curious how I researched the method of using psychic energy to control minds?" Gu Zhou eagerly asked, hoping to discuss and exchange insights with another expert in the field.

"No need. Like I said, it's quite simple. I just hadn't considered it before." If he told Gu Zhou about his ability to absorb others' psychic energy, perhaps the latter would become even more restless.

"Oh, by the way, did you ever know Ren Zhiyuan from Jiangnan Base?" Zhou You asked, staring intently into Gu Zhou's eyes.

A sly smile appeared on Gu Zhou's face, "Sit down and chat, and perhaps I'll tell you."

Zhou You slammed his hand on the table. The table remained unscathed, but all the dishes and cups in front of Gu Zhou shattered, splashing coffee all over him.

"Apologies, but I don't particularly like your attitude," Zhou You remarked, paying the bill and leaving.

Shao Qi's car was parked nearby. Once seated, Zhou You mused to him, "How did someone like Gu Zhou ever become the head of a family?"

Without missing a beat, Shao Qi replied, "Because of his martial prowess, of course. If he wants something, and others disagree, he can simply use force."

"Did he upset you?" Shao Qi inquired with a hint of curiosity.

Instead of answering, Zhou You asked, "Did you manage to decode that disc we got? What was on it? And what about the team heading northwest? Shouldn't they have arrived by now?"

Shao Qi's cheerful demeanor vanished, his expression growing serious, "We've extracted only part of the data, which is related to that underground lab we discovered. It's a bunch of experimental data, but we believe there's more."

"Right. Dr. Jiang has already escaped, and I assume all that data is in his head. Hasn't he been captured yet?"

"He left the country. I've sent agents after him, but after crossing the border, it's hard to receive updates. So far, we know our agents are alive, and the target is one of the two countries that invaded us previously."

"The team heading towards Life Base suffered numerous setbacks on their journey. Even Mr. Li got injured. Now, we have to see whom they'll rendezvous with upon arrival."

"Should I personally intervene? I have a feeling that this Mr. Li is not as simple as he seems."

Shao Qi shared a secretly recorded video with him. "Take a look at this. It was captured by a drone from our trackers. At that moment, he was battling a high-level mutant beast. His martial arts techniques seemed unusual, but I'm certain it's related to Master Wei, whom we've confronted before."

The so-called leader of the Heavenly God Sect, Master Wei, who they presumed they had killed?

"Is it possible it's him?" Zhou You observed that his martial arts bore a resemblance to that of the previous master, leaning more towards dark arts. This man can change his appearance at will; if it's truly him and he's still alive, it's conceivable.

Furthermore, they had known that Master Wei's primary area of operation was the Jiangnan Base, where he had connections with both the local government and military. Ren Zhiyuan surely knew him as well.

"It's not certain yet. While it's possible, if he's still alive, there would be numerous deaths in the vicinity. I've dispatched someone to investigate Mr. Li's activities."

As the car took them home, the old master’s face remained calm upon their arrival. He thought, men truly settle down after starting a family. How often would Shao Qi come home so frequently in the past?

"Grandfather, what's that look on your face? Who visited earlier?" Shao Qi asked, noticing the gift bag on the sofa.

"Ah, the captain of the city defense team. He said he came on behalf of his daughter to apologize. I didn't pay much attention; Xiao Zhen handled it."

Zhou You laughed, "This reaction time is a bit slow, isn't it? Normally, apologies should come right after the incident. It's been quite a while."

Shao Qi knew some of the reasons but decided not to dwell on it.

Zhou You retreated to his room for two days and successfully advanced his level. This progression was much quieter compared to last time.

If it weren't for the obvious increase in his realm, Zhou You would question if he truly advanced.

The old master paced back and forth outside the room. Shao Qi, too, hadn't left and stood guard, unable to grasp his grandfather's anxiety.

"What are you so worried about?"

"How naive! Even ancient martial artists knew that as one reaches higher levels, progression becomes more challenging. Breaking through is akin to going into battle; it's life-threatening. Why else would you be guarding here?"

"That makes sense, but there's no need to worry. He's capable." Zhou You's progression came naturally, not forced. The process surely differs.

The old master leaned in and whispered, "Be honest with me. Can't you defeat Zhou You?"

Shao Qi's lips twitched, "Why is that your concern?"

"Nonsense! Don’t pretend I don't know the world of martial artists— the strong prevail. If you're weaker than him, could he truly accept... ahem, the point is, you need to train harder too. I might have to consider him as a potential grandson-in-law."

Now, even Shao Qi's ears twitched. Pushing his grandfather away, he said, "Focus on your matters. You don't need to be concerned about this."

But was Zhou You's progression truly without impact on Shao Qi? Not necessarily. Holding his position came with its own set of challenges, with personal strength being paramount.

His path to mastery was simpler than most, thanks to his life stone. While he didn't know its origin, its benefits were undeniable. Others meditated to hone their inner strength, but he was constantly cultivating.

He might not surpass Zhou You, but that doesn't mean he's not progressing.

When Zhou You opened his door, he saw Shao Qi deep in thought. Waving his hand, he asked, "What's up? Contemplating life?"

Shao Qi looked at him with surprise, scanning him top to bottom. Indeed, after progression, one's demeanor changes, returning to an even purer state.