"Now that everyone's here, let me show you a video," Zhou You said, projecting a clip onto the big screen. It was footage from the border patrol of the Life Base he had just received today.

Qin Xun had immediately organized round-the-clock patrols after his visit. Communication was restored, and Dawn City, along with other bases, kept a close watch on the northwest border.

Everyone knew that if an external enemy were to invade, a fierce battle would ensue.

"It seems this Western Alliance nation isn't ready yet."

"Or perhaps they changed their plans after their vanguard was annihilated?"

"According to Sun Lu, they don't have many of their experimental subjects. Jiang Shun hasn't been there for long. Those that were... erm, eliminated, were probably all the mutants they could muster.

"By the way, we refer to those creatures from the lab as 'mutants,' whether human or beast. It's a shame we couldn't capture one for research; we're unsure of their full capabilities."

Zhou You sighed, "A foe capable of causing Shao Qi to sacrifice himself must not be underestimated. If they're willing to use these creatures as their vanguard, they clearly have faith in their strength."

"It's unfortunate we know nothing about the events of that day; the site was thoroughly destroyed."

The Daoist named Qingfeng took out several papers from a folder, placing them in front of Zhou You, "We did find something. Our research team extracted a substance from the collected ash. It's heat-resistant, so it survived."

"What is it?" Everyone leaned in curiously.

Zhou You only saw a lengthy chemical symbol, followed by an explanation, stating it was a compound to promote genetic fusion, similar to the solution previously developed by the institute, but with a more complex composition.

"So, the institute finally decided to delve into this?" Qin Yuantian slammed the table and cursed, "Damn these madmen! If they dare to touch anyone close to me, I'll make them pay with their lives."

Master Qingfeng carefully stored the information and said gravely, "That's all for today. Without the restraint of Marshal Shao, the military might actually agree to this proposal. They'll be the first ones in trouble, but we share the same fate as the military."

"They wouldn't dare!" Qin Yuantian exploded in anger. His fury stemmed from a past incident where his apprentice was abducted for lab experiments. By the time he found him, the boy had turned into a living corpse after undergoing inhumane treatments.

Every martial artist fears this. What's worse, if these experiments become state-sanctioned projects, members of the military or martial world might be forced to volunteer.

"I don't care about national duty or the obligations of a martial artist. Send me to the battlefield, fine, but force me onto an experimental table and I'd rather die!"

"Calm down, Old Qin. There's no certainty this project will go forward."

"Cheng Xi, are you planning to wait until it's too late?"

Master Qingfeng tapped the table to silence them, then glanced at his apprentice and revealed, "According to the intel from Sun Lu, the stronger the test subject, the greater the combat power after fusion. If the nation truly wants to develop secret weapons, our sect's disciples will be the first to be targeted."

"To hell with that, let anyone try to lay a finger on my apprentices!" Qin Yuantian spat furiously.

Zhou You rubbed his temples in silence. Master Qingfeng posed a question once asked by an old man, "Mr. Zhou, have you considered enlisting?"

The others were taken aback, then one by one said, "It's not a bad idea. Mr. Zhou's martial prowess is likely on par with Marshal Shao's, isn't it? He could easily intimidate the entire army."

"The reason we aligned with Marshal Shao was our shared principles. We can support Mr. Zhou, but under the same condition: martial artists are the hope of our nation, and we mustn't dishearten them."

Zhou You looked up, "I won't enlist, but we can discuss who would be suitable for that position."

Zhou You harbored his own thoughts; as long as the position remained vacant, he held a faint hope that Shao Qi would return.

"Who's suitable? Gu Zuo? No, too young, too impulsive, and his family's influence is chaotic, he's unpredictable."

"What about Lin Tingyu? He's done quite well in Yang City over the years, he's composed and authoritative, and of the right age."

"But we haven't interacted much with him. He might not heed our advice."

"As for the old man, Lan Zhenyu, he's a decent person but has too hot of a temper. The institute wouldn't select him."

Seeing their deep discussion, Master Qingfeng shook his head, "Enough, we're talking about the position of a national marshal, not a puppet role. Our nation has finally settled down; any internal strife would..."

"I won't let chaos ensue. This was Shao Qi's life's work." Zhou You's statement seemed arrogant, but the sect leaders present nodded in agreement.

The contributions Shao Qi made over the years are undeniable. Even if his methods were extreme, one can't deny their effectiveness.

Zhou You agreeing to meet implied his willingness to manage this matter. With his capabilities, he might truly stabilize the situation.

"By the way, during the preliminary matches in Shuguang City, there was a psychic controller named Zhou Shan... Zhou?" Master Qingfeng turned to Zhou You, and their eye contact said it all.

The others pointed at Zhou You inquisitively, "Is it you? The Zhou Shan?"

Zhou You, undeterred by his exposed identity, remarked, "I joined the competition on a whim."

"That's hardly fair, isn't it? The whole city is buzzing about a formidable psychic controller entering the competition."

"Do you want me to withdraw?" Zhou You had merely been looking for an outlet to vent some pent-up energy.