Some disagreed, "Shouldn't family members recuse themselves? How can relatives serve as judges?"

"Are you joking? Which of the masters on the judging panel doesn't have a disciple or fellow sect member competing? By such standards of recusal, who would be qualified to judge?"

Zhou You stated confidently, "Shao Qi's martial prowess will recover, it's just a matter of time. I assure you, if within half a year his martial skills don’t return, both my spouse and I will leave the Dawn City!"

Six months wasn’t a long time, especially considering Shao Qi’s recent severe injuries.

With Zhou You's words on the table, the detractors had little else to say.

Cheng Yuran grabbed the microphone, declaring, "Why are we safe and sound, watching the competition today? Because some have sacrificed, some have been injured. They are the heroes defending our nation. Is this how you treat our national heroes?"

Holding up his sword, he boldly proclaimed, "I, Cheng Yuran, will always support Marshal Shao. Anyone who wishes him harm will have to step over my dead body first!"

The head of the Cheng sect, seated among the judges, murmured, "What a fool! He should have kept such statements private, not blurt them out in front of thousands!"

"Master Cheng has trained a commendable disciple," Qingfeng Daolong praised.

It's normal for young people, especially martial artists, to show such fervor. Cheng Yuran’s stance indicated his strong resolution.

After all, it was uncertain if Shao Qi could retain his marshal position, and expecting a full recovery in six months was challenging.

Zhang Huaizen, without a microphone, announced with projected voice, "On behalf of the entire Wudang sect, I support Marshal Shao continuing his leadership. A person's martial prowess isn't the sole qualifier for leadership. Character and loyalty to the nation are even more vital."

Qingfeng Daolong nearly choked, slamming the table, "How dare he speak on behalf of the entire Wudang sect? I’m still alive!"

Master Cheng laughed, consoling, "Chairman, you've also cultivated an exceptional disciple."

With three out of the four contestants staunchly supporting Shao Qi, the public's admiration for him was rekindled. Even in adversity, a true warrior retains their spirit.

Just as everyone anticipated Master Shi Kong's stance, he pressed his palms together, stating, "Amitabha. Monks remain aloof from worldly matters. Shaolin neither supports nor opposes anyone."

Zhou You raised an eyebrow at him, observing the monk's unique demeanor from start to finish. He wondered if this was just the monk's nature or if all of Shaolin was like this.

In the crowd, someone discreetly left their seat, beginning to execute the plan.

Watching the scene on the live broadcast, Gu Zhou found it utterly ludicrous. How could such a useless person garner so much support? Did they even take the supreme commander seriously?

Gu Zhou initially aimed for the championship; he coveted that champion trophy.

Although this martial arts competition wasn't a ranking of all fighters, securing the championship would greatly boost his reputation. By then, he could sway public opinion and garner support from a majority of the populace for his ascent.

But Zhou You had also entered the competition, and knowing he was no match, Gu Zhou figured it was better to withdraw early than face inevitable defeat at Zhou You's hands.

This would also give him ample time to orchestrate the drama of the day.

"Hmph, thinking having many supporters will help? Just a useless person. Once he's gone, there won't be any competition," he sneered.

From an adjacent study, a man in military attire, his hair immaculately combed, walked out and took a seat opposite Gu Zhou, stating, "It won't be easy to kill Shao Qi in front of tens of thousands, especially with many experts present."

Gu Zhou mocked, "Is Commander Lin scared? What we want isn't just his death, but a vivid death in front of the entire nation. Let them see how a 'useless' man can't even protect himself, let alone the country and its people."

Lin Tingyu exhaled a puff of smoke, his gaze profound, "Yang City is no longer a threat. Xu Yintian can't protect himself, Su Tinger might have escaped, but he's not a concern. Almost everyone connected to Shao Qi is in this city now."

Gu Zhou disdainfully remarked, "Yang City is far away and was never our threat. Plus, the Yang City military zone has always been yours."

"I'm not the only commander. Zhao Qing is fickle; if things go smoothly on our side, it's fine. But if they don’t, he’ll be the first to defect."

"Then why haven't you killed him?"

"He has a sizable force under him. Killing him silently is difficult. If the news reaches Shu Guang City, don't you think they'd get suspicious?" Lin Tingyu couldn’t stand this arrogant young man from the Gu family. Were he not of use, Lin would never have conspired with him.

Gu Zhou glanced at the time, "The final match should end around 5 pm. Our operation will take place during the award ceremony. After today's match, the four of them will undoubtedly be weakened, reducing the resistance we'll face."

"You're right, this is your turf, we'll follow your lead," Lin Tingyu said with a smile.

Gu Zhou wasn't well-acquainted with Lin Tingyu. He had risen to prominence recently and mainly had ties with the central army.

It was Lin Tingyu who reached out to him first, proposing allegiance, support, and showing considerable sincerity.

Although Gu Zhou didn't fully trust him, after meeting Lin, he was convinced. All Lin Tingyu wanted was the entire military power of the south.

It made sense; with its vast lands and mountains, once Lin Tingyu becomes the southern commander, establishing his own kingdom would be a cinch.

But that's a concern for the future. If Shao Qi could lead the Huo Yan troops to conquer the world, so could Gu Zhou.

The finals were thrilling. Based on their records, Zhou You, Zhang Huaizen, and Shi Kong hadn't lost a single match. They were to draw lots against Cheng Yuran.

Cheng Yuran prayed he wouldn't face Zhou You in the first round; otherwise, he wouldn't even get a chance to showcase his abilities today.