When their eyes met, Zhou You was enveloped in a warm embrace by Shao Qi, who whispered, "Thank you for everything."

(End of Main Story)

Chapter 242: Epilogue - The Martial God Realm

Zhou You and Shao Qi exited the small clinic to a scene of chaos, with traces of battle vanishing after the fierce winds.

Most of the martial artists surrounding them had retreated, leaving behind only familiar faces.

Master Fan drove up, transporting Yan Wu, whose system had completely shut down. As for other deployed mechanisms, not even a shard was to be found.

Dawn City had been eerily silent these days, with citizens voluntarily staying indoors, schools suspended, and factories closed, reminiscent of a severe winter storm.

The crisis had affected many, with considerable casualties. Marshal Shao, once again injured while protecting the masses, became the center of attention.

Everyone eagerly awaited updates, repeatedly watching the footage of him piloting the Transformer, the scenes invigorating their spirits.

The clip where he shielded the civilians from gunfire brought tears to many eyes.

Seeing the two men stand before them again, Zhuo Hao struggled to recognize them, for their aura had changed.

"Boss, Brother Zhou, it's a relief to see you both safe!" Zhuo Hao said with tears in his eyes.

The site had been hastily cleaned up, with damaged buildings and infrastructure awaiting future repair. However, the traumatic events would linger in many memories.

Later history books referred to this as the 'Stadium Mutiny Incident.'

The mutiny solidified national support for Marshal Shao. Regardless of his martial prowess or ordinary status, as long as he led, the central military power remained untouchable.

Everyone was exhausted, especially Shao Qi who had just emerged from the operating room and was escorted home by a crowd.

Once inside, with only Zhou You and Shao Qi present, they couldn't resist embracing and kissing each other, a joy of reuniting enveloping them.

After a moment, Zhou You touched Shao Qi's wrist and inquired, "Have your meridians fully recovered?"

"Mhm, all thanks to you."

"Really? Has your martial arts ability returned as well?"

"Perhaps, but is this the right time to discuss that?" Shao Qi eagerly started to undress, but Zhou You pushed him into the bathroom.

"Have you forgotten how long you were on the operating table? Can't you smell yourself?"

Both of them bore a mix of hospital disinfectant, sweat, and blood, making for a distinctly unpleasant scent.

Shao Qi pulled Zhou You into the shower with him, and they bathed each other until they felt completely refreshed.

"I'm hungry; let's eat," said Shao Qi, opening the fridge to find it empty, recalling they hadn't been home for meals recently.

Zhou You was about to order food through his phone when a call came in.

Muffling the phone, he asked Shao Qi, "It's our old friends. They want to celebrate your miraculous survival. Want to go?"

Holding Zhou You from behind and taking in his familiar scent, Shao Qi whispered, "I'd rather stay and chat with you."

Zhou You declined the invitation, and before he could hang up, the doorbell rang.

Shao Qi answered to find his grandfather and cousin at the door.

With a teasing smile, Shao Zhen asked, "Brother, we didn't interrupt anything, did we?"

Seeing the groceries in her hand, Shao Qi graciously welcomed them in, helping his frail grandfather and saying, "Why did you come here? I was going to visit you after getting settled."

"We're not here for you but for little You," the old man said, somewhat exasperated.

Anyone would be worried seeing their grandson in such a precarious situation on the news, and the old man felt his own short lifespan might be due to such constant concerns.

Unable to visit the chaotic scene of the incident, they rushed over upon hearing of Shao Qi's safe return, even thoughtfully bringing groceries.

Zhou You rolled up his sleeves to cook, but the old man pushed him aside, insisting, "I'll do it. You rest."

Zhou You chuckled, "I'm fine, Grandpa. I feel so relaxed now that cooking is a breeze. Even if I had to fight a thousand rounds again, it wouldn't be an issue."

"I heard you've advanced in ranks?" Shao Zhen curiously asked, "Do you guys level up so quickly? But you're the champion of the martial arts competition; you must be the best now, right?"

"Perhaps. How does it feel to have the world's number one brother?"

"Are you kidding? I can walk with swagger now! I used to hide our family background when I was out, afraid of revenge. Being a marshal had its disadvantages, with more enemies than friends," Shao Zhen commented with a hint of sarcasm.

Naturally, in her heart, she also felt pride for her brother.

"The greater the power, the greater the responsibility. Perhaps in time, I'll amass many enemies," Zhou You contemplated. As he prepared to take charge of the Xuanmen, his goal was to cultivate a new generation of masters in internal martial arts. While other nations advance in technology, they would have an increasing number of martial gods.

"What rank are you now? Are you much more formidable than Shao Qi?"

Zhou You cast a fleeting glance at Shao Qi, responding only with a smile.

The latter pulled Shao Zhen aside, "Aren't you bothersome? You're interrupting his cooking, and I'm nearly starved."

"Why don't you cook then?"

"Would you eat if I did?"

"Seriously, big brother, you're becoming so dependent, relying on Zhou for everything. Don't you feel like you're mooching off him?"

"I'm fine with it. What's wrong with relying on someone?"

As the two bickered, Zhou You continued preparing the meal. In such peaceful moments, who would desire strife and combat?

That said, if they were to fail this time, what would become of this base, or even all the bases across the country?

Perhaps there would only be a change in leadership, with little actual transformation?