Zhou You hadn't expected the changes he'd made to bring such benefits, "But, after all, not all sect techniques can bring unexpected results like this."

"The military has compiled numerous martial manuals, some of which are incomplete due to their age. Though they might be unusable for the average person, experts enjoy researching them. Maybe we can use these as trade. We can also offer rewards to those who contribute their manuals. Martial arts knowledge isn't about quantity. Many sects have techniques that, when explained through modern science, are very similar. It's essential that the general public has access to learn martial arts."

Zhou You sat beside him, leaning in to ask, "Would you be willing to share your techniques? If you release your martial arts manual, I'll release mine. How does that sound?"

Shao Qi met his gaze, his eyes narrowing into a sly smile, "Remember, you said it first."

"But just so you know, the manual I practice from is incomplete – I only have the first half. Don't accuse me of withholding when the time comes."

"What a coincidence, mine is too."

Chapter 072: Video Conference

Upon returning home, Sun Lu's family was in distress, unable to contact him. When they learned that the external supply station had been overrun by beasts, their worries grew.

Seeing their son return safely, Sun Lu's parents were overjoyed. Learning that Zhou You saved him, they began preparing gifts to express their gratitude in person.

"We've heard of Mr. Zhou. He's slain advanced mutated beasts, so our modest gifts might seem trivial. However, we can't overlook the debt of gratitude we owe." Despite spending their savings on gifts, Sun Lu's mother felt they weren't enough.

Sun Lu returned to his room, lost in thought. He had experienced firsthand the importance of strength in this world. He didn't want to be helpless whenever danger lurked, always waiting for someone to save him. He especially didn't want to watch his loved ones in peril, unable to help. He needed to become stronger.

But for an ordinary person to become an expert was incredibly challenging. Talent alone was a barrier that many couldn't surpass. Aside from his unusual ability to communicate with animals, he seemed to lack any other unique skills.

Sun Lu never shared with anyone that, after the apocalypse, he gradually gained the ability to communicate with animals. It was a mysterious skill, and it wasn't really "communication". He could distinctly sense an animal's emotions - whether they were thirsty, hungry, in pain, or sick.

His thoughts shifted to the unidentified creature that had crawled into the armored vehicle. Though his abilities were limited, what if he could tame a fierce beast as a pet?

It might sound like a fairy tale, but it was the post-apocalyptic era. Mutated beasts had evolved over several generations, and martial artists practiced their arts. Why couldn't other miracles exist?

Sun Lu moved to pull out a wooden box from under his bed. It was locked. He had told his parents that it contained memorabilia from his student days, so they never touched it.

He took out the key, unlocked the box, and carefully opened it. Inside was a black canvas bag. The contents seemed unchanged. Reaching in, he felt the familiar texture of an egg.

He wasn't sure which creature's egg it was. It was as big as a basketball. He had found it on his last trip to the ranch. Rumors said that a mutated beast's egg could be exchanged for points. On a whim, he had brought it home, thinking he could get a better price if he hatched it first.

However, after observing it for several days, the egg showed no signs of life. Before leaving, he had locked it in this airtight box, thinking that even if something did hatch, it wouldn't be able to escape.

Sun Lu recognized his thoughts might be wild, but without trying, how would he know? Given this unique gift by the heavens, he had to give it his best shot.

Sun Lu's mother knocked on the door, inviting him to dinner. She spoke of recent significant events in the base. The Heavy Sword Sect had been expelled, but this didn't concern ordinary folks. The biggest news was that commoners were being taught martial arts, and more and more people were seen at the plaza every dawn.

"You can join them if you wish. Due to the heavy snow, they've moved to the gymnasium. We don't expect mastery, just enough for physical well-being."

Sun Lu was elated, "Great! This is a rare opportunity, and I will definitely attend."

Late at night, Zhou You had already retired to his room. Shao Qi was in a video conference with several high-ranking members of the Martial Arts Association, all significant figures in the martial arts world.

"Hasn't the Marshal been away for quite some time? The military will have trouble keeping this a secret," remarked the president of the association, a respected figure from the Wudang Sect. After the disaster, the sect had relocated to Dawn City, now a cornerstone of the nation's martial arts community.

"There's no need for secrecy. Inform the public I'm on a confidential mission. This trip was worthwhile. Even though we're uncertain about Wei Lanjun's fate, her influence has been diminished and poses no immediate threat."

"The situation in the Jiangnan base is more severe than anticipated. It's the first line of defense against the spread from the Yunlan Mountains. I plan to expand our forces here."

On the virtual screen, the expressions of the elder members were clear. The Martial Arts Association and the military were now closely intertwined, discussing many crucial matters. It appeared there was some disagreement about Shao Qi's proposal.

"According to the agreement signed five years ago, each military base has autonomy, not under central command. Marshal Shao, if you want to expand forces in the Jiangnan base, convincing Commander Ren should suffice."

Shao Qi twirled an electronic pen in his hands, his smile icy, "I hadn't interacted much with Ren Zhiyuan before. I initially viewed him as a pushover. After our recent conversations, I've realized I had misjudged him."

Everyone had information on the high-ranking officers of the military bases. Ren Zhiyuan had been assigned to the Jiangnan base due to his stable and reliable nature. What had changed?