Zhao Qiansun listened, furrowed his brows, and said nothing. Instead, he looked at Zuo Chunqiu, waiting for his next words.

Zuo Chunqiu knew Zhao Qiansun treated the Jinling Martial Arts Association like his own child. As long as he didn't harm the association's interests, Zhao Qiansun wouldn't object. Without any further delay, Zuo Chunqiu quickly explained his plan.

"Are you serious?" Zhao Qiansun's eyes sparkled: "So, you want to make that kid a Minister Elder just to use him later?"

Zuo Chunqiu nodded: "Old Zhao, you know every year the competition is used by the Corps to select talent. I do have three sons, but one of them became a son-in-law of a prestigious family in the Capital City. Although this brought glory to my family, it's useless to me. Sigh, to be honest, I regret it."

"Another son, although he also joined the Corps, has remained obscure after all these years. He probably won't accomplish anything significant in his lifetime. Now that this opportunity is here, I can't let it slip by."

Zhao Qiansun: "Indeed, we've known each other for years. When I fought against the odds to push you to the position of association president, I faced a lot of pressure. But the association's development over these years has proven me right. Moreover, I see your three sons as my own children and grandchildren. Naturally, I don't want to see them suffer."

Zhao Qiansun, despite his illustrious life, had no children and was very close to Zuo Chunqiu, treating his sons as his own.

So, hearing Zuo Chunqiu's words, Zhao Qiansun didn't think he was being too cruel.

This world is indeed survival of the fittest.

In Zhao Qiansun's eyes, Zuo Chunqiu's plan greatly benefited the development of the Jinling Martial Arts Association.

"Ah, Chunqiu, I'm old now, with only a few years left. I only hope to see our Jinling Martial Arts Association continue to advance in my lifetime. If Zongsheng truly gets an important role in the Corps, our association will prosper too. By then, I can die without regrets." Zhao Qiansun sighed and said with a bitter smile: "Since you've made up your mind, let's do as you say. But remember, Zongsheng will inherit the association in the future, and the annual competition is extremely dangerous. We must ensure his safety."

Zuo Chunqiu promised: "Old Zhao, don't worry. I'll have Kui Long secretly follow and protect him. You know, each year the competition is different, but always dangerous. In such circumstances, causing a distraction isn't difficult."

Zhao Qiansun said no more, his dim old eyes flashed a trace of ferocity: "Chunqiu, I must remind you, if that Ye Guichen is really a Half-step Master as you say, so young, his future potential is limitless. Since he has become an enemy of our association, we cannot let him live. The Corps keeps a close watch over the competition, so there can't be any slip-ups. If you act, do it cleanly. If he escapes by chance, it will be a disaster for our association."

Zuo Chunqiu patted his chest and assured: "I'll be careful."

Late in the evening, Zuo Chunqiu called Ye Guichen, saying he had convinced Zhao Qiansun and acknowledged him as a Minister Elder of the association. He would soon have the identity plaque delivered and transfer a million cash to Ye Guichen's account.

Ye Guichen politely exchanged a few words and then accepted on the spot.

This was an offer too good to refuse for Ye Guichen.

Though he didn't know what trick Zuo Chunqiu was playing, Ye Guichen didn't care.

Early the next morning.

Ye Guichen was woken up by a phone call.

He picked up his phone and saw it was from Wang Ying.

"Miss Wang, calling so early, not letting people sleep?" Ye Guichen said groggily.

"I'm waiting for you outside the martial arts hall, where are you?" Wang Ying said straightforwardly without pleasantries.

Ye Guichen was stunned: "Why are you waiting for me?"

"What do you mean? Didn't Uncle Duan tell you yesterday? We need to meet those participating in the competition," Wang Ying retorted.

Ye Guichen puzzled: "Are you also going to the competition?"

"What, do I need your permission to go?" Wang Ying said irritably.

"Uh, fine, I'll be there in a bit," Ye Guichen mumbled, somewhat exasperated.

He never expected Wang Ying to participate in the competition.

Has Dragon Teeth reached a point where they lack people so badly?

Ye Guichen stayed at the martial arts hall last night. After washing up, he quickly came out.

This time, as there was no need to bring Shang Wen Dong, he left him to oversee the renovations.

As soon as he stepped outside, he saw the large Jeep Wrangler.

Without hesitation, Ye Guichen walked to the passenger side, but opening the door, he saw another woman sitting there.

The woman, in a camouflage uniform, with an air of confidence, looked at Ye Guichen coldly: "Sit in the back."

"Really? Another woman?" Ye Guichen rolled his eyes but didn't ask more, obediently sitting in the back seat.

Once he was seated, Wang Ying introduced briefly: "This is Murong, my senior sister. She will explain some important things about the competition."

After that, Wang Ying said no more.

This woman called Murong seemed to have a poker face. Her voice was emotionless as she started to talk endlessly when the car started moving.

She talked almost the entire way, giving Ye Guichen a general understanding of the competition's rules.

According to Murong, each year's competition involves a mission, and each organization sends ten members, all under thirty-five years old.

This year's exact mission wasn't yet disclosed, but considering past experiences, it definitely wouldn't be simple.

Last year, for example, the task was to eliminate a group of notorious bandits in the northwest desert. These criminals were not only skilled but ruthless, operating in the desert for years.

The mission was to bring back the head of the bandits' leader by any means necessary. Whoever brought the leader's head would win.

Subsequent rankings were based on the number of bandits killed.

There were eight major organizations participating, and last year Dragon Teeth didn't even make it to the top five, bringing much disgrace.

"Ye Guichen, this year we must be in the top three and avenge our humiliation," Murong said after explaining, glancing at Ye Guichen through the rearview mirror. "While the competition permits rivalry among organizations, using assassins is forbidden. Nevertheless, the tasks are extremely dangerous, and people die every year. Last year, three out of our ten Dragon Teeth members died, and the survivors were severely injured. If you're scared, say so now. We won't bring a coward to the battlefield."

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