Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

Zhang Sanjia nodded emphatically: "I will definitely keep the Little Celestial Master's words firmly in mind!"

Just then, a steaming bowl of mutton stew was served. Zhang Zhiwei picked up a piece and carefully broke it apart, saying as he did so:

"I still remember a few years ago, you were like a knife hidden in its sheath, sharp yet silent, carrying a hint of confusion about the Dao. But now, you are like a piece of refined steel tempered by a raging fire, hard, fiery, full of direction and power, and your spirit has undergone a complete transformation, however..."

He glanced at Zhang Sanjia, who was dressed in a gray-blue homespun cloth: "Looks a bit weathered now?!"

“That’s insignificant!” Zhang Sanjia’s eyes gleamed as he said in a deep voice, “Before, when I practiced martial arts, I thought of serving the court and bringing honor to my ancestors. But the court didn’t care. So I followed Commander Zhang, thinking of protecting my home and country, making contributions, and fighting against the Japanese pirates. But later… let’s not talk about it.”

"In my life, I have all the martial arts skills I possess, but I am like a headless fly, not knowing where to use them or where to go. I'm not afraid to tell you this, but when I went to Longhu Mountain, I even thought about becoming a Taoist priest. If you had invited me to become a priest back then, Little Celestial Master, I would have agreed without hesitation."

Zhang Zhiwei laughed and said, "You're not cut out to be a Taoist priest. There's no point in forcing it. You have a better place to belong."

“I have found my place,” he said, his voice trembling with excitement. “I understand now, this martial art should not be for any one person, any official, or any family.”

"It is for the millions of suffering people under heaven! It is so that our land will no longer be bullied, no one will go hungry or cold, and the people on this land will live with dignity!"

"This goal is grander and more upright than any personal grudges or factional struggles. I have found something more meaningful than becoming the top martial arts champion. Every time I finish a mission, every time I see the hope burning in the eyes of the people, I feel that I am doing something meaningful, and I have inexhaustible energy."

His words were earnest, his gaze intense, and the satisfaction he exuded seemed to emanate from his very being.

Zhang Zhiwei listened with a smile on his face and slowly nodded: "Where the heart leads, the body will follow!"

Zhang Sanjia continued, "Do you know how different this is? I was once a martial arts champion, served as an official in the previous dynasty, and also worked for warlords. I know all too well the character of the people under their command."

"Normally, all we talk about is smoking, drinking, playing cards, and womanizing, but we're different. Each of our companies has a study room where we conduct cultural studies, discuss current affairs, and hold recreational activities."

"I was a martial arts champion for a few years, so I have some education. I became a teacher and taught many students. I witnessed them go from being illiterate and confused to being eloquent and knowledgeable, even able to talk about the world situation, not just the situation in China. I am very satisfied. I feel that a better world may be created."

"Of course, I did more than just become a teacher; I was also a student. I thought a lot and gained a lot of insights there, and even changed my views on foreigners quite a bit."

"In the past, I always called foreigners 'red devils,' saying they were all wolves in sheep's clothing and harbored ill intentions."

"Just this year, two foreigners came to our area. One was a writer, and the other was a doctor. One was named Mr. Edgar, and the other was named Mr. Ma. I learned a lot from them."

Zhang Zhiwei listened silently. At this point in time, the two foreigners, if he wasn't guessing, were either the author of "Red Star Over China" or Mr. Ma, the first foreign citizen to make outstanding contributions.

Zhang Sanjia spoke at length, and Zhang Zhiwei listened quietly without interrupting. He could feel the burning and pure conviction emanating from the other man.

After speaking, Zhang Sanjia looked at Zhang Zhiwei and suddenly extended a sincere invitation: "Little Celestial Master, you possess great supernatural powers and have the world in your heart. Why not, like me, use your abilities..."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhiwei smiled and shook his head. He broke the last piece of bread into pieces, put it in a bowl, and handed it to the waiter.

“I am merely a lay Buddhist practitioner, and the mundane world is not my place of practice. Although I am willing to do my part for this land, my path does not lie here.”

“You are the ones who created the world. And all I can do is shield you from the wind and rain under the ruins of the old world, and do my bit to protect you.”

Zhang Sanjia sensed the resolve in his words. Although somewhat regretful, he didn't try to persuade him further. He knew that once someone like Zhang Zhiwei had made up his mind about his path, no one could sway him.

The two chatted for a while about their recent situations. Zhang Sanjia mentioned Xiao Shuai: "Back when I was in Northeast China, I had a pretty good relationship with him. Seeing him this time felt like a lifetime ago. He has changed a lot. I never expected that he would have the courage to do such a thing."

“People all grow and mature!” Zhang Zhiwei said.

"What will happen to him after this incident?" Zhang Sanjia asked.

"I'll live a peaceful and safe life, without any worries about my life!" Zhang Zhiwei said.

Zhang Sanjia immediately understood what Zhang Zhiwei meant, and after a pause, said, "In this situation, there's nothing wrong with being peaceful and stable."

Having said that, Zhang Sanjia glanced at the sun outside the window, then at the paomo in the bowl. Although it wasn't fully soaked yet, he was in a hurry and finished it off in a few bites. He stood up, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said:

"Little Celestial Master, it's getting late. I have other matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer. I must take my leave now."

"Go ahead! Be careful in everything!" Zhang Zhiwei nodded.

"Until we meet again!" Zhang Sanjia bowed again, turned around, and strode out of the mutton stew restaurant.

The midday sun shone on him, gilding his imposing figure with a dazzling golden light. He stood tall and proud, merging into the crowd.

Zhang Zhiwei held his teacup and watched him disappear into the sunlight and the crowds of the streets. He looked down at the steamed bun in the bowl, which had become soft, picked up a soup spoon, scooped a spoonful into his mouth, and savored the taste of the local life.

…………

…………

The deadlock didn't last long, and the formal meeting began. Under these circumstances, even the stubborn Chairman had to face reality.

His decisions had completely lost the support of the people and were no longer feasible. After much persuasion, he wisely backed down and accepted the demand for a joint resistance against the Japanese pirates, thus bringing this incident to a close.

Having achieved his goal, Xiao Shuai, being upright and honest, showed great sincerity by immediately releasing the Chairman and all those detained, and personally apologizing.

To further express his feelings, eliminate any misunderstandings, and ensure that the other party would not change their mind later, he made a decision that shocked many people: he would personally escort the other party back to Jinling.

This decision was undoubtedly risky, and many subordinates tried to dissuade him, believing that the trip was fraught with danger and urging him not to act rashly.

But his mind was made up. He believed that his sincerity would move his sworn brother and that personal grudges could be put aside in the face of righteousness.

Zhang Zhiwei stood at the edge of the airport, watching as Xiao Shuai's plane took off, soared into the sky, and disappeared into the azure horizon as a tiny black dot. It was quite a while before he looked away.

Afterwards, Zhang Zhiwei stayed there for a few more days. Once all the important figures had left, he went back to the same mutton stew restaurant. After eating a meal of stew, he paid two silver dollars, walked out of the restaurant, and stood in the bustling market. His figure blended into the crowd, yet he seemed to exist independently of this world.

Then, he slowly rose into the air, and people came and went around him, but no one noticed.

Above the sky, Zhang Zhiwei glanced down at the ancient city that had just experienced a dramatic historical upheaval.

"Boom!"

A thunderbolt struck from the clear sky, and his figure transformed into a streak of blazing white lightning, tearing through the heavens and hurtling towards Chongqing.

Above Chongqing.

"Boom!"

A thick bolt of lightning struck the open ground outside the Tiantong Steel Plant, and Zhang Zhiwei's figure appeared in the lightning.

The steel plant was built in the mountains, where sound insulation was good, and the constant roar of machinery inside kept the workers undisturbed.

Wang Ai and Lü Ci, upon seeing the sudden shock, naturally thought of Zhang Zhiwei and hurriedly followed the sound. Sure enough, they saw the tall figure standing in the dark circular shape in the square outside.

Several Tang Clan experts guarding the vicinity were faster and were talking to Zhang Zhiwei.

"Senior Brother Zhang!" Lü Ci rushed forward. "You're finally back! You've been gone for so long this time..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wang Ai interrupted him: "Senior Brother Zhang, is everything going smoothly in Daxing City? Has anything gone wrong?"

His tone was filled with barely concealed urgency and concern. He was the archbishop of the Tiantong Church and a key figure in the Tiantong Chamber of Commerce. Now that the Tiantong Steel Plant had just completed its upgrade and relocation, he did not want an even greater internal strife to break out.

"The matter is settled, and everything is going in the right direction. Xiao Shuai personally escorted that person back to Jinling. Next, we should start dealing with the Japanese pirates," Zhang Zhiwei said.

Upon hearing that there was no internal strife and that they would be working together to fight the Japanese pirates, both of them were overjoyed.

"Around when will we officially start work? Will our steel production be able to be put into use in time?" Wang Ai asked.

"A battle isn't something you can just start on a whim. Both the Japanese pirates and us need a period of preparation, which should be next year," Zhang Zhiwei said.

“There’s still some time, enough for me to make some arrangements,” Wang Ai said.

"Senior Brother Zhang, did you accomplish anything remarkable during your trip to Daxing City?" Lü Ci asked hurriedly.

Previously, when Zhang Zhiwei left, he was left behind to deal with the trivial matters of the landlords and bandits. He was unable to witness this earth-shattering event with Zhang Zhiwei, and he had always felt very bad about it.

"No, I just sat quietly for a few days, eating oil-splashed noodles and mutton stew for a few days. I didn't do anything major, and I didn't even argue with anyone," Zhang Zhiwei said.

"Oh, I see!" Lu Ci nodded, knowing that Zhang Zhiwei had not participated in the core of the event but was just an observer. His regret at missing the "big event" faded.

Zhang Zhiwei glanced at him: "What's wrong? Disappointed that you didn't get to fight?"

Lu Ci chuckled and scratched his head: "No, it's just that I feel like I missed out on some excitement. But it's good that we didn't make a move, it saves us trouble. Things should go smoothly!"

"Senior Brother Zhang, please tell us the whole story!" Wang Ai asked curiously.

Zhang Zhiwei naturally wouldn't refuse such a request, and immediately explained the whole story, especially focusing on the details of the "early morning pajama mountain climbing competition," leaving Lü Ci and Wang Ai dumbfounded.

"In the dead of winter, barefoot, toothless, wearing only a thin nightgown, he hoisted thousands of people up the mountain. Tsk tsk tsk, I admire him, I admire him. But can this really be left like this?" Lu Ci asked with a doubtful look.

"So what do you think will happen?" Zhang Zhiwei asked.

“A gentleman’s word is as good as his bond. If it were me, I would keep my promise, but I will also avenge this grudge.” Lu Ci narrowed his eyes. “Once General Zhang leaves, his fate is uncertain. But no matter what, he did a real man’s job.”

“Indeed, no matter what, this is a blessing for China,” Wang Ai said.

After a brief conversation with Wang Ai and Lü Ci, Zhang Zhiwei went into the steel plant to visit Master Tang and the eldest master.

During this period, fearing the return of the Japanese pirates, the Tang Clan Master and the Elder delegated all matters of the Tang Clan to Tang Houren and Tang Shiying. The two of them, one in front and one behind, one near and one far, were stationed in the factory to ensure the steel plant was in perfect order.

They had heard the thunder outside, but out of duty to protect, they did not go out.

Since it was inconvenient for the two to go out, Zhang Zhiwei came to visit them.

Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei, Tang Clan Elder and Master Tang Jiaren rose to greet him.

"Master Tang, Your Excellency." Zhang Zhiwei cupped his hands. "The steel mill was able to remain unscathed during the last Japanese pirate attack, entirely thanks to your presence and swift and decisive actions. I thank you both."

The Tang Clan leader, with a solemn expression, returned the greeting: "Young friend Zhiwei, you are too kind. It is only our duty. Protecting the steel mill is protecting the Tang Clan. We will spare no effort to ensure its safety."

Having said that, he narrowed his one eye and changed the subject: "Young friend Zhiwei, have you just returned from Daxing? I wonder where the situation has changed so much over there, and where things have finally settled?"

Zhang Zhiwei did not hide anything and recounted in detail the whole story of the Daxing Incident, as well as the final result of the mediation by all parties and the consensus reached on jointly resisting the Japanese pirates.

After listening quietly, Tang Sect Master remained silent for a moment: "It's just a verbal promise. Things haven't been completely settled yet, and I'm still a little worried. However, everything is indeed developing in a positive direction."

Although he was in Sichuan, he felt the threat posed by the Japanese pirates just as deeply.

The old man, Tang Jiaren, chuckled and replied, "What difference does it make who we fight? Fighting the Japanese pirates is better than our own people fighting each other; it's more satisfying."

...(End of chapter)