Swallowing the Stars: Only in my later years did I come to the life-spending panel.

Hong's gaze was fixed on Zhou Mu, full of anticipation: "Brother, to be honest, the main reason I invited you here is to ask you to come out of seclusion and join the Limitless Martial Arts Academy as the deputy head."

After finishing his sentence, Hong paused for a moment before slowly explaining the reason: "In recent years, the monster tides have become increasingly frequent and ferocious. The Limit Martial Arts Academy has spread all over the world, taking in countless outstanding martial artists. I have to coordinate the daily operation of the academy, allocate resources, and also take care of the training of students. As the academy's owner, and also the world's number one strong person, I also have to be stationed in Hongning Base City to coordinate global monster defense matters. I really can't be in two places at once."

"Brother, you just broke through to the Planetary level and challenged and killed Tuoba Wu, even awakening your domain. Your strength is beyond doubt. More importantly, your character and experience are trustworthy!"

Zhou Mu was slightly taken aback. Before he could speak, Thor interrupted, "Big brother, the same goes for the Thunder Martial Arts Academy. As long as you're willing, the position of vice-master will always be reserved for you."

"If you can come, we can free up our hands and focus on dealing with the threat of high-level monsters. With you in charge from the rear, the younger generation of the martial arts school can receive better guidance."

Zhou Mu remained silent for a moment, then put down his teacup.

Looking into the sincere eyes of the two strongest people in the world, he felt a warmth in his heart. This trust was more precious than any resource.

But he still shook his head.

"Hong, Thor, I'm grateful for your trust," Zhou Mu said calmly, "but..."

"I cannot accept the position of deputy curator."

Hong frowned slightly: "Big Brother—"

"Let me finish," Zhou Mu raised his hand to stop him. "I'm not making excuses, nor am I being modest. Think about it, how old am I this year?"

"Having been stuck at the peak of the God of War for so many years, although I have now broken through, my mindset has long since changed. When I was young, I may have had the ambition to compete for supremacy, to rule over a region, and to make great achievements."

"Now?"

Zhou Mu smiled, his smile carrying a hint of clarity: "Right now, I just want to cultivate peacefully, protect the family, and occasionally give some pointers to the younger generation. The position of deputy headmaster requires dealing with too many favors and worrying too much. My old bones can't carry that burden anymore."

Thor, upon hearing this, became somewhat anxious: "Brother, you've only just broken through. Planetary-level beings have long lifespans, a full thousand years. You're not even 70 yet, what are you talking about, old bones? Brother Hong was only in his thirties when he broke through to the planetary level, and he's still doing just fine—"

"It's different." Zhou Mu interrupted Thor, his gaze gentle yet firm: "You are born leaders, but I am not. I helped you back then because I saw potential in your future and wanted to cultivate more powerful individuals for humanity. Not because I wanted to one day secure a position under you."

Hong and Thor exchanged a glance and fell silent.

They understood Zhou Mu's personality. This older brother never wanted to owe anyone favors. Back then, he preferred to struggle through his own bottlenecks rather than let them down, just so he wouldn't be a burden to them.

Now that they've invited him to be the deputy curator, even though it was a sincere invitation, Zhou Mu thinks he's probably just benefiting from their connections.

Hong was about to try to persuade him again when Zhou Mu spoke first.

"However, I do have an idea."

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and glanced at the two men. "Listen to me. If you think it's feasible, use it. If not, just consider it me talking nonsense."

Thor quickly replied, "Brother, you tell me."

Zhou Mu put down his teacup and said calmly, "Both the Limit Martial Arts Academy and the Thunder Martial Arts Academy have elite training camps specifically for cultivating the top talents of the younger generation, right?"

Hong nodded: "Yes, the elite training camp of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy is located in Hongning Base City, and it recruits 3 to 5 elite martial artists from around the world every year. Thor's training camp is located in Kyoto Base City, and it is about the same size as mine."

"The two training camps operate independently, resources are scattered, the instructors' levels vary, and there is a lack of communication between the academies, making it difficult for them to grow quickly," Zhou Mu continued. "Now that the beast tide in the wilderness is becoming increasingly dangerous, humanity urgently needs a large number of top-notch martial artists."

"So, I think—" Zhou Mu paused, looking directly at the two of them, "I will integrate the global elite training camps of your two martial arts schools into one, and establish a top-notch elite training camp, concentrating the best resources of the two martial arts schools, gathering the most outstanding students, and I will serve as the head instructor, specializing in cultivating the most outstanding talents."

Both Hong and Thor were taken aback.

Zhou Mu continued, "I'm not good at handling trivial matters, but I do have some experience in teaching. I was able to teach the two of you back then, so teaching another generation of young people shouldn't be too difficult for me."

He said calmly, "Of course, this is just an idea of ​​mine. If you think it's feasible, I'll take it on. If you think it's inappropriate, just pretend you didn't hear it."

Hong was silent for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"Brother, your move is far superior to being the deputy head of the gym." He looked at Thor, "Thor, what do you think?"

Thor laughed too: "Of course I agree. My Thunder Martial Arts Academy's training camp is already slightly inferior to yours, Brother Hong. If you're willing to take over this business, then I'm getting a good deal."

Hong stood up, his expression serious. "I agree too! Brother, your suggestion is better than us asking you to be the deputy director. By integrating the two training camps and concentrating resources, the quality of the trainees trained will inevitably be higher, and we can continuously supply humanity with high-end combat power."

"Moreover, with the elder brother in charge, given his practical experience and insight, this is an immense opportunity for these students."

Zhou Mu's last lingering concerns vanished, and he stood up: "Alright, I'll take the position of head instructor."

"However, let me make this clear from the start: I'm only in charge of teaching, not other miscellaneous tasks. You'll have to assign people to handle administration, logistics, and student recruitment yourselves."

Hong laughed and said, "Of course, elder brother, you just need to teach others, we'll take care of the rest."

"So what's the name of this training camp? As a top-tier training camp that integrates our two martial arts schools, it should have a prestigious name!" Thor interjected.

"Let's call it the Peak Training Camp!"

Zhou Mu pondered for a moment and said, "Global top, the path to the pinnacle."

"Great name!" Thor and Hong nodded in agreement.

"Brother, there's one more thing. Now that you've broken through to the planetary level and awakened your domain, according to the rules, you should be promoted to a council member of the War God Palace. Moreover, with your strength, you're qualified to serve as the prospective chairman. Thor and I will bring this up at the next council meeting."

Zhou Mu frowned slightly. "The prospective speaker?"

All he knew was that in the original story, Luo Feng's breakthrough beyond the God of War level was achieved by Hong personally granting him the position of Inspector, an automatic promotion that did not go through a council resolution.

"That's right," Hong explained. "The War God Palace Council currently has 52 members and 5 speakers, all of whom are planetary-level or higher powerhouses. During meetings, each person has one vote, and major resolutions require a two-thirds majority to pass."

"Don't worry, big brother, leave this to me and Brother Hong. There won't be any obstacles," Thor said, patting his chest.

......

Three days later, in the virtual space of the War God Palace.

Fifty-two members of parliament gathered.

Since the news of Tuoba Wu's death spread, the entire War God Palace has been in turmoil.

Although Tuoba Wu was a despicable person, he was, after all, a veteran councilor who had been operating within the War God Palace for many years and had close relationships with many councilors. His death was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, with ripples spreading outwards.

Hong sat in the main seat, dressed in a gray robe, his face calm and expressionless. Thor sat beside him, his silver armor gleaming in the light, arms crossed, his expression serene.

The remaining seats were occupied in order, and the combined presence of the fifty-two councilors was like fifty-two silent mountains, making the entire space heavy and solemn.

Zhou Mu sat in the seat to Hong's right.

This was a temporary seat, right next to the five speaker's seats. His appearance made many members' gazes complicated.

"There are two matters to discuss in the council today," Hong's voice echoed in the virtual space, steady as a bell, silencing all whispers. "The first is about the death of former councilor Tuoba Wu."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere around the round table suddenly became tense.

Hong remained unfazed and continued, "In the case of the Wang family's extermination, Tuoba Wu accepted bribes, showed favoritism to treacherous officials, and abused his power, seriously violating the regulations of the War God Palace. After a joint investigation by the Limit Martial Arts School and the Thunder Martial Arts School, the evidence is conclusive and has been submitted to all terminals."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, and every member of parliament whose gaze fell upon him unconsciously straightened their backs.

"Tuoba Wu's death was his own fault. Although Zhou Mu acted rashly during his revenge, there were reasons for it. After joint decision by Lei Shen and me, the Tuoba Wu case is closed, and Zhou Mu will not be held responsible in any way."

After he finished speaking, the virtual space fell into a deathly silence.

Many lawmakers stared wide-eyed at Hong in disbelief.

The decision not to pursue the matter means that the incident of killing a planetary-level councilor in front of hundreds of martial artists has been simply swept under the rug.

Thor spoke up, his voice booming like thunder: "That's right, that's my opinion too! Tuoba Wu deserves to die! If it were me, I would kill him too! Anyone who thinks he shouldn't have been killed, step forward, and we'll have a good talk!"

His tone was domineering and direct, leaving no room for negotiation.

The two speakers spoke in unison, their stances clear. The members of parliament present exchanged glances, and those who had initially wanted to speak out for Tuoba Wu wisely kept quiet.

Hong and Lei Shen's attitude has made it clear that they are protecting Zhou Mu.

Third Speaker Mohandson paused for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Since the two speakers have reached a conclusion, I have nothing more to say. I only hope that such incidents will be handled according to the rules in the future, so as not to give others ammunition to criticize us."

"Of course." Hong nodded, his tone softening slightly.

The first thing to do is to put an end to this.