Chen Shouyi did not answer immediately.
He was no longer the hot-blooded, immature youth who could be bewitched by a few flattering words.
He guessed that Qin Liuyuan probably did not have any other intentions either. He merely wanted to establish a civilian martial artist organization, huddle together for warmth, and use the vast number of civilian martial artists, along with the deterrence provided by a martial master like him, to fight for greater power and benefits.
If all the civilian martial artists—not just a small portion—could be efficiently integrated, then without a doubt, they would become a formidable force, powerful enough to shake Hedong and become a force second only to the military. It might even force the higher-ups to compromise.
However, Chen Shouyi was completely uninterested.
As one of the two martial masters publicly recognized in Jiangnan Province, his status was extraordinary. He had long since broken away from the ranks of ordinary martial artists.
He already had all the treatment and attention he deserved.
He had no ambitions, nor any desire for power**.
Being the bird that stuck its head out would bring him no benefits whatsoever.
Strength was the foundation of his survival. Rather than spend his energy on this, he might as well train hard.
"Forget it. I'm not interested in this." With that thought in mind, Chen Shouyi said.
A trace of disappointment flashed across Qin Liuyuan's face. He tried persuading him a few more times, but seeing that the other man truly had no interest, he could only give up helplessly.
After returning to the safe zone, Chen Shouyi did not go straight home. Instead, he first went to the provincial government.
The provincial government building was not far from the municipal government building, only a few kilometers away.
Chen Shouyi showed his