Gu Group and the Martial Artists Headquarters Aim for a Nation of Martial Artists

The next morning.

Gu Yan arrived at the skyscraper of his family's corporate empire.

Looking up, he could truly grasp the prominence of the Gu Family in Jianghai.

The headquarters stood in the heart of the city's downtown, towering like the mightiest tree in a steel forest amidst the bustling urban center.

The skyscraper soared into the clouds, its exterior clad in reflective dark-gray glass panels that mirrored the city skyline and drifting clouds.

Under the sunlight, the building shimmered—a landmark of Jianghai.

Even in the depths of winter.

The moment Gu Yan stepped into the lobby, a wave of controlled warmth enveloped him.

At the same time, rows of employees stood waiting.

"Good morning, Young Master!"

"Morning, Young Master."

"Good morning, Young Master Gu Yan."

Greetings poured in one after another.

Gu Yan nodded slightly.

Hmm?

Why did this reception feel like they were preparing him to take over today?

Old Gao leaned in and whispered, "Young Master, the Chairman’s intention is to let the staff get familiar with you in advance, so no one dares to cross you."

"I see."

Gu Yan nodded, then took the express elevator to the top-floor office on the 100th level.

Gu Tianming was already seated on the sofa, waiting.

Opposite him sat a middle-aged man in a black uniform, a golden sun emblem pinned to his chest.

"Dad."

Gu Yan calmly took a seat beside Gu Tianming, his eyes briefly flickering to the emblem on the man’s chest. Someone from the department?

A Grandmaster?

Old Gao closed the door behind them and withdrew.

Now that the key figure had arrived, it was time to discuss serious matters.

Gu Tianming smiled at the man across from him and introduced, "This is my son, Gu Yan."

Then, turning to Gu Yan, he said, "Xiao Yan, this is Wang Gang, Minister of the Strategic Department at the Martial Arts Headquarters. You can call him Uncle Wang."

"Good morning, Uncle Wang."

Wang Gang smiled warmly. "You’ve grown so much. I remember when you were just a little kid—I even held you once."

Ugh...

Gu Yan sighed inwardly. Why did everyone say that to him?

"Time flies, doesn’t it?"

"Who’d have thought you’d climb to this position?"

"Hah, I earned every bit of it."

Gu Tianming and Wang Gang seemed to have known each other for years, speaking with casual familiarity.

Gu Tianming tossed a cigarette to Wang Gang, who lit it and took a drag before getting down to business. He gave Gu Tianming a meaningful look. "Since you called Gu Yan here, does that mean he’s the next family head?"

Gu Tianming chuckled and shook his head. "Not the next—the current one."

"Today, the person negotiating with you isn’t me, but Gu Yan, the acting family head."

"I’m just here as an advisor."

Wang Gang’s lips twitched. "You sly old fox. Pushing the troublesome work onto your son now, huh?"

"Not at all. This is a good opportunity for him to gain experience."

"Just like what I went through back in the day."

Gu Tianming exhaled a plume of smoke and patted Gu Yan, whose face had stiffened. "Xiao Yan, you take it from here."

"Don’t worry, we’re all on the same side. Whatever’s said in this room stays here."

Old man, I think you’re setting me up.

Gu Yan sighed internally. His schedule was already packed.

How had he suddenly inherited the family head position?

Aren’t you still young and capable, old man? Retiring already?

Hopefully, this wasn’t some messy affair.

With that thought, Gu Yan turned to Wang Gang. His demeanor had always been refined and composed, further enhanced by his innate charm.

To others, he radiated warmth and ease.

Wang Gang couldn’t help but admire him inwardly. This kid had truly turned his life around and grown outstanding.

He remembered how Gu Tianming had often vented his frustrations about Gu Yan years ago.

Back to the present, Gu Tianming had made his stance clear.

So, Wang Gang straightened and addressed Gu Yan solemnly. "Gu Yan, what I’m about to discuss concerns the lives and safety of all citizens in Jianghai."

"Your decisions will shape Jianghai’s future and influence the headquarters’ next steps."

Gu Yan seemed to have guessed something. He nodded. "Understood."

"Good. The matter is..."

Wang Gang’s tone turned grave as he spoke slowly, "The headquarters proposes... universal martial awakening!"

"!!!"

Gu Yan was stunned. He stared at Wang Gang in disbelief. "Universal martial arts? Why so sudden?"

"It’s not sudden."

Wang Gang shook his head with a bitter smile. "After the Night King’s resurgence, the ancient martial world and our department suffered heavy losses."

"Before we could recover, the Fifth Forbidden Zone incident happened."

"Frankly speaking, our mid-to-high-tier combat forces have been reduced by at least half."

This was no exaggeration. The Forbidden Zone expedition required participants to be at least Postnatal martial artists—and even they were relegated to support roles.

True frontline explorers were all at the Innate level or above.

Yet, the joint operation between multiple factions ended in devastating losses, leaving an indelible scar on both the headquarters and the ancient martial world.

"Not just our department—even the ancient martial sects lost too many of their rising talents in those events."

"This proposal was finalized after numerous high-level discussions."

"But very few know about it yet. You two are among them."

Wang Gang watched Gu Yan, waiting for his reaction.

A second later.

To Wang Gang’s relief.

Gu Yan nodded firmly, his voice resolute. "I understand, Minister Wang. Whatever the department needs from the Gu Family, we won’t hesitate!"

"Because I fought in both those battles."

"I’ve seen the enemy’s strength firsthand, and I know we suffered crushing defeats."

"So, as one of the major families, it’s our duty to step forward!"

Wang Gang and Gu Tianming exchanged a glance, both nodding in approval.

"Good. Then I’ll be direct."

Wang Gang placed a circular device on the table and pressed a button.

Hum!

A blueprint projected in front of the three.

Gu Yan studied it—it appeared to be a large-scale training facility.

Wang Gang explained, "This is a preliminary design for martial training bases, drafted overnight by our engineering team."

"We plan to disclose all martial arts records to the public in January."

"In February, we’ll begin constructing martial training facilities nationwide—including aptitude screening and systematic training centers."

"By March, we’ll officially launch nationwide martial aptitude testing and awakening!"

"Every individual with martial potential will be registered."

"Those with high talent must be prioritized and retained."

"If they wish to join the department, they’ll undergo rigorous examinations for selection."

At this point.

Gu Yan raised a question. "And those who don’t want to join the department?"

"This brings us to the main point of why I came to see you today."

Wang Gang flashed a mysterious smile before slowly saying, "We want the Gu Family..."

"To establish a civilian martial arts organization in Jianghai!"

Gu Yan: "?!"

Huh?

Wait, why did you take so long to say that!