143: Do you really think warriors are just there to receive benefits?

County Magistrate Shi Yong stepped forward, a harmless smile on his face, and said, "Everyone, please sit. Don't be constrained. We are all people from Changtu County, and it's not easy for us to gather here. Let's chat casually."

He said to chat casually, but naturally, no one took him seriously.

Among the Martial Artists present this time, there were also two Third-Rank Martial Artists.

The others were all First-Rank and Second-Rank Martial Artists.

Therefore, the others mostly listened, and any matters or questions were first discussed by the Third-Rank Martial Artists.

One man, about fifty years old, spoke, "County Magistrate Shi, as the ancient Dao says, 'No love is deeper than the love for one's homeland.' We are all here out of a sense of local affection, having set aside various trivia. If Changtu County has any needs, please speak frankly. Everyone's time is precious, so let's not beat around the bush..."

County Magistrate Shi Yong spoke frankly, "Then I'll be straightforward. Recently, the caves have been shaking frequently, and the country requires every city and county to establish a Martial Artist combat team. Our county needs to organize a team of 100 people."

"We've gathered everyone here today, hoping you will actively and enthusiastically sign up."

Although the Martial Artists present had all heard rumors to varying degrees beforehand.

But when this matter truly became a reality, they were naturally a hundred times unwilling.

Someone in the crowd raised his hand and said, "County Magistrate Shi, everyone has important matters to attend to. How can we have the leisure to join a combat team? Changtu County isn't so poor that it can't even form a combat team, is it?"

"Indeed, our company's affairs are heavy, and our headquarters are not local, so we really can't spare the time to come back and participate in the combat team."

"In short, everyone is very busy. If Changtu County is truly facing a funding shortage, we can raise money and donate. One hundred thousand or two hundred thousand is not a problem."

"Exactly, is there anything that money can't solve?"

"If not, just find a few people from other counties to fill the numbers. We'll pay for it."

...

Everyone spoke one after another, as if they had already set the tone for today's matter.

In short, we can pay money, but as for letting us bosses suffer and participate in some combat team, don't even think about it!

We became Martial Artists not for some combat team.

It was for the country's benefits and policies!

However, Shi Yong was neither anxious nor impatient, he smiled slightly and slowly explained, "Gentlemen, there's no need to rush. I haven't forced anyone to join the combat team; this is a voluntary matter. However..."

He changed the subject, "I wonder if everyone has noticed that, apart from those who are absent, everyone invited today is from Changtu County."

"Hmm?"

Someone showed a puzzled expression, as not everyone who left Changtu County would move their household registration, and those present still had Changtu County household registration.

Shi Yong continued to reveal, "Recently, the superior authorities issued a new administrative document, focusing on the future implementation of a dual management system for Martial Artists, meaning joint management by the government of the place of residence and the government of the household registration location."

The crowd still didn't understand what he meant, and many asked what this implied.

Shi Yong patiently explained, "Simply put, after the dual management system is implemented, everyone will need to return to Changtu County for an annual year-end assessment."

"Ah? Year-end assessment?" Everyone looked surprised.

Shi Yong smiled without speaking, and only after the murmurs of questions subsided did he further clarify, "Starting next year, all social Third-Rank Martial Artists and below must undergo an annual assessment in their household registration location."

"Martial Artists above Third-Rank can freely choose the location for their assessment. Martial Artists who pass the assessment will continue to enjoy existing various privileges and preferential policies. Those who fail the assessment must either be demoted and re-assessed, or have their Martial Artist status revoked."

"What? An assessment?"

"What will the assessment cover?"

"It's always been this way, why suddenly add an assessment?"

"This isn't fair! First a combat team, now an assessment. Isn't this bullying people?"

"Are we not supposed to live our lives? Why are you bothering us?"

The crowd immediately erupted, discussing animatedly.

Shi Yong's smile remained, and he patiently answered, "The assessment mainly targets true attribute strength and Martial Skill Cultivation. As a Martial Artist, if one doesn't even have basic combat power, how can one be called a Martial Artist?"

"Besides notifying about the year-end assessment, there is another requirement: starting this year, all Martial Artists must take one month out of each year to participate in a local organized intensive training class! Of course, university Martial Artist students, Martial Artists officially enrolled in the military, and Martial Artists involved in national scientific research projects are exempt."

"However, the assessment difficulty is not high. As long as you spend a little time Cultivating Martial Skills, you can generally pass smoothly. The reason for gathering everyone here is to prevent misunderstandings about the new policy. We need to explain it in detail to everyone."

"Currently, there are many criticisms in society about the privileges of Martial Artists, believing that some Martial Artists occupy a large amount of resources without demonstrating corresponding strength. Therefore, the government, in order to ease social contradictions, decided to strengthen the regulation of Martial Artists and appropriately raise the ranking standards."

Shen Bei wasn't too surprised to hear this news, as rumors had already been circulating.

However, he didn't expect the government to specifically convene everyone for a meeting and have the local top leader personally explain the policy.

In his opinion, this seemed a bit of an overreaction, but on second thought, compared to directly issuing documents for mandatory enforcement, this approach indeed provided everyone with a buffer period.

However, Shen Bei underestimated the government's determination; the so-called "buffer" didn't actually exist.

Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly surprised, and some even questioned whether it was reasonable for them, being in their fifties or sixties, to still have to attend intensive training classes.

Taking one month out of a year was not a small amount for them.

Immediately, someone expressed opposition, "County Magistrate Shi, we accept the matter of the year-end assessment; we can Cultivate and prepare at home. But now you're asking us to participate in a one-month intensive training class. Is this really necessary? We are no longer students; we all have busy work matters to handle."

Shi Yong smiled without speaking, and said, "If you don't want to participate in the intensive training class, it's very simple: just voluntarily give up your Martial Artist status. It's that simple."

Then, County Magistrate Shi raised his voice, somewhat angrily, and said, "Asking you to participate in intensive training is not sending you to your deaths. Such a strong reaction, what if the country forcefully conscripts you to participate in battle in the future? Wouldn't you overturn the tables and rebel even more?"

Someone again retorted, "We have no intention of rebelling; it's just that the government's actions completely disregarded and didn't consult our Martial Artists' opinions. It's truly reckless."

Shi Yong's tone gradually became stern, and he emphasized each word:

"This is a clear directive from the higher authorities, and everyone must comply! Whether those present or those not in attendance, we will notify each and every one."

"Some people might pretend not to know or not to receive the message, but don't forget, official documents will announce it to the world."

"Furthermore, some Martial Artists have used their privileges to engage in certain dealings, of which they are well aware. In the past, perhaps one could turn a blind eye, but now, everything will be accounted for!"

"In the past, the government treated you favorably, hoping you could serve the country and contribute to society. Now, it seems many have forgotten this original intention, only knowing how to take without considering giving back. I ask, is such an approach fair and reasonable?"

Facing this sudden change, everyone discussed animatedly.

Shen Bei, however, nodded slightly. He hadn't expected the pace of reform to be so rapid, and County Magistrate Shi was now pushing for its implementation with a strong and resolute attitude.

However, for those unwilling to accept, there was no choice but to comply—the consequence of refusing intensive training was the revocation of Martial Artist status, which was fair to everyone in this regard, and even if the news spread, ordinary citizens would cheer.

After a combination of tough and gentle tactics, Shi Yong saw the atmosphere was a bit tense, so he smiled and eased it, "Everyone doesn't need to worry too much. Actually, this matter is not as difficult as imagined. Intensive training will not make everyone feel pain; it's like attending some Advanced management training classes, not completely militarized management. Handling daily business, phone communication, and video conferences are all possible."

Under Shi Yong's reassurance, everyone's emotions gradually calmed down.

A month's time was indeed not short, but if divided into four sessions, with each being only a week, most people thought it was acceptable, not like being imprisoned and unable to contact the outside world.

While participating in intensive training, one could also fully handle company business.

Furthermore, with many Martial Artists gathered together, it could both enhance relationships and perhaps provide an opportunity to expand networks and open up markets.

As Shi Yong said, this bore many similarities to the training courses attended by corporate CEOs in real society.

Everyone could only console themselves, as after all, their strength was inferior, and their fists weren't hard enough. If they didn't want to give up their Martial Artist status, they had to comply with the new regulations.

Today's gathering was mainly to announce this major decision. As for issues like the formation of the combat team, personnel arrangements, and funding gaps, Shi Yong did not mention them, clearly indicating that the Changtu County government had already prepared to handle these problems appropriately.

Similar "tea parties" were playing out across the country.

Although a small number of Martial Artists were quite disgruntled.

Swearing to never participate in the combat team and intensive training.

But "persuasion is not as good as a pickaxe handle."

What awaited them would be the merciless crackdown by the state.

Most Martial Artists could only swallow their anger and reluctantly participate in the combat team for the sake of their Martial Artist status.

The Martial Artists of Changtu County were in low spirits, grumbling, and gradually left.

Shen Bei also seized an opportunity to prepare to leave.

But he was grabbed by Jian Shan, "Hey, hey, don't go, there's still something for you."

Shen Bei spread his hands, "I'm a student."

"Stop feigning ignorance. Come, sit down, let's chat."

Shen Bei naturally knew what Jian Shan wanted to talk about, so Shen Bei directly said, "How about I recommend an instructor for you?"

"Who?" Jian Shan asked curiously.

"Professor Gu Xinrou!"

Jian Shan: ...