"How can we dissolve? Why do we have to dissolve? This is too sudden!"
Everyone expressed their disbelief.
"Shi Tao, what on earth are you talking about?" Elder Tang slapped the table and pointed at Shi Tao. "Say that again if you dare!"
"Old Tang! Don’t be impulsive."
A few elders beside him quickly pressed him back into his seat.
After all, Shi Tao is the President. It’s fine to shout at him in private, but doing so in this kind of setting is not appropriate.
However, they indeed needed an explanation for this matter.
For the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association to develop to this point, Shi Tao, as the President, indeed deserved much credit.
Yet, these people had also contributed. The Jiangnan Martial Arts Association did not belong to Shi Tao alone. It belonged to everyone here.
How could they dissolve it just because of a single sentence from him?
"Shi Tao, Elder Tang has a bit of a temper burst. I apologize on his behalf," Elder Qin stood up and looked at Shi Tao. "But you must give us an explanation. What gives you the right to dissolve the association?"
"That’s right, you must give us an explanation."
The other elders echoed.
The rest of the people, intimidated by Shi Tao’s authority, did not dare to make a fuss, but all eyes were tightly fixed on him.
Shi Tao was silent for a moment, and finally said, "The association has provoked some enemies. Their strength is formidable. I’m afraid it won’t be long before they come. Staying here would be dangerous for you all."
As his words fell, everyone looked at each other in dismay.
Actually, they had caught wind of some things that happened in the main hall of the association this morning.
After all, such a big commotion, how could they not notice it.
But just because of this, they had to dissolve the entire association?
"What enemies? Shi Tao, make it clearer!" Elder Tang said angrily, "No matter how strong they are, so what? Our Jiangnan Martial Arts Association isn’t to be trifled with! If one comes, we’ll kill one. If two come, we’ll kill both!"
"Exactly, who cares who they are? If they’re stirring up trouble on our turf, we’re not afraid of them! At worst, we’ll fight to the death!"
"Fight them to the end!"
Instantly, the crowd was indignant.
In their hearts, the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association was not just a place for work and making money; it was their home.
For many of them, it was their family; everything they did was centered around the association.
Now, just because some enemies came, they had to abandon their home and flee like dogs with their tails between their legs? How could a person with any backbone do such a thing?
Chang Fei and others in the audience were moved to tears by the atmosphere.
Indeed, people like Ling Yu, who turned against their own, were very few. The vast majority were loyal to the association.
Shi Tao’s eyes also showed a hint of relief. He raised both hands, signaling everyone to quiet down, and said slowly, "I’m really happy to hear you say these things. I understand how everyone feels right now, but this situation is unprecedented."
"Then tell us, how is it unprecedented?" Elder Tang was furious.
Shi Tao glanced at him and gave a wry smile, "In one or two days, at least ten Celestial Realm Martial Artists will come here."
"What! Ten Celestial Realm Martial Artists!"
Instantly, the entire conference room fell silent.
The President surely couldn’t be saying this just to scare them, right?
Ten Celestial Realm Martial Artists? What does that even mean? The entire Jiangnan Martial Arts Association only has one Celestial Realm Martial Artist, which is the President, right?
That’s already rare, considering that two or three of the other four martial arts associations don’t even have a Celestial Realm Martial Artist.
If ten of them come at once, the President, even if he had three heads and six arms, wouldn’t be able to stop them.
"At least ten."
Shi Tao’s voice rang out again, "Among these ten Celestial Realm Martial Artists, almost half are mid-stage Celestial Realm. I don’t have even a ten percent chance of winning against any of them."
Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces turned paler.
Half of them are mid-stage Celestial Realm Martial Artists?
How could this be?
How did the association manage to provoke such a strong enemy?
"Shi Tao, what exactly did you do?" Elder Tang’s voice began to tremble, "How did you incur so many enemies?"
"Elder Tang, it’s a long story."
Shi Tao sighed, "And what’s done is done. It’s no use talking about it now. Frankly, this matter is indeed because of me. If I had been able to... forget it."
He shook his head and looked at everyone. "It’s getting late. You should go back and pack your things. It’s best to leave tonight. And after you leave, don’t tell anyone that you’re from the association. Otherwise, you might get involved."
"President!"
Everyone stood there, not knowing what to do.
They really wanted to stay and face the difficulties with the association.
But, from the President’s tone, the coming enemies were too formidable—more than ten Celestial Realm Martial Artists!
In front of such opponents, they were like ants; they could be crushed instantly.
But should they just leave like this?
"President, I’m not leaving!"
Someone stood up, eyes firm, "The association is my home. Even if I die, I won’t leave!"
"Well said!"
Another person stood up, "So what if I die? What’s there to be afraid of? I, Ge Yun, swear to live and die with the association!"
"Live and die with the association!"
A chorus of responses echoed.
Their voices rose higher and higher, forming an endless echo that reverberated in the conference room.
Shi Tao was instantly moved to tears.
After the shouting subsided, he said, "I understand everyone’s feelings, but this situation is different from anything we’ve encountered before. I don’t want you to sacrifice yourselves in vain. Many of you have families, people who care about you. Think about how they would feel if something happened to you. Who would they rely on?"
As his words fell, many of the raised hands slowly lowered.
Indeed, many of them were the pillars of their families. If something happened to them, in this world, how would their parents, wives, and children survive?
But many others, with no family, still had a steadfast look.
Shi Tao’s gaze swept over them and said, "Actually, the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association will not be dissolved because each of you carries the spirit of the association—tenacious and unyielding. Even if one day the association is gone, you can carry on its spirit, and the association will continue to exist."
Everyone was stunned.
Could it be like that?
But what the President said did make some sense.
"As the President of the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association, I order you to go back, pack your things, and leave."
"President..."
"President..."
No one knew what to say.
Their eyes were filled with confusion and helplessness.
Just a few minutes ago, they were all doing their jobs. A few minutes later, they were told the entire association was gone.
What would they do in the future?
"Go."
Shi Tao sighed, feeling a pang of guilt, "Although this time, the association indeed faces a great crisis, it’s not entirely hopeless. If I survive, I promise each and every one of you that I will reestablish the Jiangnan Martial Arts Association and welcome you all back."
"Re- really?"
Upon hearing this, the crowd’s eyes sparkled with hope.
"President, is it true? Will you really rebuild the association afterward?"
"Of course, I promise."
Shi Tao nodded.
"Alright, we believe in you, President. We believe you can overcome this crisis."
"Exactly, we will pray in our hearts and wait for that day!"
"President, no matter what, you must get through this crisis!"