Chapter 133: Practice
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The next day. Early in the morning.
At the front gate of the university.
Fang Ping carried his handbag and waited at the university gate.
Zhou Shiping arrived sooner than he thought. He drove a national car and poked his head out to greet him. “Student Fang Ping!”
“Good morning, Instructor!”
“Mm. You... are not driving?”
Zhou Shiping’s question had Fang Ping at a loss.
Soon, Fang Ping understood what he meant.
Zhao Xuemei was here. Driving a car.
Tang Songting was here. Driving a glamorous convertible sports car.
As for the other seven students, three of them drove a car, while four of them were on foot.
11 people altogether, 6 of whom drove here!
Fang Ping felt like coughing up blood. Was this necessary?
It was probably because they were out on a trip that Zhou Shiping had become slightly talkative. He was also friendlier as he smiled and said, “It is more appropriate to drive a car when carrying out missions. It will be extremely troublesome if you don’t have a car but the suspect does...”
Fang Ping was just about to say that he had not seen Wang Jinyang and Qin Fengqing driving a car.
After giving it a second thought, he figured that he had probably not interacted with them well enough to know whether or not they drove at the time.
Furthermore, the two of them probably visited the Catacombs so often that they do not need to drive a car.
That being said, it seemed like buying a car was necessary.
Fang Ping had an internal monologue but it did not show on his face. He made arrangements without further ado. “Everyone get in a car. I will go with Zhao Xuemei. Head for Northern Stability Region Department of Investigation Services Branch Office. Stay close.”
“Alright!”
Everyone replied in unison. One by one, they got in a car.
...
Northern Stability Region was located to the North of Magic City. The university city was located in the South, adjacent to the Southern Contribution District.
It was a long journey to drive from MCMAU to the Northern Stability Region.
In the car.
Zhao Xuemei spoke somewhat excitedly, “I can finally carry out missions now. Before enrolling in the university, I already knew that the martial arts university would provide missions for us.”
“Must you be so excited?”
“Of course. What do you know? Completing martial arts university’s missions means that we can finally enforce the law out in the open, plus we get paid.
“This is different from a self-attempt to excel over others. If you kill someone, that would be against the law.
“Just like this case. If Lin Jun was in a martial arts university and had called out for a normal challenge and then killed someone, he would not be a wanted man.
“Or if you have accepted the other mission and killed the other party, you will be rewarded for it.
“Martial artists have high Vitalities and can act on impulse sometimes. This impulse has to be vented off, or we’d feel extremely uncomfortable.”
Fang Ping did not know what to say. After thinking for a while, he said, “Take it easy. You will get nothing if you die.”
“I know that. It is only a Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist...”
Fang Ping did not comment further. She was speaking like she was not one herself.
It was easier to distinguish Rank-1 martial artists. Middle-stage was for those who had honed a limb bone; while Upper-stage and peak had blurred the lines and it was not so distinct at times.
Peak martial artists were those who had completed honing two limb bones. Those who had completed honing 50 bones and above would be considered Upper-stage. However, as the bones were different in the upper and lower limbs, there was no clear-cut distinction between them.
No one showed tried to make a distinction anyway. They were just a bunch of weaklings, there was no need to make such clear-cut distinctions.
...
More than 50 minutes later.
Northern Stability Region Department of Investigation Services.
Although Northern Stability Region was a region, there were only 6 regions in Magic City. The demographics and economic growth in every region were much more powerful than the average prefecture-level cities.
Northern Stability Region Department of Investigation Services looked splendid and spectacular!
It was a prefabricated building with more than twenty levels in the main building!
Fang Ping and the team got out of the car consecutively. They registered their martial arts license at the entrance to the building. Five to six minutes later, someone was there to greet them.
“Are you martial arts university students?”
The one who greeted them was a man in his thirties. He had masculine facial features and was wearing plain clothes.
Zhou Shiping did not bother to get out of his car. As the team leader, Fang Ping took the initiative to reply. “We are MCMAU students. We have accepted a mission from the Northern Stability side. We are here for a briefing, to see if there is anything that we should take note of.”
“Is this your first time completing a mission?”
“Yes. My name is Fang Ping. The team leader for this mission. How should we address you, brother?”
“Call me brother Zheng will do. Follow me!”
The man did not waste many words. He led the team into the Department of Investigation Services.
They did not enter the main building. The man brought them into the office of an annex. The room was enormous.
“What mission did you accept? What is the serial number?”
“200808301217. The name is Lin Jun.”
The man switched on the computer and made a quick search, he replied promptly, “Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist. His ability is not too strong. We handed this case over to martial arts universities as this brat had wasted too much of our time.
“He may not be strong, but he can be very cunning. He is good at blocking out reconnaissance and has an extremely good grasp of the staff here in the Department of Investigation Services.
“He noticed us very quickly when we were near and escaped immediately.
“Right now he should be around the Northern Stability Region and Northern Suburbs...”
“He is still in Northern Stability?”
The man with the surname Zheng nodded his head and said, “Yes. There were people who have seen him. That’s why I said he is cunning, and has quite some nerve too.
“I’m sure everyone knows the concept of darkness under the light. He had revealed himself elsewhere but had proceeded to conceal himself around Northern Stability.
“If it was not for someone else who had spotted him, we would have thought that he had run away.”
“However, Northern Stability and Northern Suburbs are not large, populous areas. Brother Zheng, do you have a more specific range?”
Zheng simply held out a piece of map, pointed at the direction of the border between Northern Stability and Northern Suburbs and said, “This is where a witness last saw Lin Jun.
“Nevertheless, I cannot be sure if he is still there. He may have run away, or he may still be around.
“Lin Jun does have a bad habit of gambling!
“Last time, he killed someone because of gambling.
“Right now, he may have not been able to keep his old habit in check. There are a few illegal gambling spots around Northern Stability and Northern Suburbs...”
“Illegal gambling spots?”
“The police are handling it, so it has nothing to do with us.” Zheng knew what he meant, and he casually said, “I will leave this to you. Whether to snatch or seize, it’s entirely up to you.
“Even so, the reason why illegal gambling spots can exist is that they are ready to face martial artists who are trying to pick a quarrel. Your abilities are not up to par, so it is best to avoid any unnecessary troubles.
“Before they send martial artists to disrupt social order, we will not touch them.
“However, if you raid the place successfully, then they deserved it. Let the police finish off the rest.
“Remember, you are not allowed to harm ordinary people unless the other party attacks you first, and you must be able to provide evidence. You will learn about the rest as you go along.
“...”
The other party explained the situation. Finally, he made a new certification for Fang Ping and the team – the Department of Investigation Services Investigation Certificate.
Before they left, brother Zheng added, “When you are done with the mission, head back to the Department of Investigation Services for a debriefing. You can also debrief at your university. The martial arts universities make regular checks on the completed missions.
“I will remind you once more. Do not involve ordinary people. It is best to avoid the limelight. Performing an arrest in the presence of many civilians will only create a negative impact.
“The existence of martial artists is mainly to reassure the public, not to behave brazenly and disrupt social order.
“In the case of any bad influence, your credits will be deducted for trivial misbehavior, you may face legal liabilities for serious offenses!
“I do not wish to see you among those targeted in the missions.”
Fang Ping nodded his head promptly and replied reassuringly, “It will not happen. We will pay attention to the effects of our actions.”
“Mm, remember, be careful!”
Brother Zheng reminded them, “Do not underestimate anyone, even if the other party is an ordinary person!
“Martial artists, especially lower Rank-3 martial artists are not entirely unconquerable. No one is immune to death. You are the elites of MCMAU. It will be mankind’s loss if you die here!”
“Thank you!”
Fang Ping thanked him and left with the rest of the team.
...
Outside the Department of Investigation Services.
Fang Ping took a look at other people and considered for a moment to make arrangements. “It is unlikely Lin Jun will be active during the day.
“Look for a place to stay. At night, in teams of two, we will scout around different illegal gambling spots.
“Once you have spotted him, refrain from acting rashly...”
Fang Ping paused for a moment, looked at Tang Songting and said, “Listen to my orders!
“If anyone is confident in taking him down and take the credit, then I would not mind. Once you’re murdered, though, don’t blame me for not reminding you.
“If you are not confident, please inform the rest of us. Everyone will move together!”
“What if we can’t find him?”
“If we can’t find him within three days, we will give up completely. A failed mission will only cost us a 10% deduction of the cash reward. It will be nothing.”
No one gave any comments this time. They drove their cars and arrived at a guesthouse in the Northern Suburbs and booked a few rooms.
...
As Fang Ping and the team were carrying out their mission, four other teams were doing the same.
MCMAU.
Huang Jing arranged his files while asking with a smile. “How’s the situation?”
“Chen Yunxi is not fit to lead. She lacks opinions. I’m still observing the rest.”
“Fu Changding isn’t too bad. He has established a good relationship with the team members. He listened to the other team member’s opinions before deciding on their mission.”
“Zhao Lei is still slightly arrogant. A lone ranger. He had accepted a mission involving an Early-stage Rank-2. Things have gotten a bit complex.”
“Yang Xiaoman was alright, not too bad.”
“Fang Ping...”
Zhou Shiping was the one to report about Fang Ping’s situation. Zhou Shiping paused for a moment, then smiled and said, “This little brat goes about steadily. As a team leader, he is a suitable candidate. He has gone a little overboard with his steadiness, though.
“As for the rest, I’m still observing. I suppose it is better to be steady than to be eager.”
Tang Feng’s voice was heard from the earpiece. “I know this kid. He’s quick to get involved when something benefits him; quick to run into a favorable situation.
“Personality-wise, he is alright, but I do not like it.
“Actually, I think Fu Changding is more fit to lead the team during the championship.”
“Fu Changding lacks certain abilities. He may find it difficult to subdue Zhao Lei.”
“...”
The group discussed for a period of time when Huang Jing smiled and said, “Old Zhou, didn’t you say that the kid is very stable?
“Create some trouble for him. Let him accept a Rank-2 mission next time.”
“Rank-2?”
“Yes, make alterations to the mission. Based on my speculation, the most he would do is just accept another peak Rank-1 mission. Let him accept an Early-stage Rank-2 martial artist case next time and see what happens.
“I would like to see his reaction when dealing with the unexpected. See how he reacts to it. And whether he can bring his teammates back safely.
“With regard to other teams, we’ll see how it goes. Zhao Lei’s team advanced a little too eagerly. They have just started, yet they accepted a Rank-2 mission. Did they really think that Rank-2 in the outside world are all Vitality martial artists?”
The group discussed a bit more before closing the case.
...
Guesthouse in Northern Suburbs.
Fang Ping sneezed and mumbled to himself, “Someone’s wishing ill on me!”
After shaking his head a few times, Fang Ping continued bone-honing. MCMAU had gotten increasingly cruel toward them. He should enhance his abilities immediately.
...
At night, everyone divided into teams of two. Altogether there were five groups. Together they headed off to various illegal gambling spots.
Of course, even though it was called an illegal gambling spot, in reality, it was just a simple setup as seen in rural areas.
When the clock struck 10 at night, one of the teams had a lead on Lin Jun’s whereabouts.
The two who found Lin Jun did not take action hastily, instead they informed everyone.
Fang Ping hurried over to find that Lin Jun was already seized by Tang Songting!
Once he saw Fang Ping, Tang Songting pressed his lips and said, “His abilities are weak beyond imagination. So much time wasted for 120 thousand and 4 credits – a mere 0.4 per person.
“I told you we should accept a more challenging mission!”
The mission was unexpectedly successful. Even though Lin Jun was also a Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist, he did not stand a chance when he fought with Tang Songting.
He did not stir up a commotion either.
Tang Songting was slightly displeased that Fang Ping had wasted a whole day. He figured that they should have headed here first thing in the morning because the brat Lin Jun had been gambling here for a few days straight now!
Nevertheless, Zhao Xuemei said, “If Fang Ping did not go to the Department of Investigation Services for a briefing, we would not have seized him so easily.”
“Then he should have made a move directly after the briefing.”
“It will be better at night. Moreover, this bit of effort is nothing.”
“Easy for you to say. We’re on a tight schedule...”
“Enough!”
Fang Ping roared coldly. He cut them off. “If you are not satisfied, you may leave now. Anyone else who wants to leave can go along with Tang Songting. You complete your own missions. I can make an application with the university to arrange another tutor for you to form your own team!”
“Why should I leave?”
Dissatisfaction filled Tang Songting’s face. Fang Ping threw him a glance without saying anything. He spoke a few moments later. “Try and retort once more. I will guarantee that I will find an opportunity to screw you up. If you don’t believe me, you can give it a try!”
“You...”
“Do you think I can’t do it?”
“I...”
Tang Songting’s complexion changed a few times. He did not know. At the same time, he was not willing to take the risk. He already learned that Fang Ping had bashed two peak Rank-1 martial artists to their deaths.
Otherwise, he would have gone against him ages ago.
Fang Ping ignored him. He threw a glance at Lin Jun who was seriously bashed up, then he turned and left. He murmured, “Something’s not right.”
The first mission was too effortless. It was too easy to the point that everyone was bursting with confidence, thinking that they were omnipotent.
He was hoping that the first mission would dampen their enthusiasm.
Fang Ping had prepared to grind for three days. Grind everyone’s temper.
Who would have thought that the useless piece of trash, Lin Jun was found within a night!
Among the crowd, Zhou Shiping was probably the only one who could resonate with Fang Ping. Amused, he thought in his heart, “I should be able to see something interesting this time.”
With everyone’s confidence filled to the brim, once they have accepted a Rank-2 mission and were faced with adversity, he was curious as to how Fang Ping would handle it.
Run?
Fight to the death?
Call for help?
Perhaps something else, such as betraying his teammate?
Based on what Fang Ping had said to Tang Songting previously, getting rid of Tang Songting did not seem to bother him at all. Would something like that happen?
The students’ abilities were not the only determinant for martial arts universities to train their students. Sometimes, the decision on whether to pay particular attention to a student would be dependent on many other factors.
Even though these were the thoughts running through his head, the words that came out from Zhou Shiping’s mouth were calm. “Tang Songting will receive 25% of the cash reward alone. Zhao Qing and Zhou Yuehong another 25%. The other 7 people will be given 50% to be shared among yourselves.”
After further calculations, even after a full day of hustle and bustle, each person earned less than ten thousand, which did not even make up half a credit.
Even with the university doubling the reward, it did not even amount to a credit.
Fang Ping did not make any comments. Tang Songting seemed rather pleased with himself.
At the guesthouse, the team started discussing their second mission. This time, everyone requested a mission involving peak Rank-1 martial artists.
Fang Ping thought for a while, but he did not reject it. He accepted a mission from the Military Department.
The mission was simple. Locate the other party and strike immediately. It was not too difficult for 10 students to join forces in striking a peak Rank-1 martial artist.
Fang Ping observed the burst of confidence in the team but did not comment. However, he had a hunch that there might be a deeper meaning to the smile that Old Zhou, who was sitting beside them, was giving.