Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
They spent a few days more than expected in Nanjiang due to the NMAU battle.
The group had wanted to do a few more missions in Nanjiang before their return, but the month-end was looming, and they had already gotten some benefits from both NMAU and their school, so they decided to return to school early.
Fang Ping wanted to do some more missions, but everyone was tired after working hard for almost a month.
The others wanted to take a break, so Fang Ping had to concede.
Luckily, Fang Ping had reaped quite a lot during the past month.
Wealth: 12200000
Vitality: 500cal (522cal)
Mentality: 420Hz (442Hz)
Bones Honed: 126 bones (90%), 80 bones (30%)
Fang Ping’s Vitality had increased by 7cal from when he had just entered Peak Rank-2. His Mentality had seen a small increase as well.
His Wealth broke the ten million mark once again as well.
He now had 20 million in cash with him, including the six million from before.
Aside from those calculable changes, Fang Ping had also made progress somewhere else.
At least he now knew that he was not invincible among his rank. He also knew that there were a lot of imperfections to him that he must patch up – by brushing up his Combat Techniques and battle instinct.
Battle was not merely a competition of Vitality.
...
March 25, the others returned to school with Bai Ruoxi.
Fang Ping wanted to go home, so he did not tag along.
In a restaurant serving local delicacies outside NMAU, Wu Zhihao and the others snuck into the room stealthily, as if they were spies.
They closed the door immediately after all of them got in. Wu Zhihao exhaled a long puff of air. “Luckily, no one saw us.”
Fang Ping said, speechless, “Is this necessary?”
“Duh!”
Wu Zhihao was completely fed up. He said, face screwed up in an expression of sorrow, “You’re the sworn enemy of NMAU now. Especially after you riled Senior Lan Caiye up so bad she almost spat blood. Everyone in NMAU wants retribution in way of apprehending you...”
Fang Ping did not take this seriously. He said casually, “Except for Brother Wang, everyone else in NMAU, those Rank-3 students included, are not a match for me.”
“You aren’t scared, but we are!”
Wu Zhihao grimaced.
Fang Ping could understand their plight. This was the same situation as his while he was new to MCMAU; he had been picked on because of Old Wang’s actions.
The weak needed no reason to vent their anger.
The Peak Rank-2 martial artists that went on stage that day would not stoop so low as to do something like that, normally, but it was a different story when it came to those Rank-1 martial artists and aspiring martial artists.
Things were going bad in NMAU recently!
After leaving the governor’s residence, Wang Jinyang visited his vice-chancellor. He then started to revolutionize the system with the approval of the two Grandmasters.
The prestated rule where martial artists needed 5% more credits to redeem pills was implemented.
Wang Jinyang had also given a final warning to year three and year four students that were still aspiring martial artists.
If they were still not martial artists at the end of this semester, they would no longer need to come to school next semester.
There were fifty to sixty students that were in this situation.
They were in danger of being expelled.
Freshmen who failed to enter Rank-1 before their second year in university ended would also be expelled.
Also, there was an additional evaluation for Rank-2 and 3 martial artists!
Mission completion rate!
Every semester, there would be a survey of mission completion points. Those who failed to reach the target would have to redeem their pills at market prices. NMAU would no longer provide discounts to them!
Endless complaints were voiced in NMAU, and everything was directly caused by their previous loss to MCMAU.
Many in NMAU hated Fang Ping and his team.
Not everyone is capable of self-reflection. Some did not blame their circumstances on their weaknesses. They did not think that not doing missions was wrong; instead, they felt they would not be in this current situation had Fang Ping and the others not won.
In such a time, if Wu Zhihao and the others’ close relationship with Fang Ping was revealed, they would be ostracized.
“It’s fine. If someone ostracizes you, go to the Martial Arts Club to ask for the help of Brother Wang.”
NMAU was not MCMAU, so Fang Ping spoke more candidly. He said casually, “Unless someone in NMAU doesn’t have a thinking brain... Brother Wang and I haven’t graduated yet.”
That meant that the two of them could use methods other students used to solve their disputes.
Martial arts students abided by their own rules, while the martial artists out in the world had their own.
Wu Zhihao said, considering, upon hearing that. “You have a point, but there’s no need to start up a fight with someone else.”
They did not like to fight needlessly, as that was a waste of time.
“Whatever you like.”
...
After the dishes were served, Wu Zhihao was visibly hesitant.
Being the observant person he was, Fang Ping smiled, “If you have something to say, say it.”
“You... You improve way too fast, Fang Ping. Do you have any secrets?”
This question was a little insensitive.
A martial artist’s speed of improvement and his secrets – if he had any – were supposed to be kept under wraps. Was bringing them up in casual conversation appropriate?
He was really curious and anticipating the answer, though, so he asked the question anyway. The Tan brothers sitting beside him were also the same, bearing hopeful faces.
“There is!”
Their breathing suddenly became heavy with expectation.
Fang Ping said, after some thought, “If you want to improve fast in the aspiring martial artist stage, the best way to do so is to spend lots of money.”
Their faces crumpled. This was an obvious statement, but they had no money!
“Do you wanna earn some money?”
Fang Ping asked, all smiles.
“Of course, but all of us are only commoners slightly stronger than the average citizen. If we are to go out and find a part-time job, the best option is to teach part-time in martial arts dojos, but they are stringent in hiring. We went for an interview, but some martial artists got the job instead of us...”
Martial arts dojos recruited students from everywhere. They would teach anyone with enough money.
Aspiring martial artists were qualified to teach civilians.
“How about I introduce you to a job?”
Fang Ping laughed. “There’s a company in Magic City that wants to open a branch in Nanjiang. They specialize mainly in the delivery business.
“They need to instate a network, but they haven’t started recruiting yet.
“The company also makes food and beverage deliveries to school campuses. They’re currently very short on hands.
“Your tasks will be very simple. You only have to utilize your identity as NMAU students and help deal with some problems. Like street gangs who would cause trouble, for instance.
“When you become martial artists, you can protect the company via your identity as martial artists.
“The process of broadening an outside company’s horizons into the local district is quite troublesome. They’re not scared of anything, but Magic City’s too far away from here, and they might not manage to deal with some issues in time.
“You’re not martial artists yet, so a monthly salary of ten thousand yuan will be given.
“After you breakthrough as a martial artist, the salary will be set at fifty thousand yuan onwards.
“What do you think?”
The salary was quite low, but this would not be their main job; they would only need to give a helping hand sometimes.
“A company in Magic City...”
They looked at Fang Ping, and he smiled, “What’s with the looks? The company is mine. I didn’t want to keep it a secret or anything.
“The transactions between us would still be fair and just. I didn’t mention it because I don’t want you to feel indebted to me.”
“You founded the company?”
Wu Zhihao froze. He then said, shy, “I thought...”
He had thought that Fang Ping was watching over some company. He had not expected it to be his company.
“It’s only a small business. It’s nothing. I have to plan for my future. Or should I depend on missions to earn money for pills my whole life?
“Misfortunes never come singly. I also have to mention that missions are only for lower-ranked martial artists.”
Middle-ranked martial artists in Sino had good lives, in general; it was rare that one of them would commit crimes.
Except for those paganists!
They were monitored by the army and the Department of Investigation. The small fry was another story; middle-ranked martial artists were quickly dealt with as soon as they made an appearance.
That was why middle-ranked missions were few in between.
They went to the Catacombs, joined the army or the government, or started their businesses.
This was how one could protect their futures.
“So, are you interested? The salary isn’t high, but you’ll become martial artists in no time. During the next semester, at most.
“The company would have just finished constructing its foundation by then.
“The monthly salary is fifty thousand, so you’ll earn six hundred thousand yuan in a year.”
Wu Zhihao waved. “It’s not about the money. If we become martial artists, we’ll only be new to Rank-1...”
“It’s nothing. Your identities as martial artists are all I want. You’re NMAU students, too, you’ll have a lot more prospects.”
“NMAU fell short to the martial arts faculties in the other two universities, but it has now surpassed them.
“Plus, Brother Wang is the president of the martial arts club. The governor is also an NMAU alumnus...
“With your identity as an NMAU student, it’ll be easier for you over here than for me, far away in Magic City. Everyone will be wary of you.”
No matter how strong the prodigy of MCMAU was, it remained that he would be far away.
NMAU martial artists were local, and there were tons of NMAU alumni in River City, too. No one knew if there were any complicated connections between them.
Wu Zhihao’s interest was piqued with his words. He asked, “We don’t know how to manage a business.”
“You don’t need to. Your names are enough.”
“So, we can earn money without working?”
“If there’s any trouble, you need to help out. If there isn’t, you don’t need to do anything.”
“...”
Wu Zhihao inquired about the details some more before he suddenly said, “Distance, I think I have a vague impression. Someone asked why Nanjiang didn’t have a similar company that delivered food to their homes... Is that your company?”
“Mm.”
The others were surprised. Fang Ping’s company was not completely unheard of; it was minorly famous.
They did not expect Fang Ping to not only have improved swiftly after less than a year in MCMAU, but also helm a business that was growing rapidly.
Wu Zhihao was extremely envious. He could not help but ask again, “There isn’t a shortcut in martial arts?”
Fang Ping cracked up. “There isn’t. If there are any, they are beyond your capabilities.
“Train earnestly. Don’t look at me, I’m a genius...”
“F*ck off!”
“I am, aren’t I? I am now the deputy commander of Sun City, so speak with discretion, or else I’ll sabotage you. Uncle Tan works under me now!”
Fang Ping teased. Tan Hao asked after it quickly. He and Tan Tao were extremely envious when they heard that the governor had given him the post after Fang Ping had visited him.
If they had a post like that, they would be unstoppable in Sun City. Their dad would probably be so excited that he could not sleep for a few days.
They chatted while they ate. After they were finished with the meal, Fang Ping’s face was set on a serious expression. “Next year, Nanjiang will be faced with a danger that involves martial artists. You have to stay vigilant.
“Also, do you remember that attack in Auspicious Sun City?”
The others nodded quickly.
“These pagan martial artists are starting to show themselves in Nanjiang again recently. I came back this time because I wanted to do some missions clearing them out.
“Something else came up in school, and they’ll be on hold if I stayed here for too long, so I gave it up.
“Be careful when you go out.
“River City is less worrying, as a few Grandmasters are watching over the city. It’s less likely that they’ll appear here...”
Wu Zhihao asked hurriedly, “What about Sun City?”
Sun City was not huge; it was only a county-level city. Martial artists were few and weak.
If something happened in Sun City, their families would be in danger.
“Sun City... I’ll return to Sun City first, have a chat with Commander Bai. If something comes up, I’ll deal with it.
“If I can’t, I’ll look for Brother Wang.”
They were relieved when they heard Fang Ping said that he would return. There was also Wang Jinyang, fellow Sun City citizen.
These two practical combat-focused martial artists – with one already middle-ranked – was on par with the commander of a county-level city, so they would have no problem dealing with some issues.
...
They went their ways around one in the afternoon.
“Pity that I didn’t drive here...”
Fang Ping was somewhat resigned as he walked toward the station.
Everyone had driven their cars here. Fu Changding and the others had driven them back.
Fang Ping had also bought a car through Li Chengze, but he did not drive it here this time.
Now he would have to take public transport home.
...
River City Bus Station.
Fang Ping did not go to the train station, because the trains were troublesome. He had weapons on him, too, and that would warrant a check, unlike bus stations that did not.
After buying his ticket, there was still some time before departure. Fang Ping was not hasty to get on the bus.
He looked around, standing beside the bus. There were quite a lot of people traveling through the bus station; it was quite busy.
They were mostly civilians, though. It was rare that martial artists took the bus, given their higher status in society.
Fang Ping himself had only chosen to do so because he did not drive here.
Fang Ping glanced around and sighed. If there were no Catacombs, life as such was already enough for the civilians.
He thought about the possibility of the Catacomb entrance appearing in Nanjiang. If it did... Could these people still be as happy?
Every time a Catacombs entrance appeared, it would cause huge catastrophes.
Natural disasters notwithstanding, the worst thing that could happen was holes in the defense.
These years, some Catacombs creatures had entered the surface world. Sometimes, some would manage to slip through the cracks and were not apprehended immediately.
What happened was those Catacombs creatures killed everyone they saw. They spilled blood.
Those creatures were finally killed in the name of mental illness or other causes most of the time. The dead would not be resurrected, though.
Fang Ping’s mind wandered while he thought.
That caused him to emit some of his Vitality. He did not care; the strength of the Vitality emitted in question depended on one’s control.
Some may spill out if one lacked control. Nothing would come from it.
It was normal that lower-ranked martial artists did not have a firm control on their Vitality.
When his Vitality was emitted, Fang Ping’s eyebrow twitched. He glanced at a spot not far away from him.
“Martial artists...”
Fang Ping was slightly doubtful. Did he sense wrong?
He scanned the area where he had previously sensed something. He felt a surge of Vitality beyond the average civilian, but it was vague...
“Martial artists who take the bus... He’s either poor or a paganist!”
Fang Ping taunted. He included himself in the “poor” category; he was, indeed, quite poor.
He scanned the area again, fixing his gaze on a bespectacled middle-aged man.
He looked demure, completely harmless.
“He’s not someone who can be trifled with!”
Fang Ping determined with nothing but his intuition!
Of course, the main reason was that he did not fit in...
Yes, he did not.
The man stood among a crowd of civilians but still looked out of place.
“Martial artists are all like that...”
Although they were all human, there was a marked difference between martial artists and civilians. Everything else notwithstanding, their auras were already different.
“He must be quite strong to have almost foiled my senses...”
Rank-1 and 2 martial artists were weaker than him, so it would be more difficult for them to deceive him.
If not for the accidental emission, Fang Ping would not emit his Vitality deliberately just to sense what others’ Vitalities were – only stupidly bored people would do that.
While his mind traveled, Fang Ping walked toward the area.
When he approached the man, the man turned to look at him. Their eyes met, but neither spoke a single word.
After a while, a driver yelled, “Those heading to Wu City, get on the bus!”
Wu City was also in Nanjiang, not far away from Sun City.
The middle-aged man started to walk away. Fang Ping scooted closer to him until he was about a meter away from the man. He grinned. “Uncle, are you going to Wu City?”
“Mm.”
“Uncle, you’re going home, or...”
The middle-aged man did not reply. Unfazed, Fang Ping said, “Uncle, there are many people here. Let’s go to another spot for a chat, should we?”
The middle-aged man’s brow furrowed. “I’m not a bad man. Little brother, we’ve never met before, and I have no intention to hurt anyone. Why are you pursuing me relentlessly?”
Fang Ping scrutinized him for a minute, then suddenly said, “Pan Xiaoyang?”
The man’s expression changed.
“A commercial spy. You’re not an overly evil man, indeed. Peak Rank-3. I might not be your opponent.
“I’m Fang Ping from MCMAU, currently at Peak Rank-2, but I like to think that I’m decent enough. The top 10 in the Rank-2 list might not best against me.”
Pan Xiaoyang’s brow furrowed even more. After a while, he said, “You want to kill me?”
“No, I want the reward. About ten million.”
Pan Xiaoyang’s expression changed again. Fang Ping suddenly said, “Give me all the pills you have. If you have a bank card, give me the password too. How about the two of us part ways peacefully?
“This is River City, there are a few Grandmasters here...”
This was Pan Xiaoyang’s first time encountering such a situation. He froze for a while, then grimaced. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Here!”
Pan Xiaoyang tossed him a hand-carried bag without a word.
Fang Ping opened it for a look, then furrowed his brow. “Are you pulling my leg? Peak Rank-3, and you only have a bottle of Rank-1 Vitality Pills?”
“I used everything up.”
“Do you have money in your account?”
“2 million. I can’t use the money because I have no way to withdraw it. If you want to, wait till I’ve left.”
Fang Ping considered it for a while. After some thought, he asked, “I want some ore. Do you have any?”
“No.”
“Poor fool.”
Fang Ping defined him. After some more thought, he said, “One bottle of Peak Rank-1 Vitality Pills and 2 million in cash isn’t befitting of your status.
“We’re going to do it like this: I’ll give you an hour. An hour later, I’ll ask someone to capture you. How about this?”
“Fine!”
Pan Xiaoyang did not dally any longer. After he recited the password, he went on the bus without a second word with Fang Ping.
The bus then left the station quickly.
Fang Ping could say with certainty that this guy would run away after the bus pulled out of the station.
This was the bus station, though. Pan Xiaoyang had also discovered him just now. If they were to battle, the civilians would be the ones to shoulder the effects.
After the bus pulled out, he called Old Wang immediately.
“I saw Pan Xiaoyang at the bus station. He just got on a bus to Wu City. He met me, but he did not get far away... If you capture the man, give me three-tenths of the reward?”
“One-tenth.”
“I spotted him!”
“You already gave me a hint. One-tenth. Make it a gift from me.”
“One-fifth! You have to mind your reputation while doing business!”
“One-tenth!”
“Fine! You gotta be fast, the man’s worth about ten million. I’ll be satisfied with a million.”
Fang Ping sighed and ended the call.
And then he said gleefully, “If I count in the spoils from just now, I got about half the reward without doing anything! I’m such a genius!”
After that, he seemed to think of something. “I promised him that I would inform the authorities an hour later. Am I being unscrupulous?”
Fang Ping berated himself, then resumed his uncaring expression. If Pan Xiaoyang got away, it would mean that he had not met Wang Jinyang and thus did not know of him going back on his word.
If he did not... He would be captured. Why would Fang Ping care about his indignance?
“I didn’t expect to stumble upon him when I was just passing by... Damn, I’m lucky.”
Fang Ping had thought of dealing with him himself, but he was at a bus station, and the other had been obedient, giving him his belongings immediately after being asked to do so, so he had dismissed the thought after some consideration.
Dealing with the guy himself might not be as worth it.
Everyone had wanted to look for an opponent so that they could obtain experience, but Fang Ping was almost defeated by Gu Xiong. Now he knew his goals. Why would he risk his life to fight a Peak Rank-3 martial artist?
“Seems like Old Wang is short on funds... Had he spent all the money he earned before?”
Fang Ping muttered to himself while he got on the bus to Sun City.