Scenic Lake Gardens.
It was still raining outside.
Fang Ping was packing his luggage. Looking reluctant, Fang Yuan asked, “You’re leaving again?”
This summer, Fang Ping had only returned home for a few days. Now that he was leaving, she was not sure when he would be back again.
“I’ll be number one this time. There’s no reason why I should stop now. If I’m not number one, then am I any different from a salted fish?”
Looking relaxed, Fang Ping made the joke. Fang Yuan mumbled, “You almost lost to the petite girl though...”
Fang Ping glared at her.
I could not defeat Ling Yiyi?
You had not seen me, your brother, cheating!
Once I cheated, I could finish her off in two to three moves!
However, in the video that was shot last time, Fang Ping did not look like he had the absolute upper hand fighting against Ling Yiyi. It was only afterward when they fought each other with an ultimate move, that Fang Ping whose Vitality had depleted, relied on his more robust physique to bash Ling Yiyi up until she no longer had any energy to fight back.
“Do you really think your brother finds it so challenging to defeat her?”
Fang Ping let out a soft humph, saying, “It’s because she’s a lady, that’s why I’ve been giving her chances on purpose. Otherwise, she would be defeated in three slashes, max!”
A doubtful look crossed Fang Yuan’s face. She found it hard to believe.
“Don’t look at me that way.” Fang Ping rubbed her head, messing up her hair. He smiled and said, “You’re almost reaching the 149cal Vitality limit now. Many people get stuck at this phase. You better not be stuck here. It’ll be embarrassing if that happens.
“Your brother, I, started cultivating in April of Year 08. During the examination in May, my Vitality was sitting at 149cal. It was less than a month.
“From 149cal to more than 200cal. Thrice-honing took only three to four months.
“Although your bones are not fully developed, you have consumed plenty of pills too. Actually, you are cultivating the Methods of Honing in a relatively better condition compared to back in the days...”
The Methods of Honing is a comprehensive Cultivation Technique to merge meridians, open up minor vessels, hone Vitality...
Fang Ping mentioned the relatively better condition because Nanjiang Catacombs was about to open, causing energy richness to amplify.
Martial artists with ranks lower than Grandmasters might not sense energy particles.
But as they cultivated and compared, they would realize that their Vitality replenished faster at places with abundant energy, therefore using the Methods of Honing to hone the bones and Vitality would be much easier.
This shared the same principal with MCMAU Energy Room.
This year, Nanjiang’s energy richness was constantly amplifying, though with a small amplitude. Nevertheless, it was an indisputable fact that the cultivation rate was much quicker now.
Every year, the martial arts universities were constantly raising the bar for admission. This had something to with living standards and higher energy levels.
Hearing what Fang Ping had said, Fang Yuan was slightly troubled, pouting her lips.
Fang Ping saw her doing that and his fingers were itching to move. He reached out his hands and started pinching. He chuckled. “Work hard. Strive to complete once-honing as soon as you can. There’s still some time before classes commence. If you’re hardworking enough, then you will stand a chance to become a once-honed before classes commenced. While your brother, I, would have probably become a Rank-4 by then.”
“Fang Ping, are you really achieving Rank-4 soon?”
Today, martial arts was not all Greek to Fang Yuan, but she was still slightly shocked. She exclaimed, “That’s really fast!”
Before Fang Ping had become a martial artist, she had already started cultivating pole-standing.
When Fang Ping had become a martial artist, until now that he was a Peak Rank-3, she was still not a 150cal once-honed. Fang Ping was about to achieve Rank-4 now.
“Soon, I hope. I should be able to achieve Rank-4 after the challenge this time.”
As Fang Ping spoke, he continued, “Next month, the Rank-4 and Rank-5 ranking list will probably be released. Your brother, I, will use this opportunity to stay on the Rank-3 ranking list for a few days. Otherwise, I’ll need to wait a few more months to become famous next time.”
Fang Ping said it like it was something regrettable, as if it would take a very long time.
Fang Yuan did not pay too much attention to it, though she did not realize that others would be irritated to death if they overheard what he said.
From achieving Rank-4 to becoming famous as a Rank-4, Fang Ping was pretty blunt about it, that a few months were enough. After a few months, he would also become an invincible Rank-4.
Fang Yuan was also curious about the ranking list. Widening her eyes, she asked, “Do we have a lot of Rank-4 martial artists here in Sino Nation?”
Fang Ping shook his head, grinned, and said, “I’m not sure. I don’t know about the exact figure. However, the number of middle-ranked martial artists is roughly 100 thousand, probably eighty to ninety Rank-4s.”
The number of martial artists in Sino Nation was climbing. As long as the number of those who had died in battle did not exceed those who appeared, the number will continue to rise.
Following the government’s promotion, the number of martial artists was already skyrocketing.
Millions of lower-ranked martial artists were gradually growing.
There were at least 100 thousand of them in the middle ranks.
If they were talking about quantity, the Military Department had the most middle-ranked martial artists, though most of them were in the Catacombs. There were also some middle-ranked ones in the various region’s House of Governors and House of Commanders.
There was also another batch in the House of Guardians.
As for the central government, though it seemed quiet, the number of Grandmasters on the Grandmaster ranking list were few, there were still plenty of middle-ranked martial artists under the central government as well.
The Military Department was so powerful, yet it had failed to place Sino Nation under true military control. This had something to do with the central government’s strength as well.
Adding on another batch of martial artists from the society, Fang Ping made an estimation of 100 thousand middle ranks.
There was a good deal of Rank-4 martial artists. Fang Ping who had just entered Rank-4 would find it difficult to enter the Rank-4 combat strength ranking straight away even if he had achieved an invincible front as a Rank-3.
“That’s a lot!”
Fang Yuan gave a bizarre look. She said, “Then why haven’t I heard anyone saying that we have middle-ranked martial artists here in Sino Nation? Also, we have very few Grandmasters too, only 106 altogether...”
Fang Ping burst out laughing. He shook his head, and said, “Don’t trust those ranking lists. Right now, the Grandmaster ranking list shows only a portion. There are many Grandmasters in Sino Nation, 300 and above.
“Besides, Grandmasters are also much stronger than what you would have expected.
“Your brother, I, am strong enough now, don’t you think?”
“Yeah!”
Fang Yuan nodded her head at once. Fang Ping was absolutely strong. No one would say that Fang Ping was not strong.
“However, if I encounter a Grandmaster, I could be killed with a glare. Right now, I can actually bring someone with me while employing the Midair Step, relying on the strength of my physique and pole-standing, I can only employ the Midair Step temporarily. I would fall in no time.
“Once I achieve Grandmaster, I can soar in the sky, attaining the true Flight Steps, flying and speeding across the sky like immortals.
“Grandmasters are truly godlike. Hey brat, work hard if you want to soar through the sky. Even you have the potential to become a Grandmaster.”
Fang Yuan’s face was full of yearning. “Isn’t this the world of the immortals then? Like in the movies as seen on television... If there are three thousand Grandmasters in Yuan Ping Club, bro, does that mean that we can build a palace in the sky? Everyone can be divine beings...”
Fang Ping’s expression froze!
Three thousand Grandmasters?
Were you joking with me?
Sino Nation had been accumulating for so many years, yet how many Grandmasters did we have?
You silly brat, dreaming all day long. If there were three thousand Grandmasters, Fang Ping would not even doubt for a minute that Sino Nation would launch an attack against the Catacombs immediately right now, annihilating at least half of the Catacombs population. They would not even balk at it even if it meant sustaining heavy losses.
Fang Ping ignored this brat, packed his things, heaved his changdao and strode downstairs.
“I’m leaving. Take care of mom and dad. Also, don’t go to Auspicious Peace City, remember this! There are tens of thousands of cult martial artists in Auspicious Peace City right now. No one can rescue you if you go!”
That frightened his sister. Fang Yuan looked terrified. Tens of thousands cult martial artists in Auspicious Peace?
“Brother... you’re going to Auspicious Peace?”
“I’m not. I just want you to get the message. Don’t expose this to the public. If you have friends who intend to go, you don’t have to do anything either. There are people there who are guarding the place. Whatever it is, you’re not allowed to go.”
“Yes, I definitely won’t go!”
Fang Yuan nodded her head promptly. Only idiots would go. Tens of thousands of martial artists. How terrifying.
“I’m leaving!”
...
After bidding farewell to Fang Yuan, Fang Ping drove his car and left like the wind.
Target – Beijiang Province!
Two Rank-3 powerhouses from the Military Department were from Beijiang Military Area.
There were no elite schools in Beijiang, but there was a Military School – Beijiang Military School
Other than Beijiang Military School, there was another vocational martial arts university – Beijiang Martial Arts University.
Fang Ping knew nothing about Beijiang Martial Arts University, though he knew a few Beijiang Martial Arts University students. Sun Mingyu, a Rank-2 martial artist, a team leader who led the Martial Arts University Alliance team that day.
As a result, his left hand was snapped by Han Xu in a championship match.
Liang Weiyao was also from Beijiang Martial Arts University. Those who claimed that Fang Ping was a savage for beating up female martial artists must have forgotten about Liang Weiyao. This guy almost collapsed CCMAU Li Ran’s chest in one punch. His ability was equally strong
Fang Ping figured that his bad reputation was because he was too strong, so others were envious of him. Why was no one calling Liang Weiyao a savage?
Both martial artists who came from Beijiang Martial Arts University had extremely savage fighting techniques. They were harsh towards their opponents and themselves.
Beijiang martial artists did not have very strong abilities, they did not have many Grandmasters as well. However, Beijiang martial artists’ combat strength was extremely powerful as they constantly entered the Catacombs throughout the year.
Beijiang relied on almost all of its own people to guard the Beijiang Catacombs’ entrance.
Rank-1 Liang Weiyao and Rank-2 Sun Mingyu were actually martial artists who had entered the Catacombs before.
If it was other places, these Rank-1 and 2 martial artists would never be sent into the Catacombs to die. Whereas Beijiang would send the brightest among all to enter the earliest. There was no opportunity for anyone to slacken.
Therefore, Beijiang Military Department nurturing two top-notch Rank-3 powerhouses had something to do with this environment as well.
...
Beijiang was quite far from Nanjiang. Fang Ping did not even take a rest from driving. Day and night, after an 1500-kilometer drive, he arrived at Beijiang Province.
7th of August. Fang Ping arrived at the Beijiang Martial Arts University gate.
He had just gotten out of the car when someone shouted at the top of his lungs at the school gate, “Fang Ping is here. Inform Peak Rank-3 students. Fight!”
“Fight!”
“Peak Rank-3 students, fight!”
“Where’s Fang Ping?”
“He’s mine, no one fights with me!”
“...”
Beijiang Martial Arts University was instantly in an uproar. Batches after batches of students brandished weapons, rushing swiftly towards the gate.
A few instructors were walking in midair, yelling, “Give it your best shot. We don’t have cowards here in Beijiang!”
“Defeat Fang Ping. Handsome reward!”
“...”
Fang Ping was flabbergasted!
I... did not say anything about challenging!
I was only here to take a look, at the same time ask for directions to the Beijiang Military Department.
Who would have thought that before he could say anything, thousands of people had dashed out of Beijiang University!
What did they want?
At this moment, a huge amount of students standing at the gate looked like they were eager to try out.
In the front row, a female martial artist screamed at the top of her lungs, “Fang Ping, Ling Yiyi’s chest is small, it’s no fun hitting that. How about we fight each other!”
As soon as she said that, this lady even stuck out her chest... roaring waves!
Fang Ping’s complexion changed. ‘I’m only here to ask for directions, at the same time check out Sun Mingyu’s broken arm to see how it is healing. No one is here to fight any of you!’
Right now, his Wealth was not enough. Who would waste Vitality for no reason just to fight?
Seeing that more people were coming, with Beijiang’s instructors were even encouraging other people to watch the fight, without saying a word, Fang Ping suddenly turned tail and dashed for the car.
In less than 30 seconds, the car roared. Fang Ping drove off like a bat out of hell.
Once he had left, the entire Beijiang Martial Arts University was suddenly in pin-drop silence.
At the gate, a bunch of students exchanged glances with each other. Suddenly, someone complained. “Must have been Liu Lin who has scared him off. Why did you stick out your chest for no reason? It’s too full, he’s not confident in hitting that!”
“Go to hell!”
The female martial artist who had provoked Fang Ping earlier cursed. Annoyed, she said, “What’s wrong with this fellow? Running away when he’s already here. That’s not masculine at all!
“I am even thinking that he would be a great opponent since he has no qualms about bashing up ladies. Can’t believe he’s just another wimp!”
“Exactly. What’s he running for? It’s not like we’ll eat him. Too bad, that’s boring.”
“It’s still Liu Lin’s fault. She frightened him. He may have not seen one that’s more massive than this, afraid that he can’t control his power and bust it...”
“...”
Everyone had something to say. Whereas Fang Ping had fled like a bull at a gate.
...
“Beijiang martial artists must be maniacs!”
In the car, Fang Ping scolded. He was only passing by. He had not even uttered a word, and thousands of people had already charged outside. What did they want?
While scolding, Fang Ping made a call to Fu Changding and the rest. He had finally gotten Sun Mingyu’s phone number after asking a few people.
...
Half an hour later.
In a restaurant outside Beijiang Martial Arts University.
Sun Mingyu and Liang Weiyao strode towards him. Upon seeing Fang Ping, Sun Mingyu guffawed. “Fang Ping, it’s been a while!”
Both of them were not even remotely close, yet Sun Mingyu was unusually enthusiastic. Throwing a hug when they met, giving Fang Ping a heavy pat on the back as well.
Liang Weiyao was a hunky guy, after Sun Mingyu’s enthusiastic greeting, Liang Weiyao also walked forward and gave him an “affectionate” hug.
Fang Ping was almost suffocating from being patted by both guys, he did not know whether to laugh or to cry, saying, “Both of you are really welcoming.”
“Here in Beijiang, everyone is welcoming!”
Sun Mingyu chuckled, saying, “I heard that you went to my university just now, why did you leave so suddenly?”
“Too welcoming, I couldn’t bear it.”
Fang Ping laughed bitterly, motioning both of them to take a seat. He darted a look at Sun Mingyu’s left arm and asked, “How’s your arm?”
“It’s fine. Just took a bit more bone-honing pills and connected it back.”
Sun Mingyu was nonchalant about it, whereas Liang Weiyao was the one who sighed. “He was already a Rank-2 and should probably be achieving Rank-3 right now. In the end, a lot of time has been delayed because of his hand. He’s only an Upper-stage Rank-2 right now.”
Liang Weiyao had already achieved Peak Rank-2. The ones who participated in the martial arts championship that day were all geniuses.
These guys, even once-honed ones like Zhao Xuemei had also just achieved Peak Rank-2 now.
Hanxu was also about to achieve Middle-stage Rank-3 now.
As for Fu Changding and the rest, there was still no news the past few days. If everything went smoothly, before classes commence, they would probably turn up in the university as Rank-3.
Sun Mingyu was an Early-stage Rank-2 at that time. Right now, he was only an Upper-stage Rank-2. Clearly, his broken arm was not something that could be fixed so easily as he had claimed. Lots of time for cultivation had been postponed.
However, it was also a great fortune out of misfortune now that his broken arm had been connected.
Both of them were very enthusiastic. Sun Mingyu did not bear any resentment for his broken arm either. In the championship, everyone went all out for their families. It was fine if they lost, even dying was worth it too.
They did not continue with this subject. Very soon, Sun Mingyu turned from a guest to a host, taking the initiative to order some wine and dishes... wine as the priority.
Seeing that Fang Ping found it slightly difficult to adapt, Sun Mingyu grinned, saying, “Don’t worry. Although drinking too much wine can affect your reaction speed, drinking small amounts can bring benefits instead.”
Fang Ping grinned but did not refuse. Sun Mingyu started the conversation, asking, “You’re here in Beijiang this time because of Chen Qiufeng and Guo Xuan?”
“Yes. However, I don’t know much about the Beijiang Military Department. That’s why I’m passing through the university to ask around. How can I get to them?”
After hearing his reply, Sun Mingyu chuckled, saying, “This is an easy one. I know them. We’ve undergone training in the Beijiang Military Department for a period of time. In fact, both of them were our instructors last time.
“Although I must tell you, Fang Ping, I’ve watched the video of you fighting Ling Yiyi. You’re really no match for them.
“The Military Department’s Combat Techniques are simple, though very brutal. They will definitely give it their best when they fight, treating you like the Catacombs martial artists...”
Fang Ping nodded his head, saying, “I’ve heard this before. That’s why I wish to fight and learn a thing or two from the Military Department’s martial artists.”
“Since you insist, then there’s nothing else I can say. We’ll bring you there later. We can also use this opportunity to observe the Peak Rank-3 powerhouses’ combat.”
Sun Mingyu did not advise him any further. After chatting for a while, he smiled again, and asked, “Nanjiang’s Catacombs is opening. Did you know this?”
“Yes. I have felt it earlier.”
“Fang Ping, once Nanjiang’s Catacomb is open, we’ll definitely be there without anyone asking.” Sun Mingyu smiled, and said, “The opening of a new Catacombs is to us, a disaster and an opportunity.
“Whenever a new Catacombs entrance opens, a bunch of powerhouses will be nurtured.
“When the time comes, the ones who have participated in the championship will have a chance to gather again. I wonder how the rest are doing now.”
Fang Ping thought for a while, and said, “Chen Jiasheng is probably about to achieve Rank-3, he has perhaps broken through; Bai Yin has achieved Peak Rank-2 as well; A few of those CCMAU guys are all Peak Rank-2; Han Xu has already broken through Rank-3. As for the rest, I’m not really sure.”
“You’ve gone to more places than we have. We’ve have not achieved Rank-3, so we can only stay put in Beijiang right now. We’re beyond bored...”
The trio chatted. After the meal, Sun Mingyu did not waste any time, led Fang Ping and headed straight for Beijiang Military Department.
They were very much interested in watching the battle between Rank-3 to fight for the first.
At this moment, Fang Ping not only represented MCMAU, but he was also the first in martial arts universities.
There were more powerhouses of ranks lower than Grandmasters in the Military Department. They were also much stronger.
On the contrary, martial arts universities have more people with ranks higher than the Grandmaster rank.
Actually, it was crucial to the martial arts universities whether Fang Ping could become the first in the three lower ranks. The news that Fang Ping was headed for Beijiang Military Department had spread like wildfire within the circle.