When they were a stone’s throw away from Hope City, Fang Ping already saw a considerable amount of powerhouses suspended in the air at the city gate.
Clearly, the two high-ranked powerhouses’ battle in the distance had caught the attention of Hope City.
Maybe the distance was slightly far away, hence people like Fang Ping were not aware of the battle that had broken out between Rank-7 and 8 powerhouses. Grandmaster powerhouses, however, could still perceive it.
When Grandmaster powerhouses expelled Mentality, the coverage was not very extensive. In a battle, a Rank-7 powerhouse’s Mentality might only be able to cover thirty to fifty meters.
Despite that, these powerhouses could sense energy waves from a great distance away.
The battle between two high ranks had generated intense energy waves. Even powerhouses who were keeping watch of Hope City sensed it.
...
Three to five hundred meters away from Hope City.
Fang Ping yelled suddenly, “Good news! Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing of MCMAU Martial Arts Society have lured a powerhouse into attacking Jiao’s Forest, scheming against a high-ranked!”
“...”
Silence fell over the entire city.
...
Hope City midair.
Xu Mofu darted a look at a chubby-faced old man beside him. After a while, he said, “MCMAU is indeed full of talents...”
The word “talents” was emphasized.
The chubby-faced old man chuckled. “Talents indeed. This means that Jiao and the enemy’s high-rank are fighting ahead?”
Xu Mofu had yet to respond when a shadow flashed across, emerging in front of them.
“It’s Jiao’s aura...and it’s much more intense now!”
The one speaking was also an old man. His head full of white hair, his face slightly grim. “Rank-8. Jiao has broken through. It’s no wonder there are traces of Jiao’s Forest expanding recently. Rank-8 Jiao...”
The golden body state of a Rank-8 beast was beyond powerful.
If a Rank-8 human fought with a Rank-8 beast, the latter was more likely to win.
Having said that, the old man frowned slightly. “It’s a pity.”
It was a pity that Jiao was not on the same team with humans. Otherwise, the old man would be tempted to join in the battle and strangle that Catacombs powerhouse currently entangled by Jiao.
However, human powerhouses dared not charge rashly into a battle between beasts and Catacomb powerhouses.
If they tried, they might even trigger the hostility of both parties. In the end, not only would they fail to kill the Catacombs powerhouse, but they might also be killed in a joint effort between Jiao and the other party.
The old man felt regret for a moment. Looking at the chubby-faced old man, he asked, “How did these two kids end up together?”
Catacombs powerhouses who had stayed in the Catacombs for a long period of time would have had heard of Qin Fengqing’s great reputation.
Fang Ping was no different. The first time he came in, he triggered a Rank-6 powerhouse to chase after him, and bore the news that East Sunflower City had deployed troops.
As powerhouses who stood guard in the Catacombs, they had heard plenty of news about these two guys.
The chubby-faced old man was an MCMAU Peak Rank-6 powerhouse who was guarding the Catacombs. Hearing the question, he chuckled. “Old Kou, they’re both MCMAU students. Isn’t it normal for them to go places together? How can you call it a coincidence?”
The old man burst out laughing. Beside them, Xu Mofu’s head was slightly throbbing as well. “Can’t you see? The whole world was in chaos when both of them were only Rank-3s. Now that they’ve achieved Rank-4, in just one day... how did they provoke two high ranks?”
They had just entered the Catacombs yesterday!
It was only less than a day!
Look what happened now?
Two high-ranks were fighting ahead!
The chubby-faced old man disagreed. He laughed. “Isn’t this a good thing? This means that our MCMAU students have the capability. Take a look. This time, whether Jiao kills that person or that person kills Jiao, isn’t it still our victory?
“If one of them dies, or both of them die, that’ll be good news.”
Jiao’s existence was a threat to Hope City as well.
Both parties were too near to each other.
The distance between Jiao’s Forest and Hope City was only a hundred li in a straight line. For high-ranked powerhouses, perhaps it was only a matter of traveling for ten minutes or more.
An existence like this was a major calamity waiting to happen.
Despite that, Jiao constantly stayed put in Jiao’s Forest. Hope City was also unwilling to start a fight with a high-ranked beast king rashly just because of a slight potential threat. Sky Gate City could easily take advantage of this.
The old man with the surname Kou chuckled. “A good thing, indeed... though it is better to take it easy. They’re still so young.”
Both of them setting a Catacombs martial artist and a beast up was a good thing for mankind.
Both of them, though, had great potential.
If everything went well, they had a high chance of achieving Grandmaster. It would be mankind’s loss if great potentials like them were slain at middle-rank.
The chubby old man nodded, saying, “Actually, the university does not demand much from them after both of them have achieved middle ranks... but, they went out on their own accord. We can’t stop them, can we? As for arranging a guardian...”
The chubby old man shook his head. This was almost impossible.
Both their abilities were not weak. Who could guard them?
It would take a Grandmaster powerhouse, at least.
Grandmasters were strategic weapons of mankind. It was not a question of failing to draw someone out. If one of them could be drawn out, preventive measures should be taken to avoid the Grandmaster from falling.
Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing could take care of themselves. Take the incident this time, for example, they had managed to avoid the high-ranked battle.
However, if a human Grandmaster followed along, it would be problematic instead. If Jiao encountered them, it would probably attack the human first.
Old man Kou heard what he said and let out a soft sigh. Human prodigies still had to depend on themselves to train hard.
It was better this way, though. Powerhouses who had walked out of the reign of terror would be forged into true powerhouses.
He looked down on both of them, silently wishing luck on the two youths to progress far in the future.
...
In front of Hope City.
Fang Ping was still shouting at the top of his lungs. “Good news! MCMAU Fang Ping has set high ranks up...”
Qin Fengqing’s face turned dark. ‘Why aren’t you mentioning me anymore?’
Top of the city wall.
A group of people exchanged glances with one another. After a while, someone asked exasperatedly, “Is this true?”
“Killing high-ranks sounds like... these two kids may have stirred up trouble outside. Could it be that... they were hunted by a high-ranked powerhouse, then lured him to the east, all the way to Jiao’s Forest?”
As soon as those words left his lips, everyone was somewhat convinced.
Many people were caught between laughter and tears. Someone said under his breath, “Maybe these two fellows have robbed a high rank’s lair? Take a look at how many things they’re carrying behind their backs.”
It was only at this time that everyone realized that both of them were carrying massive packs behind their backs.
“Open the city gate...”
On top of the city wall, a Military Department powerhouse had just given the order to open the city gate when someone coughed softly, saying, “Cough, cough. Um... These two fellows are clothed in Catacombs’ martial artists’ attire. Should we... um... engage them for a bit?”
In the crowd, someone was fidgeting. “I don’t think this is a good idea...”
“What are you afraid of? Bash them up. Just say that we couldn’t recognize them after we did it...”
“That... Qin Fengqing beat my son up last year until he was bedridden for half a month...”
“Fang Ping this kid forced 30 million out of my second child, threatening he would send my Rank-2 nephew into the Catacombs otherwise...”
“Everyone calm down. Someone from MCMAU is still around.”
“Cough, cough. Don’t worry. Old Zhang’s niece had 20 million dished out of her too. We’ll be fine.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
“Then...”
...
Outside the city gate.
After yelling for some time, Fang Ping gasped for breath, asking softly, “Say, will we receive some stuff as a reward this time? Setting up two high-ranks, this is one great achievement...”
“You think too much.”
Qin Fengqing curled his lips. “The Military Department is the stingiest there is. If that guy is really killed, he might consider giving us a little reward. Otherwise—dream on!”
“Sigh, how stingy.”
“Stingy indeed.”
Qin Fengqing had reached a consensus with Fang Ping. Both of them had gone through countless hardships and difficulties, luring a high-rank to fight with Jiao at the risk of their lives. If the Military Department did not give them any reward, it just did not make sense. Next time, who would dare take the risk and contribute any more?
As they talked, the city gate opened.
Seven to eight middle-ranked powerhouses walked out. The leader looked like he had just noticed Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing, exclaiming suddenly, “The Catacombs martial artists have attacked all the way to the city. Brothers, catch the enemy!”
Once the words were out, Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing were both stunned.
Then, noticing the malicious look on the martial artists who looked eager to get into action, Fang Ping seemed to have understood something. He turned his head to the side and looked at Qin Fengqing, hissing, “Your enemy?”
Qin Fengqing was at a loss. Confused, he replied, “I can’t remember.”
Who knew if they were or not. He, Qin Fengqing, had offended too many people in his life. How could he possibly remember this one?
Seeing that none of them carried any weapons, Fang Ping could already guess what these guys wanted to do. He yelled suddenly, “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I’m not with Qin Fengqing!”
Having said that, Fang Ping created a distance between him and Qin Fengqing, turning his body sideways, intending to pass through the group of people and enter the city.
As a result, three of them within the group moved toward him, staring at Fang Ping whilst grinning.
Fang Ping realized that he had enemies too!
Just as the three guys in front of him started chortling with malicious intent, blood suddenly spluttered out of Fang Ping’s mouth, and he collapsed abruptly. Pointing at the men, he forced the words out of his mouth. “You... all of you... actually... laid your murderous hands on the hero of mankind...”
Having said that, Fang Ping’s head fell to the side, blood flowing ceaselessly from his mouth.
Everyone was dumbstruck!
Motherf*cker. Which part was this?
You should at least collapse after we make a move!
Midair, the chubby old man landed on the ground abruptly. Taking a look at Fang Ping who was still faking death, the corner of his mouth twitched. After a while, he barked, “Get up.”
“100 million, medical fees!” Fang Ping resurrected instantly, feigning injury.
“Get up!”
The chubby old man was losing it. He was trying to rip them off brazenly!
“50 million or I will inform the Military Department, saying that they assassinate fellow citizens, rob comrades, collude with cults and the Catacombs...”
A few middle-ranked powerhouses who had just walked out of the city were dumbstruck.
At this time, Fang Ping did not get up either. Panting, he said, “At least 30 million, or else I won’t let this off so easily. Not only did you try to bash up Qin Fengqing, but you also tried to murder me. I’ve experienced a terrible shock. Already I’ve been hunted by a high-ranked powerhouse all the way, depleting my essence, spirit, and soul. Now all of you have nearly shattered my vital organs.
“You’ve all seen it. I’ve spat out so much blood. In front of so many people, how could you accuse me of being a Catacombs martial artist?
“Other than damaging my reputation, you even tried to lay murderous hands on me. Do you think that I don’t know who you are? I will be able to find out after this. After finding out, I will call together MCMAU’s three High Grandmasters and my instructors to arrive at your doorsteps to demand an explanation...”
Everyone’s complexion turned purple. The chubby old man was also stressed out.
After some time, the chubby old man turned his head to the side and said, “Compensate him!”
“Huh?”
The few of them were in a daze.
“What are you huh-ing for? Compensate him. What else can you do? All of you must be out of your minds. What were you thinking? You must have a lot of guts to hoodwink these two kids.”
A few middle-ranked powerhouses looked at each other. After a while, the leader said weakly, “We’ll compensate.”
The rest of them were completely speechless as they looked up into the heavens. Motherf*cker. What kind of person was this!
As for Qin Fengqing who had been forgotten by everyone, he seemed to have just come to his senses, yelling all of a sudden, “I want 50 million too... No, 30 million at least!”
Everyone shot him dirty looks. None of them paid him any attention. They returned to the city one after another.
Qin Fengqing was stunned, shouting madly, “What gives him the right to be compensated? What about me? Do I look more like a push-over?”
At this moment, Fang Ping leaped up nimbly beside him, patting the dirt off of his body, and sneered, “Idiot. You didn’t spit blood or collapse to the ground. You try to follow suit but did it half-hearted. No one will pay any attention to you.
“Oh, right, you were hunted by someone last time. Try and find out. Maybe your enemy did it on purpose.
“Dumbass. You deserve to be bashed up.”
Qin Fengqing was completely speechless. After a moment, he mumbled, “You’ve earned 30 million?”
“Yup.”
“Just by falling to the ground like that?”
“Yes.”
“It’s so easy to earn money now?”
“Seven to eight middle-ranked martial artists, less than 5 million each. This is nothing. If there are Grandmasters here this time, that’s when I can get one big rip-off. Less than 500 million or I will lie on the ground until a Rank-9 arrives to make a decision.”
“Next time I’ll do this too.”
“Be careful then. Do it when there are more people. With fewer people, you might get killed to keep your mouth shut.”
“No sh*t, of course I know this.”
“...”
Both of them discussed it like no one else was present. In no time, a tutorial on how to rip off high-ranked powerhouses was made fresh from the oven.
Hearing this, the chubby old man was completely speechless. What was up with MCMAU?
...
Midair.
At this moment, the Grandmaster with the surname Kou could not stop himself from rubbing his temple. Quite some time later, he said, “Send them to the meeting room later to tell us what happened this time. Also... next time, don’t provoke them for no reason at all. Young people nowadays... are not to be messed with.”
Old man Kou said it with a face full of helplessness, but guys like Xu Mofu were caught between laughter and tears instead.
Not all young people were this difficult to deal with, but these two fellows... No, Fang Ping this fellow was not to be messed with.
If this was someone else, they would be too ashamed to do such a thing.
Only this kid had the nerve to do something like that. Feigning injury in front of hundreds of people...what could you do about it?
The martial artists were also asking for it. They must have a lot of guts to provoke the two brats despite knowing that they were both nitpickers. Even if things ended differently and they got their way, when these two kids grew stronger in the future, they might return to teach them a lesson.
...
Inside Hope City.
Everyone on the streets stared at Qin Fengqing and Fang Ping, pointing at them, discussing in hushed tones.
Clearly, everyone knew about the incident earlier.
Fang Ping acted as though there was nobody else present. At times when they spoke louder, Fang Ping would snap, “What are you yelling at? I’ve sustained critical injuries. If I’m injured from the tremors of your voices, you won’t be able to afford the medical fees!”
Once he had said those words, everyone muted.
Qin Fengqing was really impressed this time. He whispered, “I’ll learn from you next time. Damn it, so many times I’ve been injured without any money to buy pills. Once I have had the experience, next time, I’ll look for a few rich ones to rip them off.”
Fang Ping said under the breath, “Give me half of it when you succeed.”
“Dream on.”
Fang Ping did not mind that. With malicious intentions, he darted a look at his huge pack, grinning. “Based on what we’ve agreed upon earlier, your saber, all of your gains included, are mine now. Qin Fengqing, it’s time to pay up.”
Qin Fengqing played dumb. “Huh?”
Then, he seemed to remember something, saying quickly, “In the Jiao’s Forest earlier, Jiao did not eat the herbs in your hands, and you kept them into your own pack. Give them back!
“Also, I won’t take advantage of the energy stones. We’ll split equally. What gives you the right to decide that I alone have to hand over all of mine?”
Fang Ping retorted, “Your things are all mine. Aren’t you ashamed at all for telling me this now?”
“Nothing will happen to me even without you.”
“Go to Jiao’s Forest now then. I’d like to see how you survive.”
“You can’t make me!”
“Then that means that I’ve saved your ass...”
“...”
Both of them were making a lot of noise. Wherever they went, the place would be cleared out. Right now, these two arrogant guys were untouchable in Hope City. One could speak only after they had gone a bit further.
Ripping off or not aside, both of their abilities were not weak.
Both of them who had achieved Rank-4 were the prodigies of the present age. Even a typical Rank-5 powerhouse might not be able to suppress them.
As for Rank-6... Rank-6 was also considered a dividing range.
Would any Rank-6 dare to ask for trouble? Did they really think that the guys in MCMAU were all dead fossils?
None of the guys who went to pick a fight earlier was a Rank-6. If a Rank-6 went to pick on the two Rank-4s....If you bashed them up, Lu Fengrou would appear and smack you so hard that even your parents would not recognize you.
Everyone watched both street-clearing tigers passing by.
On one side of the street, a young martial artist who had just entered the Catacombs was filled with envy, saying in a low voice, “This is how martial artists should be like!”
The words had just fallen from his lips when a slightly matured youth gave him a slap on his head!
“What are you thinking of! If you, a Middle-stage Rank-3 martial artist follow suit, you’ll be a lump of dead meat a long time ago, so dead that even your bones can’t be found. These two fellows can be so arrogant because they have strong abilities!”
The youth chided. ‘If you took both of them as role models, I would have to collect your dead body sooner or later.’
At the three lower ranks, these two fellows were already brave enough to mess with Rank-5 and 6 martial artists. By the time they achieve the three middle ranks, they would even dare to provoke high-ranks. If this was someone else, that person would have been reduced to a pile of mud.
The youth was even thinking that once these two became Grandmasters, would they overturn the entire Catacombs lair in one day?