On the road back, Fang Ping gave a call to the governor of Nanjiang.
To prevent being disturbed in the cultivation chamber, he did not bring in things such as phones.
When the call went through, Zhang Dingnan did not say much to him. He just told him that Minister Zhang Yuqiang from the House of Governors had arrived at Magic City, and he hoped Fang Ping could go to receive him.
Fang Ping was speechless. Just for this matter?
In any case, a minister from the Nanjiang House of Governors was still a local officer. Were they really afraid that no one would greet him upon arriving at Magic City?
Nevertheless, Zhang Dingnan had already opened his mouth, and Fang Ping surmised that there was something else going on, so he agreed without thinking too much about it.
...
Half an hour later.
A coffee shop outside MCMAU.
Fang Ping had seen Zhang Yuqiang a few times. The other party was probably a close confidant of Zhang Dingnan. Although his strength had not yet entered Rank-6, he was still a Peak Rank-5 powerhouse.
Seeing Fang Ping, Zhang Yuqiang sighed a little and said, “In a blink of an eye, Student Fang has become the president of MCMAU’s Martial Arts Society. A hero at such a young age.”
“Minister Zhang is praising me too much.”
Fang Ping said politely. He sat down and looked around. There was just Zhang Yuqiang, and no one else.
In the surroundings, there was also extremely few people.
Zhang Yuqiang was not in a hurry to talk business. He chuckled. “It’s been quite busy around Magic City these past few days. I heard the national Rank-1 martial arts grand competition is hosted by President Fang?”
“Minister Zhang, you don’t have to call me president. Just call me Fang Ping.”
“Ha ha ha, alright, then you don’t have to be so courteous with me either. So that we don’t stand on ceremony, just call me Big Brother Zhang, or Brother Zhang is fine. It makes me look younger.”
Zhang Yuqiang smiled as he replied, so Fang Ping dropped the formalities. Zhang Yuqiang was an officer of Nanjiang, so the disadvantages of this plan were close to none.
“Big Brother Zhang came to Magic City for...”
“On one hand, it’s because Nanjiang has quite a number of Rank-1 martial artists who came to participate in the martial arts competition this time around. A portion of them are actually members of the government, so I led a team here to take a look.
“On the other hand...”
Zhang Yuqiang paused for a moment, before saying softly, “The Catacombs will be opening in Nanjiang. You know about it, right?”
“Uh-huh.”
The look on Fang Ping’s became a lot more solemn, and he opened his mouth to ask, “Can an exact time be determined now?”
“There’s no way to be exact, but based on experience, it should be some time in December, or January next year. If it’s short, it’ll be two months; if it’s long, it’ll be three months.”
After that sentence, Zhang Yuqiang continued to say, “You’ve participated in the previous matter of clearing the evil sect, so you know the inside information.
“The opening of the Catacombs is also the time when the evil sect becomes most active.
“However, since they were surrounded last time, the evil sect’s activities have become even more cautious. As of now, there are definitely some evil sect powerhouses still hiding in Nanjiang.
“But there are a lot of things going on in Nanjiang. The Grandmasters can’t just keep staying in Nanjiang, but there’s no way they can hunt for them all over the place either. It’s a waste of time and energy, and there wouldn’t be much of an outcome.”
Fang Ping looked at him, not saying anything.
“Not to mention... Not to mention the fact that there could be some of the evil sect’s people among Nanjiang’s internal House of Governors.”
Zhang Yuqiang spoke at a volume so low, it could barely be heard.
Despite that, Fang Ping heard it clearly, and his eyebrows wrinkled slightly.
“The governor has always wanted to clear out these people, but unfortunately, there hasn’t been a chance, and it’s very hard to get a hold of them, so this time, part of the reason why I came to Magic City was to ask Young Brother Fang to help out...”
“Me?”
Fang Ping smiled bitterly. “Big Brother Zhang, you look too highly upon me. If the Grandmasters have no way to do it, how could I?”
“Young Brother Fang is too modest.” Zhang Yuqiang said with a serious face, “You’re now the president of MCMAU’s Martial Arts Society, and you’re from Nanjiang. It could be said that you are the link between Nanjiang and MCMAU.
“Whether or not MCMAU will provide reinforcements for the opening of the Catacombs at Nanjiang has a lot to do with Young Brother Fang.
“You’re also the current most outstanding and influential martial artist among the younger generation in Sino Nation, with an incredibly fast progression rate.
“You’re also very famous in the outside world. Compared to you, President Wang and the others have a large difference.
“You once killed a Rank-4 martial artist and even a Rank-5 martial artist when you were in your Rank-3 stage. As of now, you’ve stepped into the middle-ranks at the fastest speed possible. We know it, and the evil sect martial artists know it as well.
“When the Catacombs opens at Nanjiang, the existence of you, Fang Ping, is also a significant factor.
“If the evil sect were really to make any movements, there’s no way they wouldn’t pay attention to you.”
Fang Ping frowned. “Would they still try to attack me unsuccessfully? I’m at MCMAU with a few Grandmasters and a large number of Rank-6 powerhouses. Magic City has countless Grandmasters, so unless the evil sect martial artists send out a few Rank-9 ones, they’d just be looking for death...”
“That’s right, so with you at MCMAU, they definitely wouldn’t dare to attack.”
Fang Ping’s pupils contracted slightly, and he asked softly, “What do you mean, Big Brother Zhang?”
Zhang Yuqiang replied softly, “The governor hopes that Young Brother Fang can leave Magic City for a trip.”
“Leave Magic City?”
“Secretly head to Nanjiang and meet with the governor to discuss the matter of MCMAU providing reinforcements after the opening of the Catacombs.”
“You want me to act as bait?”
The look on Fang Ping’s face changed slightly.
Zhang Yuqiang said in a deep voice, “The goal is not actually those people in the evil sect. Instead, the aim is those in the House of Governors. The news of you returning to Nanjiang will be leaked out on purpose so only those few people would know.
“At that time, when your movements have been disclosed, then we’d know who the ones who revealed it were. From there, we’ll clean out the lurkers in the internal government.
“Some of the people hold high positions, so if we don’t deal with them now, once the Catacombs opens, it’d be very easy for bigger problems to emerge.
“Don’t worry. Along the way, there’ll be people to protect you...”
Fang Ping’s face changed again, and he said dryly, “I’m not suitable for that, am I? I’m just a Rank-4 martial artist. Would they take such a risk to come and kill me?”
“Young Brother Fang, I said so earlier that you’re the link between Nanjiang and MCMAU. Perhaps it wouldn’t have been enough back then, but now that you’re the president of the Martial Arts Society, you have this standing. I think even those in the evil sect are familiar with the status of the president of the Martial Arts Society.
“Furthermore, you’re not just a regular president of a Martial Arts Society. The current reformations at MCMAU all have a lot to do with you.
“Including last time when ten High Grandmasters went to Capital City, there are actually a few people who said it was your idea.
“You’re the number one elite student of MCMAU...”
Zhang Yuqiang’s words were thick with the flattery, but Fang Ping still said dryly, “Big Brother Zhang, you’re really thinking too highly of me. At MCMAU, I’m actually just someone who doesn’t do much. I have no qualifications to participate in important decisions, including the matter of providing aid to Nanjiang...”
If this were regular times, Fang Ping would definitely have boasted a bit about himself.
However, he could not boast now. Not only could he not boast, he also had to make himself sound of little importance.
‘Wanting me to act as bait, that’s something that could take my life.’
Once those in the evil sect took it seriously, they would send high-ranked martial artists to ambush him. Once he was killed, where else could he go?
As for protection... Even if there really was protection, it would not be nearby, or else it would be detected by others.
By the time the Grandmasters from Nanjiang came to help him, Fang Ping would likely be dead. What would they have to save?
Would the evil sect martial artists come to ambush him?
Fang Ping thought that if he were really to do as Zhang Dingnan and the others said, there was a large possibility.
A genius. He would only be a genius if he lived.
If Fang Ping died, even if the MCMAU’s Grandmasters were furious and made trouble for the evil sect, they might not continue to support Nanjiang. After all, providing such large-scale support would involve fatalities.
MCMAU was only responsible for the clearing of the Catacombs in Magic City. Going to other places to provide support would come from a sense of humanity, but even if they did not go, no one would say anything.
Seeing Fang Ping evade the request, Zhang Yuqiang sighed. “Young Brother Fang, we know that we’re kind of giving you a hard time. Originally, NMAU’s President Wang planned to take on the role, but to be frank, President Wang taking it on might not have an effect.”
Wang Jinyang was in NMAU, so he had to go out to battle.
Killing Wang Jinyang would not have much of an effect. There was no doubt that Wang Jinyang was a genius, but at this time, he had not yet grown much, so the use of his talent was just so-so.
At best, using him as someone of Rank-6 was already thinking highly of him.
Fang Ping was different. He was connected to a lot of people, and in a moment of need, he could get even the MCMAU Grandmasters who had already graduated to make a move.
Even Zhang Dingnan might not necessarily be able to invite those Grandmasters over.
Fang Ping’s head hurt. He continued to keep silent.
“An embankment of ten thousand miles long could be destroyed by an ant’s nest. No matter how strong the enemies from the outside world are, we aren’t afraid of them. What we’re afraid of is problems on the inside.”
Zhang Yuqiang continued to sigh. “Especially since among the people in suspicion now... There’s one higher-up in Nanjiang’s Military Department.
“Fang Ping, if higher-ups such as this turn traitor, that means major trouble would ensue.
“After our people enter the Catacombs when the passageways are newly opened, if they’re sabotaged by others, then all of the people who entered would fall into the Catacombs, including the Grandmasters and powerhouses.
“But with no proof and no evidence, we can’t handle this as we’d like and limit a high-level powerhouse who has served the country.
“Suspicions without evidence and house arrests would create an even bigger problem. It might even cause everyone to be tense and worried. At this time, Nanjiang needs all the people to be united, and not filled with anxiety...”
“Big Brother Zhang.”
Fang Ping interrupted his words and smiled bitterly. “I’m only at Rank-4. If I were to encounter a Rank-5 powerhouse, I could still survive it a little, but if I encountered someone in Rank-6, I’d be in danger.
“If a high-ranked one were to arrive, perhaps just upon seeing their face, I would be crushed by their Mentality.
“Big Brother Zhang, it’s not that I’m evading this, but it’s really too dangerous. Otherwise... You guys can’t find a Rank-6 powerhouse?
“It doesn’t have to be someone from MCMAU, for instance, someone from CCMAU, or other martial arts universities.
“That’s right, CCMAU’s Li Hansong would be more suitable...”
“He’s not from Nanjiang,” Zhang Yuqiang said helplessly. “Martial artists’ awareness of territories is still pretty strong. Plus, CCMAU falls under the north, while Nanjiang is in the south. CCMAU wouldn’t provide aid for Nanjiang on a large scale. Everyone has their own assignments.
“Finding you was after a lot of consideration from multiple aspects on our part, and it’s also believable.
“If we were really to look for Li Hansong, it would make people suspicious instead regarding whether or not he’s a bait, and it would increase the cautiousness of the enemies.”
Fang Ping’s head was as big as an ox. He released a breath and said, “Then I’ll think about it a little more.”
“Young Brother Fang, I hope you can give us a reply as soon as possible. Of course, we don’t want to force you.”
Zhang Yuqiang smiled. “Indeed, this business requires you to take a very large risk. The governor can’t guarantee it’ll be a hundred percent safe either, so it’s fair for Young Brother Fang to have these apprehensions.
“However, the governor has said that if Young Brother Fang agrees, then he can give the xue dao that he used when he was at the Rank-6 state to Young Brother Fang.
“That is an A-class alloy saber, specially forged for the governor back when he was cultivating a few of the Great Saber Techniques, and it was even more suited for the use of the governor’s own created Saber Techniques.
“Young Brother Fang is learning the governor’s Saber Techniques. With the A-class specially made xue dao, your strength would increase by a third, so if you encounter a powerhouse with a weapon not as good as yours, you could break the other party’s weapon with just one strike. Even if it was a Rank-5 powerhouse, Young Brother Fang could kill him.
“This saber had also taken many years of the governor’s savings and made with painstaking care...”
“How heavy is it?”
Fang Ping asked automatically. Following that, he gave a dry cough, as if he had not just asked that question.
“40 catties.”
Zhang Yuqiang answered straightforwardly. If one wanted a horse to run, one had to feed the horse some grass.
B-class alloy cost 100 credits/kg, while A-class was double that.
To put it in other words, this saber was worth 4000 credits.
Zhang Yuqiang continued, “This was specially made, so it’s not just a matter of the grade of alloy. That year, in order to forge this saber, the governor requested a few of the weapons company’s first-rate powerhouses help and they forged it by their own hands.
“Not just that, the governor had nurtured it with his Vitality for decades. None of those weapons made on a production line could compare to this.
“After becoming a Grandmaster, the governor didn’t stop refining it at all. He went so far as to start refining it with his Mentality.
“As of now, this sword is one of the top-notch ones among A-class weapons.
“Before you become a Grandmaster, you can keep using this until you’re Peak Rank-6. It won’t become out of date, and you won’t have to constantly change weapons.”
Fang Ping did not say anything. He had to be alive to hold it.
“Big Brother Zhang, I’ll think about it again. The day after tomorrow will be the opening of the martial arts competition, so I might not have time to do other things in the near future...”
Zhang Yuqiang was visibly disappointed, but he still nodded and said, “Go about your business then, Young Brother Fang. Once you’ve considered, you can contact me, though there’s no need to be too detailed over the phone. Technology has improved now, and the risk of information being leaked is high.”
“Uh-huh, I understand.”
As he spoke, Fang Ping thought for a moment before asking, “Can I tell my teachers?”
“Try your best not to... Of course, if you have to let someone know, I hope you could limit it to just Instructor Lu. Instructor Lu and the governor have a very good relationship...”
Fang Ping quirked a brow. What did that mean?
Did those two really have something going on?
Back then when Lu Fengrou said that Zhang Dingnan used to beg and pester to court her, could it possibly be true?
With nothing left to say, Fang Ping left very quickly.
...
MCMAU.
Fang Ping rubbed his forehead. This matter was not easy to respond to.
Reject it?
If he rejected it and there really was a higher-up over at Nanjiang who was a hidden agent for the evil sect, then once the Catacombs opened in Nanjiang and a large number of people entered, the other party would turn traitor and there would be trouble.
A passageway opening for the first time was not too stable, so it was very easy for mishaps to occur.
Once it was sealed, then the people who landed inside were practically all going to be dead with no survivors.
Although it could be said that these matters were not up to Fang Ping to worry about, and he believed that Zhang Dingnan and his people had definitely taken precautions, yet despite how small the chances were, there was still a chance. What would happen if they had left something out?
Accept it?
If he accepted it, then the risk he would be taking for himself would be high.
It was still alright if the evil sect did not take him too seriously. If a Rank-5 martial artist came to ambush him, he could still run away if he could not beat him.
Even if it was someone at Rank-6, they might not be able to kill him instantly.
What he was afraid of was if a higher-ranked martial artist showed up. Then, that would really be an instant kill.
Not to mention, if he really were to accept, then in order to draw out the hidden traitor, Fang Ping might have to build some publicity and expand his own influence and importance.
When that time came, he would be at greater risk.
“This isn’t easy to handle.
“Zhang Yuqiang didn’t pull out any sort of patriotism card to pressure me, but the more it is like this, the harder it is to handle.”
Fang Ping’s head hurt. If Zhang Yuqiang really had used patriotism and words such as the fate of Nanjiang to pressure him, Fang Ping would probably not have bothered with him.
‘It was your own fault, letting someone from the evil sect mix in and enter the ranks, even making it to a high position.’ It was not something he, Fang Ping, was responsible for.
‘If something happens, then you should only blame yourselves.’
However, now, Zhang Yuqiang had kept his mouth shut and did not bring any of this up. What he talked about was hometown sentiments as well as benefits.
With an attitude that seemed like it was fine if he accepted, and it did not matter even if he did not accept.
Like this, it became hard to reject.
“Nanjiang...”
Fang Ping mumbled. Nanjiang’s key players against the Catacombs were actually Nanjiang’s own people.
If problems were really to emerge in the Catacombs, every family in Nanjiang might cry bitterly.
“But I’m afraid of dying too...”
Fang Ping muttered nonsensically, before saying to himself, “I dared to stir up the old nest of the Catacombs’ powerhouses, and even provoked a Rank-8 Beast King a little, but I’ve really never encountered a high-ranked martial artist from the evil sect, otherwise... Maybe Qin Fengqing?”
Fang Ping sighed. He shook his head without another word.
Qin Fengqing was useless. If anyone random would do, then Wang Jinyang would have volunteered himself.
Zhang Yuqiang said that Wang Jinyang had wanted to accept this mission. Fang Ping believed that.
That guy clearly differentiated between his personal and public interests. This kind of thing was an obligation that he would not have given up.
Thinking about these matters, Fang Ping shook his head once again.
A few of MCMAU’s students saw that Devil King Fang’s mood did not seem too good, and they all scattered and avoided him. Recently, they had nearly been tormented to death, so it was best not to bump against the muzzle at this time.