The martial arts qualifier started with a bang.
Media reporters were shooting and interviewing at each branch court.
Liu Dali, who had blended in with the crowd, had also picked a branch court for observation. He planned to handpick a few potential contestants to conduct follow-ups and interviews.
As he looked around, Liu Dali sensed a wave of dread.
It was like... He had been locked on!
When he saw two martial artists clad in MCMAU apparel walking toward him, Liu Dali’s reaction speed was like lightning. Without waiting for them to get closer, he disappeared in the blink of an eye. Upper-stage Rank-3 Liu Dali was very strong even when he was amid typical MCMAU students.
If he set his mind on fleeing, an average student would not stand a chance at catching him.
Shortly afterward, a female reporter entered the court. The Martial Arts Society member in charge of verifying identification took several extra glances. Frankly, she was... hideous!
Could an unsightly woman like this interview anyone as a reporter?
Besides, that makeup... It was a disgrace to the name of makeup. Why not just pour the entire foundation on your face?
...
Passing the verification checkpoint, the “female reporter” breathed a sigh of relief. He humphed in a low voice. “You fell into my trap. Did you really think that I, Liu Dali can be caught so easily?”
As a maniac who was used to tailing and sneaking photos of others, to the point that he could even blend into a Rank-8 powerhouses’ battleground, it was too easy for him to mix into the low-security branch courts.
“Fang Ping... that shameless guy. How dare he flaunt his authority to catch me. How brazen!”
After throwing a series of curses at Fang Ping’s name, Liu Dali’s mood improved tremendously.
That show-off had achieved Rank-4 and could fly now. Liu Dali might not be his match. It was better to hide first.
When he had earned some money, purchased some aiding pills, then that fellow would not be able to do anything to him.
...
Martial Arts Society.
Fang Ping hung up the call, letting out a low snort. “That guy is most certainly still in Magic City. Probably doing something under everyone’s nose. After all, that fellow is someone who puts money first...”
He even dared to scam money from him—Fang Ping. Liu Dali’s recklessness knew no bounds.
The grand martial arts competition had begun. Fang Ping would never believe that Liu Dali had left just like that.
What a pity. There were only a few MCMAU patrol members. All of them were students too. Though Fang Ping could ask them to search for a moment, asking them to only search without doing anything else would be unacceptable. Unless Fang Ping issued a mission to capture Liu Dali.
For an Upper-stage Rank-3 though...the cost of this mission would be sky-high.
He had not gotten his money yet and still had to fork out some funds. Fang Ping would rather wait a bit longer.
Putting aside Liu Dali’s affairs for now, the top hundred’s competition would be carried out in MCMAU. At that time, Liu Dali would turn out for sure if he was still in Magic City. Once he stepped into MCMAU, he would not be able to leave.
Fang Ping did not redeem credits at the Financial Department this time. He redeemed cash instead.
With his monthly pay of up to 15 million, redeeming a year’s worth of pay in advance brought Fang Ping’s annual salary up to 180 million.
Liu Mengyao, who was in charge of issuing the money, could not help but ask, “Brother Fang, are you also redeeming for the two other director positions?
Fang Ping was currently taking up the positions of the director of two major departments. By redeeming a year’s worth of pay in advance, it would add up to a monumental amount.
Fang Ping replied in a matter-of-fact way, “Over here at Student Recruitment, I’ve been fulfilling my duty. This includes the organizing of the grand martial arts competition this time. All I’m doing is to vie for more students. I don’t think there’s any Student Recruitment Manager out there who’s doing as good as I am.
“As for the Back Office Department... It has always been the club president holding the position. Right now, there aren’t any missions in the Catacombs. If there is, I would need to bring everyone down to the Catacombs.
“Take last time for example. When Qin Fengqing wanted to enter the Catacombs, didn’t I take the initiative to accompany him?
“I would say that I’m being fairly diligent over here at the Back Office Department...”
Liu Mengyao was between laughter and tears, though she still stamped the approval for Fang Ping nonetheless.
After a moment of hesitation, Liu Mengyao whispered, “Thanks, brother.”
“Hmm?”
“I’ve redeemed 1200 credits this time. It might be enough for me to cultivate up to Rank-4.”
Director-level officers were eligible for 100 credits monthly; 1200 credits a year.
Liu Mengyao came from the School of Production. Her combat strength was on the weaker side. Last time, she was only a Middle-stage Rank-3, achieving Upper-stage Rank-3 not long ago.
For her, 1200 credits were extremely tedious to earn.
Guys like Fang Ping could easily earn a few thousand credits, up to tens of thousands even. That was referring to Fang Ping. For Rank-3 martial artists like Liu Mengyao, if they could earn millions of profit by doing a few easy missions a month, they would be beyond contented.
36 million was an amount that would take her a few years to earn, even if she risked her life.
Before graduating, one would most certainly not be able to earn so many credits. After entering society, it would be even harder to earn money.
Rank-4 was beyond reach.
Today, after retrieving 1200 credits in advance, she did not lack any resources to achieve Rank-4 anymore. It all depended on her own cultivation progress.
Fang Ping chuckled. “We’re in the same team. Don’t mention it. Besides, it’s not my money anyway. The major portion was still from the support of our graduated brothers and sisters. When everyone has broken through in the future, send some silk banners from the Martial Arts Society for them to hang up on their businesses’ front doors.
“Spending money to buy a reputation. It’s still worth it.
“I still have things to do, so I’ll be making a move now. Oh right, my 14000 credits have been issued?”
“Yup. They’ve been issued.”
“In that case, I should be redeeming 600 million?”
Fang Ping was slightly dumbstruck. It might feel like nothing when looking at the credits, but it amounted to so much after converting them to cash!
“Yes. I’m afraid you’re truly the richest of all of MCMAU this time, brother.” Liu Mengyao said teasingly.
600 million. Many students in their shoes would never be able to earn that amount their whole life.
Fang Ping laughed, calculating. How much Wealth could he increase this time?
14000 credits. He could gain 140 million Wealth this time. The Martial Arts Society’s benefit was 180 million. Altogether it would hit a new high of 320 million.
Currently, he had 375 million Wealth remaining. In total, that would be 695 million!
“Nearly 700 million now!”
Fang Ping was speechless. He had really earned big this time.
Nearly 700 million in Wealth and 600 million in cash. Converting them all to cash would be 1.3 billion now. It was enough for a typical person to cultivate up to Grandmaster, provided, of course, they had talent and luck like his.
“Right now, I’m spending money to buy time. If everything goes smoothly, it’ll be enough for me to cultivate up to Rank-6.
“Of course, I shouldn’t visit places like the Energy Room that much. I won’t go there anymore.”
“I still lack 300 million Wealth. I’m afraid it’ll be difficult now.”
Fang Ping shook his head slightly. For now, it seemed hopeless for the system to go through an upgrade.
It was with great luck that he had earned a whopper with Qin Fengqing this time. Luck would not come knocking on his door every day. 300 million was really difficult to earn.
...
Leaving the Martial Arts Society, Fang Ping went to the campus bank for a moment.
Although a 600 million fund transfer was a huge circulation, transactions of such scale are not uncommon in martial arts universities. The extent of MCMAU campus bank’s power was higher than any typical provincial branch.
In less than two hours, Fang Ping’s funds had been issued.
At this time and moment, Fang Ping could not help but look at his updated stats over and over again:
Wealth: 695 million
Vitality: 1400cal (2099cal+)
Mentality: 580Hz (699Hz)
Bones honed: 177 bones (100%), 29 bones (30%+)
It was only two days after he made the exit on the 8th. Fang Ping’s Vitality upper limit had increased by another 9cal.
Right now, his Vitality upper limit was higher than any typical Peak Rank-4.
The increase in the limit illustrated the toughening of his physique and overall quality. The strengthening of Vitality included.
...
The grand martial arts competition was still going strong, yet Fang Ping was bustling about once more.
11th of October, Fang Ping led a group of 6 Martial Arts Society Rank-3 martial artists, taking time out of their busy schedule to bust a cult’s lair at Magic City’s periphery. They killed a Rank-3 martial artist and dozens of Rank-1 and 2 martial artists.
12th of October, Fang Ping paid a secret visit to Nanjiang House of Governor Zhang Yuqiang, and had his photos taken by reporters. The media speculated that Fang Ping might hold an office back in Nanjiang after he graduated.
Within Nanjiang, rumor had it that Governor-General Zhang Dingnan promised to make Fang Ping Nanjiang’s deputy governor after he graduated.
Of course, selecting the deputy governor was not the sole decision that could be made by Zhang Dingnan alone.
As Nanjiang’s governor, however, Zhang Dingnan was a Grandmaster powerhouse. He recommended Fang Ping to hold the position as Nanjiang’s deputy governor, whereas Fang Ping himself was also MCMAU Martial Arts Society President. Hence, the possibility of him getting rejected was very low.
Suddenly, with regards to what would happen after Zhang Dingnan’s retirement, the choice of Nanjiang governor candidates were circulating in the martial arts circle.
Wang Jinyang or Fang Ping?
Both were great potential candidates!
Although it was still early for Zhang Dingnan to retire, both of them were incredibly young. Perhaps in another eight to ten years, both of them would be the governors of this province, true governors of the region.
By then, both of them would be merely 30 years old.
Initially, it was believed that MCMAU Fang Ping would never return to Nanjiang and would remain in Magic City. Whether he entered the military or the government, he had a bright future waiting ahead.
Many people expected that Wang Jingyang would be the successor to the governor.
Right now, this rising talent, Fang Ping, seemed to have the intention to return home to Nanjiang. This sparked many debates and speculations.
...
13th of October.
Logistics department.
Smoking tobacco, Old Man Li mumbled vaguely, “You want to return to Nanjiang?”
Fang Ping chuckled. “There’s no such thing. Why should I return to Nanjiang? It’s unlikely that a governor has more power than MCMAU’s vice-chancellor. It’s better for me to remain here, eventually taking over MCMAU. I consider MCMAU as my territory now.”
Old Man Li burst out laughing. This kid was wild.
‘You’re only a sophomore, and you’re already thinking of taking over MCMAU?’
It was like Fang Ping could read his mind. He laughed. “Didn’t the old Vice-chancellor take over MCMAU not long after he enrolled last time too?”
“Then you’ll need to wait until Old Wu dies in battle first.”
Old Man Li was constantly chortling. He continued, “That’s not right, you also need to wait for Old Devil Huang to die in battle. Once these two fellows are dead, you’ll have no problem taking over.”
Fang Ping let out a dry cough, saying awkwardly, “You said it, not me. If someone hears this, you’ll be in trouble.”
“Tsk. Am I afraid of them?”
Recently, Old Man Li was getting as arrogant as Fang Ping. He scoffed but said no more. If those cunning old men eavesdropped on them, it would spell trouble.
Changing the topic, Old Man Li tapped his tobacco pipe on the table, again and again, pausing for a while before saying, “The grand martial arts competition is still going on, and other championships are starting in various places. You, kid, have so many things to do, yet you still have the free time to crack down a cult lair?
“It’s only a few Rank-1 and 2 martial artists. Is it really necessary for you to go in person? Why not just send someone else?
“If you have no intention to hold an office back in Nanjiang, don’t tell me your meeting with Zhang Yuqiang was to discuss the matter regarding the opening of the Catacombs, to send backup from MCMAU?
“Fang Ping, don’t let people instigate you. Right now, you don’t have the right, neither do you have the money, to take charge fully.
“Right now, you may think that you’re really important. In truth, you’re nothing.
“Behave yourself and nestle in MCMAU for a few years. After you graduate, this old man will not be concerned about you anymore.”
Fang Ping chuckled. “I’ve never treated myself as an important person, as if the world would fall apart without me.
“I know what I’m capable of, as well as what I’m doing. What they say about my extermination of a high-ranked powerhouse’s entire family and my close relationship with a Rank-8 beast king is all hearsay...”
Old Man Li rolled his eyes. ‘Motherf*cker. Do you really think it’s appropriate to boast in front of me?’
“I won’t do things that will get me killed. Guys like Governor-General Zhang in Nanjiang might not care about my puny life. I don’t know what are the things going on in the heads of these Grandmaster powerhouses.
“He might be doing it for the greater good, or he might be doing it for his own good. Actually, I don’t want anything to happen to Nanjiang either.
“After all, Auspicious Peace is too close to Sun City. I’ve lived there for so many years. We’ve lived there for generations.
“There’s no need to care about what Governor-General Zhang thinks.
“My puny life depends on myself.
“This time, I’ve invited Rank-8 Brother Tian Mu; Rank-8 Old Kou Bianjiang; Rank-7 Vice-chancellor Chen Yaoting; and Rank-7 Vice-chancellor Liu Polu. Altogether four high ranks to protect me in secret.
“Old Man Li, if I still die like this, then it means that I’m down on my luck. If I don’t die this time, I’ll die next time anyway.”
“What did you call me?”
Old Man Li was stunned for a moment. Then, he carried Fang Ping, aimed for his bottom and kicked him hard!
“Motherf*cker. You disrespectful creature. You’ve gotten cocky, haven’t you? Capable of inviting Grandmasters now, hm? Calling me Old Man Li? You b*stard!”
As Old Man Li cursed; he was still unsatisfied. Picking up his tobacco rod, he aimed it at Fang Ping’s head and started hammering away.
Fang Ping felt like he was being nailed to the ground, his neck sinking further and further down his shoulders.
With a face full of exasperation, Fang Ping felt wronged. “You can call me Old Square Head too, I won’t mind...”
“F*ck off!”
After dishing one last kick that sent the bastard flying, Old Man Li finally calmed down.
When Fang Ping fell to the ground, Old Man Li continued smoking his tobacco, saying vaguely, “I knew it. You, kid, truly treasure your life. Four High Grandmasters... It should work out. How did you convince them in the first place? The two Rank-8 keeping watch of Magic City Catacombs don’t look like people that can be invited easily.”
“Easy. I told them that if I survive, I will take care of their future generations who will attend MCMAU after they die.
“Brother Tian’s daughter has died. He still has a few grandsons and daughters. At his old age, he needs to think for the sake of his descendants.
“As for Vice-chancellor Liu...At first, Governor-General Zhang wanted Old Liu to go alone. But, Old Liu, a Rank-7... Cough, cough. I don’t mean to look down on him, but that old man Zhang Dingnan is too sneaky. If I believed him, my possibility of death would go up to 90 percent!
“Vice-chancellor Chen did not take too much convincing. I told him that if he doesn’t help me, I’ll send Chen Yunxi to South Capital to grind for a year. That old man was quick to agree.
“Actually I’ve also invited Brother Wu Chuan earlier, though Brother Wu is too cold-blooded and wouldn’t agree no matter what. After Brother Tian and the rest have agreed, Brother Wu actually wanted to hit me. Say, how heartless can a person be?”
“Get lost!” Old Man Li snapped.
If Wu Chuan could be invited, then Magic City’s Catacombs might as well be sitting ducks waiting to be attacked.
It was good news that he was not dead from being bashed up by Wu Chuan after inviting two High Rank-8 powerhouses away.
That Tian Mu and Kou Bianjiang would agree was already out of Old Man Li’s expectation.
As to what Fang Ping said about taking care... Take care, your arse. Both old fellows were still alive, would you have the guts to mistreat his grandkids?
A Rank-8 powerhouse going berserk was something that even the current MCMAU would not be able to handle.
“It’s good that you know what you’re doing. You’re still young...” While smoking tobacco, Old Man Li tapped the tobacco rod once more, releasing a puff of smoke. “If old men like us die, we die. You guys should live a few more years. We’ll still have to count on you to burn us some paper money next time.
“After you finish this task, you’ve done what you needed to do. With Nanjiang’s Catacombs opening next, don’t mention anything about MCMAU providing backup. You understand?”
“Yes, I know.”
“Oh right...” Old Man Li chuckled suddenly. “This old man doesn’t have any children, neither do I have any grandsons or granddaughters. I have a niece though. Quite a talent, she is. Two years later she’ll sit for the university entrance test. MCMAU will recruit her especially. Got it?”
Fang Ping was speechless. “You can do this yourself. Do you need me to get through the back door?”
“I am willing. This old man has been wise all his life. I can’t afford to look bad and be stigmatized. You’ll be my scapegoat!”
Fang Ping was speechless once more. ‘So my reputation meant nothing?’
After saying this, Old Man Li changed the topic. Finally, he said, “I’ll close shop in a few days. If you’d like to exchange anything, do it now. I’ll give you a promotion while I’m still here. It’s now or never.
“Promotion?”
Fang Ping’s eyes lit up. Then, he asked, “You’re breaking through to Grandmaster?”
“Heheh, what’s your guess?”
“Really?”
Fang Ping’s face was filled with joy, saying, “If you breakthrough, and my instructor breaks through as well...Heck, I’ll have plenty of supporters next time. We’ll overthrow Vice-chancellor Wu by force, making me the new vice-chancellor. Do you think this can happen?”
“F*ck off!”
Old Man Li did not say anything further. After cursing, he kicked Fang Ping straight out of the logistics department.
This bastard. What was he thinking?
...
“I... I haven’t exchanged anything yet!”
Outside the logistics department, Fang Ping was stunned.
What about the promotion you promised?
No more?
Thinking about it now, it seemed like he did not need to exchange anything. For a Rank-4 martial artist like him, a B-class glaive was more than enough.
Besides, Zhang Dingnan had also said that the A-class tailor-made saber would be his.
The Rank-5 leather armor was also sufficient for now.
As for Rank-6 leather armor, anyone who could kill Fang Ping could not care less for the leather armor; as for those who could not kill Fang Ping, a Rank-5 one would be enough to block their attacks.
“I’ll take a look again next time. I can hoard a bunch of Resurrection Pills. Those toys are always useful.”
Fang Ping mumbled. He did not return either, turning back to his own dormitory. Upper-stage Rank-4 by tonight.