7 at night.
Fang Ping finished polishing his glaive, looking slightly hesitant. In the end, he put his glaive down.
He might not get to use it this time. Carrying a glaive would only be a burden.
“If I still fail with four high ranks escorting me, then I should just consider myself cursed.”
Fang Ping mumbled in a low voice. This mission was not even that risky.
A simple packing up, a quick check at the pills in his pockets showed that Fang Ping had a total of 11 Resurrection Pills. As long as he was not killed outright, they could still save his life.
...
Outside MCMAU gate.
Zhang Yuqiang smiled while nodding. Holding the car door open, he said, “President Fang, please!”
“Minister Zhang, that’s very kind of you.”
Fang Ping got into the car. This was Zhang Yuqiang’s private car. The one driving in front was his driver.
In the car, Fang Ping took a look at the driver, sighed but said nothing.
Zhang Yuqiang knew what he was thinking of, though made no comment.
In order to make it look more genuine and convincing, Nanjiang needed to take the necessary measures.
Zhang Yuqiang accompanied Fang Ping to Nanjiang in person to symbolize the collaboration between Nanjiang and MCMAU.
Nanjiang would seem too indifferent if they made no attempt to show up when Fang Ping was going to Nanjiang to negotiate for MCMAU’s assistance. This would not fit Zhang Dingnan’s sense of urgency.
In the car, Fang Ping closed his eyes and rested as soon as he got in, not in the mood for a conversation.
Zhang Yuqiang did not say anything either. Gazing listlessly out the window, one could only guess what was on his mind.
...
MCMAU.
Second floor of the cafeteria.
Old Man Li was holding a wine glass, sipping the contents little by little, beaming contentedly. “I’ve saved this ten years ago. I can’t believe it’s still here. The taste is exquisite.”
In contrast, Lu Fengrou in front of him took big gulps, draining the contents in one before saying flatly, “I thought you’d pass the Longevity Sword to him, so why didn’t you?”
“Forget it, it’s not that good anyway.”
Old Man Li chuckled. “Ten years I’ve stored the sword. I can’t part with it either.”
“The last ten years, you’ve never taken the sword out, right?”
“I think so.”
“Polishing one sword for ten years. How did the polishing go?”
“I don’t know.”
Old Man Li chuckled, saying, “Hated it, blamed it, infuriated by it, tempted by it. I’ve been keeping this sword hidden for ten years. Perhaps in no time, my legacy—Li Changsheng’s legacy— might make a comeback. Slaying the gods with one sword. Don’t you think that’s cool?”
Lu Fengrou made no reply. Old Man Li picked up his wine glass, draining the contents in a gulp, smiling while standing up. “I’ll go take a look.”
“What’s the use for your going? With four people as backup, will you even get a chance to fight?”
“Just to watch the fun, at the same time investigate the situation. I think I’ll pass killing a Rank-7!
“Hahaha...”
Old Man Li guffawed. His shadow moved, leaping out of the window beside him.
Lu Fengrou did not follow him but continued to pour herself another glass.
...
Nanjiang.
House of Governors.
Small meeting room.
At this moment, seven to eight people were seated. They were all Nanjiang’s higher-ups.
Everyone was drowned in silence. Only after Zhang Dingnan strode inside did a series of greetings resounded.
Zhang Dingnan nodded slightly, walking to the head of the table and sat down. In a deep voice, he said, “Everyone, Nanjiang’s Catacombs is about to open. The central and the Military Department, including Nanjiang itself, are fully prepared.
“Nevertheless, as a precaution, the more backup we have from other regions, the better.
“Among them, MCMAU will be given top priority!
“MCMAU has three high-ranked powerhouses, including Rank-8 Snake King, more than ten Rank-6s, and hundreds of middle ranks.
“This powerful force is equated to Nanjiang martial arts world. Hence, obtaining MCMAU’s support is our next main target.
“It’s a privilege that Nanjiang is full of talents. Sun City Fang Ping holds the position as the president of MCMAU Martial Arts Society. He has concerns for his hometown and intends to offer Nanjiang assistance.
“However, no one can save a difficult situation alone. Fang Ping cannot make the decisions by himself.
“Before this, I sent Minister Yuqiang to Magic City to discuss with Fang Ping. Today, we have already made tremendous progress. Fang Ping will return to Nanjiang tonight to discuss this with us in detail.
“Everyone present here is Nanjiang’s pillar. Tonight, everyone will discuss together, making sure that Fang Ping is convinced.”
As soon as the words left Zhang Dingnan’s lips, in front, a middle-aged man clad in a military uniform asked, “Governor, can Fang Ping persuade MCMAU?”
“Chances are high. Fang Ping’s instructor is Lu Fengrou. Wu Kuishan is Lu Fengrou’s husband. Although rumor has it that they had fallen out with each other, rumors are still rumors after all.
“Besides, Fang Ping is equipped with a certain extent of the power of speech in MCMAU today, earning the support of a bunch of instructors.
“He’s progressing at lightning speed. MCMAU Vice-chancellor Zhang has been killed in battle. Although Wu Kuishan is also a Rank-8, because of certain issues with regards to idealogy, he has not earned the approval of the majority in MCMAU.
“Even though Fang Ping is still a rising talent, many instructors think that Fang Ping may be able to achieve Rank-7 soon. At that time... Wu Kuishan might be treated as an undue vice-chancellor.”
“Governor, you think too highly of Fang Ping. MCMAU has plenty of talents. This includes a few Rank-5 senior students who have graduated last year. After all, Fang Ping has just achieved Rank-4...”
“You can’t say that. Everyone starts off at different starting lines. I’m sure everyone knows that those Rank-5 students receive support from their families.
“On the contrary, Fang Ping does not have a great family background. Even so, he improves quicker than those guys.
“A person like Fang Ping who has no background is more suited to take over MCMAU. Today, not many in MCMAU are equipped with this qualification. This includes people like Huang Jing. Actually, all of them have their own families. This is a good and a bad thing.
“At least, taking over MCMAU, everyone is worried that MCMAU will become the armed forces of private families...”
After saying that, Zhang Dingnan smiled. “Of course, this is MCMAU’s problem. Our main goal is not to find out who will take over MCMAU in the future, but the present moment.
“Right now, Fang Ping is still equipped with a certain extent of power. If he is supportive, MCMAU will not turn a deaf ear.”
In the meeting room, someone said in a low voice, “Will there be any issue with Fang Ping returning to Nanjiang this time? Before the start of the grand martial arts competition last time, he explicitly stated his intention to execute the cults. If the cults discover that he has the intention to assist Nanjiang...”
Zhang Dingnan chuckled. “We’ve considered this as well. I’ve sent Minister Yuqiang to escort Fang Ping back to Nanjiang in person... Also... if the cults are so brazen as to try something, they’ll find themselves in serious trouble!”
“Governor, what you’re saying is...”
“Old Liu has returned.”
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The middle-aged man clad in military uniform chuckled. “That’s not a problem then. Say, I haven’t seen Old Liu the past two days. With Grandmaster powerhouses escorting, it’ll most certainly be safe.”
Zhang Dingnan nodded, saying, “Those are my concerns as well. That’s why I troubled Old Liu to make this trip. Other than that...”
Zhang Dingnan scanned through the crowd, saying, “In order to help things progress even smoother, the few of us should not go out and walk around. While waiting for Fang Ping, we’ll sit here for a moment and talk about other things. What do you think?”
Amid the crowd, someone chuckled. “Governor, you don’t even trust us now? Whatever, it’s better this way. Let’s get down to business. It’s only a three to four hours drive from Magic City to Nanjiang. Has Fang Ping made a move?”
“He has departed. He’s almost out of Magic City now.”
Everyone nodded, asking no more. They would just stay in the meeting room anyway. It did not matter much whether they knew or not.
...
9 pm.
In the car.
Fang Ping who had been closing his eyes all this while opened his eyes suddenly. “Where are we now?”
“Peace Bridge City.”
“We’re near then. After Peace Bridge, it’ll be the border or Nanjiang.”
After saying that, Fang Ping rolled down the window. The night breeze gushed in, turning the air slightly cooler.
“Going to Nanjiang this time, the Catacombs...” Having said that, Fang Ping paused for a moment, and continued, “It’s alright to talk about these things here?”
“It’s fine. Old Chen knows about the Catacombs.”
“That’s good then.” Fang Ping continued, “From what I can see, the Catacombs is not the major issue. The Catacombs hasn’t opened, so this is not urgent. It’s the cults that are the problem. That’s the real major trouble hidden within.
“When I went to Nanjiang to complete missions last time, the cults have gone rampant. They gathered thousands of martial artists. This issue needs to be highlighted.
“If Nanjiang and MCMAU work together, the first thing that needs to be done is to make another clean sweep of Nanjiang’s cult issue...”
Zhang Yuqiang nodded. “The governor places a lot of emphasis on this issue too. However, right now the cults are lurking deep beneath the surface. President Fang, you know this as well. These guys are also ordinary people. On the surface, some of them even have legitimate identification to serve as their disguise. It’s very difficult to make a thorough investigation...”
“It all boils down to whether you have the heart to do it or not. There are always traces in the end. MCMAU will also send forces to Nanjiang. We’ll go to the extent of contacting some graduated brothers and sisters even. These guys take on high officer roles in various regions. With everyone coming together to encircle them, where can these bunch of scoundrels hide? Underneath the ground surface?”
After saying those words, Fang Ping asked suddenly, “This is Peace River highway, right? Why is it so quiet?”
Zhang Yuqiang stuck his head out to take a look, nodding slightly, saying, “It is Peace River highway. It’s normal to see fewer people at night.”
Fang Ping still frowned. Thinking about it, he suddenly turned over and rolled out of the car window, standing on the roof of the car.
“Old Liu, are you there?”
“Old Liu?”
Fang Ping yelled a few times. After some time, a shadow fell from the sky in the dark. Liu Polu appeared in front of his eyes.
Fang Ping breathed a sigh of relief, whispering, “Old Liu, there’s no danger, I hope?”
“You’re fine. I’m following behind. The cults are not that bold either.”
“It’s been hard on you, Old Liu. I’ll treat you to some wine afterward.”
Liu Polu laughed. With a leap, his shadow disappeared in the dark.
Fang Ping turned over and rolled back into the car, chuckling. “I scared myself. It’s fine. Old Liu is tailing us from the back. With a Grandmaster following along, I feel much more secure.
“Honestly, I don’t quite have the courage to leave Magic City now. As long as the issue with the cults is not resolved, I may never feel at ease.
“I even have the intention to move my family to Magic City. It’s not quite safe here in Nanjiang.”
“President Fang, you think too much. In Nanjiang, safety is guaranteed. Besides, the cults don’t have too many high-ranked martial artists. Our powerhouses are guarding very strictly, so they don’t have the guts to appear without warning...”
Zhang Yuqiang had yet to finish his sentence when Fang Ping roared suddenly, “Run!”
Before his voice had died down, Fang Ping leaped out of the car window at lightning speed, wasting no time. His toes stamped on the ground, then he leaped up, disappearing from the spot in the blink of an eye.
In the car, Zhang Yuqiang’s reaction was not hindered either, running as soon as he jumped out the window!
Both of them had just left the car when the car windows were shattered suddenly. Then, the car seemed to have turned into dough, and was kneaded into a metal cookie in no time.
The driver could not escape in time. Perhaps he had already died during the crunch.
“You can’t run!”
Midair, a chuckle resounded. Without hesitation, the owner of the voice headed straight for Fang Ping.
Behind him, Liu Polu was just about to show himself when someone chuckled beside him, “Brother Liu, why don’t we have a chat...”
Liu Polu roared, “How fearless. To think you’d have the audacity to employ two Rank-7s!”
“All of you deserve to die. MCMAU didn’t manage Magic City well. You went to Nanjiang to keep watch, while that little brat is very much threatening as well. Let’s see if MCMAU still has the guts to stick its head out after I kill both of you this time!”
In the dark, a shadow broke through the air and, with a glint of bright light, sped straight for Liu Polu’s head.
...
Meanwhile.
Fang Ping roared and leaped several meters away, blood oozing from many orifices on his head. He had barely resisted the other party’s Mentality suppression.
“Eee... I must finish you off!”
Midair, the cult powerhouse hissed softly, clearly surprised. Although the distance between them was large, he did not expect Fang Ping to resist his Mentality suppression. Things were getting a little complicated now.
“Mighty ones, where are you!”
Fang Ping was fleeing like a madman, yelling at the top of his lungs.
There were three more powerhouses. Where were they?
“Coming!”
Tian Mu’s voice was heard coming from afar. In no time, he landed from the sky. At a distance away, he waved his fist toward the cult powerhouse midair.
Rumble!
An ear-splitting rumble echoed a long distance away.
Chen Yaoting soon arrived with the Midair Step, guffawing, “Little Kid Fang, bravo. They actually sent a Rank-8 and two Rank-7 just to retrieve your puny life. The cults have come out in full force!”
Already running nearly a thousand meters away, Fang Ping’s face was drained of color, infuriated. “You cult bastards. Just you wait. Is it really necessary to send so many high ranks just to kill me?”
“Humph!”
A loud humph echoed throughout the horizon.
Fang Ping had overestimated himself!
This time, the cult had deployed a Rank-8 and two Rank-7s. Fang Ping was merely one of the reasons. Liu Polu was their other goal.
Out of MCMAU’s four High Grandmasters, Rank-8 powerhouse Vice-chancellor Zhang had already died in battle. If Peak Rank-7 Liu Polu had fallen as well, then MCMAU could only cling onto Magic City instead of stirring up any more trouble.
Fang Ping thought that the three high ranks were here for him. He was way off the mark.
“Kou Bianjiang, Tian Mu, Chen Yaoting... Ok, I admit, I fell into your trap. But do you think that you’ve won for sure?”
Midair, a cult powerhouse let out of cold-blooded roar, his Mentality released in an instant. It was as if heaven and earth were enveloped in silence.
“Kill!”
A hoarse voice that called for blood had broken the silence and resounded all over. At a distance away, Kou Bianjiang who was levitating mid-air seemed to have transformed into a Golden Buddha, emitting golden rays. The golden rays flashed, as if it had moved, appearing at the tip of the head of the person who was speaking earlier.
Nearby, Tian Mu roared as well, his golden fist smashing through the void, almost tearing the sky in two. It lit up the night sky, making it as bright as day.
“Tian Mu!”
The cult powerhouse who was chasing after Fang Ping earlier let out an ear-splitting cry. Then, a shield appeared in front of him out of nowhere, materialized from his Mentality!
A split second later, Fang Ping who was still running wildly afar heard a crisp and clear “click” sound.
Tian Mu threw out a punch and, as if hitting a metal plate, split the shield into pieces.
“Old Chen, go and help Old Liu!”
Chen Yaoting, who was bringing up the rear, showed no hesitation. Tian Mu had completely suppressed his opponent. It was Liu Polu who was having trouble.
“I’ll kill all three of you today. I’d like to see how many people you can kill!”
Tian Mu laughed hysterically. The golden ray gleamed blindingly, lighting up the surrounding.
...
Meanwhile.
After running nearly two thousand meters away, Fang Ping stopped in his tracks, cursing under his breath.
Three high-ranked powerhouses!
Including a Rank-8 golden body powerhouse.
If he did not invite two High Rank-8 powerhouses to provide support, he would just be waiting to die. Even Liu Polu would have to die.
Zhang Dingnan had only offered a saber this time. What a steal.
One could almost say that the four powerhouses were invited by Fang Ping. Liu Polu included. He was MCMAU’s honorary vice-chancellor.
Rumble!
An ear-splitting rumble resounded throughout heaven and earth.
The energy waves were intense over here. Even from a great distance, Fang Ping could still feel the pressure.
When he noticed two bundles of golden rays shooting toward his direction, Fang Ping was suddenly terrified, screaming, “Old Kou, don’t come here, don’t come!”
Whilst screaming, Fang Ping ran madly to a side.
Ahead of him, three High Rank-7 powerhouses were fighting, splitting earth, rocks splattering all over the place. Fang Ping gritted his teeth and ran in another direction.
Altogether seven high-ranked powerhouses. Three golden body powerhouses were fighting. At this moment, even if he did not join the fight, Fang Ping could sense endless pressure and impending doom.
The slightest bit of carelessness, and he would be dragged into the fray, then to his death.
In a great distance away, there seemed to be another high-ranked aura rising. Fang Ping had no idea whether the cults had called for reinforcements or it was the local Grandmaster powerhouses.
Fang Ping did not dare linger. At this moment, he was dying to escape from this war-stricken area.
When a great battle broke out between these powerhouses, none of them would have the time to care for a Rank-4 martial artist like him.
“Don’t run with me, all of you!”
As he ran madly, Fang Ping cursed under his breath. Tian Mu, Liu Polu and the rest had suppressed their opponents.
However, Kou Bianjiang and the other party were of equal rank, unable to suppress a Rank-8 powerhouse. While fighting, both of them moved toward him.
Although both of them were fighting incessantly, and Fang Ping running at full force, yet his speed was nowhere close to theirs.
“I make a turn, you make a turn as well. What are you trying to do!”
Fang Ping was so furious he wanted to vomit blood. Old Kou must have done it on purpose, right?
Two Rank-8 fighting. He would lose half his life just getting scraped. Could they please fight further away?