Fang Wenxiang was not that silly. Transferring to MCMAU was a big deal.
Even after what Fang Ping said... had him slightly tempted, Fang Wenxiang was only thinking about it and dared not really claim that he wanted to attend MCMAU.
But, Fang Ping this fellow was swaying his martial artist’s heart, and that made Fang Wenxiang extremely vigilant, keeping his lips zipped after that.
The heart-honing journey continued.
...
Twenty minutes later. Capital City Martial Arts University.
“MCMAU, MCMAU, the one and only in the whole wide world!”
“MCMAU number one, who will challenge us!”
“Martial arts of the world—all in MCMAU!”
“...”
As soon as Fang Ping and the rest got off the bus, cheers and slogans boomed again and again.
Outside CCMAU’s gym, the students from all other universities looked beyond confused.
Where were we actually having our competition?
Where were CCMAU’s students?
Sure we were not at the wrong place?
Who was the home team exactly!
...
Inside the gym.
The host was no longer the same one who hosted the Rank-1 competition. It was two Rank-6 powerhouses instead. A man and a lady.
Upon hearing the cheers outside, the middle-aged male commentator looked slightly confused too. Then, he laughed and announced loud and clear, “The cheers can already be heard coming from outside. The cheers for last batch’s championship winner, MCMAU sure are loud.”
The female commentator chuckled as well. “It is loud indeed. The venue host team, CCMAU home ground’s advantage didn’t seem to work quite the way we expected.”
At this moment, the gym was congregated with a mass of spectators, the majority of them martial artists.
CCMAU’s gym layout looked similar to MCMAU’s. Or perhaps MCMAU’s looked similar to CCMAU’s. As CCMAU was the first martial arts university to be established, the consequent universities adopted a similar layout to CCMAU.
At this moment. Second Floor.
A CCMAU Grandmaster powerhouse said mildly, “Does the MCMAU right now only knows how to perform these gimmicks?”
Huang Jing grinned. “Why do you say this? It is a fact that MCMAU’s reputation is great. Their popularity is to be expected. We are considered restrained here in CCMAU’s home ground now. If this were in MCMAU, our students’ team spirit would go over the roof.
“Speaking of which, CCMAU...the students don’t seem so enthusiastic.
“If a martial arts university doesn’t even have basic team spirit, then this is the greatest failure in education!
“Every MCMAU student is proud of MCMAU, whereas, In CCMAU, I don’t see such indications.”
After getting mocked by Huang Jing, MCMAU instructors’ expressions looked somewhat grim.
Indeed, CCMAU’s students were not quite enthusiastic.
Or perhaps they should say, no one took the initiative in formation.
In the Martial Arts Society, they were only focused on powerhouse members’ formation for the competition but did not consider much about rousing the ordinary members’ enthusiasm. They were all martial artists, so CCMAU did not really consider things like cheering and morale-boosting.
Who would have thought, MCMAU had actually taken advantage of it.
The cheers outside the entrance went on and on. Those who had not the slightest clue would think that they were having a competition in MCMAU.
At this moment, a few CCMAU instructors, including two Grandmasters, were left rather speechless.
If they compared formation ability, CCMAU was slightly lacking.
As the first martial arts university nationwide, CCMAU thought that there was no need for any formation as it was somewhat embarrassing. Clearly, though, their way of thinking was different from everyone else.
Right now, in the gym, the mass spectators’ attention was hooked.
Offstage, the whispers and discussions about MCMAU went on and on.
Both CCMAU Grandmasters exchanged glances, looking slightly helpless. All they could say was that MCMAU put great importance on commercialization and utilitarianism. This was all they could think of to comfort themselves.
How could they make so much clamor for a serious competition such as the Martial arts university championship!
...
Outside the gym.
Fang Ping strapped a saber on his waist, wielding the saber hilt with a single hand. Nodding subtly toward the crowd around him, a series of ear-piercing screams sounded.
Zhang Yu looked slightly baffled, asking in a low voice, “Many of them look like they’re not from MCMAU. Do we have so many supporters in CCMAU too?”
Qin Fengqing yawned, not planning to respond.
Xie Lei did not utter a word. It was as if he did not hear anything.
Fang Ping darted him a glance, saying mildly, “Half a million!”
“What?”
Fang Ping ignored him. What do you know? Most of the entrance fees for these “supporters” were paid by MCMAU.
The only requirement was that they shout the slogan when MCMAU’s members arrived.
In reality, these guys were considered MCMAU’s people too. Many of them were MCMAU students’ parents.
Therefore, these people were generous with their screams. After all, all parents wish that their children’s university was more famous.
Other than the ones outside the gym, there were more inside.
Did CCMAU think that this was their home ground?
What a joke!
Nowadays, just spend some money and we could accomplish tasks more reliably than you could in your home ground.
“Come, let’s go in!”
Fang Ping did not say much, leading everyone and walked toward the side entrance. He did not enter the main venue straight away but had to get backstage first, waiting for the front stage to arrange the opening ceremony sequence.
...
Backstage of CCMAU’s gym.
Compared to MCMAU’s backstage, this one was slightly more direct. The backstage was a whole body. Unlike MCMAU, which was separated into a few divisions.
At this moment backstage, many martial arts university members had arrived.
All of them had also heard the cheers outside the gym.
Powerhouses like Wang Jinyang did not utter a word. Some of the reserve team members, though, could not help but say sourly, “It’s shocking how famous MCMAU has been lately. A martial arts university that does not put martial arts first but does all these things instead. They’ll go downhill one day or another...”
“Humph!”
An intense humph, one that was like the thunder, shook a few Rank-3 martial artists backstage to the point that their ears rang, and their visions blurred.
Outside the door, Fang Ping stepped in, carrying himself in a highly imposing manner, saying coldly, “Whether MCMAU goes downhill or not is not up for you to question! Even CCMAU has no guts to say that MCMAU is no match for them. What nerves. Pray that you don’t run up against us!
“Xishan Martial Arts University, am I right?
“If you’re competing against us, admit defeat on your own. Otherwise, don’t blame MCMAU for not going easy on you!”
“You!”
That person who was especially affected earlier was bleeding from his ear. Although he did not sustain any serious injuries, he had suffered a great humiliation right now!
At this moment, XMAU’s Martial Arts Society’s president, a slightly more chiseled-looking youth, could not help but frown, and say, “Fang Ping, it’s only a discussion. To attack them before the competition...”
“So what?”
Fang Ping stared at him, giving a quick sweep, and said flatly, “Weaklings don’t have any human rights! Weaklings shut their mouths—do you not know this principle? If you want to provoke powerhouses, you need to be worthy enough to do it. Are you, XMAU, worthy enough?”
“Fang Ping, don’t go too far!”
“So what if I went too far? You need to come to terms with reality. I’m teaching you survival skills!”
“You...”
“Fang Ping.”
The host’s first team Li Hansong spoke. Li Hansong had a tall build, at least one point nine meters tall. Fang Ping was not considered tall, about one point seventy-five meters.
Compared to Fang Ping, Li Hansong looked much taller and sturdier, even his force looked so much mightier.
Even so, Fang Ping’s force was not any weaker than the other party at this moment. He curled his lips after hearing his call, and teased. “Why? Trying to mediate? Does CCMAU disagree with what I’ve said? When weaklings provoke CCMAU, are you, Li Hansong, going to pretend like a tortoise, like you didn’t hear anything?”
Qin Fengqing answered while chuckling, “It must be the iron head and the thick skin. Perhaps he could still retract his neck in, maybe then he’ll really be able to bear with it.”
“Qin Fengqing!”
“Don’t be too cocky!”
“CCMAU is not XMAU!”
“...”
Before Li Hansong could say anything, a few others from CCMAU flew into a great rage!
Qin Fengqing was too domineering!
Qin Fengqing looked completely unaffected, like he was itching for a fight. “I’m not interested in other martial arts universities, military schools, and whatnot. I’ve been wanting to hack you CCMAU bastards for the longest time. If you have the guts, let’s settle this outside. I can win and I can also accept defeat. If I lose, I will kowtow and admit my mistakes, that’s no big deal.
“If I win, you CCMAU’s sons of b*tches stop acting all high and mighty in front of me. You’ve all been an eyesore for the longest time!”
Since the rise of MCMAU, both elite universities had been treating each other as enemies. There was nothing else they could say to one another when they ran into each other.
The guys from CCMAU were too proud and could not stand the upstart-like MCMAU.
Whereas the guys from MCMAU looked down on CCMAU. Other than CCMAU’s slightly longer establishment history, they thought that they were practically worthless.
In addition to that, MCMAU was made up of mainly southern people while CCMAU northern people. The element of the difference in region had been mixed into it, causing both martial arts universities to fight every time they met.
With that, XMAU was tossed aside.
Actually, none of them looked highly upon these normal martial arts universities.
NMAU included. Other than Wang Jinyang whom others were rather vigilant of, they were not given any importance, really.
This was the same for First Military School!
CCMAU’s first team consisted of three Peak Rank-4 and two Upper-stage Rank-4.
MCMAU’s had two Peak Rank-4, two Upper-stages, and one Middle-stage.
In FMS, only Yao Chengjun alone was a Peak Rank-4 now, two Upper-stages and two Middle-stages.
Based solely on ranks, CCMAU came first while MCMAU second. This was not something that other universities could compare to.
Taking another look at the reserves team, every CCMAU reserves team member was a Middle-stage Rank-4. MCMAU, on the other hand, was slightly lacking. 4 Middle-stages and 1 Early-stage, though equally powerful.
The FMS’s reserves team consisted of three Rank-4s and two Peak Rank-3s.
This was considered extremely powerful. Other normal martial arts universities consisted of almost entirely Upper-stage Rank-3 and lower. With an ability like this, even their first team was no match to the others’ reserves team.
Qin Fengqing had invited them to a challenge. Li Hansong darted Fang Ping a look, saying in a low voice, “Fang Ping, the competition hasn’t started yet. Why the rush.”
Fang Ping chuckled. “No rush. I’m in no rush at all. I’m only worried that you can’t qualify for the finals. Whether we would fight CCMAU, FMS, or even NMAU this year, to me, none of them make any difference.
“I’m in no rush for this, neither did I initiate a fight. But, anyone who humiliates MCMAU is looking for trouble!
“If you don’t have the ability yourself, then don’t be envious of others. When MCMAU had fallen behind CCMAU, I was never once envious. I was only thinking of surpassing. If you can’t even grasp this concept as Rank-3 and 4 martial artists, what’s the use of practicing martial arts? Go home and enjoy your retirement then!”
A group of people was flushed with anger. The guys from XMAU had fury written across their faces, though none of them uttered a word.
In the martial arts world, respect is afforded to the strong.
If one was not as good as MCMAU, talking behind others and getting caught in the act, saying anything else at this moment would only cause humiliation.
It was then, Wang Jinyang who was beside them chuckled, “Fang Ping, it’s quite enough now. Do you really want to fight before the competition has even started yet?”
Fang Ping chuckled. “I’ll show Brother Wang respect and forget about it this time. If it happens again next time, don’t blame me for not going easy on you!”
The backstage was instantly plunged in pin-drop silence.
It was only then did a few instructors start walking in one after another.
As for MCMAU, Tang Feng had also walked in, darting a look at Fang Ping without giving much indication.
XMAU’s instructor was also a Rank-6 powerhouse. Right now, his complexion was dark and gloomy. He took a look at Tang Feng but made no comments.
If one’s ability could not compare to others, then there was no use fighting over it.
His students could not compare to Fang Ping and the rest, whereas his ability could not compare to Tang Feng’s. Fang Ping let out an intense humph and was already shaking his competing team member to the point that blood was flowing out of his ears. They were student participants too, making it look even more embarrassing.
As for CCMAU, the one who walked in was Fu Changding’s grandfather.
The old man did not look at the CCMAU’s students but stared at Fang Ping instead. He chuckled. “Fang Ping, the competition has yet to start. I’ll let you go since this is the first time. The next time it happens again, don’t blame us for disqualifying you!”
Hurting others before the competition was most certainly not allowed.
Fang Ping laughed. “Instructor Fu, don’t worry. The students are just acting on impulse for a moment there. I apologize to everyone here. But, MCMAU’s reputation is built on plenty of older generation MCMAU martial artists who had shed their blood and laid down their lives, advancing little by little!
“It’s alright to humiliate us as individuals, but to humiliate MCMAU is unacceptable.”
XMAU’s instructor was slightly unhappy, saying, “Fang Ping, don’t make a big fuss over minor issues. Zhang Wei was only discussing, he wasn’t humiliating MCMAU!”
This matter should not be taken lightly. If Fang Ping held on to it and refused to let go, and this made MCMAU unhappy, then, XMAU would be in a lot of trouble after this.
Even this situation “going downhill” could be escalated by Fang Ping into the extent of humiliating MCMAU’s elder generations. Xishan’s instructor was mentally and emotionally exhausted.
Qin Fengqing and the rest had also raised their heads to stare at the ceiling. Fang Ping’s words should be interpreted the other way around. If you humiliated MCMAU, he might not do anything to you.
If you humiliated him, he would beat you to death. Try it if you did not believe it.
Tang Feng finally opened his mouth to say something, berating in a low voice, “That’s enough. This ends here. Fang Ping, stop causing a ruckus. If anything, sort it out in the arena!”
Fang Ping stared at XMAU’s members with malicious intent, chuckling. “I understand. I will let everyone know that MCMAU definitely lives up to its name!”
The rest of the martial arts universities felt slightly sympathetic. XMAU better not draw MCMAU as their opponent during the draw lot session. Otherwise, they might have a hard time.
From the looks of it, MCMAU’s Fang Ping seemed rather narrow-minded.
A few of them from XMAU looked grim as well. Although they spoke about not admitting defeat, they were reproaching themselves on the inside. If they drew MCMAU in the lots, they might have to suffer greatly this time.
Over at NMAU’s side, Lan Wufeng and the rest zipped their lips.
They were even hoping to fight against MCMAU earlier, but MCMAU was so powerful, provoking CCMAU and FMS, behaving as if no one was worthy of their respect. XMAU was stunned by a few words alone. If they truly ran up against MCMAU, they might not even be able to curry favor with them.
Silence enveloped the backstage.
...
Front stage.
CCMAU vice-chancellor and a Peak Rank-8 top-notch powerhouse went on stage in person to begin the opening ceremony speech.
The speech did not run on too long. After a few simple words, CCMAU vice-chancellor did not leave. Instead, he turned and went up the second floor, waiting for the upcoming drawing of the lots’ ceremony.
When CCMAU vice-chancellor was done with his speech, the male commentator started playing the role of a host, announcing loudly, “Next up, let’s welcome the 20 teams that have qualified for the top ten elite university competition... First off, let’s welcome CCMAU’s contestants!”
“CCMAU has 5 members in the first team and 5 in the reserves team.
“Team leader Li Hansong. CCMAU senior-year student. President of the Martial Arts Society. Peak Rank-4 ability. 7th place on the Rank-4 ranking list.
“First team member Qin Ze. Senior-year student. Peak Rank-4 ability. 94th place on the Rank-4 ranking list.
“First team member Li Yan. Senior-year student. Peak Rank-4 ability...”
...
“Reserves team member Ling Yiyi. Junior-year student. Middle-stage Rank-4 ability...”
When CCMAU team ability was announced, the audience offstage exclaimed in surprise.
Too powerful!
Everyone in the first team was Upper-stage Rank-4 and higher; everyone in the reserves team was Middle-stage Rank-4.
The 13 universities in CCMAU had not competed before. They could only recognize CCMAU Li Hansong and were not quite familiar with the rest.
Of course, everyone remembered the name Ling Yiyi. She was defeated by MCMAU Fang Ping not long ago. However, the other party was only a reserves team member, so none of them paid too much attention to her.
Besides, in the Rank-4 top hundred list, two of them came from the CCMAU team. It was clear how powerful their abilities were.
Last month, when Li Hansong and the rest challenged each other, a few martial arts university powerhouses had also started fighting for the ranking one after another. In fact, it was at that time that Qin Ze was listed in the top hundred list.
Following the commentator’s announcement, ten CCMAU members lined up in a row, marching up from the backstage.
A round of applause broke out offstage.
After CCMAU’s members had gone on stage, MCMAU was next.
“The second team is last batch’s championship team. Magic City Martial Arts University.
“Magic City Martial Arts University’s team leader is Fang Ping from the first batch championship. I’m sure many of you are familiar with Fang Ping.
“Fang Ping, Magic City Martial Arts University sophomore student. President of the Martial Arts Society. Peak Rank-4 ability. Not ranked in the ranking list for now.
“Although he did not enter the ranking list, Student Fang Ping achieved Rank-4 as an invincible Rank-3. I believe he’s being modest. His ability is most certainly not weak. As expected, the championship this time has gathered a storm, bringing countless prodigies here.
“Moreover, Student Fang Ping progressed too quickly in martial arts. He was still challenging Rank-3 martial artists in July and has already stepped into Peak Rank-4 today. Unbelievable!
“First team member Chen Wenlong. Senior-year student. Peak Rank-4. 68th place on the Rank-4 ranking list.
“First team member Zhang Yu. Senior-year student. Upper-stage Rank-4...”
“Like CCMAU, MCMAU’s first team and reserves team members are all Rank-4 martial artists. An extremely grand line-up! Both elite universities definitely live up to their names!”
After the male commentator was done speaking, the female commentator continued in surprise, “Extremely grand, indeed. A line-up like this is witnessed among the current university students is incredible, really.
“The journey of martial arts gets tougher the higher one achieves.
“Many martial artists had wasted their whole lives, but the middle rank was impossible to achieve.
“Both elite universities had instead sent a ten-member middle-ranked combat team—the oldest at 23 years old and the youngest, like Fang Ping, at only 19 years old!
“I can guarantee that in the future, among these guys, many of them will become Grandmasters!”
Both Rank-6s commentators had given their highest appraisal!
They mentioned that the probability of producing a Grandmaster was extremely high, with no fewer than one or two people!
...
At this moment, Fang Ping had already led the team onstage.
As soon as they got on stage, cheers broke out offstage.
“MCMAU invincible!”
“MCMAU number one!”
“...”
Compared to when the host team got on stage earlier, the atmosphere was much more lively.
Some of the CCMAU instructors on the second floor just remained quiet. In situations like this, they would never believe that MCMAU did not meddle with anything in secret!
Huang Jing looked pleased. There was no need to find out how Fang Ping did it. Their force was thriving.
Look, the away team looked much more impressive than the home team. Piss off these bastards from CCMAU.
...
The next team’s line-up also qualified as a grand one.
First Military School. 8 Rank-4 powerhouses.
Nine States Military School. 6 Rank-4 powerhouses.
Yunmeng Military School’s first team was all Rank-4s. Eight School Alliance’s first team was also all Rank-4s. However, most of them were in Early-stage Rank-4.
Normal martial arts universities, however, were much more miserable.
Nanjiang Martial Arts University had two Rank-4 martial artists, Beijiang Martial Arts University had three, Xishan Martial Arts University three, Donglin Martial Arts University three, Magic City Women’s University three, Tiannan and Chungchou Martial Arts Universities two respectively.
200 members’ team, 97 Rank-4 martial artists!
Seeing nearly half of the middle-ranked martial artists had completely stupefied some of the aspiring martial artists!
So these were martial arts universities?
In the outside world, middle-ranked powerhouses were the local’s despot. The local commander, Military Department’s commander-in-chief, business world’s bigshot...
Over here, however, amongst a bunch of current university students, so many middle-ranked powerhouses had arrived!
Many lower-ranked martial artists felt ashamed of themselves. Comparing themselves to these guys on stage, their last tens of years of being alive had been completely wasted.
Suddenly, the audience’s mood became unpredictable too. They did not manage to enroll in martial arts universities, but their sons and daughters must. Martial arts universities were nothing like the martial arts dojos in the outside world could compare to. In the martial arts dojos, even Rank-4 martial artists were the local dojo owners.