After introducing the teams, the commentator announced loudly, “All team leaders, please come forward to draw lots!”
At this point, a Deputy Minister from the Education Ministry and a Military Department general-in-chief employed the Midair Step and levitated down from the second floor to oversee the drawing of lots for the participants.
Both of them were Rank-8 golden body powerhouses.
Fang Ping had just taken a step forward when Qin Fengqing started yawning in boredom. “They disguise themselves pretty well. These two Grandmasters are here specifically to help with the cheating, aren’t they?”
In order to prevent strong teams fighting against other strong teams, cheating was bound to happen.
Zhang Yu wanted so bad to kick Qin Fengqing to death!
Could he not keep his f*cking mouth shut?
In front of them, both golden body powerhouses fixed their gazes ahead as if they had not heard a thing.
However...from their peripheral vision, they had memorized Qin Fengqing’s face. Very well, this MCMAU student thought he was a hotshot, badmouthing Grandmasters when they were standing in front of him. Did he think that they were both deaf?
They were not the only ones; Fang Ping also heard everything crisp and clear. He only had his remarkable hearing to blame for that.
...
Almost all the 20 team leaders were Martial Arts Society presidents of their respective martial arts universities.
Fang Ping was a latecomer, so he did not know many of them.
However, the rest of them knew each other well.
Everyone exchanged glances. Some of them were rather nervous inside, but they did not show it on their faces. Others looked calm and unaffected, looking completely nonchalant.
Standing beside Fang Ping was SCMAU’s Chen Haoran. At this moment, Chen Haoran was slightly nervous, eyes darting constantly at MCMAU and a few other universities, hoping not to run up against them in the first round itself.
Other than the seven normal martial arts universities, the other 13 universities had never competed before; one of them would be sure to run up against the strong universities.
Fang Ping did not care, though. He merely glanced over at Wang Jinyang, laughing, “Brother Wang, both of us better not run up against each other or it won’t end well.”
Wang Jinyang chuckled, “If we do, then there’s no choice. But, there are still chances.”
In the first round, 10 universities would advance; the other 10 would be eliminated.
However, the 10 eliminated universities would then proceed to fight against other eliminated teams in the competition. The eliminated team that won could challenge one of the top ten universities. They had only one chance. If they won, then they would replace the losing university; if they lost, then they would bid the top ten farewell.
Despite that, the eliminated teams still had to fight in many matches. Whether they would still have any energy left for a challenge after that was hard to say.
Everyone stopped talking. Fang Ping stared at XMAU’s president for a while, then extended his hand to draw lots.
When he unfolded the paper he had picked, Fang Ping laughed all of a sudden, “Enemies are destined to meet. We actually will meet!”
Everyone’s expressions sank. Was he pulling their legs?
The lots came in cards numbered from 1 to 10. The others had not drawn their cards, yet Fang Ping could already tell who his opponent was?
Unlike Fang Ping’s flashy gestures, Li Hansong unfolded his paper and said, “Number 4.”
In the crowd, the Donglin Martial Arts Society president’s expression changed, responding grumbly, “Number 4!”
“Capital City versus Donglin!”
...
Yao Chengjun gave a quick sweep, putting on a faint smile. “Number 6.”
“I’m number 6 too.” East Sino Nation’s president shook his head slightly. ‘We’re done for.’
“First Military versus East Sino Nation!”
“Nine States Military versus Tiannan!”
“Yunmeng Military versus Chungchou!”
“South Sino versus Nanjiang!”
“South Capital versus Magic City Women’s!”
“Sino Nation versus Beijiang!”
“Changjiang versus Taishan!”
Following the announcement of the battle list one by one, Fang Ping shook the note in his hand, again and again. He grinned. “Tsk, tsk. Xishan Martial Arts University... Sorry, I’m too happy that I’ve lost my senses for a bit there. I have no plans to fight XMAU...”
XMAU’s president’s expression was beyond dark. There were two groups left that had not been announced!
Fang Ping and him were among these four teams.
The Military Department golden body powerhouse continued calling out, “Capital City Mining versus Dongnan!”
Fang Ping let out a sigh. “Sigh, it’s a pity.”
At this moment, all XMAU’s members’ expressions completely sank!
Motherf*cker. Cheating!
Serious cheating!
Could there even be such a coincidence. Facing MCMAU the first round itself?
Right now, Zhang Wei, whose ears were bleeding from Fang Ping’s tremors earlier, wore an expression so grim that blood was almost dripping from his face.
Of all the teams they could fight with, they had to fight MCMAU. These MCMAU gangster students would bash them up into pulps!
XMAU had three Rank-4 students. The president was a Middle-stage Rank-4. Two remaining students were Early-stage Rank-4s.
There was no way they could win!
Other than XMAU, DLMAU and TMAU’s expressions were looking very grim too.
Although they had already expected it, they still cursed in their hearts after witnessing the results from the draw lots.
This was obviously cheating. Did they take them as fools?
None of the powerful universities were fighting against each other.
Even NMAU was fighting against SSUST, one that was not really powerful.
Both golden body powerhouses paid no attention to them. The Military Department powerhouse announced the final group to fight against each other—MCMAU versus XMAU.
After the announcement, the Military Department powerhouse continued, “Based on the draw lot sequence, tomorrow afternoon, NSMS shall fight TMAU!”
“In the afternoon, MCMAU shall fight XMAU!”
“The sequence after that will go according to the draw lot sequence. The first round of competition will last for five days, two matches per day!”
Fang Ping had drawn number 2. They had a match tomorrow.
CCMAU the day after tomorrow; FMS three days from now.
After announcing the opponents and sequence, both golden body powerhouses executed the Midair Step back to the second floor.
At this moment on the second floor, many Grandmasters did not look so good.
All of them had paid special attention to the competition this time.
Nearly all the elite universities had sent a Grandmaster representative.
But, once the draw results were out, many Grandmasters could not stop whining.
TMAU’s vice-chancellor laughed bitterly. “Tiannan has received heavy blows once too many times. Everyone in school is in low spirits. Initially, qualifying for the top ten elite university competition has slightly raised their morale, now the first match itself is Tiannan versus Nine States...”
NSMS’s deputy vice-chancellor was helpless. “There’s no choice. This is what they’ve drawn in the draw lots. Old Niu, just cheer up...”
TMAU’s vice-chancellor darted him a look. ‘Cheer up? This is what they’ve drawn?
‘More like cheating, you mean!
‘Why don’t you, NSMS, fight CCMAU and MCMAU?’
Ignoring him, TMAU’s vice-chancellor kept his mouth shut.
Beside them, the FMS’s deputy vice-chancellor said coldly, “General Zhang, there are only three military schools. NSMS is ranked second. Don’t let your guards down. If you lose in the first round itself, the military schools will be humiliated!”
“That’s not something General Zhu should be worrying about!”
“...”
As these guys were talking, Huang Jing remained silent instead. There was nothing to talk about. If MCMAU could not even win XMAU, then they should just go home and save them from the humiliation.
He did not speak. The CCMAU powerhouse beside him chuckled instead. “In the first round, the high points are still NMAU versus SSUST; CCUM versus DNMAU; and CMAU versus TMAU these three matches.”
Of the former, there were two Rank-4s in NMAU versus five SSUST Rank-4s. However, Wang Jinyang was a variable.
Of the latter, all four universities were Eight School Alliance members. All of the first team members were Rank-4s, equally matched in skill and strength.
As for the rest, the disparity between them was very wide.
Even when FMS fought against ESNMAU, it was still a fight between Rank-4s. But, Yao Chengjun was ranked 3rd in Rank-4; there were even rumors that he was much stronger than the Capital City’s powerhouse who was ranked first. They would have no trouble going up against ESNMAU.
SSUST’s Grandmaster laughed, “When there’s a will, there’s a way. Having individuals who are exceptionally strong does not really say anything.”
There were only two Rank-4s in NMAU.
By defeating Wang Jinyang, SSUST would stand a chance of winning.
NMAU’s old Vice-chancellor laughed but did not respond. If SSUST was so optimistic, let them try then. If Wang Jinyang could be defeated so easily, he would not be Wang Jinyang.
...
Onstage, Fang Ping returned to his team and announced happily, “I’ll start tomorrow.”
Qin Fengqing said rather enviously, “Let me start.”
They were going to fight XMAU. Defeating five consecutively—how awesome that would be!
Fang Ping darted him a look, rejecting his suggestion. “You might not recover fast enough. We need to establish our force in the first round. Cut the crap.”
Qin Fengqing was not weak; it would be no problem for him to fight XMAU, taking on two to three of them. Defeating five of them consecutively was actually not impossible.
But there was no guarantee and Fang Ping did not want that to happen.
If they wanted to fight, then the fight must be a clear-cut one.
Qin Fengqing sighed. As expected, he stood no chance of enjoying the limelight yet.
Chen Wenlong had no qualms about letting Fang Ping start first. He nodded slightly. He could wait until they qualified in the top ten. There were still plenty of opponents waiting for them after this.
This time, the top ten had plenty of matches lined up against each other. After qualifying for the top ten, they might not even be using the elimination system anymore.
...
The opening ceremony was very simple. After drawing lots, the Education Department people were still busy delivering the closing speeches, which meant Fang Ping and the others were free to go.
Everyone went offstage one after another, heading backstage.
Fang Ping did not tease XMAU anymore. He looked at SCMAU’s Chen Haoran instead and said, “It’s lucky that we didn’t face each other this time. I hope we won’t face each other in future either.”
Chen Haoran was at a loss. Was SCMAU very strong?
Even MCMAU seemed worried about running into them.
Qin Fengqing also looked as if a heavy load had been taken from his shoulders. He was afraid of meeting SCMAU, that would be trouble for sure.
The old man in SCMAU seemed pretty narrow-minded. All he did was make a few mean comments, and the old man had actually gone to look for him in person yesterday. It had nearly frightened Qin Fengqing out of his wits.
If they beat up SCMAU, would the old man take revenge?
...
Fang Ping and the rest did not continue participating in the opening ceremony.
Everyone left the gym from the side door.
Fang Ping did not leave with his team. He found a beverage store on CCMAU’s campus and took a seat.
Not long after, a group of people walked in.
The moment Wu Zhihao saw Fang Ping, he said, tone a touch bittersweet, “I really want to catch up with you right now, but I’m also worried at the same time. You’re backing us into a corner!”
Hunky Yang Jian had gotten even hunkier. After hearing what was said, he stifled a laugh, saying, “Me too. I’m glad you didn’t run into my university. Otherwise, we don’t know what we would have done.”
Liu Ruoqi said coldly, “We can’t do anything even if that happens. We’ve only just achieved Rank-1. There’s nothing we can do.”
These people had now become martial artists too.
They were not entry-level ones either. Three of them had already achieved Middle-stage Rank-1.
In reality, they still had room for improvement. After their sophomore year, they might achieve Rank-2 in their junior year. Before they graduated, they might still stand a chance to get to Rank-3.
Of course, all these were mere hopes for now.
In normal martial arts universities, Rank-3 students were already considered elites.
One would not be considered lagging behind, even if they graduated as a Rank-2.
Even so, comparisons were unpleasant.
Before, they had been Fang Ping’s classmates; now he was Peak Rank-4 now and they had only achieved Rank-1 recently. It was obvious how they were feeling even if they said nothing about it.
Fang Ping chuckled. “Don’t take it to heart. Having a classmate like me is a prime opportunity to brag about it off-campus. Why so unwilling? If it were me, I’d have used the opportunity to get rich. I’d make the rounds in your Martial Arts Society, announcing that I’m Fang Ping’s classmate, and to give me some pills or I’ll ask Fang Ping to beat you up. You think you could bamboozle them for some pills that way?”
Wu Zhihao laughed bitterly, “I’m afraid I’ll be bashed to death before I even get the pill.”
Yang Jian could not stop chuckling, “Zhihao most certainly hasn’t the guts to do it. Don’t forget, Brother Wang is the president. Would you go beat him up?”
“That’s hard to say.”
Fang Ping motioned for them to take a seat, his face wreathed in smiles. “Let’s see what happens this time. MCMAU will definitely qualify for the finals. If we meet, then we’ll fight and learn from each other.”
During their conversation, they ordered a few drinks.
Fang Ping did not continue talking about the championship. He looked at Wu Zhihao instead, asking, “My branch office has opened. How’s the business lately?”
“It’s not too bad. I didn’t ask about the specifics. But you have a reputation there; Nanjiang acknowledges you here as well. I returned to Auspicious Sun few days ago and I saw your Distance parcel delivery guy there even.”
“That’s not so bad.”
Fang Ping had not followed up on his company’s progress for some time now. Whilst sipping on his drink, he stared at three of them while commenting, “Lately, the situation in Nanjiang and Tiannan doesn’t seem so good. I wonder if any of you have realized this?”
Nanjiang’s Catacombs were about to open. Tiannan’s Catacombs, sealed for more than a year now, was about to re-open as well.
This reopening was no small matter.
In addition, TMAU’s ex-deputy Vice-chancellor had actually become a cult martial artist last time. The university itself had issues; the current situation did not seem positive.
At the matter being brought up, Wu Zhihao frowned slightly, “We’ve sensed it. Brother Wang seems to be more anxious lately. The Martial Arts Society is constantly going through reformation and exerting more pressure on us. The martial artists in the university who are Rank-2 or higher went for a meeting earlier. Everyone looked like they were carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders after the meeting.
“They’re also starting to cultivate more intensely than before. The instructors are constantly going off-campus too. Right now, even lessons have been affected.”
Yang Jian continued, “Tiannan as well. About mid-October, the university was suddenly sealed off. The Vice-chancellor took matters into his own hands. Rumor has it that he killed a few criminals who broke into the university...”
“A storm is coming.”
Fang Ping sighed. He pondered for a moment, and said, “All of you, be careful in the coming days, Wu Zhihao especially. There’s something going on in Nanjiang of late. For now, it has nothing to do with any of you. But it will involve you, sooner or later.
“As for cultivation, it used to be that anyone below Rank-3 didn’t need to bother about such matters.
“Right now, however, the stronger you are the better. Rank-2 has already joined the ranks. It’ll be your turn one day or another.
“Why is the Martial Arts University Championship held consecutively like this? The reason why every university is doing their best to obtain a higher ranking has something to do with these changes too...”
Wu Zhihao asked quietly, “Fang Ping, what’s going on exactly?”
Fang Ping shook his head. “It may not be a good thing for you to know too much right now. Of course, since you’ve entered the martial arts circle, it’s good for you to be at least slightly informed. All you need to know is that we’re being threatened by a formidable force that’s extremely powerful. Nanjiang is their next target.
“In the near future, you all should ease up a little. Don’t go around so much. The martial arts university is still fairly safe. River city is the provincial capital; there are more powerhouses there too.
“Also, if you lack cultivation resources, I’m a realistic person. I can’t give it to you for free, but I can lend you some.
“Pills, weapons, you can borrow all of them from me.
“I’ve achieved Peak Rank-4 now, so I don’t lack any of these things. You can just pay it back next time...”
Wu Zhihao burst out laughing, “You’re rich and imposing now. A mere three to five million is nothing to you I suppose...”
Fang Ping was nonchalant about it. “That’s actually true. Although I’m not considered rich, my saber is worth hundreds of millions. I also have another saber worth about fifty or sixty million decorating my office...”
The three of them were reduced to silence.
They were old classmates, all of them. Was it really appropriate for Fang Ping to cut them to the quick like that?
When Fang Ping mentioned lending resources at first, the rest of them did not actually take him seriously. It was not because they thought Fang Ping would not lend it to them; it was because every martial artist lacked money. Everyone needed resources to cultivate.
Fang Ping was a Peak Rank-4; his consumption would only be much greater.
However, they had never expected that this fellow Fang Ping this fellow was not just simply rich and imposing. Had this fellow robbed MCMAU or what?
As MCMAU Martial Arts Society president, how money-hungry was he?
“What you’re saying is that you have a lot of spare cash right now?”
“Just so-so. I have hundreds of millions.”
“...”
Wu Zhihao’s heart sank. After a while, he said, “Fang Ping, we’re old friends. Don’t say these things to us next time. We’re only Rank-1s. We can’t bear it. Say these things to other people...”
Fang Ping sighed, “I’ve said what I need to say. Aren’t I worried that none of you know about these matters?”
The others merely laughed bitterly. Fang Ping burst out laughing too, saying, “I won’t lend the pills to you, otherwise you won’t be able to explain where you’ve gotten them from. I’ll lend each of you 10 million. The interest isn’t much. 10% a year. Don’t worry, when you achieve Rank-3 or 4, it’s really easy to earn it back.
“It’s a pity your university is unwilling to work with MCMAU. Otherwise, with three universities connected, you’ll all soon realize that earning money is much easier.
“This is also what I’m working to achieve, though. I believe that soon, martial arts universities will be led by MCMAU, and will through a reshuffle.”
“...”
After talking them for a while, there were still arrangements to be made on MCMAU’s side, so it was not appropriate for Fang Ping to stay for too long. Very soon, Fang Ping asked for their bank accounts, stood up and left.
Once he had gone, Wu Zhihao sighed and shook his head. “This fellow... forget it. Let’s just cultivate well. The disparity’s so wide we can’t even speak with any confidence now.”
Liu Ruoqi, who had remained silence all this while, said, “He’s not the only one. His sister Fang Yuan completed once-honing a while ago.”
She was the one who had taught Fang Yuan the Methods of Honing. So, Fang Yuan was acquainted with Liu Ruoqi.
As far as bone-honing went, Fang Yuan had ecstatically informed Liu Ruoqi about this. This news was such a blow, it was a wonder Liu Ruoqi had not died on the spot.
Wu Zhihao and Yang Jian were reduced to silence in an instant.
Comparisons were truly unbearable.
If they still did not improve and Fang Yuan overtook them, that would be beyond humiliating.
As for Fang Ping lending them 10 million each, even though he had said that he would collect interest, they knew what Fang Ping was trying to do.
For them, 10 million was an astronomical amount.
Despite their embarrassment and how uneasy they felt, none of them rejected the offer at present.
The martial arts journey was rife with chance and luck. Fang Ping had given them a chance right now. If they gave it up for the sake of saving face, then the adage “martial artists must fight” would be nothing but a joke.