Backstage.
After the folks from XMAU left, Fang Ping’s demeanor became more serious.
“Competing against XMAU was just for show. Once MCMAU enters the top 10, nobody would choose to challenge us,” he concluded.
“The crucial factor is those 3 universities that I mentioned; don’t take them lightly.”
“Understood,” Chen Wenlong replied and proceeded to ponder for a bit. “Your vitality is really strong...”
“It’s all right,” Fang Ping laughed. “Just a tiny bit more than you guys...”
Chen Wenlong went quiet for a bit, as if that statement did not bother him much. “If you’re okay with telling...” he finally asked after a moment of contemplation.
“Okay, my vitality is 3200cal.” Fang Ping immediately replied.
‘This guy sure answers fast!’ Cheng Wenlong thought. Although that fact did not really shake him, he still sighed. “If your combat techniques reach an extremely high level, there won’t be a need for us at all. You could plow through the other 19 teams by yourself.”
No joke.
3200cal of vitality!
How did that make sense?
Even the highest-ranked martial artists possessed a vitality of only around 2000cal.
Those that were twice-honed had a slightly higher number of 2400cal and below.
Thrice-honed martial artists typically would not exceed 2600cal.
How much was Fang Ping’s?
A whopping 3200cal!
Like Yao Chengjun, the martial artists that participated this time were not weak in vitality. Both Wang Jinyang and Li Hansong’s could be around 2600cal or higher.
And it was a mutation within their bodies that permitted greater vitality levels.
But it was certain that theirs did not exceed 3000cal. Chen Wenlong was sure of it because he could tell based on Li Hansong’s efforts to move up the ranks.
Fang Ping’s vitality surpassed them by leaps and bounds, even breaking the 3000cal limit.
That could only mean his level was way above those martial artists.
Fang Ping was mentally and physically strong. When it came to weapons, he was equally skilled, regardless of the weapon used.
If that fellow honed his combat techniques further and supplemented that with his rapid vitality recovery, it would not be an exaggeration to say that he could make quick work of the other 19 teams.
Fang Ping shook his head. “Don’t underestimate those guys. I’m a genius, but they aren’t weak and have managed to persevere at this stage for some time now.”
“What’s more...once I reveal my real strength, even if these punks are prepared to challenge me, they would also consider the school’s benefit.”
“If I were to engage Yao Chengjun or any of those guys beforehand, the remaining ones would hit Rank-5,” he continued.
“Just reaching Rank-5...” Chen Wenlong muttered.
“In other people’s eyes, once these guys break through the rank limit, their vitality and strength levels would be on par with mine. You see what I mean?” Fang Ping replied.
Chen Wenlong nodded.
If any regular martial artist at the peak of Rank-4 were to reach Rank-5, their increase in vitality or other physical attributes would not concern Fang Ping.
However, prodigies were unique.
Should Yao Chengjun break through, his mental strength would vastly increase and even surpass Fang Ping’s.
A breakthrough by Li Hansong would result in him being extremely strong in terms of vitality and physique. After all, the man was naturally gifted in these aspects.
Wang Jinyang would also achieve a similar result.
The power boost in these folks would be palpable after ranking up.
But Fang Ping had only been in this stage for a short time. He had yet to solidify his position at Peak Rank-4 nor achieve a deeper level of training. To simply break through the rank would bring hidden dangers.
Amid their discussion, Qin Fengqing came back with a satisfactory smug on his face. He took off his jacket and revealed a bag of alloy fragments.
Before Fang Ping had a chance to speak, Qin Fengqing blurted out, “Let’s head back and split this; the guys from CCMAU are coming!”
Fang Ping eyed him for a second, pondering. ‘You rascal, I’m not getting a share of that, right?’
In fact, he already foresaw that.
However, Qin Fengqing was still a greenhorn.
Almost immediately, Tang Feng appeared backstage, his countenance grim. “Enough of this mischief...” he growled.
Anticipating his arrival as well, Fang Ping laughed. “Instructor Tang, there’s no mischief. I figured that these alloys would be useful funding for the Martial Arts Society, to continue training new students. CCMAU has a deeper heritage than us, so we don’t need to be overly concerned about reputation. This is just a small issue caused by our students.
“Honestly speaking, in order for MCMAU to become greater, the last thing to worry about would be saving face.
“The day that our students are powerful enough to survive and shed less blood in the Catacombs, is the day that I’ll be contented.
“Saving face would hardly be an issue. When we demolish the Catacombs in the future, who would still care about the follies of our past?
“In life, one shouldn’t think about just himself. If he does, then what’s the point about caring about these things now?” he concluded.
Tang Feng looked slightly dumbfounded. It was like he suddenly experienced an indescribable feeling.
He wondered if this...was the true Fang Ping. A frivolous, nonchalant person that was in fact...always concerned about MCMAU.
“Fang Ping...” Tang Feng began.
“Instructor, I know that you have some prejudice against me. It’s all right, I also know that you mean well for me and the university.” Fang Ping interrupted.
“But we have different paths of thought. What you’re thinking could be about personal bravery, and I might be thinking of something more than that.
“The growth of our university, Sino Nation, and humankind...it sounds a bit laughable, that a Rank-4 martial artist like me would worry about all those.
“However, this is my path, and I wish to continue down it.
“Regardless of whether you understand or not, it does feel like I have shamed us...” he muttered.
“No, you have not!” Tang Feng replied.
The instructor brightened up. “Well done! Fang Ping, I might really have different considerations than yours. Maybe my generation may not be as broad-minded as yours, but if you feel that this is the right thing to do, then proceed with it. I might not be good at other things, but I still possess some decent combat power. You have my full support to continue!”
“Thank you very much, instructor.” Fang Ping responded.
With a breezy smile, he turned to the angry-looking Qin Fengqing. “Pass the alloy to Martial Arts Society on the way back.”
“I...” Qin Fengqing started.
Before he could continue, Fang Ping interrupted. “Qin Fengqing, as a student of MCMAU, a disciple of the old vice-chancellor, or should I say half-disciple, don’t you wish to honor the old vice-chancellor’s wish? How can this small bit of fragments in your hand be compared to one university conquering the Catacombs?”
Qin Fengqing seemed to have a hard time controlling his facial expressions.
“Well, keep it for yourself then. When our Instructors and students fall in battle, just remember to shed a few tears for us.” Fang Ping taunted.
“Cut the crap, Fang Ping!” Qin Fengqing snapped.
“Here, take it all! I knew it, I knew it...” he continued after a pause, with an annoyed expression.
‘Damn it!’
‘I knew that if Fang Ping was around, there would be no benefit for me. And I actually listened to him like a dumbass!’ Qin Fengqing’s thoughts swirled in his mind.
That guy was too good at convincing people.
If he did not pass over the alloy fragments and everyone actually fought to the death, then it would be his fault!
Fang Ping didn’t seem to mind the anguish Qin Fengqing was going through. He sighed. “Great power and heavy responsibilities aren’t just empty talk. My generation of martial artists all have something to protect. And the stronger they are, the more they will be able to protect!”
“What I’ve done may not convince or satisfy everyone, but I believe that one day, you all will come to understand what I’m trying to achieve.” Fang Ping said.
Several students, including Tang Feng, wore solemn expressions.
Some of them looked at Qin Fengqing again, wondering if he had decided to sacrifice the warrior’s spirit over such small riches.
Fang Ping did not continue to pursue the matter. He paced around. “I have already reached an agreement with CCMAU, XMAU, and NMAU. We will proceed with building the e-commerce platform and all instructors will start exchanging their knowledge and techniques. Instructor Tang, I hope you can support me in this.”
Tang Feng brow furrowed slightly. “You talked to them? And they all agreed?” He questioned.
“Yup, if no accidents occur, there shouldn’t be any major problems,” Fang Ping looked at him and replied.
“Besides these universities, I will also talk to a few more to deepen our communication with each other. Currently, it’s best for the university’s top management to remain behind the scenes and let us students organize this whole thing. So, if any problems were to occur, the university can say that it was on me.”
“I don’t care what people say about me. I just hope the instructors can understand that I’m not doing this for selfish gains.”
“I know where I stand. Everything that I have today, was given to me by the university.”
“The Grandmasters are like family, so the fact that I would want to seize power would be ridiculous, actually.” Fang Ping said with a smile.
Tang Feng nodded his head. “I will make sure that the vice-chancellor and the rest understand.”
Fang Ping laughed. He looked sideways at Chen Wenlong and the rest, speaking with a sincere tone. “Actually, I have a presumptuous request. You might think that I’m a little too greedy, but I have to get it off my chest.”
“I hope that after you all graduate, you would continue staying at this university, but as instructors.”
“Much work still remains to be done at MCMAU. I am only one man, and the instructors are getting on in age. We are still young and capable of contributing to the university, to continue fighting on for a few more years.”
“Of course, staying here would be a sacrifice for you all.”
“If you joined the Military Department, the Department of Investigation Services, or any other government department, you would probably hold high positions and not just be mere instructors overseeing a couple of students, wasting your talents here...”
“Don’t say that. Our achievements are all thanks to the university and the guidance of our instructors.” Zhang Yu immediately replied.
“I don’t represent the others, but I’ll stay and teach after graduating.”
“I’ll stay too.” Liang Fenghua chimed in.
“Me too!”
Out of the 10 team members, four or five agreed in quick succession.
Chen Wenlong wore a slightly frustrated expression, for he already held the post of commander-in-chief in the Military Department...
Fang Ping noticed that and laughed. “No worries, Senior Chen. You can stay in the military. I just hope that one day when the university is in need, you can lend us a bit of assistance!”
“I will do all I can!”
Before Xie Lei — who was standing close by — could speak, Fang Ping responded. “Xie Lei, you’re a long way from graduating. Let’s wait until then.”
The young student kept quiet.
Fang Ping looked at Qin Fengqing once more with an indiscernible smile. “Other than MCMAU, you have nowhere else to go. It’s your call.”
Qin Fengqing looked furious. “What do you mean?”
“You know very well.”
Fang Ping could not be bothered to explain Qin Fengqing’s situation to him.
If he joined the Military Department and screwed up under their strict standards, all hell would break loose!
The same would happen anywhere else.
If he chose to leave the university, he would either become a lone ranger or end up back here in just a few months. It was pointless trying to advise him.
Qin Fengqing practically looked like he was about to explode!
Inside, he was thinking. ‘Let’s see then! I will leave the university!’
As long as Fang Ping remained here, he felt that there was no way for him to shine. It was suffocating!
And...why were the others so easily swayed?
Even Lion Head Tang[1] was siding with him. How could he get any favors by continuing to stay here?
Qin Fengqing glanced at Tang Feng. ‘What an idiot. Fang Ping spouted some nonsense and you actually believed that?’ he thought to himself.
‘Wait and see!”
‘When Fang Ping works you to death without providing anything in return, you’ll regret it!’
How annoying it felt to be looking down at the alloy fragments in his arms!
If this happened again, he would not give a sh*t if Fang Ping flung money in front of him!
...
3rd of December.
It was SCMAU versus MCWU in the morning, and CCMAU versus DLMAU in the late afternoon.
Fang Ping was quite interested in both matches.
In the morning, he headed to the gym by himself to catch the action.
CCMAU had not changed their habit of competing indoors.
However, there were rumors that once the top 10 were confirmed, the matches would take place outdoors.
Fang Ping was initially okay with the decision since it was his own in the first place.
But when he noticed the outstanding quality of alloy used for the new battle stage, he nearly gave himself a big slap!
MCMAU would not get the chance to step on that stage before the fight between the top 10.
In other words, he would not have the satisfaction of smashing this stage and neither would the others!
“Damn it!”
CCMAU had gone overboard! He slapped a seat hard.
Although he was benefitting and making things difficult for the instructors, there was not much difference donating to the Martial Arts Society or putting it in his own pockets.
Now it looked like CCMAU was denying themselves the opportunity!
No sooner had he finished venting than Chen Yunxi, who was sitting close by, asked. “What’s wrong?”
She did not need to be here today as there was no match involving MCMAU but was obliged to do so because her grandfather and brother were present.
Fang Ping calmed down and smiled. “Nothing, I was just thinking of something unpleasant. By the way, why aren’t you on the second floor?”
“It makes no difference down here.”
Fang Ping laughed and raised his head to look at the higher floor. There was no point going up there. That old man from XMAU would probably use that as a reason to rage at him.
However, someone from upstairs came down.
Chen Yaoting strolled over slowly and glanced at Fang Ping. “So kid, how do you think SCMAU will fare in this match?” he asked in a casual tone.
“They will surely win.”
“However...” Fang Ping grinned.
“Go on.”
“However, they can only depend on the women’s qualifiers. The SCMAU of now is actually far behind, compared to the other esteemed martial arts universities.”
Chen Yaoting’s expression did not change, as if he heard nothing.
“Vice-chancellor Chen, recently I’ve been thinking of widening the communication exchanges between universities. CCMAU, NMAU, XMAU and a few others have already joined. Would SCMAU be interested?”
“Just by using your e-commerce platform?”
“Of course not. It’s fine, you might not understand even if I explained. I’ll get Yunxi to draft a brief of our future plans and I’ll find a chance to discuss with president Chen Haoran. You wouldn’t object to that, would you?
“I don’t care about all these. Just make sure that our students come to no harm.”
“It won’t come to that, I’m not that kind of person. Speaking of which, Yunxi is also a member of MCMAU, and both of our universities are basically like family...” Fang Ping said.
“So you mean MCMAU’s students, including all of the instructors’ descendants, are one family?” Chen Yaoting muttered softly.
“You could say that.” Fang Ping replied.
“Martial arts universities are basically from the same family.” He smiled again.
“It would be a pity if you didn’t become the education minister.”
“You overestimate me, Oldman Chen. I have already pushed my capabilities to the limits by being a vice-chancellor.”
Chen Yaoting nearly choked up. ‘Did he actually think that I was complimenting him?’ he thought.
He did not intend to continue the conversation.
Was MCMAU’s vice-chancellor really worth so little in his eyes?
A sideways glance at his granddaughter...was that adoration in her eyes?
His heart felt heavy. “Yunxi, just continue watching the match. After that go backstage and get to know SCMAU’s students better.” Chen Yaoting said softly.
He did not want her to end up together with Fang Ping.
His own granddaughter should be talking with a good lad from their own university!
Although SCMAU was not as fine as MCMAU, they still had plenty of eligible students. And those in Rank-4 were all fine men who were mentored by him, so it was only natural he would want the best for them.
However, it seemed like Chen Yunxi had misunderstood him. “Grandfather, I’m only Rank-3 and I can’t beat them. I’ll wait till I’m Rank-4 before leading a team against them.” She replied dryly.
“Crack!”
Chen Yaoting crushed the iron fence that his hand was on!
‘I was referring to information interchanging, not competing!’ his mind roared.
Why would she only think of competing against SCMAU? Was she even his granddaughter?
Fang Ping seemed to have misunderstood as well. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities, Yun Xi. Stay on after you graduate, and you’ll be able to keep leading teams against SCMAU.” He said with a smile.
“Can I really stay on?” Cheng Yunxi asked happily.
“Yes, of course. Train hard and reach Rank-4 quickly, then graduate when you have the capabilities of a Rank-5. You wouldn’t need to worry about being considered weak among the instructors.” Fang Ping replied.
“Then will you be staying on as well?”
“Of course, it won’t be a surprise when I take over MCMAU after I graduate. When that time comes, I believe MCMAU will be powerful beyond imagination!”
“Me too!”
“...” Cheng Yaoting’s hand had already crushed the iron fence to pieces. Fang Ping noticed that and swallowed nervously. Unsurprisingly, within 3 years, Chen Yaoting might actually attain the golden body level.
A golden body...Fang Ping did not know how long that would take him, or if he could actually beat this old man.
Forget it. To be honest, it was dangerous to provoke him.
[1] Instructor Tang has a fierce personality, like a lion