Fang Ping defeated SNMAU effortlessly. Powerhouses could see why, but not the common folks.
Everyone only knew that MCMAU Fang Ping was truly powerful!
SNMAU’s Liu Shijie’s ranking was even higher than NSMS’ Xiao Yuming.
Even so, a powerhouse like this did not last more than 30 seconds at Fang Ping’s hands.
Suddenly, Fang Ping had the reputation as the strongest Rank-4 under his belt in no time.
...
Sun City.
Fang Yuan was wild with joy. Her brother was too awesome!
Earlier, she was still worried that Fang Ping would not be a match to others. Who knew that the top hundred list powerhouse was actually so weak, sent sprawling to the ground by her brother in no time at all!
“As expected, 699’s Talent, a near-full Talent, is undoubtedly powerful!”
Fang Yuan was slightly jealous. It was all good talent that made Fang Ping so strong.
He had just enrolled in martial arts university for less than two years, right now these junior and senior year students could not even match up to him. Rumor had it that Auspicious Sun City’s commander could not even be her brother’s match. Having a cultivation speed like this was all thanks to his good Talent.
Thinking of this, Fang Yuan was slightly dejected. ‘I’m only a 160 Talent, too low compared to Fang Ping.’
These days, she had also gone on the Internet to search. No one talked about good or bad talents. Martial arts Talent was an innate thing. However, there was still no concrete quantifiable numerical unit.
Fang Yuan did not mind. What did they know? Those who were not in the field knew nothing about martial arts.
“Sigh, I don’t care anymore. I’ll strive to enhance my Talent a little. Even if I can’t compare to Fang Ping, I can’t fall behind others.”
Fang Yuan heaved a deep sigh. These days, she did not even have the courage to tell others about this, afraid that the Yuan Ping club members would know that their president’s martial arts talent was really bad.
Without thinking further about these things, Fang Yuan continued sending instructions in the group chat. Her brother had won, it was time to create another hype.
It was also time for Yuan Ping Club to turn into Yuan Ping Corporation now.
...
December 16th.
Today, SNMAU versus FMS; CCMAU versus NSMS.
MCMAU had a break today. NMAU versus ESNNU.
Fang Ping skipped all of them straight away!
Liu Shijie had been critically injured by him yesterday. Although it did not injure his internal organs, his chest had been blasted open. He was not even a golden body powerhouse, would he even recover that fast?
If Yao Chengjun could not even take SNMAU out, then he would be a good-for-nothing.
As for CCMAU versus NSMS, there was no need to even mention it.
NMAU versus ESNNU... Fang Ping thought that anyone who watched the match would be an idiot. This was only a matter of five slashes.
...
The top news on the 16th had nothing to do with the three sure-win universities’ victory.
Nor was it about Wang Jinyang actually defeating ESNNU in five slashes.
The biggest news today was, when ESNNU ended the final match after losing to NMAU, Hu Yong was ambushed when he returned to the hotel!
In broad daylight, not long after ESNNU’s instructor left, Hu Yong was ambushed!
A mysterious masked person had blasted Hu Yong’s clothes from top to bottom in the hotel.
According to Hu Yong’s furious statement after the incident, the attacker was very strong and very pervy too, specifically staring at his clothes and launching the attack. The attacker might have harbored malicious intentions!
After the assailant destroyed his clothes, he or she was even prepared to take a picture. Luckily, ESNNU’s instructor came at the right time before the mysterious person left in a hurry. The person moved very fast. For now, it was hard to distinguish whether it was a Rank-4 or Rank-5 martial artist as the attacker’s speed was truly fast.
As for the person’s identity...
That day, there were also Grandmaster powerhouses in the hotel. However, they did not put a stop to it. When ESNNU’s vice-chancellor went to demand answers, the other party did not reveal the identity either. Overall, he just gave a really meaningful look.
Now, ESNNU had no leads as to who would do something like this!
By right, the one who would be seeking revenge was Magic City Women’s University. After all, both parties disagreed and argued with each other last time.
However, there were only female martial artists in MCWU. Also, frankly speaking, if they wanted to take revenge, blasting off Hu Yong’s clothes seemed too lecherous a thing to do.
The Grandmaster in the hotel did not reveal the person’s identity, and Hu Yong did not really sustain any heavy injuries. ESNNU knew that the attacker’s ill-intent was not too great. In the end, they could only stomach the insult as they could not locate the culprit.
...
The news had become the talk of the town.
Luckily, ESNNU’s small group match had ended, and they did not have any competition for now. Hu Yong did not need to show his face in public. Otherwise, it would be greatly embarrassing.
...
In the hotel where MCMAU stayed in.
In the dining hall.
Fang Ping stared at Qin Fengqing for the longest time!
Brilliant!
‘This fellow actually held it in until now. I thought that he really did not take this seriously.’
Extremely fast speed, blasting Hu Yong’s clothes off, doing something as shameful as wearing a mask... Who would it be if not Qin Fengqing?
Qin Fengqing looked as if he did not know anything. Seeing that Fang Ping was staring at him, he frowned. “Why are you looking at me? We’re fighting FMS tomorrow. Are you confident?”
“Oh, Old Qin!”
Fang Ping grinned. “Should I beat around the bush and brag about your contribution for this matter?”
“What?”
“Sigh, we both know each other well, why are you still pretending?”
Qin Fengqing let out a humph. “Stop accusing me. I didn’t do it.”
“Do you think I will believe you?”
“Do whatever you want.”
“I’ll inform ESNNU’s vice-chancellor then...”
“Go on. I’ll let him know later that you are the one who asked me to do it. You abused your power as president and if I didn’t do it, you’ll force me into terminating my studies.”
Fang Ping, “...”
Fang Ping suddenly held him in high regard!
Amazing, he actually knew how to drag others down now!
If Qin Fengqing exposed this matter, ESNNU’s vice-chancellor would believe one hundred percent that Fang Ping was the one who ordered him to do it and nothing else. His reputation was there.
Fang Ping was speechless. He curled his lips and said, “What about Zhou Qiyue...”
“Just mind your own business!” Qin Fengqing humphed and continued, “I’ve sent her a message. I told her it’s better for us to go our separate ways!
“The martial artists of my generation have not suppressed the Catacombs, how can we talk about families!
“I believe she can understand!
“By doing this, not only will I not hurt her, but I can also save a lot of trouble.”
Fang Ping gulped, and asked, “And?”
“And what?”
“And did Zhou Qiyue reply to your message?”
Qin Fengqing pondered for a moment, and said, “She did. But I don’t understand.”
“What did she write?”
“She said that she will never forget it. Say, is she going to cling onto me and not let go?” Qin Fengqing looked like his head hurt. Female martial artists were a nuisance!
Fang Ping was greatly confused as well. After a while, he came to his senses. Did Zhou Qiyue misunderstand something?
Perhaps she thought that Qin Fengqing was talking about the Catacombs, and he was asking her to stop holding a grudge?
Fang Ping let out a hollow laugh, asking no more. If this matter was exposed one day, both of them would beat the crap out of him.
No, he had to take into account Hu Yong too.
Perhaps... even ESNNU’s Grandmaster?
They did not continue with the subject. When Chen Wenlong and the rest came, Fang Ping went back to business. “We’re fighting First Military School tomorrow. I’ll be the starter. Chen Wenlong next, and Zhang Yu third...
“FMS Yao Chengjun will never send easy opponents to me. He will definitely be the starter while Bai Xu will probably be second.
“If I fight Yao Chengjun... Honestly, winning is almost guaranteed, but what matters most is my condition after the fight.
“If I’m injured, I might not continue with the second match because the day after tomorrow, I’ll fight either Wang Jinyang or Li Hansong. If I’m critically injured, it’ll hold things up.”
Chen Wenlong said in a low voice, “Don’t worry, Bai Xu is not my match. As long as you defeat Yao Chengjun, we’ll win for sure. Even if you lose, the fight will definitely take a toll on Yao Chengjun. I have the confidence to take him out too!”
“That’s good.”
Fang Ping nodded. Chen Wenlong pondered for a moment, saying, “If you beat Yao Chengjun, they may choose to breakthrough. Why not... I break through too?”
“You?”
Fang Ping shook his head. “The period you enter the Peak stage is shorter than them. Your honing speed is not as quick as theirs. Your vital organs have not been honed to the limit. After entering Rank-5, your vital organ-honing may hit a roadblock. Wait a little longer. It doesn’t matter even if they breakthrough to Rank-5. Do you think I’m afraid of them?”
Chen Wenlong heard what he said and did not say anymore. If he broke through now, he might have some issues with vital organ-honing at Rank-5.
...
December 17th. The final day of small group competition.
Two competitions in the morning. NSMS versus DNMAU and SCMAU versus SNMAU.
There would not be any highlights in these two competitions. These were teams that could not make it to the next round.
The other two competitions in the afternoon were the real highlights.
MCMAU versus FMS and NMAU versus CCMAU.
...
Not many people turned up for the competition in the morning.
Unsurprisingly, NSMS defeated DNMAU.
On the other hand, SCMAU and SNMAU’s fight turned out to be an impressive affair. Liu Shijie was not a golden body powerhouse. He had yet to recover ever since he was critically injured by Fang Ping. Now, there was no hope for them to qualify for the next round. SNMAU did not allow Liu Shijie to fight with his injuries.
Even under this circumstance, SCMAU fought an impressive match with the other party, up until the last person. Both parties were completely worn out, resulting in the first draw match since the start of the championship.
This made SCMAU wild with joy. None of them expected themselves to gain such an achievement at this stage.
In the afternoon, when Fang Ping led the team into the arena, he bumped into Chen Yaoting. He persistently leaned toward him, putting on an expression as if to say that he had made contributions too, wishing that Chen Yaoting would say something along the lines of no longer wanting the heart essence.
He, Fang Ping, was not someone who would owe money and not pay back. Owing Chen Yaoting half a heart essence had been constantly poking the back of his head.
Chen Yaoting ignored him straightaway, treating him like he did not exist.
Fang Ping’s side was not too fruitful. Over at Qin Fengqing’s side, Hu Yong covered his head and face to watch the match. He spotted Qin Fengqing coincidentally. After staring at him for some time, he kept having a hunch that he looked somewhat familiar.
Of course he recognized Qin Fengqing.
However, this familiarity was something different...
After hesitating for a moment, Hu Yong came up to him and said under his breath, “Qin Fengqing, I heard that the speed of your Stepping Techniques is extremely fast. In your fight with FMS this time, what sequence did Fang Ping arrange you at?”
Qin Fengqing darted him a look. He shook his head and said, “My speed is only average. Fang Ping’s the fast one. Also, don’t come and get information from our side. Fang Ping always found you really annoying. If he hears this, he will definitely use this opportunity to give you a hard time.”
“Fang Ping finds me annoying?”
Hu Yong looked completely surprised. ‘I did not do anything to him, though.’
“Didn’t your team fight with MCWU last time? After that, your team put the blame on Fang Ping. That pissed Fang Ping off a lot and he has been wanting to give you some trouble...”
Hu Yong’s expression stiffened. He laughed drily, “He won’t go that far, right?”
“Won’t go that far?” Qin Fengqing scoffed. “Then you must not know him well enough. He’s a very vengeful person.”
“Cough, cough. Oh, right, Fang Ping didn’t come and watch the competition yesterday?”
“Yup. He said that he wants to prepare for the match with FMS. He was in the hotel all the time.”
“Oh, Fang Ping’s really serious about it.” Hu Yong nodded his head, acting like he was not implying anything. “I’ve also heard that Fang Ping’s really fast. I heard that he has escaped from the hands of a Rank-6 a long time ago?”
“Not only that, he has even escaped from the hands of Rank-8 Jiao...”
Saying that, Qin Fengqing looked vigilant. “What’s up, are you FMS’ spy?”
Hu Yong laughed bitterly. “What are you saying? ESNNU and FMS have nothing to do with this. Forget it. I won’t ask anymore. That’s enough.”
Hu Yong did not stay any longer. Before he left, he darted a look at Fang Ping at the platform.
Excellent!
Fang Ping did not watch the competition yesterday and was nowhere to be seen the entire day!
Extremely fast speed!
A vengeful person!
Quite... narrow-minded too.
He had confirmed the alibi and motive.
The Grandmaster at the hotel refused to expose the person who had hit him no matter what. Knowing that it was Fang Ping now, everything fell into place.
Fang Ping was MCMAU’s genius, or perhaps, Sino Nation’s highly powerful genius.
If such a petty thing had been exposed, and if Fang Ping was truly revengeful, then the Grandmaster would also be stressed out. It made sense why he did not expose his identity.
“Fang Ping!”
Hu Yong gritted his teeth. ‘Just you wait. It doesn’t matter whether I’m your match or not. I still have my instructor. Later, I’ll ask my instructor to look for an opportunity to blast all your clothes off and make you run away naked!’
...
“Ah-choo!”
Fang Ping sneezed. He rubbed his nose, looking at Yao Chengjun a distance away and sneered, “Are you cursing me inside? You really think I don’t know?”
Yao Chengjun’s complexion turned dark!
‘Yes, I am cursing you. That dog nose of yours works really well!’
At this moment, Qin Fengqing walked toward him whilst swaying from side to side, yawning and darting Fang Ping a look. He executed a perfect plan in making him a scapegoat. If Fang Ping wanted to use this incident to threaten him next time, fine. It was clear who Hu Yong would believe.
‘You, Fang Ping, have a worse reputation than me.’
If Fang Ping tried to make him a scapegoat, he would accept it and pretend like he was falsely accused. For the interest of ESNNU and MCMAU, he would become Fang Ping’s scapegoat. After all, Fang Ping was the president. He would not do such a thing. So, only he, Qin Fengqing, could take the blame now!
Tsk, tsk. Noble and righteous. Ability to think about the bigger picture. Even if he was bashed up by ESNNU, the university might even have to compensate him with a bunch of benefits!
Qin Fengqing was quite pleased inside. The only thing that gave him a slight headache was that the lioness seemed like she was really about to cling onto him now. That was a little troublesome.
At this moment, none of them realized that they had made each other a scapegoat.
Fang Ping did not pay any attention to Qin Fengqing. He swept across the area not far away. Wang Jinyang and Li Hansong were both here.
“I’m itching to say, come together, all three of you!”
Fang Ping said faintly. Right now, he was still slightly lacking.
Because he was currently picking up on his cultivation progress. However, when he had achieved Rank-5, everyone would be at the same rank. The time where everyone achieved Rank-5 would be more or less the same. Could they possibly be faster than him in cultivating Combat Techniques?
At that time, Fang Ping would really not hesitate to say, ‘Come together, all three of you’.
“It’s a pity.”
It was a pity that MCMAU must claim victory. At least a difference of 5 billion. Not one year, but every year.
Something significant like this must never be treated as a joke.
Yao Chengjun pretended like he did not hear him. Everyone wished to become the most powerful in the present era, not just Fang Ping alone.
Once again, he took a look at the saber Fang Ping was carrying. From the start of the competition until now, Fang Ping had not used it.
Was he putting on a show, or was he really strong?
...
Meanwhile.
A few Grandmaster powerhouses were also discussing it.
“Fang Ping is imitating Li Changsheng?” a CCMAU Grandmaster asked.
Huang Jing chuckled. “Imitating a form. Li Changsheng’s sword is not something that anyone can learn.”
“That’s true...” The CCMAU Grandmaster said, then pondered and added, “Nanjiang’s Catacombs is about to open. The energy waves are getting more and more intense. Is Li Changsheng about to go there?”
“Yes.” The smile on Huang Jing’s face was vanishing. He responded but said no more.
At the scene, the Grandmasters became quiet.
After a while, a CCMAU Grandmaster said, “In those days, the few of us were bullied by him so terribly. Picking a fight for no reason at all. Striking a Rank-6 when he was a Rank-5. As soon as his Longevity Sword was out, he would become insufferably arrogant.
“Today, he has turned into a good-for-nothing. He has been suppressed by me a few times last time. Must be cursing me inside.
“It’s fine, though. He can scold all he wants. It won’t hurt. I’m still waiting for him to get his revenge.
“Right now, if he goes when Nanjiang’s Catacombs opens, can he still get his revenge?”
Huang Jing remained silent.
CCMAU Grandmaster chuckled. “It may be better if he dies. At least he has lived through his sexagenarian years. He’s just unsatisfied inside, calling me weak when I fight with a same-rank. This old good-for-nothing can’t make it to Rank-7 all his life. I’m rather interested to see if he will still call me a weakling if he achieves Rank-7!”
Huang Jing explained softly, “He doesn’t have that chance. Fang Ping might deal with you when he achieves Rank-7.”
“Isn’t Fang Ping Lu Fengrou’s student?”
“He’s also considered Li Changsheng’s half-student.”
CCMAU Grandmaster nodded slightly. No wonder. Longevity Sword’s method of nourishing the sword would not be passed on to just about anyone so easily.
“I’m very much looking forward to it then.”
The CCMAU’s Grandmaster laughed. Suddenly, he turned slightly despondent, saying, “All my life, I didn’t manage to defeat that old bastard. Li Hansong is considered my half-student. Say, if Li Hansong wins, does that mean that I’m stronger than the old good-for-nothing?”
Everyone kept their mouth shut. Huang Jing murmured, “You can’t do it, neither can your student... Swordsman Changsheng... One sword shatters longevity... I pity this brother of mine.”
The atmosphere turned gloomy.
Today, these guys of their generation stood high above the masses, honored as Grandmasters, their reputation renowned throughout the world.
How many people still remembered that unruly and unrestrained Longevity Sword who had made a clean sweep over everyone in his generation?
...
Unruly and unrestrained?
Old Man Li rubbed his unkempt hair, yawning and walking out of the courtyard.
“Hey, One-arm, where’s everyone at school? Why are there so few of them?”
In the garden, the one-armed old man chuckled, “The championship is about to reach the finals. Everyone went to watch the competition.”
“How’s our team doing?”
“Not too bad. Two days ago, Fang Ping defeated SNMAU Liu Shijie. Quite easily too.”
Old Man Li broke into a grin. “This kid can do it!”
After saying that, Old Man Li turned his head back to take a look, chuckling. “When he comes back later, ask him to tidy up my place.”
The one-armed old man took a good look at him. After a moment, he asked under his breath, “Must you go?”
“None of your godd*mn business!”
Old Man Li was extremely blunt. Then, he said pleasantly, “This time, I’m going to be very famous. Hey, broken arm, just wait for my good news. Swordsman Changsheng shatters longevity. What kind of nonsense longevity would that be if I’m not a Rank-8!”
After saying those words, Old Man Li guffawed, employed the Flight Step and left.
...
CCMAU.
The competition was about to begin.
Fang Ping groped the saber on his waist, turning his head to the south and looked.
After a while, Fang Ping was all smiles again. He twisted his neck to take a look at Qin Fengqing, saying, “You really have to lend your saber to me this time. Or else, there’s no way I can go on fighting like this.”
Qin Fengqing thought for a moment, shouting all of a sudden. “10 million!”
After he yelled those words, everyone turned their gaze toward him.
Fang Ping was indifferent, smiling. “Sure.”
Qin Fengqing took a look at Zhang Yu and the rest, saying, “You heard him. 10 million every time he borrows it. He said it himself!”
Fang Ping chuckled. “Everyone bear witness. I’m a person who cares most about my reputation. I won’t go back on my word.”
Only then did Qin Fengqing handed his saber over to Fang Ping. Fang Ping took the saber, weighing it in his hands, saying pleasantly, “Not bad. You owe me 40 million, 10 million will be deducted this time.”
“What?”
“What? Trying to act dumb? Many people heard it that day in the Catacombs. You can ask Instructor Bai and the rest. Who wouldn’t know? Are you trying to go back on your promise? I intentionally give you an opportunity to exempt 10 million, so don’t be so unappreciative of a person’s kindness. Return the 40 million as soon as you can. Otherwise, I’ll be collecting interest for real now!”
Dissatisfaction was written all over Fang Ping’s face. Ignoring him, he strode into the arena.
Offstage, Qin Fengqing’s expression was completely dark. ‘Brilliant. Do you really think that I can’t remember anything? I owe you a few million at most. Where did the 40 million come from? Do you really think that I’ve lost my memory from practicing martial arts to threaten me like this?’