December 20th.
MCMAU Martial Arts Society downstairs.
Students who were ready to depart gathered one after another.
Qin Fengqing was heaving his newly exchanged changdao, looking slightly downcast. These days, things were not looking up for him. This made Qin Fengqing felt like he had suffered the heaviest blow of his life.
When he saw Fang Ping, Qin Fengqing also looked somewhat dispirited. This was not Fang Ping.
He ignored Fang Ping. Fang Ping walked over to him instead, patting him on the shoulder and grinned. “Brother Qin, are you okay? Still mad about yesterday?”
Qin Fengqing had sensed great malice!
“No, why would I? It ought to be that way. It’s only 1000 credits—that’s nothing!”
Qin Fengqing replied swiftly. ‘Now that you’ve turned into a saint, if I hold any grudge, won’t I become a vile character for real now?’
Fang Ping chuckled, nodding slightly. Then, he said under his breath, “Remember to cooperate with me throughout this journey. Otherwise, I’ll continue to suppress you the remaining half of the year!”
“What?”
Qin Fengqing did not understand what he meant. ‘In what aspect should I be cooperating with you?’
“Stop acting dumb. The others aren’t suitable, but you are. When we arrive at Nanjiang, remember to tell Nanjiang governor and Nanjiang martial artists that I’ve personally subsidized hundreds of millions to Nanjiang this time!
“Don’t make it seem too obvious, make it look natural.
“Also, when you meet the guys from CCMAU, be my advocate and sing praises to me.”
Qin Fengqing’s jaw dropped. ‘You can wait all you want!
‘Was it not enough that you’ve bought MCMAU off? Now you’re even thinking of buying Nanjiang martial artists off? You’re even thinking of CCMAU now?
‘Fang Ping, this bastard, what’s going on in his head exactly?
‘Unifying the martial arts world?
‘Most importantly, how dare you ask me to cooperate with you, putting on that attitude that says no one else is suitable for the job. What’s that supposed to mean?
‘How am I, Qin Fengqing, is supposed to be suitable?’
“I’m not doing it!”
Qin Fengqing refused straightaway. ‘I’m about to graduate. After I graduate, I won’t be scared of you anymore!’
“Not doing it? If you’re not doing it, then return me the Resurrection and Vitality Pills you’ve redeemed yesterday!”
Qin Fengqing was exasperated. “You distributed them yourself. What does that have to do with me? Others have redeemed it, why shouldn’t I!”
“Don’t speak so loud!”
Fang Ping saw others turning their attention toward them and hissed that. Then, with a slighter louder voice, he said, “Brother Qin, that’s not necessary. Everyone has redeemed it. This is not something that I personally own. Nanjiang has also subsidized it. Aren’t you making me look bad if you insist on returning it to me?”
“...”
Qin Fengqing was in complete shock. ‘Is it really appropriate for you to put on a one-man show?’
Zhang Yu who had walked them out was slightly surprised. Then, he quickly said, “Fengqing, just take it. It’s a piece of kindness from Fang Ping. Deducting your 1000 credits yesterday was also the Martial Arts Society’s effort in being just and fair. Don’t hold grudges against Fang Ping...”
Qin Fengqing was not someone who would reject the benefits that he had obtained. Right now, however, he was even giving up on the benefits. It was obvious that he had an aversion toward Fang Ping for real.
All of a sudden, many people came up to him and tried to convince him.
Qin Fengqing saw Fang Ping looking completely innocent, then gritted his teeth after a while, nodded, and said, “Fine!”
When he said fine, it was not the same ‘fine’ that everyone understood it to be. He was telling Fang Ping, you were something, I would give you that. I agreed to your request!
Fang Ping broke out in a grin, and said, “We’re all MCMAU students. Everything we do is for the sake of MCMAU. I’m glad Brother Qin understands this.”
As he was talking, Chen Yunxi came running in a hurry from outside, yelling, “President, the stuff has been exchanged!”
Fang Ping quickly walked over, taking an ordinary-looking changdao from her hands, handing it over to Liang Fenghua, saying, “Brother Liang’s saber has been crushed by me earlier. Previously, mine’s a Yanyuedao, so it’s not suitable for Brother Liang. I asked Chen Yunxi to exchange another one from the logistics department.
“Brother, you’re keeping watch of MCMAU this time. Although the vice-chancellor and instructors are in the university too, the Martial Arts Society needs to function like it’s supposed to. Brother, take this saber. I hope when we return in triumph later, MCMAU will become even better.”
“Fang Ping, this...”
Liang Fenghua found it difficult to accept. Beside him, Qin Fengqing curled his lips. Suddenly, he felt his head hurt. This feeling... It was too familiar!
Mentality!
Qin Fengqing was so mad that his face turned green. After a while, he muttered, “Just take it. C-class saber turning into a B-class one. I can’t get it even if I want it. It’s a waste if you don’t take it. Fang Ping’s using an A-class one anyway.”
Fang Ping turned his head to glare at him. Saying no more, he stuffed the saber into Liang Fenghua’s hands and shouted, “Get on, let’s go!”
“Fang Ping...”
Liang Fenghua still wanted to say something else, but Fang Ping had already got on the bus
The rest of them took a look at Liang Fenghua, looking slightly envious. Then, they could not help but turn to look at Fang Ping—how generous!
In the crowd, only Qin Fengqing was lamenting inside.
It was over!
MCMAU was over!
The MCMAU today was really about to fall into Fang Ping, this despicable person’s hands.
A Rank-4 martial artist... had a d*mn ambition to control MCMAU. Right now, he happened to be achieving it now.
Fang Ping this bastard, if he really became a Grandmaster, MCMAU would really take on the surname Fang.
Not only that, but he was also even planning to buy Nanjiang people off!
Could it be that he was even aiming for the governor and vice-chancellor?
Fang Ping led more than ten martial artists comprised of Upper-stage Rank-3 and above to aid Nanjiang and personally subsidizing several hundreds of millions in funds. He was a d*mn living saint!
Other things aside, suddenly, even the higher-ups in Nanjiang had to thank Fang Ping.
“Sigh!”
A faint sigh was heard.
Everyone in the world was befuddled while I alone was sober. A wise person mingling with a bunch of idiots. It did make me, Qin Fengqing, look like a misfit.
“MCMAU. I can’t stay here!”
Muttering in his heart once more. MCMAU was about to become Fang Ping’s private territory. What was the point of staying here? I would get my ass out of here after graduating, and find my own means of livelihood!
...
Nanjiang.
Auspicious Peace.
Other Grandmaster powerhouses were currently resting and building up strength, waiting to enter the Catacombs anytime.
The Nanjiang governor, though, was unable to lay idle.
At this moment, at the border of Auspicious Peace, Zhang Dingnan personally led his guys to welcome them, great value and appreciation were written all over his face!
Fang Ping, a prodigy who left Nanjiang, had actually brought his team to offer assistance.
He had discussed with Liu Polu many times, yet Liu Polu refused and said that he cared nothing for these things, unable to participate in MCMAU’s decision-making.
Initially, Zhang Dingnan had given up. However, the final result had him surprised and delighted.
MCMAU had offered aid!
Not only MCMAU, but Fang Ping had also convinced CCMAU. This time, both sides had sent altogether 7 Rank-6s, 20 Rank-5s, 35 Rank-4s, and 40 Peak and Upper-stage Rank-3s.
The total number exceeded a hundred people, with more than half of them three middle ranked martial artists!
It might not seem like there were a lot of people, but, a power like this was already extremely formidable, really. Nanjiang itself had gathered less than 300 middle-ranked martial artists this time.
After all, not everyone could leave their duties behind. Nanjiang still had to maintain order as usual. Having 300 middle ranks had already hit a maximum limit.
From the military department, they had also sent three to four hundred people of the three middle three ranks.
The House of Guardians sent more than a hundred people.
Totaling up the amount of aid offered from every other place, there were nearly a thousand three middle ranks in Nanjiang today. After including MCMAU and CCMAU’s reinforcements, it would exceed a thousand people officially.
Having more than 60 three middle ranks was really not considered weak. After all, it was only two martial arts universities. This could already compare to the aid offered by several provinces on the periphery.
While waiting for MCMAU and CCMAU’s guys to arrive, Zhang Dingnan sighed softly. “I can’t believe that he has really brought a team.”
Wang Jinyang who was also waiting nodded slightly, and said, “It’s out of my expectation as well.”
Moreover, both elite universities were indeed beyond powerful.
In NMAU, a Rank-3 could qualify as an instructor. There were about 400 instructors in NMAU. The three middle ranks... about 100 of them.
It was impossible for NMAU to come out in full force. The three middle ranks instructors who came to NMAU this time were only about 50 people. After all, classes were still going on at the university.
In the end, NMAU as the largest in Nanjiang, with the most number of people, and with the strongest ability, was not even mightier than the aid offered by the martial arts universities outside. Undeniably, this was rather pathetic.
The 7 Rank-6 powerhouses alone, there were still two among them who were Peak Rank-6. If Li Changsheng was included, then it would be 8 people. 3 Peak Rank-6s.
A power like this was not something NMAU could offer.
In a big place such as NMAU, there were less than 8 Rank-6 instructors altogether. Actually, there were only 5. A deputy vice-chancellor had just achieved Peak Rank-6. The other four held the position as the dean of their respective schools.
“Elite university...”
Wang Jinyang muttered. There were still many things that needed to be done in NMAU. Right now, NMAU was still far from being considered as being truly worthy of the reputation as an elite university.
However, although the opening of Nanjiang’s Catacombs was a crisis, it was also a good thing for Nanjiang.
As long as they could stand firm in the Catacombs, Nanjiang would have a Catacombs entrance of their own in the future. Only by having a Catacombs entrance, would they be able to nourish more powerhouses. This was also an undeniable fact.
...
More than ten minutes later.
MCMAU’s bus arrived. Two big buses.
As soon as the bus stopped, Fang Ping got off the bus with his team. On the other side, Luo Yichuan got off the bus with his team too.
Fang Ping did not go up to offer greetings. Instead, he turned to look at Luo Yichuan. The dean was present. He should let the dean do it.
Luo Yichuan was instead uninterested, shaking his head slightly.
Suddenly, Fang Ping did it, striding forward quickly, speaking at the top of his lungs while they were still a distance apart, “Governor, you’re too kind. I’m overwhelmed by your flattery and honor. With the Catacombs opening, everyone has the responsibility to fight the enemies at the frontlines...”
In no time, Fang Ping had already made a few polite remarks at Zhang Dingnan. Beside them, Wang Jinyang uttered no word. When compared to these things, he was definitely not as patient as Fang Ping.
On the contrary, Zhang Dingnan did not find Fang Ping hypocritical. All he ever thought was that Fang Ping this kid was indeed quite capable. At MCMAU, Fang Ping was, after all, just a student, yet the right to represent had fallen into Fang Ping’s hands.
Both of them were still making polite exchanges when Qin Fengqing seemed slightly impatient in waiting any longer. He muttered, “It’s not troublesome at all. If it was not because of the 600 million that Fang Ping had forked out, I wouldn’t even want to come...”
Zhang Dingnan could hear and see very well. Hearing this, he raised his eyebrows slightly.
Fang Ping pretended like he did not hear a thing at all, going straight into business. “Governor, has the Catacombs passageway been stabilized?”
“Nearly there. Right now, we can already make our way in, but with much difficulty. We still need to wait for a while, though, stabilizing it a little bit more.”
“...”
Both of them exchanged greetings for a while. Soon, CCMAU’s bus also arrived.
Those who came from CCMAU were slightly fewer compared to MCMAU, though their abilities were not weak.
Fang Ping recognized a few familiar faces. Li Hansong, Han Xu, Ling Yiyi... Also, a few other first-team members who had participated in the championship. However, Qin Ze was not there.
In no time, Fang Ping heard the news. Like Chen Wenlong, Qin Ze was preparing to breakthrough.
Over at CCMAU’s side, however, the Peak Rank-6 powerhouse who led the team was none other than Fu Changding’s grandfather, Fu Guosheng.
Only after everyone offered their greetings did they head toward the Catacombs entrance together.
On the way, Qin Fengqing bragged to the CCMAU guys about how the pills that he had brought did not cost him a cent and were free. As for how they would feel about it, there was no way of finding out.
MCMAU’s Fang Ping was really generous, forking out hundreds of millions to subsidize MCMAU.
From start to finish, Fang Ping did not mention a thing about this either. Midway, he glared at Qin Fengqing, considered to be blunt about this matter.
The 300 million that he spent was worth it.
Too much was as bad as too little. It had reached the extent to which it was just about enough.
Zhang Dingnan had to remember his favor. As for CCMAU, although there was no favor involved, they would get plenty of benefits. At least let everyone know that they would not suffer losses by following Fang Ping.
Opening up an e-commerce platform in CCMAU was a small matter.
Perhaps, under the temptation, their children, relatives, friends, and siblings might just enroll in MCMAU in the coming years.
Among those who came here, the weakest was also an Upper-stage Rank-3 martial artist.
To have young people in families like this proved that their martial arts were not too weak. There might not be a need to make it too obvious to recruit their opponents and undermining their foundation.
In the coming years, the people from CCMAU might realize that their own instructors’ family members had all gone to MCMAU.
...
When they arrived near the Catacombs’ entrance, the instructors went to take a look at the situation at the entrance.
Fang Ping handed over the Martial Arts Society members to Zhang Yuqiang and began to take a leisure stroll all by himself.
After taking a look around the entrance, he saw Liu Polu and a few Grandmasters discussing certain matters in hushed voices. Fang Ping did not go and interrupt. After searching around, he did not find Old Man Li.
He was just about to ask someone when Fang Ping saw a ray of light flashed across the sky!
“Old Man Li!”
Fang Ping yelled. The ray of light paused.
After a while, Old Man Li with his fluttering long hair landed on the ground. He seemed slightly surprised, asking, “You, kid, why are you here?”
“Nanjiang’s Catacombs opening, how can I not come?”
Fang Ping gave him a once-over, looking completely speechless. “This fashion of yours... is completely non-mainstream!”
What sort of fashion was this!
A head full of white hair, hanging over his shoulders, paired with a baggy daopao... Indeed, daopao. Had Old Man Li gone crazy thinking of becoming an immortal?
However, he looked like a fool no matter what!
Old Man Li chuckled. “There’s a divine feel to it, isn’t it? The last two days, many people have been treating me like the gods, worshipping me...”
“What were you doing earlier? Flying leisurely all over the place?”
“Deterring the cult bastards.”
Old Man Li laughed. “Grandmasters don’t have the time to show up, they are also worried that these guys won’t dare to show themselves. I’m only a Rank-6, so I’m trying to see if I can lure a few of them by showing myself...”
Fang Ping asked hurriedly, “How did it go?”
Old Man Li shook his head, saying, “I didn’t find any... I’m worried that these fellows would wait until we enter the Catacombs before showing themselves. Hence, some people are still needed to stay here to keep watch. It’s alright, though. They’re just clowns who perform antics. If they truly perform their petty little tricks, a bunch of Grandmasters will come down on them instantly.”
Fang Ping pondered for a moment. Without continuing with the same subject, he asked, “Are you going in with the first batch?”
Old Man Li was wreathed in smiles. Stretching out his hand and beckoned, pulling the suspended sword into the hand. Whilst walking, he said, “What’s so weird about having martial artists entering the Catacombs?
“Initially, I was thinking that you will come after I went in.
“Since we’ve met, then this old man will say a few words...”
“I don’t want to hear it.”
Impatience was written all over Fang Ping’s face. He frowned. “Why are you joining in? The first batch that enters is either Grandmasters or the old people of the seventies or eighties. You’re only sixty.”
“I’m already sixty...”
Old Man Li chuckled. “I’m not young anymore. My vigor is about to wear off. Kid, do you know? In the last ten years, do you know what I feel most regretful of?”
“Not having a wife?” Fang Ping grinned. “I’ll get you one, how’s that?”
“F*ck off!”
Old Man Li mocked and berated. Then, with a sigh, he said, “The past few years, the thing that I regret the most is not being able to pull out my sword and make the strike!
“Really, in those days, I, Li Changsheng was the greatest tyrant. I could slash anyone I wanted.
“I was hoping that one day, my sword will slash Rank-7, Rank-8, or even Rank-9!
“However, that year, I couldn’t make the strike!
“I can’t even pull the sword out. How ridiculous. If I still don’t make a strike using this sword, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to pull the sword out ever again.”
“Must you do this? Don’t you still have another sword? I’ll find you a few old women, you go ahead and slash them...”
Bang!
Old Man Li sent Fang Ping flying with a kick.
...
Very quickly, Fang Ping came running back, staring at him, saying, “What’s the use of hacking a Rank-7, or even a Rank-8?
“What the f*ck do you know!” Old Man Li humphed. “If everyone thinks like you do, the Catacombs would have long destroyed the earth!”
“That’s other people’s matters...”
“This is a matter of humankind!”
Old Man Li berated, frowning his eyebrows, saying, “Get lost. Don’t act like you know everything. You are not qualified enough to tell me what to do!”
Saying those words, Old Man Li employed the Flight Step, disappearing from the spot immediately.
“Blockhead!”
Fang Ping threw curses around, roaring, “If you die, I won’t allow you to enter the southern area. If anyone has the guts to bury you, I will dig your grave up!”
“Dig it then, no one cares about it!”
Midair, his voice resounded. After echoing for a moment, he was nowhere to be seen.
Fang Ping lifted his head to take a look for a moment, dropping his head and walked forward.
Forget it if you die!