Amidst the clamor, another day passed in the blink of an eye.
December 25th. The fifth day since Fang Ping and the rest entered the Catacombs.
“It has stabilized!”
Wu Chuan let out a throaty roar, waking up the rest with a start.
A hint of sorrow flashed across Zhang Dingnan’s face.
This time, they had secured the passageway. But, two Grandmasters and 16 Rank-6 powerhouses were sacrificed outside the passageway.
After blowing out a mouthful of air gently, Zhang Dingnan turned his attention to Wu Chuan and Zhao Xingwu, giving a profound bow.
Words could not express!
‘This time, I’m leaving everything in your hands!’
Wu Chuan and Zhao Xingwu wore a solemn look as well, not saying much. But, their attitude clearly expressed that they would most certainly secure the passageway.
Fang Ping saw this and chuckled instead. “Seniors, don’t be so sentimental now.
“When we go out later, I think we need to put up a spectacle and celebrate with joy!
“Right now, the ones outside must be worried sick and demoralized. The more we behave like a defeated general, the more blows we’re sending to their morale.
“Everyone is daunted by the Catacombs from the start. But let’s not do this. I think we should praise and boast about all the great things we’ve done as soon as we get out.
“Countless seniors sacrificed their lives here. We can say that the heroes’ blood will not have flowed in vain, though we mustn’t overdo it either...”
The rest could not help but laugh. Did we even need you to teach us?
Despite that, this made Zhang Dingnan less sorrowful. He nodded slightly, saying, “Indeed. We can’t amplify their fears toward the Catacombs. The Catacombs martial artists are not afraid at all!”
Having said that, Zhang Dingnan exhaled and announced, “Let’s go back then!”
“Let’s go!”
The next second, everyone stepped into the vortex one after another.
...
Nanjiang. Outside the passageway.
At this moment, everyone was laden with anxieties.
Since Old Zheng’s return, everyone seemed to be burdened with worries and filled with anxieties.
Certain news could be kept away from normal people but not everyone.
MCMAU was one of the main reinforcements for Nanjiang this time. Luo Yichuan had already received news that Li Changsheng died in battle, Liu Polu critically injured, and Fang Ping went missing.
MCMAU was in deep trouble this time.
If the remaining two died in the Catacombs as well, then this would send a really heavy blow to them.
The news had also traveled all the way back to MCMAU.
Even Tang Feng rushed over at this moment.
Both of them stood outside the Catacombs for two days, none of them left.
Behind them, MCMAU’s students did not utter a word either. Now, everyone knew that things had taken a turn for the worse.
Worse than what they expected!
At this moment in their hearts, none of them were certain as to whether Fang Ping and the rest would return alive.
Amidst the crowd, Chen Yunxi’s face looked pale. For the past five days, she had almost always been here, keeping watch.
“The passageway has stabilized!”
Tang Feng said under his breath. Inside, the Grandmasters were high on alert, surrounding the passageway. Tang Feng and the rest did not go closer nor back up further.
Would anyone come out of it?
“Will Fang Ping... come out?”
With a hoarse voice, Chen Yunxi talked to herself softly.
Beside her, Liu Mengyao consoled her gently. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
At this point, everyone knew what was on Chen Yunxi’s mind.
But now, they could only offer words of consolation.
This time, so many Grandmasters and a handful of Rank-6 went in. When Fang Ping went in, he was only Rank-4.
It was really hard to tell whether he could walk out alive.
...
Just as the Grandmasters were high on alert and the rest laden with worries.
In the alloy building, aura after aura could be felt.
“Victory!”
A loud cry resounded from the alloy building, echoing all over the place.
Upon hearing this familiar voice, many breathed a sigh of relief at once. Fang Ping. Fang Ping had returned!
Outside the crowd, Chen Yunxi was unable to contain her joy. She wanted to leap forward, though she still stopped in her tracks.
Very quickly, the alloy building’s gate swung wide open.
Fang Ping wore a murderous look on his face. A metallic tang filled the air, emanating from the changdao in his hand. Once he stepped out of the alloy building, he shouted, “Victory, the passageway has been secured!
“In this battle, our team has killed one Rank-8, four Rank-7s, and tens of thousands of lower and middle-ranked martial artists!
“They destroyed countless cities and towns, exploded and collapsed the Catacombs Royal City!
“The Catacombs Rank-9 retreated into the city and was not brave enough to come out. We’ve won!”
When Fang Ping’s voice resounded all over the place, a hush fell over the crowd at first, then, in an instant, the crowd burst into cheers around them!
“We’ve won!”
“It’s secured!”
“Mankind will most certainly win!”
“...”
The crowd could not contain their joy. They defended. They had defended the passageway!
Within the circle, the Grandmasters exchanged glances. They could not help but take a look at the ones coming out behind.
Everyone’s expression changed slightly. As expected, Zhang Dingnan and Liu Polu were indeed critically injured.
But, a split second later, everyone looked seemingly at a loss. Was that Li Changsheng?
As for Fang Ping, he had yet to stop. He continued shouting, “In this battle, MCMAU’s School of Weaponry Deputy Dean Li slashed a Rank-8, breaking through Rank-8. Mankind has gained another Grandmaster powerhouse. The joy of Sino Nation, the joy of mankind!”
“Congratulations, Grandmaster!”
The next moment, a sonorous voice was heard. Tears of joy welled up in many people’s eyes. Another Grandmaster for mankind meant another hope!
Another powerhouse broke through!
The crowd did not actually consider things like how Rank-6 achieved Rank-8 all of a sudden.
They did not consider it, but the Grandmasters started staring at each other blankly. This was completely different from what they expected!
At this moment, Li Changsheng’s entire body was sparkling in gold. He soared into the sky and shouted at the top of his lungs, “Fight for mankind, fight for Sino Nation!”
“For Grandmaster!”
An even louder cheer filled the air!
Underneath, Tang Feng and the rest’s jaws dropped!
What was going on?
Did he not die in battle?
A Rank-8 now!
How did he become a Rank-8 suddenly?
This... surprise was a bit too big, no?
...
Outside the alloy building.
The Grandmasters turned their attention to Zhang Dingnan and the rest. What exactly was going on?
Right now, these guys were about to suffocate to death.
Zhang Dingnan nodded slightly and did not say much.
He was in no mood to figure out what Fang Ping this kid was trying to do. At the very least, he needed to give hope to the people of Nanjiang. Right now, the morale of the martial artists around them was boosted. Achieving this goal was all that mattered.
As for the ones who sacrificed, heroes... they would be remembered, though not the right time to mention too much about them here.
If everyone found out that both Grandmasters on their side had died in battle, there might be widespread panic.
They had to let the truth sink in slowly.
At this moment, Old Man Li had also landed, no longer showing off.
Watching so many pairs of eyes focused on him, Old Man Li said mildly, “What are you looking at?”
“You’re... you’re really a Rank-8 now?”
Amidst the crowd, some people found it slightly hard to believe.
Old Man Li smiled but made no reply. ‘I’m a fake. Do you think I can tell you this?
‘I won’t be able to scare you to death anyway!
‘Whether I’m a true or fake, my golden body is right here. Who cares if you believe it or not.’
Though that was what he thought, Old Man Li was still rather impatient inside. I had to achieve Rank-8 as soon as possible. The current sham was not so suitable.
Fang Ping did not interrupt the Grandmasters’ conversation. He walked to one side and joined the MCMAU crowd.
Before Tang Feng and Luo Yichuan could say anything, Chen Yunxi asked in a husky voice, “Fang Ping, are you alright?”
Fang Ping took a look at her and let out a hollow laugh. He cleared his throat and said, “What could’ve happened to me! I nearly blew up a Rank-9 powerhouse in the Catacombs this time. A few Rank-7 and 8 martial artists chased after me, yet I’m still safe and sound.
“If the situation permits, we would’ve brought tens of thousands of catties worth of energy stones back this time.
“It’s a pity that two Rank-9s were hot on my heels at that time, so it was hard to grab more. I’ve only brought this bit of stuff back this time...”
As he said that, Fang Ping tossed his beast hide sack on the ground. The sack opened, revealing massive amounts of energy stones.
Tang Feng, who was about to berate him, zipped his mouth instantly.
What was going on?
It just felt like something was off. You were hunted by two Rank-9s?
Fang Ping did not even glance at the beast hide sack. He smiled and said, “Yunxi, help me hold it first. It is pretty tiring to carry this thing behind my back.
“It’s a pity that I was in such a hurry. Otherwise, I’ve planned to bring more back...”
Silently, Chen Yunxi helped him pick up the beast hide sack, hugging it tightly in her embrace. Beside them, Qin Fengqing’s eyes had never once left the sack. F*ck. You could have asked me to carry it for you!
Seeing that he no longer had a chance, Qin Fengqing stopped staring. He cleared his throat and said, “I’ve also killed a few hundred Rank-5 and 6 martial artists this time. If Guardian Wu did not insist that we leave, I could’ve even flattened the entire Catacombs!”
There were no grounds for both of their boasting, hence the crowd was rather skeptical about it.
Qin Fengqing cut to the chase, seemingly tearing open his sack unintentionally. A Rank-6 medal fell out.
See, I was telling the truth, was I not?
I really killed a Rank-6!
Of course, he would spare the details that this plaything was something that nobody wanted and that he conveniently brought it back.
Whether it was the two Rank-6s whom they all killed together in a joint effort or the Rank-6 who later chased after them and was killed in a counterattack, none of them wanted the medals. So, Qin Fengqing alone collected them.
Everyone’s expression changed again. What exactly did these guys do in the Catacombs?
Whilst walking, Fang Ping chuckled. “Let’s not interrupt the Grandmasters. We’ll go back first. Whatever it is, we’ve killed so many in the Catacombs this time that their blood has turned into a river. I’ve also broken through Rank-5 while we’re at it.
“I blew up an energy mine at the fort nearest to the passageway, blowing up more than ten thousand Catacombs martial artists.
“Honestly, the Catacombs is spared from being turned into a pile of dust only because we’ve come back!”
Everyone was skeptical of his words. Tang Feng could no longer contain himself. He asked, “Stop talking about yourself for a minute. What’s happened to Dean Li?”
Fang Ping chuckled. “It’s actually quite simple. This is what happened that day...”
Fang Ping recounted his heroic undertakings once more. Finally, he said, “It’s a pity that I’m in such a hurry at that time. Otherwise, I may be able to achieve Rank-9 straightaway. There are indeed many valuable things in the Catacombs.”
A hush fell over the rest once more. Chen Yunxi asked softly, “So, you’re not injured, are you?”
“I’m fine. The Rank-7s and 8s couldn’t catch up with me. Both Rank-9s were also turning around in circles because of me. Do you think they can harm me?”
Beside him, Qin Fengqing was about to say something but swallowed the words back in. ‘Forget it. I’ll not expose the truth in which you were chased so badly that you even lost your pants.’
He was the same. He, too, was chased badly himself.
Since they had returned alive now, of course, he must not lose his reputation.
Was he supposed to tell everyone that they actually spent most of their time escaping in the Catacombs?
Not to mention the wretched state they were in for getting chased!
Let these bitter memories dissipate with the wind.
...
Meanwhile.
On the other side, Li Hansong was also giving a debriefing.
Li Hansong sighed. This was impossible to express in words. He said bitterly, “We were constantly being hunted in the Catacombs. I ran for three days and three nights. Instructor, the guys from other martial arts universities are really great at enduring these things...”
He wanted to cry so badly. Now that he had returned, he really needed a listener.
Fu Guosheng was at a loss for words. He took a look at Fang Ping at the rest not far away. Clean clothes, high spirits, talking exuberantly as if they had just returned from a field trip.
Why was their elite student doing so badly?
Li Hansong was a Rank-5!
Amongst the young people, though his ability was not the strongest, Fang Ping and Wang Jinyang were not that much stronger than him, right?
Needless to say that there was another Rank-4 Qin Fengqing.
At this moment, Fu Guosheng felt slightly shameful.
Could you not have made CCMAU proud!
Those were not Li Hansong’s concerns at the moment. He was still pouring his heart out. “Instructor, the university’s lessons need changing. At the very least, the university should teach students how to dig holes quickly, conceal aura, and cover our tracks when we are being chased ...”
Those words came from the bottom of Li Hansong’s heart!
Those skills were truly quite useful.
However, when the words went into Fu Guosheng’s ears, he felt upset the more he heard. He forced out a smile and said, “Let’s talk about this next time. Hansong, did you gain anything this time?”
“When I go back, I must cultivate my Stepping Techniques properly...”
Fu Guosheng spoke no more. He could not help but think that this CCMAU prodigy student must be fuzzy-headed.
Others were boasting and showing off their combat results. What were you doing?
Dig holes?
Learning Stepping Techniques?
Li Hansong was sincere in what he said. This time his experience had been broadened for sure!
In the Catacombs, escaping came first while killing the enemy came second.
Keeping oneself alive was the most crucial thing of all.
CCMAU rarely talked about these things.
If CCMAU students ventured to other Catacombs, they might do slightly worse in terms of their survival abilities compared to other universities.
In Li Hansong’s opinion, this was a big deal. Not an insignificant matter.
As for boasting and showing off. There was nothing to show off at all.
He was hunted for three days, he was much more injured than Qin Fengqing was. Was this even worth bragging about?
Seeing that Li Hansong wanted to continue, Fu Guosheng’s complexion turned dark and ignored him. After a journey into the Catacombs, this CCMAU prodigy had changed tremendously. Even his drive seemed to have diminished considerably.
...
In the temporary military camp.
Fang Ping roughly retold what he went through in the Catacombs. He covered everything great, glorious, and righteous.
He glossed over the details in which he ran and dug holes naked and got chased to the point that he was trapped in a hopeless situation.
He mainly talked about the strong and imposing Rank-9 big willow tree, its rage, and its inability to do anything after he collapsed the fort at later stages.
‘Rivers of Energy Essence’, ‘energy stones everywhere’...
These were also words that Fang Ping was constantly reiterating.
At first, everyone was skeptical. Later, though, everyone believed.
They thought that if Fang Ping had not seen or done it before, he would not be able to describe it so well.
Tang Feng sighed. “I can’t believe that you’ve done so much this time.”
Fang Ping chuckled. “It’s nothing, really. After all that is said and done, my ability is still slightly weak. Otherwise, I would’ve killed the Rank-9 straightaway.
“Honestly, I’ve always wanted to kill that willow tree monster, and bring it back to MCMAU straightaway.
“It’s a pity that I’m only a Rank-5.”
It was only until now did everyone suddenly realize that Fang Ping had achieved Rank-5!
Rank-5!
The expression on the face of Xie Lei and the rest was unreadable. Rank-5 just like that?
You had just achieved Rank-4 not long ago!
A seemingly unintentional sentence had deeply wounded everyone’s hearts.
Tang Feng and Luo Yichuan could feel themselves suffocating. This kid would not be catching up to them already, would he?
Beside them, Chen Yunxi revealed a mixed expression too. She mumbled, “You’re already a Rank-5...”
She was only an Upper-stage Rank-3!
Fang Ping coughed softly. Without looking at her, he continued, “Of course, coming back this time, I will try my best to help everyone, to enhance our abilities together.
“I will open up MCMAU Energy Room to everyone for free as soon as I can.
“These energy stones that I have brought back will also help speed up everyone’s cultivation...”
Everyone’s face lit up instantly. Beside them, Qin Fengqing was about to say something but decided not to. Fang Ping was only saying that he would open up the Energy Room for free, was it necessary for all of you to be so excited?