Fang Ping still managed to rub off a little bit of the imperishable substance.
Unfortunately, there was not much—only very little!
At this moment, Fang Ping’s bones were covered with a layer of blood, which made his appearance even stranger.
As for Wang Jinyang, his injuries had healed a lot as well.
The large hole in his chest was more than half-mended already, but that was as far as it went. The imperishable substance quickly disappeared without a trace.
It appeared, then vanished into thin air as if it had never been there.
Fang Ping observed closely but failed to discover the source of this imperishable substance.
Off to one side, Wu Chuan was frowning. After a while, he said in a low voice, “Sealed within the Sanjiao Gate! Interesting!”
The Sanjiao Gate existed on the fringes between the virtual world and reality.
It could be said to exist, but in reality, it did not.
One might say it was non-existent, but in fact, many secrets lay hidden within the Sanjiao Gate, such as energy and Vitality. Anyone who had reached Peak Rank-6 could sense that large amounts of energy and Vitality were sealed within the Sanjiao Gate.
Was the Sanjiao Gate something that the human body inherently possessed, or was it stockpiled from years of cultivation?
At present, there was no way to verify any of this.
As a Rank-9, Wu Chuan naturally possessed the imperishable substance as well. However, his imperishable substance was not saved within his Sanjiao Gate but hidden within his body instead.
Wang Jingyang did not carry this substance within his body.
Wu Chuan glanced at Fang Ping; Fang Ping...seemed to know something.
Right now, Wu Chuan had actually guessed a few things.
What kinds of people possessed imperishable substances?
Those who were Rank-8 and above!
Imperishable...Imperishable... This term was not newly coined; it had existed since ancient times.
There were also legends about it, so Wu Chuan naturally made a good number of associations.
Wu Chuan was not the only one who fell silent; the others did so as well.
Although this battle had only been between middle-ranked martial artists, too much had been revealed.
Soon, Wang Jinyang opened his eyes and looked at his half-healed injuries. He said nothing, merely looked thoughtful. He subsequently pushed away Fang Ping, who was still holding him. In fact, he had heard this fellow’s shouts earlier as well.
After pushing Fang Ping away, Wang Jinyang watched him for a moment, and suddenly said, “Where’s yours?”
“Huh?”
“Where did your imperishable substance go?”
Fang Ping was speechless; where would he get this substance from!
Old Wang had obviously misunderstood!
However, as soon as Wang Jinyang spoke, one by one everyone else turned to look at him. Wu Chuan’s complexion changed briefly, and he snorted.
A certain someone might possess such substances also!
In the end, he did not use his own but rubbed them off others instead. Did he not feel embarrassed?
This substance was extremely precious.
If Fang Ping had known things would turn out this way, he should not have wasted it earlier. Although he did not consume much, there was no hope of restoring it without three to five months of cultivation.
Fang Ping felt a bit depressed. ‘If I say I don’t have it, would any of you believe me?’
Very well—he felt that these people probably would not believe him.
Fang Ping did not tie himself into knots over this matter. He was just preparing to speak when soft footsteps sounded from above the pothole.
Wu Chuan had discerned the footsteps from early on. He paid no great attention to them, remarking off-handedly, “One Rank-3 and two aspiring martial artists, probably people from nearby...”
Fang Ping frowned, however. Without a word, he assumed the Flight Stance and flew out of the pothole.
After seeing this, the others also wanted to leave. The next moment, Fang Ping abruptly flew back and briefly fumbled with the nearby corpse. Suddenly, he frowned deeply and started swearing for whatever reason.
After a few rounds of curses, Fang Ping glanced at the rest and asked, “Grandmasters, may I borrow a shirt?”
The Grandmasters looked at each other. ‘The only clothes we have are the ones we have on now; if we lend you that, what are we going to wear?’
“The people above are my family members. I would scare them if I went out looking like this.”
Upon hearing this, Commander Bai, who was off to one side, took off his military jacket after some thought. He wore slightly more clothing than the others, as it was.
Fang Ping took the jacket and promptly thanked him. He quickly put it on to cover his terrifying arms.
After glancing at his legs, where a large piece of flesh had been split, Fang Ping looked toward the Grandmasters again.
The group was speechless. ‘Removing our upper garments is fine, but now you want us to take our pants off for you to wear. Do you want us to meet other people bare-legged?’
Fang Ping glanced at Wu Chuan with a dry smile. “Senior Wu, your martial arts costume looks pretty good... Might I borrow it to cover myself?”
Wu Chuan was reluctant, but still removed his martial arts costume after some consideration.
Fang Ping hurriedly took the garment and wrapped it around his legs. With a sigh, he lamented, “If I remain like this from now on, it will really be impossible for me to go out in public. Hopefully, the government will be able to give me some Energy Essence to heal my flesh.
“The people from the two major companies have gone too far this time!”
“What did you say?”
Wu Chuan’s expression changed instantly.
The expressions of the other Grandmasters changed as well.
Fang Ping replied distantly, “Guess—it’s just a guess. However...the probability of this involving individuals from the two major companies is quite high. Of course, this is just personal speculation. I’ll confront people from the two major companies sooner or later!
“If it’s proven that they are indeed the instigators, even if everyone opposes it, I will definitely have my revenge!
These people have gone into a frenzy, trying to kill me!”
Wang Jinyang stood on the sidelines without a word, his eyes twinkling.
Fang Ping perhaps had other intentions by purposely saying that people from the two major companies were responsible.
The two major companies could plead innocence and others would likely find it hard to believe that they had done this.
However, when he thought about what had happened earlier when the deceased person revealed the name of the other powerhouse... Wang Jinyang sighed quietly in his heart. This time, if there was proof of their involvement, the two major companies might be out of luck.
Fang Ping might not have anything planned for now, but after thinking back to a series of Fang Ping’s actions at MCMAU, some incidents certainly would bear discussion.
Wang Jinyang did not say anything. Wu Chuan’s expression was difficult to read; he said in a low voice, “Fang Ping, don’t simply say things. Although you were attacked this time and you’re one of the injured parties, it’s better to watch what you say as things haven’t been investigated yet!”
This was definitely not a small matter!
If news of this was leaked, there would be massive trouble.
The two major companies were involved in too many things. If word got out that they had disregarded the lives of ordinary people and attempted to assassinated martial arts prodigies from MCMAU and NMAU, it could result in a revolt of all the martial arts universities.
In all 99 martial arts universities, Grandmasters and powerhouses were a dime a dozen.
In addition to a large number of powerhouses from the army, government, and business world, many other people had graduated from martial arts universities.
Even if all of them had graduated for years, they might not necessarily consider the viewpoint of martial arts universities.
However, matters like directly assassinating martial artist prodigies and their families definitely would not be tolerated.
If everyone did this, society would have been in chaos long ago.
No matter how strong, unless one were truly isolated, not all one’s relatives and friends would be powerhouses.
Apart from martial artists from evil sects, no martial artists of influence would dare to lay hands on another martial artist’s family.
It was still alright if the truth was not discovered. Once things had been uncovered, however, no matter who it was, even a Rank-9 powerhouse would not be able to carry a responsibility like this.
However, if investigations continued full force, very few people would be able to conceal the truth.
If the two major companies had really done this, then they were incredibly stupid. If things finally erupted, countless heads might roll!
From Wu Chuan’s perspective, if Fang Ping was hunted underground in the Catacombs by humans, then the two major companies were likely candidates.
Above ground, that was definitely the work of an evil sect!
Fang Ping said lightly, “Senior Wu, you can’t be so full of words. If I was not sure of myself, how would I dare to say these things? Of course, I will continue investigating this issue. I’ll elaborate further when the MCMAU Grandmasters arrive!”
Wu Chuan’s brows furrowed. Fang Ping... appeared very confident.
Besides, the MCMAU Grandmasters were coming as well; who else would be arriving?
Wu Chuan had graduated from MCMAU as well, but if this incident was confirmed to be fact, how should he handle the situation?
The other Grandmasters’ expressions were also frighteningly solemn.
This was no longer just an episode of middle-ranked combat.
This was also no longer Fang Ping’s concern; if the whole business was handled carelessly, large-scale infighting could erupt!
Fang Ping saw this and laughed. “Of course, please rest assured, Grandmasters. Without conclusive evidence, I won’t simply open my mouth so as not to cause any adverse effects.
“Esteemed Grandmasters, if any of you are familiar with people from the two major companies, it’s better to inform them to come to Nanjiang as soon as possible.
“If they can give a clear explanation in private, that would be ideal.
“If they fail to explain themselves, I don’t believe there’s anywhere on earth that won’t judge my case for me!
“Everyone else would do the same unless I am silenced and killed right now. If not, who else will fight for humans otherwise?”
Having said that, Fang Ping raised his arms and gave a cold smile. “I haven’t entered the Catacombs often, but I dare say that I, Fang Ping, have not let anyone down! I’ve bled for mankind more than a few times!
“Only a few people from the middle-ranks can top me in terms of contribution.
“Previously in Magic City Catacombs, when Monster Sunflower City came to attack, I was the one who brought intelligence back.
“In Nanjiang Catacombs, I was also the one who held back a Rank-9, reversing the situation!
“Now that someone inside wants to move in on me and involve my family, if I don’t die, we’ll wait and see!”
“Fang Ping!”
Wu Chuan was just about to speak when Fang Ping interrupted, “Senior Wu... No, Guardian Wu! This issue has nothing to do with the House of Guardians or the Military Department. Besides, there’s no specific confirmation yet at the moment. Let’s not talk about this for now. I’ll ask for justice once I’ve found out the truth!”
Wu Chuan did not speak again. His expression was extremely weighty, and he did not know what to think.
It was the same for the others, who had solemn looks on their faces.
This issue would certainly be investigated; it was no small matter. Besides, now that a lot of noise had been made, and MCMAU had numerous Grandmasters, this issue would not subside unless an explanation was provided.
Fang Ping did not go on, but instead assumed the Flight Stance and flew upwards.
Wu Chuan glanced at Wang Jinyang and asked in a low voice, “Why does he think that this was done by the two major companies?”
Wang Jinyang shook his head. “I’m not sure.”
“What do you think?”
Wang Jinyang said in a low voice, “Speaking from an overall, rational standpoint, I sincerely hope it’s martial artists from an evil sect and not people from the two major companies.
“However... there’s no harm in thoroughly investigating some things.
“Whether it’s a yes or a no, let there be a clear explanation.
“Otherwise, if it’s left unanswered, then the entire future will be affected!
“If people are given the impression that the two major companies persecute heroes—esteemed Grandmasters, I am sure all of you can foresee what will happen as a result.
“This has already crossed the bottom line!
“People like us defy death in the Catacombs. We don’t give in to fear and we don’t run from battle. Why do we do this?
“For an undeserved reputation not worth mentioning to outsiders?
“How many martial artists would care about such a thing?”
Wu Chuan took a deep breath and said promptly, “Fine, this issue will definitely be investigated thoroughly. Whether it’s a yes or a no, there will be an explanation! I will report directly to the central government. The South House of Guardians will also appear personally, including the Military Department, the Education Ministry, and the Detective Department. There will be no favoritism!
“If it’s really true, even if the consequences are serious, we must completely clear everything up!”
Wu Chuan spoke extremely solemnly!
This was no laughing matter; it was far too serious for that.
Wang Jinyang did not say much either. There were some things that one might think were impossible, but were not necessarily untrue.
Fang Ping seemed as if he wanted to use this to fish for some benefits, but among those present now, who could guarantee whether they belonged to an evil sect or the two major companies?
...
On the surface.
Bai Jinshan and a few others carefully searched around, but nobody called out.
Nobody knew who might appear if they shouted at this time.
However, Bai Jinshan underestimated the abilities of middle and high-ranked powerhouses. If there were truly enemies present, the few of them would have been found regardless of how careful they were.
Fang Ping rose into the air and landed in front of them in an instant.
Bai Jinshan was instantly on the alert and assumed an attack stance. Fang Ping laughed. “It’s me!”
“Fang Ping!”
“Big brother!”
“Ping Ping!”
Fang Yuan rushed in front of Fang Ping, then hugged him and burst into tears. She sobbed, “Big brother, are you alright?”
“I’m fine.” Fang Ping laughed while slipping his hands back into his sleeves. He patted his younger sister’s back and chuckled. “Silly, at a time like this you still dare to follow me? If I didn’t kill those enemies, the impact from the residual waves could have killed all of you.
“Next time don’t do anything silly again, how could something possibly happen to me?
“Those people were just a few Rank-6 martial artists and there was only one person who was at Peak Rank-6.
“I’ve fought Rank-7 to Rank-9 martial artists before, why would something insignificant like this bother me?
“If it wasn’t because I was afraid of harming Sun City citizens, I would have burst out with a major move long ago and killed those buffoons!”
Fang Yuan and Fang Mingrong did not think too much about Fang Ping’s remark. Both of them were weeping from happiness at seeing Fang Ping being able to talk and laugh; they could care less about anything else.
However, Bai Jinshan’s expression changed. So it was indeed a Peak Rank-6!
Not only that, but he had also been killed by Fang Ping!
“President...President Fang, you killed the enemy?”
Bai Jinshan could not call out his name directly at the moment. With infinite shock, he asked the question softly.
Peak Rank-6!
Two years ago, Nanjiang governor Zhang Dingnan was a Peak Rank-6 martial artist.
Fang Ping was not even a martial artist yet two years ago.
Fang Ping smiled faintly. “Of course, otherwise how would I still be able to chat with you? They were just a bunch of buffoons. After this, I will definitely not have mercy on these fellows. I won’t stop until their blood flows like a river!”
As he spoke, the others flew upwards as well.
Bai Jinshan immediately greeted each of them. As the commander of Sun City, there was still some information that he paid great attention to.
He recognized Commander Bai from Nanjiang and a few others among the group. Of course, it was hard to tell whether the others recognized him or not.
Bai Jinshan felt much more relieved when he saw so many powerhouses present.
He had been extremely worried during the powerhouse war earlier, but now that so many Grandmasters were around, he could finally relax a little.
Lastly, Bai Jinshan glanced at Wang Jinyang and his pupils contracted slightly.
Although Wang Jinyang’s injuries were in much better condition now, the wounds on his body would be difficult to heal.
Bai Jinshan saw that Wang Jinyang’s chest still bore marks of piercing injuries, where the other side of the wound could still be seen. On one hand, he was shocked at the brutality of the fight; on the other hand, he was also shocked by the group’s strong resilience.
With injuries like this, he would have been dead long ago if he had been in their place, much less act like nothing was wrong.
Wu Chuan saw Fang Ping still was talking with his family, and said in a low voice, “Fang Ping, come to the House of Commanders later, let’s talk.”
“We’ll talk when the others from MCMAU arrive!”
Fang Ping directly rejected the request; he would not talk now. It would not do to hold this discussion without strength in numbers.
Wu Chuan’s brows furrowed at this, but he said nothing further. He took a deep breath and said, “Alright, we’ll wait for you at the House of Commanders!”
After saying this, Wu Chuan grabbed Bai Jinshan and immediately took to the air.
Without delay, the other Grandmasters followed him one after the other.
One of the Grandmasters was even hoisting the beheaded middle-aged corpse with him. Since everyone had arrived, this issue must be investigated thoroughly.
At present, five Grandmasters and one High Grandmaster had gathered in little Sun City.
More powerhouses would arrive soon. At this time, they no longer had to worry about Fang Ping’s safety. If someone decided to take action against him now in this location, even a Rank-9 would have found it hard to escape.
Fang Ping noticed that Fang Yuan was still holding onto him after everyone left, and laughed. “Okay, everything is fine now, you and Dad can go back and have your Chinese New Year’s Eve family dinner... I have to deal with this matter in a bit.”
“Big brother...”
Fang Yuan’s face was smeared with snot and tears. She pressed against Fang Ping’s body for a moment and asked worriedly, “Are you badly hurt?”
She had seen Wang Jinyang’s injuries earlier—they were very serious. Even his chest had been pierced through, how could his injuries not be serious?
As for Fang Ping... At present, the flesh on his face was almost healed, but some gaping wounds were still present. They looked exceptionally hideous.
Fang Ping smiled. “It’s no big deal, just a small injury. Don’t be fooled by Brother Wang’s scary wounds, they are actually minor injuries. Isn’t that correct, Brother Wang?”
Beside them, Wang Jinyang nodded with a grim smile. They were minor injuries.
The injuries were so minor that without the use of the imperishable substance, there was an 80 to 90 percent chance that he would have to rest on a sickbed for a year or two.
Even though his injuries had healed considerably, his Bone Marrow Force was exhausted, which made it hard for him to stand upright as well. Fang Ping could still call this a minor injury—that fellow was really something else.
Since Fang Ping’s family was present, however, Wang Jinyang did not refute his words, merely agreed with him.
Fang Mingrong looked at his son and stared at the boy’s hands. At the moment, they remained hidden within Fang Ping’s sleeves. Although he could not see anything, Fang Mingrong’s expression was still heavy.
His son could still fool his daughter but Fang Mingrong could see through the lie. The arms in both Fang Ping’s sleeves appeared a bit empty.
His son’s injuries were very likely not as simple as he made them out to be.
However, there was no use mentioning it now as it would only make his wife and daughter worry further.
Fang Mingrong was worried too, but his expression revealed nothing. He pulled his daughter aside and said, “Don’t bother your big brother, let’s go home first.”
As he said this, he pulled Fang Yuan along with him and walked down the mountain with her.
Fang Ping did not assume the flight stance again. In reality, he was truly on his last legs right now. It was too hard for himself and Wang Jinyang to fly back; it was better for them to walk down the mountain and return by car.
Watching Fang Ping’s father and younger sister ahead of them, Wang Jinyang said softly, “The two major companies...”
Fang Ping smiled and said lightly, “Let’s check it out, and use it as a deterrent as well. If there’s any trouble in the future, we’ll throw this matter at them just as a precaution. After this battle, they won’t have the guts to fight again even if they want a rematch. News of the collaboration between MCMAU and Nanjiang hasn’t been made public yet. Once the word is out, do you think the two major companies will just sit and watch?”
After saying this, Fang Ping grinned. “Alright, let’s not talk about this for now. When people from MCMAU arrive, we’ll go to the House of Commanders together.
“This time no matter what, it’s an incontestable fact that I was attacked.
“Not only that, I almost died!”
Fang Ping’s expression suddenly became somber. He said coldly, “I’ve not suffered such a big loss before—not just me but you as well. If it wasn’t for the rejuvenating properties of the imperishable substance, your injuries might be very difficult to heal.”
“The imperishable substance...”
Wang Jinyang murmured. Fang Ping beamed, “Powerhouses have recovered since ancient times; actually it’s the same with me too. Brother Wang, do you still remember that I established the Imperial Court in ancient times, and you were my first general?”
Wang Jinyang’s expression changed, and he said in a low voice, “Imperial Court?”
“You’ve forgotten? Looks like your memory hasn’t come back yet,” Fang Ping said with a smile, “Never mind, that will come sooner or later. You were my first general in Heaven, Iron Head Li was my general-in-chief for the North punitive expedition, while Yao Chengjun was my general-in-chief for the South punitive expedition. Back then, the Imperial Court had 108 generals and war on all sides, we triumphed in every battle and won every fight...
“Unfortunately, during the final battle with the Catacombs Restricted Area powerhouses, both sides lost heavily and countless people fell from Heaven.
“Now, everyone is starting to revive. It’s fine if you haven’t recovered your memory yet, just don’t forget the glory of my Imperial Court!
“Sooner or later, you will all return one by one, and I will definitely lead everyone into the Catacombs to battle once more...”
Wang Jinyang’s expression kept shifting, and he looked doubtful.
Fang Ping sighed gently. “Don’t think too much. I myself as the Celestial Emperor... I feel guilty for letting you all fall from Heaven, and now all your memories have been lost. Even if you recover your memory, it’s fine to not acknowledge me. To be honest, I don’t want to be the Emperor anymore.”
“Fang Ping... You... You...”
Wang Jinyang suddenly had a piercing headache. M*therf*cker, was this fellow speaking the truth?
He really could not tell right now
However, Wang Jinyang’s recovery earlier using the imperishable substance had helped him confirm that he was different from normal humans. This was not something that could be explained by a simple anomaly.
Fang Ping did not look surprised though; he looked as if he already knew these things.