When everyone had left, Fang Ping looked at his statistics.
Wealth: 17 billion (Converted)
Vitality: 5100cal (5999cal)
Mentality: 820Hz (899Hz)
Bones Honed: 177 pieces (100%), 29 pieces (90%)
Storage Space: 4 cubic meters (+)
Energy Shield: 10 thousand Wealth/min
“My strength has increased...”
Fang Ping mumbled. He was not bothered that he had used up a billion of his Wealth points. Earlier, in order to restore his body, he had been releasing Vitality nonstop, like it was normal.
The point was that once he had forged his semi-golden body, his strength had really skyrocketed.
His Vitality was nearing 6000cal, and his Mentality was close to 900cal or so!
What was this?
Mentality aside, a normal Peak-Rank 5 had the Vitality Force of 4000cal while a Rank-6 powerhouse—a newly promoted Rank-6 who had not yet sealed their Sanjiao Gate—their upper limit was about 5000cal.
Later on, their upper limit would increase for every sealed Gate.
Even when all three Gates were sealed, in the initial Peak Rank stages, they would not necessarily achieve ten thousand cal Vitality. Only a Peak-Rank 6 powerhouse could achieve ten thousand cal Vitality.
The potency of Fang Ping’s Vitality right now was comparable to that of a Rank-6 Middle-stage martial artist
; what more his Mentality, which was about to reach 1000cal!
“To reach Rank-6, one must first open the Sanjiao Gate and let it manifest.”
If Fang Ping wanted to reach Rank-6, he would have to find the Sanjiao Gate.
In fact, the shadow of a Sanjiao Gate had previously appeared on top of his head.
However, that was merely a shadow; Fang Ping could not feel the presence of the Sanjiao Gate at all.
A Rank-6 powerhouse would use trial and error to sense for the existence of the Sanjiao Gate through mastery of their own body—whereby they would draw from the power within it to cause it to manifest and then seal it.
Once it manifested, one would be a Rank-6.
Fang Ping had yet to master his own powers—he currently had very little control over himself. It was hard to find the Sanjiao Gate so he could pin the location down.
That meant he still had a long way to go before reaching Rank-6.
‘Cultivating Combat Techniques could help me familiarize myself with my powers and strengthen my control over myself.’
Fang Ping had made up his mind that this would be his next major cultivation mission.
‘Once I’m familiar with my body and have mastered all my powers, I don’t think I’d be any weaker than a Peak Rank-6!’ Fang Ping thought to himself as he continued walking.
Along the way, Fang Ping encountered some students from MCMAU. This year, many had not gone home.
These students were stunned when they saw Fang Ping.
What was President Fang up to this time?
Why had he shaved his head bald?
However...his scalp actually looked quite shiny—they really wanted to feel it and see. Quite a few of the female students had longing looks on their faces; they stared at him until Fang Ping was tempted to hammer some of them to death
...
Fang Ping did not linger in school for very long; he went straight home after that.
His parents had now moved here, so for the next few days he had prepared to go back home to stay.
Bay Gardens.
Villa No. 6.
When Fang Ping returned, his parents were still unpacking. They just moved in; there were still a lot of things that needed to be done.
Meanwhile, Fang Yuan was sitting rather drearily in the courtyard staring at nothing in particular—she genuinely felt quite bored.
She was new here and unfamiliar with the area—she had no idea what to do.
Her friends in the Yuan Ping Club were not around. The huge villa was so quiet that Fang Yuan felt somewhat lonely.
Bored, Fang Yuan took a small wooden stick and poked it around the lawn—it looked as if she was trying to poke through some ant nests.
However, this boredom suddenly dissipated as Fang Ping stepped into the courtyard.
“Brother, why are you wearing a hat?”
Fang Yuan then circled her brother for a look. Suddenly she asked, “Where are your eyebrows?”
Fang Ping could not be bothered to pay attention to her and strode into the house.
Fang Yuan followed him, eager to try and take off his hat. Fang Ping stopped all of a sudden. He turned around to look at his sister and said, “I’m going to find you a school tomorrow. It’s a high school under MCMAU. Once you’re there, remember to study hard—no more messing around with clubs and whatnots.
Oh yes...”
As Fang Ping continued, he scratched his chin and said, “I recall someone’s children and relatives are also studying in this high school.”
Fang Ping laughed. “Do hit someone for me when you’re free.”
He seemed to recall that Old Man Li had a niece or some relative who was also in that school.
Old Man Li bullied him, so he was going to ask Fang Yuan to beat his niece up!
Fang Ping then proceeded to pay no more attention to Fang Yuan, who was still staring at the back of his head. This silly girl was so weak, yet she wanted to try and take off his hat. She could dream on!
...
In the next two days, Fang Ping continued to adapt to his body.
The others in MCMAU had also been cultivating furiously.
February 22nd. The remaining pills and weapons from the two major companies were delivered.
MCMAU Southern Area.
Fang Ping walked into the heavily guarded general warehouse for the first time.
Fang Ping was a little shocked when the alloy gates opened.
In the huge alloy warehouse, the first thing he saw when he walked in was none other than the boxes of high-purity level energy stones at the very front!
There were at least ten boxes!
Each box weighed probably no less than 200 catties, perhaps even more.
Fang Ping turned his head to look at Huang Jing and exclaimed, “MCMAU still has so many energy stones?”
Huang Jing smiled lightly and said, “Why shouldn’t we? It’s been 60 years since the school was founded...no, 61 years. We’ve been scrimping and saving all these years. Don’t tell me we wouldn’t have at least some in storage?”
“What about those energy stones I gave to the school a while back? You kept those too?”
Huang Jing chuckled. “It’s not like you need them. Didn’t we tell you to put it on the tab?”
Fang Ping felt depressed. He said nothing more but continued looking at other areas of the warehouse.
The warehouse was partitioned.
The area where the energy stones were kept was not the entirety of the warehouse.
Other than these 2000-over catties of energy stones, Fang Ping also saw countless bottles of pills.
“The most common pill in MCMAU is the Normal Vitality Pill. Currently, there’s a total of ninety-six thousand pills kept in here.”
Huang Jing was not the one who said this; it was a Rank-6 instructor guarding the warehouse. He was an Upper-stage Rank-6 powerhouse.
Before this, the warehouse had been guarded by Liu Polu.
“That many? The market price would be close to ten billion!” Fang Ping exclaimed in astonishment.
Huang Jing laughed at Fang Ping’s comment and said, “The cost price isn’t that high. We’re not sure what it costs the pill company to create the pills. However, using our facilities, manpower, and technology, our cost price is about thirty thousand, give or take.”
“That’s a lot of money, I’d say at least three billion.”
It seemed like nothing when calculated in this manner; MCMAU could still afford three billion.
However, close to one hundred thousand Normal Vitality Pills—that was still a shocking number for most people when they heard it.
“Rank-1 Vitality Pills, thirty thousand pieces.
“Rank-2 Vitality Pills, ten thousand pieces.
“Rank-3 Vitality Pills, three thousand pieces.
“Rank-1 Bone-honing Pills, twenty thousand pieces. Rank-2 Bone-honing Pills, ten thousand pieces...”
Vitality Pills and Bone-honing Pills of various ranks were counted in tens of thousands!
According to the market price, that was a total of more than one hundred billion!
These were just the low-ranked pills still. If one included the middle-ranked pills, the market price would exceed two hundred billion.
If those piles of metal raw materials, finished weapons, and energy stones were added to the mix—if they really were to be sold at market price, MCMAU’s sixty-one years’ worth of inventory would cost at least five hundred billion!
Fang Ping was absolutely stunned!
Was MCMAU really that well off?
Alright, even if they did not use the market price and calculated according to just one-third of the cost price, they would already have amassed more than one hundred and fifty billion!
Fang Ping was shocked beyond belief. Huang Jing, however, sighed and lamented, “This is sixty years’ worth of savings. A lot of instructors had no family or relatives before they entered the Catacombs, so they donated their lifetime savings to MCMAU.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day; running a school is a long-term operation.
“Before Teacher died, he was worried that someday the situation would worsen, and there would be no way to obtain any more materials. That’s why he kept on accumulating all these things and storing them up.
“This was to make sure that when the situation did get worse, we could still continue teaching.
“This time, including what’s been given by the two major companies, the cost price has exceeded 350 billion—which means the market price should have reached as much as trillions of yuan!
“MCMAU...should probably start to use these resources now.”
Fang Ping suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of stress. Mouth dry, he said, “Vice-chancellor, if all this is used up... if there’s no more incoming supply in the future, I don’t think I can bear this burden on these small shoulders of mine.”
If they finished sixty years’ worth of savings, and no more resources were incoming, MCMAU’s moment of glory would be over in a few years.
Huang Jing chuckled and said, “We’re already at this point now. Do we really still have a future?”
He then said with utmost seriousness, “If you hadn’t noticed over the last few days, something has happened in the Catacombs! The six cities joined forces and launched a full-scale attack in the Capital City Catacombs! A Rank-9 war broke out; more than ten Rank-9s from both parties participated!
“There were almost 100 other Rank-7 and Rank-8 martial artists from both parties!
“Although the war was short-lived, both parties suffered losses. A lot of people from our side were seriously injured...some even died!”
Huang Jing’s face clouded over as he continued, “In the end, Minister Zhang attacked. It’s not clear what exactly happened, but Minister Zhang went all the way to the depths of the Catacombs. There was some commotion. Afterward, Minister Zhang returned, wounded, and declared a truce.”
Fang Ping’s brows furrowed as he asked, “Have the Rank-9 paragons started the war?”
“Yes.”
Huang Jing took a deep breath and said gravely, “The Capital City Catacombs is one of mankind’s Catacombs with the strongest defenses; it’s been peaceful for many years. That’s why it took everyone by surprise when war broke out all of a sudden.
“Although the major departments in the Education Ministry told us that everything had been taken care of afterward, everyone is currently rather uneasy.
“This is the Capital City Catacombs we’re talking about. It may be able to withstand joint attacks from the six cities, but what about the other Catacombs?
“As for Magic City, once war breaks out with the allied six cities, we can only ask Capital City for help. Right now the Rank-9s guarding Magic City are down to three people, both within and without.
“As for Rank-9 paragons... I’m not sure if there are any in Magic City.”
Capital City still had a few Rank-9 paragon powerhouses above ground.
Commander Li, Minister Zhang, and the rest were established Rank-9 paragons. They were all in Capital City, so they could guard the city.
Magic City, however, did not have anyone similar.
If an extensive war like that broke out, it would be difficult to resolve without the help of major powerhouses.
Fang Ping took a deep breath and nodded. “MCMAU certainly can’t wait any longer. Vice-chancellor, let’s make these available as supplies!
“We should let everyone strengthen themselves as much as possible before the war; at least it’ll increase their chances of survival.”
“Yes, this is what I’m thinking as well,” Huang Jing agreed.
Fang Ping then added, “Of course it won’t be free. We should fight for the welfare of MCMAU and not let others take advantage of us in the end—even if our goal is the same.
“Loans and employment agreements are all necessary for this.”
Huang Jing could not help laughing. “If we did that, their hearts might not remain with MCMAU.”
“I don’t care about that.”
Fang Ping shook his head and said, “Based on the current situation, a full-scale war could break out in three to five years. By then, these people would have grown so much. I do hope they won’t join the Military Department or any other departments.
“I don’t expect all of them to stay, but half of them will suffice.
“Besides, even if a full-scale war did happen, I don’t think we will collapse immediately. We might even be able to fight for quite a while yet.
“MCMAU would also have to take care of Magic City. If everyone left and all thirteen cities of Magic City attacked, do we really think we could get them all to come back?”
Huang Jing smiled and said nothing; Fang Ping could think as he pleased.
Fang Ping continued to take a look around the warehouse. The supplies from the two major companies were also starting to be brought in.
Looking at these pills and weapons, as well as the energy stones, Fang Ping felt a little jealous.
If these things were given to him, he might be able to increase his Wealth points by trillions!
Even if it did not quite reach that, the lowest figure would be no less than five hundred billion.
The system should be available for another upgrade when he had one hundred billion. Too bad this was all MCMAU’s accumulated wealth, not his.
The more Fang Ping looked at something not his, the more irritated he felt.
He gave the place just a cursory glance and quickly exited the warehouse, asking in a low voice, “Has Vice-chancellor Liu recovered from his injuries?”
Huang Jing nodded slightly but said carefully, “There are still some fairly serious cracks on his skull. It won’t cause much impact for now, but things will get difficult if he wants to level up to Rank-8.”
He then glanced at Fang Ping and sighed softly. “The school was actually preparing to buy Old Liu some Life Essence to help him recover, but he declined the offer. Old Liu feels he has no hope of achieving Rank-8 so there’s no need to waste these resources.”
Liu Polu had been a Rank-7 for many years; he was a contemporary of the old Vice-chancellor.
He had not managed to level up to Rank-8 even now, and he no longer put too much stock into being able to do so.
Now that he had injured his skull, it would be much harder to get to Rank-8.
Fang Ping said gravely, “Let’s find an opportunity and see how it goes. Old Liu would probably reject the Life Essence if we bought it, but if we seized it ourselves, then that would be a different story.
“Vice-chancellor, how’s my Instructor?”
“She’s still in closed door training. This time she’s been at it for so long, she’s probably not far from Rank-7.”
“What about Instructor Tang?”
“Of late he’s been in the Pressure Room and hasn’t come out...” Huang Jing pondered then said, “Afterwards, go back to the Pressure room and send some Celestiality through. His cultivation progress will speed up with the dual effects. Let’s see if we can help him to reach Rank-7 in a short time.”
After Tang Feng achieved Mentality-Vitality Fusion, his Mentality had grown by leaps and bounds, but it was still insufficient.
Based on previous situations, Tang Feng would probably be able to breakthrough in three to five years.
However, three to five years was still too long.
“Alright, understood.”
Fang Ping nodded. It was also his intention to get Tang Feng to Rank-7 as soon as possible.
At last, Huang Jing laughed. “Another thing—the Vice-chancellor went out with a few Rank-8 powerhouses earlier. They’ve slaughtered three Rank-7 martial artists and countless low-ranks and middle-ranks. Now that the evil sect has sustained so many losses, I dare them to show up again!”
Wu Kuishan did not invite those Rank-8s just to help Fang Ping heal his injuries.
Old Wu had also invited them over to do some hard work. He had then gathered more than ten Grandmasters and over twenty Rank-7 and Rank-8 powerhouses from the martial arts universities. Their army had swept through the country like a flood over the last two days.
Not only had they carried out campaigns within Sino Nation, but they also raided Siam Nation and a few other countries.
Finally, three Rank-7 evil sect powerhouses revealed their whereabouts and were soon killed.
None of the other evil sect powerhouses dared to show their faces.
Even though there were Rank-9s in the evil sect, they would not dare reveal themselves right now. If they did so, they might be killed as well.
Wu Kuishan and his group had laid down a warning—if the evil sect followers dared to ambush another martial arts university student, he and his team would not stop until they had killed one hundred high-ranks!
If anyone were to encounter any evil sect followers during a mission, both parties would fight at their own risk.
Fang Ping immediately felt considerably more relieved. However, he frowned and asked, “The evil sect lost nearly ten high-ranks recently; do they have that many high-ranks?”
Quite a few high-ranks were killed last time, including a Rank-8 powerhouse.
While clearing out the battlefield in Nanjiang, a few high-ranks were also killed.
Then Zhao Xingwu had killed one.
Now, another three had been killed.
At a quick count, there were already more than ten high-ranks dead.
Huang Jing said quietly, “Remember, evil sect followers and powerhouses don’t exist solely within Sino Nation. There are also powerhouses abroad. Think about it. There are over two thousand publicly known high-ranks all around the world!
“Evil sects are fairly influential. Whether there are more or not, I dare not say, but it should be easy to locate forty to fifty high-ranks all around the world.
“Of course, they’ve also sustained a huge blow to their strength so they won’t be making any moves any time soon.”
Fang Ping was relieved. “I see. I was under the impression that evil sects were specific to Sino Nation.”
Huang Jing laughed lightly. “That’s not true. The scope of these people’s activities is very wide; they can be found everywhere. The reason why everyone thinks they’re specific to Sino Nation is that they’ve been more active in this country lately—it’s probably related to the newly opened Sino Nation Catacombs.”
Fang Ping asked no more questions. After a glance at the time, he took his leave. “Vice-chancellor, I’ll be going back to cultivate then. I’ve gained better control over my body over the last few days; I should be able to wield it to its full potential soon.”
“Don’t be in too much of a hurry, and don’t rush to locate the Sanjiao Gate. What’s important now is for you to control your powers. You can’t always use Celestiality to bombard people. You can still do that now, but it would be inappropriate if you continue that in the high-ranks.”
“Alright, I understand.”
...
Just as Fang Ping was talking to Huang Jing.
MCMAU’s school gate.
Qin Fengqing sashayed through the school gate, carrying a dadao. When the other students set eyes on him, quite a few hastily avoided him.
Qin Fengqing could care less. He simply grabbed a low-rank student and asked, “Where’s Fang Ping?”
“The president is in Southern Area...”
“He got back before me,” Qin Fengqing muttered.
He then asked. “What about Dean Tang and Dean Luo?”
“No sign of Dean Tang. I think Dean Luo went home and hasn’t returned yet...”
Qin Fengqing once again heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness Dean Luo had not yet returned.
Without asking any more questions, Qin Fengqing sashayed his way toward the Southern Area.
As he walked, Qin Fengqing overheard something and instantly turned, going directly up to two students who were conversing with each other. “Did you say Fang Ping’s shaved his head?”
The two students were petrified by this bully Qin Fengqing and hurriedly answered, “President Fang did shave his head...”
“Hahaha!”
Qin Fengqing laughed suddenly and without further ado, sped off to the Southern Area. Fang Ping had actually shaved his head, now that was interesting.
He could finally have a good laugh at Fang Ping this time!
Seeing that Qin Fengqing had dashed off in a flash, the two students looked at each other for a while before one of them broke the silence and muttered, “President Fang seems to hate it when others talk about his baldness. Qin Fengqing going over to see him...he won’t get beaten up, right?”
The other student gulped and hurriedly said, “Let’s leave now. We’ll be in trouble if Qin Fengqing rats us out.”
Both of them wasted no time in any more small talk; they hastily departed.
Qin Fengqing was dead meat.
If that fellow really wanted to run over and poke fun at Fang Ping, he would be beaten to a pulp.