Chapter 361: Entering The Catacombs

　　Auspicious Peace.

　　Along with the gushing of energy tide, Auspicious Peace’s weather changed drastically from the stir. The clapping of thunder went on and on.

　　…

　　In the temporary camp.

　　Fang Ping held his phone, chuckling. “I’m doing a mini-mission outside, earning big bucks. If you can’t find me during these few days, you’re not allowed to snivel!”

　　“Who’s the one sniveling!”

　　On the other end of the phone, Fang Yuan would rather die than to admit it. ‘You’re the one sniveling!’

　　“What about that time? I remember someone sniveled? You even wanted to come and look for me in Magic City. If I didn’t make a call, that someone was so close to hopping on a train.”

　　“I did not!”

　　Fang Yuan’s voice of her flying into a rage out of humiliation was heard. After a while, she asked, “How long are you leaving this time?”

　　“I don’t know. It’s quite far. Whatever it is, I’ll give you a call when I return.”

　　As he said that, Fang Ping added, “Alright, cultivate properly these few days. Strive to attain twice honed soon.”

　　“I know. So naggy.” After saying that, Fang Yuan continued, “You be careful then. Stay safe. If you encounter one that is stronger than you, remember to run…”

　　“Do I even need you to teach me this?” Fang Ping burst out laughing. “You too. Cultivate your Stepping Techniques properly.”

　　“…”

　　After the siblings’ quick chat, Fang Ping hung up the call.

　　“Are all of you going in as the first wave?”

　　After Fang Ping hung up the phone, he turned his head and asked. At this moment, there were a few people beside him.

　　Qin Fengqing stared at him with a peculiar expression. The Fang siblings were trying to snatch his business!

　　Seeing that Fang Ping was staring at him while curling up the corner of his lips, Qin Fengqing cleared his throat, looking slightly pissed as he shot a glance at Wang Jinyang. He said agitatedly, “I didn’t invite this fellow, I have no idea how he came here.”

　　Wang Jinyang turned a deaf ear, grinning. “It’s the same whether you enter earlier or later. Previously, I was still thinking of going in as the second wave. I heard that you prepare to go in as the first wave, then let’s just go in together.”

　　Li Hansong chuckled too. “I’m fine with it. What Qin Fengqing says does make sense. The second wave to go in has to mainly defend the stronghold. I’ve thought about it. Having a few more of us defending the stronghold isn’t going to be any help.”

　　Qin Fengqing said hurriedly, “Yes, this is the reason why. There isn’t much difference whether we are there guarding the stronghold or not.

　　“But, it will be different if we throw the Catacombs rear into chaos!

　　“Even by just luring a high rank away, that’s still better than guarding the spot!

　　“Let’s do a big one this time. Raid their lair, lure more than ten high ranks away… Tsk, tsk. We’ll become the heroes of mankind!”

　　As he said that, Qin Fengqing looked enthusiastic, and said, “Our abilities are not weak either. With the few of us working together, others may not even pay us too much attention. Getting mixed up among a bunch of Grandmasters, we’re much safer instead. If the heavens fall, the tall ones will hold it up first…”

　　Fang Ping shot Qin Fengqing a look. ‘You do have pretty good swindling techniques.’

　　After mulling it over for a moment, Fang Ping nodded, and said, “That’s true. As the first wave to enter, we have much more freedom.

　　“The powerhouses on the other end will watch out for our powerhouses. No one might pay any attention to underlings like us.”

　　“So, we’ll go in as the first wave then?” Wang Jinyang asked.

　　“Alright, it’s fine with me.”

　　Fang Ping was exceptionally easy to persuade. After saying that, he grinned. “Just the three of us then. Forget about Qin Fengqing. His ability is too weak and only knows how to run. It’s a nuisance to bring him along.”

　　“Alright.”

　　“Okay.”

　　Qin Fengqing was dumbfounded. ‘What is going on? Are they pushing me away just like that?’

　　“I don’t agree!”

　　Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘Do you think it’s easy for me to look for some meat shields?

　　‘Right now, my meat shields are actually about to fly solo!’

　　Fang Ping curled up the corner of his lips, and said, “Tell us then, what’s in for us if we bring you along? At least the three of us can still fight when we encounter Rank-5 or even Rank-6. What about you?”

　　“I can do it too!”

　　As he said that, Qin Fengqing quickly added, “My, Qin Fengqing’s saber, has already been cultivated up to the point of killing a Rank-6 with a slash!”

　　Everyone put on a look of contempt. ‘Why don’t you go ahead and swindle the ghost.’

　　After a few rounds of jokes, Fang Ping continued, “The passageway stabilizes too quickly. I’m sure everyone has prepared what needs to be prepared. If there’s nothing else, let’s go to the passageway.”

　　All of them were very straightforward. In no time, they walked toward the passageway together.

　　…

　　“Are you guys going in too?”

　　Wu Chuan’s eyebrows were knitted together. ‘Who are these kids to joke around!’

　　Fang Ping chuckled. “Guardian Wu, we’re martial artists, Rank-4 and 5 martial artists. We’re not kids. If all of us work together, we’re no weaker than a typical Rank-6.

　　“We have our own determination and martial arts aspirations too. It’s the same whether we go into the Catacombs earlier or later.”

　　“This is no child’s play!”

　　Wu Chuan frowned, saying, “We have not a single idea how the ability of the enemy on the other end will turn out to be! If their power on the other end turns out to be overwhelming, we can’t protect you…”

　　“Don’t!”

　　Fang Ping smiled. “Please don’t protect us. A martial artist’s death is fated. We won’t be a hindrance to any of you!

　　“And please don’t start thinking that we should be protected just because we’re prodigy martial artists.

　　“There’s no such thing. A dead martial artist is not valuable. Geniuses are too numerous to count. If we die, that just means that we’re not lucky enough to live that long.

　　“We can’t ask Grandmasters to protect us every time we enter the Catacombs, can we?

　　“If we don’t enter the Catacombs, then what’s the use of having martial artists like us?

　　“Of course, there’s a limit to our abilities. After entering the Catacombs, we might flee the battlefield the first thing itself. We hope Brother Wu won’t blame us for becoming deserters…”

　　Wu Chuan could not make up his mind.

　　At this moment, NMAU’s vice-chancellor and the rest walked over to them in a group.

　　Taking a look at Wang Jinyang, NMAU’s vice-chancellor sighed softly. “It’s fine. Come together then.”

　　Liu Polu nodded slightly as well, it’s considered to have allowed two of them from MCMAU to tag along.

　　Over at CCMAU, Fu Guosheng pondered for a moment and also nodded his head.

　　Barring tying them up, it was impossible to stop these prodigy martial artists if they insisted on entering.

　　If that was the case, what Fang Ping said made sense too. Taking advantage of the time while they were keeping the powerhouses occupied, these guys might gain something big or chance upon opportunities after breaking away from the battlefield.

　　All of them agreed. Wu Chuan could not say anything else, sighing softly. “Just exercise extreme caution!”

　　“Don’t worry.”

　　Fang Ping laughed. He did not leave after that, but gathered on one side with Wang Jinyang and the rest, and began to wait.

　　…

　　Rumble!

　　Thunderous rumbles sounded again and again.

　　Once again, the heart of the vortex unleashed a wave of tidal energy.

　　“The last wave now!”

　　Someone raved in a low voice. Nearly stabilizing now. It meant that they could enter after it was stabilized.

　　At this moment near the passageway, many powerhouses gathered.

　　Among them, a few youths particularly stood out.

　　In the sky, thunder rumbled while lightning crashed. On one side, the energy particles were bursting out in tides. These guys, however… were playing cards!

　　“Explode!”

　　Fang Ping turned his card over, then tossed all the cards in his hands, chuckling. “My apologies, I won again. Qin Fengqing owes me 80 million; Li Hansong, you owe me 20 million; Brother Wang, that’s 10 million from you too.”

　　Wang Jinyang was nonchalant, saying, “The 10 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you.”

　　Li Hansong said hurriedly as well, “The 20 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you too.”

　　The look on Fang Ping’s face changed again and again!

　　What kind of joke was this!

　　Would I even get the money back from this pauper, Qin Fengqing?

　　He was just about to object when Wang Jinyang chuckled. “You’ve also deducted once earlier.”

　　Fang Ping clammed up instantly. He looked at Qin Fengqing who was still at a loss, hissing over gritted teeth, “110 million now!”

　　Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘I’ve lost so badly that I can’t even afford to wear a pair of trousers now!’

　　“You cheated!”

　　Qin Fengqing looked completely outraged, pointing at Fang Ping furiously and said, “You must have used your Mentality to peek on my cards!”

　　“Get lost, is that even necessary?”

　　“Then why do I keep losing!”

　　“How do I know? Are you blaming me for your rotten luck?”

　　“…”

　　They were causing a lot of ruckuses, attracting the attention of many.

　　…

　　A few elderly were laughing uncontrollably too. The younger generation today was much stronger than their generation instead.

　　Their bravery and easygoing spirits alone had surpassed many martial artists.

　　Old Man Li shot Fang Ping a look, feeling slightly helpless. This kid insisted on going in. Going in as the first wave was not something easy.

　　Unfortunately, Fang Ping and the rest had made the decision. Wu Chuan also agreed to it. It might not be any use for him to say anything else.

　　…

　　“Fang Ping!”

　　When Fang Ping was still debating with Qin Fengqing over the issue that he did not cheat, someone’s yelling was heard coming from beside them.

　　Fang Ping turned his head to take a look, frowning slightly. He stood up and walked over.

　　“Fang Ping, are you really going down?”

　　Chen Yunxi looked worried. She had just been informed that Fang Ping was going into the Catacombs as the first wave.

　　Initially, he was set to enter as the second wave, all of a sudden, it became the first wave.

　　Whereas the first wave to enter was the wave that had the highest fatality rate every time the Catacombs opened.

　　Fang Ping nodded his head, and said, “It’s the same whether I enter earlier or later. Does it make any difference? Now, if there’s nothing else, you can go back first…”

　　“Fang Ping…”

　　Chen Yunxi called to stop him, fishing out a bottle of pills from her pocket, shoving it into Fang Ping’s hands, and whispered, “You take this then.”

　　Chen Yunxi did not advise him or anything like that. Martial artists, especially those in the same rank as Fang Ping, had long weighed the pros and cons.

　　Since he had made up his mind to go, there was no use in advising.

　　The only thing she could do right now was to prepare extra Lifeline Pills for Fang Ping.

　　“I don’t need it.”

　　Fang Ping handed the pills back to her, frowning. “I have my own. Alright now, don’t you worry about me. Just worry about yourself.”

　　“But…”

　　“There are no buts. I’m leaving now. I still have things to do.”

　　Having said that, Fang Ping returned to where he was earlier and continued playing cards with the guys.

　　Chen Yunxi was about to say something but held herself back. She paced around for a bit, but was embarrassed to go up and interrupt.

　　The rest turned a deaf ear, as if they did not see her. Even talkative Qin Fengqing did not say anything.

　　If he mocked her now and she took it seriously, would he not only be compromising the interests of others and himself if Fang Ping really died in the Catacombs?

　　Chen Yunxi saw that and for a moment, she was struggling inside. In the end, she could only step back and leave.

　　As soon as she had left, Qin Fengqing mocked. “Tsk, tsk, Fang Ping. Since when have you stopped taking benefits that are delivered to your doorstep? Give it to me if you don’t want it. I’m lacking in pills.”

　　“Why don’t you return me my 110 million first before you say anything else!”

　　Fang Ping humphed. “I warn you, if you don’t pay my money back, I’ll hack you when we come out of the Catacombs!”

　　“I’ll pay back, definitely pay you back!”

　　Qin Fengqing made a promise straightforwardly. There was no deadline anyway. It would depend on his mood when he wanted to return it.

　　Who would remember their debts after leaving the gambling table.

　　Seeing his attitude that was not even remotely sincere, Fang Ping gritted his teeth. This time it was real money. If Qin Fengqing had the guts to not repay it, he would be so dead!

　　Gambling debts were money too. In just a short time, he won 80 million. In the end, Qin Fengqing this bastard was the only one who lost!

　　As they were chatting and laughing about, someone hissed all of a sudden, “It has stabilized!”

　　The next moment, Fang Ping and the rest could also sense it distinctly. The vortex no longer spat out energy and was beginning to gradually still.

　　“First wave members gather!”

　　At the same time, Wu Chuan yelled. The first wave members started gathering one after another.

　　Fang Ping and the rest tossed their cards aside, walking over with quick steps.

　　…

　　The first wave powerhouses to enter were 7 Grandmasters, 18 Rank-6s, and 4 of them who were Fang Ping’s squad.

　　Nanjiang itself had 5 Grandmasters in total. This time, 3 of them turned up!

　　Governor-General Zhang Dingnan, NMAU Vice-chancellor Chen Jinzhong, and Upright Sun Martial Arts Dojo Director Zhou Zhengyang.

　　A few others, Zhou Chuan Rank-9, Military Department Zhou Dingguo Rank-8, MCMAU Liu Polu Rank-7, plus a Rank-7 deputy minister from the Detective Department.

　　Fang Ping took a look and did not look further.

　　It came as no surprise for Liu Polu to become one of the candidates to appear in the first wave.

　　Liu Polu and Zhang Dingnan had a personal friendship. Long before MCMAU had clarified their stand, Liu Polu had represented himself as an individual to offer Nanjiang assistance. This had nothing to do with MCMAU’s standing.

　　Wu Chuan took a good look at each and every one of them, asking in a deep voice, “Everyone, do you have anything else to say?”

　　Zhang Dingnan chuckled. “I’ve said what I needed to say a long time ago.”

　　“Cut the crap. It’s only entering the Catacombs, isn’t it? Saying it like none of us has entered before. Let’s go.”

　　“Not a moment to lose. The passageway has stabilized, we should depart now!”

　　“…”

　　The elderly were calm and unhurried, speaking one after another, making fun, and cursing at the same time. It was as if they were only going on a field trip.

　　Fang Ping even saw an old man who was standing beside Old Man Li, tugging at Old Man Li’s new long hair extensions. It was like he was about to pull a few strands off, enraging Old Man Li greatly.

　　The atmosphere was not too solemn. They were making fun and cursing each other from their hearts instead of faking it out.

　　Wu Chuan chuckled, looking at Fang Ping and the rest, saying once again, “You guys, you can still back out now. After entering the passageway, you’re not allowed to leave anymore!”

　　Fang Ping laughed. “Guardian Wu, if you’re a martial artist then stop being so garrulous. Let’s go.”

　　Wu Chuan said no more, announcing in a deep voice, “Let’s go!”

　　At the next moment, 25 of them employed the Flight Step one after another, levitating and landing on the passageway underneath.

　　When they walked to the side of the vortex, Zhang Dingnan suddenly bent down, grabbed a handful of soil, and held it against his chest.

　　Old Man Li who was standing beside him chided, “Bad luck, idiot!”

　　Why did he grab the d*mn soil? The chances of dying would be very high after grabbing it.

　　Zhang Dingnan was not angered. He chuckled. “I’m worried that I can’t even smell any familiar scent anymore after I die.”

　　Everyone burst out laughing.

　　Fang Ping and the rest exchanged glances. Qin Fengqing mumbled, “The atmosphere isn’t good. Aren’t we supposed to seize other people’s territory valiantly and spiritedly? Why so sentimental!”

　　As soon as he said those words, Wu Chuan laughed suddenly. “I like what you said! We’re going to seize other people’s territory! This is the kind of attitude that the young generation should have. We are there to seize other people’s goods, not to be attacked!”

　　Yes, we’re there to snatch their territory, their resources, their women…”

　　“Forget about the women. The Catacombs women are too vicious!”

　　“That’s true. We’ll kill the women then!”

　　“Hahaha…”

　　A bunch of elderly men and women said it like they were only joking. Earlier, the hint of sadness when Zhang Dingnan grabbed the soil had suddenly dissipated.

　　Going through life and death, what was so difficult to fathom about that?

　　“Let’s get going then!”

　　As soon as the words left his lips, Wu Chuan took a step into the vortex, disappearing instantly.

　　The rest followed behind in succession as well.

　　There were still many people on top of the vortex at this moment, though none of them made a sound, seeing them off silently.

　　It was unsure when, but Chen Yunxi who left earlier had returned again. Seeing that Fang Ping was about to leave, she screamed all of a sudden, “Fang Ping, come back alive!”

　　Fang Ping did not even turn his head around. Waving his hand, he marched into the vortex, vanishing on the spot very quickly.

　　All of them had vanished on the spot. The crowd near the deep pit was still silent like a sculpture.

　　This time, how many of them would return?