Chapter 337: Only The Bold Can Become Strong

　　December 2nd.

　　8.00 am.

　　The 2nd National Martial Arts University Championship commenced.

　　…

　　CCMAU’s gym.

　　The first match was between Nine States Military School and Tiannan Martial Arts University.

　　…

　　On the stage, the commentator was still introducing the lineup from both sides.

　　Offstage, Liu Dali had his camera trained on Fang Ping. With an obsequious look on his face he asked, “President Fang, can you provide the audience with an analysis of the details of the match between Nine States Military School and Tiannan Martial Arts University?”

　　Fang Ping managed to secure a chair from somewhere and sat alone in a corner of the second floor.

　　Faced with Liu Dali’s inquiries, Fang Ping considered carefully before replying, “Nine States Military School has one upper-stage Rank-4, two Middle-stage martial artists and another two Early-stage martial artists.

　　“Tiannan Martial Arts University, on the other hand, has one Middle-stage Rank-4, one Early-stage martial artist, and three at Peak Rank-3.

　　“Based on a comparison of strength, Nine States Military School is far superior. As for the outcome, in my opinion, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Tiannan Martial Arts University will be defeated.

　　“What we should be concerned with now is how many rounds both sides can last.

　　“Let me start with Tiannan Martial Arts University. Tiannan Martial Arts University will not sacrifice the weak for no reason. The first competitors ought to be one of the Rank-4s.

　　“If President Xuan Jiye fights first and the president from Nine States Military School fights last, he should still be able to defeat at least three people!”

　　Liu Dali was doubtful. “Nine States Military School also has two middle-stage Rank-4s. Is Xuan Jiye that powerful?”

　　“The martial artists of Nine States Military School have no lack of opportunities to sharpen their skills. They’re decisive and have a great deal of combat experience. If this were Tiannan Martial Arts University in its former days, the martial artists from Nine States Military School who are of the same rank would definitely defeat their opponents.

　　“However, times have changed. Tiannan Martial Arts University has undergone several major changes, and Xuan Jiye has been entrusted to take over as the president of the Martial Arts Society at such a critical and difficult period.

　　“I have watched the video of the match between Xuan Jiye and the powerhouse from Northwest Martial Arts University. Xuan Jiye is steady and accurate in his strikes. His high-ranked combat technique has been honed from actual battle experience. Add on his determination to fight until the end, and he can fight opponents stronger than him. Among martial artists of the same rank, very few can match up to him.

　　“As for Nine States Military School, they are after all not First Military School. Their team has not fought yet, but in terms of their momentum and manner, they are certainly not up to par with First Military School.

　　“Even if Xuan Jiye were to face Upper-stage Shen Hongwei, he still has the power to fight.”

　　Liu Dali asked again, “In that case would there be any chance of the weaker Tiannan University defeating the stronger Nine States Military School?”

　　Fang Ping laughed. “How should I put this—I cannot say that there’s no hope at all. In fact, there is still a glimmer of hope.

　　“For example, let’s say Nine States Military School fields Shen Hongwei as the third fighter.

　　“Tiannan Martial Arts University opens the match with Xuan Jiye as the first fighter. If he defeats the first two opponents and manages to drag down Shen Hongwei, then Tiannan University will stand a chance.”

　　Liu Dali said in conjunction with Fang Ping’s comment, “Nine States Military School would have anticipated this possibility, so the probability of Shen Hongwei being fielded as the third fighter is not high …”

　　“That’s right. If I were Nine States Military School, under such circumstances, I would field the strong fighters first and let a Middle-stage hold the fort.”

　　As he spoke, the order of fighters for both sides was announced off-stage.

　　Shen Hongwei would represent Nine States Military School first.

　　Tiannan Martial Arts University would have Xuan Jiye as the first fighter.

　　Fang Ping shook his head at this development. “Tiannan Martial Arts University didn’t win the gamble. If Xuan Jiye were to lose, Tiannan Martial Arts University will not have the chance to win anymore.”

　　Liu Dali heard his comments and said suddenly, “Between Xuan Jiye and Shen Hongwei, who would President Fang have more faith in?”

　　“That will depend on their performance in the match. If Shen Hongwei is not careless, he should win. But after that, he won’t have any more strength to continue fighting.”

　　“If President Fang faces these two …”

　　Fang Ping said calmly, “Let’s put it this way. The Rank-4 martial artists participating in the competition are divided into several levels. Very few are at the level of Yao Chengjun and a few others.

　　“There are only a handful of people at the level that Chen Wenlong and the others are at—the people who are in the top 100 rankings.

　　“Then there are the ordinary Peak Rank-4s. Of course, relatively speaking, these people are all prodigy powerhouses to normal society.

　　“Next, there are the Upper-stage Rank-4s and the strong Middle-stage Rank-4s.

　　“After that come the normal Early and Middle-stage Rank-4 martial artists.

　　“Generally speaking, those within Rank-4 can be divided into five levels.

　　“These two are on the fourth level; they’re not that strong. Their abilities are still very far from the likes of Yao Chengjun and the others… ”

　　Liu Dali was speechless and thought, ‘This was not the question I asked

　　‘What do you want me to ask?

　　‘Do you think that I, Liu Dali, will cooperate with you?’

　　However, seeing Fang Ping’s meaningful glance, Liu Dali still asked with a smile, “Then, according to President Fang’s classifications, is President Fang at the third level then?”

　　Fang Ping chuckled and said, “The third level? If there is an existence of an invincible Rank-4, then I should be able to stand alone at that level.”

　　Liu Dali felt extremely weary, but without changing his expression he continued to smile, “President Fang feels that Yao Chengjun and the others are no match for you?”

　　“If they don’t break through to Rank-5, then there is little hope.”

　　“President Fang is very confident.”

　　“Strong ones are always very confident. In totality, those two people down there are no weaker than the ordinary Peak Rank-4 martial artists in normal society. I’m referring to those whose combat techniques are not intensely good. If they should meet me in battle…”

　　Fang Ping shook his head slightly. “If they can get through one move, then we’ll talk.”

　　“President Fang’s match is in the afternoon. By saying this now, I’m afraid that you will only make more enemies…”

　　“A powerhouse is forged in battle. A martial artist without enemies is not a strong one, and a strong one would not care how many enemies he has.”

　　“…”

　　As the two were engaged in their conversation, the Grandmasters on the other side of the second floor listened and were exasperated.

　　MCMAU’s Fang Ping was definitely not the same as everyone else.

　　Had this brat been cultivating a thick skin?

　　…

　　At the same time.

　　On the Internet, many people were watching the webcast. The live-streaming platform that they were watching from was a new video site.

　　Remote Video Site!

　　Fang Ping was the one shown on-screen.

　　After listening to Fang Ping’s analysis, many people criticized him a great deal. This fellow was very arrogant and reckless!

　　Neither of the two Rank-6 powerhouses on the stage had made any judgments, yet Fang Ping had already come to an early conclusion on who would win or lose.

　　However, the gap between both sides was indeed very wide. The probability of Nine States Military School winning was also extremely high. What everyone was more concerned about now was Fang Ping’s judgment on the strength of the two presidents.

　　Were these two evenly matched?

　　According to Fang Ping’s classifications of the five levels, Peak Rank-4 was divided into three levels. If he did not count himself, did this mean that the gap between the Peak Rank-4 martial artists was also very wide?

　　To ordinary people, they were all Peak Rank-4. In terms of strength, there should not be too much of a difference.

　　…

　　There were many discussions among the ordinary people. Some university students who were not present at the site were also watching the video.

　　After hearing Fang Ping shamelessly boasting that he was invincible among the Rank-4s, many people ridiculed him derisively.

　　A fellow who had not even made it into the top 100 list—where did he get all that confidence?

　　The people at Nine States Military School who heard Fang Ping saying that their president was evenly matched with Tiannan Martial Arts University’s Middle-ranked Xuan Jiye were furious.

　　The martial artists of the military schools had always been proud and felt that they were superior to the students of the universities.

　　They would certainly win even if they were at the same rank as the martial arts university students, what more if they were a higher rank.

　　Fang Ping’s analysis was all bullsh*t!

　　…

　　In the middle of all these discussions, the first battle had begun!

　　Xuan Jiye and Shen Hongwei walked up to the stage at the same time.

　　Xuan Jiye was using a saber and Shen Hongwei had a spear as his weapon.

　　Both of them made their martial salutes.

　　Once the salutation was over, the Rank-6 referee announced the start of the battle.

　　Soon after that, while ordinary people were not able to see clearly, two figures engaged in mid-air, passed each other, and a loud sound thundered through the gym!

　　Xuan Jiye’s shirt was torn to shreds. The intertwined scars on his upper body looked particularly hideous. His exposed upper body also glowed faintly golden.

　　On the other hand, Shen Hongwei’s shirt was not torn. However, his spear-wielding right hand was shaking slightly.

　　“Both of them have cultivated their bodybuilding techniques. In the engagement just now, Xuan Jiye injured Shen Hongwei’s right arm with seven strikes. Shen Hongwei, not retreating, injured Xuan Jiye’s internal organs with a single thrust from his spear…”

　　Liu Dali listened as if he were hearing an imperial edict. After a moment he asked blankly, “They started the match?

　　“Apart from a loud sound, I didn’t see anything!”

　　Fang Ping shook his head and said, “For an upper-stage Rank-3, your visual perception is mediocre. The degree of your honing is too shallow for an upper-stage Rank-3. Your future journey as a martial artist will be more difficult.”

　　Liu Dali was almost in tears and thought, ‘Is this true or not?

　　‘I think I’m pretty strong!

　　“How come I couldn’t even clearly see the exchange of blows between both parties?’

　　Fang Ping ignored him and stared at the stage saying, “Both parties are on stage to exchange injury for injury. Both of them have ferocious fighting styles. Shen Hongwei fights like this because he is not worried for the rest of the team whereas Xuan Jiye fights like this because he is forced to…

　　“It’s more ruthless than I thought. After an initial testing of the waters, they moved in directly for the kill!

　　“The Thunder Rage Saber against the Hundred Battle Spear Technique! Xuan Jiye’s saber technique cultivation is not weak and has reached the point of vigor separation and implosion.

　　“Shen Hongwei is also not bad…

　　“Not good, CCMAU has been too careless this time. A group of powerhouses in battle, and yet only ordinary alloy steel is used. Penny-pinching of this level will only bring trouble! ”

　　Fang Ping had barely finished speaking when both combatants on the stage below unleashed their Vitality. The resulting outburst exploded across the length and breadth of the stage and shattered the alloy floor!

　　The sharp alloy pieces flew outwards at high speed.

　　A CCMAU instructor on the second floor had a slight change in expression and released his Mentality. The alloy pieces immediately stopped in mid-air, floating to one side and dropping onto the ground.

　　Fang Ping said sarcastically, “Is this a joke? Without at least C-grade alloy, the stage will be in bits by the time the later matches happen. We’ll be alright, but if ordinary spectators get hit, they’ll die for sure!”

　　Not far away, a few of the CCMAU instructors were glaring at him with unpleasant expressions.

　　They were not using normal alloy, but E-grade alloy, which would be sufficient if the usual Rank-4 artists were battling.

　　But with the two martial artists on the stage, the collision of their vigor was equal to both of them attacking the stage together. That was why the alloy stage had cracked.

　　Of course, Fang Ping’s words had hit a nerve.

　　This time, CCMAU’s preparations had been a bit hasty.

　　This was only the start of the competition, even!

　　The Vice-chancellor of CCMAU did not bat an eyelid but glanced over slightly toward Fu Changding’s grandfather. Master Fu nodded, indicating that he understood the message.

　　After this round was finished, they would change the stage to C-grade alloy in the afternoon!

　　Not surprisingly, when the time came for Fang Ping’s match that afternoon, he might crack the stage on purpose, just to put them in a tight spot.

　　…

　　On stage.

　　Xuan Jiye and Shen Hongwei fought using high-ranked combat techniques, unleashing their Vitality in ferocious outbursts. The majority of the spectators in the front row had some cultivation background and could feel the pressure

　　“Boom!”

　　Thundering sounds reverberated constantly. The normal crowd was anxious to the point of sweating, as they could not see!

　　They could only see two figures constantly passing each other on the stage. Blood-red Vitality force densely enveloped the stage, causing the alloy stage to split apart constantly.

　　The match between Rank-4 martial artists made the spectators both anxious and frustrated.

　　They wanted to let out their frustrations and ask the martial artists to slow down!

　　But they did not dare to do so. This was a competition between Middle-ranked powerhouses, and a big group of Grandmasters was on the floor above.

　　Now, the two commentators were also quickly explaining the situation to everyone.

　　“Xuan Jiye is very strong. Although his martial arts cultivation is still lacking when compared to Shen Hongwei, his combat techniques are filled with intense killing force, backed by actual killing experience. The Thunder Rage Saber has been cultivated to at least the third level with a Vitality outburst of at least 300 Cal and above!”

　　After the male commentator had finished speaking, the female commentator continued, “A 300 Cal outburst from high-ranked combat techniques is comparable to a thousand Cal outburst from medium-ranked combat techniques!”

　　“Xuan Jiye is going to use his ultimate move!”

　　The male commentator suddenly shouted. Then everyone saw a bright ray of light rising from the stage, and a cold blade of energy sliced down instantly.

　　At the same time, a crackling sound from the spear tore through the air, as the tip of the spear hit the blade!

　　“Boom!”

　　Sparks flew; the air seemed to compress itself, and the sounds of explosions and tearing could be heard.

　　The next moment, everyone finally was able to see the present combat situation.

　　On the stage, there were many huge craters and some footprints.

　　Xuan Jiye was half-kneeling on the ground, blood gushing from his mouth, his right hand too weak to wield his saber. His entire right arm was ripped open and covered with blood.

　　On the other end, Shen Hongwei’s condition was slightly better and he could still stand. However, there was also blood seeping from his mouth and a long knife mark had appeared on his chest. It was not Xuan Jiye’s slash that had struck him, but the blade of energy.

　　At this moment, the male commentator exclaimed, “Very strong, both of them are very strong. Xuan Jiye’s Thunder Rage Saber has been cultivated to at least the fourth level. One stroke of the saber has a Vitality outburst exceeding 600 Cal. Unfortunately…

　　“It is a pity that Xuan Jiye’s cultivation is a step behind. Right now he probably cannot continue fighting anymore as his internal organs have been injured by Shen Hongwei…

　　“Shen Hongwei’s injuries are not light either. The blade of energy penetrated his body and if he continues to fight, it will only aggravate the injury. I think that for forthcoming matches, Shen Hongwei might not continue fighting.”

　　As the two commentators finished speaking, the referee announced the victor.

　　Shen Hongwei had won!

　　However, Shen Hongwei chose not to continue the match, stepping down from the stage to treat his wounds. This was only the start of the top ten battles. If he dragged this out, his injuries would turn serious. Then he would not be able to fight in the subsequent top ten battles. After all, there would be a team from the eliminated teams to challenge the winners.

　　After the two men had ended the fight, Fang Ping said lazily, “There’s no need to watch anymore. Nine States Military School will surely win. Xuan Jiye is still considered pretty good; at least he managed to take out Shen Hongwei. Unfortunately…the overall strength of the team is a cut below.”

　　Liu Dali decided to butter Fang Ping up at this moment and said flatteringly, “President Fang is so far-sighted, you actually guessed correctly. The two are evenly matched. I don’t think even the Grandmasters could have made that judgment in advance…”

　　Out of the camera range, Fang Ping kicked him!

　　Go to hell!

　　There were more than 20 Grandmasters beside them. Did Liu Dali wish to bring down enmity on Fang Ping’s head?

　　Was Liu Dali so malicious?

　　Liu Dali did not feel guilty at all; in fact, he was rather at a loss and thought, ‘I flattered you, what did you kick me for!’

　　Fang Ping was too lazy to pay any more attention to him and continued to watch the second round of the showdown. He said, “These two are fifth level fighters, but Nine States Military School has higher cultivation. Within three minutes, we’ll see the explicit differences. With Xuan Jiye defeated, Tiannan Martial Arts University won’t go all out anymore.”

　　“Why is that so?”

　　“What nonsense is this? Of course it’s to avoid any possible injuries so they can fight in the match of the eliminated teams. If nothing unexpected happens, in the first round of the fight, many martial arts teams will restrain themselves. Take for example Xishan Martial Arts University who will face us this afternoon. They won’t give up, but restraining themselves is a given to avoid being beaten up by MCMAU, and being too weak to fight in the eliminated group matches.

　　“However… restraint or not, it’s the same. Xishan Martial Arts University is average in terms of strength, it will be practically impossible for them to rise from the ranks of the eliminated teams.

　　“Therefore, Xishan Martial Arts University can kiss goodbye to the top ten matches.”

　　Fang Ping had just finished speaking when a wave of intense pressure suddenly came flooding from one side.

　　Liu Dali knelt instantly, but Fang Ping’s instant burst of Mentality caused the chair that he was sitting on to rip apart and disintegrate into powder!

　　“Enough!”

　　Huang Jing shouted softly. This was not directed at Fang Ping, however, but at an old man at the party.

　　The old man said softly, “This brat has provoked me many times. Does Dean Huang think I did something wrong?”

　　Huang Jing did not take offense but said nonchalantly, “He said that the strength of Xishan Martial Arts University’s team members is not good. This is a fact, there is no need to deny it.”

　　The old man kept quiet and glanced at Fang Ping, who was looking upwards.

　　This brat…actually had rampant talent!

　　While he would not go as far as to use his strength to the fullest, the old man had a good mind to teach Fang Ping a lesson. However, Fang Ping had reacted in an instant and could even resist the pressure he exerted.

　　From that angle alone, Fang Ping had the qualifications to look down on the martial artists of his generation.

　　The expressions of some of the Grandmasters in the group changed slightly.

　　MCMAU’s Fang Ping might be arrogant but his abilities were certainly not. Among the competing martial artists, there were probably only two or three people who were a threat to him.

　　Not far away, Fang Ping ignored Liu Dali. He smiled and saluted all the Grandmasters, before looking at the Vice-chancellor of Xishan Martial Arts University. “Grandmaster Feng, I don’t harbor malicious intent. I only want Xishan Martial Arts University to preserve its strength and strive to be shortlisted. I meant no disrespect to you.

　　“However, Grandmaster Feng as a Grandmaster powerhouse has suddenly attacked a student. Naturally, I will not dare to do take action against the Grandmaster. However, before I came, the Vice-chancellor told me that high-ranked powerhouses would not interfere with the students’ affairs. If there is anyone who interferes, inevitably, MCMAU will not stand idly on the sidelines, including CCMAU, the other martial universities, and the Education Ministry!

　　“Grandmaster Feng, if it was a student of Xishan Martial Arts University who attacked me, even if I suffered serious injuries and died, it would be because I said something which I shouldn’t have and I probably deserved it.

　　“But now…”

　　Grandmaster Feng looked at him for a moment and chuckled, “What are you going to do?”

　　“Grandmaster Feng has just heavily damaged my Mentality and it is difficult to recover, as we all know. I dare not blackmail anyone, but if Grandmaster could compensate me with five Resurrection Pills…”

　　Qin Fengqing and the others who had just come upstairs were stunned. Damn, at the Catacombs the other day, Fang Ping had said that he would scam somebody for high-quality goods. This time he finally did it!

　　Grandmaster Feng chuckled and said, “If that’s the case, it would be out of the question to not compensate then?”

　　Fang Ping laughed, “I wouldn’t dare to put it that way. But if the student’s Mentality goes out of control, this afternoon the attacks may lack a bit of self-control. Grandmaster shouldn’t blame me when that happens.”

　　Grandmaster Feng eyed Huang Jing for a moment and smiled, “MCMAU’s students are very bold.”

　　“The bold will have abundance, the timid will starve to death.” Huang Jing said with a squint and a smile, “He has destroyed the lair of Rank-7 martial artists in the Catacombs, escaped the pursuit of the Rank-8 Jiao… as martial artists, if you can seize the opportunity, you go for it.

　　“You took it upon yourself to attack. It doesn’t matter to me, but there are established rules after all.”

　　Grandmaster Feng chuckled and nodded, “It’s alright, I did break the rules, but I have a condition…”

　　Fang Ping immediately said, “Tell me what it is.”

　　“From now on, you are not allowed to come up to the second floor. If you do, Xishan Martial Arts University will withdraw from the competition. I also want to teach you a lesson!”

　　Fang Ping was inwardly contemptuous. ‘It’s clear that they’ll definitely lose. By withdrawing from the competition, their good reputation will be intact. Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking? I’ll let it pass, I can’t risk greatly offending the Grandmaster.’

　　Fang Ping said at once, “No problem. I promise that if Grandmaster Feng is here, I won’t come to the second floor!”

　　Everyone was speechless when they saw him agree immediately. Fang Ping certainly knew when to back down and when to be firm. It was plain bad luck that Xishan Martial Arts University had to meet this thorn in the flesh.

　　Grandmaster Feng did not waste words either. He waved his hand and a bottle of pills flew out. This was prepared for the Martial Arts Competition to prevent students from being seriously injured.

　　Now however…they belonged to Fang Ping.

　　Without looking at the bottle or anyone else, Fang Ping took the pills, made a salute and vaulted downstairs. In no time he disappeared without a trace.

　　Everyone on the second floor was silent for a moment; after that, they could not help silently laughing at Fang Ping’s quick actions.

　　Qin Fengqing swallowed. Just like that…Fang Ping had obtained 5 Resurrection Pills?

　　‘Compared to Fang Ping, I really am a weakling!

　　‘Scamming Rank-3 and 4s is nothing. In the presence of dozens of Grandmasters, to be able to scam a Grandmaster—now that’s a real man!’

　　Just as Qin Fengqing was thinking of attempting something, Huang Jing waved his hand, and Qin Fengqing immediately fell off the second floor.

　　Tang Feng and the rest did not seem to notice anything, which the other Grandmasters found a little strange. Then something occurred to them and their expressions turned rather peculiar…this brat, was he thinking of following in Fang Ping’s footsteps?

　　The military powerhouse who had announced the drawing of the name list previously chuckled, “President Huang, the students of MCMAU…are truly unique!”

　　He honestly did not know how else to describe it!

　　Huang Jing was also having a slight headache. ‘Not all students of MCMAU, just these two. Don’t misunderstand, the others are still all right!’

　　These two dared to do anything!

　　Would any of the other universities’ Rank-4 students dare to raid an old high-ranked enemy lair?

　　Would any of the other universities’ Rank-3 students dare to go into the depths of the Catacombs for more than 500 miles?

　　Could of the students from other universities chase down dozens and hundreds of monsters and treat it as a normal thing?

　　The main thing is, would any of the students in other universities dare to blackmail a Grandmaster?

　　If one looked at it this way, one could then see just how bold they were.