Hope City.

　　That was the name of the stronghold.

　　Everyone referred to this place as Hope City. Human’s hope, martial artists’ hope, everyone’s hope.

　　Hope City was under the feet of Fang Ping and the rest.

　　It was a small city built on the foundation of bloodshed and was also known as the military town.

　　More than 5000 meters in length, more than 4000 meters in width, more than 20 million square meters, over 20 square kilometers.

　　In reality, it was about the same size as MCMAU.

　　The permanent force here was more than 50 thousand strong. During times of battle, outside forces numbering over 100 thousand people would join in. Some of them were stationed outside the small city.

　　There were military troop barracks built in front and on the sides of Hope City. A few more military forces were stationed there too.

　　Hope City’s main gate faced north. From the north gate, if you walked forward for 80 kilometers without taking any detours, you would arrive at Sky Gate City.

　　While the distribution of human’s military troop stations was only limited to a 10-kilometer radius, they would periodically carry out clearing operations against the Catacombs humans and beings within 30 kilometers.

　　Beyond 30 kilometers is Sky Gate City’s territory.

　　…

　　The small city’s interior layout was very plain. Even the buildings looked plain.

　　The existence of the military town in its entirety was to serve in battle.

　　No high-rise buildings, only a bunch of boulder-like or metallic houses. They were all low-rise buildings. The highest ones did not exceed three stories.

　　The military troops were stationed at the city’s northern area—facing the direction of the Sky Gate City. There were military troops stationed in the three other directions as well, though not as many as the northern area.

　　Upon entering, all of the martial artists were sent to the city’s central area. The area was organized into a format of a few small sections.

　　…

　　An hour had passed since Fang Ping’s group entered the Catacombs.

　　Everyone gathered in an enormous, empty meeting room that looked like an abandoned factory… calling it a meeting room was probably too generous.

　　Fang Ping was somewhat lacking in strength. It would not be so hard to move some tables and chairs from the outside world, would it?

　　They insisted on standing. What a bother!

　　Indeed, everyone could only stand. Of course, no one would stop you if you sat on the ground.

　　“Welcome, fellow students!”

　　General Xu, full name Xu Mofu, was the Military Department’s lead person in charge of Magic City Catacombs. A Peak Rank-6 martial artist.

　　Actually, there were Grandmasters keeping watch of Magic City’s Catacombs. However, the daily affairs in the Military Department, including the martial artists’ allocation and planning, were all Xu Mofu’s responsibilities.

　　This time, MCMAU brought in over a hundred student martial artists. This was something huge for Hope City.

　　Of more than fifty thousand soldiers in Hope City, one of the military factions consisted of nearly 5000 martial artists, with Rank-1s as the majority.

　　While the martial artists who came in from the outside world would not exceed a maximum of 3000 people under normal circumstances.

　　When there was no great war, the martial artists needed to rest too. The everyday martial artists in Hope City would not exceed 8000 people. This was a huge difference compared to Sky Gate City.

　　The other party had an army of 200 thousand, with nearly 20 thousand martial artists. This had not included the casual martial artists in Sky Gate City yet.

　　To gather a martial artist troop consisting of hundreds of people was something that only martial arts universities could do, apart from the Military Department. Even the local Department of Investigation Services could not do it.

　　Rank-2 martial artists’ abilities were not too weak. At least they were stronger than certain martial artists from the Military Department. Of course, if it came to combat, these Rank-2 martial artists who had just gone in the Catacombs for the first time might not be a match for the Rank-1 martial artists from the Military Department.

　　Xu Mofu welcomed them and immediately offered an apology. “The condition here is poor. We’re all martial artists anyway. So, let’s just leave certain unnecessary formalities out.

　　“In Hope City, we only have one purpose!”

　　Xu Mofu’s voice was sonorant as he cried out, “Kill the enemy!”

　　“80 kilometers away from us is the Sky Gate City. Every year, they will launch a military attack on Hope City at least three to five times, sometimes even more than ten.

　　“It will definitely be a bloodbath every time!

　　“In addition, Sky Gate City Catacombs humans belonging to the non-military structure will also attack Hope City and massacre many!

　　“We don’t have the power to attack Sky Gate City, hence our only option is to defend. But, we will not sit and await our fate. We send small, scattered units and martial artists troops to fight them in the wilderness!

　　“At any time and place 10 kilometers out of Hope City, anyone can encounter the Catacombs martial artists. The Catacombs’ small military units fighting at close quarters was something common in the Catacombs.

　　“If you don’t kill them right here, they will kill you!

　　“Once the other party’s scattered units and martial artists strike our line of defense and Sky Gate City sees an opening, very soon, a great army will be sent to wipe everything out—triggering a great battle!

　　“From the end of last year until now, in half a year’s time, Sky Gate City has picked up the pace of their offense. Both parties have already fought each other in 6 great battles and countless small-scale battles!

　　“Earlier, the enemy’s powerhouses even infiltrated Hope City, breaking through the line of defense and breaking into the passageway entrance.

　　“If these powerhouses have infiltrated the passageway and enter Earth, it will be a disaster for humankind!

　　“Magic City is the busiest city in Sino Nation with tens of millions of population.

　　“When high-ranked powerhouses infiltrate the Earth, we are unable to employ weapons of mass destruction to destroy them. We can only allow the powerhouses to slaughter them. But, this will raise plenty of casualties as well…

　　“Therefore, destroying the other party’s martial artists in stages, including the military troops, will be our main mission.

　　“When a huge number of people are dispatched, it means that a great battle has broken out. Actually, we don’t wish for a large-scale battle to happen… After all, there is a gap between our ability and the enemy’s.

　　“Employing small teams of martial artists in the frontline to assassinate the Catacombs martial artists is also something that we have been doing all these years.

　　“Therefore, martial artists are extremely important to the Catacombs. Martial artists from the martial arts universities are equipped with brute force, more so a confidence booster for our victories in great battles.

　　“Killing one of the other party’s middle and high-ranked martial artists is much more inspiring than winning a great battle each time…”

　　Xu Mofu spoke for a while and concluded, “This time, the main mission for your entering into the Catacombs is to familiarize yourself with the topography and the surrounding.

　　“The Military Department will not assign any missions to any of you. But, when a great battle has broken out in the Catacombs, every martial artist in the city must obey the transfer order!

　　“In the Catacombs, other than killing the enemies, another important task is to explore.

　　“Discovering valuable ingredients when exploring an uncharted region to make weapons and pills is also a great contribution to mankind.

　　“However, I do not recommend any of you to explore the unexplored regions right now. Those places are extremely dangerous for those who are not middle-ranked.

　　“Other than Sky Gate City in the north, on both sides of Hope City, if you continue walking forward for hundreds of li you will reach another Catacombs’ fort. The Military Department does not intend to have a large-scale confrontation with other forts right now.

　　“Therefore, you can carry out assassinations at the village outside the city, but without permission, you should never attack other forts rashly!”

　　At this point, Tang Feng added, “Sometimes, everyone’s hatred toward the Catacombs humans is understandable. Yet, attacking a fort rashly will trigger every city in the Catacombs to join forces and surround us. If that happens, Hope City will suffer a true crisis.

　　“Don’t suffer a big loss for a little gain and cause irreversible damage…”

　　“Instructor, if we encounter people from other forts when we are in the wilderness”

　　“Kill them!”

　　Tang Feng answered nonchalantly. “For everyone’s sake, we won’t attack them. However, you should kill them if you meet them in the wilderness. Besides, it’s really hard for you to tell where these martial artists come from. When you meet the Catacombs human in the wilderness, there’s only one word—Kill!”

　　Tang Feng continued, “Bringing everyone here this time, a team of over a hundred people is too eye-catching. In the first three days, we will mainly focus on familiarizing with Hope City and the neighboring 10 kilometers topography and surroundings, recognizing the Military Department strongholds within 10 kilometers, and the martial artists’ supply points.

　　“For now, our safety is guaranteed to a certain extent.

　　“Three days later, I will lead everyone out of Hope City’s radiation range and into the 30 kilometers range to explore.

　　“This will go on for a week!

　　“10 days later, everyone will be given some free time!

　　“Whether it is to participate in field battles or to explore the surrounding regions, or even exploring the unexplored regions—I will not object to any of it.

　　“You can even participate in the Military Department’s co-op battle. That is possible too.

　　“The duration for that will be 10 days. After a total of 20 days, we will leave the Catacombs.”

　　Everyone understood and was informed of the following arrangements.

　　Fang Ping had more pressing matters to clarify and asked quickly, “Instructor, will the things we find in the Catacombs belong to us?”

　　“Of course.”

　　“Do you have the location for the surrounding energy mines?”

　　Tang Feng was in a daze. Xu Mofu broke into laughter. He chuckled and replied, “Yes. Walk 70 kilometers away from here to the north. There’s a small-scale energy mine.

　　“Even though we say it’s small-scale, the contents of the energy ores weigh no less than 1000 kilograms!

　　“It’s purity is pretty decent too.”

　　Fang Ping calculated in his heart. The energy ores’ value was calculated based on catty. 1000 kilograms would be 1 million grams!

　　Even energy ores with the lowest purity level… were worth 1 million credits!

　　Of course, Fang Ping was not a fool. He thought for a while before asking, “70 kilometers to the north? Isn’t that about 10 kilometers away from Sky Gate City?”

　　“Yes. Other than that, there are 5 Sky Gate City high-ranked martial artists keeping watch!”

　　The corner of Fang Ping’s mouth twitched. How many?

　　5 high ranks?

　　He remembered what Old Man Li had said. Currently, there were 14 high-ranked powerhouses that had been discovered. 5 of them were actually here at this energy mine. Who would even try and touch it? You should just behave and take a detour.

　　In addition to that, it was too near to the fort. Most high-ranked powerhouses were already able to walk midair. At a distance of 10 kilometers, perhaps 14 high-ranked ones would surround you in the blink of an eye. That included the Rank-9 Sky Gate City city lord.

　　Even Commander Li from the Military Department might not be able to get away with robbing them.

　　Xu Mofu noted Fang Ping’s silence and chuckled. “Honestly, it is probably a trap. The energy mine has probably long been stripped bare. They’re trying to lure us in.

　　“At that time, it was an accident that we discovered the 5 high-ranks keeping watch.

　　“Otherwise, we would have undoubtedly been attacked by Grandmasters… that’s why, do not underestimate the Catacombs martial artists.”

　　Grandmasters had incredibly strong actions. If they carried out a surprise attack, they would still stand a chance in escaping with a handful of energy ores before Sky Gate City realized what was happening.

　　However, the other party was no fool. They had most probably foreseen the humans’ interest in the energy ores and set the trap on purpose.

　　“Are there any in other places?”

　　“I don’t know.”

　　Xu Mofu chuckled. Tang Feng was speechless. “If the Military Department has discovered it, they will most probably have mined it themselves. Do you think it will be your turn? Unless you can discover one on your own, don’t even think about it.

　　“Also, let me remind you that if you somehow do find one, you’d better run before it’s too late.”

　　“Why?”

　　Tang Feng saw the doubtful look on Fang Ping’s face and replied in an annoyed tone, “The energy mine is an energy concentration area. Cultivating there promises astonishing speed!

　　“Most of the unexplored energy mines are occupied by powerful beasts and beings!

　　“What? Did you think that I would snatch your contributions away from your hands?”

　　Tang Feng really wanted to bash this kid up real hard. What was with that look!

　　‘I’m trying to keep you alive. Can’t you tell?’

　　Fang Ping coughed drily and nodded. “Indeed, the speed has increased a little bit. The moment I entered the Catacombs, I realized that my Vitality has been more active. Earlier, I couldn’t even make it leave my body completely. But I can do it now…”

　　As he spoke, Fang Ping tried to achieve Vitality outburst intentionally and agglomerated a streak of blood in his hands.

　　Xu Mofu frowned slightly, then grinned and said, “Student, every cal of Vitality in the Catacombs has to be reserved. In crucial moments, it can increase your odds of survival, even by a little bit. Never waste Vitality.”

　　Fang Ping accepted his advice readily and quickly nodded.

　　If Big Lion was the one who had said this, Fang Ping would retort that he lacked everything but Vitality.

　　Xu Mofu greeted everyone cordially in person. This was also the Military Department’s way of showing respect.

　　In reality, he was very busy. Before long, Xu Mofu left.

　　Once he had left, Tang Feng said, “Today, everyone can take a walk around Hope City. Take a look around. There are some good places here too.

　　“Shops opened up by martial artists, branches set up by some organizations on Earth…”

　　Fu Changding was shocked. “They set up branches here?”

　　“It’s very profitable.”

　　Tang Feng sounded admiring as he explained, “Some martial artists are permanently stationed in the Catacombs. They don’t intend to return to the ground surface. Therefore, certain beings that they have hunted and killed, including the martial artists, will be dealt with in the Catacombs to be exchanged for resources.

　　“The companies set up their branches here mainly to serve these people. There are also buying and selling.”

　　Fang Ping reasoned, “The distance is a thousand meters or so. Just go out and sell it…”

　　To return to the ground surface from the center of the city, one would only need to go through the passageway.

　　Tang Feng glanced at him and said, “Do you think you can come and go through the passageway as you wish? You need to send in an application every time. And there’s the waiting…”

　　“The waiting?”

　　“That’s right. Martial artists from martial arts universities are fine. Two people are enough to start the journey. Casual martial artists are required to gather 10 people before entering.”

　　“Why?”

　　“The concern that someone will vandalize the energy passageway!” Tang Feng’s face was solemn as he continued, “The cult martial artists have done this before. They attempted to stir the passageway to cause energy turbulence and cut off contact from both sides. They would have entirely ruined the human’s lives here in the Catacombs…”

　　“F*ck. They’re evil!” Fang Ping exclaimed, then added, “They didn’t succeed, right?”

　　“They didn’t. The other party had underestimated the energy passageway’s level of stability. The one who came was not a high-ranked one, but a middle-ranked one. He was detected and killed in the end.

　　“However, the Military Department is worried that such accidents will happen. So, the inspections done on casual martial artists are slightly stricter.”

　　“I understand now.”

　　From the question and answer session, everyone had a clearer picture of the rules of the Catacombs.

　　Tang Feng ended the meeting and everyone was immediately re-energized.

　　…

　　Ten minutes later.

　　Fang Ping and the other freshman year students explored the streets together.

　　“There’s even a hotel!”

　　With an astonished look, Fu Changding pointed to a two-story house nearby and exclaimed, “Jin Jiang Hotel. They have even set up a branch here!”

　　Fang Ping’s heart leaped as he mumbled, “There’s a hotel. A food delivery service should also be in place!”

　　“Look, that’s the pill company branch…”

　　“Snatched my business. That’s too bad.”

　　“Eh? Bicycle service center?”

　　Fang Ping mumbled once again, “Bike sharing? No, a modern carriage. This business has been snatched by other people as well.”

　　“There’s even a barbershop here?”

　　“There’s no beauty shop. Must be a tough business to do.”

　　…

　　Everyone went around for more than half an hour. More than half of the tiny Hope City had been explored.

　　At this time, everyone realized a very critical question.

　　Fu Changding rubbed his belly and asked drily, “Where do we eat?”

　　Everyone exchanged glances with each other. No one said anything!

　　“Why don’t we eat at the hotel?”

　　This was suggested by Yang Xiaoman. Fang Ping replied dully, “I didn’t bring any money. Who’s treating?”

　　Everyone had just entered the Catacombs, who would have thought of bringing money?

　　Chen Yunxi spoke up softly, “I’ll treat.”

　　“Come, let’s go to the hotel!”

　　Fang Ping was suddenly energized. He was interested to see what kinds of good food there were in the Catacombs.

　　He could use the opportunity to ask if the food delivery service would work here. Distance needed to branch out its business.

　　As for other matters, he would think about it when the time came. Everyone’s mission for the next few days was to get used to the surroundings anyway. Fang Ping was not in a hurry as well. Fortunately, he could spend his time cultivating Combat Techniques. He had not even gotten used to the place, so he would be having a death wish if he went out to explore the wilderness or carry out missions.