Chapter 214: Another Year

　　Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

　　Wang Jinyang teased Fang Ping for a bit before continuing, “You don’t need to worry too much. There are too many unresolved mysteries in this world.

　　“Even the Catacombs have not been studied completely; where would they find the free time to study you?

　　“Of course, you are right under their noses. If there’s a chance, conducting research on you may prove valuable as well.

　　“So, why don’t you tell me the real reason your Vitality replenishes so quickly?”

　　Fang Ping replied weakly, “My bones are jade-like by nature with bone marrow like mercury, and my mentality is comparable to that of a Grandmaster.”

　　“Haha!”

　　“It’s true!”

　　Fang Ping thought for a moment. Suddenly, he focused his attention and stared at Wang Jinyang. After a moment, Fang Ping’s face turned crimson, and one of Old Wang’s hairs seemed to have moved ever so slightly.

　　It was an almost imperceptible movement, but Wang Jinyang’s expression changed at once.

　　“Mentality!”

　　Wang Jinyang suddenly sat straight up. His expression changed slightly once again. “You’re not kidding me?”

　　Wang Jinyang really thought that Fang Ping was playing a prank on him, and had no plans to ask for further details.

　　Who would have thought that Fang Ping could possibly have mastered the use of Mentality…actually, no, Fang Ping did not have the faintest idea how to use it. He was only focused on stirring his own Mentality.

　　Fang Ping asked, panting heavily, “Do you believe me now?”

　　“This…how is this possible…I mean it’s not entirely impossible since there are all kinds of people in the world…but…”

　　Old Wang was incoherent. After a while, he exhaled and said, “This is getting interesting. For now, I believe half of what you said, and I’ll take the other half under advisement.

　　“Nevertheless, your situation corresponds to what you’ve told me.”

　　A Rank-3 martial artist who could perceive his own Mentality to the point that it could stir weakly—this was truly astonishing.

　　If it was true that Fang Ping’s bone marrow was like mercury—if Wang Jinyang was considered a potential Grandmaster, then Fang Ping would be even more of a potential Grandmaster in comparison!

　　Fang Ping gasped, “Actually, in the Energy Room, I can sense weak energy particles.

　　“Therefore, I think this isn’t a big deal. If there are Grandmasters who are interested, I don’t mind if they come looking for me.

　　“I’m just worried that they won’t believe what I say. If they keep pestering me to tell them about the reason for my strong Mentality, I won’t have much of a choice. I’m no match for a Grandmaster…”

　　Wang Jinyang let out a snort of contempt. “Giving them an explanation is more than sufficient. What else could they want?

　　“How the Grandmasters became Grandmasters and the strange encounters they had—are they supposed to share all that?

　　“Don’t be too pessimistic about the world. It’s not like you don’t have a home to return to. In MCMAU, if Grandmasters force you to reveal your final secret, perhaps you don’t have any secrets. And even if you do, so what?

　　“Don’t tell me someone will force me to explain my jade-like bone marrow!

　　“How would I know?

　　“If they put that sort of pressure you in, then MCMAU should just close down. 99 out of 100 martial arts universities would never tolerate anything like that!

　　“Dozens of Grandmaster powerhouses are standing on the frontlines for the students!

　　“Who would risk universal condemnation and try something like that?

　　“Of course, I am only referring to Earth. In the Catacombs, if you become a target, it won’t be anyone’s fault if you are captured, interrogated, and then killed to prevent you from saying anything.

　　“That’s why I say, it still comes down to ability.

　　“If you are a Grandmaster yourself…” Wang Jinyang smiled faintly, “One slash equals to ten thousand slashes. Exterminate the Catacombs with one slash and no one will say no.

　　“I won’t ask you about the rest of it. Think of a way to solve this problem. Give them an explanation, that will suffice. As for the rest, don’t worry.”

　　Fang Ping nodded slightly. Even so, this would be a difficult lie to carry out.

　　At the very least, he needed to ensure that he had honed his bone marrow.

　　Fang Ping did not pursue the matter further. Instead, he asked curiously, “Brother Wang, everyone says you are a potential Grandmaster. Does this mean that you are about to breakthrough to Grandmaster level soon?”

　　“Grandmaster?”

　　Wang Jinyang look strangely at Fang Ping, then grinned, “If you would like to sponsor me three to five billion right now, I think I might still stand a chance…”

　　“Haha…Brother Wang, cheers.”

　　Fang Ping raised his mug for a toast. What a joke! He had been on the verge of asking Wang Jinyang to sponsor him a few billion. Who knew that Wang Jinyang would turn the tables and ask Fang Ping for money instead? Did Old Wang have absolutely no shame?

　　Wang Jinyang chuckled. He raised his mug to Fang Ping, took a sip of his coffee, and thought for a while before saying, “Based on your ability right now, you are still lacking in some aspects. At the very least, your Combat Technique needs to be cultivated to high precision.

　　“When you have achieved upper-stage Rank-3 and you’re able to achieve an ultimate move, the most basic stage of that ultimate move will involve a 300cal Vitality outburst each time.

　　“This is equivalent to your current 700 to 800cal Vitality outburst. It’s something that anyone below upper-stage Rank-3 can never achieve.

　　“By that time, your abilities will become quite significant. Even in the Rank-3 ranking list, you will be one of the top martial artists.

　　“By then, you’ll have the ability to join a few highly beneficial activities. If you’re free, I can bring you with me.”

　　Wang Jinyang smiled meaningfully, “You can be responsible for attacking and slashing your opponent several hundred times as an ultimate move, while I will be responsible for the aftermath. Perhaps we can invite Qin Fengqing so he can be in charge of helping us escape. He really has a knack for finding escape routes.

　　“When you have finally achieved that stage, if the three of us join forces, we can easily slash a Rank-5 to death.

　　“We’ll receive significant rewards for it too.”

　　Fang Ping darted him a look and chuckled after a moment, “We’ll see how it goes. I still have a long way to go to achieve upper-stage Rank-3. Cultivating Combat Technique is not something that can be done overnight.”

　　“That’s true.”

　　Wang Jinyang added with feeling, “When I met you a year ago, it never crossed my mind that you would achieve this stage so quickly.”

　　It was only a year, from last year April until now—a little over a year, to be precise.

　　Wang Jinyang was a Peak Rank-2 at the time.

　　Back then Fang Ping had only slightly more Vitality than an ordinary person. Now he was already able to slash Peak Rank-3 martial artists to death.

　　“It was only after I entered MCMAU that I realized how powerful Brother Wang was for achieving Rank-4 at this time. I hadn’t expected that you’d advance so quickly either.”

　　“This has something to do with my bone marrow disease. How do I put it? People like us each have their own lucky breaks.”

　　Wang Jinyang’s current attitude towards Fang Ping had altered slightly.

　　This was a very normal change. After all, a dragon would never live with a snake. 1

　　If Fang Ping had only just achieved Rank-1 right now, he would be seen as a genius and a prodigy in the eyes of ordinary people.

　　However, from Wang Jinyang’s perspective, he could only be considered average. There were countless Rank-1 martial artists in martial arts universities.

　　But now Fang Ping had managed to slash a Peak Rank-3 martial artist to death, and that made him completely different.

　　On top of that, Fang Ping’s Mentality was not weak either. He could even perceive it himself. If this fellow’s bone marrow really did turn jade-like, then he would achieve his next ranks at the speed of light further down the line.

　　A person like this deserved to given serious attention.

　　As they were chatting, Fang Ping’s new phone rang.

　　Fang Ping eyed the number but did not recognize it. He still picked up the call anyway.

　　When the call connected, Qin Fengqing’s loud voice could be heard booming from the other end, “Fang Ping?”

　　“Yes, Senior Qin?”

　　“Mm. You’re in Nanjiang?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“Perfect timing. The Vitality assessment results from yesterday’s martial sciences examination have been released. Nanjiang has 3 martial arts candidates. Drop by later and have a look at the situation there, then try and recruit them. Don’t let NMAU waste all that talent.”

　　Fang Ping threw Wang Jinyang a curious glance. Would Qin Fengqing be beaten to death?

　　Also, why did this fellow think of him as a recruiter?

　　“Senior Qin, I don’t think it’s appropriate for me to go…”

　　“Nothing inappropriate about it. You’ve achieved a reputation in the championship, plus you’re from Nanjiang. There’s no better candidate than you.

　　“Besides, aren’t you close to that fellow by the surname of Wang?”

　　“If I ask other people to do this, what happens if that Wang fellow decides to use underhand means?

　　“Fang Ping, stop going on about it. I’m trying to recruit a base for the organization, do you understand?

　　“I’m achieving Rank-4 soon. Once I’m at Rank-4, I’ll be the president. By then you’ll be vice-president. Both of us can be the decision-makers for the whole of MCMAU!

　　“By recruiting new members now, you’re actually recruiting your supporters too. I’m about to enter my senior year. Once I graduate, you’ll be the president anyway…”

　　Fang Ping could not help laughing. Qin Fengqing had it all planned out long-term—not an easy thing to do by any means.

　　Fang Ping was just about to open his mouth when Wang Jinyang said ever so softly, “Recently I’ve been preparing to challenge the Martial Arts Society presidents of various universities. I do hope you become the president soon.”

　　“Who’s that?”

　　Qin Fengqing was startled. Faint sounds and movements could be heard from the other end of the line. Very soon, Qin Fengqing let out a snort and said, “You, by the surname of Wang, have some manners. Is it appropriate to eavesdrop on other people’s conversation?”

　　“You have a voice like a foghorn. I don’t need to eavesdrop.”

　　“Do you think I will be afraid of you once I achieve Rank-4? I’ll be waiting for you!”

　　Qin Fengqing did not betray weakness. He let out another snort and continued, “Fang Ping, remember to recruit the three Nanjiang martial artists into MCMAU.

　　“Even NMAU wants to fight with us. What a joke.

　　“Your opponents are the ones from CCMAU. There’s no need to pay any attention to NMAU. I’m hanging up!”

　　Qin Fengqing was certainly very straightforward. He hung up right away.

　　Fang Ping did not know whether to laugh or to cry. He said helplessly, “Brother Wang, you see…”

　　Wang Jinyang replied nonchalantly, “Whatever. Whether these students choose to stay in Nanjiang or attend MCMAU is something that they will decide for themselves.

　　“The contributions of these new martial arts students are actually quite limited. It’s not the same as last year.”

　　Due to the championship last year, normal martial arts universities had done careful planning and made prior preparations before spending a great deal to recruit martial arts exam candidates.

　　In the championship this year, however, the new students would not be the ones competing. While nothing had been confirmed yet as of now, there was a high probability that the competitors would be from the various Martial Arts Societies.

　　If that was the case, unless they were unbelievably talented, one or two new martial arts students could not greatly affect anything.

　　“It’s true what you said. To be honest, certain aspiring martial artist students are much easier to mold once they enter a martial arts university.

　　“I used to think that martial artists who sat for the martial sciences examination were really talented. Now though I think that unless they have twice-honed their bones, they might be surpassed by other twice-honed aspiring martial artists in later stages.”

　　Wang Jinyang laughed softly, “That’s how it is. Of course, it’s not easy to twice-hone your bones either.

　　“One should strive for the things that are worth striving for.

　　“How about this—tomorrow we’ll go to NMAU together and talk to them. I don’t care where they end up. MCMAU’s conditions are definitely better than NMAU in some respects. If they really decide to attend MCMAU, who knows—MCMAU might be able to nurture a few powerhouses for Nanjiang in the future.”

　　Truth to tell, martial artists had always possessed a strong sense of place.

　　Martial artists from Nanjiang would naturally prioritize Nanjiang.

　　As for martial artists who left their homes like Fang Ping, if Nanjiang and Magic City were in trouble at the same time and a choice was given, the probability of these martial artists returning to Nanjiang was much higher.

　　Seeing that it was already late, Wang Jinyang and Fang Ping did not continue with their conversation.

　　…

　　Fang Ping found a random guesthouse and stayed the night.

　　He and Wang Jinyang agreed to meet at the NMAU gate the next day.

　　Fang Ping also discovered this time around that Wang Jinyang had a car.

　　“Yesterday’s physical assessment results just came out. The 3 martial artists are currently in River City, so we’ll be able to talk to all three of them at the same time.”

　　After he had invited Fang Ping into his car, Wang Jinyang chuckled once more. “This affair between yourself and Zhang Yu—have you prepared for it?”

　　Fang Ping replied, “We’ll discuss it further after my return from the Catacombs. I will be beaten soundly if I’m not an upper-stage Rank-3. I’ll hide for a bit and figure out what’s next. When I have achieved upper-stage Rank-3 and cultivated my Combat Technique successfully, perhaps I can even become the president.”

　　“Qin Fengqing has also set his sights on the president’s position. He might not have achieved Rank-4 yet by then. Whichever way it goes, it looks like both of you are heading for a showdown.”

　　“It depends on the situation. However, if I do achieve upper-stage Rank-3, the first person I’ll duel is most probably Xie Lei. It doesn’t really matter. I have many rivals in MCMAU, unlike you, Brother Wang. Your words carry enormous weight in NMAU.”

　　Wang Jinyang chuckled but did not say anything more.

　　…

　　Twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a hotel.

　　Fang Ping and Wang Jinyang strode inside. Before long, both of them arrived at a small meeting room on the third floor.

　　At this moment, not only were the three students present in the meeting room but their parents as well.

　　When they saw Wang Jinyang, a few middle-aged men and women quickly stood up and greeted politely, “President Wang, we did not expect to see you here in person. This is an unexpected surprise.”

　　Wang Jinyang smiled. He exchanged greetings with them then looked at Fang Ping. “This is Fang Ping. He’s here representing MCMAU.”

　　Fang Ping beamed a smile at the people present. These families who could afford to train up martial artist sons and daughters were no ordinary families. Of the few middle-aged men and women standing in front, the strongest had achieved Rank-4, while the weakest had Rank-3 abilities.

　　They did not seem to be the strongest martial artists in their families. In Nanjiang though, their abilities would not be considered weak.

　　“I recognize him now. He’s MCMAU’s prodigy, and he’s also from Nanjiang. Amazing!”

　　All the parents were very enthusiastic. The students, however, were full of arrogance and remained silent.

　　Fang Ping did not take offense. These were students who had become martial artists even before enrolling in a martial arts university; not only that, they were raised in a place like Nanjiang. Such arrogance from them was normal.

　　Every year, only a few Nanjiang martial artists sat for Gaokao, and these martial artists were all considered prodigies in Nanjiang.

　　After a few more polite greetings, Fang Ping and Wang Jinyang took their seats.

　　Fang Ping quickly scrutinized the three people before them—two young men and one young woman. He observed their Vitality and realized that they were all once-honed martial artists. However, given that they had probably achieved breakthrough at more than 150cal Vitality, this was considered fairly good already.

　　Wang Jinyang did not mince words, but said bluntly, “In the last few years, Nanjiang Martial Arts University has been going through some reforms. We are all Nanjiang people, so I’m sure we all understand.

　　“Nanjiang Martial Arts University welcomes you to enroll. For every martial arts student who enrolls in NMAU, NMAU promises to supply everyone with any pills needed to breakthrough to Rank-2, at no cost.”

　　The three students were anticipating the next sentence, but Wang Jinyang only raised his teacup and said nothing more.

　　Previously, he had promised to supply Fang Ping with the resources needed for the three lower ranks. Back then, Fang Ping was not even a martial artist yet.

　　However, at that time, Fang Ping was already twice-honed. Moreover, he was someone Wang Jinyang was familiar with. As the Martial Arts Society president, he was slightly biased, which was why he had set out such an offer.

　　Seeing that there was no response from Wang Jinyang, the students seemed slightly disappointed. They turned their attention to Fang Ping.

　　Fang Ping smiled instead, “If you enroll in MCMAU, the benefits offered won’t be immediately apparent; they are part of a long-term process.

　　“We are all martial artists. I believe that all of you understand how this works.

　　“Nanjiang would find it hard to top the benefits that MCMAU offers.

　　“Of course, as for which to choose, that will depend on individual considerations. NMAU or MCMAU, both are good choices…”

　　Fang Ping had said so much, yet he had mentioned nothing about practical benefits.

　　Right now, the students were even more disappointed. One of the young men could not stop himself from asking, “Is this how they treat martial artists in NMAU and MCMAU?”

　　Fang Ping gave a slight laugh and replied mildly, “In MCMAU, every batch of new martial arts students will have no less than 50 people. Moreover, unless you demonstrate unusual proficiency, it is very hard to get an opportunity to showcase your skills.

　　“Your parents are also martial artists. As martial artists, I’m sure that you already know a considerable amount about MCMAU.

　　“MCMAU is one of the two famous elite universities, and our instructor powerhouses are numerous. Combat Techniques can be observed at your discretion and pills are inexpensive, not to mention various facilities and financial provisions…

　　“Everyone who comes to MCMAU is not there for those benefits, however; they come because they are making preparations for the long run.”

　　Of the three students, it was the young lady who raised her head all of a sudden and asked, “Senior Fang, based on what you’ve said, there should be quite a few student powerhouses in MCMAU, yes?”

　　“That’s par for the course. There are Rank-5 students in MCMAU. Does everyone understand what I mean?”

　　“Rank-5!”

　　Everybody’s expressions underwent a rapid change. Fang Ping continued, “There are quite a few Rank-6 instructors as well, and that includes Peak Rank-6 instructors, as well as 4 Grandmaster powerhouses.

　　“Actually, in my opinion, there’s not much to hesitate about.

　　“Of course, Nanjiang is our home and under President Wang’s leadership, NMAU is currently making great strides in implementing improvements. I think it’s all the same no matter what you choose.”

　　Everyone’s expressions changed again. The young lady who had asked the question earlier said abruptly, “Senior Fang, based on your ability, how are you perceived in MCMAU?”

　　“Me?” Fang Ping laughed, “Among the students, I think I am okay.”

　　“Okay?”

　　The three students did not know what to think about that. Very soon, the young lady announced, “I will choose MCMAU then.”

　　The two young men were also motivated to choose MCMAU.

　　Fang Ping did not get it at first, but after a while, he realized that these young people were using him as a benchmark.

　　If he could get by in MCMAU, then they could as well.

　　Fang Ping did not know whether to laugh or to cry. These new students were so much more arrogant than he had been. Hopefully, after they enrolled in MCMAU, they would not suffer disillusionment too soon.

　　…

　　The recruitment mission proved to be very simple with both parties having settled on their intentions very quickly.

　　As they were walking out of the hotel, Wang Jinyang shook his head slightly and said, “If these people really enroll in MCMAU, I’m afraid that they’ll be given a rude awakening very early on.”

　　“That has nothing to do with me; I’m not a member of the martial arts society anyway.”

　　Fang Ping had only stopped by along the way to do this. Whatever was going on in the candidates’ minds was no concern of his.

　　This was only a side errand after all. Now that it was done, Fang Ping was ready to leave.

　　As he was about to take his departure, Wang Jinyang said suddenly, “Return from the Catacombs alive please.”

　　“You bet!”

　　Fang Ping waved and boarded the train back to Magic City. He did not plan to go home this time; he had to go into Magic City to handle certain affairs in his company.