Chapter 190: This Lingering Heartbreak

　　Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

　　Sun City.

　　It was almost 6 o’clock in the evening when Fang Ping returned to Sun City.

　　It had been a long time and Old Wang had still not responded. Fang Ping assumed that the operation must have failed.

　　“Fine, just run then. I have nothing to lose anyway.”

　　As he mumbled to himself, his phone suddenly vibrated.

　　Fang Ping picked his phone up and took a glance. It was an SMS reminder…

　　“Ah, Old Wang is such a pal!”

　　Fang Ping was taken aback by the amount of money newly transferred into his account. Old Wang truly had a big heart!

　　“5 million!”

　　He must have captured the target. Furthermore, Old Wang had even split half of the rewards and gave it to him. In that moment, Fang Ping was incredibly moved by Wang Jinyang’s kindness!

　　Even though he had only agreed to give him ten percent, in the end he gave 5 million.

　　After contemplating for a while, Fang Ping decided to give him a call.

　　When the call had connected, Fang Ping said enthusiastically, “Brother Wang, you are too kind. I have only provided a clue, yet you gave me so much. I don’t know what to say.”

　　“Don’t sweat it. You deserve it.”

　　“We agreed on ten percent, yet you gave me half the reward. Sigh, now I feel quite embarrassed…”

　　“Half?”

　　Wang Jinyang sounded intrigued. “What half? 10% of the reward is roughly 5 million.”

　　Fang Ping: “…”

　　Fang Ping was stunned for a moment before stammering in shock, “Brother Wang, do you mean…”

　　“I caught Pan Xiaoyang ages ago. He fled to Wu City as it is his hometown.

　　“He hid his assets there. Even his wife didn’t know about them.

　　“I went there and retrieved some of his stuff. I had just finished sorting through them…”

　　“He… he is worth 50 million?” Fang Ping could taste the bitterness in his mouth.

　　“It is only natural that bribing a Peak Rank-3 martial artist would not come cheap. Didn’t you ever think about that?”

　　Wang Jinyang seemed even surprised than Fang Ping. Was this not common sense?

　　The target was a Peak Rank-3 martial artist, who was also a member of a renowned research institute, backed by several forces from Donglin Martial Arts University.

　　It would be a disgrace if the reward was not at least tens of millions for bribing a person like this.

　　Since the money was obtained from another source, surely Pan Xiaoyang would be afraid of using it and decide to hide it instead.

　　Wang Jinyang had simply asked him to choose between being sent to jail in Nanjiang or being deported to Donglin…

　　Pan Xiaoyang knew what he had to do and made his decision without a second thought. He exchanged his life with money.

　　Of course he had to stay in Nanjiang!

　　Being sent back to Donglin spelled nothing but the end for him.

　　Consequently, Old Wang went to Wu City to retrieve the reward before returning to the university.

　　“50 million…”

　　Fang Ping was still in a daze. ‘Damn it, did I just miss out on a golden opportunity?’

　　‘How could I be so full of myself!’

　　‘How could I have been so excited for that meager toll charge!’

　　Indeed, a Peak Rank-3 martial artist, how could he not have any assets?

　　It was obvious that Pan Xiaoyang did not have outstanding abilities. If Fang Ping went all out and replenished his Vitality, he would have been able to kill him.

　　A month’s worth of missions… No, three months’ worth of missions were nothing compared to the reward he could get for taking down Pan Xiaoyang.

　　‘All I did was gift the opportunity to Old Wang?’

　　‘Did I just become the Child of Wealth?’ (TN: Due to the fact that many treasures emerged automatically at the time of Sudhana’s birth, folks assumed that the boy must be good at managing money matters or good at making money, because “Sudhana” in Sanskrit and the Chinese translation, “Shancai,” literally means “Good With Money”. For this reason, people worship Sudhana as a “God of Wealth.”)

　　The bitterness in Fang Ping’s mouth grew. He could only suffer in silence. ‘Was I too foolish?’

　　“I still have things to do. I’m hanging up. Feel free to contact me if you have similar cases in the future.”

　　Old Wang was comparably happier. A Rank-4 against a Rank-3. He had gotten the money with a snap of a finger. He did not even need to look for the target. It was just a matter of traveling for a few hours. Fang Ping was indeed a loyal friend.

　　…

　　Once he had hung up the phone, Fang Ping heart was broken into pieces.

　　“I had 50 million right in front of me and I just threw it away. Receiving 5 million afterward had me jumping for joy… what rubbish is this?”

　　“So heartbreaking!”

　　It was so difficult to extricate from this heartbreak!

　　‘I did 12 missions in March and had only earned about 12 million. And that was already considered a high profit.’

　　What about now?

　　Old Wang only did a bit of leisurely travelling and 45 million fell into his hands!

　　“I want to curse someone so bad!”

　　Fang Ping gritted his teeth. Who should he curse?

　　Earning a huge sum of money like this would not come easy even for missions involving Rank-4 martial artists. This was tens of millions!

　　He could imagine the look of joy and the smug grin on Old Wang’s face after he had gotten the money.

　　Old Wang was a pauper. He could bust his hump for several days doing missions for mere hundreds of thousands.

　　Earning a tremendous amount in such a short period of time must have left him jumping for joy. He must have been eternally grateful for this favor…

　　“What a ridiculous price to pay for his gratitude!”

　　“No, he may even be thinking that I am a fool!”

　　Fang Ping talked to himself aloud. The more he thought about it, the more heartbreak he felt.

　　“I didn’t even see it coming… How can my IQ be lower than Old Wang…”

　　…

　　He dragged his sorrows with him.

　　When he returned to Scenic Lake Gardens, he noticed that Fang Yuan had gotten thinner. Fang Ping could not stand the new blow and pinched the cheeks of a confused Fang Yuan and announced in a howl of suffering, “You’ve become uglier!

　　“A girl’s appearance should change by the time she’s eighteen, from an ugly duckling to a swan!

　　“So why is my sister becoming uglier by the day!

　　“Fang Yuan, I told you to eat well. Why didn’t you listen!

　　“How can you meet someone with this face?

　　“…”

　　Fang Yuan became extremely confused.

　　‘I… became uglier?’

　　‘To the point that I can’t show my face?’

　　She had even forgotten to ask Fang Ping the reason for his return. She was rendered speechless after Fang Ping dealt her a strong blow. In Fang Ping’s eyes, she had become ugly. Did brother have no taste in beauty, or had she truly grown ugly?

　　“Mom…”

　　The girl looked at Li Yuying as though she had been victimized. With a lack of confidence, she asked, “Am I truly that ugly?”

　　Li Yuying rolled her eyes at her son, sounding both annoyed and amused as she said, “Don’t listen to your brother’s nonsense. There’s no such thing. You’re plenty gorgeous.”

　　“Fang Ping!”

　　Fang Yuan glared at Fang Ping in rage. He had gone too far!

　　Fang Ping sighed and shook his head. He responded helplessly, “Forget it. You won’t understand. A person’s appearance must be unique. Eat more next time. If you continue to grow thinner, I will seriously consider disowning you as my sister.”

　　Fang Yuan made a great effort of rolling her eyes. ‘I should just ignore you.’

　　Li Yuying could not contain her laughter at the scene. “That’s enough. Don’t bully Yuan Yuan the moment you come back home.

　　“Ping Ping, why didn’t you give us a call to tell us that you are coming back? If I had known, I would have bought more vegetables…”

　　“I was on my way so I came back to say hi. I’m not an esteemed guest. I can eat anything…”

　　Fang Ping chatted with his mother for a while, pinched Fang Yuan a few more times, and finally cast away the suffering bottled in his heart.

　　Today, he had lost 45 million.

　　The largest wealth he could ever get in his life.

　　Old Wang had sponged off of him this time. That stingy jerk Old Wang did not even offer to pay him more. How inhumane could he be!

　　“I must get my money back one day!”

　　Fang Ping had made up his mind. Losing this money had sunk him into a pit of depression.

　　…

　　At night.

　　At dinner time, Fang Mingrong suddenly announced, “Ping Ping, the department had made me a Deputy Chief of Office…”

　　It was even Li Yuying’s first time hearing the news. She was shocked and exclaimed, “A Deputy Chief of Office? You?”

　　She did not mean to look down on her husband, but she was well aware of his standards.

　　He had worked as an ordinary worker, then an entrance guard, then to the present where he had become an official…

　　“It’s nothing.”

　　Fang Ping understood his father’s concerns and responded nonchalantly, “It’s just a title to raise the basic wages.

　　“I am even Sun City’s deputy commander. However, no one really sees me as a deputy commander.”

　　Silence enveloped the dining table.

　　Fang Yuan who had her cheeks pinched until they were rosy red had no time to be angry because of that. She stared at Fang Ping with her eyes wide opened and her gaze was blank when she repeated, “Deputy… deputy commander?”

　　“Yes. Just a title.” Fang Ping chuckled. “It’s just a title. Do you think I can exert power over anyone because of that?”

　　“It’s the same with dad as the Deputy Chief. Getting more pay. It’s nothing. Don’t worry too much about it.

　　“I wouldn’t be surprised if you became the deputy commander next time…”

　　The entire family was still entranced by Fang Ping’s previous revelation. Their son had become the deputy commander just like that!

　　What had happened to this world?

　　“Commander…”

　　Fang Yuan was drifting off. ‘My brother was going to earn money again?’

　　“Enough with that. Let’s eat.

　　“Dad, mom, you can laugh about it at home but don’t announce this to the public. There’s no need for that.

　　“There’s a reason why I am telling you all this. I just want to say that we may not cause any problems for other people, but that doesn’t mean that others will do the same.

　　“If anyone has wronged you, don’t keep quiet about it. Let me know. Sun City is only a small patch of land. Your son has nothing to be afraid of.”

　　Fang Ping bragged a little. It was not because he was a natural show-off. He was just trying to boost his parents’ confidence.

　　Their family did not cause anyone trouble. Others should also not cause him, Fang Ping, any troubles.

　　Fang Mingrong had already lost interest in the subject. His mind was as blank as a sheet of paper.

　　Everyone had lost their appetite. Therefore, Fang Ping took full advantage. Mom had cooked an appetizing meal. If they did not want to eat it, he would eat more so no food would be wasted.

　　…

　　The second day.

　　Those who were supposed to go to school went to school; those who were supposed to go to work went to work.

　　Fang Ping was not on a holiday at the moment. He still needed to return to the university. He did not have much time to waste.

　　Early morning, Fang Ping went straight to the house of the commander.

　　He met Bai Jinshan to inquire about the situation in Sun City. Everything was well. No one had detected any traces of the cult martial artists yet.

　　This made Fang Ping feel much more relaxed. He tried to beat around the bush and slip in something about his family’s safety. Bai Jinshan pick up on his intentions. He chuckled and proceeded to discuss a few things about the issue with police patrol routes.

　　If a real martial artist appeared, these policemen might not be anywhere close to useful. Even so, their presence could at least intimidate.

　　Sun City had no power to send martial artists to protect certain families.

　　If that was how things work, martial artists would not even have time to do their work anymore.

　　Fang Ping was still decently satisfied. Patrols armed with spears. Rank-1 and 2 martial artists might not take the risk. That was good enough.

　　If a martial artist of Rank-3 and above came, Sun City would not be able to defend.

　　After expressing his gratitude, Fang Ping did not return home. Instead, he went straight for the station. He needed to return to the university.

　　He had also addressed his parents in the morning. He was only stealing a little break from the rush of business this time to go back home and visit.

　　…

　　MCMAU.

　　Once Fang Ping had returned, Zhao Xuemei came looking for him. When she saw Fang Ping, she said, “Instructor asked you to go and see her when you have returned.”

　　“Oh,” Fang Ping responded. He then grinned at her and asked, “Rank-2 yet?”

　　“Yes.”

　　Zhao Xuemei did not look too pleased about it. Instead, she spoke dejectedly, “You are already Peak Rank-2. Even Xiaoman and the rest are also almost achieving Middle-stage Rank-2…”

　　“This doesn’t mean anything. It’s the same whether you progress quicker or slower. Besides, you are already very fast…”

　　It was obvious that Fang Ping did not know how to comfort a person. Zhao Xuemei forced a smile and did not continue with the topic.

　　As Lu Fengrou requested Fang Ping to see her, Fang Ping did not delay any further. After he exchanged greetings with Zhao Xuemei, he dashed straight for the Educator’s Dormitory.

　　…

　　Villa No. 8.

　　Lu Fengrou was still yawning when she opened the door. This left Fang Ping speechless. Why was she tired from dusk till dawn!

　　“Peak Rank-2 yet?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“Your progress is alright.”

　　Lu Fengrou yawned again. She spoke as soon as she sat down, “Get ready. Breakthrough to Rank-3.”

　　“Huh?”

　　Fang Ping’s face was filled with surprise. He quickly responded, “Instructor, isn’t this a little too early…”

　　“Early? Isn’t it a good thing?” Lu Fengrou sneered. “I know what’s on your mind. You’re thinking: I, Fang Ping, have not managed to sweep everyone of the same rank, so I need to settle for a bit longer.

　　“Don’t think too much!

　　“Won’t you still be a Rank-2 after you defeated the other Rank-2?”

　　“Is an undefeated Rank-2 martial artist not a Rank-2 martial artist?

　　“A martial artist will only be considered an elite after achieving Rank-3. There’s no need to linger in Rank-1 and 2.

　　“When you become a Grandmaster one day, who cares if you have swept Rank-2 martial artists earlier?

　　“Would a Grandmaster that is ranked last on the Grandmaster Ranking List be inferior to a Rank-2 martial artist ranked first on the list?

　　“I have mentioned this before. The three lower ranks is a phase where you will lay the foundation. This phase will go on until Peak Rank-3.

　　“When you have achieved Rank-3, you can then take your time and fill up the gaps. It’s not too late and it won’t affect your future.

　　“Perhaps you will only be satisfied after you seize the title as the first amongst all Rank-2?

　　“When you have become the first amongst all Rank-2 — god knows how long that would takd — perhaps if you achieve Rank-3, you could cultivate and become the first.

　　“Is being the first in Rank-2 stronger or being the first in Rank-3 stronger?

　　“Of course, this is not the main point. The main point is that you have already made a tough declaration. Didn’t you want to challenge Zhang Yu when the semester ends?

　　“We are approaching April now. Are you going to challenge a Rank-4 in this state of yours as a Rank-2?”

　　Fang Ping was slightly stunned. He had just remembered that he had talked tough before that.

　　At this moment, Fang Ping was slightly embarrassed. “I was just saying…”

　　“Hah, you were just saying. That’s not what other people think. When the time comes, you have to challenge even if you don’t want to. It is up to you.”

　　“He’s a Rank-4. I’m only a Rank-2…”

　　Fang Ping looked extremely helpless. He could not win.

　　“If you can achieve Peak Rank-3, cultivate your Combat Techniques to the point of the ultimate move. When the day comes, you can blast the ultimate move when you go into the area. Consume the pills to the maximum limit. Who knows, you may still stand a chance.

　　“If you’re a Peak Rank-2… you will be dead in seconds.

　　“Do you understand what I’m saying?”

　　Fang Ping nodded slightly before asking again, “Instructor, if I have achieved Rank-3, do I need to enter the Catacombs?”

　　“That is up to you to decide. However, when you have entered Peak Rank-3, you will not be able to act as you please like what you are doing now.

　　“At Peak Rank-3, your body-honing, bone-honing, and meridian-honing must reach the limit!

　　“Vitality nourishment must also reach the limit.

　　“Combat Techniques, pole-standing, including the Methods of Honing, must be cultivated to the extreme. This is because you will be remolded once at Peak Rank-3 transitioning to Peak Rank-4.

　　“At this time, the stronger your foundation the better.

　　“It’s fair to say that the three lower ranks help lay the foundation. This phase is mostly related to basic techniques cultivation.

　　“The distinction between Rank-1, 2 and 3 is only a definition, but that doesn’t mean that Rank-1, 2, and 3 are independent systems or levels.

　　“Can you understand me if I put it this way?”

　　Fang Ping nodded. Her explanation was easy to comprehend. The ranks were only definitions given by people. In the eyes of powerhouses, the three lower ranks martial artists were viewed as one common phase. There was no need to make such clear distinctions between them.

　　“I’m glad that you understand. Go to the southern area and wait for me in the Energy Room tomorrow. It will be easier to breakthrough there.”

　　“So soon…”

　　Fang Ping mumbled. He did not expect that Lu Fengrou would let him achieve Rank-3 so soon.

　　However, after giving it some thought, he decided what Lu Fengrou said was right.

　　Being invincible in Rank-2, yet still a Rank-2.

　　Lingering in Rank-2 just to seize a title was unnecessary.

　　This was not like the Rank-1 phase, when he needed to fight in a competition.

　　It seemed like there were not many people, not even people like Old Wang and those Grandmaster powerhouses, that had risen to fame in Rank-2. There were a few who were known as invincible in Peak Rank-3 though.