On the arena.

　　Fang Ping consumed two Rank-1 Vitality Pills in a row. Half of his Vitality was replenished in no time.

　　Watching the last person from CCMAU entering the arena, Fang Ping grinned and said, “Don’t run. If you’re still not dead after the third hack, you can do whatever you want.”

　　Liu Haoming wanted to cry.

　　He was only a member of the reserves team. Even though he was a Peak Rank-1, he was still much weaker than the starters.

　　They had placed Han Xu third and Fang Wenxiang fourth, hence CCMAU thought that the fifth person did not even need to enter the arena.

　　What happened now?

　　Han Xu was defeated miserably. He was taken down forcefully by a lady. Fang Wenxiang had it even worse; he was almost hacked to death.

　　Now that MCMAU Fang Ping had replenished his Vitality and had mastered the ultimate move, how was he supposed to continue fighting?

　　After exhaling lightly, Liu Haoming accepted that he would be defeated, yet he could not avoid the match.

　　The referee had given the cue.

　　Fang Ping’s first action was hacking using the ultimate move!

　　Liu Haoming backed up hurriedly!

　　“Do you actually think that my Stepping Techniques are slower than yours!”

　　Fang Ping’s steps floated in midair. He was stepping on the air as he chased after his opponent!

　　…

　　“This is —?”

　　Liu Huarong was dumbfounded. Chen Xueyan looked on for a moment and spoke uncertainly, “Is he…showing off his skills?”

　　“Er… I think you’re right!”

　　Liu Huarong was absolutely speechless. Fang Ping was indeed showing off his combat skills!

　　Damn, did you really need to bring your steps midair just to chase one person?

　　Even though Fang Ping had attained the elevated stance, there was only a short distance. Also, the move was strenuous and unrewarding if used unnecessarily. The depletion of Vitality was also huge.

　　Fang Ping did not seem to mind!

　　Immediately after, he leaped high up in the air, hacking down with his saber!

　　Liu Haoming rolled his body and avoided hastily.

　　Fang Ping had carved out a pit on the arena ground with one hack!

　　In the next moment, Fang Ping employed the ultimate move again and chased after him. He did not care whether Liu Haoming was backing up or not, aimed straight at a pole and hacked!

　　A loud bang was heard. The second pole broke into pieces.

　　The referee’s complexion had darkened. What was this brat doing?

　　Fang Ping did not care about this. He paused for a moment, fished out a pill and swallowed it. He smiled maliciously and asked, “Are you surrendering or not? I will attack aimlessly. If you die, it will be too late for you to surrender!”

　　By hacking aimlessly, no one knew where he would attack next. It would not be surprising if he killed someone.

　　Liu Haoming remained silent.

　　Fang Ping did not give him any opportunity to speak. He soared into the air once again and slashed!

　　Bang!

　　This time, Liu Haoming could not prevent the inevitable. He was sent flying by the attack.

　　Blood splattered into the air. It was heart-wrenching to watch.

　　Fang Ping did not hear anyone surrendering. Without much hesitation, he hacked again!

　　“Using the ultimate move like it’s nothing… is that still an ultimate move?”

　　Liu Huarong was confused now. What was the ultimate move!

　　The ultimate move was usually used as a last resort and after it had used up, you would have to find a way to escape to avoid being killed by counterattacks.

　　What about now?

　　Fang Ping was spending money like he did not need it. Since the last match, how many hacks had there been?

　　He even showed off his combat skills, stepping midair. Does your family have free Vitality?

　　Liu Haoming was barely conscious. He was not skilled at defending like Fang Wenxiang. He had almost died from just one hack.

　　…

　　On the second floor, A few CCMAU instructors exchanged glances. After a moment, someone sighed, “Surrender!”

　　They could only choose to surrender. It was impossible to fight.

　　Huang Jing could not stop grinning. On the other hand, Tang Feng’s expression was unreadable. He wondered in his heart, how many pills would Fang Ping ask for compensation this time?

　　Fang Ping had eaten 4 Rank-1 Vitality Pills so far!

　　He was not fighting for competition, he was fighting for money!

　　Fang Ping did it on purpose. Only by eating pills would he receive new ones. Only then would his Wealth grow. If he did not use any, the university would never reimburse!

　　…

　　“MCMAU wins!”

　　The referee announced the victory. Liu Haoming was carried out of the arena.

　　Liu Huarong was speechless. After a few moments, he said, “Fang Wenxiang critically injured, Liu Haoming critically injured, the three before were all critically injured…”

　　“How can CCMAU fight tomorrow?”

　　That was true. How could CCMAU fight tomorrow!

　　Could Zhang Zhenguang and Li Ran fight?

　　Even if they could, would they be Chen Jiasheng’s match?

　　“It is getting harder and harder to predict the outcome of this competition. Martial Arts University Alliance may be able to reverse the situation,” Liu Huarong reflected.

　　They really might just pull it off!

　　If CCMAU was defeated tomorrow, the worst that Martial Arts University Alliance could achieve was just first runner-up. CCMAU would fall into third place directly.

　　CCMAU that had started off fearless was nearly crippled by MCMAU.

　　In fact, already half of their members were crippled.

　　If only Fang Wenxiang, who could achieve 80cal Vitality outburst, was not injured critically. If he came face to face with Chen Jiasheng, he might have a chance of winning.

　　Right now, however, who from CCMAU could defend against Chen Jiasheng?

　　…

　　Outside the arena.

　　Fang Ping looked relaxed. He saw Tang Feng, but before he could speak, Tang Feng sighed immediately, “5 pills.”

　　“Instructor…”

　　“If you consume pills for no reason again, I will make you withdraw from the competition!”

　　Tang Feng was equally speechless. This brat actually flaunted his combat skills in the arena!

　　Damn it. Stepping on air was not stepping, it was burning money!

　　Just one step could cost half a Rank-1 Vitality Pill!

　　As he spoke, Tang Feng grew curious and asked, “How fast are you actually absorbing them?”

　　“About two to three seconds for Rank-1. It gets slower for Rank-2. I can’t be using high-ranked pills for the competition…”

　　It was a convenient explanation as to why he did not use Rank-2 pills. At the same time, he could set everyone’s mind at ease. He made them think he could only digest same-rank pills. Everyone should not be worried about him being too powerful.

　　Fang Ping explained himself and then promptly asked, “Can CCMAU still fight tomorrow?”

　　“Not sure. Li Ran and Zhang Zhenguang may get on, plus another 3 Peak Rank-1. They may still stand a chance.

　　“Martial Arts University Alliance has truly been immobilized…”

　　Who else from the Martial Arts University Alliance could still fight?

　　Besides Chen Jiasheng, there were still 2 Upper-stage Rank-1 martial artists who were uninjured. The rest of them were critically injured.

　　CCMAU reserves team possessed powerful abilities. Out of 5 Peak Rank-1 martial artists, only 3 were left now.

　　Even after being bashed up by MCMAU, they still stood a chance in combat.

　　“Just see what happens. We have to wait for the final match two days later that’s all. Regardless of fighting against Martial Arts University Alliance or CCMAU, it’s all the same.”

　　Fang Ping felt indifferent about it and sighed. “Instructor, Han Xu is too weak. I didn’t even meet him. Am I still getting that 100 credits?”

　　Han Xu was eliminated by a joint effort between Fu Changding and Yang Xiaoman. Fang Ping did not face him, hence he had no idea how the university would calculate the rewards.

　　“We’ll see about that!”

　　Tang Feng gave a humph. This brat, how much resources had he spent recently!

　　They were heading for the infirmary as they spoke.

　　Tang Songting tapped both his hands on the board and asked quickly, “How was it?”

　　Fang Ping replied nonchalantly, “Told you that it’s unnecessary for you to suffer. You refused to listen.

　　“With me on stage, what do you think happened?

　　“Fang Wenxiang critically injured. Liu Haoming critically injured…”

　　“I saw it just now.” Tang Songting added. He saw them getting carried in just now. The only thing that he did not expect was that Fang Ping’s clothes were in pristine condition!

　　At this moment, Yang Xiaoman too, had woken up. Her head was still slightly hazy. She mumbled something but Fang Ping did not catch what she was saying.

　　Fang Ping quickly responded, “Have you gone dumb from the impact?”

　　“Get out!”

　　Yang Xiaoman shouted weakly. Immediately after, her head felt like it was splitting. She forced out the words, “My face…”

　　Fang Ping could not help but turn his head away.

　　Fu Changding sighed as well, then lowered his head.

　　Everyone else lowered their heads without saying anything.

　　It was not because they did not want to speak. Two people were glaring at them and they did not dare to respond.

　　Chen Yunxi was just about to say something when Fang Ping sighed, “It’s nothing. Well, female martial artists, you don’t treat them as ladies…”

　　“Am I really… really…”

　　Yang Xiaoman had just regained consciousness. Hearing their words, her eyes were brimming with tears.

　　‘Was I really disfigured?’

　　Fang Ping tried soothing her, “It’s nothing, really. Your family is rich. You could just go for cosmetic surgery…”

　　“Fang Ping!”

　　Chen Yunxi reprimanded him and quickly offered words of comfort. “Xiaoman, it’s going to be fine. It’s just a crack on your forehead. You will be alright soon.”

　　“Really?”

　　“Really.”

　　“Then… is there a mirror?”

　　“…”

　　Fang Ping pouted. He looked at Zhao Xuemei who was laying on another bed. She was still in deep sleep at the moment.

　　“You guys. Didn’t I tell you to surrender if you can’t defeat them? You just had to be stubborn and not listen to me.

　　“I alone am enough.

　　“Hand me your pills and I can handle it single-handedly. Look what’s happened now. Everyone bedridden, delaying the progress of your cultivating.

　　“The university as well. Placing me last just to suppress me…”

　　Bai Ruoxi, who was usually well-tempered, could not stop herself from shouting, “Fang Ping, keep your mouth shut!”

　　Fang Ping gave a hollow laugh and quickly changed the topic. “Instructor, what’s the arrangement for the day after tomorrow?”

　　“It depends.”

　　“Depends on tomorrow’s situation, on how much power CCMAU can conserve. We’ll try our best to give everyone some experience in the arena.”

　　Right now, there were plenty of them who had not fought. Zhao Lei, Jin Lei, Xu Yikai, Li Zhaoxu, and Chen Yunxi.

　　If all of them went on, Fang Ping would not even be needed.

　　However, a lion would always win a wrestle against a rabbit. It would make no sense to leave Fang Ping out. Nevertheless, he would most probably be there just for cleanup.

　　Fang Ping said regretfully, “I should have taken five of them in a row yesterday. I probably won’t get another chance.”

　　“It depends. The championship is only significant because of the issue with resources. Honestly, this is only a competition between Rank-1 martial artists. Not a big deal.”

　　Bai Ruoxi’s words were a major blow to everyone.

　　It was only a competition between Rank-1 martial artists. If it did not involve the fight for victory between various martial arts universities, no one would even talk about it.

　　40 Rank-1 martial artists. If a Rank-4 appeared right now, all of them could be easily squashed to death.

　　Fang Ping sighed, “If it isn’t for the competition, I would have achieved Rank-2 long ago. If I had known that these guys are so weak, I should have just done the Rank-2 breakthrough.”

　　To prepare for the competition, he had focused all of his energy on Combat Techniques.

　　If not, his progress to Rank-2 would have been well on its way.

　　Bai Ruoxi did not know how to respond. She did not know what she could say.

　　Just then, Tang Feng appeared once again. He gave a humph as soon as he entered the door, “Such confidence. I will send you into the Catacombs as soon as the competition ends!”

　　Fang Ping cursed a few times inside. Lion Tang had never liked him!

　　If it was not for his weak ability, he would have bashed him into meatballs for sure!

　　After a few exchanges, everyone left to let the patients rest.

　　…

　　Following the end of the competition between CCMAU and MCMAU, Fang Ping became a sensation.

　　“The strongest Rank-1 martial artist!.

　　“CCMAU could not defeat MCMAU. MCMAU team leader Fang Ping took down CCMAU single-handedly!”

　　“First amongst elite universities. Which of them would achieve final victory?”

　　“Martial Arts University Alliance hopes to turn the situation around!”

　　“…”

　　All kinds of news headlines were published. None of them did not include Fang Ping’s name.

　　MCMAU new student team leader Fang Ping had performed more impressively than anyone else in this competition.

　　The only martial artist who had entered the arena and left unscathed

　　There were also people who disagreed. Fang Ping had not faced the two Rank-2 martial artists and Han Xu. If he did, it was hard to say if he could emerge in one piece.

　　However, Fang Ping’s powerful abilities were recognized.

　　There were also people who speculated that it was the swallowing of pills that had helped Fang Ping achieve his undefeated streak.

　　He had been eating Rank-1 Vitality Pills like they were jelly beans. This had made many people jealous.

　　…

　　Meanwhile.

　　The infirmary in the Catacombs of Magic City.

　　Wang Jinyang and Qin Fengqing were both laying on the hospital beds. They were also watching the broadcast channel at this moment.

　　Qin Fengqing chuckled. “This fellow is interesting. What kind of physique does he have? Old Wang, tell me. If he reaches Rank-3 and learns a Rank-3 ultimate move, under the consumption of pills, is there no limit as to how many times he can perform the ultimate move?

　　“If that happens, even a Rank-4 will die from his attacks, right?”

　　Wang Jinyang groaned. “There may still be a limit to it. Besides, there is a limit to a human’s physical strength and energy. It is impossible for it to be unlimited…”

　　“It shouldn’t be a problem to hack at least ten to twenty times, right?”

　　“Perhaps.”

　　Wang Jinyang was not really sure. Fang Ping had hacked six to seven ultimate moves in just one day. If he had reached Rank-3, it was hard to say that he would not be able to hack more than ten ultimate moves.

　　In that case, even a Rank-4 would fall at his feet

　　Of course, that only applied to the weaker Rank-4 martial artists.

　　A Rank-4 with powerful abilities could kill Fang Ping in one move. You could strike ten thousand times given the chance.

　　Qin Fengqing continued, “When he finishes this time, it seems like Rank-2 would not be a problem. In my opinion, even Rank-3 would come soon. Before the start of his sophomore year, he would have achieved Rank-3.

　　“If I don’t work harder, this fellow will catch up to me.

　　“Old Wang, have you considered establishing a combat team, recruiting a few people and exploring the Catacombs together?”

　　Wang Jinyang sighed, “It’s too dangerous.”

　　It was not the Catacombs that was dangerous, but following them was.

　　Rank-2 to 3 martial artists aside, even a typical weaker Rank-4 would die from the torture.

　　Wang Jinyang had always thought that Qin Fengqing managed to stay alive all this time due to his impressive survivability.

　　A few days ago, after he was struck by a Rank-5 powerhouse, Qin Fengqing could still run at breakneck speed. Even Wang Jinyang was stunned. He had thought that Qin Fengqing died from the strike.

　　Qin Fengqing grinned, unconcerned. “You will only get your reward if you take the risks!

　　“This time I can definitely finish honing the torso and achieve Peak Rank-3.

　　“Once I have achieved Peak Rank-3, achieving Rank-4 will just be a matter of time.”

　　As he was saying those words, he had already forgotten about the combat team and Fang Ping.

　　No matter how powerful these guys were, they were only Rank-1. It was boredom that had prompted the casual conversation. There was no need to send them to their deaths

　　…

　　14th of January.

　　CCMAU VS Martial Arts University Alliance.

　　Today, Fang Ping once again accompanied Fang Yuan to watch the match.

　　As predicted, CCMAU Li Ran and Zhang Zhenguang were both fighting. The other three members were from the reserves team.

　　On the other hand, Martial Arts University Alliance’s Rank-2 Chen Jiasheng was on the arena. To everyone’s surprise, Sun Mingyu, who had his hand cut off, decided to fight despite his injuries!

　　Martial Arts University Alliance had decided to fight to win or die trying!

　　Out of the 5 people who were in the arena, two of them were injured, two were Upper-stage Rank-1, and there was Chen Jiasheng.

　　CCMAU was no better. Zhang Zhenguang still had bandages wrapped around his arm. It was covered in blotches of blood. Li Ran’s face was still pale as a ghost. Her internal injuries had not healed.

　　The other three Peak Rank-1 martial artists were unharmed.

　　Seeing the lineup, Fang Ping found himself deeply sympathizing with them. The Martial Arts University Alliance was desperate to win thirty percent of CCMAU’s resources, or else they would not send injured members to continue fighting in another match.

　　What about CCMAU?

　　CCMAU was only trying to preserve the university’s prestigious name as an elite university. Preserving the dignity of CCMAU as the first amongst all martial arts universities was the reason that they chose to fight to the death.

　　Losing to Martial Arts University Alliance and having their resources reduced would not affect them much. However, CCMAU’s title as the first would be gone forever.

　　This match would be no better than when Eight School Alliance fought against Martial Arts University Alliance. Instead, it would probably be even tragic.

　　…

　　The reality had been accurately predicted by Fang Ping. The fight was extremely brutal.

　　Martial Arts University Alliance still lost in the end!

　　Two Upper-stage Rank-1 martial artists were exchanged for a Peak Rank-1.

　　Sun Mingyu with his one hand came face to face with a Peak Rank-1 martial artist. He axed the back of his opponent and injured him critically, paying the price of opening up the wound on his waist which bled like a river. It was unsure whether the other party was dead or alive.

　　Liang Weiyao hammered with just one arm but still could not defeat the third CCMAU Peak Rank-1 martial artist. He had to quit the competition after he was critically injured for the second time.

　　The final competitor, Chen Jiasheng, had gone insane from all the fights.

　　His double-ended sword had almost killed the martial artist that was already wounded by Liang Weiyao. The referee had to pull him away to save his life.

　　Li Ran was the fourth to fight. The lady had also fought to the point that she had lost her mind. In the end, she could not stop spitting blood due to her internal injuries. She was forced to resign after a CCMAU powerhouse announced her surrender.

　　Although Chen Jiasheng was a Rank-2 martial artist, there was still a limit to his Vitality. During his last round with Zhang Zhenguang, Zhang Zhenguang’s condition was still in decent condition. Only his arm was injured. He focused mainly on avoiding the attacks and exhausted Chen Jiasheng.

　　At their final clash, Chen Jiasheng broke one of his arms, while Zhang Zhenguang almost broke his opponent’s neck. It was once again the referee who had to save Chen Jiasheng.

　　At this point, nearly everyone from both teams had been crippled.

　　…

　　After watching the competition, Fang Ping mumbled, “Who are we fighting tomorrow?”

　　It seemed like there would not be a competition anymore!

　　After the savage fight, almost everyone from CCMAU today had been crippled. Besides Han Xu who might still be fighting, the rest of them were more or less disabled.

　　The leaders of CCMAU were speechless.

　　How could they continue fighting like this?

　　MCMAU still had a bunch of martial artists who had not fought yet!

　　Right now, however, CCMAU had already battled Martial Arts University Alliance twice and MCMAU once. Their members had been mostly wiped out. They were extremely stressed out about the final match.

　　Could they gather 5 people?

　　Han Xu was one, Fang Wenxiang was on the verge of death, as was Liu Haoming. Wei Shujie’s private part had not recovered yet, Long Tao’s femur was already broken from being nailed by the long spear…

　　The 5 who fought today were equally miserable. Even the last survivor, Zhang Zhenguang, had broken one of his arms.

　　…

　　Fang Ping did not bother to think about the arrangements for tomorrow’s competition. It was none of his business.

　　At this point into the competition, the government had also achieved their purpose. When everyone witnessed the brutality that martial artists faced and their bravery in fighting a death match, the dignity of martial artists was justified!

　　MCMAU had also achieved its goal as their victory was all but guaranteed.

　　Actually, even Martial Arts University Alliance had achieved its purpose. They could scrounge some resources from Eight School Alliance.

　　Even if CCMAU ended as first runner-up, they would not lose much. The only setback was the embarrassment of losing to MCMAU.

　　After further calculations, apart from the Rank-1 martial artists who had participated in the fight, the majority of the parties did not suffer many losses. However, the losses that Eight School Alliance suffered were tremendous.

　　In fact, the participating martial artists had also received a huge amount of resources as compensation. As long as they did not die, even Sun Mingyu did not have to be afraid that the loss of his hand would be permanent.

　　“So is everyone satisfied?”

　　Fang Ping laughed by himself the moment he stepped out of the gym.

　　Martial arts was not simple.

　　Martial artists were not simple.

　　It was hard to tell who was to blame for the brutality of the competition. The government had needs, the martial arts community had needs, the Martial Arts Universities had needs… even martial artists had needs!

　　The blood of a bunch of Rank-1 martial artists was sacrificed in exchange for transparency amongst ordinary people, and clarity amongst Vitality martial artists!

　　The world was not always comfortable, not always peaceful.

　　Whether you knew it or not, accepted it or not, this was the truth of the world of martial artists.