Chapter 97: Always Prepared

　　Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

　　Some of the freshmen had already made a name for themselves before the first day of school.

　　Among them were Fu Changding and Fang Ping.

　　…

　　Magic City Martial Arts University Martial Arts Society.

　　The meeting room.

　　President Zhang Yu leaned on his chair and said wearily, “Is there any potential fresh meat?”

　　“Actually, yes. The quality of this year’s newcomers is pretty good. There are a total of 58 martial artists, 8 who have twice-honed and one who has thrice-honed.

　　“Among the martial artists, there are a total of 4 people who had twice-honed, which means they have completed tempering one of their limbs.

　　“They are all of excellent caliber!”

　　The words were spoken by the girl who was ridiculed by Qin Fengqing and Zhang Yu’s gang some time ago. Meanwhile, Qin Fengqing was quiet and kept his head down as he searched the information on his hand.

　　Zhang Yu shot a glance at him but said in a gentle manner, “There’s a freshman that has thrice-honed?”

　　“Yeah. He’s called Fang Ping. Although his Gaokao results were satisfactory at 149cal, I didn’t expect to find out that he has thrice-honed.

　　“If it wasn’t for someone tipping me off, I would’ve thought that he was already a martial artist.”

　　It seemed that becoming a martial artist was easier than having undergone bone-honing thrice.

　　“You idiots! Don’t you see?”

　　Qin Fengqing cursed with his head still down and looked at the information on his hand.

　　After being scolded consecutively, Zhou Yan had reached her boiling point and yelled, “Qin Fengqing, you knew all along?”

　　“Of course…”

　　Qin Fengqing confessed immediately. Prior to meeting Fang Ping, he would not admit it if it was the last thing he did.

　　“What do you take us for?”

　　Zhou Yan snorted and said irritatedly, “Tread lightly, Qin Fengqing. I may not be able to beat you, but you’ve some nerve raising your voice against the president, Teacher Min, and even the dean. And of course, we can’t forget the Wang Jinyang incident.

　　“With all these people you’ve offended, you’ll get what you deserve one of these days!”

　　Qin Fengqing looked up with a cold smile and said, “I’m not afraid. When Wang Jinyang beat all the Rank-1s from Magic City, nobody dared to fight him. It was only me that was brave enough to do so!

　　“Therefore, I, Qin Fengqing, will be the only one to attain Rank-1 in Year Two and move up two ranks by Year Three!

　　“I may be bad at a lot of things. But what I lack in talent and resources, I can surely say I make up with courage!”

　　“Why you little…”

　　Zhou Yan impatiently replied, “You are out of your mind!”

　　“Tsk, little girl. At least I, Qin Fengqing, would not stoop so low as to rat people out nor suck up to the higher-ups!”

　　“Qin Fengqing, that’s enough!”

　　Zhang Yu rubbed his head as if he had a headache. He said, “Don’t you guys have anything else to talk about? You may want to hold your tongue or else you might regret it later.”

　　“Tsk…”

　　Qin Fengqing let out a snort. Out of contempt, he said, “Even when you lose, you can’t let other people step on you. When you can’t beat them physically, at least you can still taunt them. A lion still roars whether he loses a battle or not!”

　　Zhang Yu’s face darkened. He let out half a sigh and said, “I’ve had enough of all these pointless arguments. Let’s just focus on getting the new members.

　　“We will consider those 4 that have successfully twice-honed into a martial artist as well as that Fang Ping who had thrice-honed. And of course, the rest that have twice-honed.”

　　As for the rest of the ordinary Rank-1 martial artists, they were out of Zhang Yu’s sight.

　　It was not due to hard feelings toward the other students being weaker or anything. Regardless of their skill level, these people would be ridiculed in MCMAU because the truth was they might not reach Rank-3 even by the time they graduate.

　　On the contrary, it was those potential martial artists who had twice-honed that had a higher probability of becoming Rank-3.

　　Qin Fengqing did not have anything else to retort. Suddenly, he slammed the table and yelled, “I knew his name was familiar!”

　　At that moment, he grasped Fang Ping’s information in his hand.

　　“Nanjiang Sun City No.1 High School…”

　　Qin Fengqing completely dismissed what the president just mentioned about getting new members. He looked up and asked, “Where is Wang Jinyang from?”

　　Zhang Yu furrowed his brow and said, “What are you up to this time?”

　　“Just tell me where is he from. You’re the president, not my father. Enough with all the questions already.”

　　Zhang Yu sipped some water nonchalantly. He said, “Qin Fengqing, stop being unreasonable and making a scene. Don’t try me unless you want to take this to the field.”

　　Qin Fengqing was slightly embarrassed at this point. He tried to keep his level and said, “I was merely asking where he was from. If you know then say it. If you don’t then whatever. What’s the point of constantly threatening people just because you’re Rank-4?”

　　In fact, Qin Fengqing had no business challenging the much stronger Rank-4 president as his opponent.

　　If they went to the battlefield, the result would be him returning bruised and battered.

　　In the event that the president requested him to recruit the freshmen with a face like that, it would only serve as an embarrassment for him.

　　Zhang Yu let out a snort while Zhou Yan and the rest were seen with smiles on their faces from the incident. ‘Let’s see what you come up with this time. It’s time someone put you back in your place!’

　　Zhang Yu did not want to entertain his petty games. He thought for a while and said, “I think he was from Sun City, Nanjiang.”

　　“Which high school?”

　　“I don’t remember. Probably one of the No.1 high schools.”

　　“Nanjiang Sun City No.1 High School!”

　　The expression in Qin Fengqing’s eyes immediately changed. He gritted his teeth and said, “I volunteer to recruit Fang Ping and the newcomers!”

　　Zhou Yan immediately retorted, “President, Fang Ping’s the one from Nanjiang Sun City No.1 High School. Just because Qin Fengqing couldn’t beat Wang Jinyang, he’s prepared to take it out on his junior!”

　　“Shut your mouth!”

　　Qin Fengqing vexingly said, “I’m just going to ask them how they are. I’m not the type to bully weaker people. Do I look like the type that would threaten people with my Rank?”

　　It was obvious that his words were directed at someone specifically. Zhang Yu’s face darkened. ‘Is the Martial Arts Society a game to him?’

　　It was just by chance that Zhang Yu had been busy lately. If it was not for the absence of the other vice presidents, Zhang Yu would not be letting Qin Fengqing be in charge of the recruitment.

　　However, he had already picked him to be the one in charge. It would not make sense to suddenly change it.

　　Zhang Yu heaved a sigh and said, “You can go ahead. But remember to abide by the rules of the Martial Arts Society, or else!

　　“If you break any of the rules, forget about Wang Jinyang. You’ll have me to worry about then!”

　　“Yes, I get it. Sheesh…”

　　Qin Fengqing replied exasperatedly. He flippantly snickered and made his way out of the meeting room with Fang Ping’s information in his hands.

　　When he left, Zhou Yan was worried. She said, “President, are you sure he won’t do anything?”

　　“He won’t go too far as to…”

　　Zhang Yu shook his head. Qin Fengqing still had some self-respect. Even if Fang Ping and Wang Jinyang were from the same school, he would not sink so low as to do anything to him.

　　If he had a bone to pick with someone, it was Wang Jinyang, not him.

　　However, if he knew the extent of their relationship, then it would be a different story.

　　Zhang Yu sighed again and finished his sentence, “Over the coming few days, I’ll be doing some closed door training. Therefore, you’ll be seeing less of me. With that in mind, try and keep an eye on him.”

　　‘Closed door training…’

　　Some of their brows furrowed with the term in their minds. It was not that martial artists did not do closed door training, but it was very rare. Most of them would prefer to cultivate their skills by performing missions instead.

　　It was peculiar that Zhang Yu mentioned closed door training as he entered Rank-4 just recently. For that reason, it was clear that it was not to breakthrough Rank-5.

　　So what was his objective for closed door training?

　　Zhang Yu did not bother to explain himself. At that time, the real reason Wang Jinyang lost the battle in Magic City was not due to his lack of strength but because he was bullied by the other party. The only way they defeated him was with an unfair fight between him and a Rank-2 martial artist.

　　Now that Wang Jinyang was winning most of the fights as a Rank-3 in the Northern Region, it would not be a surprise if he reached Rank-4 soon.

　　This time, he chose to get a breakthrough by challenging the Northern Region. Once he managed to breakthrough, Zhang Yu had a feeling that he would move toward the Southern Region to finish what he had started in Magic City.

　　When he does, Magic City Martial Arts University would be the first on his list.

　　Governor-General Zhang of Nanjiang who broke through Rank-7 was eager to prove his strength. Not only did he want to present his own strength, but he also wanted to show off the entire university’s ability to the public.

　　Since Governor-General Zhang could not risk someone interfering with his plans, Wang Jinyang had to be at the forefront giving his utmost support and preventing anyone from doing so.

　　There would be two main goals for the president of Nanjiang Martial Arts Society to defeat the president of Magic City Martial Arts University. The first would be for revenge. Secondly, it would be to make a name for Nanjiang Martial Arts Society. This opportunity made Zhang Yu the perfect stepping stone to achieving said goal.

　　If Zhang Yu was to fight with Wang Jinyang at the present time, Zhang Yu would have a hundred percent chance of winning the battle.

　　However, it would be a different story if Wang Jinyang was Rank-4.

　　The time Wang Jinyang spent on the Northern Region was the time for Zhang Yu to do his preparation. He had to take this opportunity to start cultivating his combat techniques with closed door training while he still could so that he would be ready at times of emergency.

　　…

　　Naturally, Fang Ping was hopelessly unaware of everything that was happening – Qin Fengqing had accepted the responsibility to recruit new members while Zhang Yu was doing closed door training to prepare to defeat post-breakthrough Wang Jinyang.

　　Knowing that Old Wang had shut down all methods of contacting him, Fang Ping did not bother trying to call as he knew Old Wang was busy fighting off the powerhouses.

　　After he finished his dinner, Fang Ping started his own training.

　　It had been 10 days since he thrice-honed and it was obvious that his strength had made progress.

　　Wealth: 2100000

　　Vitality: 207cal (209cal)

　　Mentality: 208Hz (210Hz)

　　When he checked, Fang Ping’s Vitality and Mentality had improved. However, he could feel that his body had reached its limit. He knew that undergoing bone-honing thrice was the breaking point.

　　Unless he continued to train his body and honed his bones, this would be the maximum Vitality point he could reach.

　　Having used up his Body-strengthening Elixir, Fang Ping he did not know when the next bone-honing will occur. With that thought in mind, he was less motivated to continue his training.

　　He had already decided in his mind to apply for a breakthrough once the instructors were assigned to them the next day.

　　The only thing he was focusing on was pole-standing.

　　Two days ago, he had achieved the firm stance for his pole-standing progress. He was completely fixated on the training so that there would not be any mishaps the next day.

　　The firm stance in pole-standing was admirable, at least that was what Fang Ping thought. A person who had achieved the firm stance was a good indicator that they might be the next roly-poly.

　　…

　　The entire Second Floor Area One was dead silent.

　　Everyone including Fang Ping was busy focusing on their training.

　　When the results showed Fang Ping and Fu Changding leading today, everyone was displeased by how relaxed they seemed. In fact, them laughing and chatting like it was any other day proved how powerful they really were.

　　Obviously, if anyone was seen showing off, people would be unhappy about it.

　　Even if they were the top students in Area One, nobody guessed they would be this strong.

　　Out of the 19 people excluding Fang Ping and Fu Changding that tested their strength, only 5 of them had the energy left to speak after the test.

　　Even the 5 of them did not seem as relaxed as Fang Ping, or else they would not have been so quiet.

　　The Vitality test today was just the tip of the iceberg. They had more to look forward to at the main event tomorrow.

　　…

　　Compared to the Second Floor, the mood in First Floor Area one was much more relaxed.

　　Most of them were dropping by at each other’s room chatting and inviting each other out to dinner. Among the laid-back crowd was Guo Sheng.

　　When Little Fatty Guo Sheng brought up inviting Fang Ping, everyone looked at him with disbelief.

　　After asking him briefly about the matter, they found out that the two of them had only met for a while in the morning. The next thing they knew, everyone had already dismissed that idea from their head.

　　‘Fang Ping was a thrice-honed potential martial artist. Of course, he wouldn’t have the time to come out tonight. Does this fatty know how important the stakes are tomorrow?’

　　Sure, the people on this floor might not mind it too much, but for the people upstairs, it was a significant event for them.

　　It would go a few ways tomorrow. If you were lucky, the instructor chooses you or you could choose the instructor. If you were not, you might be the last one to get chosen and possibly assigned to an unsuitable instructor. The contrasting results between all these different situations would be revealed soon enough.

　　Little Fatty was in fact completely oblivious about his fate and all everyone could do was look at him and sigh. ‘Shit, how did this guy get into Magic City Martial Arts University?’

　　…

　　Meanwhile, at Capital City.

　　Capital City Grand Hotel.

　　Wang Jinyang leaned on the sofa and watched television with a relaxed look on his face.

　　Sitting beside him was the vice principal of Nanjiang Martial Arts University who seemed like the polar opposite of how Wang Jinyang was feeling. Restless, the vice principal asked, “Jinyang, how sure are you about tomorrow?”

　　“I’ve no idea.”

　　The vice principal was speechless. There was a pause between them. After a while, he said, “Chen Feng has been Rank-3 for quite some time now. If it wasn’t for him breaking his left arm in the Catacombs, he would’ve been Rank-4 by now.

　　“Even so, his combat skills, experiences, and reaction ability are all on par with a Rank-4 standard.

　　“By the time his left arm heals, he’ll immediately breakthrough Rank-4. Don’t you think you need to do some preparation to anticipate that?”

　　“That’s not necessary. I’ll take him as he is, I need a challenge every now and then.”

　　Wang Jinyang was completely indifferent. He chuckled and said, “After defeating Chen Feng, I’ll head to Capital City Martial Arts University and test my luck around. I’ll probably be Rank-4 by then.

　　“Principal, the resources that I need for Rank-4 are all there right?”

　　The vice principal chuckled and said, “As I’ve mentioned before, now that you’re Nanjiang Martial Arts University’s most valuable asset, you have the priority for any supplies needed.

　　“Of course, you’ll have to pay us back next time. After all, the resources of all the martial arts universities are limited. We can’t break all the rules just for you now, can we?”

　　“Understood. I just need a little advance.”

　　Wang Jinyang smiled to himself and said, “If I’m not mistaken, tomorrow’s the day all the martial arts universities assign schools to the students right?”

　　“You’re right. I still remember you were like any other ordinary student last year. Who knew…”

　　The vice principal sighed. When Wang Jinyang first entered Nanjiang Martial Arts University, he did not stand out much. Even when they were assigning schools, his performance was not out of the ordinary.

　　Of course, comparatively, he was still above average. That was why he caught the attention of Zhang Qingnan, a Rank-5 instructor who decided to take him under his wings.

　　If one was a Rank-5 instructor at Nanjiang Martial Arts University, they were considered to be top-tier, one of the best.

　　At that time, everyone thought Zhang Qingnan had made a mistake. However, Wang Jinyang rose up the ranks quickly and proved himself to everyone. Within three months, he peaked and two months after that, he managed to hone his bones twice. Everything was progressing faster than ever.

　　Less than half a year had passed by and he had already managed to breakthrough Rank-1.

　　Soon after advancing to Rank-1, he managed to reach Peak Rank not long after. In a blink of an eye, he was suddenly the talk of Magic City and the school gladly provided him with gratuitous resources needed to breakthrough Rank-2.

　　Nobody expected that Wang Jinyang would advance to Peak Rank-2 in a mere three months.

　　This time, however, he did not use any of the resources provided by the school. Nobody knew where he got the ample amount of resources he required, but he indeed did breakthrough Rank-3 soon after!

　　His feat of advancing three ranks in a year had made him a legend in Nanjiang Martial Arts University.

　　Despite that, ever since Zhang Qingnan’s disappearance, it seemed to have fueled Wang Jinyang’s vigor even more. He trained like a madman and soon had tempered his entire torso.

　　Presently, he was working toward reaching Rank-4!

　　If he managed to breakthrough within this timeframe, it would roughly mean that he broke through four ranks within a year. If people knew Nanjiang Martial Arts University produced someone of this caliber, it would be a jaw-dropping revelation for them.

　　To this day, the principal and Governor-General Zhang still had high hopes for him. Both of them hoped that one day Wang Jinyang would be the emblem of Nanjiang.

　　The truth was that the vice principal was worried about the adverse effect on Wang Jinyang if he was to lose. Not so much physically, but more so mentally.

　　On the other hand, Wang Jinyang dismissed the vice principal’s concern. He muttered, “I wonder what kind of instructor will that kid be assigned to.”

　　“I’ll go and check it out after a while. I hope it’s not too embarrassing.”

　　Old Wang felt that Fang Ping was half the student he was. It was much too embarrassing for him to meet someone of that caliber and he felt that he might lose face.

　　Therefore, he made up the excuse in his mind that he was far too busy anyways and dismissed the thought.

　　He might seem unconcerned about his opponent tomorrow but the truth was, Wang Jinyang had already played out the entire scenario for tomorrow, bit by bit.

　　…

　　The second day.

　　September 2nd.

　　After a full night’s recovery, Fang Ping was back to his initial Mentality and Vitality. He went to the cafeteria and ate just the right amount and took his time heading to the Building of Practical Combat Training.

　　Behind him, Fu Changding was seen wielding a wax wood spear without its blade. He was completely silent and focused on his moves.

　　Beside him were a few martial artists with their own weapons. One of them mumbled, “I wonder if we could bring these in…”

　　The normal students, on the other hand, were waiting eagerly but also with a hint of nervousness. Everyone could feel the tension and mood of the whole place but did not know who would start it off.

　　When Guo Sheng saw Fang Ping, he was prepared to say hi. However, he was greeted with Fang Ping staring ahead steadily, away from his gaze. The thought immediately exited his head.

　　Little Fatty felt uncomfortable with the whole situation. He mumbled, “MCMAU is such an unfriendly place…”

　　It was a vast difference from what he had imagined it to be.

　　There were no roommates nor the brotherhood that everyone spoke about. He did not see the cute girls nor did he have that someone who was supposed to be sharing their favorite snack with him with their arms around him.

　　When school started, the first classmate he met was Fang Ping. Their encounter was not what he had expected and Guo Sheng was left feeling out of place.

　　“So this is MCMAU?”

　　The fat kid muttered under his breath and followed the crowd into the Building of Practical Combat Training.