Although Tang Feng killed the Catacombs’ martial artists, a few fighters from the army still died.
The survivors retrieved the sacrificed fighters’ corpses.
They picked up their nameplates, then the army’s military officers entered the stronghold. Very quickly, they came back out holding some national flags.
Covering the sacrificed fighters’ bodies with the flags, the army sang their national song.
…
Fang Ping and the others did not know what to feel. They had only seen the efficiency with which Tang Feng disposed of the martial artists but had forgotten that even if they had invincible allies, these fighters still persevered in fighting off their enemies.
In the Catacombs, normal people were really too weak.
The next scene made the students even more uncomfortable.
The fighters were not overly sad or reluctant. Very quickly, they dug a pit and started burying the dead fighters’ bodies.
“Teacher…”
Zheng Longjiang said softly, “There’s no way to cremate bodies here. If we send the bodies back… They may still be attacked during the journey, so fighters are always buried where they’ve been sacrificed—buried in unfamiliar places, accompanying their allies until victory is achieved.”
“Victory…”
Fang Ping said distractedly. How long would they have to wait for victory?
Humankind could not even take the Catacombs’ one city. How could they talk about victory!
On the other hand, Tang Feng did not seem too concerned and bent down to pick up the spoils of war…
A few students stared at him. Some looked angry; they clearly felt that Tang Feng was too cold-blooded.
Tang Feng did not bother to explain himself.
In the Catacombs, when people died, sorrow was useless. They could only become stronger—become stronger themselves and become stronger as a whole.
Collecting loot was also the best shortcut for everybody to become stronger.
These principles were all understood by fighters and martial artists, so nobody felt Tang Feng’s looting was inappropriate in any way.
Tang Feng only collected the belongings of the middle-ranked martial artists. As for martial artists of the three lower ranks, he did not look at or take any of their things. Those were left for the stronghold.
…
At the stronghold, Fang Ping and the others attended the extremely simple burial.
They did not linger. Very quickly, everybody left the stronghold.
“Teacher, these normal people in the Catacombs… Are they useful?” Fang Ping asked, sounding a bit confused.
Zheng Longjiang said in a low voice, “Of course they’re useful. There aren’t many martial artists after all. How could we hope for the martial artists to match Sky Gate City’s army of hundreds of thousands of men? This time, it was just that there were too many martial artists and too few fighters, so we were unable to make an army formation…”
“Martial artists…”
Fang Ping sighed. Tang Feng suddenly halted his steps and said, “We’re wasting too much time at our current pace. I’ve decided. I’ll bring Rank-3 martial artists and continue to go deeper. Old Zheng, you bring the others and move according to the established plan.”
“Old Tang, this…”
“Rank-3 martial artists are supposed to enter the Catacombs. How can the young sprouts grow if they’re kept sheltered?”
Tang Feng’s tone was cool. “The situation has worsened! In the past, have you seen dozens of martial artists attacking one army?
“There’s not much time left!”
“This…”
“Blind protection will only let everybody slack off. They’ve already been taught everything they need to know!.
“This is also the last time. 30 kilometers is the deepest I’ll bring everyone. We’ll take a look at The Grinder. After that, you guys move as you please. Whether you live or die… It depends on yourselves.
“It’s impossible that just for a bunch of Rank-2 and -3 martial artists, dozens of middle and upper-rank martial artists will be dispatched to protect you all!”
Powerhouses were all very busy and had lots of things to do. These youngsters could only rely on themselves.
If not for there being quite a few Rank-2 martial artists here this time, the instructors would have left already.
If one did not go through wind and rain, how could one grow?
Powerhouses were the ones who walked out alive among nine others who died.
For Tang Feng to have made a decision like this, it was obvious that he felt that this current rate was too slow. The presence of Rank-2 martial artists had also slowed down the Rank-3 martial artists.
Rank-3 martial artists were supposed to enter the Catacombs to kill.
In these few days, there were quite a few Rank-3 martial artists in the group too—close to 20 people.
Hearing Tang Feng’s suggestion of splitting up, Fang Ping was suddenly anxious and hastily said, “Teacher, splitting up like this isn’t good, is it…”
He was still hoping Chen Yunxi and the others would give him medicinal pills.
Tang Feng scowled and spared him a look. “Then you can act alone. With your strength, you should’ve entered 50 kilometers deep alone long ago to kill the opposing martial artists and enter a real battle, not messing around here and wasting time!”
Fang Ping wore a somewhat ugly look on his face. He pouted, “It’s only my first time entering…”
“For an Upper-stage Rank-3 martial artist, even if it’s your first time entering, you should still be independent. You’re different from the others!”
While he was upset, so was Tang Feng, who scoffed lightly and said, “Go and ask around. Which Upper-stage Rank-3 martial artist still needs to be protected by other people when entering the Catacombs?
“Being killed in action is his destiny!
“If he lives, that is the basis of getting stronger!
“Powerhouses only duel powerhouses. Only by fighting to the death will one become even stronger!
“You’re mixed up with a bunch of Rank-2 martial artists all day. Are you basking in glory, feeling that you’re so amazing and such a prodigy?
“You’re the strongest, yet could it be that you only know how to show off in front of weaklings?
“When the Wang Jinyang you know was Rank-3 and entered the Catacombs, he killed countless enemies!
“When he just entered Rank-4, he fought and killed a Rank-5. Isn’t this how a true man acts?
“People like Yao Chengjun who are at Upper-stage Rank-3 are all involving themselves in mortal combat: Rank-3 battling Rank-4!
“What humankind needs is to groom powerhouses who dare to fight and not a weak wolf messing around among a herd of sheep!”
Fang Ping’s face swelled red. He was fairly used to accepting criticism, but at this moment, Fang Ping was indeed very angry. He said between gritted teeth, “Teacher Tang, I’ve already said this is my first time entering the Catacombs…”
“It’s already the fourth day since you’ve arrived!”
Tang Feng said with some disappointment, “I’ve brought a lot of people into the Catacombs before. Under normal circumstances, they would take the initiative to move out after not more than three days and not stay mixed in with a large team, sitting around waiting for the school to arrange things!
“How can powerhouses become stronger?
“By taking the initiative to become stronger!
“Not waiting to be pushed!
“Fang Ping, you have a lot of talent. You’ve become Rank-3 in one year and could even possibly enter Rank-4, but in my opinion, a martial artist like you who waits to be pushed to become stronger is nothing more than a resource-wasting Vitality martial artist!
“Vitality martial artists aren’t just those martial artists who don’t know Combat Techniques, there are also the types of unideal martial artists who only eat and sleep till they die, who only wait to be pushed around and wait for disaster to come!
“Have you?
“You tell me: Have you thought of going off on your own to kill enemies and seize rewards to make yourself stronger?
“What are you waiting for?
“Are you waiting for a team to be arranged for you?
“You’re Upper-stage Rank-3. Could it be that you don’t even know the difference between Upper-stage Rank-3 martial artists and other people?
“Could it be that you just have to do missions with a bunch of Rank-2 martial artists?
“When the time comes, if you meet an overly weak enemy, you’ll kill them in a second. If you meet an overly strong enemy, you’ll only be able to watch with your eyes wide open as your allies met their deaths!
“Fang Ping, you disappoint me greatly, extremely. Lu Fengrou and Li Changsheng think highly of you and feel that you’re incredibly talented, yet I feel that you’re far inferior to others!
“Let’s not talk about those highly-reputable Rank-4 prodigies. CCMAU’s Han Xu, MCMAU’s Xie Lei and Qin Fengqing—even these people are far superior over you!
“You’ve never thought about taking the initiative to become stronger. When compared to others, is your life really worth more?
“Could it be that the others don’t know what it is to cherish their lives?
“But the more you cherish it, the faster you’ll die. Sooner or later, somebody will chase you and surpass you!”
Fang Ping’s expression kept changing and he finally said in a low voice, “I just feel that I’ll only be more useful when I become stronger.
“If I become a Grandmaster, wouldn’t it be much more effective than if I fight to the death while I’m Rank-3 today…”
Tang Feng said coldly, “When you become a Grandmaster, you’ll think, ‘I’ll only be more useful when I become a High Grandmaster!’
“And when you become a High Grandmaster one day, you’ll think, ‘Why do I have to fight for humankind?’
“High Grandmasters can already live very freely in the Catacombs. If everybody thought the way you did, humans would have perished long ago!”
Fang Ping clenched his fists, teeth grinding. “You’re saying that I, Fang Ping, will become a traitor? On what basis do you assume this!
“On what basis do you feel that I would abandon humans!”
“If you think that I’ve misspoken, then prove yourself. I’ll be waiting for you to smack me in the face anytime…”
“You’re trying to use reverse psychology on me!”
“What a joke!”
Tang Feng’s voice was icy. “Being cocksure is also one of your serious flaws! As I’m a Peak Rank-6 martial artist, Fang Ping, I’ve killed more Rank-6 martial artists than you’ve even seen!
“You, Fang Ping, can’t become a Grandmaster in a day. In my eyes, no matter how naturally gifted you are, you’re still not that much stronger than anyone else!
“What have you, Fang Ping, contributed to humanity?
“Why do I, Tang Feng, have to use reverse psychology on you!
“What I’ve said today were just expressions of my current thoughts. Consider where to go from here yourself!”
Tang Feng turned to leave, barking as he walked, “Rank-3 martial artists, follow me. Fang Ping, you can stay among the Rank-2 martial artists’ formation. This is a special privilege I’m granting you!”
After spitting these words out, Tang Feng left. The other Rank-3 martial artists followed without a word.
Fang Ping gritted his teeth. Fu Changding said cautiously in a low voice, “Teacher Tang doesn’t bear any ill-will…”
Fang Ping clenched his fists and said in a stifled tone, “Am I, Fang Ping, just a timid coward who’s scared of death and could even possibly become a traitor in your eyes?
“I’ve never been afraid to battle. It’s just that I have my own method!
“I don’t care what Tang Feng thinks!
“Fu Changding, in your eyes, am I really that way?”
Fu Changding said comfortingly, “Don’t think too much about things that aren’t there. There’s no problem with killing enemies after you become stronger…”
Angrily, Fang Ping said, “Why is it that I’m hearing you say I’m afraid of death?”
On the other hand, Yang Xiaoman did not bother being tactful and muttered, “Is it wrong? If I were Upper-stage Rank-3, I’d have long gone by myself to kill the enemy martial artists…”
“Shut up, you!”
Fang Ping was incensed. “You haven’t reached Upper-stage Rank-3 because you’re weak. You have no right to tell me off!”
“Let’s all stop arguing,” Chen Yunxi piped up hurriedly, interrupting them.
Fang Ping took a deep breath and said, “Let me ask you all. If I was grouped with you, and we met a strong foe, would you all think that I’m dragging you down?
“Tell the truth!
“Also, if I’m grouped with you all, I’d definitely get the biggest share of loot. Do you guys not have other opinions?
“Sometimes, when we meet weaker ones, I can kill them easily by myself and might not give you guys anything at all. What do you all think about this?”
The few of them all went silent. Zheng Longjiang next to them did not say anything either.
After a long while, Fu Changding said quietly, “You’re a lot stronger than we are. Being grouped with you, we don’t have much presence…”
“So that’s how it is…”
Fang Ping mumbled. As it turned out, nobody saw his strength as a glorious shield that protected their lives.
To them, his strength was a shadow that blocked their light, decreasing their chances to gain experience.
Not to mention, if they really did meet a strong opponent that he was no match for, they could only watch with eyes wide open, not having any strength to oppose.
“Basically, it’s only me who thought that you guys would be happy to be grouped with me?”
Fang Ping mocked himself and said, “I thought you all would be very happy. I thought that since I’m a pretty strong Upper-stage Rank-3 martial artist, if we met any opponents, I could kill them very quickly and you guys would be safer.
“I guess I was too naïve.
“What you guys want is to become stronger and handle life and death situations yourself, not blindly depending on others…
“It’s true, your fathers are all Rank-5 or Rank-6 powerhouses, and some of them are even Grandmaster powerhouses.
“A back-up like that is a thousand times stronger than me!
“And here I was assuming that I could be your cover in the Catacombs, it’s laughable… It was indeed pathetically cocksure. Tang Feng said nothing wrong.
“Your fathers have let you enter martial arts universities. If they were really afraid you guys would die, they might as well come protect you themselves. Why would I be needed?”
Fang Ping jeered at himself. It really was ironically funny.
His ideals had actually been laughable in other people’s eyes. Everybody had only been accommodating him, only thinking that he had too much pride, so they felt it was inappropriate to say anything. The Fang Ping who came from a common household, no matter if it was in his past life or current, could not understand these martial artists’ attitudes at all.
Did they need people to protect them?
If they did have these thoughts, they might not have chosen to enter the Catacombs at all. Who did not know the Catacombs’ dangers?
This included Chen Yunxi. If she wanted to, she could have chosen not to come to MCMAU. She could live a much more peaceful life at South Capital.
“Fang Ping, none of us mean that… Don’t overthink it…” Chen Yunxi explained anxiously.
Fang Ping released a breath and did not say anything else. He said as he walked, “I’m going over there now. You guys be careful. Instructor told me to protect you all before we came. Perhaps what Instructor thinks is wrong too. What you guys need isn’t protection.
“I don’t care that Big Lion looks down on me. No matter right or wrong, I’ll continue walking on my own path.
“If it really is wrong, I won’t turn back either!
“Someday, when I become a Grandmaster and kill the other party’s high-ranked martial artists, he’ll understand that I, Fang Ping, am not as cowardly and afraid of death or as useless as he said!”
Even as he spat out those words, Fang Ping was already pacing away.
…
After he had left for a while, Chen Yunxi softly asked, “Did we…go too far?”
Yang Xiaoman said dismissively, “What was too much? He’s always been arrogant and felt he was so amazing and invincible, not caring about anyone. But compared to Wang Jinyang and those other people, don’t you think he’s lacking something?”
“But…”
Fu Changding said gently, “Forget it. It’s for his own good too. If he stayed with us, there’d be no pressure or motivation. Dragons don’t live with snakes. What we should do is get on his heels, give him some pressure. Only this would be good for him.”
“But…”
Before Chen Yunxi could finish speaking, Zheng Longjiang smiled and said, “It’s fine. I think Fang Ping’s not the type to walk into a blind alley. When he gets to Old Tang’s place and goes to The Grinder, he’ll know that Old Tang only motivated him because he actually thinks highly of him.
“He only hopes he’ll make use of his advantages and take initiative to become stronger and contribute more to mankind’s cause.
“He’ll understand that if Old Tang really did not think well of him, he would’ve disregarded him much earlier. Do you really think a Peak Rank-6 martial artist has that much free time?”
“But…”
Chen Yunxi found her words and anxiously interrupted them. “But he seems to have gone the wrong way. Teacher Tang and the others went straight north, but he went northeast!”
Everyone suddenly fell silent!
Zheng Longjiang chuckled drily. “It’s fine. Old Tang said he was going north…”
Fu Changding swallowed and suddenly said, “But he seems to lack a sense of direction…”
Zheng Longjiang’s expression changed slightly and he hastily said, “You guys wait for me here a little while. I’ll be right back!”
…
10 minutes later, Zheng Longjiang could only return, expression unpleasant as he said, “He’s gone!”
Everybody was rooted to the spot. Where did Fang Ping go?
