Chapter 424: First In Rank-5
February 14th. New Year’s Day.
Early in the morning, Nanjiang’s House of Governor held a press conference, giving a simple account of what happened last night.
It was nothing more than just evil sect members running rampant, intentionally causing social instability, creating chaos…
MCMAU Fang Ping and NMAU Wang Jinyang stepped forward bravely, slashing and killing these evil sect members.
…
Similarly, this day, the Sino Nation Rank-5 ranking list was updated.
Number one—Fang Ping!
On this day, the New Year had just ended, whereas Fang Ping was only 20 years old after the New Year!
“Fang Ping, 20 years old, MCMAU university council secretary-general, Sun City honorary commander, MCMAU sophomore…”
These were Fang Ping’s profile.
“Combat result: 13th February 2010, killed one Peak Rank-6, one Middle-stage Rank-6 martial artist, one Early-stage Rank-6 martial artist.”
As for Wang Jinyang, he was listed in the ranking list too, shooting up to the second place.
“Wang Jinyang, 21 years old, Nanjiang honorary deputy commander, NMAU Martial Arts Society president, NMAU junior year student…
“Combat result: February 13th, 2010, fought a Peak Rank-6 martial artist, survived.”
Compared to Fang Ping, Old Wang’s combat result differed too much.
However, anyone in the circle would realize how terrifying such a combat result was.
An Early-stage Rank-5 martial artist survived after fighting a Peak Rank-6 martial artist was the greatest miracle.
Fighting did not mean escaping.
If it was just escaping, then it would not be worth writing great stories about it.
Both prodigies of the present era had indeed displayed their strength this time.
A Rank-5 subjugated a Rank-6!
The one he subjugated was even a Peak Rank-6 too. Even though the evil sect martial artists were naturally weaker, once at the Peak Rank-6 stage, they cannot be considered weak by any means. Prodigies were humans too. There were rarely people who could kill the other party after surpassing so many small levels.
Fang Ping’s current ability showed that he was a Middle-stage Rank-5; Wang Jinyang was only an Early-stage Rank-5.
…
Capital City.
“Killed a Peak Rank-6!”
When Li Hansong saw this ranking list, the only thought he had was that this lunatic had reached the extreme end of insanity.
“CCMAU… has had it too easy! No, even I am taking it too easy as well!”
Even Li Hansong did not have the courage to imagine whether he would remain alive if he was the one who encountered a Peak Rank-6?
It would already be the greatest fortune if he did not die, let alone slashing one.
“What a daunting guy!”
Li Hansong mumbled. Then, he steeled his heart. This must not continue.
He would be left further and further behind!
Hence, after New Year’s Eve, Li Hansong put on his iron gloves and entered the Catacombs.
The reason why powerhouses were powerful was not solely dependent on talents.
As talented as one could be, it did not mean that one could certainly become a powerhouse.
A few more people with similar abilities as Li Hansong saw the ranking list. The first thing that came up on their minds was to catch up with him, not falling behind. Almost all of them went into the Catacombs to fight without a moment’s hesitation.
Still, there were people who were similar to him.
One slash at a time, Yao Chengjun started venturing into the depths of the Catacombs.
Other Rank-4 and 5 powerhouses of other universities also walked out of their homes one after another. Forget about the New Year!
The three lower ranks martial arts university students might not be strong enough, but as weak as the three middle ranks prodigies could be, they would be nowhere weaker.
Even the Military Department martial artists who never stopped killing all year round might not be stronger than them.
These young prodigy martial artists stood out from tens of thousands of ordinary people. The number of times they entered the Catacombs would not be any lesser than the Military Department martial artists.
…
Others had advanced into the Catacombs; some did not receive the news.
Magic City. A place in the suburbs.
Qin Fengqing was sunbathing lazily. What a great sun today.
It was the New Year. He, Qin Fengqing, would do no such thing as watching television and surfing the internet.
He had achieved Peak Rank-4 now. After this, he would think of ways to get some energy stones to mutate his Celestial Bridge. After achieving Rank-5, there was no way Fang Ping and the rest would leave him too far behind.
As for his phone, he had switched it off now.
If he did not, someone would harass him all the time.
As for the university, he was in no hurry to go there either. He did not know if Big Lion and the rest were still in the university. If they were, he would be walking right into the trap.
“I’ll stay a few days at home and take a rest, then I’ll go into the Catacombs with Fang Ping to dig some mines.”
…
While the guys were busy catching up, busy moving up their ranks, Fang Ping was equally busy too.
The moment the ranking list was out, Fang Ping had been bustling about.
“Think of a title for me. Celestial Emperor or Combat God. Saber King is fine too. What do you think?”
The Martial Arts Association members who had received his call were about to break down emotionally.
They received Fang Ping’s call early in the morning. This powerhouse who had just hacked a Peak Rank-6 martial artist to death yesterday made a call to the Martial Arts Association. This was considered a significant matter.
The person in charge who stayed back for duty at the association picked up the call in person.
In the end, after realizing what Fang Ping wanted, the other party actually had the urge to die.
This was the first listed powerhouse to take the initiative to make a call and demand for a title once the ranking list was out.
The main point was, they had no say in this matter at all.
The ranking list was actually compiled by the government.
The Martial Arts Association was only in charge of updating it, operating it, and correcting certain mistakes.
Titles were not given at random too.
Although one might think that this thing was useful, it was actually useless.
But, anyone powerhouses who had titles were certainly supreme powerhouses compared to their same-ranked peers.
Fang Ping was currently first in Rank-5. By right, he deserves a title.
However, how could he decide one for himself!
This was merely a game to play for him. If many started calling it, playing along, only then would it be acknowledged.
For a long time, the other party spoke with hesitations and kept giving ambiguous answers. Finally, Fang Ping hung up the phone helplessly. After hanging up the phone, the Martial Arts Association person in charge was so relieved that he was close to tearing up.
If Fang Ping continued nagging him, he would have an emotional breakdown soon.
Others did not find Fang Ping’s request for a title unusual.
At this moment, they were all downstairs at Fang residence.
Wu Kuishan waited for him to hang up the phone, mentioned nothing about the call, and said, “We’ll make a move now. I’ll invite Rank-8 martial artists to solve your issue as soon as possible.
“But, in doing so, you will most probably have to spend all that you have gained this time for it.”
A sigh escaped Fang Ping as he said helplessly, “A 5 billion cost price. It can be sold for at least 12 to 15 billion, right? Maybe the market price itself has exceeded 20 billion. And that’s it?”
Wu Kuishan answered flatly, “At least more than 200 grams of Energy Essence needs to be prepared. That may not even be enough. 300 grams should be enough. If you want to exchange this with the government, you need to take out at least half of your share of 5 billion!
“The remainder should be enough to hire some Rank-8s.”
Fang Ping nodded weakly, saying, “Fine. How long will the two major companies take to send them over to us?”
“Three days or so. It takes time to gather enough Rank-8s too. At least five days. After five days, return to MCMAU and start shaping your flesh.”
“Five days…”
Fang Ping made a rough estimation. During this period of time, he could only rely on Wealth to replenish Vitality and sustain himself.
He would need to consume at least one or two billion Wealth!
As soon as he thought about it, Fang Ping could feel himself in anguish.
It was truly a tremendous loss this time.
If it was not for the disturbances caused by the evil sect, his initial plan was to enter Magic City Catacombs to mine and accumulate. When he entered Peak Rank-5, he would then hone the three final golden bones.
By doing so, he should be able to tolerate the golden bone activation.
As a result, god’s plan supersedes one’s own.
After the turmoil, although he could achieve Peak Rank-5 in advance, the consumption would be too huge.
“That’s fine. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs!”
Fang Ping sighed. Using money to exchange for time and ability was worth it.
However, this was really too much.
Even Rank-7s and 8s could not afford to spend this much money. Otherwise, a Rank-8 would not even have accepted the prospect of working for others.
Perhaps even a Rank-9 could not afford to spend that much money.
Would Wu Chuan, that poor pauper have a ten billion net worth?
Unless he sold his Divine Weapon to see if he could collect so much money.
Wu Kuishan did not say much. A split second later, he employed the Flight Step and rose in the air, vanishing straightaway.
The rest also employed the Flight Step and followed along.
At their level, driving and taking flights were a nuisance. They would rather fly back directly.
“Goodbye, instructors. You will be missed!”
Fang Ping made a polite statement. They turned a deaf ear. Miss our ass. Whenever this kid thought of them, nothing good would come out of it.
…
After sending MCMAU’s instructors away, he had also sent Chen Yaoting away at the same time.
The old man did not say much. Only the look of unfriendliness he gave when he looked at him. His expression seemed to be saying that if Fang Ping dared to become a heartbreaker, he would hack him. This left Fang Ping at a loss on what to do.
This time, Chen Yaoting had gained quite a lot himself.
SCMAU had also built their own production line now.
Of course, there was a limit to SCMAU’s gains. The secret formulas and technical issues had raised the production cost considerably. This was a good start, though.
A self-built production line was the basis for becoming an elite university.
Last time, only CCMAU, MCMAU, and FMS three universities had it. Right now, SCMAU also had it too.
As for whether the higher-ups would agree or not, Chen Yaoting thought that there would not be any major problem.
He was close to achieving Rank-8 now. Once he became a Rank-8 golden body powerhouse, SCMAU’s status would improve with him.
Today, not many martial arts universities had golden body powerhouses.
CCMAU, MCMAU, SNMAU, and FMS four universities had Rank-8 golden bodies. NSMS had it too, actually. But it was more of a nominal thing. The other party’s Rank-8 was only an honorary vice-chancellor in the university. He was mainly keeping watch at the Military Department.
If Chen Yaoting broke through Rank-8, SCMAU’s elite university status would be stabilized.
As for NMAU… Though Wang Jinyang had mentioned it, the chances of it getting approved were slim.
However, if it was carried out using Nanjiang’s name, they would still have a chance.
With a confused state of mind, Fang Ping sent these people away.
Wang Jinyang had also gone home a long time ago.
…
When he returned home, his parents were packing up without saying a word.
The battle last night had been an eye-opener for them.
They were reluctant to leave their hometown!
However, no matter how reluctant they were, it was time for them to leave now. Their son had a villa in Magic City. The renovation had been completed too.
In the past, Fang Mingrong couple figured that it did not matter whether they moved or not.
However, the enemy had turned up at their doorstep. If they did not leave, were they supposed to ask their son to stay home and guard them every day?
They were packing up; Fang Yuan was also making a call.
She was reluctant to part too. Her shop had just opened. She still had thousands of sisters here.
But, her brother was nearly killed in last night’s battle. She could still see that.
Wang Jinyang’s stomach had been pierced through. What about her brother?
Up until now, he was still clad in the military coat, wearing a leather glove, covering himself tightly and securely.
Fang Yuan wanted to pull them apart and take a look. As a result, Fang Ping slapped her a few times, causing Fang Yuan to bawl her eyes out. Fang Ping thought that he had hurt her, not knowing that his sister was not a fool. She could already guess that he must have been injured really badly and dared not show her.
“Little Ling, I’m going to Magic City in a few days. Remember to give me a call when you miss me.”
“Little Yu, I’ll hand over the society and company’s matters to you guys. Let’s keep in touch over phone calls and online…”
“…”
“Mm. My brother is the first in Rank-5 now. He says that I can become a martial artist very soon too. When the time comes, I’ll also be listed on the ranking list as well as taking the first place. Remember to check the ranking list, you guys.”
“…”
Fang Ping’s phone call lasted for a very long time.
Fang Ping sat by the balcony with the broken windows, looking outside.
It was hard to part with one’s hometown. One day, it would not only be a hometown like Sun City, but humans would also have to leave planet Earth. What sort of feeling would that be?
“The more we know, the better we understand how tiny we really are.”
Not so long ago, he thought that becoming a martial artist was a big deal.
At this moment, however, so what if one was a Rank-9?
So what if one was a paragon?
Just one Species Conservation Plan alone had opened up Fang Ping’s eyes to many, many things. Those paragon powerhouses were rather pessimistic too.
Otherwise, things would not have turned out this way!
…
The second day of New Year, Fang Ping, Wu Zhihao, and the rest gathered and drank a little.
They talked about life and about the future.
Today, these people’s abilities were not considered weak compared to their peers from the same batch.
Wu Zhihao and the rest obtained 10 million from Fang Ping last time. They were also working hard to cultivate. At this moment, they had all entered Middle-stage Rank-1. It would be no time before they would achieve Upper-stage Rank-1.
For Fang Ping however, this rank that they were in did not really stir many emotions in him.
Next semester in their sophomore year, they stood a chance at achieving Rank-2.
When they graduated, perhaps they could achieve Rank-3.
In the past, graduating a Rank-3 in martial arts universities, especially normal martial arts universities, would be synonymous to elites.
Right now, however, what use was there if they only had Rank-3 abilities?
Even so, up next, the energy concentration level between heaven and earth would increase, the university supplies would increase, even everyone’s cultivation speed would increase slightly.
Those who passed the test to enroll in martial arts universities, especially martial arts university students coming from a commoner family, were actually quite talented.
This was a crisis but also an opportunity.
Maybe, these people would have even greater breakthroughs.
Nanjiang Catacombs had also opened. If they entered the Catacombs, it would be hard to tell if these people might just get lucky encounters.
…
The third day of the New Year. Fang Ping’s aunt and her family came to Sun City.
Fang Ping did not look after them too much. The only thing he gave them was the two houses in Sun City.
Whether they wanted to sell it or keep it, they had the freedom to do whatever they wanted with those two houses.
His cousins were still young. Fang Ping only gave them some Normal Vitality Pills and nothing else. Sometimes, simplicity was not necessarily a bad thing.
Fang Ping was getting together with people and bidding farewell to them at the same time.
It was the same with his parents and Fang Yuan.
The Fang residence was about to move.
Many people in Sun City knew about this matter, actually.
Fang Ping had announced this to the public on New Year’s Eve.
The people in Sun City did not know whether they were unwilling to part or if they were supposed to be grateful.
With Fang Ping gone, those powerhouses who were capable of devastating an entire city would not come to Sun City anymore, right?
Despite that, Fang Ping was Sun City’s glory. He was the reason they could brag. He was also their pride. Now, he was gone just like that. In the end, there were still some mixed feelings involved.
Fang Ping guided his entire family and got ready to move to Magic City. Another pride of Sun City, Wang Jinyang, whose glory had been partly concealed by Fang Ping, was also getting ready to move.
This time, the other party attacked Fang Ping.
Next time, it might be his turn.
In this tiny Sun City, the number of powerhouses was too few.
If he continued allowing his family members to stay here, it would not only be the issue of his family members’ safety. If another great war broke out, the entire Sun City might be devastated.
With these as his considerations, Wang’s residence began moving too.
…
The fifth day of the lunar calendar.
Fang Ping himself did not have a lot of items. His parents, however, packed a car full of things, hired a truck, and headed for Magic City.
Today, there were people who came to see them off.
Not many came to see Fang Ping off.
Not many came to see his parents off either.
However, more than ten little missies who never stopped chattering had dissipated the farewell atmosphere considerably.
These little brats chatted nonstop. They surrounded Fang Yuan, full of reluctance to part with her, wishing they could chat until the sky turned dark.
Finally, Fang Yuan waved, bidding farewell to these sisters who might never have a chance to enter the martial arts circle all their life.
Commander Bai Jinshan guided a group of government officers, seeing the Fang family off without a word.
Today, not only had Fang Ping left, Wang Jinyang, on the other end, had left too.
Bai Jinshan was silent for a very long time, not saying a word. He turned and left for the House of Commander.
Sun City had bred two prodigies. Today, they had no choice but to leave. This was rather unpleasant for others in one way or another.
February 18th. Sun City Fang Ping and Wang Jinyang brought their respective families and left.
Gradually, this miraculous small city was fading away from the memories of many.
