Back to the camp.
Zhang Yuqiang was just about to go looking for Fang Ping. When he saw that Fang Ping had returned, he quickly said, “Brother Fang, if it’s not too much of a problem, should we discuss the arrangement?”
Fang Ping gathered himself, he blew out the air in his lungs and said, “Alright, how about this, gather all the supporting elite universities’ Martial Arts Society Presidents for a meeting, let’s all discuss together.”
“I’ll leave it to Brother Fang then!”
Zhang Yuqiang was extremely polite. He might be a Rank-5 martial artist, but he did not have the charisma to make an appeal.
The martial arts universities that came to support this time were not just CCMAU and MCMAU. In fact, there were many other universities.
Of course, there were not many people who came from other martial arts universities.
Right now, Nanjiang had many things to take care of. Among these martial arts university students, some of them were quite unruly as well. Someone had to take charge.
Wang Jinyang could. But, he was NMAU’s student. NMAU’s ability was only average. The others might not listen to him.
…
A few minutes later.
In a temporary meeting room that had just been assembled.
Fang Ping looked around, asking, “Yao Chengjun is not here?”
A few Rank-4 martial artists from FMS came. Everyone was already well-acquainted from the championship earlier. Right now, Bai Xu was the one representing FMS. Upon hearing the question, he replied, “The president has a mission. He will come after he has completed it.”
Fang Ping nodded slightly, turning his attention to Wang Jinyang. “We’re not too clear with the deployment here in Nanjiang. Brother Wang, why don’t you tell us, how should we arrange this?”
Wang Jinyang was unreserved, replying quickly, “After the Catacombs passageway has stabilized, Governor-General Zhang and the rest will enter first.
“Based on the past experiences on the opening of the Catacombs entrances, the entrance at the Catacombs will appear randomly. This may be something that we can’t control.
“But, if we can discover the entrance over at our side, they will too. Once the passageway has been stabilized, if we don’t send our guys in, they will come out.
“Unless we have absolutely no choice, the battlefield must never be on the ground surface.
“As for the specific number of opponents that Governor-General Zhang and the rest would encounter after entering the passageway into the Catacombs, we can’t estimate that for now. But, under normal circumstances, what we’re facing is only the nearest fort.
“Typically, a fort has a Rank-9 city lord, a few Rank-8 powerhouses, and two-digit Rank-7s…”
Fang Ping raised his hand, making a gesture, before saying, “I don’t know this very well. Every time a Catacombs opens, will the situation on the other end turn out roughly the same?”
Wang Jinyang nodded, answering, “About the same. The Catacombs is part of the fort’s system. Moreover, it’s extremely rare for two Rank-9s to turn up because Rank-9 powerhouses should have their own chances at building their own cities. Up until now, the CCMAU Catacombs is the only one where two Rank-9s were discovered in one city. Other than that, the other places have never encountered anything like that.”
After saying that, Wang Jinyang continued, “With regards to the number of high ranks, this has little to do with our mission. Guardian Wu, Governor-General Zhang and the rest will take care of that.
“We’ll mainly enter after that… Of course, what I’m thinking is to form a group of middle-ranked martial artists to enter the Catacombs as the second batch.
“As the passageway continues to stabilize, the Grandmasters can’t enter in large groups. We, however, don’t have any limitations.
“It’s inevitable to find a large number of Catacombs militants standing guard at the Catacombs exit after the Catacombs open.
“What we need to do is to attack them until they pull back, then build our stronghold.
“As for the three lower ranks martial artists, Nanjiang’s plan is to let them in only after the stronghold has been built. Hence, I recommend that the three lower ranks of each university follow the Military Department’s arrangement and wait for the mission allocation…”
Li Hansong cut him off, saying, “There’s no problem with that. So, after the stronghold is built, can we move at will?”
“It depends on the situation. If it’s too dangerous, my suggestion is that it’s best if you don’t act alone.”
“Is it possible for the Catacombs exit to appear in the middle of the fort?”
The one who asked this question was Nanhu Martial Arts University Martial Arts Society’s president.
Upon hearing the question, Wang Jinyang pondered for a moment, and said, “That’s possible. It has not happened before. But sometimes the distance can get really near to the fort. No one knows if the new Catacombs opening will emerge in the middle of the fort…”
Everyone’s heart sank. This was the worst outcome!
If this happened, the best way is to give up the idea of setting the battlefield in the Catacombs. Get out of the Catacombs and choose the human world as the battlefield.
If the exit was placed in the fort, then there was no way to fight.
Reinforcements after reinforcements That was their lair. No one would give up their own lair unless we could attack the other party to the extent which they grow really terrified.
One after another, everyone asked a few questions. Wang Jinyang replied to all of their questions.
In the end, Fang Ping asked, “If… I’m saying if, our people can’t keep the enemy back, can’t build our stronghold, then what shall we do?”
“We have contingency plans for these questions.”
Wang Jinyang explained, “There are two possibilities actually.
“Number one, appearing in the middle of the fort. We’ll most probably choose to give up, move the Auspicious Peace citizens away, and transform Auspicious Peace into a battlefield.
“Number two, not in the middle of the fort. If we’re more than 30 li away from the fort, then we won’t give up!
“No matter what, we must build our stronghold!
“The first batch of Grandmasters will go in and scout the trail. There will be follow-up units, so they’re not the only ones.
“Mainly because the passageway is not sturdy enough. Hence, there can only be a portion of people who can go in as the first batch to scout on the other party’s abilities, to spy on the other party’s intelligence. All in all, we must take them down, placing the battlefield in the Catacombs world!”
“That means that it’s alright to sacrifice as many people as possible and build a stronghold at all cost?”
Wang Jinyang responded with a heavy heart, “There’s no other choice. We can’t have the battlefield in the human world. If that happens, the Catacombs’ powerhouses will not die completely. They will repeatedly attack the passageway and enter the human world. If we’re slightly careless, it’ll be catastrophic!
If a Rank-9 rushed out of the passageway, even if our Rank-9 powerhouses carry out an attack, it will be difficult to kill the other party in a short period of time. Even two or three of them may not be able to kill the other party in a short period of time.
“If the other party has set his mind at fleeing, with extremely fast speed comes greater battle impact. When the time comes, the loss may just be the destruction of the entire city!
“In the past few years, we’d rather sacrifice more people in the Catacombs than to move the battlefield. This is exactly the reason why.
“If a Rank-9 powerhouse has the intention to massacre wantonly and expels his Mentality, it can cover as wide as a kilometer’s radius!
“Martial artists may be able to survive that, but the common folks will die in a flash.
“Throughout the journey, If he suppresses while he escapes, then the casualty rate will be too high.”
Sino Nation had a very dense population, unlike the Catacombs.
In the Catacombs, even when Rank-9s fight, the periphery would be uninhabited. It might not affect anything.
Their people mainly gathered at the fort. Human powerhouses would not attack their forts without warning either. That would be extremely dangerous.
However, the Catacombs powerhouses did not have that many concerns.
After they die, they can resurrect in the Catacombs as long as the powerhouse’s Vitality or Mentality did not obliterate their marks.
Many times, the Catacombs powerhouses might even choose to kill themselves when facing death.
Of course, unless as a last resort, they would not choose to do so. There was an extremely great price to pay to resurrect from the dead. For now, no one could tell what sort of consequence specifically.
However, no matter what the consequence was, it would not be worse than death. The Catacombs powerhouses had lesser things to be concerned about, unlike humans.
Fang Ping was slightly irritated, gritting his teeth, he said, “I know now, as long as it is not in the fort, we’ll fight a deathmatch. We must resist and wait for reinforcements. That’s the plan, right?”
“Yes.”
“How long does it take for the Catacombs to be completely stabilized?”
“At least a month.”
What this meant was that they could only enter without a fear after a month, regardless of the number of Grandmasters.
Before that, however, they could only enter in batches.
“Why don’t we wait for the Catacombs’ guys to come out first, and we’ll go in on a large scale a month later, and build our stronghold in one shot!”
Wang Jinyang frowned at him. After a while, he said, “We can’t wait passively. Or else, if the other party sends a Rank-9 in, I’ve said this before, the scale of the destruction is extremely great…”
“However, if we go in, we may encounter a few Rank-9s as well.”
“Then we’ll delay the time, take away their chances of getting into the passageway and wait for the passageway to stabilize.”
“Whatever it is, we can’t let them come out and we must launch the attack inside no matter what, right?”
Wang Jinyang did not say a word. That was what he meant.
“What if we can’t delay the time?”
“Then split!” Wang Jinyang answered with a guttural voice, “The first batch of Grandmasters will split up and escape, enter the Catacombs to perform destruction, guerrilla warfare. If that happens, they won’t give up on their lair to rush into the ground surface.”
As he said that, Wang Jinyang continued, “There’s Rank-9 in the first batch. Rank-9 powerhouses don’t die that easily. The Catacombs won’t let Rank-9 powerhouses into the Catacombs to perform destructions as they like. Hence, as long as they could hold it for a day or two, wait for the passageway to recover and stabilize, the second batch of Grandmasters will then enter.”
Fang Ping said no more. Actually, it was all a waste of his breath. Since the central had made up their mind to fight in the Catacombs, Fang Ping alone would not be able to change that.
On the other hand, Fang Ping would not actually risk it.
Once the enemy rushed out of the entrance, the provinces at Nanjiang’s periphery would face a great catastrophe.
If human’s Rank-9s were unable to stop the other party, to pin the other party down on the spot, then they would be looking at a large number of casualties.
By the time one reached the stage of Rank-9, the so-called modern weaponry… why not try hitting the other party first?
After huffing out a mouthful of air, Fang Ping said at last, “Is there a possibility in which we will take the initiative to seal off the Catacombs?”
“I don’t eliminate that possibility.”
Wang Jinyang replied, and continued, “Of course, it won’t happen unless as a last resort. Because if we lock it down this time, Tiannan’s Catacombs is opening next. A new Catacombs may also appear. If three Catacombs appear simultaneously, then it will really spell trouble.
“Handling it one at a time is more effective than having everything blowing up together.”
“I don’t have any more questions.”
After he said that, Fang Ping stood up. “Our instructors will enter as the second batch while the students will enter after the stronghold has been built. As for us…”
Fang Ping took a good look around, saying, “The rest of you act with the students, while those with Ranks higher than Upper-stage Rank-4 can follow the instructors and move together.”
Wang Jinyang nodded. “I don’t have any opinion as long as no one interrupts the Military’s arrangement.”
“Neither do I have any opinion.”
“…”
Everyone nodded in succession. The arrangement was considered done.
After the outcome had been discussed, everyone reported the outcome to Nanjiang. Very soon, Nanjiang responded.
After the first batch of powerhouses entered, the second batch would await orders.
If there were opportunities, the first batch of powerhouses could probe around and gather intelligence, sending someone back to deliver the intelligence. The second batch would then enter.
If no news was delivered within two days, the second batch to enter would then be switched into an individual powerhouse, mainly to scout for information.
If no news was delivered within three days, humans would not enter anymore so as to prevent getting wiped out by the other end’s overly strong abilities.
A month later, when the passageway had stabilized, the powerhouses would enter all at once.
If any Catacombs powerhouses rushed out halfway, at a pinch, they would seal off the passageway.
No one had any opinion on such an arrangement. This was also the usual practice over the years.
…
Upon returning to MCMAU camp.
Qin Fengqing asked hurriedly, “How’s the arrangement? When can we enter?”
“Wait! Wait for the first batch of powerhouses to enter. Only after we receive information can we enter after that. If there’s no news, then they’ll send someone who’s brave enough to face death to gather intelligence. Decisions will be made based on the situation. If things go bad, we’ll wait for the passageway to completely stabilize a month later before entering collectively.
Qin Fengqing was suddenly impatient, saying, “So, what happens if the first batch of powerhouses entered and realized that there are energy stones everywhere? What if they were so indulged in pleasure and forgot about their duties, mining first instead of delivering news back?”
Fang Ping’s head hurt so much like they were about to burst open. He replied exasperatedly, “Do you think that the Catacombs belong to your family? Do you think these powerhouses are like you, caring for nothing but money?”
Qin Fengqing was irritated. “Tell me, if you discover an energy mine in the Catacombs, in which you can mine it all away on your own, will you inform others to come and mine it with you?”
He said it like it made all the sense in the world!
In reality, it was complete nonsense!
It might still be possible if an individual entered.
This time, the first batch that entered included high officers like Zhang Dingnan. Certainly, they would work for the benefits of all.
If they really did not deliver news just because they wanted to mine and pocket all the benefits, then that could only mean that these people were blinded by greed and had betrayed humankind.
Besides… Did you think that the Catacombs martial artists were complete fools?
If there really were energy mines, would it even be your turn?
Unless there were high-ranked monsters standing guard!
Qin Fengqing, this fellow, what was he thinking? Did he really think that the Catacombs was full of treasure?
Of course, there were very few people in the Catacombs, hence there was a higher possibility to discover valuable goods in a newly-opened Catacombs, that was inevitable.
Feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted, Fang Ping was not in the mood to pay him any attention, nor did he continue any more nonsense with him. You could think all you want.
Qin Fengqing curled his lips, pondered for a moment and whispered, “Why not… we go in secretly with the first batch too?”
Fang Ping looked shockingly at him.
Qin Fengqing lowered his voice again, and said under his breath, “Those who have the guts will fill their tummies while those who have no guts will die of hunger. If we enter only after the situation has been stabilized, at that time, the Catacombs will be keeping an eye on their stronghold, making it difficult for us to make a move.
“Whereas if we do it in the beginning, taking advantage of the chaotic situation when the Grandmasters fought the other party, making our way to the rear, I can guarantee that we will definitely earn like crazy!
“Of course, we’re not a generation that’s blinded by greed. What we’re doing is actually throwing the rear into chaos. If the rear is not stable, would the Catacombs powerhouses in front have the mood to fight? Maybe they’ll retreat just like that. Don’t you agree?”
Fang Ping burst out laughing. “I am truly impressed by your death-seeking capability. Do you know how many people we’re facing on the other end? If one more high rank appears, people like us will die straight away when we encounter him…”
“We must think on the bright side. What if our guys are stronger? Besides, we’re so weak. The high ranks won’t pay us any attention. Excavation—we’ll be rich for sure!”
Qin Fengqing’s eyes were gleaming and he was in high spirits. “You don’t know the benefit of excavating. I can tell you. In those days, when a senior was excavating, he ate a fruit casually. His internal organs were completely honed in a day, shooting up from Rank-4 into Rank-6 in just one day!
“Also, another senior casually drank a sip of water when he was excavating, attaining Mentality-Vitality Fusion straightaway, stepping into the Grandmaster rank in less than a year.
“Also, another senior kicked a rock. Can you guess what that is? It’s a washbasin-sized cultivation-aiding energy stone!
“Also, another senior…”
“That’s enough. Where did you hear that from?”
“From the books!”
Qin Fengqing said with all seriousness, “It’s true. The third floor of the martial arts university’s Combat Technique Library. Most likely you’ve not been there before. There are these notes that record it.
“Also, the sect world has records too.
“Excavation, that’s feathering your own nest, that’s becoming Grandmaster in a day, that’s the shortcut to becoming a powerhouse!
“It’s not easy for us to finally see Nanjiang’s Catacombs opening. If we go according to time, only one will open in four years. Are we going to wait another four years?
“Can we wait until four years later based on this situation right now?
“Fang Ping, let’s do a big one, how’s that?”
Fang Ping stared at him. After a while, he said, “Someone will die.”
“Cheh, people are dying every day. If you die, that’s you running out of luck…”
After saying that, Qin Fengqing struggled for a moment, and asked, “If both of us work together, can we take on a Rank-6?”
“Dream on.”
“It’s a bit troublesome.”
Qin Fengqing paced around, looking slightly restless.
High-ranked powerhouses might not chase after them.
But there was a very high probability for Rank-6s to hunt them down. After all, they were middle-ranked martial artists too.
Both of them were unable to kill Rank-6, that was to say that this was not safe enough.
“Should we call Iron Head Li, the three of us together?”
Fang Ping was slightly surprised. “Aren’t you well-acquainted with Wang Jinyang?”
Qin Fengqing was exasperated by his past failures, hissing, “Am I an idiot or what? Wang Jinyang this bastard is difficult to trick. Iron Head Li is just like an idiot. Also, to take on basing, only by calling Iron Head Li will we be able to maximize our profit. Rank-5 Iron Head Li might not die even after taking on a few attacks from a Rank-6.”
“Even so, we still can’t kill a Rank-6…”
“Are you doing it or not?”
“No!”
“Scaredy cat!” Qin Fengqing cursed. He kept thinking that the benefits would be snatched away by others if they waited for the arrangement to be made before going in.
However, doing it alone… It was truly risky for a Rank-4 martial artist.
Fang Ping this fellow had coarse skin and thick flesh, he could take some bashing.
After calling Li Hansong together, another coarse skin thick flesh bastard, only with two shields in front of this fragile skin of his would he be able to feel slightly confident.
However, Fang Ping actually refused to do it!
Qin Fengqing let out humph. ‘Fine, do you really think that I, Qin Fengqing, am so weak?
‘Let’s wait and see!
‘When I become a Grandmaster earlier than you, Fang Ping, we’ll see who’s the tyrant!’
Whether he could surpass Fang Ping, the Catacombs excavation this time was the key.
Chapter 361: Entering The Catacombs
Auspicious Peace.
Along with the gushing of energy tide, Auspicious Peace’s weather changed drastically from the stir. The clapping of thunder went on and on.
…
In the temporary camp.
Fang Ping held his phone, chuckling. “I’m doing a mini-mission outside, earning big bucks. If you can’t find me during these few days, you’re not allowed to snivel!”
“Who’s the one sniveling!”
On the other end of the phone, Fang Yuan would rather die than to admit it. ‘You’re the one sniveling!’
“What about that time? I remember someone sniveled? You even wanted to come and look for me in Magic City. If I didn’t make a call, that someone was so close to hopping on a train.”
“I did not!”
Fang Yuan’s voice of her flying into a rage out of humiliation was heard. After a while, she asked, “How long are you leaving this time?”
“I don’t know. It’s quite far. Whatever it is, I’ll give you a call when I return.”
As he said that, Fang Ping added, “Alright, cultivate properly these few days. Strive to attain twice honed soon.”
“I know. So naggy.” After saying that, Fang Yuan continued, “You be careful then. Stay safe. If you encounter one that is stronger than you, remember to run…”
“Do I even need you to teach me this?” Fang Ping burst out laughing. “You too. Cultivate your Stepping Techniques properly.”
“…”
After the siblings’ quick chat, Fang Ping hung up the call.
“Are all of you going in as the first wave?”
After Fang Ping hung up the phone, he turned his head and asked. At this moment, there were a few people beside him.
Qin Fengqing stared at him with a peculiar expression. The Fang siblings were trying to snatch his business!
Seeing that Fang Ping was staring at him while curling up the corner of his lips, Qin Fengqing cleared his throat, looking slightly pissed as he shot a glance at Wang Jinyang. He said agitatedly, “I didn’t invite this fellow, I have no idea how he came here.”
Wang Jinyang turned a deaf ear, grinning. “It’s the same whether you enter earlier or later. Previously, I was still thinking of going in as the second wave. I heard that you prepare to go in as the first wave, then let’s just go in together.”
Li Hansong chuckled too. “I’m fine with it. What Qin Fengqing says does make sense. The second wave to go in has to mainly defend the stronghold. I’ve thought about it. Having a few more of us defending the stronghold isn’t going to be any help.”
Qin Fengqing said hurriedly, “Yes, this is the reason why. There isn’t much difference whether we are there guarding the stronghold or not.
“But, it will be different if we throw the Catacombs rear into chaos!
“Even by just luring a high rank away, that’s still better than guarding the spot!
“Let’s do a big one this time. Raid their lair, lure more than ten high ranks away… Tsk, tsk. We’ll become the heroes of mankind!”
As he said that, Qin Fengqing looked enthusiastic, and said, “Our abilities are not weak either. With the few of us working together, others may not even pay us too much attention. Getting mixed up among a bunch of Grandmasters, we’re much safer instead. If the heavens fall, the tall ones will hold it up first…”
Fang Ping shot Qin Fengqing a look. ‘You do have pretty good swindling techniques.’
After mulling it over for a moment, Fang Ping nodded, and said, “That’s true. As the first wave to enter, we have much more freedom.
“The powerhouses on the other end will watch out for our powerhouses. No one might pay any attention to underlings like us.”
“So, we’ll go in as the first wave then?” Wang Jinyang asked.
“Alright, it’s fine with me.”
Fang Ping was exceptionally easy to persuade. After saying that, he grinned. “Just the three of us then. Forget about Qin Fengqing. His ability is too weak and only knows how to run. It’s a nuisance to bring him along.”
“Alright.”
“Okay.”
Qin Fengqing was dumbfounded. ‘What is going on? Are they pushing me away just like that?’
“I don’t agree!”
Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘Do you think it’s easy for me to look for some meat shields?
‘Right now, my meat shields are actually about to fly solo!’
Fang Ping curled up the corner of his lips, and said, “Tell us then, what’s in for us if we bring you along? At least the three of us can still fight when we encounter Rank-5 or even Rank-6. What about you?”
“I can do it too!”
As he said that, Qin Fengqing quickly added, “My, Qin Fengqing’s saber, has already been cultivated up to the point of killing a Rank-6 with a slash!”
Everyone put on a look of contempt. ‘Why don’t you go ahead and swindle the ghost.’
After a few rounds of jokes, Fang Ping continued, “The passageway stabilizes too quickly. I’m sure everyone has prepared what needs to be prepared. If there’s nothing else, let’s go to the passageway.”
All of them were very straightforward. In no time, they walked toward the passageway together.
…
“Are you guys going in too?”
Wu Chuan’s eyebrows were knitted together. ‘Who are these kids to joke around!’
Fang Ping chuckled. “Guardian Wu, we’re martial artists, Rank-4 and 5 martial artists. We’re not kids. If all of us work together, we’re no weaker than a typical Rank-6.
“We have our own determination and martial arts aspirations too. It’s the same whether we go into the Catacombs earlier or later.”
“This is no child’s play!”
Wu Chuan frowned, saying, “We have not a single idea how the ability of the enemy on the other end will turn out to be! If their power on the other end turns out to be overwhelming, we can’t protect you…”
“Don’t!”
Fang Ping smiled. “Please don’t protect us. A martial artist’s death is fated. We won’t be a hindrance to any of you!
“And please don’t start thinking that we should be protected just because we’re prodigy martial artists.
“There’s no such thing. A dead martial artist is not valuable. Geniuses are too numerous to count. If we die, that just means that we’re not lucky enough to live that long.
“We can’t ask Grandmasters to protect us every time we enter the Catacombs, can we?
“If we don’t enter the Catacombs, then what’s the use of having martial artists like us?
“Of course, there’s a limit to our abilities. After entering the Catacombs, we might flee the battlefield the first thing itself. We hope Brother Wu won’t blame us for becoming deserters…”
Wu Chuan could not make up his mind.
At this moment, NMAU’s vice-chancellor and the rest walked over to them in a group.
Taking a look at Wang Jinyang, NMAU’s vice-chancellor sighed softly. “It’s fine. Come together then.”
Liu Polu nodded slightly as well, it’s considered to have allowed two of them from MCMAU to tag along.
Over at CCMAU, Fu Guosheng pondered for a moment and also nodded his head.
Barring tying them up, it was impossible to stop these prodigy martial artists if they insisted on entering.
If that was the case, what Fang Ping said made sense too. Taking advantage of the time while they were keeping the powerhouses occupied, these guys might gain something big or chance upon opportunities after breaking away from the battlefield.
All of them agreed. Wu Chuan could not say anything else, sighing softly. “Just exercise extreme caution!”
“Don’t worry.”
Fang Ping laughed. He did not leave after that, but gathered on one side with Wang Jinyang and the rest, and began to wait.
…
Rumble!
Thunderous rumbles sounded again and again.
Once again, the heart of the vortex unleashed a wave of tidal energy.
“The last wave now!”
Someone raved in a low voice. Nearly stabilizing now. It meant that they could enter after it was stabilized.
At this moment near the passageway, many powerhouses gathered.
Among them, a few youths particularly stood out.
In the sky, thunder rumbled while lightning crashed. On one side, the energy particles were bursting out in tides. These guys, however… were playing cards!
“Explode!”
Fang Ping turned his card over, then tossed all the cards in his hands, chuckling. “My apologies, I won again. Qin Fengqing owes me 80 million; Li Hansong, you owe me 20 million; Brother Wang, that’s 10 million from you too.”
Wang Jinyang was nonchalant, saying, “The 10 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you.”
Li Hansong said hurriedly as well, “The 20 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you too.”
The look on Fang Ping’s face changed again and again!
What kind of joke was this!
Would I even get the money back from this pauper, Qin Fengqing?
He was just about to object when Wang Jinyang chuckled. “You’ve also deducted once earlier.”
Fang Ping clammed up instantly. He looked at Qin Fengqing who was still at a loss, hissing over gritted teeth, “110 million now!”
Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘I’ve lost so badly that I can’t even afford to wear a pair of trousers now!’
“You cheated!”
Qin Fengqing looked completely outraged, pointing at Fang Ping furiously and said, “You must have used your Mentality to peek on my cards!”
“Get lost, is that even necessary?”
“Then why do I keep losing!”
“How do I know? Are you blaming me for your rotten luck?”
“…”
They were causing a lot of ruckuses, attracting the attention of many.
…
A few elderly were laughing uncontrollably too. The younger generation today was much stronger than their generation instead.
Their bravery and easygoing spirits alone had surpassed many martial artists.
Old Man Li shot Fang Ping a look, feeling slightly helpless. This kid insisted on going in. Going in as the first wave was not something easy.
Unfortunately, Fang Ping and the rest had made the decision. Wu Chuan also agreed to it. It might not be any use for him to say anything else.
…
“Fang Ping!”
When Fang Ping was still debating with Qin Fengqing over the issue that he did not cheat, someone’s yelling was heard coming from beside them.
Fang Ping turned his head to take a look, frowning slightly. He stood up and walked over.
“Fang Ping, are you really going down?”
Chen Yunxi looked worried. She had just been informed that Fang Ping was going into the Catacombs as the first wave.
Initially, he was set to enter as the second wave, all of a sudden, it became the first wave.
Whereas the first wave to enter was the wave that had the highest fatality rate every time the Catacombs opened.
Fang Ping nodded his head, and said, “It’s the same whether I enter earlier or later. Does it make any difference? Now, if there’s nothing else, you can go back first…”
“Fang Ping…”
Chen Yunxi called to stop him, fishing out a bottle of pills from her pocket, shoving it into Fang Ping’s hands, and whispered, “You take this then.”
Chen Yunxi did not advise him or anything like that. Martial artists, especially those in the same rank as Fang Ping, had long weighed the pros and cons.
Since he had made up his mind to go, there was no use in advising.
The only thing she could do right now was to prepare extra Lifeline Pills for Fang Ping.
“I don’t need it.”
Fang Ping handed the pills back to her, frowning. “I have my own. Alright now, don’t you worry about me. Just worry about yourself.”
“But…”
“There are no buts. I’m leaving now. I still have things to do.”
Having said that, Fang Ping returned to where he was earlier and continued playing cards with the guys.
Chen Yunxi was about to say something but held herself back. She paced around for a bit, but was embarrassed to go up and interrupt.
The rest turned a deaf ear, as if they did not see her. Even talkative Qin Fengqing did not say anything.
If he mocked her now and she took it seriously, would he not only be compromising the interests of others and himself if Fang Ping really died in the Catacombs?
Chen Yunxi saw that and for a moment, she was struggling inside. In the end, she could only step back and leave.
As soon as she had left, Qin Fengqing mocked. “Tsk, tsk, Fang Ping. Since when have you stopped taking benefits that are delivered to your doorstep? Give it to me if you don’t want it. I’m lacking in pills.”
“Why don’t you return me my 110 million first before you say anything else!”
Fang Ping humphed. “I warn you, if you don’t pay my money back, I’ll hack you when we come out of the Catacombs!”
“I’ll pay back, definitely pay you back!”
Qin Fengqing made a promise straightforwardly. There was no deadline anyway. It would depend on his mood when he wanted to return it.
Who would remember their debts after leaving the gambling table.
Seeing his attitude that was not even remotely sincere, Fang Ping gritted his teeth. This time it was real money. If Qin Fengqing had the guts to not repay it, he would be so dead!
Gambling debts were money too. In just a short time, he won 80 million. In the end, Qin Fengqing this bastard was the only one who lost!
As they were chatting and laughing about, someone hissed all of a sudden, “It has stabilized!”
The next moment, Fang Ping and the rest could also sense it distinctly. The vortex no longer spat out energy and was beginning to gradually still.
“First wave members gather!”
At the same time, Wu Chuan yelled. The first wave members started gathering one after another.
Fang Ping and the rest tossed their cards aside, walking over with quick steps.
…
The first wave powerhouses to enter were 7 Grandmasters, 18 Rank-6s, and 4 of them who were Fang Ping’s squad.
Nanjiang itself had 5 Grandmasters in total. This time, 3 of them turned up!
Governor-General Zhang Dingnan, NMAU Vice-chancellor Chen Jinzhong, and Upright Sun Martial Arts Dojo Director Zhou Zhengyang.
A few others, Zhou Chuan Rank-9, Military Department Zhou Dingguo Rank-8, MCMAU Liu Polu Rank-7, plus a Rank-7 deputy minister from the Detective Department.
Fang Ping took a look and did not look further.
It came as no surprise for Liu Polu to become one of the candidates to appear in the first wave.
Liu Polu and Zhang Dingnan had a personal friendship. Long before MCMAU had clarified their stand, Liu Polu had represented himself as an individual to offer Nanjiang assistance. This had nothing to do with MCMAU’s standing.
Wu Chuan took a good look at each and every one of them, asking in a deep voice, “Everyone, do you have anything else to say?”
Zhang Dingnan chuckled. “I’ve said what I needed to say a long time ago.”
“Cut the crap. It’s only entering the Catacombs, isn’t it? Saying it like none of us has entered before. Let’s go.”
“Not a moment to lose. The passageway has stabilized, we should depart now!”
“…”
The elderly were calm and unhurried, speaking one after another, making fun, and cursing at the same time. It was as if they were only going on a field trip.
Fang Ping even saw an old man who was standing beside Old Man Li, tugging at Old Man Li’s new long hair extensions. It was like he was about to pull a few strands off, enraging Old Man Li greatly.
The atmosphere was not too solemn. They were making fun and cursing each other from their hearts instead of faking it out.
Wu Chuan chuckled, looking at Fang Ping and the rest, saying once again, “You guys, you can still back out now. After entering the passageway, you’re not allowed to leave anymore!”
Fang Ping laughed. “Guardian Wu, if you’re a martial artist then stop being so garrulous. Let’s go.”
Wu Chuan said no more, announcing in a deep voice, “Let’s go!”
At the next moment, 25 of them employed the Flight Step one after another, levitating and landing on the passageway underneath.
When they walked to the side of the vortex, Zhang Dingnan suddenly bent down, grabbed a handful of soil, and held it against his chest.
Old Man Li who was standing beside him chided, “Bad luck, idiot!”
Why did he grab the d*mn soil? The chances of dying would be very high after grabbing it.
Zhang Dingnan was not angered. He chuckled. “I’m worried that I can’t even smell any familiar scent anymore after I die.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
Fang Ping and the rest exchanged glances. Qin Fengqing mumbled, “The atmosphere isn’t good. Aren’t we supposed to seize other people’s territory valiantly and spiritedly? Why so sentimental!”
As soon as he said those words, Wu Chuan laughed suddenly. “I like what you said! We’re going to seize other people’s territory! This is the kind of attitude that the young generation should have. We are there to seize other people’s goods, not to be attacked!”
Yes, we’re there to snatch their territory, their resources, their women…”
“Forget about the women. The Catacombs women are too vicious!”
“That’s true. We’ll kill the women then!”
“Hahaha…”
A bunch of elderly men and women said it like they were only joking. Earlier, the hint of sadness when Zhang Dingnan grabbed the soil had suddenly dissipated.
Going through life and death, what was so difficult to fathom about that?
“Let’s get going then!”
As soon as the words left his lips, Wu Chuan took a step into the vortex, disappearing instantly.
The rest followed behind in succession as well.
There were still many people on top of the vortex at this moment, though none of them made a sound, seeing them off silently.
It was unsure when, but Chen Yunxi who left earlier had returned again. Seeing that Fang Ping was about to leave, she screamed all of a sudden, “Fang Ping, come back alive!”
Fang Ping did not even turn his head around. Waving his hand, he marched into the vortex, vanishing on the spot very quickly.
All of them had vanished on the spot. The crowd near the deep pit was still silent like a sculpture.
This time, how many of them would return?
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Back to the camp.
Zhang Yuqiang was just about to go looking for Fang Ping. When he saw that Fang Ping had returned, he quickly said, “Brother Fang, if it’s not too much of a problem, should we discuss the arrangement?”
Fang Ping gathered himself, he blew out the air in his lungs and said, “Alright, how about this, gather all the supporting elite universities’ Martial Arts Society Presidents for a meeting, let’s all discuss together.”
“I’ll leave it to Brother Fang then!”
Zhang Yuqiang was extremely polite. He might be a Rank-5 martial artist, but he did not have the charisma to make an appeal.
The martial arts universities that came to support this time were not just CCMAU and MCMAU. In fact, there were many other universities.
Of course, there were not many people who came from other martial arts universities.
Right now, Nanjiang had many things to take care of. Among these martial arts university students, some of them were quite unruly as well. Someone had to take charge.
Wang Jinyang could. But, he was NMAU’s student. NMAU’s ability was only average. The others might not listen to him.
…
A few minutes later.
In a temporary meeting room that had just been assembled.
Fang Ping looked around, asking, “Yao Chengjun is not here?”
A few Rank-4 martial artists from FMS came. Everyone was already well-acquainted from the championship earlier. Right now, Bai Xu was the one representing FMS. Upon hearing the question, he replied, “The president has a mission. He will come after he has completed it.”
Fang Ping nodded slightly, turning his attention to Wang Jinyang. “We’re not too clear with the deployment here in Nanjiang. Brother Wang, why don’t you tell us, how should we arrange this?”
Wang Jinyang was unreserved, replying quickly, “After the Catacombs passageway has stabilized, Governor-General Zhang and the rest will enter first.
“Based on the past experiences on the opening of the Catacombs entrances, the entrance at the Catacombs will appear randomly. This may be something that we can’t control.
“But, if we can discover the entrance over at our side, they will too. Once the passageway has been stabilized, if we don’t send our guys in, they will come out.
“Unless we have absolutely no choice, the battlefield must never be on the ground surface.
“As for the specific number of opponents that Governor-General Zhang and the rest would encounter after entering the passageway into the Catacombs, we can’t estimate that for now. But, under normal circumstances, what we’re facing is only the nearest fort.
“Typically, a fort has a Rank-9 city lord, a few Rank-8 powerhouses, and two-digit Rank-7s…”
Fang Ping raised his hand, making a gesture, before saying, “I don’t know this very well. Every time a Catacombs opens, will the situation on the other end turn out roughly the same?”
Wang Jinyang nodded, answering, “About the same. The Catacombs is part of the fort’s system. Moreover, it’s extremely rare for two Rank-9s to turn up because Rank-9 powerhouses should have their own chances at building their own cities. Up until now, the CCMAU Catacombs is the only one where two Rank-9s were discovered in one city. Other than that, the other places have never encountered anything like that.”
After saying that, Wang Jinyang continued, “With regards to the number of high ranks, this has little to do with our mission. Guardian Wu, Governor-General Zhang and the rest will take care of that.
“We’ll mainly enter after that… Of course, what I’m thinking is to form a group of middle-ranked martial artists to enter the Catacombs as the second batch.
“As the passageway continues to stabilize, the Grandmasters can’t enter in large groups. We, however, don’t have any limitations.
“It’s inevitable to find a large number of Catacombs militants standing guard at the Catacombs exit after the Catacombs open.
“What we need to do is to attack them until they pull back, then build our stronghold.
“As for the three lower ranks martial artists, Nanjiang’s plan is to let them in only after the stronghold has been built. Hence, I recommend that the three lower ranks of each university follow the Military Department’s arrangement and wait for the mission allocation…”
Li Hansong cut him off, saying, “There’s no problem with that. So, after the stronghold is built, can we move at will?”
“It depends on the situation. If it’s too dangerous, my suggestion is that it’s best if you don’t act alone.”
“Is it possible for the Catacombs exit to appear in the middle of the fort?”
The one who asked this question was Nanhu Martial Arts University Martial Arts Society’s president.
Upon hearing the question, Wang Jinyang pondered for a moment, and said, “That’s possible. It has not happened before. But sometimes the distance can get really near to the fort. No one knows if the new Catacombs opening will emerge in the middle of the fort…”
Everyone’s heart sank. This was the worst outcome!
If this happened, the best way is to give up the idea of setting the battlefield in the Catacombs. Get out of the Catacombs and choose the human world as the battlefield.
If the exit was placed in the fort, then there was no way to fight.
Reinforcements after reinforcements That was their lair. No one would give up their own lair unless we could attack the other party to the extent which they grow really terrified.
One after another, everyone asked a few questions. Wang Jinyang replied to all of their questions.
In the end, Fang Ping asked, “If… I’m saying if, our people can’t keep the enemy back, can’t build our stronghold, then what shall we do?”
“We have contingency plans for these questions.”
Wang Jinyang explained, “There are two possibilities actually.
“Number one, appearing in the middle of the fort. We’ll most probably choose to give up, move the Auspicious Peace citizens away, and transform Auspicious Peace into a battlefield.
“Number two, not in the middle of the fort. If we’re more than 30 li away from the fort, then we won’t give up!
“No matter what, we must build our stronghold!
“The first batch of Grandmasters will go in and scout the trail. There will be follow-up units, so they’re not the only ones.
“Mainly because the passageway is not sturdy enough. Hence, there can only be a portion of people who can go in as the first batch to scout on the other party’s abilities, to spy on the other party’s intelligence. All in all, we must take them down, placing the battlefield in the Catacombs world!”
“That means that it’s alright to sacrifice as many people as possible and build a stronghold at all cost?”
Wang Jinyang responded with a heavy heart, “There’s no other choice. We can’t have the battlefield in the human world. If that happens, the Catacombs’ powerhouses will not die completely. They will repeatedly attack the passageway and enter the human world. If we’re slightly careless, it’ll be catastrophic!
If a Rank-9 rushed out of the passageway, even if our Rank-9 powerhouses carry out an attack, it will be difficult to kill the other party in a short period of time. Even two or three of them may not be able to kill the other party in a short period of time.
“If the other party has set his mind at fleeing, with extremely fast speed comes greater battle impact. When the time comes, the loss may just be the destruction of the entire city!
“In the past few years, we’d rather sacrifice more people in the Catacombs than to move the battlefield. This is exactly the reason why.
“If a Rank-9 powerhouse has the intention to massacre wantonly and expels his Mentality, it can cover as wide as a kilometer’s radius!
“Martial artists may be able to survive that, but the common folks will die in a flash.
“Throughout the journey, If he suppresses while he escapes, then the casualty rate will be too high.”
Sino Nation had a very dense population, unlike the Catacombs.
In the Catacombs, even when Rank-9s fight, the periphery would be uninhabited. It might not affect anything.
Their people mainly gathered at the fort. Human powerhouses would not attack their forts without warning either. That would be extremely dangerous.
However, the Catacombs powerhouses did not have that many concerns.
After they die, they can resurrect in the Catacombs as long as the powerhouse’s Vitality or Mentality did not obliterate their marks.
Many times, the Catacombs powerhouses might even choose to kill themselves when facing death.
Of course, unless as a last resort, they would not choose to do so. There was an extremely great price to pay to resurrect from the dead. For now, no one could tell what sort of consequence specifically.
However, no matter what the consequence was, it would not be worse than death. The Catacombs powerhouses had lesser things to be concerned about, unlike humans.
Fang Ping was slightly irritated, gritting his teeth, he said, “I know now, as long as it is not in the fort, we’ll fight a deathmatch. We must resist and wait for reinforcements. That’s the plan, right?”
“Yes.”
“How long does it take for the Catacombs to be completely stabilized?”
“At least a month.”
What this meant was that they could only enter without a fear after a month, regardless of the number of Grandmasters.
Before that, however, they could only enter in batches.
“Why don’t we wait for the Catacombs’ guys to come out first, and we’ll go in on a large scale a month later, and build our stronghold in one shot!”
Wang Jinyang frowned at him. After a while, he said, “We can’t wait passively. Or else, if the other party sends a Rank-9 in, I’ve said this before, the scale of the destruction is extremely great…”
“However, if we go in, we may encounter a few Rank-9s as well.”
“Then we’ll delay the time, take away their chances of getting into the passageway and wait for the passageway to stabilize.”
“Whatever it is, we can’t let them come out and we must launch the attack inside no matter what, right?”
Wang Jinyang did not say a word. That was what he meant.
“What if we can’t delay the time?”
“Then split!” Wang Jinyang answered with a guttural voice, “The first batch of Grandmasters will split up and escape, enter the Catacombs to perform destruction, guerrilla warfare. If that happens, they won’t give up on their lair to rush into the ground surface.”
As he said that, Wang Jinyang continued, “There’s Rank-9 in the first batch. Rank-9 powerhouses don’t die that easily. The Catacombs won’t let Rank-9 powerhouses into the Catacombs to perform destructions as they like. Hence, as long as they could hold it for a day or two, wait for the passageway to recover and stabilize, the second batch of Grandmasters will then enter.”
Fang Ping said no more. Actually, it was all a waste of his breath. Since the central had made up their mind to fight in the Catacombs, Fang Ping alone would not be able to change that.
On the other hand, Fang Ping would not actually risk it.
Once the enemy rushed out of the entrance, the provinces at Nanjiang’s periphery would face a great catastrophe.
If human’s Rank-9s were unable to stop the other party, to pin the other party down on the spot, then they would be looking at a large number of casualties.
By the time one reached the stage of Rank-9, the so-called modern weaponry… why not try hitting the other party first?
After huffing out a mouthful of air, Fang Ping said at last, “Is there a possibility in which we will take the initiative to seal off the Catacombs?”
“I don’t eliminate that possibility.”
Wang Jinyang replied, and continued, “Of course, it won’t happen unless as a last resort. Because if we lock it down this time, Tiannan’s Catacombs is opening next. A new Catacombs may also appear. If three Catacombs appear simultaneously, then it will really spell trouble.
“Handling it one at a time is more effective than having everything blowing up together.”
“I don’t have any more questions.”
After he said that, Fang Ping stood up. “Our instructors will enter as the second batch while the students will enter after the stronghold has been built. As for us…”
Fang Ping took a good look around, saying, “The rest of you act with the students, while those with Ranks higher than Upper-stage Rank-4 can follow the instructors and move together.”
Wang Jinyang nodded. “I don’t have any opinion as long as no one interrupts the Military’s arrangement.”
“Neither do I have any opinion.”
“…”
Everyone nodded in succession. The arrangement was considered done.
After the outcome had been discussed, everyone reported the outcome to Nanjiang. Very soon, Nanjiang responded.
After the first batch of powerhouses entered, the second batch would await orders.
If there were opportunities, the first batch of powerhouses could probe around and gather intelligence, sending someone back to deliver the intelligence. The second batch would then enter.
If no news was delivered within two days, the second batch to enter would then be switched into an individual powerhouse, mainly to scout for information.
If no news was delivered within three days, humans would not enter anymore so as to prevent getting wiped out by the other end’s overly strong abilities.
A month later, when the passageway had stabilized, the powerhouses would enter all at once.
If any Catacombs powerhouses rushed out halfway, at a pinch, they would seal off the passageway.
No one had any opinion on such an arrangement. This was also the usual practice over the years.
…
Upon returning to MCMAU camp.
Qin Fengqing asked hurriedly, “How’s the arrangement? When can we enter?”
“Wait! Wait for the first batch of powerhouses to enter. Only after we receive information can we enter after that. If there’s no news, then they’ll send someone who’s brave enough to face death to gather intelligence. Decisions will be made based on the situation. If things go bad, we’ll wait for the passageway to completely stabilize a month later before entering collectively.
Qin Fengqing was suddenly impatient, saying, “So, what happens if the first batch of powerhouses entered and realized that there are energy stones everywhere? What if they were so indulged in pleasure and forgot about their duties, mining first instead of delivering news back?”
Fang Ping’s head hurt so much like they were about to burst open. He replied exasperatedly, “Do you think that the Catacombs belong to your family? Do you think these powerhouses are like you, caring for nothing but money?”
Qin Fengqing was irritated. “Tell me, if you discover an energy mine in the Catacombs, in which you can mine it all away on your own, will you inform others to come and mine it with you?”
He said it like it made all the sense in the world!
In reality, it was complete nonsense!
It might still be possible if an individual entered.
This time, the first batch that entered included high officers like Zhang Dingnan. Certainly, they would work for the benefits of all.
If they really did not deliver news just because they wanted to mine and pocket all the benefits, then that could only mean that these people were blinded by greed and had betrayed humankind.
Besides… Did you think that the Catacombs martial artists were complete fools?
If there really were energy mines, would it even be your turn?
Unless there were high-ranked monsters standing guard!
Qin Fengqing, this fellow, what was he thinking? Did he really think that the Catacombs was full of treasure?
Of course, there were very few people in the Catacombs, hence there was a higher possibility to discover valuable goods in a newly-opened Catacombs, that was inevitable.
Feeling mentally and emotionally exhausted, Fang Ping was not in the mood to pay him any attention, nor did he continue any more nonsense with him. You could think all you want.
Qin Fengqing curled his lips, pondered for a moment and whispered, “Why not… we go in secretly with the first batch too?”
Fang Ping looked shockingly at him.
Qin Fengqing lowered his voice again, and said under his breath, “Those who have the guts will fill their tummies while those who have no guts will die of hunger. If we enter only after the situation has been stabilized, at that time, the Catacombs will be keeping an eye on their stronghold, making it difficult for us to make a move.
“Whereas if we do it in the beginning, taking advantage of the chaotic situation when the Grandmasters fought the other party, making our way to the rear, I can guarantee that we will definitely earn like crazy!
“Of course, we’re not a generation that’s blinded by greed. What we’re doing is actually throwing the rear into chaos. If the rear is not stable, would the Catacombs powerhouses in front have the mood to fight? Maybe they’ll retreat just like that. Don’t you agree?”
Fang Ping burst out laughing. “I am truly impressed by your death-seeking capability. Do you know how many people we’re facing on the other end? If one more high rank appears, people like us will die straight away when we encounter him…”
“We must think on the bright side. What if our guys are stronger? Besides, we’re so weak. The high ranks won’t pay us any attention. Excavation—we’ll be rich for sure!”
Qin Fengqing’s eyes were gleaming and he was in high spirits. “You don’t know the benefit of excavating. I can tell you. In those days, when a senior was excavating, he ate a fruit casually. His internal organs were completely honed in a day, shooting up from Rank-4 into Rank-6 in just one day!
“Also, another senior casually drank a sip of water when he was excavating, attaining Mentality-Vitality Fusion straightaway, stepping into the Grandmaster rank in less than a year.
“Also, another senior kicked a rock. Can you guess what that is? It’s a washbasin-sized cultivation-aiding energy stone!
“Also, another senior…”
“That’s enough. Where did you hear that from?”
“From the books!”
Qin Fengqing said with all seriousness, “It’s true. The third floor of the martial arts university’s Combat Technique Library. Most likely you’ve not been there before. There are these notes that record it.
“Also, the sect world has records too.
“Excavation, that’s feathering your own nest, that’s becoming Grandmaster in a day, that’s the shortcut to becoming a powerhouse!
“It’s not easy for us to finally see Nanjiang’s Catacombs opening. If we go according to time, only one will open in four years. Are we going to wait another four years?
“Can we wait until four years later based on this situation right now?
“Fang Ping, let’s do a big one, how’s that?”
Fang Ping stared at him. After a while, he said, “Someone will die.”
“Cheh, people are dying every day. If you die, that’s you running out of luck…”
After saying that, Qin Fengqing struggled for a moment, and asked, “If both of us work together, can we take on a Rank-6?”
“Dream on.”
“It’s a bit troublesome.”
Qin Fengqing paced around, looking slightly restless.
High-ranked powerhouses might not chase after them.
But there was a very high probability for Rank-6s to hunt them down. After all, they were middle-ranked martial artists too.
Both of them were unable to kill Rank-6, that was to say that this was not safe enough.
“Should we call Iron Head Li, the three of us together?”
Fang Ping was slightly surprised. “Aren’t you well-acquainted with Wang Jinyang?”
Qin Fengqing was exasperated by his past failures, hissing, “Am I an idiot or what? Wang Jinyang this bastard is difficult to trick. Iron Head Li is just like an idiot. Also, to take on basing, only by calling Iron Head Li will we be able to maximize our profit. Rank-5 Iron Head Li might not die even after taking on a few attacks from a Rank-6.”
“Even so, we still can’t kill a Rank-6…”
“Are you doing it or not?”
“No!”
“Scaredy cat!” Qin Fengqing cursed. He kept thinking that the benefits would be snatched away by others if they waited for the arrangement to be made before going in.
However, doing it alone… It was truly risky for a Rank-4 martial artist.
Fang Ping this fellow had coarse skin and thick flesh, he could take some bashing.
After calling Li Hansong together, another coarse skin thick flesh bastard, only with two shields in front of this fragile skin of his would he be able to feel slightly confident.
However, Fang Ping actually refused to do it!
Qin Fengqing let out humph. ‘Fine, do you really think that I, Qin Fengqing, am so weak?
‘Let’s wait and see!
‘When I become a Grandmaster earlier than you, Fang Ping, we’ll see who’s the tyrant!’
Whether he could surpass Fang Ping, the Catacombs excavation this time was the key.
Chapter 361: Entering The Catacombs
Auspicious Peace.
Along with the gushing of energy tide, Auspicious Peace’s weather changed drastically from the stir. The clapping of thunder went on and on.
…
In the temporary camp.
Fang Ping held his phone, chuckling. “I’m doing a mini-mission outside, earning big bucks. If you can’t find me during these few days, you’re not allowed to snivel!”
“Who’s the one sniveling!”
On the other end of the phone, Fang Yuan would rather die than to admit it. ‘You’re the one sniveling!’
“What about that time? I remember someone sniveled? You even wanted to come and look for me in Magic City. If I didn’t make a call, that someone was so close to hopping on a train.”
“I did not!”
Fang Yuan’s voice of her flying into a rage out of humiliation was heard. After a while, she asked, “How long are you leaving this time?”
“I don’t know. It’s quite far. Whatever it is, I’ll give you a call when I return.”
As he said that, Fang Ping added, “Alright, cultivate properly these few days. Strive to attain twice honed soon.”
“I know. So naggy.” After saying that, Fang Yuan continued, “You be careful then. Stay safe. If you encounter one that is stronger than you, remember to run…”
“Do I even need you to teach me this?” Fang Ping burst out laughing. “You too. Cultivate your Stepping Techniques properly.”
“…”
After the siblings’ quick chat, Fang Ping hung up the call.
“Are all of you going in as the first wave?”
After Fang Ping hung up the phone, he turned his head and asked. At this moment, there were a few people beside him.
Qin Fengqing stared at him with a peculiar expression. The Fang siblings were trying to snatch his business!
Seeing that Fang Ping was staring at him while curling up the corner of his lips, Qin Fengqing cleared his throat, looking slightly pissed as he shot a glance at Wang Jinyang. He said agitatedly, “I didn’t invite this fellow, I have no idea how he came here.”
Wang Jinyang turned a deaf ear, grinning. “It’s the same whether you enter earlier or later. Previously, I was still thinking of going in as the second wave. I heard that you prepare to go in as the first wave, then let’s just go in together.”
Li Hansong chuckled too. “I’m fine with it. What Qin Fengqing says does make sense. The second wave to go in has to mainly defend the stronghold. I’ve thought about it. Having a few more of us defending the stronghold isn’t going to be any help.”
Qin Fengqing said hurriedly, “Yes, this is the reason why. There isn’t much difference whether we are there guarding the stronghold or not.
“But, it will be different if we throw the Catacombs rear into chaos!
“Even by just luring a high rank away, that’s still better than guarding the spot!
“Let’s do a big one this time. Raid their lair, lure more than ten high ranks away… Tsk, tsk. We’ll become the heroes of mankind!”
As he said that, Qin Fengqing looked enthusiastic, and said, “Our abilities are not weak either. With the few of us working together, others may not even pay us too much attention. Getting mixed up among a bunch of Grandmasters, we’re much safer instead. If the heavens fall, the tall ones will hold it up first…”
Fang Ping shot Qin Fengqing a look. ‘You do have pretty good swindling techniques.’
After mulling it over for a moment, Fang Ping nodded, and said, “That’s true. As the first wave to enter, we have much more freedom.
“The powerhouses on the other end will watch out for our powerhouses. No one might pay any attention to underlings like us.”
“So, we’ll go in as the first wave then?” Wang Jinyang asked.
“Alright, it’s fine with me.”
Fang Ping was exceptionally easy to persuade. After saying that, he grinned. “Just the three of us then. Forget about Qin Fengqing. His ability is too weak and only knows how to run. It’s a nuisance to bring him along.”
“Alright.”
“Okay.”
Qin Fengqing was dumbfounded. ‘What is going on? Are they pushing me away just like that?’
“I don’t agree!”
Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘Do you think it’s easy for me to look for some meat shields?
‘Right now, my meat shields are actually about to fly solo!’
Fang Ping curled up the corner of his lips, and said, “Tell us then, what’s in for us if we bring you along? At least the three of us can still fight when we encounter Rank-5 or even Rank-6. What about you?”
“I can do it too!”
As he said that, Qin Fengqing quickly added, “My, Qin Fengqing’s saber, has already been cultivated up to the point of killing a Rank-6 with a slash!”
Everyone put on a look of contempt. ‘Why don’t you go ahead and swindle the ghost.’
After a few rounds of jokes, Fang Ping continued, “The passageway stabilizes too quickly. I’m sure everyone has prepared what needs to be prepared. If there’s nothing else, let’s go to the passageway.”
All of them were very straightforward. In no time, they walked toward the passageway together.
…
“Are you guys going in too?”
Wu Chuan’s eyebrows were knitted together. ‘Who are these kids to joke around!’
Fang Ping chuckled. “Guardian Wu, we’re martial artists, Rank-4 and 5 martial artists. We’re not kids. If all of us work together, we’re no weaker than a typical Rank-6.
“We have our own determination and martial arts aspirations too. It’s the same whether we go into the Catacombs earlier or later.”
“This is no child’s play!”
Wu Chuan frowned, saying, “We have not a single idea how the ability of the enemy on the other end will turn out to be! If their power on the other end turns out to be overwhelming, we can’t protect you…”
“Don’t!”
Fang Ping smiled. “Please don’t protect us. A martial artist’s death is fated. We won’t be a hindrance to any of you!
“And please don’t start thinking that we should be protected just because we’re prodigy martial artists.
“There’s no such thing. A dead martial artist is not valuable. Geniuses are too numerous to count. If we die, that just means that we’re not lucky enough to live that long.
“We can’t ask Grandmasters to protect us every time we enter the Catacombs, can we?
“If we don’t enter the Catacombs, then what’s the use of having martial artists like us?
“Of course, there’s a limit to our abilities. After entering the Catacombs, we might flee the battlefield the first thing itself. We hope Brother Wu won’t blame us for becoming deserters…”
Wu Chuan could not make up his mind.
At this moment, NMAU’s vice-chancellor and the rest walked over to them in a group.
Taking a look at Wang Jinyang, NMAU’s vice-chancellor sighed softly. “It’s fine. Come together then.”
Liu Polu nodded slightly as well, it’s considered to have allowed two of them from MCMAU to tag along.
Over at CCMAU, Fu Guosheng pondered for a moment and also nodded his head.
Barring tying them up, it was impossible to stop these prodigy martial artists if they insisted on entering.
If that was the case, what Fang Ping said made sense too. Taking advantage of the time while they were keeping the powerhouses occupied, these guys might gain something big or chance upon opportunities after breaking away from the battlefield.
All of them agreed. Wu Chuan could not say anything else, sighing softly. “Just exercise extreme caution!”
“Don’t worry.”
Fang Ping laughed. He did not leave after that, but gathered on one side with Wang Jinyang and the rest, and began to wait.
…
Rumble!
Thunderous rumbles sounded again and again.
Once again, the heart of the vortex unleashed a wave of tidal energy.
“The last wave now!”
Someone raved in a low voice. Nearly stabilizing now. It meant that they could enter after it was stabilized.
At this moment near the passageway, many powerhouses gathered.
Among them, a few youths particularly stood out.
In the sky, thunder rumbled while lightning crashed. On one side, the energy particles were bursting out in tides. These guys, however… were playing cards!
“Explode!”
Fang Ping turned his card over, then tossed all the cards in his hands, chuckling. “My apologies, I won again. Qin Fengqing owes me 80 million; Li Hansong, you owe me 20 million; Brother Wang, that’s 10 million from you too.”
Wang Jinyang was nonchalant, saying, “The 10 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you.”
Li Hansong said hurriedly as well, “The 20 million that Qin Fengqing owes me will be deducted for you too.”
The look on Fang Ping’s face changed again and again!
What kind of joke was this!
Would I even get the money back from this pauper, Qin Fengqing?
He was just about to object when Wang Jinyang chuckled. “You’ve also deducted once earlier.”
Fang Ping clammed up instantly. He looked at Qin Fengqing who was still at a loss, hissing over gritted teeth, “110 million now!”
Qin Fengqing was infuriated. ‘I’ve lost so badly that I can’t even afford to wear a pair of trousers now!’
“You cheated!”
Qin Fengqing looked completely outraged, pointing at Fang Ping furiously and said, “You must have used your Mentality to peek on my cards!”
“Get lost, is that even necessary?”
“Then why do I keep losing!”
“How do I know? Are you blaming me for your rotten luck?”
“…”
They were causing a lot of ruckuses, attracting the attention of many.
…
A few elderly were laughing uncontrollably too. The younger generation today was much stronger than their generation instead.
Their bravery and easygoing spirits alone had surpassed many martial artists.
Old Man Li shot Fang Ping a look, feeling slightly helpless. This kid insisted on going in. Going in as the first wave was not something easy.
Unfortunately, Fang Ping and the rest had made the decision. Wu Chuan also agreed to it. It might not be any use for him to say anything else.
…
“Fang Ping!”
When Fang Ping was still debating with Qin Fengqing over the issue that he did not cheat, someone’s yelling was heard coming from beside them.
Fang Ping turned his head to take a look, frowning slightly. He stood up and walked over.
“Fang Ping, are you really going down?”
Chen Yunxi looked worried. She had just been informed that Fang Ping was going into the Catacombs as the first wave.
Initially, he was set to enter as the second wave, all of a sudden, it became the first wave.
Whereas the first wave to enter was the wave that had the highest fatality rate every time the Catacombs opened.
Fang Ping nodded his head, and said, “It’s the same whether I enter earlier or later. Does it make any difference? Now, if there’s nothing else, you can go back first…”
“Fang Ping…”
Chen Yunxi called to stop him, fishing out a bottle of pills from her pocket, shoving it into Fang Ping’s hands, and whispered, “You take this then.”
Chen Yunxi did not advise him or anything like that. Martial artists, especially those in the same rank as Fang Ping, had long weighed the pros and cons.
Since he had made up his mind to go, there was no use in advising.
The only thing she could do right now was to prepare extra Lifeline Pills for Fang Ping.
“I don’t need it.”
Fang Ping handed the pills back to her, frowning. “I have my own. Alright now, don’t you worry about me. Just worry about yourself.”
“But…”
“There are no buts. I’m leaving now. I still have things to do.”
Having said that, Fang Ping returned to where he was earlier and continued playing cards with the guys.
Chen Yunxi was about to say something but held herself back. She paced around for a bit, but was embarrassed to go up and interrupt.
The rest turned a deaf ear, as if they did not see her. Even talkative Qin Fengqing did not say anything.
If he mocked her now and she took it seriously, would he not only be compromising the interests of others and himself if Fang Ping really died in the Catacombs?
Chen Yunxi saw that and for a moment, she was struggling inside. In the end, she could only step back and leave.
As soon as she had left, Qin Fengqing mocked. “Tsk, tsk, Fang Ping. Since when have you stopped taking benefits that are delivered to your doorstep? Give it to me if you don’t want it. I’m lacking in pills.”
“Why don’t you return me my 110 million first before you say anything else!”
Fang Ping humphed. “I warn you, if you don’t pay my money back, I’ll hack you when we come out of the Catacombs!”
“I’ll pay back, definitely pay you back!”
Qin Fengqing made a promise straightforwardly. There was no deadline anyway. It would depend on his mood when he wanted to return it.
Who would remember their debts after leaving the gambling table.
Seeing his attitude that was not even remotely sincere, Fang Ping gritted his teeth. This time it was real money. If Qin Fengqing had the guts to not repay it, he would be so dead!
Gambling debts were money too. In just a short time, he won 80 million. In the end, Qin Fengqing this bastard was the only one who lost!
As they were chatting and laughing about, someone hissed all of a sudden, “It has stabilized!”
The next moment, Fang Ping and the rest could also sense it distinctly. The vortex no longer spat out energy and was beginning to gradually still.
“First wave members gather!”
At the same time, Wu Chuan yelled. The first wave members started gathering one after another.
Fang Ping and the rest tossed their cards aside, walking over with quick steps.
…
The first wave powerhouses to enter were 7 Grandmasters, 18 Rank-6s, and 4 of them who were Fang Ping’s squad.
Nanjiang itself had 5 Grandmasters in total. This time, 3 of them turned up!
Governor-General Zhang Dingnan, NMAU Vice-chancellor Chen Jinzhong, and Upright Sun Martial Arts Dojo Director Zhou Zhengyang.
A few others, Zhou Chuan Rank-9, Military Department Zhou Dingguo Rank-8, MCMAU Liu Polu Rank-7, plus a Rank-7 deputy minister from the Detective Department.
Fang Ping took a look and did not look further.
It came as no surprise for Liu Polu to become one of the candidates to appear in the first wave.
Liu Polu and Zhang Dingnan had a personal friendship. Long before MCMAU had clarified their stand, Liu Polu had represented himself as an individual to offer Nanjiang assistance. This had nothing to do with MCMAU’s standing.
Wu Chuan took a good look at each and every one of them, asking in a deep voice, “Everyone, do you have anything else to say?”
Zhang Dingnan chuckled. “I’ve said what I needed to say a long time ago.”
“Cut the crap. It’s only entering the Catacombs, isn’t it? Saying it like none of us has entered before. Let’s go.”
“Not a moment to lose. The passageway has stabilized, we should depart now!”
“…”
The elderly were calm and unhurried, speaking one after another, making fun, and cursing at the same time. It was as if they were only going on a field trip.
Fang Ping even saw an old man who was standing beside Old Man Li, tugging at Old Man Li’s new long hair extensions. It was like he was about to pull a few strands off, enraging Old Man Li greatly.
The atmosphere was not too solemn. They were making fun and cursing each other from their hearts instead of faking it out.
Wu Chuan chuckled, looking at Fang Ping and the rest, saying once again, “You guys, you can still back out now. After entering the passageway, you’re not allowed to leave anymore!”
Fang Ping laughed. “Guardian Wu, if you’re a martial artist then stop being so garrulous. Let’s go.”
Wu Chuan said no more, announcing in a deep voice, “Let’s go!”
At the next moment, 25 of them employed the Flight Step one after another, levitating and landing on the passageway underneath.
When they walked to the side of the vortex, Zhang Dingnan suddenly bent down, grabbed a handful of soil, and held it against his chest.
Old Man Li who was standing beside him chided, “Bad luck, idiot!”
Why did he grab the d*mn soil? The chances of dying would be very high after grabbing it.
Zhang Dingnan was not angered. He chuckled. “I’m worried that I can’t even smell any familiar scent anymore after I die.”
Everyone burst out laughing.
Fang Ping and the rest exchanged glances. Qin Fengqing mumbled, “The atmosphere isn’t good. Aren’t we supposed to seize other people’s territory valiantly and spiritedly? Why so sentimental!”
As soon as he said those words, Wu Chuan laughed suddenly. “I like what you said! We’re going to seize other people’s territory! This is the kind of attitude that the young generation should have. We are there to seize other people’s goods, not to be attacked!”
Yes, we’re there to snatch their territory, their resources, their women…”
“Forget about the women. The Catacombs women are too vicious!”
“That’s true. We’ll kill the women then!”
“Hahaha…”
A bunch of elderly men and women said it like they were only joking. Earlier, the hint of sadness when Zhang Dingnan grabbed the soil had suddenly dissipated.
Going through life and death, what was so difficult to fathom about that?
“Let’s get going then!”
As soon as the words left his lips, Wu Chuan took a step into the vortex, disappearing instantly.
The rest followed behind in succession as well.
There were still many people on top of the vortex at this moment, though none of them made a sound, seeing them off silently.
It was unsure when, but Chen Yunxi who left earlier had returned again. Seeing that Fang Ping was about to leave, she screamed all of a sudden, “Fang Ping, come back alive!”
Fang Ping did not even turn his head around. Waving his hand, he marched into the vortex, vanishing on the spot very quickly.
All of them had vanished on the spot. The crowd near the deep pit was still silent like a sculpture.
This time, how many of them would return?
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