Chapter 191: First Insight Into Rank-3 Abilities
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
27th of March.
MCMAU southern area. Building No.3.
This was the first time Fang Ping ever stepped foot into building No. 3.
There were the Combat Techniques Room, Energy Room, Vitality Pool, and Gravity Room…
It was a good place to cultivate.
The key was to earn credits. Fang Ping’s progress in cultivation was already quick enough. He never had the urge to come here earlier.
Consequently, once he entered the hall on the first floor, he was br.i.m.m.i.n.g with excitement!
Siu! A long sword was flying straight ay Fang Ping!
Alarmed, Fang Ping avoided quickly.
At the moment, the hall was not vacant. There were plenty of people. Fang Ping had imagined it to be an unoccupied hall, so this came as a surprise.
He was just beginning to wonder who was “welcoming” himself as he suddenly heard a familiar voice.
“Come on! Today I will fight one against ten!”
“If you are unsatisfied, fight me altogether!”
“A bunch of weaklings. Do you have a death wish, picking a fight with me!”
Bang!
“…”
Just as he had finished saying those words, Fang Ping once again avoided quickly. A sword was sent flying at him earlier, now it was a human.
A shadow soared through the air and fell in front of Fang Ping.
This person did not even pay any attention to Fang Ping, but quickly stood back up and roared, “Qin Fengqing, you are going too far with your bullying!”
“Weaklings do not have the right to complain!”
“b.a.s.t.a.r.d. You think you’re so high and mighty. Everyone together!”
“…”
Fang Ping walked toward the crowd, squeezed in a little and raised his head to take a look. Qin Fengqing was currently battling seven or eight martial artists.
“Brother, what’s going on?”
Fang Ping tapped one of the spectators who was watching the show and asked curiously.
The spectator chuckled and explained, “Qin Fengqing has achieved breakthrough to Peak Rank-3. He started boasting to the whole world the moment he did it. An invincible Rank-3.
“A few of them were unhappy after hearing the news and started bickering…
“As a result, Qin Fengqing punched out someone’s front teeth without warning… right now he is being besieged by them.”
“This… this guy’s that arrogant?”
Fang Ping was stunned when he heard the explanation. Qin Fengqing was completely like a big antagonist.
“He’s always been rather arrogant. However, just wait and see, the interesting part is yet to come. He will soon have to admit defeat.”
Fang Ping took a quick look at the combat in front of him. Even though seven to eight people were ganging up on Qin Fengqing, he seemed to be holding his ground, brandis.h.i.+ng his dadao which was howling in the wind.
Fang Ping turned to the spectator and asked curiously, “Qin Fengqing is quite powerful. Can these people make him admit defeat?”
“Nah. They’re not even Peak Rank-3 yet. There are very few Peak Rank-3 martial artists over here.
“However, someone had gone to fetch Xie Lei.”
“Xie Lei? The thrice-honed guy…”
“Yes. Even though Xie Lei is only an Upper-stage Rank-3, he is a thrice-honed martial artist. He is not weaker than Peak Rank-3 martial artists…”
During the commencement of cla.s.ses last year, Xie Lei was a Peak Rank-2 martial artist.
Today, seven months later, Xie Lei had also entered Upper-stage Rank-3. At the end of this semester, he might be able to achieve Peak Rank-3.
Other than Fang Ping, he was MCMAU’s one and only thrice-honed student who was still currently in the university.
“Xie Lei is Qin Fengqing’s match?”
“Not sure about that. We will know in due time. The guy that Qin Fengqing had punched just now is one of Xie Lei’s team members. Xie Lei will definitely come out…”
“The instructors don’t mind?”
The spectator suddenly looked at Fang Ping and asked astonishedly, “Are you new?”
“Yes.”
“No wonder.”
This guy did not ask any more questions. He said indifferently, “They turn a blind eye to it as long as no one causes any trouble in other cultivation areas. If you break something, you will have to compensate the appropriate price.
“Regarding injuries, it’s fine if it’s nothing serious.
“You may think that their punches are heavy, but they’re definitely holding back…”
After hearing those words, Fang Ping directed his attention toward the arena. It seemed like he was right. Although the fight might look serious, Qin Fengqing’s blade was only hacking the other party’s weapon slightly. They were mostly fighting hand-to-hand combat. When they used their sabers, the most they would do was just whack a few times with the spine of the weapon.
As Fang Ping was lost in his thoughts, footsteps could be heard coming from outside of the circle.
“Move!”
Someone howled lightly. Very soon, a path was cleared.
Fang Ping turned his head back to look. He saw a youth with an athletic build. Fang Ping, however, was not interested in his build. The first thing Fang Ping noticed was the pair of eyes!
Slit-like eyes!
Eyes that gave the impression of a cold, strong and sharp person.
Fang Ping was gaping at Xie Lei. Xie Lei, however, did not look at him.
The moment Xie Lei had arrived, the men swarming Qin Fengqing immediately scattered.
Xie Lei marched forward. His voice was as cold as ice. “Qin Fengqing, what is the meaning of this!”
Qin Fengqing stood unmoving, looking utterly carefree. He did not chase after the rest of the men and sneered. “What do you mean by that?”
“Don’t play dumb with me!”
Xie Lei gave a chilling humph and continued, “Xia Wei had only said a few words and you already started a fight. Am I wrong?”
Qin Fengqing twitched his mouth and said impatiently, “This has nothing to do with you. I’m fine with all this. Send Xia Wei to me if you’re unsatisfied!”
“Do you think that just because you’re a Peak Rank-3, you can act brazenly like everyone’s beneath you?”
“What a load of c.r.a.p!”
“Qin Fengqing, you have a death wis.h.!.+”
Xie Lei gave a chilling roar. Then, he stepped with his toes. The next moment, Xie Lei appeared in front of Qin Fengqing. His punch landed on Qin Fengqing’s long saber.
Dang!
Ear-piercing sounds were constantly heard. Xie Lei’s iron fists that landed on the long saber produced sparks that sprayed in all directions. At the tip of his fists, a radiating light the color of blood was faintly visible.
Fang Ping was amazed. “This…is outward Vitality release?”
When the Rank-2 martial artists like them were fighting last time, a number of anomalies were observed as well. There were also cases when Vitality erupted. Even so, it all happened internally. No one had managed to release it outward.
Xie Lei, however, had his Vitality diffusing through his fighting gloves. It was at the stage that even the human eye could see it.
Fang Ping immediately concentrated to have a closer look. This was a good opportunity to observe.
Qin Fengqing and Xie Lei were not weak amongst Rank-3. The Rank-3 casual martial artists that Fang Ping had come across previously were nothing compared to them.
Xie Lei released his Vitality outward. Qin Fengqing did not hesitate. The body of his saber was glistening faintly. Even though it was not as obvious as Xie Lei’s, it had something to do with the larger size of the long saber, as compared to the smaller fighting gloves. That did not mean that Qin Fengqing’s Vitality was no match the other party’s.
“Interesting. Is that all you can do!”
Amidst the crowd, Qin Fengqing burst out laughing. Xie Lei took a step back from his hack. Soon after, Qin Fengqing threw the long saber aside and asked with a tone of amus.e.m.e.nt, “Do you really think that you are so mighty just because you are a thrice-honed?
“Do you really think that a Peak Rank-3 like me is someone whom you, an Upper-stage can surpa.s.s and defeat?
“Do you really think that I, Qin Fengqing, am a casual martial artist?”
Once he had said those words, Qin Fengqing growled. Fang Ping’s eyes sparkled!
At this moment, Qin Fengqing’s entire momentum had started to change. Previously, Fang Ping might have thought that Peak Rank-3 looked like it was only a hair’s breadth more powerful than Peak Rank-2.
At this moment, however, Fang Ping could feel the overwhelming difference between them.
Qin Fengqing carried a majestic demeanor. His entire body was releasing an aura of bloodl.u.s.t. The next second, Qin Fengqing dashed in front of Xie Lei faster than the naked eye could see.
Xie Lei did not intend to avoid it. He swung his arms and blasted a strike!
Qin Fengqing had been using the long saber to block earlier. Right now, however, a m.u.f.fled sound came from the inside of his body. Subsequently, he extended and punched with his bare hands straight into the air, and grabbed hold of both Xie Lei’s hands in a swift motion.
Xie Lei tried to struggle. He swung his arms. In spite of that, his expression changed as he raised his legs hurriedly and kicked toward Qin Fengqing.
Qin Fengqing did not move. Another m.u.f.fled noise also came from his legs. Xie Lei was allowed to kick him freely.
A loud bang was heard. With a wide grin, Qin Fengqing said, “Is your leg in pain?”
Xie Lei’s expression kept darkening. He growled and pulled his hands out of the fighting gloves all of a sudden. Once again, he started laying punches on Qin Fengqing’s chest.
Qin Fengqing was in no hurry to evade. With an easygoing att.i.tude, he threw a punch as he took another head-on attack from his opponent.
After the exchange, Qin Fengqing was forced back two small steps. In contrast, Xie Lei backed up many steps. The marble floor under his feet was crushed into a few pieces.
Fang Ping had also noticed that Xie Lei’s fists were covered in blood. Qin Fengqing, however, was unscathed.
“Fool!”
Qin Fengqing sneered. “Peak Rank-3. Do you not know what that signifies?
“I have attained the greatest achievement in the muscles, bones, and skin of my entire body. I can revolve Vitality around at my will. Except for my brain, everywhere else has impenetrable defense!
“Unless the power of your fist could breakthrough my Vitality s.h.i.+eld and hit my viscera, do you think you have any hope of defeating me?”
After hearing those words, Fang Ping could finally understand why Xie Lei had kicked him once earlier and gave up.
Xie Lei did not utter a word. His expression remained cold. He glared at him for a moment before asking, “You have long achieved breakthrough to peak?”
“Hehe, what is your guess?”
Qin Fengqing did not answer the question, yet Xie Lei could understand. Qin Fengqing’s breakthrough did not happen recently.
His muscles, bones, and skin had been honed to the Peak Rank-3 state. When his Vitality revolved, except for his brain, his entire body would turn into a swelling alloy.
Unless his Vitality s.h.i.+eld could be penetrated, which would shock his five viscera and six bowels; otherwise, one could only aim for his brain as the vital point.
Nevertheless, this was only a dispute that sparked from personal feelings. If it was a combat with the condition to fight to kill, then it would not be worth it.
“Peak Rank-3… outward Vitality release and an internal defense mechanism at will. Can attack and defend…”
Fang Ping made a mental note of these traits. These martial artists had Vitality as high as thousands of cal. By focusing on defense, they could become an impenetrable robot.
If Xie Lei wanted to put his life on the line and fight to kill using the ultimate move, he might be able to break his defensive s.h.i.+eld.
However, as mentioned, it was just a dispute sparked by personal issues. It was unnecessary.
Judging by the normal attacks and defense mechanism solely, Xie Lei was indeed no match for Qin Fengqing.
Qin Fengqing did not have the intention of fighting Xie Lei to death. He twitched his lips and announced, “Go on. What are you looking at? I am the first in Rank-3. There’s no use even if you’re unsatisfied.”
Someone else burst out laughing. A person teased, “It’s too bad that you, Qin Fengqing, are not even in the Rank-3 actual combat ranking.”
“Cheh, that stuff. Who would take that seriously?”
Qin Fengqing sneered and replied in disdain, “Besides, I have not even achieved Peak Rank-3 previously. Gather the top 10 right now and let’s see if they can be my match.”
“What trash talk. No one is your match…”
“Are you looking for a fight?” Qin Fengqing was in a rage. The crowd saw what transpired and immediately dispersed, followed by the occasional laughter.
Regarding Xie Lei and the guys, they were not exactly unsatisfied. The rest of them had no interest in taunting.
Xie Lei did not leave at this moment as well. He picked the fighting gloves that Qin Fengqing had strewn across the ground and spoke in an indifferent tone, “When I have achieved Peak Rank-3, I will come back and challenge you, Qin Fengqing!”
“Cheh, by the time you have achieved Peak Rank-3, I would have long achieved Rank-4.”
As he said those words, Qin Fengqing eyes suddenly glistened. He grinned, “It’s alright anyway. I will teach you a lesson when the time comes.
“Fang Ping, put in more effort and destroy this brat!”
Fang Ping looked very helpless and was speechless. “I am only pa.s.sing by…”
“Don’t be afraid! A man must never say no. He’s a thrice-honed, you’re a thrice-honed. He was bashed so hard by w.a.n.g Jinyang to the point that he was crying for his mom and dad. You are in w.a.n.g Jinyang’s team. If you don’t destroy him, he will have to destroy you!”
Fang Ping was absolutely speechless. Motherf*cker. Was Old Qin trying to find himself some entertainment?
Xie Lei heard what he said and threw Fang Ping a glance. He did not say anything. He only said, “We’ll talk about that if he can stand at least three moves from the society president.”
“Fang Ping, he looked down on you!” Qin Fengqing was indignant by the injustice. “Three moves. Zhang Yu is nothing. If you cannot even receive three moves, don’t even think about mingling here anymore.”
“Brother Qin!”
Fang Ping had to interrupt him. “Do we have a grudge?”
Qin Fengqing guffawed. “No grudges. I am setting you up with an opponent for your own good. If I was a thrice-honed, I must fight one round with him.
“It’s alright if your abilities are weak for the time being. It is still too early for him to achieve Rank-4. When you have achieved Rank-3, he is also at Rank-3. There’s no difference between you and him.”
Xie Lei did not say anything. He marched off straight away.
If he was unable to defeat Qin Fengqing, then he should just admit defeat. Moreover, it was not even serious injuries. He should bide his time and wait for the right opportunity to seek vengeance.
As for Fang Ping… he would consider it if the kid caught up to him.
…
When Xie Lei and the team had left, the spectators had also dispersed to finish off where they left off.
Only then did Qin Fengqing walk up to Fang Ping, tapped his shoulders and grinned. “I was just joking earlier. However, I think that Xie Lei and you will fight one day. Trust me. My instincts are always right.
“It’s a no-brainer, really. In MCMAU, only the two of you are thrice-honed.
“If your progress is slow and is one rank lower than him, then that is nothing.
“However, you are currently a Peak Rank-2 now. Rank-3 is just a matter of time. It is not surprising if you can catch up with him.
“Both thrice-honed Rank-3 martial artists are in the same phase. How can you not have a duel?”
Fang Ping gave a faint smile and responded, “We’ll see about that.”
Actually, he sort of agreed with what Qin Fengqing had said. For now, it was only Xie Lei and himself who were thrice-honed martial artists in MCMAU.
If they were in the same rank and level, the possibility for them to fight each other was extremely high.
Qin Fengqing heard his response and said, “That brat is not weak, actually. It is because I have achieved Peak Rank-3 for a while now, that is why I can defeat him this time.
“If we were at the same level, I may not even be his match.
“Also, I was only fooling around just now and not being serious about it. Otherwise, it will be hard to tell whether I would lose or win.
“I have spotted you long ago. I am doing this on purpose so you can observe Xie Lei’s abilities…”
Fang Ping looked at him with doubts. Why was he taking the blame!
“What, don’t you believe me?”
Qin Fengqing was indignant as he looked at him and said, “I really saw you, that’s why I made a move to test Xie Lei. Otherwise, we would not fight.”
“You were already hitting someone before I came…”
“That guy is not even Xie Lei. What do you know?” Qin Fengqing curled his lips. He then continued, “Whatever it is, you must remember that I have done this for you. It is easy to repay me. You can just admit that this fight was started because of you, that’s all…”
Fang Ping was doubtful. Qin Fengqing was unhappy about it. “Fang Ping, what att.i.tude is this. I thought you are always looking for a fight…”
Before he could finish his sentence, a m.u.f.fled sound was from his side. Following that, Qin Fengqing’s body suddenly floated high up in the air. A moment later, Qin Fengqing was sprawled in a heap on the steps outside the main entrance.
Lu Fengrou marched forward, acting as if nothing had happened. She promptly said to Fang Ping, “Go to the Energy Room.”
“Instructor, he…”
“I wanted to punch him ages ago! Ignore him. He won’t die. Trying to coax my student into compensating for him. Did he really think that everyone is a fool?”
Lu Fengrou’s words reminded Fang Ping of something. Very soon, Fang Ping could hear someone speaking in a nonchalant tone. “Qin Fengqing, no one’s offering to pay your load. Cough up. 12 pieces of shattered marble, 1 cracked table, and 6 new scratches on the wall… altogether 300 thousand.”
“Why is it so expensive? You should just go and rob someone!”
“Yes. I am robbing. Are you paying or not?”
“I don’t have money!” Qin Fengqing roared. Humiliated and angry, he said, “I spent them all. I don’t have a single cent. Fang Ping, help me pay for it first. I will return you the money next time!”
In order to breakthrough Peak Rank-3, apart from his weapons, he had even sold his car. Where would he find the money to compensate? Otherwise, who would have had the time to even talk to Fang Ping.
…
Fang Ping was rendered speechless. This brat. He deserved to be beaten to death!