World's Best Martial Artist 132 First Time Completing a Mission

He wished that he could collect protection fees, but did not dare to try.

Fang Yuan did not have the intention of collecting it. It was others who turned up at her door, forcing money on her.

It was lucky that Fang Ping did not know anything about it. Otherwise, he might even rush home and pinch that brat to death.

…

1st of November.

Saturday.

Special training classes had been going on for almost a month now. Fang Ping finally had the opportunity to meet the dean – Huang Jing.

Training room.

Huang Jing had a calm look on his face and spoke slowly, "Due to the unusual circumstances at the Catacombs, the Military Department in Magic City had lost dozens of middle-ranked martial artists and hundreds of lower Rank-3!

"In MCMAU, three instructors had lost their lives! Today, we still do not have news on many of the students.

"The Catacombs are getting more and more dangerous. We are forced to inform you of the circumstances in advance so you will understand the danger.

"MCMAU, CCMAU, Normal Martial Arts University, other second-level martial arts universities…

"What we are fighting for is not of our interests!

"We hope that MCMAU students can get more resources, pay a lesser price, develop more powerhouses.

"With that, we can live longer when we carry out our missions.

"We are all humans. If this is what we hope for, other people would hope the same!

"You are all students, our jewels. Their students are also their jewels too.

"Nobody wants anyone to die. We do not wish to see normal martial arts university students die, but if I were to between saving the students in MCMAU or students of other universities, I can only choose MCMAU!

"There's no right or wrong to this. If I were to step into the shoes of normal martial arts university and see things from their perspective, I would be equally unwilling and feel equally unjust.

"No matter what, if we are the members of MCMAU, then we should consider for the good of MCMAU!"

There was a hint of lethargy in Huang Jing's tone. That made everyone reluctant to argue or contradict him.

However, arguments and fights were inevitable!

Who would want to die?

Having powerful abilities meant having a higher survival rate.

"With that being said, the championship at the end of this semester has to be carried out. There is no way to stop it from happening. We are also forced to inform everyone that it will be brutal!"

Huang Jing's tone was harsh now. "Brutality. It is inevitable!"

"There is a chance that it would be life or death."

"Our resources are only so much. The manufacturing of pills, weapons, and other beneficial resources used for cultivation every year are limited.

"When you gain, I lose.

"Only when you lose, I will gain a bit more.

"It was never our intention to let the new students influence a limited quota, nor decide on life or death. However, why have we decided to let the new students participate in the championship?"

Huang Jing's expression had turned cold and harsh as he said, "This is because the new students are weak. If they die, it's not a pity.

"As the new students invest in less resources, when they die, there won't be much wasted.

"Similarly, new students spend more time in university, the benefits that you gain will be useful in the future!

"If you do not fight, the juniors and seniors will be uninterested to fight. They have established a considerable amount of abilities and are about to graduate.

"So, people like you must step forward!

"Shoulder the responsibilities and step forward!"

The students did not utter a word. Huang Jing's tone softened as he gave a slight smile and said, "Of course, the university does not wish for you to die. You are all elites. It will be a loss for humankind whenever there are casualties.

"Therefore, necessary measures to protect you will be enforced in the championship. We will talk about this some other time.

"Let's continue talking about the special training classes."

"Due to the reasons listed before, the expectations for everyone would naturally be higher in the special training classes.

"The stronger your abilities the better. We are all martial arts students, not casual martial artists, nor Vitality martial artists. We do not judge you only by your Vitality and bone-honing speed.

"Last month, everyone has been learning the basics.

"Therefore, this month will be the time for you to move onto the next stage!"

Once he had said those words, Huang Jing exclaimed, "A peaceful environment will not breed powerhouses!

"Tomorrow onward, you will be divided into five teams of ten. Each team will have one instructor who will bring the students to complete missions!

"To create a better environment and better growth conditions for everyone, the school has decided that with every mission completed with rewards originally in place, your rewards will be increased two-fold! 

"Initially, completing a mission would earn you 5 credits, now it will be 10 credits!

"During the missions, those who show more effort will be rewarded more. This will be observed and decided by the instructors.

"In November, the team that can complete the most missions, and in the best possible way, will receive additional rewards!

"In November, you will experience the world for the first time.

"When December comes, out of 50 people, 10 will be chosen to undergo special training to compete in the championship!

"Currently, the date of the championship has not been decided yet. However, it has been said that it will happen by mid-January. Maybe even earlier.

"There's not much time left!"

As Huang Jing continued, he spoke profoundly. "Do not view yourself superior to normal martial arts university students!

"From what I know, all universities are going all out to train seeded candidates!

"Currently, I was informed that there are about three to five Rank-1 martial artists in each university!

"There are many normal martial arts universities, the total amount of martial artists they boast will be no less than MCMAU and CCMAU combined.

"They have nothing to lose. If they win, they will benefit from it; if they lose, they lose nothing.

"Therefore, they can afford to lose, but we can't!"

"That's all from me. We will allocate you into groups today. Decide which instructor you will follow. The students should not be in the same group as their original instructor!"

After he concluded his speech, the students started whispering to one another.

If they were not allowed to follow their own instructor, what would happen if other instructors chose not to rescue them at times of danger?

Huang Jing ignored them. On one hand, this arrangement was made to create a sense of crisis for the students; on the other hand, it was to maintain fairness. 

In the process of completing missions, the instructors will play the role of judges; if they guide their own students, some form of favoritism would be inevitable.

…

Huang Jing only came to deliver this message. He left in a hurry after that.

The problems in the Catacombs were not entirely solved.

After this, he also had to discuss with each university to make detailed arrangements for the championship.

There was no need for Grandmasters to be involved in disputes over these matters, but for the benefits and interests, it would be difficult to manage without a Grandmaster.

"Silence!"

Once Huang Jing had left, Tang Feng roared and the discussions among the students halted.

"You will be allocated into groups now!"

Martial artists were very straightforward people. Tang Feng did not talk nonsense, and he spoke immediately, "Fang Ping, Zhao Lei, Fu Changding, Yang Xiaoman, and Chen Yunxi are team leaders. You will each lead a team!"

Fu Changding spoke bitterly, "I thought I could be in the same team with beautiful girls. Is it fair to allocate the teams like that?"

Tang Feng did not chide him, instead, he chuckled, "Sure, Zhang Yue, Xia Wenyou, both of you will be in Fu Changding's team!"

From the crowd, the two beautiful girls who had opened the back door to enter last time looked bashful. They stepped out shyly and walked to Fu Changding's side.

Fu Changding's became green in the face!

'I was just joking. The instructor actually took it seriously!'

He was no idiot. The team allocation this time should focus on acquiring teammates with stronger abilities. Now that the two of them had gotten in his way, he was in deep trouble!

This was not a joke. Fu Changding was not an innocent rookie. People could really die completing missions.

Since Tang Feng had made his decision, there was no way to redeem the situation. Peak Rank-6 Tang Feng was definitely not playing around.

Fu Changding's expression was slightly awkward. He smiled drily at the girls, a slightly agonized smile.

Tang Feng ignored him. Luo Yichuan, Fu Changding's instructor, did not look at him either. 'You just had to run your mouth. Did you truly think that no one would teach you a lesson?

Fang Ping gloated and spoke in a whisper, "Are you satisfied now? Two beautiful girls, such eye candy…"

"Get lost!"

"Fang Ping, you are the strongest, a class monitor at that. Able people should do more work."

At this moment, Tang Feng continued, "Zhao Qing, Wu Kepeng, Zhou Yuehong… they will be in your team!"

"Instructor!"

Fang Ping pulled a long face. 'Aren't you using your position to get even for a private grudge?'

Everyone knew that having stronger teammates meant that the missions would be easier, thus quicker to complete.

Forcing him to lead a team of weak martial artists…it seemed like an attempt to bring him misfortune.

In his team, besides Fang Ping with strong abilities, Zhao Xuemei was allocated here. Tang Songting was here as well. The two of them had pretty good abilities.

As for the other 7 people, 5 of them were usually at the bottom in special training class.

Tang Feng spoke nonchalantly, "Do you have any opinions to share? You can speak out if you have something to say. However, to ensure balanced abilities, the allocation of teams has been decided!"

"I…"

Fang Ping almost spat blood. If it had been decided, how the hell would his opinions count!

Seeing that he did not continue speaking, Tang Feng proceeded to allocate members for the other teams.

Balanced abilities, this was what Tang Feng considered.

Currently, the amount of people who have honed 31 bones or more in the class totalled around 30.

In one team, there was an average of 6.

The others were allocated equally.

Of course, in Fang Ping's team, except for him, Zhao Xuemei, and Tang Songting, there were only two people who had completed unilateral bone-honing, exactly half of them. The other 5 were slightly weaker.

31 honed bones are the proof that one had completed unilateral bone-honing. In the broad sense, that would consider you a Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist.

On the other hand, those with fewer than 31 pieces would be considered Early-stage martial artists.

Of course, some people honed their upper limbs, therefore the number of bones varied. They would be allocated based on whether they had completed unilateral bone-honing.

In Fang Ping's team, besides Fang Ping, who had honed 40 bones, among the other 4 people, Zhao Lei held the highest record at 49 honed bones.

Fu Changding and the lot were almost the same with more than 45 bones.

Once the teams had been formed, next up was the allocation of instructors.

Undoubtedly, Lu Fengrou was not able to guide Fang Ping's group. In the end, Zhou Shiping, the oldest of the instructors, was allocated to Fang Ping's team.

Zhou Shiping was a reticent person. He majored in the cultivation of palm technique, a technique which not many were taking, therefore his students were few. 

Judging by his looks, Zhou Shiping looked like he was in his 50s, but he was nearly 60. He looked rather scrawny.

Once the allocation of instructor was complete, Zhou Shiping looked at Fang Ping's team for a brief moment, nodded slightly, but did not speak a word.

Lu Fengrou was allocated to Chen Yunxi's team; Tang Feng to Fu Changding's team. Fu Changding's face grew pale. He had a hunch that something was not right.

Luo Yichuan and Xu Jianzhou were allocated to guide Tang Feng's two students.

Once the allocation of team and instructors was complete, Tang Feng continued, "Everyone go back and pack your luggage. Bring weapons and pills. Prioritize Vitality pills and Healing Water. Anyone who does not have Healing Water can go and exchange some. 5 credits for a bottle. It will be effective for treating external and internal injuries.

"In addition, the expenses for this trip will be covered by the university, and that includes a bottle of Healing Water, 5 Normal Vitality Pills, and a Rank-1 Vitality Pill!"

"That's plenty!"

Many students wore a smile on their faces. Special training classes definitely knew how to treat their students.

Last month, everyone had received roughly 20 Normal Vitality Pills.

Fang Ping and a few others received slightly more. Fang Ping received about 25 pills, yet he had not used any of them until now.

A total of 20 pills was equivalent to 60 credits.

The trip this time granted him a compensation of pills worth 30 credits. Less than a month after joining special training classes, everyone had received nearly a hundred credits!

If they were to exchange it for money, it would amount to 3 million! 

As mentioned previously, the performance of the members decided the rewards for the missions. The university even doubled the reward. Such special treatment had many faces lighting up in pleasure.

Tang Feng spoke indifferently, "This is a disbursement from the university. With disbursement comes desire. Everyone should understand what I mean!

"In the eyes of martial artists, everyone should have a clear understanding of the exchange of equal value!

"You reap what you sow.

"Some of you might not be able to participate in the championship in the end. They would pay your price. Say… someone died completing missions!"

"I am not joking. Instructors who are guiding you will try to guarantee your safety.

"However, the instructors are also human, they commit mistakes, have matters to attend to, they go about their daily lives too. You must not look to the instructor to protect you 24/7. 

"Fatalities may be unavoidable.

"What the university has been doing for you may not seem like anything at all, but in reality, we are already doing all we can. You must understand what I am saying."

"That's all I can tell you. Instructors will make the necessary arrangements with your students. We will leave tomorrow.

"You are not to be in the university, whether it is to complete missions or go sightseeing!"

Someone replied in shock, "Sightseeing?"

Luo Yichuan who had been silent all the while replied matter-of-factly, "The Catacombs has breathtaking views, you can take it as going on a sightseeing tour."

Everyone had gone silent as death instantaneously. Who were you kidding. A bunch of Rank-3 died there, no one would want to go sightseeing!

Luo Yichuan was allocated to guide Zhao Lei's team. Zhao Lei's complexion had turned purple. Old Luo was not serious about bringing them on a sightseeing tour, right?

…

The five teams separated to start the discussion with their respective instructors.

Fang Ping's team.

Zhou Shiping did not say much, and was a democratic person. When everyone had gathered, Zhou Shiping smiled slightly and said, "Fang Ping can accept missions now. You must have seen the mission system. Discuss with everyone on what kind of mission to choose. My main responsibility is to protect everyone.

"You guys can arrange everything else."

Fang Ping noticed everyone's eyes were set on him. He thought for a moment and said, "In the beginning, we should accept a few easier missions as a drill…"

"Fang Ping, our abilities are not that weak, and there are so many of us. I think we can accept a Rank-2 mission.

"We don't have much time. If we delay too much, a month will go by in the blink of an eye."

Someone proposed a different suggestion from the team.

Anyone who would share an opinion at this time was usually someone confident in their abilities. The person who spoke up was Tang Songting – Fu Changding's high school classmate, who had been beaten by Fu Changding for many years.

Fang Ping frowned and replied, "Of the 10 people here, has anyone accepted any missions before?

"Has anyone fought against a Rank-2 martial artist? I am talking about the kind that involves life or death!

"Many of us here have never fought a martial artist before. What makes you think we can accept Rank-2 missions?

"Cut the crap. I'll speak, you just listen!"

"You!"

Tang Songting's face was flushed red. Fang Ping boldly said, "If you are unsatisfied, we can fight it out. The winner will have the last word!" 

Tang Songting suddenly shriveled; he gave a humph and did not say anything more.

"That's it. I am the team leader. Instructor Zhou does not express his opinions, so everyone should listen to me from now on.

"I am not interested in being democratic, or going with the majority rule.

"In the next month, you should only listen to me. Those who are unwilling, I will not force you to, you can leave now and accept missions as you wish. I only ask that you do not be a burden to me."

After saying those words, Fang Ping continued, "The first mission does not need to be too far or too difficult.

"I have taken a look at the mission system. The Department of Investigation Services has a mission that involves arresting a Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist. 

"It is rare to see missions involving Early-stage Rank-1 martial artists in the Department of Investigation Services. A Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artist case usually comes with a 100 thousand cash reward.

"For the reward for peak and high Rank-1, we are looking at about 200 thousand.

"For Rank-2, the reward starts at 300 thousand, or the equivalent of 10 credits. 

"As a practice run, we will start training from Middle-stage Rank-1…"

Tang Songting was quite reluctant. Zhao Xuemei also furrowed her brows and said, "Fang Ping, Middle-stage Rank-1 is for those who have just completed honing a bone. In our team, three of us had already completed honing 40 bones.

"Why don't you think about it…"

"We should start by practicing, and then observe the conditions. Why are you guys in such a hurry!"

Fang Ping felt helpless. This bunch of rookies, himself included, knew nothing at all. Why the hurry!

Zhou Shiping spoke suddenly, "Your upcoming missions will be calculated based on credits. With regards to cash rewards, the calculation will be 30 thousand for a credit.

"By the end of the month, the missions will be totaled up. The team with the highest credit will obtain a minimum of 100 credits as a reward!"

"Fang Ping, you heard him…"

"Shut up!"

Fang Ping cut Tang Songting off. He frowned, "My words are final. We will practice starting with Middle-stage Rank-1 martial artists. We are clueless as to how to complete a mission, how can we possibly kill a Rank-2 martial artist as beginners?

"If you say another word, you can get out of here!"

Tang Songting's face was full of indignance. He bottled his anger and refused to take another look at him.

Fang Ping ignored him too. These people often think too highly of themselves. All of them are full of vigor and vitality. Troubles might be lurking around the corner waiting to happen anytime now.

It was relatively easier for him to convince his team. At least he was afraid of dying, thus prioritizing safety.

It was harder to tell what would happen to the other teams. This time, someone might even die.

Fang Ping even suspected that the university had arranged for the instructors to watch the students die!

This would stimulate the students, letting them taste the true meaning of death!

Every day it was like paying lip service. There might be danger. Someone might die. Who would take it seriously?

When they had truly witnessed someone dying, the students will mature instantaneously. Fang Ping had experienced the same thing much earlier.

Using other people's lives in exchange for the awakening of new elite students was considered a good deal.

This was the reality of martial arts universities!

Fang Ping did not say anything more. He logged in to the mission system using the computer in the training room and chose a mission that he deemed suitable.

Once he had accepted the mission, Fang Ping received an even detailed message.

"Name: Lin Jun

"Gender: Male

"Age: 34 years old

"Ability: Middle-stage Rank-1. Bone-honing 31-35 pieces. No firearms. Might be carrying cold weapons. Cultivated basic Fist Fighting Technique. No special combat skills.

"Case: 30th of August, 2008. In a combat with someone, the suspect ran away after killing the victim. The victim was an Early-stage Rank-1 martial artist.

"The case was handed over to Magic City Northern Stability Region Department of Investigation Services. Anyone who wants to accept the mission can contact the Northern Stability Region branch office for a briefing…

"Reward: 120 thousand cash."

The introduction of the mission was very detailed, with many pictures attached.

After accepting the mission, Fang Ping said, "We will first go to Northern Stability Region Department of Investigation Services tomorrow to have a look."

Tang Songting was just about to question him when Fang Ping said flatly, "We should first get to know the people in the Department of Investigation Services. We will observe the situation, and proceed by enquiring about the estimated location of the other party. Of course, if you can find out the location of the other party by tonight, we can head over and seize him directly tomorrow!"

No one spoke a word. Even Zhou Shiping kept quiet. Tang Songting pressed his lips into a thin line upon seeing what had happened. He had fallen in with Fang Ping's plan silently.

Chapter end