Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
After accepting the second mission, the team did not go to the Military Department for a briefing.
First of all, the Military Department was stationed a distance away. Getting to the office would require half a day’s journey.
Secondly, the description provided for the mission was clear-cut.
“Name: Shi Feng
“Gender: Male
“Age: 39 years old
“Ability: Peak Rank-1. Cultivation of Combat Techniques. Competent in fist fighting. Faint concept in weaponry. Carries E-class short blade…
“Danger level: High
“Recommendation: A team of more than three peak Rank-1 martial artists, or Rank-2 martial artist
“Case: 26th of October, 2008. Intercepted and killed a peak Rank-1 martial artist. Currently hiding in Eastern Suburbs Clear Rocks Village, Magic City…
“Reward: 15 credits (Note: Slightly stronger ability, additional 5 credit reward)”
After accepting the mission, Fang Ping realized that there was an additional 5 credit reward.
A peak Rank-1 martial artist like this would usually earn them a reward between 7-10 credits.
Before accepting this mission, the 10 credit reward offer had gotten the team in tumult to accept this mission. Fang Ping did not reject.
After accepting the mission, he realized that the reward had gotten up to 15 credits!
The reward for certain Early-stage Rank-2 martial artists was between 10-15 as well. This person called Shi Feng unexpectedly had 15 credit reward on his head.
After accepting the mission, Fang Ping’s complexion changed slightly. He reminded, “Typically a peak Rank-1 martial artist will not earn us more than 300 thousand cash or the equivalent of 10 credits; however, Shi Feng had 15 credit reward on his head. He may be possessing abilities stronger than what we can imagine!
“Don’t let your guard down this time!
“Also, the other party possesses E-class alloy weapon. I’m sure he isn’t some kind of penniless Vitality martial artists who cannot even afford to cultivate combat techniques.
“To be able to hunt and kill another peak Rank-1 martial artist of the same rank…”
There were plenty of hints given for this mission. Whether it was the recommendation to form a group of three peak Rank-1 martial artists or the extra credit reward that was added later. They all made the same point – this person called Shi Feng was not an easy opponent.
At least, in the same group of peak Rank-1 martial artists, Shi Feng possessed stronger abilities than his counterparts.
In Fang Ping’s team, himself included, Zhao Xuemei, and Tang Songting each carried alloy weapons, plus they were not weak too. Although none of them was a peak Rank-1 martial artist.
The rest of the seven members, the minimum had only honed about 20 bones right now.
Zhao Xuemei nodded, whereas Tang Songting spoke rather arrogantly, “The peak Rank-1 martial artists in MCMAU are different from that of the outside world. People like us may not have twice-honed our bones to achieve breakthrough, but we have far exceeded 150cal Vitality breakthrough!
“When I achieved breakthrough to become a martial artist last time, my Vitality had shot up to 170cal!
“Now, my Vitality is nearly 240cal. The number of bones honed aside, if the focus is on my Vitality, I am not on the losing side when compared to a peak Rank-1 martial artist!
“Besides, we advanced our combat techniques and cultivation of pole-standing side by side, and our instructors are middle-ranked instructors…
“Fang Ping, you have underestimated MCMAU students!
“Of equal rank, martial arts universities students are not weaker than anyone. Even if they are powerhouses from the Military Department, it is also because they have more experience in fighting at close quarters than us.
“Rank-1 and 2 casual martial artists in the outside world are unworthy to enter the Catacombs. I think that you are being too prudent!”
Tang Songting might be annoying when he spoke, but what he said was not entirely wrong.
Students in the special training classes, even if they did not achieve breakthrough by honing their bones twice, when they did breakthrough, their Vitality was more than 150cal.
Once they had achieved Rank-1, their Vitality would be even higher than casual martial artists of the same rank.
Moreover, MCMAU students advanced evenly, and there were no obvious shortcomings. This was another point that made them different from casual martial artists. Certain casual martial artists might have cultivated combat techniques, but they had probably just started pole-standing.
On top of that, this time there were 10 of them altogether. Fang Ping had personally killed an MCMAU peak Rank-1 martial artist, that was why Tang Songting figured that there was not much of a danger if they join forces.
The rest of the team probably had the same idea. MCMAU students were a little proud from the get-go.
Even elite students at Tsinghua University did not think that they were inferior to the geniuses who self-taught themselves in the outside world.
Fang Ping took a deep breath and spoke after a moment. “Perhaps what you say is true. Perhaps I have had too many considerations, thinking too much about it.
“Even so, caution is the parent of safety. I’m sure you do not want to end the best time of your life when it has just begun, right?
“We will act according to the situation. If there is danger, the first mission is to retreat!”
“We know that. We are not looking to die. If we cannot defeat him, the first thing we’ll do is run!”
Tang Songting was not actually looking for ways to die. If he were to come face to face with an opponent that he could not defeat, of course he would run. He did not need Fang Ping to remind him of this.
Fang Ping did not say anything else after that and started packing his things.
He had been wearing his alloy combat boots all this time.
Fang Ping also wore the D-class brass knuckles on his hands.
The distribution of healing water and the one and only Rank-2 Vitality Pill were kept close by his side. He might not be worried about exhausting his Vitality, but Rank-2 Vitality Pills could achieve great Vitality outburst in a short period of time.
Today, Fang Ping’s Vitality had reached 290cal!
Vitality with this value was even higher than the typical Early-stage Rank-2 martial artists.
As long as the team did not panic, nor make any mistakes when faced with a Rank-2 martial artist, it was not like they would not stand a chance.
The only concern was that this team of rookie would come face to face with the opponent and lose their composure. Once the opponent took them down, that was when troubles start.
…
10 in the morning on the 3rd. The team arrived in Eastern Suburbs Clear Rocks Village.
Although Clear Rocks Village was located in Eastern Suburbs, it was still a village, albeit different from the villages that they see in the countryside. In Magic City, even the suburbs were bustling.
There were guesthouses, hotels, and factories in Clear Rocks Village. It was even more developed than certain small towns.
The village was located near the harbor, where Shi Feng was hiding. Based on their speculation, he was planning to escape by sea.
The reason why the Military Department handed this mission over to martial arts universities was probably because the recent incident that had happened in the Catacombs was getting out of hand, and they were short on people, that was why they did not handle this case single-handedly.
Fang Ping suspected that the peak Rank-1 martial artist that Shi Feng had murdered was somewhat related to the Military Department.
Otherwise, the Department of Investigation Services would have been the one to handle this mission.
If his speculation was right, then Shi Feng’s ability was not weak. Martial artists from the Military Department were not weak.
Once they have arrived in Clear Rocks Village, Fang Ping contacted the Military Department. The person who communicated with Fang Ping and the team was a person of few words. A few statements were given, then a detailed address, followed by a word of caution, and the call had hung up.
Fang Ping hung up. He thought for a while before asking Zhou Shiping, “Instructor, they even have the detailed address. Would it be possible that the Military Department could not even take down Rank-2 or 3 martial artists?
“These missions, were they meant to be a practice for beginners?”
Except for his non-participation, Zhou Shiping would answer everything he knew without reservations. Upon hearing his question, he smiled, “That is part of it. Acting as a practice was only a part of it. There was another purpose – warning!”
“Warning?”
“Exactly!”
Zhou Shiping spoke in a low voice, “As martial artists possess superior abilities, their mentality may have undergone some changes as well.
“They think that they are omnipotent and belong to the privileged group, why does it matter to kill a few people?
“Especially the new students, it is easier for them to have this mentality.
“Handing these missions over to the new students was to let all of you know that even as martial artists, once a mistake has been committed, you would need to bear the same consequences!
“If you behave unscrupulously, one day, you will be one of the reasons why people are completing missions!”
Fang Ping nodded slightly. That was a doubt that had been cleared.
Of course, it had something to do with the lack of manpower. Right now, the many entrances to the Catacombs were not calm. Since the martial arts universities students had nothing to do, their help could save them plenty of time.
After obtaining the detailed address, there was no need to ask around anymore.
Fang Ping looked at Zhao Xuemei and the team and said, “It is better if we move at night. There are too many people here during the day. It is very easy to influence them negatively.
Go down. Zhao Xuemei and I will go and find out about the situation.”
Someone from the team thought for a while before saying, “If we carry out the mission at night, wouldn’t it be slightly risky?
“If the other party runs away, we do not have any night vision abilities.
“Since we have a detailed address at hand, we need not try our luck as we did with Lin Jun yesterday.
“During the day, many of them are out at work, therefore they are not at home. I personally think that making a move during the day may be a better idea.
“There were also not many people at three or four in the afternoon. It was also hard to tell whether he was at home at night anyway. As he was under arrest, the possibility of him hiding at home during the day is much higher.”
Fang Ping threw a glance. That person was Zhao Qing. His ability was alright. He was also the first one who found Lin Jun last time.
He was rather composed and did not act rashly.
The way he gave his two cents this time was different from Tang Songting’s discordance.
After further consideration, Fang Ping nodded slightly and agreed, “What you said made sense. How about this. This afternoon we will make our move!
“Since we’re making a move during the day, it will be easy to raise an alarm if we go there too many times, causing him to escape.
“Take action immediately when you find him!”
After further discussion, the team did not dwell in it anymore. They found a guesthouse and settled down.
…
2.30 in the afternoon.
Fang Ping and the team left the guesthouse and headed straight to the East side of the village. It was closer to the harbor, which was where Shi Feng had rented a place.
In Magic City, a suburban village such as Clear Rocks village had plenty of rented properties, many of whom were working-class who came from other places. For cheap rent, they did not mind the environment.
It was also easy to rent a house here. Just pay the money and the deposit. It did not matter whether the contract was signed or not as long as the rent was paid in time.
Eastside of the village looked different from the head of the village. The environment was far worse.
The head of the village was a facade. The residential properties were all buildings. In comparison, there were many detached small houses. The houses looked run-down and very short.
At this moment, Zhou Shiping was nowhere to be seen.
When they carry out their mission, Zhou Shiping would not follow them all the time. He might have been observing silently in one corner, or he might have gone to the toilet. Fang Ping’s mind wandered as he walked.
They traced the house number plate for a while. Very soon, Fang Ping spoke in a low voice, “That’s the one in front!”
Everyone turned their attention to a shabby, old house in front of them. Shi Feng probably hated human contact, therefore the house where he stayed in was some distance away from other houses.
“Zhou Yuehong, Wu Keteng, Zhao Hao… you guys will be guarding outside. Do not let passersby come near.”
“Tang Songting, you will knock on the door to see if anyone’s inside…”
“Me?”
Tang Songting’s face had turned green. He was confident, but if he was the only one to go and knock on the door, what should he do if he was attacked?
Fang Ping spoke calmly, “You are stronger. It was only for a moment. Besides, the other party may not even dare to open the door.
“Since we are already here, and had accepted the mission, once we have confirmed that someone is in there right now, we will all make a move together and take the other party down. There is no other choice.
“We are guarding here beside you. Don’t worry, as long as we know that someone’s inside, we will come out immediately!”
“But…”
“Are you going or not?”
“I…”
Tang Songting gritted his teeth and spoke gravely, “I’ll go. Everyone’s contribution has been decided anyway. I’ll just find out whether anyone’s inside.”
“Go.”
Fang Ping ignored him. Once the arrangement was in place, he went nearer to the house with Zhao Xuemei and the rest, they squatted at both sides and waited.
The rest of them went patrolling outside the area to prevent passersby from coming near. There were actually not many people loitering around this place at this time of the day.
Tang Songting took a deep breath, stepped forward, and prepared himself. He maintained a distance from the door, stretched out his hand and started knocking on the door.
Bang, bang, bang!
“…”
“Is anyone home?”
“…”
Silence enveloped the house. Tang Songting knocked on the door twice, yet no one replied.
Tang Songting turned his head to the side and threw Fang Ping a glance. Fang Ping gestured him to continue.
Tang Songting could only continue knocking on the door. “Open the door. Stop pretending. You threw the trash from your house to mine, so stop pretending! You must be the one who is doing it!”
After he had said those words, there were certain movements coming from the house. After a brief period of time, someone replied, “I did not throw any trash!”
Tang Songting’s complexion changed slightly. He looked at Fang Ping again.
Fang Ping gestured him to continue knocking. Even though this was a village house, the door was an iron door instead of a wooden one. It will be alarming if he were to kick down the door.
“Open the door first. How do I know if it was thrown by you or not. You are the only one who had moved here recently. It has never happened before…”
On the other side of the door, certain movements could be heard, albeit quite weak.
Fang Ping stuck to the wall and listened for a moment. His complexion changed suddenly and he roared in a low tone, “Step back!”
Tang Songting’s reaction was not slow. He quickly stepped back!
Just as he stepped back, a hole appeared on the iron door suddenly. A blade stuck out from the other side of the door towards him!
Soon after, a gap appeared on the iron door. A shadow jumped out speedily and had no intention of stopping. He was headed straight for the shore that was not far away!
Clearly, the other party had no intention to fight.
This time, Fang Ping jumped out too. He kicked towards the direction of the shadow that was running away.
The other party did not get entangled. He paused for a slight moment, avoided Fang Ping’s kick, and continued running forward.
Tang Songting who was still in a state of shock had also gotten back to his senses at this time and started chasing from behind.
Zhao Xuemei and two others came out from their hiding spot and started surrounding Shi Feng.
“Shi Feng, you can’t run!”
Tang Songting roared from behind. He was raising his alloy knife and hacking towards Shi Feng’s back.
As Shi Feng was blocked by Fang Ping earlier, he was not far away from Tang Songting now.
Sensing movements behind him, Shi Feng once again avoided. Still unwilling to get entangled, he continued running forward.
On one side, Fang Ping extended his leg and gave a horizontal sweep; On the other, Zhao Xuemei had put on her weapon – a long alloy staff. The long staff was headed straight for Shi Feng’s chest!
Blocked on all sides, Shi Feng had to stop in his tracks. He stepped aside to dodge.
Once he had avoided their attacks, Shi Feng had finally shown his face at this moment. He looked exactly like the picture that everyone saw.
The moment Shi Feng came to a halt, Zhao Xuemei and the rest stopped in their tracks as well. Fang Ping saw what happened and roared, “What are you looking at? Fight!”
At this time, since everyone was sure that he was the target, did they stop to have a chat?
Once they had understood what had happened, none of them said anything. They quickly closed in and surrounded Shi Feng!
Shi Feng also had a rough idea of the situation. He murmured, “Martial arts university students?”
He did not speak loud enough to listen to their reply. After noticing that they were a bunch of young adults, Shi Feng knew what was going on!
Not the someone from the Military Department nor the Department of Investigation Services – they were martial arts university students!
After taking a few more steps back, Shi Feng did not wait for anyone to reply, instead, he inspected his surroundings.
At this moment, Zhao Qing and a few other people had closed in and surrounded him quickly as well.
“A group of people…”
After seeing this group of people, however, Shi Feng did not feel as urgent as he was in the beginning now.
Martial arts university students. Lone ranger were usually ability powerhouses.
A group of people just to surround and kill him meant that they were weaker.
A few of them who attacked him just now had slower reactions as well. Shi Feng was slightly relieved by that.
He gave a quick scan around him. Shi Feng quickly directed his attention towards Zhao Xuemei. The direction where Zhao Xuemei was standing at was near the ocean.
Even though this group of people had weaker abilities, Shi Feng had no intention of getting entangled with them. If he was discovered, it was better to run away than to continue getting entangled. He could not tell whether there were more people coming or not.
As a Rank-2 himself, he figured that the ones out here were all Rank-1. It was not how the Military Department and those from the martial arts universities usually did things.
Although these were the thoughts running through his head, his actions were nothing close to slow.
Ignoring the rest of them who were beside him, Shi Feng headed straight for Zhao Xuemei.
When Zhao Xuemei saw this, she swept her long staff horizontally, aiming for Shi Feng’s head.
Shi Feng moved his head slightly, twisted his body, pushed both of his hands downwards vigorously, and held Zhao Xuemei’s long staff firmly in his hands!
Fang Ping had just caught up. After seeing what had transpired, his pupils contracted as he roared, “Retreat!”
Zhao Xuemei did not understand why, without further hesitation, she shook her long staff and retreated swiftly.
Shi Feng did not get tangled up. After Zhao Xuemei retreated, there was no obstacle in front of him anymore. He took a big step and ran.
Fang Ping who was at the side had slowed down his pace. However, when he saw that Tang Songting had once again caught up with Shi Feng, he gritted his teeth and shouted, “He is a Rank-2 and had honed his hand bones!”
Everyone in the team awoke with a start!
No one had enough time to react before this. They remembered what the message wrote was that Shi Feng had honed his lower limbs.
Having said that, when Zhao Xuemei waved her staff in full force just now, the other party had managed to catch it easily. This was not something a Rank-1 martial artist who had only honed his lower limbs could do!
“Mm?”
Shi Feng who was escaping was shocked instead. They were unaware that I was a Rank-2? Were they not students from the martial arts university?
That was what he thought, but Shi Feng did not hesitate and continued running.
Tang Songting cried, “Early-stage Rank-2. Our credits will be deducted if we fail. Don’t let him get away!”
When the rest of them had heard what he said, they continued to encircle him instinctively.
Although Fang Ping wanted to stop the chase, after seeing the rest of them insisted to fight to the end, he was unable to stand idly by.
Initially, Shi Feng wanted to continue running, but he froze up abruptly and came to a halt. He wore a mask of horror.
“Kill to your heart’s content!”
In an almost inaudible voice, Shi Feng had stopped running this time. He turned his head to the side and saw Tang Songting and the rest approaching him!
“Are they treating me as their practice opponent?”
Shi Feng was not an idiot. He caught on quickly, something flickered in his gaze.
There was a powerhouse in front. He would never be able to run from that!
He will definitely be dead this time!
In the meantime, Fang Ping had also sensed a flash of energy coming from a strong Vitality. He scolded, “F*ck!”
At that moment, he knew what was going on!
That must be Zhou Shiping!
He was pushing Shi Feng to fight with them!