Chapter 289: New Semester, New Atmosphere

1st of September. Tuesday. New student registration.

At this moment, a large number of students and parents were assembled outside the university gate.

Inside, Fang Ping was staring at Ye Qing, the director of the Discipline Inspection Department, with penetrating eyes. He growled through gritted teeth, “Brother, I think it’s time for you to go back and cultivate!”

Ye Qing said in a calm, composed voice, “Pay up the fine first.”

“I don’t have money…”

Fang Ping was slightly helpless when he noticed that Ye Qing’s gaze was unfaltering. After a while, he said, “Why don’t you wait for Qin Fengqing to come back and get it from him? He still owes me 10 million. I’ll give up all of it to settle the fine. Is that good enough?

“10 million. You can rebuild the entire plaza a few times over!”

“You can’t turn away from your debt!”

Ye Qing said sternly, “You’re the president. If you take the lead in defaulting on your debts, monkey see, monkey do. We are all martial artists. If that happens, we won’t be able to stay in the university anymore.”

If no control measures were taken against this bunch of superhuman martial artists, with their constant fighting and squabbling, MCMAU would close down in no time.

The fine cannot be too light either. A small fine would not faze these wealthy kids in the slightest.

As such, in MCMAU, damaging public infrastructure must result in a severe punishment!

Fang Ping trampled like a stampeding elephant along the way, damaging hundreds of tiles on the floor. The Discipline Inspection Department wrote him an outrageous 15 million fine!

Fang Ping sighed. Right now, he needed to exercise caution when he walked. Otherwise, a small moment of carelessness would result in another indentation on the ground.

The university’s internal affairs inspection and discipline maintenance were both the Discipline Inspection Department’s responsibilities.

Director Ye Qing turned up in person to collect the fine, making Fang Ping feel slightly miserable. No kidding, 15 million!

‘How many pills and weapons could I buy with 15 million?’

“Brother, I’m not trying to default on my debt. Qin Fengqing owes me 10 million. And… and Instructor Song Yingji owes me about 5 million. You can go collect their debts. I’ll settle that fine, okay?”

Ye Qing only stared at him, making no sound.

“Brother, the students are coming in today, and everyone’s watching. I don’t think it’s appropriate to collect debts now?”

“Then I’ll go to the office and deduct it from your 500 credits this month. Perfect.”

Fang Ping almost coughed out blood. Why was he taking this so seriously?

Fang Ping would rather pay money than to have his credits deducted. Losing credits was also a loss to his Wealth.

After despairing for a long time, Fang Ping bit the bullet and said, “Fine, I’ll pay up. Also, the Discipline Inspection Department should pay more attention to patrolling these few days. In MCMAU, except in the training room, every little thing that is damaged should result in severe punishment!

“Including the Haven area. Many students often cultivate Combat Techniques there. Keep an eye on them.

“Anyone who damages the public infrastructure should be punished severely!

“Also, make rounds at the student dormitory from time to time. MCMAU does not permit anyone to remain bone idle!

Ye Qing darted him a look. ‘Were you venting out your anger on others for the fine that you got?’

Nevertheless, Fang Ping agreed to pay his 15 million fine; the severe punishment policy could be implemented successfully.

“Mm. I know.”

“One more thing, the fine money… use some of it to repair the university’s infrastructure. As for the rest… don’t hand it over to the higher authorities. Channel all of it into the Martial Arts Society.”

“Okay.”

“…”

Fang Ping issued a few orders. Seeing that Ye Qing was still staring at him, he yowled helplessly, “I’ll pay up later. Stop following me.”

“You cracked another tile…”

“I know!”

Fang Ping wanted to spit blood now. “Only two days, isn’t this 15 million enough to repair a few more tiles? My Vitality is slightly out of control now, are you really going to write me a fine of tens of millions?”

Fang Ping exclaimed exasperatedly. 15 million… that was like working for free in the Martial Arts Society for a month.

Right now, this lapdog Ye Qing was still staring at him. Had he no shame?

Ye Qing said nothing more either. Still, he did not leave.

…

Outside the university gate.

The university main gate was stubbornly shut. The small gate was not opened either.

There were nearly 2000 new students, as well as parents. It was currently overcrowded with people outside.

When everyone started getting anxious from waiting, Fu Changding and a few others walked out, announcing at the top of his lungs, “Parents can leave now, only students can enter!”

“Student, can’t we go in and take a look? The accommodation environment, the food…”

Zhao Lei butted in, “One must abide by MCMAU’s rules after enrolling in MCMAU. Unless the university permits, parents are not allowed to enter MCMAU. This is the tradition. Or else, you can choose not to enroll. After today, MCMAU will no longer admit any more students!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, though they were still slightly dejected, the parents left one after another, watching their children enter the university.

Outside the university gate.

Fang Ping watched for a moment, turned and said to the Martial Arts Society members, “These days, each new batch of students is stronger than the last. The enrollment standards are higher than ever. Hence, we hold higher expectations toward the new students as well.

“Nevertheless, MCMAU’s atmosphere, to put it bluntly… is too undisciplined and unrestrained!

“We used to be new students ourselves, so we should be clear about MCMAU’s style. The instructors have a lot of their plates and don’t have the time to care for these things.

“Last time, the Martial Arts Society couldn’t care less either, only eliminating key problems before they develop into larger problems. That’s not really good.

“Although MCMAU is one of the two elite universities, compared to CCMAU, there’s still a significant shortfall.

“Not an individual ability difference, but a difference of the entire student body’s ability.

“Today, there are nearly 7000 existing students in MCMAU. 60 Rank-3 and 4 martial artists.

“Around 500 Rank-2 martial artists.

“The rest are Rank-1 and aspiring martial artists… how humiliating!”

Fang Ping shook his head slightly. Anyone who could enroll in MCMAU was a genius. They were really close to becoming martial artists.

Despite that, amid the senior-year students, there were still Rank-1 martial artists flooding the group.

Although it was not time for them to graduate yet, they had enrolled for three years now. Three years to go from aspiring martial artists to Rank-1. Even if it was Peak Rank-1, it was still too slow.

Fang Ping continued, “Therefore, from this batch onward, the Martial Arts Society needs to play their part. From the first day of enrollment, we will start guiding, carrying out strict training. Inform all the new students, within two hours, they should complete all the enrollment procedures and gather at Field 1!”

Behind him, Liang Fenghua chuckled. “President, you’re not even giving them the time to take a break. It seems like this batch of new students will go through a lot of hardship.”

Fang Ping smiled. “It’s not that serious. Don’t meddle in affairs that are not part of your position. As the president of the Martial Arts Society, I wish for the betterment of MCMAU too.

“Zhang Yu and many MCMAU instructors focused on gathering resources, nourishing a group of top students.

“My focus is to open up our sources and obtain even more resources. Nourishing the top students, at the same time building up MCMAU abilities as a whole.

“In my opinion, enrolling in MCMAU and graduating before reaching Rank-3 is a disgrace!”

Everyone was speechless. That was a very bold statement.

Do not compare yourself to others. How could it be so easy to advance in martial arts?

…

“All new students should gather at Field 1 two hours later!”

“Latecomers and absentees will face consequences!”

When the new students had entered the university one after another, the Martial Arts Society Discipline Inspection Department’s members called out continuously.

A new student asked quickly, “Brother, we’ve just enrolled and we are already having a welcome party?”

Stunned, the Martial Arts Society member gave a half smile and responded, “Yes, a welcome party.”

The new students immediately got to work, completing their registration procedure, waiting for the allocation of their dormitories.

…

MCMAU. Top of the school archives building.

The school archives was also MCMAU’s tallest building. Typical students were not allowed to even step into the building normally.

Right now, both Wu Kuishan and Huang Jing were standing on top of the building.

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“What do you think?”

White-haired Wu Kuishan stared at the main gate, posing a question out of the blue.

Huang Jing replied calmly, “Let him torment them first. This is only a minor change, nothing major. It’s also a good thing that he’s enforcing certain disciplinary actions to a slight extent.”

“I’m not talking about this.”

Wu Kuishan smiled faintly, “I’m saying, everything in MCMAU today is starting from scratch. With the new students enrolling, why not take this opportunity to bring about major transformation!

“In the university today, there are extremely few Rank-3 and 4 martial artists, with Rank-1 and 2 martial artists making up the majority.

“To advance quickly and to strengthen MCMAU ability, the Catacombs is a good place…”

“MCMAU is called MCMAU instead of the Military Department because we teach students according to their aptitudes. Based on differences in individual progress, we arrange different missions and training, allowing them to grow step by step.

“If everyone enters the Catacombs together, then what’s the purpose of MCMAU’s existence?

“We should just let the Military Department recruit more members, why bother to run a martial arts university separately?”

Wu Kuishan did not bat an eyelid. “Things are different now. The situation earlier is not as urgent, that’s why we have the time to allow the students to progress one step at a time, to grow slowly.

“However, it’s not like you have no idea what’s happening today.

“East Sunflower City sending troops in Magic City Catacombs is the greatest unforeseen circumstance!

“Today, other Catacombs are facing similar situations. Dean Huang, how long left do you think the Catacombs will give us?

“A hundred years?

“Eighty years?

“No, from what I can see, perhaps only a few years!”

Wu Kuishan sighed softly. “In a peaceful environment, tell me, how long will it take for the students to develop into middle ranks?

“Middle ranks aside. How long will it take to go from Rank-1 to Rank-3?

“We… don’t have much time now!”

“Then buy time!” Huang Jing refuted.

“Buy time…” Wu Kuishan repeated sullenly. “For how long? Whether it is intelligence or talent, martial arts university students are the best of the best. They are advancing so slowly today because they are not pressured.

“Did you realize that martial arts university students who entered the Catacombs progress very quickly, much quicker than the Military Department martial artists?

“On the other hand, students who didn’t enter the Catacombs spend ages in the three lower ranks!

“We can keep them off for now, but can we keep them off forever?

“We need to at least let them experience the pressure, experience desperation. Otherwise, I’m afraid I won’t be able to witness the day they grow up.”

Huang Jing frowned, and said after some time, “If you insist, you can let every Rank-2 martial artist know about the Catacombs this semester.

“But, they get to decide whether they want to enter the Catacombs.

“Even if they enter, I think there’s no need for Rank-2 martial artists to leave the city. They can just feel their way around Hope City.

“Last time, Rank-2 martial artists from the special training classes entered the Catacombs and that brought us nothing but stress and worry. It didn’t really achieve the effect that we wanted. “Unless we need to fight to defend the city, Rank-2 martial artists will just be courting death if they leave the city.”

Huang Jing seemed to have relented. Hearing this, Wu Kuishan said no more, nodding his head slightly. “We’ll go according to your plan then.”

Wu Kuishan continued, “Magic City Catacombs is already open. The Rank-3 and 4 martial artists in MCMAU should start doing the Catacombs missions. The ones who are supposed to go into the Catacombs can go.”

Huang Jing chuckled. “The Martial Arts Society has mentioned that martial artists of ranks lower than Upper-stage Rank-3 are not supposed to enter the Catacombs.

“Recently, Fang Ping is organizing a martial arts competition. No one might go into the Catacombs this time around.”

Wu Kuishan frowned slightly. Thinking for a while, he said, “Let’s wait and see then. This kid… is crossing the line now.”

“I heard that he sent Qin Fengqing and Xie Lei to collect funds from all social circles.

“Those two kids have a one-track mind too. Once they go, they won’t leave. If the money isn’t enough, they won’t leave either. This is considered a forceful apportion. If this continues, I’m afraid MCMAU’s reputation will be damaged…”

Huang Jing smiled faintly. “If it’s damaged, so be it. Honestly, some people should be obligated to bear the cost of funding.

“Many Middle-ranked martial artists only complete a few compulsory missions every year!

“If they’re from society or martial arts classes, I don’t mind. They can do whatever they want. The Catacombs is a matter of life and death. It’s only natural that they are unwilling to take risks.

“But for martial arts university students who have stepped into the Middle-ranks and are acting like cowards, blindly building money and fame, and are unwilling to pay for their own cultivation, shouldn’t they feel responsible to help with funding?”

“There are all kinds of people. You can’t expect everyone to have such devotion.”

Wu Kuishan did not find their behavior unusual. What about current martial arts university students? Certain martial arts university students were also afraid of dying and had fears too.

Huang Jing continued. “I don’t count on them either. But, they did graduate from martial arts universities. In those days, the university had also subsidized them with plenty of funds to nourish them.

“Since they are unwilling to contribute in the Catacombs even though they are capable, is it unreasonable to ask them to fork out a bit of money?

“They open up enterprises with tax reduction and duty-free, and have even used MCMAU’s reputation to climb to the top. Shouldn’t people like this contribute a little at least?”

Wu Kuishan no longer refuted. He simply said, “Let’s wait and see. See if there will be any changes in MCMAU next.”

“I think there will be.”

Huang Jing chuckled. Finally, he said, “Fang Ping has handed in Lu Fengrou’s report to the university office regarding the Pressure Room ban lift.

“I’ve expected as much.”

Wu Kuishan was not surprised. He said calmly, “Do you think the ban should be lifted?”

“Just lift it. After all, this is not in line with the rules.”

Wu Kuishan did not utter a word.

Huang Jing continued, “It’s still early for Lu Fengrou to become a Grandmaster. Even if she goes to the Pressure Room, she would need to spend at least another year or two. Like what you said, the situation has worsened. Our enemy today is not Sky Gate City alone. Having one more Grandmaster can take plenty of weight off our shoulders.”

“The Pressure Room is not the main thing really…”

Wu Kuishan said under his breath, “I’m afraid her intention of asking Fang Ping to seize the Martial Arts Society president’s position has nothing to do with the Pressure Room, but… the Catacombs mineral resources location map.”

Huang Jing frowned instantly.

“Fang Ping hasn’t sorted out the things in the Martial Arts Society, or perhaps he couldn’t care less. But, Lu Fengrou won’t. Entering the Pressure Room is only the first step. I suspect that she wants to enter the Catacombs to look for an energy mine to breakthrough Rank-7.”

Huang Jing’s eyebrows were all scrunched up. After a while, he said, “It’s too dangerous…”

“Yeah, it’s too dangerous. Do you think she is the type who would settle with cultivating step by step?”

Wu Kuishan laughed bitterly. “She has always wanted to lay her hands on the mineral resources map here in MCMAU. She has even infiltrated the southern area a few times, attempting to steal the location map. She is not brave enough to go to the Military Department since they take this seriously. However, there is plenty of information regarding the mineral resources location here in MCMAU too…

“Fang Ping does have the qualification to go.”

“Then stop Fang Ping from entering!”

Huang Jing knitted his brows. He hoped that Lu Fengrou would breakthrough, though not in the Catacombs. Looking for energy mines is the fastest way to breakthrough ranks.

The energy particles richness in the energy mines was jaw-dropping.

However, this also meant that the danger it posed was off the charts as well.

If things went as expected, there would be high-ranked beings occupying the energy mines. Moreover, their abilities were difficult to predict. There were Rank-7, 8, and 9 ones. Sometimes, there would be more than one.

Every year, in order to cling onto the tiniest opportunity, there would be Peak Rank-6 powerhouses who would go looking for energy mines, venturing deep into the mine to cultivate.

As for the mortality rate, it was staggering high.

Of course, searching for it alone would be tediously slow and aimless. One might not even find it.

However, powers like the Military Department and MCMAU had ventured deep into the Catacombs for so many years now, and had even located a few mineral resources, yet unable to occupy them. Therefore, they could only give up and wait for another opportunity to seize them.

If Lu Fengrou laid her hands on the mineral resources map, it was highly possible that she would take the risk to venture deep into the Catacombs and infiltrate the energy mine.

As for the probability of her encountering high-ranked beings, it would most probably be ninety-nine percent.

The risk was extremely high!

Even Wu Kuishan had no confidence to guard her safely. If it was so easy, those energy mines would have been swept up by the country’s Rank-9 Great Grandmasters long ago.

“Stop Fang Ping from entering…”

Wu Kuishan shook his head slightly. It was easy to say. The Martial Arts Society had always held plenty of power.

What if he stopped Fang Ping from entering, but this kid became confused and assembled the old members back?

Earlier, if it was not because he thought Chen Wenlong might not be able to suppress Fang Ping, Wu Kuishan would never allow Fang Ping to take over as the Martial Arts Society president. This had nothing to do with Fang Ping, but Lu Fengrou.

Perhaps not Lu Fengrou alone, but Li Changsheng as well.

Of course, whether Li Changsheng would take the risk or not… Wu Kuishan could not be too bothered, actually. Old Man Li had made the decision long ago that he would make a trip into the Catacombs. If he did not take the initiative to ask for the mineral resources map, the university would not give it to him too.

Perhaps, Li Changding had a hint of chance, one that was so minuscule it was impossible to see, that he would find something powerful within the energy mine core that could replenish his Mentality?

Wu Kuishan was trying to protect Lu Fengrou. He knew this woman too well.

Once she had gotten the map, if things went well, she would venture into the Catacombs in no time, searching for an opportunity to breakthrough.

From Wu Kuishan’s perspective, however, Lu Fengrou did not need to get herself killed. So what if she could not become a Grandmaster?

Both of them turned quiet all of a sudden. MCMAU today was getting slightly out of hand after the old vice-chancellor left.