World’s Best Martial Artist
chapter-112

1st October, Independence Day.

During the holidays, MCMAU became even more deserted.

The previous month, with the arrival of the newcomers, MCMAU had been bustling with excitement.

However, since it was a holiday, most of the newcomers had chosen to go home. Hence, in the large university compound, it was difficult to even catch a glimpse of a person.

…

MCMAU north side.

There were not many buildings toward the north side. The most eye-catching one was a six-story building that covered tens of acres in terms of area!

That building was the MCMAU Martial Arts Society Headquarters!

8 o’clock in the morning.

Yang Xiaoman laughed heartily. “Sister Yan, I’ll get going now. I’ll come back after the holidays.”

Zhou Yan smiled and nodded. Out of all the members of the current intake, only Yang Xiaoman was pleasant to talk to.

Zhao Lei was too arrogant; Fu Changding was mischievous; Chen Yunxi was too quiet.

Out of all the new Year 1 members who had just joined, after making a quick conclusion, only Yang Xiaoman was cheerful and reliable.

Zhou Yan was happy to let Yang Xiaoman handle certain things.

Even though the Martial Arts Society was considered the largest society in MCMAU, they only had a few members. Many people were not in the society.

Recently, Zhang Yu had chosen to shut himself off, and a few vice presidents had chosen to go about doing other things. They had tossed the organization to Zhou Yan.

The seniors would rather hog all the benefits without having to contribute anything. Only the new members were easy to summon.

Zhou Yan walked Yang Xiaoman to the door while laughing. “Even though it’s the holidays, don’t slack off when you get home.

“In the Martial Arts Society, new members aside, a large majority of us are Rank-2.

“High-ranking members are Rank-3.

“Although you’re still new, you’re considered above average amongst other newcomers. However, don’t regard yourself as being on a par with average students. Achieve Rank-2 soon…”

“Alright, it won’t happen. Don’t worry, Sister Yan.”

As they were chatting, they saw tens of people walking toward the main door of the Martial Arts Society. Yang Xiaoman was slightly surprised. “Sister Yan, is there a meeting today?”

“No…”

Zhou Yan gave the group of people a quick scan. She spotted the group’s leader, Liu Yongwen, and said as she furrowed her brows slightly, “Don’t worry, go home. Don’t let your driver wait.”

The moment she saw Liu Yongwen, she knew what was going on.

It was the day the Rank-1s were having a challenge. In the Martial Arts Society, Rank-1 was nothing. The challenge was also of no importance,

However, as a society that helped maintain discipline, challenges were mainly carried out under them, the Martial Arts Society.

The instructors were extremely busy, and they would not take care of such things.

Other societies were neither qualified nor capable of handling such things. Only the Martial Arts Society was qualified and capable enough to maintain discipline; it was to avoid students from fighting each other for no reason.

After all, MCMAU was still a university. It was ranked the highest among all other institutions. If its students challenged each other just about anywhere, it would taint the reputation of the university greatly.

Zhou Yan had just finished speaking when Yang Xiaoman said all of a sudden, “Sister Yan, the instructors are here!”

After hearing what she had said, Zhou Yan looked at the door. Sure enough, there were 4 to 5 instructors arriving one after another at the door to the square.

“What are the instructors doing here, joining in the fun…”

Zhou Yan was slightly unhappy about it, it was only a Rank-1 challenge and yet the instructors were at least Rank-4 martial artists. They would be an inconvenience.

If their students stepped into the arena to carry out a challenge, whenever there was danger, they would simply interfere. However, that would be against the rules!

Such things had happened before!

Hence, the Martial Arts Society was extremely unwelcoming toward instructors who attended student challenges.

As a prestigious society that helped maintain discipline, the Martial Arts Society had to carry out duties and responsibilities to ensure fair challenges.

You reap what you sow.

The Martial Arts Society did not receive money without doing anything. If students carried out a challenge in the Martial Arts Society, instructors were not allowed to interfere. It was an unchangeable rule!

After inhaling softly, Zhou Yan did not say anything else to Yang Xiaoman. She marched toward Liu Yongwen and the lot.

…

“Liu Yongwen, are you here for a challenge?”

Liu Yongwen was a polite-looking, young teenager. Having heard her question, he smiled in a gentle manner. “Yes, Minister Zhou. We sent in an application earlier. The challenge arena should be free to use?”

“Of course!”

Even though Zhou Yan was not a vice president, she was a minister.

The president had shut himself out recently, and with no news of the vice presidents’ whereabouts, Zhou Yan was the only one managing the Martial Arts Society at that time.

After giving her reply, Zhou Yan threw a quick glance at the instructors who were walking toward them. She furrowed her brows and said, “You informed the instructors.”

“You must be joking, minister. The instructors have opinions of their own. I wouldn’t dare tell them what to do.”

“Stop acting dumb!”

Zhou Yan spoke in an unfriendly manner as she harrumphed. “In the Martial Arts Society, we give equal treatment to everyone!

“This is my warning. At the Martial Arts Society, one must follow our rules!

“Regardless of whether that person is an instructor or a student. A challenge is a matter between students in the arena. It’s about life or death. Unless one of them surrenders, no one can interfere!

“If anyone breaks the rules, I won’t go easy on them.”

“Student Zhou, what arrogance!”

A few instructors had been walking toward them. The instructor in the lead looked slightly unimpressed as he gave a light humph.

Without a doubt, the words Zhou Yang had spoken were directed toward them.

Even though Zhou Yan had only achieved Rank-3, the lowest-ranked instructors were Rank-4 while the lead instructor was rank-5.

Zhou Yan was unafraid, and she spoke coldly, “I dare not. It is the rule!

“Previously, an instructor had meddled in a challenge. I’d rather not repeat the consequences!

“The Martial Arts Society might be a student body, but the school has endowed the society with duties to maintain discipline. Whoever you are, you need to follow the rules!

“This privilege given to the Martial Arts Society isn’t baseless. It was earned with the hard work of members of each intake!

“If Instructor Zhang thinks that this is inappropriate, go ahead and send in a complaint to the university!

“However, instructor Zhang’s students are participating in the challenge today. Hence, I’ll put this out there first: We hope that the instructors will not make our jobs difficult!”

“Humph!”

The instructor with the surname Zhang was indignant. He said coolly, “The Martial Arts Society has gotten too big for its boots!”

The expression on Zhou Yan’s face changed. She replied coldly, “Instructor Zhang, do you think that I’m joking around?

“This isn’t a reminder: it’s a warning!

“If you dare interfere, the Martial Arts Society still has two Rank-5 members and four Rank-4 members who haven’t graduated!

“If you do interfere, the Martial Arts Society won’t be afraid to repress you. When that happens, you will be sent to the basement for a decade. Let’s see if you dare make such claims then!”

“Bastard!”

“Try it then!”

Zhou Yan wore a grave expression on her cheeky face. Her tone was dead cold!

Rank-5 instructors aside, so what if it was a Rank-6 instructor!

Zhou Yan did not own the Martial Arts Society, and it was not purely MCMAU’s as well!

Students had joint hands with the university to manage it. Its rules had been handed down since the beginning of time!

The students who had not graduated were undoubtedly not much stronger. They were definitely no match for the instructors. However, members who had graduated from the Martial Arts Society included instructors, prominent businessmen, and politically savvy figures.

It was safe to say that a few celebrities who had accomplished great achievements used to be members of the Martial Arts Society!

They had enjoyed the benefits given by the Martial Arts Society; therefore, even though they had graduated, they would most certainly give the society a hand!

If anyone was thinking about breaking the rules of the Martial Arts Society, even if that person was a Grandmaster, he or she had to think twice.

Before the key figures of the day had even arrived, the Martial Arts Society had gotten into a conflict with Instructor Zhang. As it went on, the other instructors barely managed to stay calm.

An instructor tried to smooth things over. “Minister Zhou, Old Zhang didn’t mean it.

“The rules of the Martial Arts Society are clear to everyone. We used to be members of the society, thus the benefits of the society are part of our interests as well.

“We’re truly here as spectators today.”

Zhou Yan’s facial expression softened up tremendously. She smiled slightly and said, “Instructor Liu, my words came out too harsh just now. I’m under a lot of pressure.

“The establishment of the society did not happen overnight. If something were to go wrong in my hands, I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle the consequences.

“Challenge arena number 1 has been opened. Go on in and rest for a moment, instructors.”

After she had finished her sentence, she turned around and looked at a few members who had just rushed to the scene. She smiled at them and said, “Go and inform the vice presidents. See if any of them can hurry back. Oh, right, inform the president too.

“Also, Brother Chen seems to have returned from Tiannan. Ask if he’s around. Just say that we need Brother Chen to hold the fort.”

“…”

Brother Chen was a Rank-5 martial artist in the Martial Arts Society, but he usually assumed duties outside of the university and seldom returned. That was why he did not take on the role as the society’s president.

As she was saying that, Zhou Yan’s pupils contracted suddenly. She clenched her teeth and spoke in a deep voice, “I’ll inform the dean. Let the dean run the challenge!

Peak Rank-6 Lu Fengrou was there too!

Zhou Yan was stressed out. It was just a challenge between a few Rank-1s — was all of it truly necessary?

If they did not respect the rules, the Martial Arts Society would not be able to hold the fort.

Once they had broken the rules, even if the issue was kept under control after the incident, the Martial Arts Society would have still lost its reputation.

To be able to join hands with the university to manage the Martial Arts Society, and being the most prestigious society compared to all the other student bodies, it was best to keep away from any form of discreditable acts.

As Zhou Yan was worrying over whether she should invite the Dean of School of Weaponry to hold the fort, the other instructors began to frown. They had not expected that woman to appear in the first place.

Lu Fengrou appeared disheveled as if she had just woken up. Moreover, Zhao Xuemei was following her.

Whilst walking toward the crowd, Lu Fengrou yawned. “What’s the point of alerting the dean? I’m not here to cause trouble. It’s just Rank-1 students. It won’t be much of a deal if he ends up dead, why make a big deal out of it?

“Zhang Guoru and the rest wouldn’t dare interfere. If they do interfere, I’ll beat them to death. Don’t worry.”

Instructor Zhang’s mouth twitched, but he dared not say anything.

Lu Fengrou laughed cheerfully. “Rest assured, bratty Zhang. My words, the words of the Unconquerable Lu, are final!

“It’s just a challenge. Everyone should follow the rules. No exception.

“Rank-5 aside, even Rank-6 and 7. Who would dare to break the rules of MCMAU’s Martial Arts Society?

“Zhang Guoru, would you dare?”

Zhang Guoru wore a frown on his face. “Lu Fengrou…”

“Hmm?”

“Teacher Lu…” Her stare gave him the chills. He said forcefully, “We will definitely follow the rules. I have stated it, I am only here to watch — nothing more!”

“That’s great to hear…”

After she had finished speaking, she frowned. “Where’s Fang Ping?”

“Not here yet.”

Zhou Yan shook her head. Despite hearing what Lu Fengrou had promised, she still had the intention of giving the dean a call. However, she finally decided not to do so after further consideration.

Lu Fengrou might have been slightly mad, but she rarely lied.

If she had promised not to interfere, she would not interfere.

If Zhang Guoru and the rest dared to interfere, it would not be surprising to hear that she would use it as an excuse to beat them to death. Surely, they would not dare.

“That bastard…”

Lu Fengrou shook her head but did not say anything else. She headed straight toward the challenge arena.

The others followed suit. Yang Xiaoman who was initially ready to go home walked toward Zhao Xuemei and then asked in a low voice, “What’s going on?”

Zhao Xuemei was rather dazed. She responded softly, “Isn’t this the challenge between Fang Ping and the seniors?

“I have no idea why their instructors are here. Even other instructors!

“I almost forgot about the challenge!”

Yang Xiaoman smacked her head a few times. She had remembered about the challenge before this. However, she forgot about it because Fang Ping was mysterious with his whereabouts. Moreover, she had started to talk more to Zhao Lei, Yang Xiaoman, and a few other people.

When she thought about it, Yang Xiaoman could not help but ask, “Why does the atmosphere seem weird?”

Aside from a few instructors turning up, the reaction of the Martial Arts Society was rather odd as well.

Zhou Yan was usually a pleasant person to talk to, but she had told a few instructors off. She had even almost offended them.

From what Yang Xiaoman knew, she was not hot-tempered. Other than having a few conflicts with vice president Qin Fengqing, she was an amiable person toward most people. Even toward instructors, she was polite and respectful.

What she had witnessed was nothing close to her being respectful.

Zhao Xuemei was also confused. She muttered, “I have no idea. Let’s wait and see.”

Yang Xiaoman nodded. She did not mention anything else about going home.

…

While everyone had left for the challenge arena, Fang Ping was running late.

When he had finally arrived at the Martial Arts Society, he was puzzled. Looking at the deserted place, he asked, “Where is everybody?”

“Didn’t they invite me for a challenge?”

“Not specifying the venue of the challenge, where am I supposed to look?”

“They only said it was the Martial Arts Society. This society is huge, but it doesn’t have a single human being?”

“…”

Fang Ping was helpless just a while ago. After searching for what seemed like an eternity, he managed to ask one of the members of the society for directions. When he was clear about the venue, he hurried off to challenge arena number one.

…

Roughly 7 to 8 minutes later.

Fang Ping had finally made it to the venue.

Challenge arena number one. It was an extensive area. There were spectator seats all around the place while the arena was in the middle.

Fang Ping could feel that the atmosphere was off the moment he arrived.

Everyone was looking at him, and he was beginning to feel nervous. He forced a laugh. “I’m sorry for being late, I couldn’t find the place. No one came to get me.”

Lu Fengrou laughed mockingly but did not comment.

Zhou Yan was somewhat speechless. As the person in charge of the Martial Arts Society, she stood up at that moment and enquired, “Fang Ping, because it’s customary, I’ll ask you this: did you volunteer to enter this challenge?”

“Yes.”

“You’re up against 4 people in total. All of them are peak Rank-1. Are you sure no one has coerced, threatened, or employed any other means to force you to do so?”

Fang Ping gave it a thought and said, “If I say that I indeed had been forced by them, what would happen?”

Before Zhou Yan could say anything, someone from the crowd spoke discontentedly, “Fang Ping, you were the one who agreed to the challenge! Did anyone coerce you to do so?”

“Shut up!”

Zhou Yan reprimanded coldly. She turned her head and then rebuked sharply. “I’m talking to Fang Ping. If you say anything when it’s not your turn to speak, get lost!”

Despite feeling indignant, the student who had interjected did not dare say anything else at that moment. He kept quiet.

After rebuking the person, Zhou Yan then said, “In MCMAU, challenging one another is not forbidden. This is true even if the challenge involves life and death! However, both parties must be willing!

“If one of the parties is unwilling, the challenge will be called off!

“If someone has threatened you to accept the challenge, file a complaint to the Martial Arts Society; I’ll handle it myself. Everything will be exposed to the public by MCMAU!

“Any filthy affairs going on behind closed doors will not be scrutinized if no one raises an issue. However, if someone files a complaint, we’ll definitely take matters into our own hands. Don’t worry, the Martial Arts Society is a society that helps maintain discipline. Even instructors don’t have the right to force their own students to do things that they themselves do not want to do!”

Fang Ping was left speechless. The Martial Arts Society had such significant power?

To speak the truth, he was unclear about such things.

When he saw a few anxious looks in the spectator seats, Fang Ping laughed. “No one forced me. I agreed to this willingly.”

“The challenge is set then!”

After Zhou Yan had said those words, she gestured at Fang Ping to enter the arena. She continued, “You’re all classmates, the main focus should be the challenge — stop when you’re supposed to!

“Of course, accidents happen. Injuries are unavoidable.

“Fang Ping is a newcomer, and he’s facing 4 opponents in this challenge. Hence, he’ll be given priority. List out reasonable conditions as long as they’re within the rules.

“Fang Ping, do you have any conditions?”

Fang Ping nodded. “Yes, I do. Firstly, the seniors aren’t allowed to use cold weapons. After all, this is just a challenge. I’m worried that the seniors might misuse it and injure themselves.

“Secondly, I’m a newcomer. My abilities are still quite weak. Plus, I need to fight against 4 people.

“Therefore, I’d like to request that the seniors compensate me with a Rank-2 Vitality Pill each. This is to help me restore my Vitality. Otherwise, it would be too difficult for me to continue.

“Thirdly…”

“Cough, cough!”

Zhou Yan could not help herself from coughing. How many more conditions could one have?

When she had interrupted Fang Ping, Zhou Yan turned to look at Liu Yongwen and the rest. She asked, “What about you guys?”

Liu Yongwen frowned. After a while, he said, “3 Rank-1 Vitality Pills for you to replenish your Vitality. Take that or nothing.”

“4!” Fang Ping quickly responded.

Liu Yongwen frowned once more. After a moment, he said, “Deal. Your half-time should be no longer than half an hour!”

“Deal!”

Fang Ping replied delightfully. He had never thought that his random requests would score him 4 Rank-1 Vitality Pills. His seniors were rich!