Chapter Thirty: The Female Companion and the Request

After briefly defining the nine stages of the Profound Pass, Jiang Ning'an hesitated. "However..."

"However what? Senior Jiang, don't leave me hanging," Fang Can complained.

"Although the nine stages of the Profound Pass are the strongest realm for tempering the mortal body, most martial arts in the pugilistic world cannot meet the requirements of the ninth stage. Shedding seventy or eighty percent of one's old physique is already the limit."

"Your technique involving eighty-eight acupuncture points is likely the same..." Jiang Ning'an looked at Fang Can with pity, feeling as though a genius was being buried.

"What about your technique, Senior?" Fang Can asked.

"I have shed ninety-seven percent of my old blood, matching the third-generation sect leader," Jiang Ning'an said, sounding somewhat proud, especially since the sect founder had only achieved ninety-five percent.

"What if one could shed one hundred percent of their old blood? Would that make them the strongest in the current generation of the Mortal Tempering realm?" Fang Can pressed.

"That would require a top-tier technique combined with peerless talent. Ancient texts mention a tenth stage of the Profound Pass, but no one has ever stepped foot into it."

Jiang Ning'an explained, "After all, it is incredibly difficult to train areas like the lower abdomen, the five viscera and six bowels, the interior of the skull, bone marrow, eyes, and hair. To shed them completely is exceedingly hard."

"It seems it's waiting for me, then," Fang Can said confidently. His sense of entitlement left Jiang Ning'an speechless.

After a simple wash the next morning, despite not sleeping all night, Fang Can’s eyes remained bright and energetic.

Leaving Jiang Ning'an to hide inside, Fang Can pushed open the door. The endless crowd that had been there before had vanished. Now, only a few people, such as the stationed New State police, remained outside.

"Welcome, Young Master Fang Can, for your inspection."

As soon as the door opened, four young women—flawless in both face and figure—bowed to Fang Can with smiles. They radiated the vigor of youth, making one feel nostalgic.

Fang Can: *...Corruption! This is truly, utterly corrupt!*

"Oh my, is this Master Fang Can?" A voice, fawning to the point of sycophancy, came from the side. Fang Can turned to see a middle-aged man in a suit approaching him.

"You are... the Mayor of Z City?"

Fang Can recalled the man's identity. He had occasionally seen him speaking on local television during his school days, though the man had never been this humble before.

"Hehe, Master Fang Can, don't be such a stranger. My name is Li Zhenxian; just call me Little Li," Mayor Li said, rubbing his hands with an embarrassed smile.

"Did you evacuate these people?" Fang Can asked.

"Yes. Aside from necessary personnel like doctors, police, and the military, I’ve had everyone else stay in nearby buildings until the Carnival Days end. As for food, we are doing our best to ensure everyone survives these few days," Li Zhenxian explained.

Following his explanation, Fang Can looked into the distance and saw, as expected, countless people in the surrounding buildings staring toward him. Mayor Li had wanted them to return home, but they were too terrified to disperse, preferring to stay near Fang Can, as if the entire city had become his devoted followers.

"You've done well," Fang Can nodded in approval. "For the next few days, I'll leave the order to you."

"I wouldn't dare take credit; it's our duty," Mayor Li smiled and waved his hands. "If Master Fang Can has any orders in the future, just tell the people at the door. We will satisfy you with all our might."

"Oh... right," Mayor Li slapped his forehead. "I almost forgot. Master Fang Can, you are still a candidate for the exams this year. Although these are extraordinary times, we shouldn't let your studies suffer."

"And so?" Fang Can looked at him, not believing he was actually going to talk about studying.

Mayor Li gave a knowing smile and gestured to the four women standing nearby: "To ensure your studies aren't neglected, Young Master, I have specifically brought these tutors to assist you with your schoolwork."

Noticing Fang Can's gaze, Li Zhenxian guaranteed, "Don't worry, Young Master. These women are all at least university graduates. I ensure that while you gain knowledge, you will also fully experience the cultivation of wisdom."

Fang Can: *...Study companions, huh? I don't even want to point it out. What official could resist this temptation?*

Seeing Fang Can’s silence, Li Zhenxian assured him, "This is entirely voluntary. They sincerely want to help improve your academic performance."

It was true; because so many people volunteered to be Fang Can's study companions, Li had been overwhelmed when choosing from the photos last night. In the end, he had picked those with the highest academic qualifications from dozens of candidates. So, brothers, studying really can change your destiny!

The only problem was that Li Zhenxian had been out of school for so long that his judgment was slightly skewed. Having a group of undergraduates and graduate students tutor a high school senior was rather comical. After all, if those graduates were forced to take the college entrance exam again, they would be lucky to qualify for a vocational college.

"Alright, I've felt your sincerity," Fang Can said, waving his hand. "However, I am currently practicing martial arts and have no time for studies. Save these opportunities for later."

Seeing the surprise in Li Zhenxian's eyes, Fang Can felt a twinge of regret. If not for the senior hiding in his room, he might have gone along with it. Moreover, there was a saying that the Mortal Tempering body progressed faster if one preserved their essence, so he would just have to let his "little brother" suffer for a few more days.

Looking at Mayor Li, Fang Can thought for a moment and said, "Old Li, there are a few things I need you to handle for me."

"Of course, no problem. As long as it's something I can do, I won't delay," Li Zhenxian said, thumping his chest.

"I need some basic self-defense weapons. Oh, and get me some poisons, and also customize an energy generation device for me..."

Fang Can listed his requirements. Since he might be heading to another world in a few days, he needed to prepare, and he had a ready-made channel right here.

Li Zhenxian agreed without hesitation, promising to handle it with all his might. After all, gathering these things wasn't difficult, and now the resources of the entire city were at Fang Can’s disposal. The mechanical and chemical experts at the local university could be mobilized, so fulfilling these requests was easy. Whatever poison or device he wanted, as long as the materials existed, they could be built that very day.

Throughout the process, Li Zhenxian acted like a lackey, never questioning Fang Can's identity. He chose absolute belief over suspicion. After all, the current situation was excellent, and if he poked around and found something he shouldn't, it would be a disaster.