Chapter 330: Honed Skull

　　On November 10th, the battle to determine the ten finalists of the Rank-1 Competition ended.

　　On MCMAU’s side, freshmen Tang Wen and Gu Longfei, and sophomore Zhou Yaozu ranked among the top ten.

　　Having three people in the top ten brought a lot of glory to MCMAU

　　.

　　At this moment, nobody cared that CCMAU did not participate.

　　There were tens of thousands of martial artists participating in the Rank-1 Competition. Even if Capital University did not participate, it would not hinder this list from being recognized by everyone.

　　However, ever since Yao Chengjun and Li Hansong went to Chungchou, there was no news about them and they were temporarily forgotten.

　　The 89 Martial Arts Universities started with their matches, shifting the attention to them.

　　On November 10th, many Martial Arts Universities started with their matches.

　　Fang Ping’s group and the crowd were most concerned about the match between Nanjiang Martial Arts University and Dongwu Martial Arts University.

　　The two were adjacent to each other. Dongwu Martial Arts University and Nanjiang Martial Arts University were both full-time universities.

　　This was Nanjiang Martial Arts University’s first shot. With Wang Jinyang representing them, everybody agreed that Nanjiang Martial Arts University would surely win.

　　…

　　As it turned out, the results were unexpected.

　　Nanjiang Martial Arts University had won!

　　But Wang Jinyang did not take part!

　　In the MCMAU martial arts society meeting room.

　　On the big screen, the match between Nanjiang Martial Arts University and Dongwu Martial Arts University was shown.

　　Fang Ping said with an eyebrow raised, “It’s a bit interesting. Nanjiang Martial Arts University has produced another Rank-4 martial artist, in addition to several Rank-3 martial artists Upper-stage and above, almost surpassing Dongwu Martial Arts University.

　　“Dongwu Martial Arts University has one Rank-4, one Peak Rank-3, one Upper-stage Rank-3, and two Middle-stage Rank-3.

　　“This kind of strength is extremely impressive for an ordinary university.

　　“The result was that when Wang Jinyang didn’t participate, this guy was singled out.

　　“Do you all recognize him?”

　　Fang Ping pointed at a young man who was dressed in a blue martial arts uniform on the big screen. He had a cold expression on his face and was holding a staff. He looked very strong.

　　The President of Dongwu Martial Arts University’s society was also a Rank-4. After taking out three opponents, they had met in the fourth round and the match nearly ended in a clean sweep. In the end, both were injured, evening the score.

　　Liang Fenghua glanced around and nodded slightly, “I recognize Lan Wufeng. He is a senior student at South University and is usually absent from school all year round.

　　“He is the vice president of NMAU Martial Arts Club. He was a high-ranking Rank-3 before. I didn’t expect him to reach Rank-4 already.”

　　After Liang Fenghua had spoken, Chen Yunxi added, “He is the brother of Lan Caiye.”

　　“Oh.” Fang Ping nodded and said suddenly. “That rotten Caiye?

　　“The female martial artist who fled in shame after I defeated her in NMAU?”

　　Everyone laughed. So he remembered.

　　At that time in NMAU, in order to cooperate with Wang Jinyang, Fang Ping shamelessly defeated the only female martial artist in a match, causing public outrage at NMAU.

　　This guy really had enemies everywhere.

　　Now, the opponent’s brother had come forward and met Fang Ping … ‘I’m afraid the brothers and sisters of the Lan Family will be crying.’

　　Up against Fang Ping, Lan Wufeng would most certainly lose.

　　Fang Ping did not care too much. After watching for a while, he said, “Lan Wufeng is only an Early-stage Rank-4. This kind of strength is nothing. Qin Fengqing, you go onto the stage. Would it be difficult to get rid of him?”

　　Qin Fengqing laughed and said, “In one stroke!”

　　He then added, “Except for Wang Jinyang, these people are all one-size-fits-all.

　　“Since Wang Jinyang didn’t participate, it is meaningless to watch this game.”

　　Fang Ping nodded slightly and turning his head, saying, “Go and notify the others, Zhang Yu,

　　Xie Lei, Zhou Qing, Chen Wenlong…

　　“These people must return to school before the end of the month!

　　“If they do not return to the school by then, they will be disqualified from the competition.

　　“In addition, all their welfare benefits of the Martial Arts Society will be suspended!

　　“Now, apart from me, Zhang Yu, and Chen Wenlong, the main team still has two places for you to fight for.”

　　Qin Fengqing yawned, “Do I need to fight for a place as well?

　　“Just leave the last slot for them to fight.”

　　Fang Ping glanced at Liang Fenghua who nodded slightly. “Qin Fengqing’s strength is still very strong. It will not be a problem for him to join the main team.

　　“As for Liang Fenghua, he considered himself not up to par with Qin Fengqing.

　　“The remainder is only Xie Lei and the others. If they have not made much progress, they could still fight amongst themselves.

　　“Okay, count yourself in. The rest of them can fight for the last slot.

　　“If you join the main team, the reward will be 500 credits regardless of whether you win or lose.

　　“If you win a game, you can gain admission to one of the top ten prestigious schools and be awarded an additional 500 credits! If you are in the top three positions, there will be an additional 500 credits! Win first place and continue to be rewarded with another 500 credits!

　　“In other words, if we win this competition, each of us can get 2000 credits. The reserve team can get half of that amount! The school has prepared a reward totaling 15,000 credits. How much we can get depends on ourselves.

　　“With prizes totaling 4 to 5 billion, this time the school has also invested heavily. With this, I hope that everyone will do their best, irrespective of whether it is for the school or themselves!

　　“In addition, at MCMAU here, contact the media and ask them to send people to every place to interview and collect information. The Martial Arts Society will sort out the videos and compile a list. We must not lag behind in intelligence, to strategically and tactically appraise our opponents.

　　“Although I am confident of winning, if I encounter Yao Chengjun and the others, there is a possibility of me losing. If that happens, I can only rely on you all.”

　　“Understood!” Everyone answered. Even the hard-headed Qin Fengqing complied.

　　“Now we will talk about the first battle of the school. Once the name list is confirmed, anybody who creates trouble will have to bear the consequences from the school.

　　…

　　After the meeting, Fang Ping walked out of the conference room.

　　Chen Yunxi who was following from behind asked, “Fang Ping, do you want to clean your dormitory?”

　　“No need.”

　　“Then …then… what would you like to eat tonight?”

　　“No need.” Fang Ping waved his hand dismissively. “You do what you need to do.

　　“Then, I will go to the Southern District to practice.”

　　Chen Yunxi blushed. She slowed down and did not follow Fang Ping anymore.

　　…

　　Going out of the Martial Arts Society, Fang Ping raised his head and stared at the sky. He groaned for a moment, shaking his head slightly. There was no guarantee in the lives of martial artists. Some of the Rank 1s and 2s still went around courting. Those Rank-3 and above rarely bother. Many martial artists were actually lonely. The old Vice-chancellor had never married and lived alone all his life. There were countless others like him. Many martial arts artists had personally seen their loved ones and children losing their lives, and few people knew the grief and sorrow they had suffered.

　　“Before reaching the rank of Grandmaster, there is no guarantee that my life won’t be lost in an accident.

　　“It is better not to talk than to suffer sadness at that time!”

　　The martial artists who had strong vitality with accordance to their age would have yearnings for the opposite sex. However, the restraint of the martial arts was also very strong. Before the age of 30, there were very few martial arts artists who have started their families. At this age, martial arts took priority over their feelings. After reaching 30 years of age, as their martial arts progress slowly, it was not too late to consider these matters.

　　…

　　Southern area.

　　At the beach.

　　Fang Ping looked at his own data over and over again.

　　Wealth: 992 million

　　Vitality: 2300 cal (2400 cal +)

　　Mentality: 672 Hz (699 Hz)

　　Bones honed: 177 pieces(100%), 29 pieces(30% +)

　　Storage space: 1 cubic meter

　　Energy barrier: 10,000 wealth/ minute

　　Vitality had been improving recently, and has reached 2400 cal.

　　Fang Ping threw a punch, and a boulder not far away burst instantly into pieces.

　　“Vitality is strong, physical fitness is stronger, and the power is also greater. The power of a punch with the same Vitality as when I first entered Rank-4 has improved by leaps and bounds.

　　“Should I hone the skull then?”

　　Fang Ping seemed a little hesitant. This was the most crucial moment in one’s life!

　　To hone the skull, you needed to be Rank-7, and he was only Rank-4.

　　If there was no precedent, Fang Ping would not have thought of honing the skull.

　　However, CCMAU’s Li Hansong, whose skull was naturally honed, was very much alive. This was the source of Fang Ping’s idea.

　　“If the skull honing is complete, then my strength will definitely skyrocket!

　　“I may also be able to practice Old man Li’s half golden body path.

　　“Try it!”

　　It was extremely difficult to hone the skull!

　　Fang Ping knew that the honing of the skull would cost him a lot of Wealth.

　　It was the privilege of a Grandmaster!

　　Even Grandmasters had to spend a lot of time and energy to hone the skull. It was conceivable how much he would have to pay for honing the skull as a Rank-4.

　　However, Fang Ping was still far away from being a Grandmaster and he did not want to wait that long.

　　There were a total of 29 skull bones, of which 23 were flat and irregular bones, and 6 were small bones.

　　Fang Ping was not ready to train other bones at this moment, but he would try on the small bones first. For the Rank-7 martial arts artists, the first to be honed was also the 6 small bones.

　　The ossicle is the smallest bone in the human body. After honing the ossicle, the hearing of the martial artist would be developed. Powerhouses could even hear the crawling sound of ants from a thousand meters away, with the premises that the Grandmasters were idling around, and were unafraid to be tortured by these sounds. If not, usually the Grandmasters would not listen on purpose.

　　“The ossicle is the smallest bone in the skull, its importance is also slightly lower. It wouldn’t be too expensive, right?”

　　Fang Ping could not judge how much Wealth he would need to hone the skull.

　　He could only try and see.

　　After taking a deep breath, Fang Ping gritted his teeth and a distribution map of the bones in the skull appeared in his mind.

　　When the invisible line of sight in his mind fell on the tympanum above his left ear, Fang Ping began to concentrate on honing his ossicle.

　　Very soon, Fang Ping felt a rush of blood through his head, and there was a great pain coming from within his ear!

　　“Ah!”

　　Fang Ping let out a cry of pain while holding his ear. A large amount of blood was seeping out from his ear.

　　“It’s so painful!”

　　Fang Ping clutched his ear and with his eyebrows tightly knitted. He glanced to the side to look at the blood that was coming out. The blood was of pitch-black color.

　　“Bad blood?”

　　Fang Ping mumbled to himself. The effects were instantaneous!

　　He had only honed one of his ossicles with a progress of 1%, yet there were already impurities being discharged.

　　Fang Ping shook his head and felt that his head had become much lighter in just a second.

　　Looking again at the puddle of blood on the floor, there was also earwax mixed in. Fang Ping felt disgusted that a hygienic martial artist like him could also have earwax. It seemed unscientific!

　　Brushing that matter aside, Fang Ping began to check on his expenses.

　　Now, changes appeared in the data.

　　Wealth: 991.9 million

　　Vitality: 2300 Cal (2410 Cal+)

　　Mentality: 672 Hz (699 Hz)

　　Bone honing: 177 pieces (100%), 1 piece (31%), 28 pieces (30%+)

　　Storage space: 1 cubic meter

　　Energy barrier: Ten thousand wealth value/minute

　　“One hundred thousand Wealth to only hone 1%?”

　　Fang Ping frowned at once. This was the ossicle, the smallest bone in the human body.

　　Was it like this for the cranial bones, or was it like this for the ossicle bone alone?

　　If it was the ossicle alone, it would be awful.

　　For one ossicle, he would still need to hone 60%. As for the bone marrow, Fang Ping did not even know if the ossicle had bone marrow.

　　If it had, 60% would be 6 million Wealth. If following the ratio from before, honing the bone marrow would be 10 times the expense of honing the bones. 10% of the bone marrow would be 10 million Wealth.

　　He needed 16 million wealth value to complete the honing of one ossicle.

　　6 pieces then would be 96 million.

　　Would the value increase for the other 23 pieces of cranial bones?

　　Fang Ping also felt it just now. Honing the ossicle did not only consume his Vitality, but also his Mentality. There was a new energy produced in his systems, and Fang Ping was familiar with this energy.

　　At that time when his Mentality covered the Longevity Sword, and Old Man Li’s Vitality flooded in combining with his Mentality, a new powerful surge of energy was produced.

　　Now, the energy produced by the honing of his ossicle was as such, which was the new energy produced after the combination of the Mentality and Vitality.

　　“Old Man Li once said that the Grandmasters honed their cranial bones using the combination of their Mentality and Vitality. The skull was different and can be honed using only Vitality, but the pace would be very slow. Old Man Li once tried honing using his Vitality, but the speed was unbearably slow.”

　　“The energy produced by the combination of the Mentality and Vitality is even more powerful. That’s why it could hone the cranial bones.”

　　“16 million to hone one ossicle, how much would the other cranial bones need?”

　　Fang Ping gently exhaled, but then thought that it was worth it.

　　It was only 16 million!

　　If you told a Rank-6 powerhouse that 100 million could allow him to hone his six ossicles completely, Fang Ping had no doubt that no one amongst all the Rank-6 powerhouses would refuse this offer. Even if the value went up ten times, they would still snap at the opportunity.

　　Entering the Grandmaster rank was too difficult. No one would reject the idea of spending money beforehand to hone their cranial bones, no matter how high the price was.

　　“Although it hurts a bit, there is no sign of me losing control and exploding. I think I can continue trying.”

　　As he thought this, Fang Ping continued his honing.

　　He had an abundance of Wealth now. He never considered trying to accumulate a wealth value of tens billion. With so much Wealth, he could spend it recklessly.

　　Very soon, changes were happening in an ossicle in his left ear.

　　The ossicle was slowly changing from dim to become bright and clear.

　　There was blood constantly seeping out from Fang Ping’s left ear. The pitch black blood was mixed with a lot of filth.

　　“So disgusting!”

　　Fang Ping used to think that the insult saying that people’s brains were full of shit was very cruel.

　　But now…it seemed to be reasonable.

　　He was a Rank-4 martial artist who had been thrice-honed. He went through honing again when he was in the Upper-stage of Rank-3, even his skull had actually been honed a few times and had discharged a big amount of impurities.

　　Even so, his ear still discharged so much filth, and obviously other normal people would be worse than him.

　　“Right, I forgot to ask, how do I hone my brain…Does a Rank-7 who is honing their cranial bones, need to hone their brain too?”

　　Fang Ping had some questions in his heart; he had really forgotten to ask about this.

　　Lu Fengrou had never talked about this.

　　Honing the bones, skin, meridians and the internal organs… all of these existed.

　　However, the human body did not only consist of these. There was also a very important part: the brain!

　　The brain was the control center; the other parts that he was honing currently were only the outer shell.

　　“The Rank-7s also hone the brain right?”

　　Fang Ping was unsure, as Lu Fengrou and Old Man Li had never mentioned this before.

　　“Whatever. I will ask later, so let’s hone the ossicle first.”

　　Fang Ping did not dare lose his concentration. Although the honing system was automatic, if he lost focus, he would miss out on understanding the honing process.

　　When one ossicle was honed until 90%, the honing stopped abruptly!

　　“+” sign was gone!

　　“I cannot hone my bone marrow!”

　　Fang Ping frowned. He did not know if it was because he had not honed his other bones, or if it was because his cultivation was not enough to support the honing of his bone marrows.

　　After the bones of the whole body were completely honed, the bone marrows would transform and the human body would automatically forge its golden body.

　　The process of transforming into the golden body rank was a huge change and transformation.

　　Fang Ping as of now could not withstand the intensity of this transformation.

　　“It’s alright, then I will continue honing my ossicles, I will completely hone all 6 of my ossicles!”

　　Now, Fang Ping had already felt a little different.

　　Sounds were so much clearer!

　　The sound of waves felt thunderous.

　　Before this, if he listened closely, he could hear some sounds from tens of meters away, although they would not be very clear.

　　Now, listening carefully, Fang Ping could even faintly hear the sounds of people talking over at the Southern Area.

　　The distance in between was very far!

　　“Clairaudience?”

　　Fang Ping mumbled once again. Dis clairvoyance and clairaudience in the legends really exist?

　　Maybe, they could be real!

　　The Grandmasters who had completely honed their ossicles corresponding with a powerful Mentality, it was not unusual that they could hear something far away.

　　“Could it be that the Heavens in the legends were built by a group of Grandmasters? In the ancient times, they really existed? Grandmasters who were hailed as immortals, who mounted the clouds and rode the mists, are not imaginary. If so, the ancient Martial Arts world has a lot of powerhouses.

　　“There are so many legends and myths in Sino Nation. If the legends are reality, it could mean that there were a lot of powerhouses in the ancient times. Are there any who lived until now?”

　　Fang Ping remembered what Old Man Li had told him. There might be Rank-8 golden body-ranked and even higher ancient martial artists hidden in the sect world.

　　“I still know too little about the sect!”

　　As his cultivation became stronger day by day, Fang Ping realized that the things that he understood were only a drop in the ocean. This world might not be as how he saw it.

　　“The stronger I get, the more I find that there are so many unknowns.

　　“Not only me, but also Old Man Li and the others, these people have not become Grandmasters. They might not even know more than me. Old Man Li guessed that there are powerhouses in the sect world, but the central government might clearly know about these things.

　　“And also the Catacombs, evil sects, all these information are probably classified!

　　“I can only become stronger! Continue becoming stronger!”

　　This day, Fang Ping once again shouted his slogan of becoming stronger. He had to become stronger!