Chapter 281: Rank-4 In A Year

　　Vitality Pool.

　　After having experienced it for the first time, Fang Ping quickly started building the second Celestial Bridge.

　　The heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney–the five organs–were also called “The Spiritual Organs” as the five organs could amass spirit!

　　When the body was internally and externally connected with the five Celestial Bridges, martial artists could officially step into the spiritual realm and cultivate their own spirits in the middle ranks!

　　Of course, to cultivate one’s own spirit, one normally had to reach Peak Rank-6. This was mainly due to their Mentality still being too weak while in lower ranks. For people with strong Mentalities, they could start cultivating their spirits at Rank-4.

　　However, this kind of situation was rarely seen.

　　When the first Celestial Bridge was successfully built, Fang Ping could sense that his own Mentality was even livelier and stronger!

　　As he built his five organs’ bridges, his spirit was starting to become stronger!

　　…

　　The second Celestial Bridge he built was the bridge of his liver.

　　His heart’s bridge was successfully built for the first time. The energy passageway was still not yet completely stabilized, so the energy that flowed through was not much. He had not shown any signs of rejection either.

　　Once the passageway was stabilized, he would have to consider whether his heart’s bridge would start showing signs of rejection as well as the energy’s radiation movement before building another Celestial Bridge beside it.

　　Fang Ping continued spending large amounts of Wealth points to generate Vitality. He quickly outlined the prototype of the bridge.

　　…

　　Half an hour later.

　　Fang Ping’s body was already entwined with a bloody aura. A cocoon of blood seemed to appear over the surface of his body, encasing Fang Ping within it.

　　Currently, outside the Vitality Pool, it was not just Old Man Li and the instructor anymore.

　　Lu Fengrou stood, arms folded as she said plainly, “Can the five Celestial Bridges be built successfully in one go? If I remember it correctly, Xue Li only managed to build three bridges before his Vitality and Mentality were both depleted…”

　　Xue Li was the top powerhouse who had just graduated in the current batch. He was a Rank-5 student.

　　As of today, he joined Magic City’s Department of Investigation Services as a deputy director after graduating.

　　Magic City is an important land for the Sino Nation’s economy. There were many Grandmasters there: Magic City’s governor, commander of the military, chief of education, and head of Department of Investigation Services–these four great official heads were all Grandmaster ranks.

　　Becoming Magic City’s Department of Investigation Services’ deputy director was comparable to being the deputy governor of provinces like Nanjiang.

　　Old Man Li chuckled and said, “He’s just trying it out. If he really does fail, he has Viscera-shielding Pills to protect his viscera. He’ll just need a few days to tend to his wounds.”

　　Compared to jumping straight into Middle-stage Rank-4, having some internal organ damage was nothing big. At most, one just had to use a Resurrection Pill. It would definitely not kill anyone.

　　As long as there was one line of hope, nobody would worry about which to choose.

　　Hearing this, Lu Fengrou did not talk about this again and looked at Old Man Li instead. Her gaze was sharp as she said, “Those commercials he shot–you encouraged him?’

　　Old Man Li’s expression was stiff. “What does it have to do with me?”

　　“I’ll count this as your debt!”

　　Old Man Li nearly broke out cussing. ‘It’s my fault again?’

　　The instructor responsible beside him kept his face taut so that he would not laugh. The two people here today were both Peak Rank-6–one was the deputy dean of the school and the other was the prickliest out of all the school instructors. He could not laugh. If he did, he would be beaten to death!

　　Old Man Li scoffed and did not say anything else.

　　In the chamber, the blood cocoon around Fang Ping’s body was getting thicker and thicker. It was pretty much wrapping his entire body.

　　After a while, Lu Fengrou suddenly said, “There are three now!”

　　Old Man Li did not reply. The instructor checked the meter outside the door and sighed lightly. “His heart collapsed.”

　　Lu Fengrou and Old Man Li seemed to not hear him.

　　The instructor’s face stiffened yet again, and he said awkwardly, “The Rank-5 martial artist in charge of providing energy has died.”

　　The two of them remained quiet.

　　“Dean Li, Instructor Lu…”

　　Old Man Li replied impatiently, “If he’s dead, he’s dead! I’m not deaf!” He continued unpleasantly, “Why are you so long-winded? What does it matter if a Rank-5 dies? Rank-5s aren’t great!”

　　The expression on the face of the instructor darkened. ‘I’m a Rank-5. Can you not say things like this in front of my face, old man!’

　　However, compared to Peak Rank-6 powerhouses, Rank-5s indeed did not mean much.

　　Peak Rank-6 powerhouses already had their sanjiao doors sealed. Their bodies could self-contain circulate so that half of the golden body would be achieved. Their combat strength was also able to last very long.

　　Old Man Li’s Mentality had been wounded. He as a Peak Rank-6 was just alright. He was not actually all that strong and had a big weakness.

　　If he were to meet a Grandmaster with a strong Mentality or even a same-ranked Peak Rank-6, he might be heavily injured in an instant due to his lacking Mentality.

　　However, a Peak Rank-6 like Lu Fengrou was different when compared to normal middle-ranked martial artists. She had almost no weaknesses. Even her brain had signs of golden body status.

　　The two big Peak Rank-6 powerhouses did not care, so the instructor could only shut his mouth.

　　As everyone resumed waiting, Lu Fengrou suddenly said, “Turn off the energy-blocking barrier!”

　　The instructor immediately sprung into action. The walls in the Vitality Pool shimmered slightly, like a layer of invisible film had disappeared.

　　The moment the film vanished, the energy particles in the surrounding area quickly started gathering in the empty space.

　　Fang Ping also started to swiftly capture them. Actually, capturing was not a suitable word–the energy particles were naturally gathering within him.

　　Seeing this, Lu Fengrou raised her eyebrows slightly and said, “His Celestial Bridges are already stable. They’re starting to automatically absorb the energy particles.”

　　This was a special feature of a middle-ranked martial artist.

　　Energy particles were automatically attracted by the Celestial Bridges and could hone the internal organs and physical body. It was not quite obvious on earth but in some places in the Catacombs where it brimmed with energy, martial artists could improve very fast.

　　Of the three people there, the weakest was Peak Rank-5. Lu Fengrou who had Mentality could pretty much see the movement of the energy particles.

　　Although Old Man Li and the instructor could not see it, they could sense this change.

　　The strength of energy could be felt by all middle-ranked powerhouses.

　　“Judging by this rate, the stability of his Celestial Bridges isn’t too low. Perhaps after getting used to it, he can start honing the vital organs.”

　　Old Man Li smiled and said, “Before the year-end, he might even be able to enter Upper-stage Rank-4!”

　　Before the year-end, Fang Ping would only be in his first semester of sophomore year.

　　If things went smoothly, he might be able to finish honing his vital organs in the second semester of sophomore year and enter Peak Rank-4.

　　In junior year, he could spend a year or a year and a half to enter Peak Rank-5. Before he graduates in senior year, perhaps he might really be able to enter Rank-6.

　　As for the few Rank-5 students who had previously graduated, they were all just Early-stage and were still far from Rank-6.

　　Lu Fengrou did not object.

　　Old Man Li spoke again, “His bone marrow is done, and his Mentality isn’t weak. After he enters Rank-7, as long as he completes the honing of his skull, he’ll be a Rank-8 powerhouse with a golden body very soon. As for Rank-9, it might not take many years either.

　　“When that day comes, let him help you kill the Sky Gate City city-lord. I think your way of thinking isn’t bad.

　　“There’s hope of realizing it. Compared to yourself, I still feel like this brat has a higher chance.”

　　Lu Fengrou stayed silent.

　　“The difference between a Rank-7 and Rank-9 is something you should be clear on yourself. If you go, you’re just courting death.

　　“I think your student taking revenge for you makes a good story too…”

　　Lu Fengrou scoffed lightly, “Enough! I don’t need you preaching to me!”

　　Old Man Li sighed and said in a low voice, “The little girl is acting up now. Looking back on those days…”

　　Lu Fengrou’s expression darkened!

　　Old Man Li was not much older than her but strictly speaking, Old Man Li was half her senior student. Old Man Li was the vice-chancellor’s student; Lu Fengrou was not wholly so but Lu Fengrou also graduated from MCMAU and the vice-chancellor had taught her for a period of time.

　　The year Swordsman Changsheng became famous, Lu Fengrou was indeed quite young.

　　She did have admiration for him back then.

　　However, her daughter had gone with Wu Kuishan and Li Changsheng and the others to enter the Catacombs. According to her initial train of thought, this was MCMAU’s most elite batch of instructors, so her daughter’s safety was absolutely guaranteed.

　　Who knew that an accident would happen?

　　After that, Lu Fengrou was not too courteous with Li Changsheng. Even if she never bothered him, she would not let him look good when they met either.

　　Now that Li Changsheng was using this tone of voice to talk to her, Lu Fengrou’s expression darkened. She did not retort and only said after a pause, “As a Rank-3, he protected the road. Sorry to bother you.”

　　“What are you being so formal for?”

　　Old Man Li bared his teeth in a smile. “I’m still waiting for this brat to become a Grandmaster and deal with my old opponents.”

　　Lu Fengrou responded lightly, “I’m just afraid you won’t be able to see it!”

　　Old Man Li smiled again and said, “Then tell me on New Year’s Day.”

　　“When are you leaving?”

　　“When Nanjiang’s Catacombs open.”

　　“Going is just courting death too, idiot!”

　　Old Man Li smiled wide and said, “Dying sooner or later is still the same. I’m not like you who still has something to strive for. Me, I don’t have anything to strive for anymore. If not for the old man not letting me go, I should’ve gone this time too.”

　　While saying this, Old Man Li was slightly woeful as he continued, “Don’t hate us anymore. Those people who were there are all nearly dead.

　　“The 12 people who came out alive have all died in these few years.

　　“Last year, aside from Old Wu and me, Nan Wushang was still alive.

　　“When he went to Tiannan’s Catacombs, Nan Wushang died too.

　　“They’re all dead. Once I die, it’ll just be your own family’s business. There’s nothing left to hate…”

　　Lu Fengrou’s expression did not change.

　　Old Man Li chuckled. “You’re still the same, wanting to be strong and wanting to hold on to appearances. I hope Old Wu lives a little longer. If everyone’s dead and you don’t even have someone to hate, I’d really be afraid that you’d fall just like that…”

　　“Shut your mouth!”

　　Lu Fengrou shouted coldly, “Who do you think you are? You think you’re worthy of my hatred? It’d be better if you’re all dead!”

　　“Little brat, you’re still so stubborn. I’m afraid if I die, you’d hide somewhere and cry for days…”

　　Old Man Li laughed. “When Nan Wushang died, you sneakily went to see him, didn’t you? Did you cry?”

　　“F*ck off!”

　　Lu Fengrou was furious. Her Mentality burst out in a split second, jarring Old Man Li and causing him to go slack at that moment. Following that, Lu Fengrou kicked him so far that he went missing from sight.

　　The instructor did not seem to be paying attention. He did not move an inch, as if he had become a wooden man who had not heard nor seen anything.

　　After a while, the instructor seemed to regain consciousness, and his tone was normal as he said, “Instructor Lu, I’ll be going to take care of some other business, so you go ahead and watch over this place.”

　　Lu Fengrou did not make a sound.

　　The instructor did not waste any time and turned to leave. He was afraid if he stayed any longer, he would really be killed by someone.

　　MCMAU was really getting more and more unusual. Even Peak Rank-5 instructors faced danger.

　　The instructor lamented in his heart, ‘Now that the old vice-chancellor’s gone, it’s not easy to suppress these prickly people.’

　　Would Vice-chancellor Wu be able to calm the situation?

　　Sometimes, great strength did not mean that one would definitely be able to handle the situation.

　　…

　　Naturally, Fang Ping, who was indoors, did not know about these things.

　　The building of the third Celestial Bridge was a success.

　　In the fourth hour after having entered the room, the fourth bridge was also successfully built.

　　The building of the fifth Celestial Bridge was harder than the ones prior. The four previous passageways had started to generate a slight rejection.

　　The few times he had built the passageway, it had all been rejected and opened. The bridge floated as it shook unceasingly before collapsing after a moment.

　　Fang Ping tried to continuously inject his Vitality as his Mentality was no longer capturing the energy particles. Instead, it was starting to stabilize and calm the other passageways.

　　After a few tries, the last floating bridge finally appeared!

　　When the fifth bridge appeared, Fang Ping’s body gave a shudder as his internal organs started to swiftly and actively absorb the freely-moving energy particles. His Vitality also started to be rapidly restored!

　　Fang Ping recalled for a moment, “Middle-stage Rank-4 martial artists can already actively absorb energy particles and quickly restore Vitality?”

　　Among the martial artists whom he met in the Catacombs, almost all that he killed were Early-stage Rank-4, so he did not have such a strong feeling.

　　The one who was a Middle-stage Rank-4 did seem to have longer-lasting stamina for combat than the others. Fang Ping and Qin Fengqing had wasted quite a bit of time with the other party while the others had continued to maintain strong combat effectiveness.

　　“No wonder they say that Rank-6 powerhouses have practically limitless Vitality. If Middle-stage Rank-4 martial artists can actively absorb free energy particles, then what about Peak Rank-6 powerhouses? With the sealing of the sanjiao doors, Vitality is no longer spilling over and leaking out. Plus, a powerful Mentality that can actively absorb energy particles…

　　“With such heavy protection, Peak Rank-6 powerhouses are probably more powerful than I expected them to be!”

　　There was a vague dejection in Fang Ping’s heart. To fight against a Peak Rank-6 powerhouse could perhaps be tougher than what he had previously imagined.

　　To kill a Peak Rank-6 powerhouse, one had to either land a crucial hit on their head and kill them in one shot, or one had to rely on Mentality to flatten them.

　　If one wanted to exhaust the other party to death, it might be very laborious.

　　Even while he was thinking about these matters, Fang Ping did not let up on the stabilizing of the fifth passageway.

　　After another half an hour, five clear passageways that were slightly tinted with the color of blood had slowly stabilized. They were no longer shaking.

　　On the other hand, Fang Ping felt that his own internal organs had not stopped convulsing. It felt like dirt in his body was also falling out as his outer skin was scabbing over. Thick layers of raven-black bloodstains were solidifying on the surface of his body, encasing Fang Ping in it.

　　“It can’t be considered being reborn but this means I’m already on the way to building up a golden body!”

　　The lower three ranks and the middle three ranks were all actually part of the process of forging a golden body.

　　Now, Fang Ping was slowly becoming clear on the path of cultivation.

　　The human body was the foundation of martial arts.

　　Martial arts training was not about seeking outer strength but rather seeking the strength of the human body and breaking down the limits one after the other.

　　One could also say that it was to complete the process of an evolution of life.

　　“When humans reach the state of Rank-8, they would have thoroughly completed the transformation of the human body. Perhaps they couldn’t really be called humans anymore.”

　　“Rank-8… Might be a new start.”

　　A Rank-8 powerhouse with a golden body would have already thoroughly accomplished all the transformations to the human body, so how were Rank-9 powerhouses stronger than Rank-8 powerhouses?

　　In Fang Ping’s heart, there was a slight uncertainty.

　　The path from Rank-1 to Rank-8 was something that he could see clearly. He could even feel it. However, as of now, the path of Rank-9 was still a blank space.

　　“It’s still early. I’m not going to think about this now.”

　　Fang Ping did not think about it anymore, but he did not leave the Vitality Pool. Instead, he observed his own changes.

　　Wealth: 18 million

　　Vitality: 820cal (1550cal+)

　　Mentality: 410Hz (619Hz+)

　　Honing: 177 bones (100%), 29 bones (30%+)

　　He had used up more Wealth points than he had expected. It cost him more than 23 million, and this was with Fang Ping being able to speedily restore his Vitality himself in the later stages along with the supply from the Vitality Pool. If not, he would have used up at least 30 million Wealth points.

　　“30000cal of Vitality. How could any regular Rank-3 martial artist achieve this? Building five Celestial Bridges at the same time, unless… His house had mines!”

　　If anyone’s house had an energy mine and the cultivation-aiding energy stones opened up its supply, then perhaps it was possible–or it could be done here at the Vitality Pool, where it provided high-ranked powerhouses with an endless supply of Vitality. Otherwise, Fang Ping felt it was impossible for humans to build five Celestial Bridges at the same time.

　　As for himself, this was a special case. Geniuses were different.

　　“The limit for Vitality has increased quite a bit and the same goes for Mentality, yet…”

　　When Fang Ping was still observing his statistics, the limit of his Vitality changed from 1550cal to 1551cal. It was going up!

　　“That’s right, the strength of Vitality and energy particles are being absorbed by my internal organs and honing them. This is a long process, and during this time, my physique would keep getting stronger. Even if I didn’t take the initiative to cultivate, the limit of my Vitality would increase extremely fast.”

　　Fang Ping could now finally experience the benefits of successfully building Celestial Bridges. His physique was actively becoming stronger.

　　He could now be considered as having entered Middle-stage Rank-4.

　　However, as he had skipped early-stage and it had just been a short time since his transformation, his physique and Vitality might not be stronger than other Middle-stage Rank-4 martial artists.

　　Others improved step by step, and in the process, they would have already completed the transformation and honing.

　　“Nevertheless, I still have plenty of space to grow. Other people’s bottles are already filled with water while I’ve only just started to pour water in mine. I’m becoming stronger every day while others can only wait to break through to the next rank.”

　　“Very good. I’m Middle-stage Rank-4!”

　　Fang Ping was a little jubilant. He had originally thought that achieving a Rank-4 breakthrough was enough.

　　Jumping into the middle ranks meant that he and Old Wang and the others were all the same level.

　　Who knew that he would actually jump straight into Middle-stage Rank-4, just one step away from Old Wang!

　　“In just one year!”

　　Currently, he was one year and four months away from when he had started practicing martial arts. He went from a thoroughly normal person to someone who was about to catch up with Wang Jinyang who had been Peak Rank-2 at the time.

　　“Soon, perhaps very soon, I’ll be able to surpass him.”

　　“Li Hansong, Yao Chengjun, Chen Wenlong… I’ll surpass all these people from the same generation!”

　　“Perhaps, I should change my goal to someone like… Brother Ma?”

　　Fang Ping suddenly thought that he should change his goal to other people.

　　How could people from the same generation be his goal?

　　He did not even require one year to reach Rank-4.

　　In two years, he could be at Rank-8.

　　If there was a Rank-12, then perhaps in three years, he could be at Rank-12!

　　While he was lost in his imagination, a cold voice suddenly called out from beside his ear, “You’re still not out yet. Are you preparing to lock yourself in there until you die?”

　　Fang Ping’s Mentality shuddered and he got up in a split second. The blood cocoon outside his body collapsed and the solidified blood cocoon fell piece by piece onto the ground.

　　It brought with it… His tattered clothes.

　　With Fang Ping’s quick reflexes, he quickly took off his leather armor and threw it on his body as pants before releasing a long breath of relief.

　　Lu Fengrou snickered and turned to walk out as she said indifferently, “You dared take such an embarrassing advertisement, yet you’re afraid of this?”

　　Embarrassment showed on Fang Ping’s face. ‘I didn’t have to take my pants off for the advertisement, why would I have been embarrassed?’

　　Fang Ping thought exaggeratedly, “Perhaps… It’s time I bought a pair of leather underpants.”

　　In the future, his clothes could be torn off with any movement. He could forget about his upper body, but he still had to take care of his lower body.

　　In the old days, he had thought it inconceivable to buy a pair of shoes that cost over a million.

　　Now, he wondered how much money was required to buy a pair of leather underwear made from the hides of Rank-5 or Rank-6 creatures?