Chapter 223: Preparing To Breakthrough

　　Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

　　After returning to university from the research institute, Fang Ping did not seem to have changed at all.

　　A few days before the end of May, Fang Ping did not do anything else apart from buying some Body-strengthening Elixirs, Body-honing Pills, and Bodybuilding Pills. His bone-honing progress was still slow as well.

　　Even Old Man Li gave up commenting after observing him several times.

　　It was the end of May now—close to a full month since the beginning of May when Fang Ping had achieved Middle-stage Rank-3, yet the number of bones that he had honed remained practically unchanged

　　This was totally beyond everyone’s expectations!

　　…

　　Even Lu Fengrou, who had been absent for almost the entirety of May, finally approached Fang Ping at the end of the month.

　　The Haven.

　　Zhao Xuemei, Chen Yunxi, and Fang Ping were all present.

　　Staring at the three of them, Lu Fengrou’s tone was very mellow as she remarked, “Xuemei has been improving very rapidly for the past month or so. From Early-stage Rank-2 until now, you’ve honed 98 bones and achieved Middle-stage Rank-2. Very soon, you will be able to achieve Upper-stage.”

　　Zhao Xuemei beamed and replied, “Thanks to your help, Instructor…”

　　Lu Fengrou lifted her hand to restrain Zhao Xuemei, interrupting her and saying solemnly, “It’s almost June and you’re still 28 bones away from achieving Peak Rank-2. Looks like it might impossible to do it before you enter the Catacombs. Strive to achieve Peak Rank-2 before the next semester starts.”

　　Zhao Xuemei promptly nodded. As a once-honed martial artist, the fact that she could achieve Peak Rank-2 before starting her sophomore year was already astonishing.

　　This also implied that she would be able to achieve Rank-3 during her sophomore year.

　　She had about three years before she graduated. In that time, she could even attempt trying to breakthrough to Rank-4 as well

　　“Chen Yunxi…not bad, 115 bones honed. Judging by your current speed, you’re close to achieving Peak Rank-2 before the end of June.”

　　In April, Lu Fengrou had given Chen Yunxi an ultimatum. By the end of April, if she had honed less than 100 bones, she would no longer be Lu Fengrou’s student.

　　At the end of April, Chen Yunxi had honed 100 bones.

　　For the entire month of May, there was no stopping her; she managed to hone 15 bones in a month. If everything went smoothly, she would definitely achieve Peak Rank-2 by the end of June.

　　Chen Yunxi kept her head low and said nothing.

　　Lu Fengrou looked at Fang Ping once more, furrowing her brow lightly and enquiring, “In early May, you achieved Middle-stage Rank-3. A month has gone by; is there anything wrong with your body?”

　　Fang Ping shook his head and replied promptly, “I’m as fit as a fiddle!”

　　“Then, you…”

　　Fang Ping understood what Lu Fengrou meant and explained, “Instructor, there are altogether 26 vertebrae in the spine. I want to completely hone them all in one go!”

　　Lu Fengrou’s pupils contracted; she asked intently, “So you’ve been mainly honing your body and meridians recently?”

　　“Yes.”

　　“Do you know how dangerous and how grueling it can be to do a complete honing in one session? What sparked this idea?”

　　Fang Ping explained once again, “Previously, I wanted to hone one or two vertebrae individually. However, after honing them, my body felt constantly uncomfortable and my spine hurt. It was even difficult to exert force…”

　　“This is a common problem for Middle-stage Rank-3 martial artists. You’ll be fine once you get used to it.”

　　Fang Ping shook his head and said, “If I haven’t achieved Upper-stage Rank-3 before I enter the Catacombs, I’m afraid that my spine will not be completely honed, which will greatly reduce my combat strength. So, it’s either I don’t hone it at all or hone it completely in a short space of time.

　　“Bone-honing correlates to Vitality and constitution.

　　“I’ve purchased plenty of pills recently, mainly to hone my body so my constitution can catch up. My Vitality is very resilient; if I go into seclusion for a few days, I may be able to completely hone my spine in a single session.

　　“If that happens, I can achieve Upper-stage Rank-3 directly without needing to go through the usual adaptation period.”

　　“Single-session spine-honing…”

　　Lu Fengrou said very seriously, “Do you know how much Vitality and Mentality is required for this? Don’t be reckless!”

　　There were 26 vertebrae in the spine. When a normal person like Xie Lei or the others performed spine-honing, over a thousand cal of Vitality would be expended to complete the honing of a single vertebra.

　　By the time all 26 vertebrae had been honed completely, at least 30 thousand cal Vitality would have been expended, give or take.

　　Furthermore, this was done at separate times and in separate stages.

　　Besides Vitality, there was also the expenditure of Mentality and physical energy…

　　From an ordinary person’s perspective, Fang Ping’s intention of performing a single-session honing was impossible to achieve, even if he consumed pills—unless he submerged himself in an energy mine. Even then it had to be the type of energy mine that was used for cultivation.

　　In that sort of environment, perhaps he just might be able to do it.

　　The crux of the matter was that such a thing had never been tested before by any martial artist. Putting a martial artist of the three lower ranks into a cultivation energy mine—even the sons and daughters of Rank-9 powerhouses were not so extravagant.

　　Fang Ping chuckled and said, “Instructor, I believe I can do it. I’m naturally gifted.”

　　“You…”

　　Lu Fengrou eyed him and gave a soft snort.

　　She knew that Fang Ping’s Mentality far surpassed that of most other people.

　　However, she was the one who had told Fang Ping about having mercury-like bone marrow. Prior to this Fang Ping had not been aware of it himself, so how could he have such confidence?

　　“Don’t worry, Instructor. It’s not like everything will be ruined if I can’t finish honing them. If I really can’t manage it, I’ll just hone a few vertebrae less. It won’t affect much of anything.”

　　Since bones could be honed separately, even if Fang Ping could not complete honing all his vertebrae in a single session, he would not die.

　　The reason that Fang Ping had decided to finish the honing process in one go was to give it a try. He also wanted to see if he could shorten the adaptation period.

　　The spine was a crucial part of the human body. Martial artists in this phase of cultivation all went through a short period of adaptation after they completed honing each vertebra of their spines.

　　On the face of it, the adaptation period for honing a single vertebra was not very long—it lasted merely a day or two.

　　However, 26 vertebrae would mean an adaptation period of over a month.

　　Fang Ping had only discovered this later on.

　　As a result, his mindset had undergone a change from the time his first vertebra was almost completely honed.

　　In the past month, Fang Ping had used his Vitality mainly for body-honing and meridian-honing.

　　The 24 million in cash that he had was almost entirely gone.

　　He had only 30 million Wealth points left at this moment.

　　Of course, there was progress in his spine during this process. Although none of his vertebrae had been honed completely, progress was evident in all 26 vertebrae thanks to his use of Body-honing Pills, Bodybuilding Pills, and other similar elixirs.

　　Spending 30 million Wealth points to use the system for honing bones might not even be enough.

　　Fang Ping’s idea was to go into seclusion for a few days, using his own Vitality to hone but replenishing his Vitality and Mentality through the system.

　　Doing so would require a much longer time, but he would then have completed the honing process by himself instead of using the system.

　　On the one hand, Fang Ping could save on Wealth points; on the other hand, he had run into some issues.

　　Using the system to assist bone-honing meant that he lacked direct experience. Compared to others, he would not be as adept at controlling his skeletal system. In the later stages, he would still need to spend a lot of time to work out the repercussions

　　If that was the case, he might as well do it on his own then.

　　Lu Fengrou did not stop frowning. Chen Yunxi lifted her head and said softly, “You want to perform a single-session honing? It’s very dangerous…”

　　Fang Ping objected to this, saying with a grin, “How dangerous can it be? It’s fine.”

　　Lu Fengrou exhaled and said, “If you really want to do that then go to the Energy Room, or just go straight to the Vitality Pool.”

　　Fang Ping made a sour face and said, “Forget it. It’s too expensive. I can’t afford it.”

　　Fang Ping had thought through this round of bone-honing very carefully. Either he exhausted all his Wealth points, or he honed 26 vertebrae. Only then would this matter be resolved.

　　As for the duration, it would probably be around three to four days.

　　The Energy Room was 240 credits per day. He definitely could not afford that.

　　“Borrow it! That’s your own platform. Don’t tell me it hasn’t occurred to you?”

　　“Instructor, I think there’s no need to be so wasteful…”

　　Fang Ping truly did think it was wasteful. If he used the Energy Room for three days, it would amount to 720 credits – more than 20 million.

　　Without the Energy Room, the cost was about the same.

　　“You really don’t get it.” Lu Fengrou shook her head and continued, “The function of the Energy Room may not seem obvious during your peak phase. However, when you sink into the exhaustion phase, the results will be very obvious!”

　　“Instructor…”

　　“Go and borrow 1000 credits yourself. If you can borrow, why don’t you? If you die in the Catacombs, you don’t even need to return it. For that reason, before you enter the Catacombs, borrow as much as you can.”

　　Fang Ping was rendered speechless. What Lu Fengrou said made so much sense!

　　No wonder!

　　No wonder two days ago when the loan was opened to Rank-3 martial artists, every Rank-3 martial artist who was about to enter the Catacombs borrowed the maximum amount that they were allowed. On the contrary, martial artists who had no plans to go to the Catacombs any time soon borrowed based on what they needed.

　　Everyone must have had the same idea

　　Dying in the Catacombs meant that there was no need for repayment. Nobody cared how much they borrowed.

　　Even if one survived, that small bit of interest would not amount to much after one round in the Catacombs.

　　Fang Ping had previously thought borrowing money like that was wasteful, but at that very moment, he had an epiphany. “I should borrow some. Besides, I still have the right to waive my interest. Why shouldn’t I use it?”

　　His reason for not using it earlier was the inability to gain Wealth points after borrowing the credits.

　　However, these Wealth points would be topped up after he had paid off his debt.

　　“I’ll go and borrow some credits, then prepare for bone-honing.”

　　“Let me know when you’re ready,” Lu Fengrou said.

　　Fang Ping nodded.

　　Lu Fengrou thought for a while then added, “Once you’ve achieved Upper-stage Rank-3, you need to start preparing to cultivate Combat Techniques.

　　“As of now, your Combat Techniques are still built on a Rank-1 foundation.

　　“Furthermore, what you have learned is very limited—Cloud Step and Manic Explosion, but nothing else.

　　“Once you’ve achieved Upper-stage Rank-3, your Vitality will be close to thousands of cal; it will be difficult for you to even control your own power. Right now, you can achieve Vitality outbursts of several hundred cal and above, but you might not be able to do the same at Upper-stage Rank-3.

　　“At that time, your physique will be much stronger with many more bones honed and your Vitality will merge through your entire body in a circulation system.

　　“At this time, outbursts of Vitality will decrease.”

　　Lu Fengrou saw that Fang Ping did not understand and explained, “In other words, at that time, the power of the Combat Techniques you’ve mastered will remain the same. At Middle-stage Rank-3, you need to achieve Vitality outbursts of hundreds of cal, whereas, at Upper-stage Rank-3, you only need to achieve Vitality outbursts of 30cal or 40cal to achieve the same result.

　　“Right now, you’re able to achieve Vitality outbursts of hundreds of cal in Middle-stage Rank-3, but in Upper-stage Rank-3, you might only be able to achieve 50cal outbursts. Do you understand?”

　　Fang Ping nodded his head and said in some discouragement, “If that’s the case, at Upper-stage Rank-3, there might be the possibility that I can’t even master an entry-level power?”

　　“That’s right.”

　　To martial artists, mastery of a power meant that when a big move was employed, one would be able to achieve outbursts of at least 10% of one’s currently available Vitality.

　　With the increase of one’s level and Vitality, the difficulty in mastering power would increase as well.

　　Once Fang Ping had achieved Upper-stage Rank-3, the lethal moves which he had attained progressively earlier might fall in rank too, turning him into a novice in Upper-stage Rank-3.

　　“Understood.” Fang Ping made some calculations and said, “Instructor, from tomorrow onwards I will hone my bones in seclusion. If everything goes smoothly, I will be able to achieve Upper-stage Rank-3 after three to four days.

　　“I plan on spending ten to fifteen days to cultivate Combat Techniques, but I’m not sure if I can do it before I enter the Catacombs.”

　　“That’s not a problem. If you really need two days extra I’ll inform the university to delay the mission for two more days.”

　　Lu Fengrou did not particularly mind. The purpose of entering the Catacombs was to drill the students, not to send them to their deaths.

　　If Fang Ping was still unable to control his power well, at the very worst he would not enter the Catacombs this time. There was no point rushing into it when his Combat Techniques were not even cultivated properly yet. Truth to tell however, there were actually very few Upper-stage Rank-3s like Fang Ping who had not yet entered the Catacombs.

　　This boy improved too quickly. In addition, he had previously been mixed in with a group of Rank-2 martial artists and the university had already organized the schedule.

　　If not for that, someone would have already come and dragged him off to the Catacombs after he achieved Middle-stage Rank-3.

　　…

　　After hearing’s Fang Ping’s thoughts on the matter, Lu Fengrou turned her attention elsewhere.

　　Lu Fengrou’s previous attitude towards Chen Yunxi had undergone a slight change for the better. Now, however, she reverted to her former attitude and said before leaving, “Achieve Peak Rank-2 before entering the Catacombs or ask your grandfather to go in together and protect you!”

　　Chen Yunxi looked aggrieved. Had Lu Fengrou not said earlier that she, Chen Yunxi, must achieve Peak Rank-2 before the end of June earlier?

　　Why had this suddenly changed to become achieving Peak Rank-2 before entering the Catacombs?

　　Fang Ping was overjoyed at Lu Fengrou’s words. After she left, he beamed at Chen Yunxi and said, “Yunxi, your grandfather is a Grandmaster. Why not invite your grandfather to come along with us to the Catacombs? We’re sure to be safe then.”

　　Chen Yunxi rolled her eyes at him and snapped, “I’m not a kid anymore. Why would I need my grandfather to protect me from everything?”

　　“You don’t know how to use your resources. What a waste.”

　　Fang Ping pouted. ‘If I had a Grandmaster for my grandfather, I’d attach myself to him every day. That would be so awesome.

　　Even bullying others would become so much more interesting. Do you admit defeat? If not, I’ll get my grandfather to beat you up!’

　　If Chen Yunxi was not willing to ask her grandfather for help, there was nothing Fang Ping could do.

　　That being said, Grandmasters were busy individuals. It was impossible for them to follow their children around every day—even if it was a favorite granddaughter.

　　Grandmasters had to fulfill many missions: wiping out evil sects, entering the Catacombs, and overseeing matters, including resisting the attack of overseas Grandmasters. It was necessary for Grandmasters to be present for all these things.

　　Even though mankind was now faced with the threat of the Catacombs, it did not mean that people the world over lived in harmony or that they were all united in heart.

　　Plundering another country’s resources to enhance the power of one’s own country was very common.

　　Certain high-ranked idle powerhouses also subscribed to this sort of behavior. Since these individuals could enter the Catacombs without fearing for their lives, they might not even be bothered by a Catacombs invasion of the surface world.

　　These powerhouses were not averse to taking advantage of the fact that many countries could not spare manpower; they capitalized on it to rake in profits and become stronger. This was also not uncommon.

　　All of these matters required powerhouses to deter the culprits.

　　300 Grandmasters in Sino Nation might sound like a lot. However, given that half were in the Catacombs with the rest scattered throughout the nation, the actual number of available Grandmasters was depressingly small. The country’s defenses were stretched to the limit.

　　…

　　Meanwhile, as Fang Ping went to borrow credits to prepare for his breakthrough.

　　Dean’s office.

　　Huang Jing asked very seriously, “He wants to hone his bones in a single session?”

　　Lu Fengrou nodded her head and replied, “I still think it’s quite risky. That’s why when the time comes, you and I must go as well to serve as guardians. We can use this opportunity to observe what exactly is going on in his body; the brat didn’t say that he would be preparing Vitality Pills.”

　　“Is that so?”

　　Huang Jing muttered to himself, then nodded. “When the time comes, ask Old Wu to go with us.”

　　Lu Fengrou let out a snort but did not say anything more.

　　“Still a freshman and already about to achieve Upper-stage Rank-3…this sort of speed is truly astounding,” Huang Jing murmured. This was slightly faster than even NMAU’s Wang Jinyang. Was it possible that in the next semester, a Rank-4 martial artist would emerge in the sophomore year when classes commenced?

　　Achieving middle-rank was like entering into an entirely different world. Middle-ranked martial artists who involved themselves in politics could wrangle a commander’s position and be well-satisfied.

　　If one stayed in MCMAU, one would be qualified to take on a position as a martial arts instructor. In NMAU and other similar universities, a middle-rank martial artist might even be considered a powerhouse among other instructors.

　　“I wonder if this could be a unique mutation?”

　　Huang Jing mumbled to himself. He was becoming very interested in Fang Ping’s breakthrough process.