Chapter 120: The National Championship

　　Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

　　Fang Ping did not chat with Fu Changding for too long before he exited Room 15.

　　Afterward, he met with the girls.

　　Fang Ping was not used to the girls living there as well. Fortunately, everyone lived in single rooms with ensuite restrooms. Otherwise, he would have been too embarrassed to go out.

　　With that, students at the university were deprived of certain experiences.

　　They had no roommates, and none of the boys ran around the floor shirtless with only boxers on.

　　A few girls lived in Zone 1, while even fewer girls lived on the second floor. Fang Ping knew the girls walking toward him.

　　Zhao Xuemei, Yang Xiaoman, and Chen Yunxi.

　　The three of them were the strongest girls in his year.

　　Zhao Xuemei greeted Fang Ping with a smile, while Yang Xiaoman remained aloof. Chen Yunxi carefully stayed out of his way.

　　Judging by the fear shown on her face, she must have known about what had happened to the Martial Arts Club.

　　Fang Ping inclined his head and entered his room without saying a word.

　　Afterward, another person appeared in the corridor. Zhao Lei glanced at Fang Ping who was retreating back and said with his brows furrowed, “Fang Ping is quite stuck up. He didn’t even help the girls carry their luggage despite seeing them.”

　　The girls had returned from their homes, so they were laden with luggage.

　　As he spoke, he stepped forward to take Chen Yunxi and Yang Xiaoman’s carry-ons into his hands. He smiled. “If something comes up next time, you can ask me for help.”

　　He said to Yang Xiaoman, “We’re under the same mentor, so don’t be too hesitant to ask for my help.”

　　Yang Xiaoman curled her lips and did not reply. Zhao Xuemei said exasperatedly, “Why aren’t you helping me carry my bags?”

　　Zhao Lei chuckled sheepishly. “My hands are full…”

　　He had one bag in both his hands, so he could not help carry any more luggage.

　　He did not forget to remind her, “You and Fang Ping are under the same mentor. He’s so cold-blooded.”

　　He and Yang Xiaoman were under Tang Feng, while Zhao Xuemei and Fang Ping were under Lu Fengrou. On the other hand, Chen Yunxi was under Bai Ruoxi.

　　Zhao Xuemei rolled her eyes. She did not entertain him any further.

　　All of them were martial artists. No matter how heavy their luggage was, it weighed nothing to them.

　　Zhao Xuemei was used to the treatment she got. Whenever she was with Yang Xiaoman and the other girls, the boys would go after Yang Xiaoman and Chen Yunxi while she reprised her role in the sidelines.

　　Zhao Xuemei knew that Zhao Lei disliked Fang Ping quite a lot, and it was probably because he had been beaten up by the other.

　　Zhao Lei could speak ill of anyone because he had the self-confidence to back it up.

　　He had managed to hone 40 bones before the holidays. Now, a few days later, he could have completed honing 41 bones.

　　Zhao Lei resented Fang Ping for having laid low ever since school had started, snatching his moniker, “Freshman King”.

　　Although he did excellently, no one called him that, even when Fang Ping had kept a low profile.

　　He was only a teenage boy who was eighteen. No matter how mature he seemed to be, Zhao Lei would get extremely displeased whenever someone surpassed him. He showed his displeasure publicly, too.

　　Zhao Xuemei wanted to take him down a peg or two by mentioning Fang Ping, but she did not after some consideration.

　　She kept silent. However, Yang Xiaoman piped up, “Zhao Lei, have you heard of the news about the special training class?”

　　“I have.”

　　Zhao Lei nodded and then replied, “Is our uni opening a special training class?”

　　“They should be. I called my mentor and asked a few questions about it before school started. He said that they will and that the school is currently discussing the selection criteria.

　　“Only the top students will attend the special training class. You won’t have any problems with it.

　　“Fang Ping should be eligible too. Zhao Lei, this is a chance for you to get revenge for the humiliation we suffered back when school started…”

　　Something in Zhao Lei’s eyes shifted. Outwardly, he smiled. “What humiliation? Everyone had to fight to choose their mentors and schools. Clashes are inevitable.”

　　Yang Xiaoman smiled. She did not elaborate much about anything but casually said, “If only the best students are picked for the special training class, there’s bound to be a classification of students based on merit. I heard that the students in the special training class will receive more credits too. We must compete for it if necessary.”

　　They reached Yang Xiaoman’s room as they chatted with each other.

　　Yang Xiaoman took her bag from Zhao Lei’s hands and said with a grin, “Zhao Lei, we’re here. Thank you, you can leave.”

　　Zhao Lei did not voice an intent to enter her house. He nodded with a smile. “Well, I’ll go back first. Call me if something comes up.”

　　“Okay.”

　　…

　　After Zhao Lei had left, the group entered the house. Zhao Xuemei frowned, “Xiaoman, what are you doing riling Zhao Lei up?”

　　Yang Xiaoman said nonchalantly, “Did I?

　　“Regardless of whether I did or did not, Zhao Lei will challenge Fang Ping when the special training class starts. He’s not that stupid – why would he challenge Fang Ping to a fight just because of something I said?

　　“Let them be. Let them fight between themselves. They’ve been annoying me from the start.”

　　Zhao Xuemei muttered, “Whatever, just don’t provoke Fang Ping. Really, about what had transpired last time, I still haven’t forgotten about it completely. He always looks quiet and dignified.

　　“When we practice together, he doesn’t talk much, but he seems quite nice.

　　“But then who knew… who knew that he could be so vicious in the arena.

　　“I don’t want to provoke him. Best if you don’t, too.”

　　Chen Yunxi who was beside them nodded. She said softly, “Xiaoman, it might be better if we don’t mess with him. It’s all water under the bridge now. You only got hit on the breasts, it’s nothing much…”

　　Yang Xiaoman gritted her teeth. “You only say that because you aren’t the one who got hit!

　　“That bastard attacked me not only once. He kicked me and gave me three to four punches!

　　“My chest is all swollen!

　　“It hasn’t subsided even though it’s been hurting for several days…”

　　Zhao Xuemei curled her lips and said, “It’s nice. They look much bigger…”

　　“Die!”

　　Yang Xiaoman erupted. Was it something she wanted?

　　She was one of the main players against Fang Ping along with Zhao Lei. Her opponent had underhandedly focused his hits on unspeakable body parts of hers. She was so pissed that not a single smile was seen on her face throughout the following days.

　　…

　　Women were typically adept at holding grudges. Fang Ping had long since forgotten about it.

　　Fang Ping kept a low profile at school just as he had done before.

　　After a day off, MCMAU started classes formally on the 6th.

　　Tang Feng, their instructor, stepped into class bearing news.

　　“MCMAU is opening a special training class for freshmen!”

　　“The criteria for eligibility: freshmen who are martial artists can apply. We will admit 50 students.

　　“The class will be taught by five instructors: I, Instructors Luo Yichuan, Lu Fengrou, Xu Jianzhou, and Zhou Shiping. We’ll guide the students after class.

　　“The Dean will attend sometimes as well and will probably teach a few lessons.”

　　“Those who are admitted to the special class will be rewarded 10 credits. Excellent performance in the class will be rewarded as well.”

　　The classroom erupted in chaos after Tang Feng’s announcement.

　　The class period at hand was a lecture attended by several small batches.

　　Many students were present. Almost all the freshman martial artists were in attendance.

　　10 credits were not much but that was not the point. The class would be taught by 5 Rank-6 instructors and even the Grandmaster-level Dean at times.

　　It has to be said that Rank-1 martial artists did not always get to receive lessons from Rank-6 martial artists. Hence, what more from a Grandmaster.

　　There were only 5 Rank-6 instructors among freshman teaching staff, and they mentored about 20 students.

　　There were 1600 freshmen, most of them did not have the opportunity to even interact with those Rank-6 powerhouses.

　　After Tang Feng had finished speaking, someone asked, “Instructor Tang, do the applicants have to be martial artists?”

　　“Twice-honed aspiring martial artists are eligible too.”

　　“Instructor Tang, what’s the purpose behind the classes?”

　　Not everyone had their personal grapevine. Many were not privy to the reason behind the opening of the special classes.

　　Tang Feng chuckled. “To train students for practical combat and to bring glory to the school!

　　“At the end of the year, all the martial arts universities will come together to host a championship.

　　“You all should know that such events have been held before but they were on a smaller scale. For example, martial arts universities in Magic City hold small-scale championships.

　　“However, very few of them go beyond the provincial border. National events are even rarer.

　　“As the top institution of martial arts education, MCMAU must definitely take part in the upcoming national championship. We must also get good results!

　　“We have to emerge as the champion despite being placed against Capital City Martial Arts University. This is an order from the school!”

　　“A national championship?”

　　“We’ll have to fight against students from CCMAU?”

　　“I heard that those fellows from the North are all super vicious. Won’t we get hurt when we go against them?”

　　“…”

　　The crowd started discussing the topic. However, everyone was only talking about CCMAU. They did not pay any attention to the National Championship; they viewed the other martial arts universities as beneath them.

　　No one fought for first place in the world of arts. However, in the arena of martial arts, no one settled for second.

　　There was no consensus on (and no way to determine) which social sciences university was first.

　　It was a different story when it came to martial arts universities.

　　MCMAU and CCMAU had traded blows in the past, and the former came off with more losses than wins. Although both universities were undeniably above the rest, CCMAU was a little more prestigious than the other in the public’s eyes.

　　There was no official ranking of martial arts universities, but the Internet and most people had their own opinion on that.

　　CCMAU ranked first, while MCMAU ranked second.

　　Fang Ping, who had kept silent until then, asked out of the blue, “Instructor Tang, do we have to participate in the Championship if we’re accepted into the special class?”

　　Tang Feng eyed him and smiled. “Not really. There’ll be 50 students in the special class. Not that many people will have to compete in the Championship.

　　“A decision remains to be made, but it’s normally 10 people.”

　　“That is to say, acceptance into the special class does not guarantee participation in the Championship.”

　　“Precisely.”

　　Fang Ping had no more questions, so he kept silent.

　　If participation in the Championship was not mandatory, he definitely had to get in. 10 credits was quite a lot; they could be exchanged for a Rank-1 Vitality Pill.

　　After Fang Ping’s question had been answered, Zhao Lei inquired loudly, “Instructor, only 50 people will be selected. However, there are about a hundred or so martial artists in our batch. How will the candidates be selected?”

　　Tang Feng said with a smile, “The selection will be carried out based on your Vitality as well as your progress in bone-honing and learning combat techniques.”

　　“Will we have the chance to fight?”

　　“Not at the moment, but you’ll have the chance when you get into the special training class.”

　　MCMAU was only conducting a preliminary selection. They were not going to jump into the field of combat recklessly as the students were amateurs without prior training.

　　Zhao Lei seemed to be disappointed by that. He glanced at Fang Ping from the corner of his eye.

　　Fu Changding muttered beside Fang Ping, “That guy has his eyes on you!”

　　Fang Ping did not care about it. He said nonchalantly, “Don’t give him any attention. Don’t let your personal feelings get in the way. We should only act when there’s something to gain. I don’t give a damn otherwise.”

　　Fang Ping would definitely try for the special class, seeing as he had something to gain from it.

　　Otherwise, he surely would not have anything to do with it.

　　His participation in the championship would be determined by how much he could profit from it, and if it was worth it.

　　If the profit was lucrative enough for him to risk his life, he would do it. Even if he was afraid of dying, he could just play dead when there was nothing much left for him. The school could not very well force someone to go. The person could just surrender, and MCMAU would be screwed.

　　In actual fact, Fang Ping could guess at the impressive rewards that came with joining the championship team. Hence, he could take a look before making his decision. Nevertheless, he had to get into the special class first. It was a strategic position that allowed him to advance or retreat easily.

　　…

　　Registration for the special class began after Tang Feng’s announcement.

　　Almost all the martial artists and twice-honed aspiring martial artists signed up.

　　Based on the calculations, there were more than 140 hopefuls in total!

　　There were less than 60 martial artists when they had first entered school. Now, the number had practically doubled!

　　Martial arts universities were typically efficient. After everyone had signed up, the school arranged for the selection to be held the following day. Fang Ping was not worried as he felt that he was a definite shoo-in.

　　The average student did not know about the fight between him and the Martial Arts Club, but the school definitely knew about it – two students had lost their lives in the process.

　　Fang Ping was not that bad; there was no reason for him to be weeded out when they had to select as many as 50 people.

　　…

　　At night, in the training center.

　　Lu Fengrou had her hands clasped behind her back. She asked, “Have you registered for the special training class?”

　　“Mm.”

　　“I did.”

　　Both Fang Ping and Zhao Xuemei replied.

　　“I thought that the allocation of resources would be decided by the school management or by a verbal bargain between Grandmasters.

　　“I did not expect them to factor in the performance of each freshman.”

　　Lu Fengrou knew about the reasons behind the decision. After some thought, she said, “There are only three months left to the end of the semester.

　　“3 months isn’t that long a time but it’s not short either.

　　“The Martial Arts University Alliance had the nerve to suggest having the Championship. They’re showing their confidence in winning; they did so knowing how powerful the Big Two are.

　　“Most of the freshmen think that the average martial arts universities are beneath them. They’re too shallow.

　　“A martial arts university, no matter how average it might seem, has a Grandmaster presiding behind it. The amount of resources a university needs is more than that of a person or even a family.

　　“Out of the ten martial arts universities, only one can nurture a genius. That’s quite a lot, actually.

　　“It’s quite difficult to enter Rank-2 within three months, but Rank-1 should be a piece of cake.

　　“When everyone’s at Rank-1, you’re competing based on your underlying potential, your Vitality, the progress you’ve made in bone-honing, stance training, and combat technique training. Not to mention, experience in practical combat.

　　“Don’t underestimate those geniuses from average martial arts universities. You’ll end up screwed if you do.

　　“Also, don’t underestimate the martial arts universities which are one tier lower just because they seem to be laying low as if nothing’s their business.

　　“If they’re participating – as one of the four factions, no less – it means that they have their own agendas as well…”

　　Fang Ping muttered, “Mentor, maybe we won’t get to take part in the Championship.”

　　Lu Fengrou voiced her disdain, “You’re not the only one who thinks that. But if you get into the special training class, do you think you’ll be able to pull out on a whim?

　　“Of course, the school won’t force you to participate.

　　“But when the rewards are presented and the brainwashing speeches are given, collective pride is roused. All of that is combined with the lure of fame…

　　“How many people can really resist it?

　　“Everyone will definitely clamor to get a place!”

　　Fang Ping found the word “brainwashing” funny since it had come out from Lu Fengrou’s mouth. He turned her words over in his mind and could not help but agree.

　　Lu Fengrou did not extrapolate much. After a simple explanation, she turned to Fang Ping. “You’re improving really fast. I heard that you’re short of funds now and that your credits are depleted. Have you considered accepting missions?”

　　Fang Ping was actually not that short of money and Wealth. However, he still nodded. “I want to see what’s in store first before making a decision.”

　　“Sure.

　　“Follow me!”

　　Lu Fengrou did not say much before she marched out of the door with Fang Ping hurriedly in tow. Beside him, Zhao Xuemei gritted her teeth and then followed as well.