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Chapter 75: Grown Up
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
On the 7th, they sat for their Chinese test in the morning and their Mathematics test in the afternoon.
On the 8th…
They sat for their Liberal Arts test in the morning and their Science test in the afternoon.
Yes, there was no English test!
Fang Ping and the others studied English too but the subject was under the music and art category.
Only a rudimentary grasp was necessary. There were no examinations that tested one's understanding of a subject.
150 marks could be scored in the Chinese, Mathematics, and Liberal Arts tests, while 300 marks could be scored in the Science exam.
Judging from the marks, it was obvious that the government prioritized the Science subject.
Social science and martial science were general categories.
Social science, as everyone called it, was equivalent to the addition of humanities to science from the past. It could be said that there was no stream separation.
It was normal. The social and martial sciences were already segregated. There was no need to break the social sciences into smaller sections.
…
Fang Ping breezed past his social sciences exams.
His Mentality was approaching 200Hz, almost double the Mentality of the average person.
This did not mean that his memory and comprehensive ability was two times more than the average person. The increment of such qualities was not calculated in this manner.
It was not like that. As an example, Fang Ping could definitely defeat two civilian teenagers easily or even kill a man with a single kick of his leg – despite his Vitality being not more than the total Vitality of two people.
Fang Ping did not find the tests overly tough due to his exceptional memory and comprehensive ability. He could remember any kind of question he had solved once before despite permutations done to it.
…
The Gaokao finally came to an end in the afternoon of 8th June.
Fang Ping immediately got a call from Wu Zhihao after he returned home.
"Where are you?"
"I just arrived home…"
"Oh, my god!"
Wu Zhihao voiced his disbelief. He said in a surprised tone, "You went home right after the Gaokao ended?"
It was as if Fang Ping returning home was an unpardonable crime.
He did not wait for Fang Ping to speak up and instead said, "We're all near No.1 High School. Get ready to relax and enjoy yourself. It's my treat this time!"
The students had been repressed for years.
The martial science students had gotten the short end of the stick. They had sacrificed too much just to get a shot at passing the martial sciences tests.
Not everyone was like Fang Ping, capable of increasing their Vitality exponentially in such a short amount of time.
In order to facilitate the increase of their Vitality and ensure the absorption of nutrients, Wu Zhihao and the others had almost sworn off all junk food, soft drinks, and roadside stalls. They did not smoke or drink as well.
In short, every day was monotonous and horrible.
Now that the exams had come to an end, the only thing left to do was wait for their results. Everyone wanted to let some steam out.
Fang Ping did not experience such hardships himself but he could not very well reject Wu Zhihao's invitation. He laughed. "Fine. I'll go after a while."
"Better be quick, everyone's waiting. Today's gonna be a sleepless night!"
Wu Zhihao let out an unrestrained growl. Fang Ping had heard someone beside him growl crazedly, free of restraint.
…
15 minutes later.
Fang Ping saw Wu Zhihao and the others in front of the school gates.
Not all of them present were martial science students. There were also about 10 social science students present.
Except for those from class (4), students from other classes gathered together in clusters of several people. They were either waiting for someone else or chatting casually.
At the sight of Fang Ping, Zhang Hao guffawed. "Fang Ping, you've chosen to go home to be mommy's boy instead of going out and letting yourself go wild after the exams? Seriously?"
Fang Ping laughed. "Let go? What's there to let go?
"Are you planning to bring Zhang Nan along with you when you satisfy yourself with a woman, then?"
"F*ck off!"
Zhang Hao turned red all over. He glanced at Zhang Nan who was beside him carefully.
They always seemed brash normally. However, they were still high school students and were not that mature.
The social situation at that moment was not as drastic as the future. The students differed from martial arts students in the way that they were more inexperienced and innocent. effect yet, he was excitedly drinking and yelling at the top of his voice, "We've been classmates for three years but we haven't had a single gathering before!
"We're always busy with our own affairs.
"Now that we're finished with our exams, everyone will go their own way. Some of us will study in martial art universities while some of us will go to renowned social science universities. Not to forget, some of us will go to ordinary schools.
"We'll end up in totally different places after we graduate a few years later.
"We can't be sure if we'll meet again by that time. So we must eat and drink until we're content today! We're not gonna stop before everyone gets drunk off their asses!"
This speech ignited the emotions in the hearts of many.
Everyone was young, yes, but they were not stupid.
Within the group, Fang Ping and Wu Zhihao were definite future martial arts university students. They would become martial artists, the zenith of the pyramid.
Liu Ruoqi and Chen Fan on the other hand would be unable to go to martial art universities. It would not be difficult for them to gain admission to renowned social science universities. Even if they were civilians, they had a bright future in front of them.
Those with slightly inadequate results like Zhang Hao and Zhang Nan had hopes of entering a prestigious university as well.
Those who fared worse could only go to nondescript or crappy universities.
Would everyone be the same in the future?
Of course not!
After Zhang Hao finished his speech, it was none other than Liu Ruoqi who spoke.
Liu Ruoqi raised her glass full of beer as she slowly lost her composure and said, "I'll drink with every one of you!
"Six years. Ever since my first year of junior high, my family wished that I would succeed in passing the martial science tests. They sold our house and took loans to support me financially.
"In the end, I've disappointed them. It's nothing. Even though I've failed to gain admission to a martial arts university, I believe that someone ordinary is also capable of extraordinary deeds!"
This girl, seemingly quiet and cold, had opened herself to everyone.
She was not quiet nor was she acting standoffish. She was overly stressed.
The pressure she was under was so overwhelming that she dared not make friends.
She had to study and train. Under her family's expectant looks, she dared not waste even a single second.
With her Vitality of 115cal, her hopes were small.
When she thought about how she had failed despite the hard work she put in and her family's high expectations toward her, Liu her eyes began to tear.
"Ruoqi…"
Zhang Nan smiled reassuringly. "I believe in you. You can definitely do it!"
At that, Zhang Nan raised her glass and the two girls drank together.
After they had downed their drinks, the other boys did the same after raising their glasses together. They did so regardless of whether their glasses were filled with liquor or beer.
Fang Ping did not continue his act. How embarrassing it would have been if he did not drink when the girls had.
After the BBQ was served, everyone was more excited. They started a new endless round of clinking glasses.
Chen Fan sat beside Fang Ping. Initially one of the Mediocre Duo, the quiet nerd in everyone's eyes had set aside his burdens and drank to his heart's content.
After a few more rounds of drinking, some of the inexperienced teens had already collapsed. They were drunk.
Chen Fan's glasses were skewed on his nose. He raised his glass and grinned stupidly at Fang Ping. "Fang Ping, I envy you so much!"
"You registered for the martial science tests on a whim… but then you actually managed to pass them!
"Say, will I regret it for my whole life if you become a martial artist?
"Sometimes I think about it. I think about why I didn't apply for it unlike you. I'm not inferior to you. If you managed to do it, why couldn't I have done so too?
"Fang Ping, what do you say?"
"…"
Fang Ping comforted him. He smiled and nodded. "Yeah, definitely. You're more clever than me. If you had taken the tests, you'd definitely have succeed."
"That's what you think, too?"
"Mm. It's nothing. It isn't as if you can't become a martial artist after going to university.
"If you really can't, you can marry a wife, have a son and then have your son apply for the martial science tests!
"People like us miss the chance because of financial problems. If we had money, we'd definitely have succeeded in gaining admission to a martial arts university! It's the same if you make big money and make your son a martial artist!"You… you're right!" Chen Fan hiccuped and grinned. "Everything's because I have no money. No money to buy pills, supplements…
"Otherwise, I could take the tests as well!
"I'm like this, but my son won't be!"
"Hahaha, Chen Fan, you're already thinking of having children? That's a really long shot!"
Someone who was beside him laughed and said as he swayed his head, "I think that not getting in is quite good too. At least we aren't in much danger!
"I heard that the training in such universities is lethal. There are students who die in the middle of training every year.
"Real death!
"In my grandfather's hometown, there's a martial arts university student in his junior year. Rumor has it that he's excellent academically. Hence, he gets scholarships and awards every year so much that he can't spend all of it…
"He hasn't even graduated from university but he has a mansion in his hometown and his parents drive deluxe cars. Not to mention, the higher-ups in the city visit his family every New Year…
"What happened next?
"He died!
"Rumors say that the training at the end of the semester was so lethal that he died. The school and the government gave his family millions as a subsidy but he was already gone. What's the point of all that money?"
This was spoken by a student from Class (4). He was one of the original eight candidates but he was not too outstanding among them. He was often overlooked by people as a result.
Fang Ping could tell that he said those words without the intention of scaring people. Moreover, he did not talk about it out of jealousy for Fang Ping and Wu Zhihao, the two who were headed to martial art universities.
He said everything out of fear!
He was somewhat afraid and his lips were trembling when he talked about it.
A person had just gone and died like that! Moreover, he was acquainted with that person and had even gone to his house to play when he was little.
He harbored fear toward martial art universities after finding out about the death of his friend.
He did well in the beginning and his Vitality was not too low. However, he had fear in his heart which dimmed his aspirations. He had mucked over the past few years.
The others were despondent when they did not pass the Vitality benchmark. He was relieved.
Nevertheless, he only expressed everything deep in his heart after a few drinks.
Was being ordinary that bad?
No!
Being ordinary did not mean being constrained to servitude. Civilians had no problems founding a small company and working for corporations or for the government.
It was said that civilians could not assume governmental posts beyond city-level but there were few people who had managed to do so.
If one had the opportunity, one could very well try to improve theirself by attending supplemental classes. They would end up the same.
Things were similar in the private sector. Entrepreneurs who succeeded in expanding their businesses beyond the city were all shrewd and capable, were they not?
Could someone so shrewd and clever fail to find and exploit loopholes?
They could either become martial artists themselves or associate themselves with capable martial artists. Both of these things could easily be accomplished with money.
Life was stable that way. Was it really that bad when compared to attending a martial arts university?
There had been occasions like those before. That was why he was not too disappointed when he had failed.
The others were in a better mood after hearing his words.
Chen Fan patted Fang Ping' shoulder and grinned. "Fang Ping, don't do anything foolish. When things make a turn for the worst, you can just drop out of school. Don't risk your life for real!"
"Of course. Would I really do something like that?"
Fang Ping laughed and raised his glass to drink heartily together with the others.
…
After the BBQ and alcohol, the half-asleep, drunken group insisted on karaoke.
Fang Ping was comparatively sober compared to the rest of the lot.
He could not veto the group's decision. He could only transport the whole group to the karaoke bar by hailing three cabs.
It was packed. Most of them were Senior Three students.
At the entrance of the private room, a few guys who could not hold their alcohol went crazy. They practically growled frenziedly into the mics.
They sang, danced, laughed and cried.
After sobering up, everyone would return to being obedient kids in their parents' eyes, the future hope of their respective families.
However, while drunk, those teenagers vented their frustrations.
Fang Ping's feelings were also complicated. He did not know if he had to reassure them or say something else entirely.
At last, he did not say anything and resorted to tidying up after them.
Everyone had stress and troubles somewhere in their lives. No one lived completely carefree.
Was Fang Ping's life without any challenges?
It was not.
Was Wu Zhihao, who could definitely enter a martial arts university, living a life without any complications?
If he was, he would not have gotten so drunk to the point that he would roll around the floor.
Everyone had opened themselves up during the gathering because everyone knew that it was the only time in which they could converse with everyone else in an equal setting – to treat and be treated equally.
Could they do that in the future?
No one knew. Fang Ping did not know as well.
…
The pandemonium ended at midnight.
Outside the karaoke bar, the parents of many students waited under the streetlights.Some of them helped their sons and daughters along. Some hoisted their kids – with breaths reeking of alcohol and unintelligible, alcohol-induced mumblings – up and walked the journey back home.
They had their own troubles too.
Fang Mingrong stood on one side of the street, wearing an expression of concern. He smiled and did not say anything when he noticed that his son was still sober.
The father and son duo walked home in silence, one in front of the other.
As they were walking, Fang Ping suddenly smiled. "Dad, they say that young people don't know the taste of sorrow. But now I realize that young men feel sorrow too. Does this mean that we've grown up?"
Fang Mingrong's face broke out into a grin. "Yes, you're all grown up.
"After you go to university, far, far, away, you'll no longer be dependent on your parents.
"It's good. Dad believes in you."
A "believe in you" worked to settle the storm of Fang Ping's emotions.
After they graduated from high school, they would have to leave their parents. All Senior Three students, including himself, could finally say that they had grown up.
A new world was opening its doors for him.
Although he had experienced something similar in his past life…
How was his lifetime, in a world of martial artists, more mysterious and different?
Fang Ping was alight with anticipation at that moment.Martial art universities had more leeway compared to other universities when it came to admissions.
Admission requirements were determined by the universities themselves and exhibited on their websites.
There were advantages to this. Students could narrow down the scope of their applications.Fang Ping did not hasten to look at the requirements set by other universities. He immediately opened the official website of Nanjiang University.
"The admission requirements of the Martial Arts University of Nanjiang Province are as follows:
Vitality: 116cal and above (116cal inclusive; same for other requirements below)
Cultural Studies: 605 and above
General Studies: 80 and above
Practical Assessment: 80 and above
…
This is the minimum benchmark for all subjects. For the year of 2008, 1200 students from all over the country will be accepted.
Appendix 1: If one's Vitality is above 130cal, he might be considered for admission even if his other subjects are slightly lower than the required score.
Appendix 2: If one's score in Cultural Studies is above 680, he might be considered for admission even if his other subjects are slightly lower than the required score.
Appendix 3: Candidates are accepted after taking into consideration their Vitality and their scores in cultural studies, general studies, and their practical assessment. Admission will be granted to the best candidates.
…"
The admission requirements of NMAU were clear.
The minimum scores were much higher compared to the previous year's.
The minimum benchmark for Vitality was 112cal the previous year. This year it had been increased to 116cal.
Although it was stated in the requirements that one with a score of 680 in cultural studies could be admitted even if their other subjects were slightly lower, achieving such a score was not an easy feat.
Students who had gotten a score of 680 in cultural studies would not enroll in NMAU. Some were social science students who could not enroll no matter how high their scores were.
Some of them had Vitalities high enough that they would not consider NMAU.
There were very few martial science students who had a score of 680 and yet had a Vitality lower than 116cal. There were so few that all universities across the nation felt the need to pay special attention to them.
Even if martial arts had been put on a high pedestal, it did not mean that social sciences were neglected.
NMAU was a specialized martial arts university that admitted a higher number of students – 1200 from all over the nation.
Fang Ping took a look at the requirements set by the other two universities in Nanjiang that had opened Schools of Martial Arts.
There were three martial art universities in Nanjiang. Out of all of them, NMAU was the only one which specialized in martial arts. They did not admit social science students.
The other two had Schools of Martial Arts and admitted social science students too.
Nanjiang Technological University's requirements were similar to those of NMAU but they asked for a higher score in the cultural studies exam – 610 and above.
They admitted fewer students too – 200 students.
The last one left was Nanjiang University. The Vitality benchmark was higher than NMAU's by 1cal, reaching 117cal. Furthermore, they asked for 610 marks or above in cultural studies.
They accepted even fewer students than NTU. Only 150 students would be enrolled.
The three martial art universities in Nanjiang province would admit 1550 students in total.
Three martial art universities in one province was not a small number. A lot of provinces only had one unspecialized martial arts university that admitted one to two hundred students.
They could only pay a high price to persuade excellent candidates to stay.
"Among the three universities in Nanjiang, NMAU asks for the least. It's probably because they admit a lot of students."
Fang Ping compared the requirements of the three universities. He could enroll in any of them. Wu Zhihao would have no problem too.
The other one in his class who had reached the minimum, Yang Jian, had no problem with his Vitality of 116cal. However, his cultural studies…
Fang Ping was worried about Yang Jian. Could that guy score 605 marks and above in his cultural studies exam?
When the Vitality of candidates was the same, their cultural studies score would be considered first. Next was their general studies exam while the practical assessment came last.
Fang Ping believed that there would be an abundance of students who had reached 116cal. The number would definitely be more than 1200.
When it came to that, the admission benchmark would probably be slightly higher than 605.
Liu Ruoqi was unfortunate as her Vitality was only 115cal. The possibility of her achieving a score of 680 and above in her cultural studies test was also low. This meant that she could not enroll in any of the three universities in Nanjiang.
As for the other universities in the country… Fang Ping did not know if there were universities that set the bar lower than 116cal.
NMAU was not the most stringent among martial arts universities.
All normal martial art universities had similar requirements in terms of Vitality but it did not mean that she did not have a chance.
…
After reading the admission requirements set by NMAU, Fang Ping could not help but open the official website of Magic City Martial Arts University.Vitality: 130cal and above (130cal inclusive)
Cultural Studies: 620 and above
General Studies: 90 and above
Practical Assessment: 90 and above
…"
Fang Ping felt a little embarrassed after reading the information listed above. According to those requirements, he had not even reached the minimum of MCMAU. What more his practical assessment score of 85.
Same as NMAU, MCMAU had listed appendices below.
"Appendix 1: If one has a Vitality of 149cal and above (inclusive), he might be considered for admission even if his other subjects are slightly lower than the required score."
An appendix made the difference of an elite martial arts university evident to Fang Ping.
Special treatment could be delegated but only if the candidate was outstanding in the first place.
What did a Vitality of 149cal mean?
It meant that the person was an aspiring martial artist and was at his peak!
Fang Ping was the only one in Auspicious Sun City to have achieved this standard. Throughout the past couple of years, no less!
This student, one that could be considered as an extremely outstanding prodigy in Nanjiang was only eligible for a little special treatment in MCMAU.
"Appendix 2: Anyone who has scored 700 and above in the cultural studies test and has a Vitality of 120cal and above (inclusive), will be admitted in principle."
The corners of Fang Ping's mouth twitched again. How many people could achieve such a feat?
Martial science students had to multitask. Although they did not neglect their cultural studies and did well, 700 and above was just too much for them. Someone with that kind of score could very well come in first place in the province.
Fang Ping was eligible for MCMAU according to Appendix 1.
It was said that he "might be considered" if he was to apply. However, he should have no problem as he had only fallen short in the general studies test by a little.
The requirements of the other elite school, Capital City Martial Arts University, were more or less similar.
Their benchmark in terms of Vitality was higher than MCMAU by 2cal. The minimum Vitality required was 132 cal but the others were still the same.
Fang Ping should be able to apply for CCMAU as well.
However, Fang Ping had a dilemma.
He had been thinking of an answer to his question since the Vitality assessment.
Should he be the cockhead – cough, this word always summoned some thoughts that headed the other way – in NMAU, or be the tail of the phoenix in Big Two?
Of course, with his Vitality of 149cal, he would not end up in last place even in Big Two.
In actual fact, his Vitality was far above 149cal. The freshman martial artists in Big Two would not measure up to him at their current level. He could definitely hold his own in Big Two.
"How big is the difference between different martial art universities?"
This was a question Fang Ping thought about constantly. With his results, he would definitely be rewarded handsomely if he stayed in Nanjiang.
If the difference between Big Two and NMAU was not that huge, staying in Nanjiang was not necessarily a bad thing. At the very least, he would be able to acquire a huge sum of resources at the start.
If the disparity was huge, staying for such short-term benefits in front of him was not worth it.
"Old Wang said that he'll return to Sun City tomorrow. I'll ask him then and see what he thinks."
Fang Ping did not know much about the subject so he could only seek out Wang Jinyang.
He did not dwell on it for long because his phone started vibrating incessantly.
He did not need to look at the screen to determine that the caller was his classmate, and that it was most probably Wu Zhihao.
He was right. After the call connected, Fang Ping heard Wu Zhihao say excitedly, "Fang Ping, what's your score for the cultural studies test?
"I got 645 marks!
"My head hurts, which university should I apply for?
"I checked. With my Vitality of 120cal, there are around thirty to forty universities for me to choose from…"
Fang Ping said with a grin, "Is that so? Congrats! Oh, right, I got 627 marks. I'm considering applying for Big Two. What do you think?"
"Cough, cough…"
Wu Zhihao cursed internally. He had called the wrong person. He should not have sought Fang Ping to boast to. He should have looked for another target.
It was a pity that he did not feel good boasting to anyone who was not eligible for application.
Fang Ping was the only one who was definitely eligible.
After thinking for a while, Wu Zhihao pinpointed his target. He would call the Tan brothers to boast!
They were average in cultural studies so they would definitely have a lower score than him. They were definitely not going to Big Two as well. However, they should have no problem going to an average martial arts university.
If he boasted to them, he could satisfy his urge to boast and not hurt people's feelings.
At that thought, Wu Zhihao could not be bothered to make small talk with Fang Ping. He ended the call immediately.
…
Wu Zhihao had ended the call so fast that Fang Ping did not get to ask him about Yang Jian's score.After some thought, he put off calling Yang Jian's home to ask him about his results.
Yang Jian did not have a mobile phone. If Fang Ping called his house just to ask about him, those with more convoluted thoughts would assume that he had called to boast.
Fang Ping was even more oblivious to how Liu Ruoqi was doing. He did not interact frequently with girls.
He no longer had the others in mind when he sent a message to Old Wang, a short message –
"Scored 627 marks in cultural studies. Begging for advice!"
Old Wang replied quickly, "Congratulations. I'll be back in Sun City tomorrow."
Chapter 77: Old Wang Returns
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
The next day, in a tea house near Scenic View Gardens.
Fang Ping arrived slightly later than Wang Jinyang,
It was Wang Jinyang who had chosen to meet at the teahouse.
From the choice of the meeting venue, it could be seen that Wang Jinyang had a calm temperament and lacked the liveliness of an average young man.
…
Fang Ping was not surprised by the sight of Wang Jinyang.
However, he was surprised by the sight of a little girl who was slightly younger than Fang Yuan. She was sitting beside him.
Wang Jinyang brought his sister along?
He had not heard him mention that he had a sister before, had he?
The girl had large eyes, pale skin, and lacked vibrance. She sat there and did not look around but instead opted to stare at her teacup and daydream.
Fang Ping glanced at her once and greeted Wang Jinyang, "Brother Wang."
"Sit."
Wang Jinyang nodded slightly. When he saw Fang Ping look at the girl, a flicker of pain flashed by his eyes. He said softly, "This is my mentor's daughter, Nini."
"Oh. Hi, Nini."
Fang Ping was slightly surprised by the fact that Wang Jinyang brought his mentor's daughter along with him whenever he went out.
He did not think that the aforementioned mentor was from a high school or university. He guessed, on instinct, that Nini was the daughter of a local teacher of Wang Jinyang.
The girl called Nini raised her head to look at Fang Ping…
Then, she lowered her gaze toward the teacup again and did not speak.
Fang Ping did not mind, of course, not when the other person was a child. He smiled and did not say anything more to her. He felt that the girl could not compare to his family's Round Face in terms of manners.
Wang Jinyang did not berate her for it. He caressed the girl's head lightly while saying gently, "Senior is going to chat with him for a while. This guy has a sister a few years older than you. If we have time, we can visit her."
Nini, who had been silent throughout the whole time raised her head again and said with a clear voice, "No, I want to go home!"
"Nini, listen to me. Your mother's been busy with something these past few days, so she asked me to take you out and cheer you up. If we go home now, won't I be scolded?"
Wang Jinyang's expression was gentle while he reassured the girl. At last, she lowered her head and did not speak anymore.
He let out an immeasurable sigh. Wang Jinyang did not leave Fang Ping aside for long. He turned his head and smiled. "Sorry about that."
"It's nothing…"
Fang Ping somewhat understood his situation. The girl was the daughter of Wang Jinyang's mentor from university.
It was unexpected!
Fang Ping pondered about the topic in his mind. Old Wang's flattery was so effective that he could now take his mentor's daughter out. It seemed like Old Wang was close to this mentor.
Teachers in martial art universities were martial powerhouses, were they not?
Was Old Wang's rapid improvement because of that?
As Fang Ping's mind wandered, Wang Jinyang stared at him intently and said with a serene smile, "Interesting, you completed the bone-honing process for a second time?"
As he said that, the girl beside him lifted her head. Evidently, she knew what he was talking about.
Fang Ping said modestly, "It was a coincidence. I completed the process recently. It's all thanks to the Body-strengthening Elixir that Brother Wang delivered to me…"
"This is all due to your hard work. None of it is thanks to me. Overzealous modesty is unnecessary."
Wang Jinyang shook his head. His eyes were sharp when he talked. "At the beginning of April, when we first met, you were mediocre!"
Wang Jinyang was unapologetic when he used the word "mediocre" to describe Fang Ping.
"Now, only two months have passed and yet you've completed the bone-honing process twice!"
"I have to say, Fang Ping, you've surprised me.
"When the incident with Huang Bin came to an end, I knew that you wouldn't be mediocre for long.
"I expected your excellence to be prominent when you entered university or even after you graduated.
"But you've exceeded my expectations. We've not seen each other for only a short time but you've blown my mind!"Ever since Fang Ping took Huang Bin out, Wang Jinyang had the feeling that this junior of his would inevitably stand out someday or another.
He did not expect Fang Ping to complete the bone-honing process twice two months after that.
When he himself had done so, his Vitality reached 180cal.
Although there were differences, they would not be that big. Fang Ping should have completed the process twice when his Vitality was around 180cal. This meant that his current Vitality was more than that.
People like him were harder to find compared to Rank-1 martial artists.
Not everyone could achieve such a feat. To his knowledge, less than five out of the 4000 and more students in NMAU could do so.
Furthermore, they had only managed to achieve it after entering university. They had made use of the resources provided by the school and spent lots of their time doing so.
He was considered quick – he had completed the process in the first semester of his freshman year.
There were two students who had waited until their third year of university to attempt the breakthrough. This was because they wanted to complete the bone-honing process twice prior to that. It consumed a lot of time and resources. The school only continued to provide resources to them because they had hopes of succeeding.
Wang Jinyang appeared calm and collected but he was prideful.
There were very few in NMAU that he gave such high praise to.
Nini seemed to understand her senior because she gave Fang Ping another look after his words.
The girl was slightly hesitant at first, seeing as she had not spoken with Fang Ping before this. However, she asked, "You… You honed your bones twice in two months?"
Before Fang Ping could answer, Wang Jinyang smiled. "Should be. This guy is actually half your senior, Nini. Or should I say, junior?
"His cultivation of the Methods of Honing and his stance training were all done under my guidance.
"If we do it the right way, you can call him your nephew…"
Wang Jinyang looked at Fang Ping apologetically as he spoke. He did not intend to take all the credit or demean him.
Ever since his mentor was stuck in the Catacombs and was reported to have disappeared, his daughter was morose and depressed.
It was rare that she was interested in something. Wang Jinyang could only take the opportunity to cheer her up.
As expected, the girl wanted to laugh at the word "nephew" but ended up lowering her head sheepishly.
Fang Ping did not mind. What Wang Jinyang said was true anyway.
He had indeed guided him in his cultivation of the Methods of Honing and stance training.
He had also noticed the other's attempt to cheer the girl up.
At that, he laughed, supportive of the other. "Brother Wang's not wrong. Should I call Nini my uncle?
"Or my aunt?"
The girl could not hold in her mirth. She chuckled before covering her mouth with her palms. She lowered her head, not daring enough to meet the two men's eyes.
Wang Jinyang was heartened by the scene. He gave Fang Ping a stealthy thumbs up as a sign of gratitude.
Wang Jinyang did not continue teasing her in the face of her shyness. He returned to the topic at hand. "You've completed the bone-honing process twice. Do you want to attempt a breakthrough now or do you want to wait?"
"Brother Wang, can I continue honing my bones after doing it twice?"
"You can!"
Wang Jinyang gave him an affirmative but continued, "There are some who have honed their bones thrice.
"But you should have felt it. The higher your Vitality, the heavier the burden on your body!
"In the potential martial artist stage, a high Vitality is beneficial for your future breakthrough.
"But that doesn't mean that an infinitely high Vitality is good!
"If a cup is overly full, its contents will spill. If you can hone your bones thrice, then do it. If you feel stress on your body that you cannot handle, don't insist on it!
"Honing your bones thrice yields only limited benefits. I haven't done such a thing so I don't have personal experience.
"However, I know a guy who has honed his bones thrice. He's from Magic City Martial Arts University.
"That guy used to be a prodigy. However, he insisted on remaining in the potential martial artist stage because he wanted to hone his bones thrice. Even when his classmates from back then had already broken through to Rank-2 he was still in the potential martial artist stage.
"After he had completed the process, he assumed that he could catch up to his peers in no time.
"But then it was proven otherwise. Although he honed his bones faster than other people, his advantage was small. It was completely not worth the resources and time he had invested in it.
"The ultimate aim of the preliminary stages of martial cultivation is to hone the bones in the human body completely.
"Regardless of whether you start to do it after you've become a martial artist or when you haven't, the end result is the same.
"Don't try to gain a leg over everyone else just for the sake of it…"
Overpowering someone in martial arts was not necessarily a show of strength. If it was forced, it would be a waste of time and money. How would being first among potential martial artists benefit anyone?
Wang Jinyang, who had honed his bones twice, had succeeded in ascending three ranks in the span of one year. Perhaps he would breakthrough to become a Rank-4 martial artist in no time.
While he was Rank-4, those people who had forced themselves to hone their bones twice or thrice would still be potential martial artists.
One step behind could then become numerous steps behind. Could they really catch up to him?
It could be done if it did not jeopardize their future. If it did, they should let it go at the right time.
"Thank you for the reminder, Brother Wang. I know. I won't force myself to go through it if I can't."
Fang Ping thanked him. Wang Jinyang's reminder had its merits. At the very least, he made Fang Ping understand that an overpowering advantage was not always the best for him.
When he sensed the strength of his Vitality and struggled to control it, he definitely had to stop tampering with it.
The two men talked about cultivation for a while. Fang Ping had wanted to ask about his choice of universities when Wang Jinyang suddenly said, "Don't fret about the application first. Drink a cup of tea. We're going to the city gymnasium next."
"Huh?"
Fang Ping was a little baffled. Why the city gymnasium at this time?
"I want to take a look at the progress you've made in your combat technique training."
Wang Jinyang explained, "This is related to the choice you'll make."
"Combat techniques are related to university choice?"
Fang Ping had an inkling of the connection in his mind but he felt confused at the same time. He struggled to understand what Wang Jinyang meant.
Wang Jinyang did not continue his explanation. Elite schools had their strengths and average schools had theirs.
Evidently, dastardly difficult missions would not surface in average martial art universities.
Big Two owned a wealth of resources and was home to high-ranked mentors and a trove of opportunities…
One would have to contribute something before he could reap his rewards.
Fang Ping might have been a prodigy in cultivation but not in the field of combat.
There were people like that. If he had recommended that Fang Ping apply for Big Two without thought, there was the risk that Fang Ping would die within a short time – if he lacked talent in combat, that is.
People who did not have combat skills to match their ranks were more suited for safe desk jobs. If they were to go underground into the Catacombs, they would be the first ones to die.
Wang Jinyang sipped his tea calmly. Although Fang Ping had tons of questions burning in his gut, he could only drink his tea beside the older man.
Nini who knew a lot despite her young age was seated beside Wang Jinyang.
She probably knew what was going to happen next as her morose expression lit up. She blinked her large eyes and sent Fang Ping a commiserating look.
Fang Ping did not notice her as he was immersed in his tea.
Wang Jinyang, on the other hand, noticed her expression. He ruffled her hair and made a shushing gesture, putting his finger on his lips.
The girl broke out into peals of delighted laughter. When Fang Ping raised his head to look, she lowered hers immediately as she dared not meet his eyes.
Chapter 78: The Disparity Between Different Universities
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
In a fitness room in the city gymnasium.
"Bang!"
A dull thud.
Fang Ping was acquainted intimately with the floor again.
Wang Jinyang snapped coldly, having thrown Fang Ping on the floor with one hand, "Did you not eat? Even a woman has more strength than you!
"This is what amounts to your combat training? Your moves are so soft that they only tickle me!
"Both fist and leg techniques are created to kill! Swiftness, accuracy, and ruthlessness are rudimentary!
"Your leg technique is weak and listless! You aren't decisive enough. You'll be dead before you can kick!"
"…"
Fang Ping massaged his butt and stood up, limping. He said, somewhat bemused, "Brother Wang, you didn't need to hit me so hard, did you?"
The normally genial Wang Jinyang's eyes steeled, and he reproached him, "Combat techniques are devised to aid us in battle, whether this is a practice match or a real-life battle!
"Why are you learning combat techniques if you don't have the motive and resolve to battle?!"
Fang Ping did not say anything to that. He took a deep breath and started jogging to gain momentum. As he arrived face to face with Wang Jinyang, his left leg shot up while his right straightened and whipped toward his opponent quickly.
Wang Jinyang blocked his whip-like advance with one arm, while his other hand shot forward and cinched Fang Ping's neck.
"Have your hands become useless just because you're practicing leg techniques?
"Don't you know how to block?
"Your front is wide open. If your leg attacks are blocked or evaded, your opponent can easily kill you!
"You have left your upper body without defense!
"Your arms have become your burden. Even if you're practicing leg combat techniques, you shouldn't neglect your upper limbs and end up becoming an imbalanced invalid!"
While Wang Jinyang spoke, he did not stop putting pressure on Fang Ping's neck. He persisted until his face turned bright red.
He waited until Fang Ping struggled hard to flex his arm and tossed Fang Ping a few meters away.
…
Fang Ping struggled to get his bearings and did not fall. He massaged his neck and panted. "Do martial arts university students get a lot of chances to engage in battle?"
"If one only stays in the middle ground, he will be in the shadows of others all his life!"
Wang Jinyang said expressionlessly, "If you don't however, you will encounter so many opportunities that it'll scare you!
"It's the same in any martial arts university.
"The average people stay average. Of course, their safety is ensured, and they are usually able to ascend to either Rank-1 or Rank-2 before graduation.
"They can easily live a life of prosperity and wealth, working desk jobs in corporations. This is also the dream of many.
"If you aren't content to lurk in the crowd, if you want to stand out, if you want to walk further on the path of martial arts and become stronger…
"You'll have to prepare!
"A number of university students die every year. They are all elite students. They are not average!
"Martial artists have to fight. They must fight! They died, because they fought!"
Fang Ping grimaced. "Even though what you said about the need to fight for what we want is true, I haven't even gone into university. I've just started on my combat training. I haven't had any experience in the field.
"Brother Wang, aren't you a bit too ruthless?
"Experience isn't something that comes out of the blue…"
Wang Jinyang coughed succinctly. He thought, 'I'm doing it for your sake so that you don't get ahead of yourself.'
Fang Ping was not wrong, though. Experience doesn't come for free.
He had started on his training really recently, and he did not have an outlet to employ it on a practical basis.
Of course, there were multiple loopholes in this case. He would get the hang of it quickly after a few real missions in the field.
Actually, his progress in his leg technique was quite impressive. His combat ability was not bad due to his high Vitality.
In the end, it still boiled down to that: not bloating Fang Ping's head even more.
Wang Jinyang would not say any of that to him, of course. He said righteously in response to his question, "When you're in battle, your opponent won't give you a chance to familiarize yourself with your techniques!
"Are you still hoping that those ferocious monsters will give you a tutoring session?
"Putting more effort in daily life is better than dying in the middle of a mission!"
Fang Ping was speechless. It sounded right after he thought about it.
Sensing that Fang Ping agreed with him, Wang Jinyang put on a smile again. He said, "Of course, you're not that bad for someone who started training recently with no guidance.My test on your combat techniques ends here. There are still some problems with your training, though…"
Wang Jinyang gave him some advice, especially on the placement of his upper limbs.
Leg techniques were not meant to be used as a standalone, but only to strengthen one's legs and give one an edge. It did not mean that one's upper limbs should be ignored.
Fang Ping was obviously misguided. While practicing his leg techniques, he had given up on harnessing the innate reflexes of his upper limbs.
Fang Ping realized his shortcomings after Old Wang advised him. He thanked the other hurriedly.
Nini eyed Fang Ping with sympathy from her spectating spot at the side.
She had known of the shortfall that befell him, but not his stupidity.
He was dumb as hell, proven by the way he thanked her senior after getting totally busted under his maneuvers!
…
Fang Ping was oblivious to the scorn directed at him.
The group sat down at the break area in a corner of the fitness room after the assessment.
"You have the innate instinct for battle."
After they sat down, Wang Jinyang started off with a word of praise. He continued, "No matter which university you apply for, you will definitely stand out in no time owing to your talent.
"An increase of rank meant an increase in the things you'll be privy to. At that time, you'll face more danger.
"Practical application of combat techniques will become a compulsory subject.
"You're now deciding between a martial arts university in Nanjiang or the Big Two. Am I right?"
Fang Ping nodded.
"You're only hesitating because of the reward this year.
"Without the reward, people like you – or should I say everyone – won't even need to think about it before choosing the Big Two immediately.
"Elite schools are elite for a reason. They're better than average martial arts universities, naturally."
Fang Ping asked quickly, "Brother Wang, what's the difference between the two? How big is the disparity?"
"Firstly, resources."
Wang Jinyang said frankly, "The Big Two are institutions that get the most support from the government. The resources subsidized by the government every year are worth an astronomical sum.
"Also, many powerhouses and officers graduated from those two universities.
"Some of them are heads of businesses. Others work for the government or join the army.
"These alumni will support their alma mater after they succeed in life. Huge amounts are donated to the schools from them every year.
"That's why they have access to more resources than NMAU.
"I'm gonna give an example.
"In NMAU, you can apply for a Rank-1 Vitality Pill free of charge when you achieve a breakthrough to Rank-1.
"And you only need to pay half the price for a Rank-1 Bone-cleansing Pill.
"One Rank-1 Bone-cleansing Pill costs 0.5 million in the market. Half price means 0.25 million. Of course, you can pay for it with methods other than cash.
"NMAU uses the point system.
"When you get good marks in an exam, make good progress in cultivation, or finish a mission, you get a reward in the form of points.
"To sum it up, you can spend your points like you spend money. Some resources can only be acquired with points. Money falls short compared to points in that regard."
This, Fang Ping understood. This system was commonplace.
Fang Ping was not interested in that. He asked quickly, "How about the Big Two?"
"They…"
Wang Jinyang smirked. "When a potential martial artist attempts a breakthrough to Rank-1, the provision of a Bone-cleansing Pill and a Vitality Pill is mandatory. Do you know what that means?"
"Completely free of charge?"
"Exactly."
Fang Ping choked in surprise. "Their generosity is indeed backed up by their insane wealth!"A Rank-1 Vitality Pill cost 0.3 million, and a Rank-1 Bone-cleansing Pill cost 0.5 million, so it was 0.8 million in total.
Those specialized martial arts universities admitted over a thousand students every year. Those free pills could amount to a sum as high as 8 billion yuan!
Of course, this total was calculated based on market prices. The cost would not be that high.
NMAU charged their students 0.25 million. They did not lose much even if the investment came to naught. The students still had to shoulder half of the costs.
MCMAU and CCMAU just up and provided them to their students for free. This was a very obvious demonstration of the disparity.
Wang Jinyang laughed. "This is still just the start of it. After you advance to Rank-1, you have to pay half of the market price if you want to exchange your currency for resources.
"Take a normal Vitality Pill, for instance. We have to pay fifty thousand bucks, or its equivalent in points, for one pill. There's a quota for it, too.
"In MCMAU, you only need to pay thirty thousand yuan. Of course, there's a quota too.
"The exchange price is 50% of the market price in our school, but 30% in the other two. That's actually half the cost."
"The difference is that big?"
Fang Ping exclaimed once again. 20% was not a small sum. The pills taken by martial artists were all shockingly expensive. The difference was so huge that it seemed like preferential treatment was given to the two schools.
Wang Jinyang shrugged. He said, somewhat helplessly, "Martial arts universities all run their own businesses outside campus, including martial arts tuition centers, normal enterprises, or even pill manufacturing businesses. The Big Two have their hands in all of them. The other schools don't have the capacity to do that.
"Pill manufacturing earns a damn lot!
"Also, this industry is chiefly overseen by the government. The fact that the Big Two have their hands in it is something that the other schools cannot compare to.
"Say, under these circumstances, how expensive can the pills get in the Big Two?
"The cost, as we say, refers to the factory price. The cost, as coined by them, is really the total cost of all materials and ingredients…"
The Big Two had a stake in the pill manufacturing industry. Pills were one of the most important cultivation resources ever.
With that support, it was understandable that pills were cheaper in the Big Two.
Wang Jinyang did not elaborate too much on that. He continued, "Except for the disparity in the provision of resources, there's also the problem of the teaching staff.
"It's not that remarkable of a difference to the average person.
"NMAU's teachers are required to be at Rank-3 at minimum. Most of the Rank-3 teachers teach freshmen.
"Those at Rank-4 and above are in charge of mentoring students that are ranked.
"There are also some Rank-5 teachers. They are ranked highest in the staff of NMAU.
"Those at Rank-6 are all governors of the school. They don't teach, and there aren't many of them to start with, either.
"The Vice-chancellor of NMAU is a Rank-7 Grandmaster, and also one of the strongest in Nanjiang…"
Wang Jinyang laughed while he spoke. "The rank of your teachers isn't as important if you're only gonna achieve Rank-1 or 2 before graduation.
"It's also not gonna make that much of a difference if you're at Rank-3.
"The guidance of your mentors will be really important if you want to cultivate until you reach Rank-4.
"But if you're close to Rank-4, powerhouses will show up and give you guidance."
Wang Jinyang was talking about himself. As long as he was at Rank-3 and had completed the honing of his torso, some among the several school governors currently at Rank-6 would definitely show up to guide his breakthrough, the Vice-chancellor excepted.
"The Big Two has an advantage over this compared to the other schools. They only hire martial artists at Rank-4 and above to teach.
"Rank-5 and Rank-6 teachers are not few in between, either. NMAU only has one Grandmaster among the staff.
"MCMAU has four!
"One of them is at Rank-8, too, or even Rank-9. This is the true source of their strength.
"You have to know that the governors in most provinces aren't even Grandmasters. Some of them might only be at Rank-5. Of course, this is rare; most governors are at Rank-6.
"Magic City and Capital City house many high-ranked powerhouses, so it's a given that their schools are on a higher level than most others."
"Resources, teaching staff, status…"
Fang Ping muttered. From this point of view, the elite schools and average schools really were vastly different.
Wang Jinyang had not finished. He continued, "The last point: the availability of missions."
"Availability of missions?"
"Yes. This is not of importance to the average person.
"Some students graduate without doing a single mission.
"To elite students, missions are compulsory if they want to advance higher to earn more money and resources.
"There are fewer missions for us in NMAU to choose from. For instance, the last one where I was asked to capture Huang Bin was given to us by Sun City.
"These things are rare, as Nanjiang is safer. Sometimes we are faced with the problem where we don't have missions that suit us to choose from.
"In the Big Two, it's a different story. One is in Capital City while the other is in Magic City. There are so many missions that you can choose freely, and the rewards are much more generous.
"As long as you possess strength, you can get everything you want…"
After he finished his speech, Fang Ping said to him with feeling, "So what you said can be surmised as this: the mediocre will end up the same wherever he is, while the extraordinary should go to the Big Two. Is that what you're saying?"
"Kinda."
Wang Jinyang laughed. "If your Vitality is around 130cal, I won't recommend that you go to the Big Two. The average will only waste their time if they went to the Big Two.
"But you've already completed the bone-honing process twice. In a very short time.
"Then I'll recommend that you go to the Big Two. This will be better for you."
The average will be average wherever they went. Especially those whose Vitality was around 130cal. They might as well go to NMAU; they might be paid more attention there.
Fang Ping's Vitality was over 180cal, though. He would become a Rank-1 martial artist soon.Rank-2 and Rank-3 were not too far away from him.
Rank-3 was the limit in average martial arts universities. A middle-ranked martial artist would occasionally graduate from them every few years.
Average martial arts universities would not aim to teach middle-ranked martial artists.
The Big Two, on the other hand, would produce some graduates that were middle-ranked.
Wang Jinyang observed as Fang Ping thought deeply. He thought for a while before saying, "Of course, I'm obligated to remind you that the risk is higher over there, too.
"The more missions offered, the higher the possibility of you needing to risk your life in battle.
"Both schools are in metropolises. Some criminals still remain there even after they've committed a crime. Which means that they're quite formidable themselves in terms of skill."
Wang Jinyang continued in his mind, 'Magic City and Capital City are in charge of suppressing some of the largest Catacombs ever. The Catacombs are the most dangerous thing in both cities!'
No one under Rank-3 had the right to be privy to the existence of the Catacombs. Wang Jinyang did not mention anything about them to Fang Ping.
As the universities near the entrance of the Catacombs, students studying in both cities would have more opportunities to accept Catacomb-related missions after they reached Rank-3.
Nanjiang was not near any such entrance, so they would rarely take part in Catacomb-related affairs.
The previous mission in Tiannan was made available to them because the authorities in Tiannan were unable to defend themselves against the onslaught.
Magic City and Capital City rarely asked for assistance from other provinces. They sorted everything out themselves.
When there was a disturbance in the Magic City Catacombs, more than twenty Grandmasters were deployed. The difficulty of the mission could be seen from that.
Everything would be fine until Fang Ping reached Rank-3 in school. After he did, he would be eligible to take part in those missions, and the risk of getting hurt or killed would greatly increase.
"It's your choice. I cannot give you more advice on this, because this is a choice that you alone should make.
"But I still have to fight for you on NMAU's behalf. With your current vitals, I can lobby for a waiver of all resource costs provided that you're below Rank-3!"
As the President of the Martial Arts Club of NMAU, Wang Jinyang lay out his offer.
A waiver of all resource costs below Rank-3 meant that Fang Ping would get his resource supply free of charge whenever he broke through to Rank-1 to 3.
After he broke through to Rank-3, the supply price will return to normal.
This was an allowance of the highest privilege!
This allowance was made by Wang Jinyang, not the school. The university would not give him that much.
A martial artist would use resources worth at least ten million yuan to achieve Rank-3.
Investing ten million and above on a potential martial artist was not worth it to the university.
Old Wang ruled the Martial Arts Club, which could manage the distribution of resources in the school. This was an allowance he gave to Fang Ping alone.
Fang Ping started to hesitate at this moment.
If Old Wang had not said that last couple of sentences, he would not hesitate. He did, though, and made Fang Ping's heart hurt at the thought of giving up resources worth ten million if ever he went to the Big Two.
Fang Ping said weakly, expression complicated, "If I was ever to go to the Big Two, will the province give me some millions as a reward for excellence?"
"Haha!"