Chapter 128: We Are Not The Same
Lu Fengrou had left for the Catacombs. Before the martial arts training commenced in the special training classes, Fang Ping and Zhao Xuemei could only cultivate by themselves.
Fortunately, both of them were prioritizing bone-honing at this stage. Lu Fengrou’s absence would not affect them much.
...
In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday.
Saturday. The special training class today was not conducted at night — it was in the morning.
Soon after sunrise, Fang Ping and the others did not go to the usual classroom for lessons. Instead, they went to a martial arts training classroom in Block No. 6.
The instructor this time was not Bai Ruoxi.
It was not long after Fang Ping and the rest had arrived when Luo Yichuan entered the classroom.
Once he had entered the classroom, he spoke bluntly, “Everyone here knows about the Catacombs?”
The students all nodded.
“The situation isn’t looking very great at the moment. More than 50 MCMAU instructors had been sent to guard at the Catacombs.”
“The principal, dean, and the rest do not have the time to watch over the special training classes.
“Having said that, that does not mean they don’t value it. MCMAU cannot afford to lose this time.
“If we lose, the distribution of resources next year will decrease around three-fold. This is not a price that MCMAU can pay.
“Everyone must pay more attention to the upcoming training!”
Luo Yichuan added, “What I am about to teach you is related to the usage of weapons. I understand that some students do not use weapons, but even for lower Rank-3, the benefits that come with them should not be neglected. Regardless of whether or not this is your major, it is necessary that you learn at least the basics.
“In that case, in certain situations when you are given weaponry, you will not be entirely clueless and use it to hack around blindly.”
Luo Yichuan majored in marksmanship, but that did not mean that he did not know how to use other weaponry. He had a good grasp of how to use cold weapons.
“In martial arts universities, or amongst the new students in particular, the most commonly used weapon is the saber. Even so, in our day to day life, the weapon that we can most easily obtain or come across is a staff!
“Today I will cover the basics of staff technique!”
“The requirements for a suitable staff that allows martial artists to unleash their power are not too high nor too low.
“Right now, everyone go ahead and pick up a sturdy wooden staff that is taller than you. It should be natural. Not too long, not too short.”
Everyone was rather interested in learning about weaponry. One by one, they went to the side to choose their wooden staff as instructed.
After everyone had made their pick, Fang Ping had to resist the urge of laughing when he saw a bunch of students holding wooden staffs.
This scene... looked like a bunch of people from Beggar Sect holding Dog-Beating staffs trying to beg for food. All it lacked was a person holding an alms bowl.
The change in his expression was noticed by Luo Yichuan immediately.
Brows furrowed, Luo Yichuan suddenly called out, “Fang Ping, step forward!”
Fang Ping stepped out instantaneously.
“Before I teach you how to use the staff, you must know that even if the wooden staff does not have sharp edges, it can be extremely lethal!
“I will now demonstrate the basics moves of staff technique.”
With those words, he looked at Fang Ping and said, “As the class monitor, you will work with me. Show everyone the practicality of the staff technique.”
Fang Ping felt that something was off, but he could only nod and respond, “Sure.”
“Watch closely!”
After saying those words, the long staff in Luo Yichuan’s hands was suddenly laid flat in a horizontal position. In a swift motion, the staff that was aimed at Fang Ping had stabbed toward him!
Fang Ping figured that he was not quick enough. He was planning to retreat, and then use the wooden staff in his hands to block the attack.
As this was his first time employing a staff, he was not familiar with the maneuver. Before he could block the move, Luo Yichuan’s wooden staff was already headed for his chest and stabbed at him!
“Bang!”
Fang Ping felt a sharp pain in his chest. The color drained from his face. He had to back up a few steps immediately.
“Staff technique. There are only a few basic moves: strike, hack, butt, pick, pull, lift, pierce, hold...”
“This is butting. You must be quick and use great strength. You do not necessarily need to aim at the chest. Even the heart and throat are targets!”
While Luo Yichuan explained, he swung the wooden staff towards Fang Ping. “This is hacking. When you hack, your strength must be stable. Display your strength!”
“Bang!”
This time, Fang Ping immediately swung his staff to intercept. With both hands held firmly on the wooden staff, he had managed to stop Luo Yichuan’s hack.
However, what Fang Ping felt instead was numbness on both of his hands. The vibrations caused intense pain on the web between his thumb and forefinger.
“When the other party blocks, continue hacking. Make sure you are using enough force!”
Luo Yichuan did not stop. He continued hacking.
The sound of wood clashing on wood rang louder and louder. Fang Ping’s face was as red as a tomato. Besides retreating, he could only use the wooden staff to continue blocking.
“Of course, this isn’t all, you should also learn how to change your moves. The other party is in defense mode, so all his strength and attention are gathered on his upper body.
“At this moment, you can change your move swiftly. Sweep!
“Sweep the staff across a wide area. Keep the tip of the staff close to the ground. Tilt the body of the staff and swing. The sweeping motion should be fast and powerful, with the energy gathered at the tip of the staff!”
He spoke slowly, but his movements happened in one fell swoop.
Fang Ping was still raising the wooden staff in defense when Luo Yichuan’s staff had swept toward him. The staff was not aimed for his feet, but rather his calves.
Fang Ping’s complexion changed. Once again he was one step slower. His left calf was lashed by Luo Yichuan in one sweep.
“Sss...”
Striking pain shot out in his legs. He did not feel too good now.
Luo Yichuan was not pulling any punches!
“Next up is picking!”
Luo Yichuan ignored his discomfort. Once he had finished sweeping, he proceeded to the next move. He aimed upward and picked. His wooden staff collided with the staff in Fang Ping’s hands. The shock numbed the web between Fang Ping’s thumb and forefinger. He was close to losing his grip.
“This is lifting!”
The moves of the long staff changed again. Fang Ping’s complexion worsened yet again. Where would he hit this time? Was it allowed to hit below the belt?
Fang Ping retreated hastily, but Luo Yichuan followed him closely. He made yet another move with his staff. “This is pulling!”
“This is piercing!”
“...”
After a minute, Luo Yichuan pulled back his wooden staff without a single sign that suggested he was out of breath. “Basic moves. I have demonstrated them once. Did everyone see it clearly?”
“No!”
Many of them quickly shouted while stifling a laugh.
Meanwhile, Fang Ping was standing at a side and was cutting a pathetically sorry figure.
Bruises and swellings filled his arms and legs. Even his face had a big red patch, with a hint of purple bruising.
Luo Yichuan spoke nonchalantly, “Do not look down on any form of weaponry. A weapon that is used wisely becomes a lethal tool of murder.
“I had only employed the strength of a Rank-1. Maximum Vitality outbursts of less than 200cal.
“Student Fang Ping, watch and learn closely from now onward. Even if you do not use weaponry, acquiring an additional ability, even if you do not understand it, will come in handy in the future.”
Fang Ping nodded hurriedly, feeling embarrassed.
“That’s all. Fall in. I will now isolate the moves and teach them one by one. Ask if you don’t understand.”
...
When Fang Ping had fallen back with everyone, Fu Changding threw him a look of pity and said, “Your face is swollen!”
“Get lost!”
“Really swollen!”
“Get lost!”
“Say, it’s not easy to become the class monitor. Fang Ping, I wonder if the next few instructors will ask you to help out with the demonstrations as well?”
“One more word and I will bash you to death this second!”
“...”
Fang Ping was moody. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly. He had a sense of foreboding.
Was I being too full of myself?
Now that his instructor was not in the university, he could only behave obsequiously when faced with these Rank-6 instructors.
...
As it turned out, everything happened just as Fu Changding the doomsayer had predicted.
In the next few days, Tang Feng taught Leg Kungfu, Zhou Shiping taught Palm Technique, and Luo Yichuan taught the familiarization and uses of various weaponry.
Every time, there was only one target — Fang Ping!
Every time, Fang Ping was dealt a bashing!
His initial complaints subsided as he eventually accepted his fate!
After all, he was only dragged on stage for the first demonstration. Soon after, the other students would train with an opponent.
Fang Ping changed his opponents every time. He would pick those who laughed the loudest.
He might not be better than others in terms of his grasp in the techniques, but he had surging Vitality and powerful outbursts.
Every time he faced someone in combat, Fang Ping would use only one move — hack!
He would hack regardless of staff or knife, even when he was unarmed.
Before long, everyone in the special training class, except a lucky few, had bruises all over their faces. Fang Ping was no exception.
...
October. The training given during the special training classes focused mainly on basic techniques.
Every day, the students received a Normal Vitality Pill as compensation, used to replenish Vitality.
Bai Ruoxi’s general knowledge class had become the most popular class. It was the only day when everyone did not need to receive a beating.
It was only at the end of October that Lu Fengrou had returned to the university.
...
Educator Dormitory Area One, Villa No. 8.
Fang Ping and Zhao Xuemei walked into the villa together with slightly bruised faces.
Lu Fengrou was slouched on the couch watching television.
When she noticed them, she said lazily, “Take a seat.”
The duo sat on one side of the couch.
“The issue at the Catacombs is over for now. The collision this time has been cleared.”
“About the creatures in the Catacombs crashing the gates, it’s true that this has become increasingly frequent. From now on, everyone is demanding more resources.
“The university’s stock has been drained. It’s the same with other universities.
“Regarding your training, the basic training that you have been receiving this month will gradually get more complex.
“No doubt, it will be more dangerous as well.
“Fang Ping, how many bones have you honed now?”
At the beginning of October, Fang Ping had honed 28 bones. More than twenty days had passed.
Fang Ping responded immediately, “I have honed 40 bones.”
“40 bones already?”
“Yes. After honing my right lower limb, the honing speed for the left foot bone paced up considerably.”
“Good. That is not too slow.”
It was rare for Lu Fengrou to offer words of praise. Zhao Xuemei’s expression looked extremely conflicted. She spoke timidly, “Instructor, I have also honed... 40 bones now.”
She had been progressing well this month as well.
The Vitality Pills that she had received in special training classes had cleared her worries about replenishing her Vitality. In the first month, she had honed 4 bones.
This month, her progress was even faster — she had honed 5 bones.
Even so, when she had honed 31 bones, Fang Ping was not even a martial artist yet!
When she had honed 40 bones, Fang Ping had also honed 40. The disparity was too great!
Lu Fengrou had a slight smile on her face. “There’s no need to feel inferior. He thrice-honed his bones, while you had done only once. He has his secret. At least he replenishes his Vitality much faster than you. It should come as no surprise that he can achieve such progress.
“You are not doing bad yourself. When this semester has ended, the least you can achieve is 50 honed bones. At best, you may even achieve peak Rank-1.
“Fang Ping, on the other hand, is not too far away from achieving peak Rank-1 now.
“However, keep in mind that the bone-honing progress and greater Vitality strength do not necessarily mean enhanced abilities.”
Lu Fengrou remained silent for a moment before continuing, “The Catacombs has become increasingly dangerous. This is a crucial time for the both of you to enhance your abilities. Abilities in all aspects, actual combat included.
“Fang Ping, are you still hesitating to participate in the National Championship?”
Fang Ping looked like he was struggling. After a while, he nodded and responded, “I have given it a second thought. I am participating. I heard that there are a lot of prizes this time!”
The company still had not made any profit. Realistically it would not be that quick. The early stage was always an investment.
His Wealth had never stopped depleting. Even after receiving nearly 30 Normal Vitality Pills this month, the additional Wealth was still not sufficient for him to hone his bones.
During the peak period last time, his Wealth had surged to 8.6 million.
This month, he had spent more than 2 million Wealth. Even if he had pills to compensate for it, his Wealth still did not increase, instead it had dropped. It had fallen to 8 million yesterday.
“Xuemei, how about you?”
Zhao Xuemei had a firm look on her face and replied, “I want to participate, but... but I may not have the chance to.”
Her ability was not too weak considering that she was in the special training classes now. However, there were at least ten to twenty people who had similar abilities.
In the end, she might not get the chance to participate.
Lu Fengrou did not offer words of comfort. She smiled and said, “If both of you have the intention to participate, then I don’t see any problem with that. With that in mind, you will be motivated to improve yourself.
“As your instructor, if both of you are able to participate in the National Championship, and even achieve power and prestige, it would enhance my reputation as well.
“Do a bit of packing when you go back tonight. Apply for two days’ leave. For the next two days, I will bring both of you out.”
Fang Ping felt a little uncomfortable. He asked softly, “Instructor, we’re not going to the Catacombs, are we?”
“Ha ha!”
Lu Fengrou expression was scornful. She had no intention of replying.
Two rookies. Would she bring them to the Catacombs to die?
Even though Fang Ping had killed two people before this, he was still a rookie.
...
Walking out from Villa No. 8, Fang Ping looked at Zhao Xuemei and asked, “Where do you think the instructor is bringing us?”
“I don’t know.”
Zhao Xuemei did not know and did not even try to guess. She replied simply, “Anywhere is fine. I think it will do us good.”
“It’s hard to say. I’ve always thought that our instructor is not too reliable.”
Zhao Xuemei gave him a sidelong glance. After walking for some time, she finally said, “Careless talk is begging for disaster. Don’t you know that a peak Rank-6 can easily hear you from really far away?”
“The instructor wouldn’t be so petty, would she?”
“It’s hard to say.”
Zhao Xuemei laughed. She gloated, “Seems like you have not been beaten up enough.”
“You speak like you have never received any bashing!”
Fang Ping retorted. When they were near the new student dormitory area, he spoke again, “You really want to participate in the National Championship? I don’t think girls have any reason to participate.”
“Forget me. What about you?” Zhao Xuemei returned the question. “I feel you’re not too concerned about losing or winning the National Championship, so why bother participating?”
“For the benefits.”
Fang Ping continued listlessly, “I think I have spent too much recently. The daily provisions given by the university are too little. If I don’t participate in the National Championship, how would the school be able to give me those benefits?
“If this goes on, I’ll eat myself homeless.
“Besides, I get the feeling the instructor wants us to participate. It might have something to do with the worsening situation.
“I will still be here for many years. I’m still a new student. If I don’t do anything for the university now, what would the university think of me?”
These days, Fang Ping had thought things through.
Compared to other new students, he was relatively well-known. If he avoided combat, how would the school perceive him?
Although the school had emphasized that they would not force anyone into it, if a rookie king like him refused to participate, other students would surely be affected psychologically as well.
The best-case scenario would be that the university turned a blind eye to it.
The worst-case scenario would be that the university might think that Fang Ping did not feel a sense of belonging in MCMAU. In the future, they would not favor him when it came to the distribution of resources. It would be totally understandable if they even decided to give up training him.
MCMAU was his sponsor. Fang Ping would never willingly give up his position as an honors student right now.
Or else, it would spell trouble in the future.
When Zhao Xuemei heard what he had said, she replied melancholically, “And here we are worrying about how we could get through the limited spaces in the National Championship. You are lucky. If I were you, I would not even hesitate.”
“We are not the same...”
Fang Ping was speaking the truth. ‘If I could, I truly hope that I could achieve Rank-2 and Rank-3 safely and steadily, even all the way to Grandmaster.’
The current situation did not allow him this choice.