"Mechas are weapons worn by people. At first glance, they seem vastly different from battle armor, but you must understand— not everyone can become a Soul Master. For ordinary people, piloting a mecha is the same as how we, as Soul Masters, wield battle armor."
"Battle armor is currently divided into four levels: One-word Battle Armor Master, Two-word Battle Armor Master, Three-word Battle Armor Master, and Four-word Battle Armor Master."
"Generally speaking, one-word battle armor is merely a prototype. Only when you reach the level of a two-word Battle Armor Master can it truly merge with your life, becoming a part of your body, a part of your martial soul. Therefore, when creating battle armor, the first step is to ensure that your martial soul resonates with it, allowing the two to attract each other and ultimately making it an extension of your martial soul. Only with an equipped martial soul can you become truly powerful."
"As I mentioned earlier, battle armor is divided into four levels. Although there are only four, the gap between each level is vast. If you wish to become a Battle Armor Master, you must have a secondary profession related to battle armor creation. Currently, the most effective choices are mecha design and mecha crafting. Designing your own mecha means tailoring it to your martial soul, ensuring the best compatibility. No one knows you better than yourself. Mecha crafting involves engraving core formations and soul arrays personally, making the fusion process with your battle armor much smoother. These two professions are your best options. Of course, you may also choose forging or mecha repair. However, forging is the most difficult to master, while mecha repair facilitates better integration with battle armor in the later stages."
"No one can master forging, mecha design, and mecha crafting all at once. If you believe yourself talented enough to learn everything, you might as well study soul tools and become a scientist. Otherwise, from this moment on, you have two choices: either earn more contribution points to hire experts for the other aspects of battle armor creation, or build strong relationships with your peers and seek their assistance. Social skills are also a part of one's strength."
"The strength of your battle armor depends on its compatibility with you. The best synergy can increase a Soul Master's power by an equivalent of twenty ranks."
"The basic requirement for a One-word Battle Armor Master is a rank 50 soul power, at least a third-level secondary profession, and the use of thousand-refined rare metals. However, there are exceptions— those confident in their abilities can attempt crafting it earlier. The design must be completed by a Design Master, the manufacturing by a Crafting Master, and the compatibility must be at least 60%. Additionally, the battle armor must consist of at least nine parts to be considered complete."
The morning class continued without a break, going on until noon...
"Old Tang, why did you lie to me?" Tang Wulin's gaze was dark. He had trusted Old Tang completely!
Before him lay a vast plain, countless Blue Silver Grass glowing faintly with a soft blue light. The air was filled with their unique scent.
A blue figure stood in the distance, long hair flowing. Though he seemed close, he felt infinitely far away.
Blue was often a color associated with warmth and affinity, but Tang Wulin did not feel that way now. He was filled with confusion and resentment toward Old Tang's actions. That soul bone had been an illusion; it was impossible to absorb. Even if he had absorbed it, he wouldn't have been able to take it with him.
"Wulin, the world changes in unpredictable ways. Even the strongest individuals can only sigh at its shifting tides. How should I explain this to you? No matter how I try, I cannot make you understand. What is illusion? What is reality? The two are like parallel worlds, and with the right connection, one can switch between them. Gu You possesses such an ability. Though I lack his power, I can genuinely help you copy a portion of fate's energy— even if it's just a fraction. I did not lie to you. Moreover, your Golden Dragon King seal will have at least a 20% higher chance of being unlocked."
Tang Wulin chuckled bitterly. "My parents are still waiting for me. Gu You has a way to deal with the Golden Dragon King's power. If he can truly help me find my parents, I don't want to be a Soul Master anymore. Once I find my sister, perhaps I can live the rest of my life in peace."
"I told you from the beginning— you shouldn't have gotten close to him," Old Tang said, his voice trembling at the mention of Wulin's parents.
"Enough. If it weren't for you, the Golden Dragon King's seal wouldn't have been placed on me in the first place. Still, I must thank you. After all, you've helped me so much." Tang Wulin looked up at the illusory sky. It gradually darkened until all light faded from view.
"Did I make a mistake?" Old Tang murmured to himself. He looked at his own hands, lost in confusion.
During lunch, Gu You once again exchanged several spirit-forged ores, earning a large number of contribution points. His actions left the exchange staff stunned— spirit-forged ores were incredibly rare, yet this young boy had already submitted so many.
"Child, where did you get these high-grade ores?" the exchange staff member asked.
"Where else? If I had an easier way to get them, why would I even bother learning forging? I made them myself, of course," Gu You replied, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.
The staff member was taken aback. Judging by Gu You's uniform, he was a first-year student. A first-year student… at the level of a fifth-rank blacksmith! This had to be a record-breaking achievement.
Throughout history, there had been exceptionally talented designers and crafters who reached fifth-rank at such a young age. However, forging was different— it was the most difficult secondary profession. Reaching this level at his age was simply unheard of.
Gu You transferred some contribution points to Gu Yue's student card, as well as to Xie Xie and Xu Xiaoyan's. With the combined total, they could afford several luxurious meals.
As for himself, he didn't need them. Although his body required a massive amount of energy to replenish his blood vitality, what he truly lacked wasn't energy. He possessed divine power, meaning he wouldn't starve to death. However, his life force was limited. Even though divine power contained longevity essence, he couldn't convert it. Purifying divine power for himself was impossible. When helping others, he could use his power of destruction to strip away impurities, preserving the longevity essence. But if he tried to use it for himself, it would be like hurting himself to heal himself— a futile effort.
"You can spirit-forge?" A deep voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Of course," Gu You responded, turning around.
Approaching him was a pair of...
(End of Chapter)