First-Generation Mecha
Specifications:
Height: 5 meters
Weight: 6.2 tons
Operating System: First-generation AI management system
Power Core: Driven by a Level-6 soul tool core array
Equipped Weapons: 1x Soul Energy Cannon (Level-7) 2x Focused Heat Rays (Level-6) 1x Titan-class Protective Energy Shield (Level-7)
Soul Power Reserves: 2x Level-6 Sealed Milk Bottles
Xu Cheng glanced over the information sheet in his hand and then at the three-meter-tall mecha before him, nodding in satisfaction.
Of course, this wasn't an artifact crafted by Elder Cheng himself—no need to use a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Instead, it was based on a fundamental framework set up by Elder Cheng and later refined by the researchers at Mingde Hall over time.
Currently, Mingde Hall's research projects were divided into several key areas:
Humanoid MechasMissile Refinement and Advancements (with potential developments toward satellites) Drone TechnologyInformation Concealment Technology
Among them, humanoid mechas received the most investment in resources, both in manpower and materials.
The reason was simple—it was the most tangible project, one that could yield returns the fastest.
The mecha standing before Xu Cheng was proof of this progress.
Beside him, a white-haired, white-bearded researcher from Mingde Hall eagerly introduced the mecha:
"This model only requires a Level-6 soul engineer or a Soul Emperor with six rings to pilot. However, its combat power rivals that of a Level-7 soul engineer. Its main weapon is Mingde Hall's latest creation—the Soul Energy Cannon, which consumes less energy yet delivers greater power compared to traditional Level-7 soul tools. With two Sealed Milk Bottles and the pilot's soul power, it can fire over fifty shots."
"The other offensive soul tools allow the pilot to maintain combat power at the Level-7 soul engineer standard for an extended period. As for the Titan-class Protective Shield, it's one of our latest developments. It can withstand the full-force strike of a Level-8 soul tool and can also be recharged using soul power, allowing it to self-repair."
"To address the issue of non-spirit-type soul masters struggling with accuracy, we've integrated an AI-assisted targeting system, providing signal prompts and support for aiming."
As he spoke, the elderly researcher opened the cockpit and gestured to Xu Cheng.
"All parameters are displayed clearly, complete with progress bars and numerical values, as per Your Highness's request. This includes defense values, remaining soul power in the Sealed Milk Bottles, and more—it's all visible on this panel."
Xu Cheng gazed at the glowing interface and nodded slowly.
This mecha was naturally far inferior to his Arcues—while the latter could potentially surpass Limit Douluo, the former was capped at the Soul Sage level.
However, in terms of interface design and AI systems, there were some similarities—after all, both used early-stage artificial intelligence.
That said…
"Xiaobai, what do you think?" Xu Cheng chuckled.
In his palm, a small white sphere suddenly extended a "head" and floated into the air, displaying an unimpressed expression on its digital face.
"Hmph! A mere basic AI, only capable of following pre-programmed instructions—how could it possibly compare to me?"
Yes—this was Xu Cheng's Mid-Tier AI, a system reward he received after dismantling the formation in Sunset Forest.
It not only allowed for self-repair of mechas and learning capabilities but also possessed human-like thought processes and was directly linked to the Thunderbolt. Even better, it could function independently via a remote "sub-body"—meaning Xu Cheng didn't need to activate the Thunderbolt for it to move freely.
At this level, it was already close to Jarvis from the movies.
"How long does it take to produce a first-generation unit, and how much manpower is required?" Xu Cheng asked indifferently.
"This prototype was developed by two Level-7 soul engineers over the course of one month," the elderly researcher mused. "Once production is optimized, a single Level-7 soul engineer should be able to produce one in half a month."
Xu Cheng rubbed his chin.
Honestly, he'd love to create a fully automated assembly line, but it was incredibly difficult.
The higher the level of a soul tool, the more precise the engraving of core arrays had to be. Human craftsmanship remained irreplaceable—unless they could develop a soul tool lithography machine.
However, even Elder Cheng and Elder Yi had shaken their heads helplessly at the idea, meaning it wasn't feasible for now.
Just then—
"Your Highness!"
A valiant, short-haired woman clad in striking red armor appeared before Xu Cheng, dropping to one knee in excitement.
"Huo Lei?" Xu Cheng was slightly surprised.
Three years ago, at the Fire Phoenix Camp, he had met this loyal subordinate of his Aunt Qing. Now, after three years, she had broken through from Soul Sage to Soul Douluo, becoming a Level-8 soul engineer.
According to Aunt Qing, Huo Lei had also taken over the Fourth Battalion, replacing her as its commander.
"What brings you here?" Xu Cheng asked with a smile.
Huo Lei coughed awkwardly, then stared hungrily at the prototype mecha beside them—practically drooling.
With thirty of these mechas, she could match the firepower of an entire 500-man battalion!
Xu Cheng sighed internally.
As expected, veteran soldiers were all the same—shameless, regardless of gender.
That said, he trusted that if he gave the order, these soldiers would die for him without hesitation.
If he ever needed elite forces for a coup—these people would be the first choice.
"Produce 100 first-generation units," Xu Cheng instructed the elderly researcher.
"Distribute 70 to Fire Phoenix Soul Engineer Regiment and 30 to Xie Jun."
"Understood! And what about development for the second-generation model?"
"I want it to be capable of Level-8 soul engineer combat."
"Yes, Your Highness!" The researcher nodded, then glanced at Huo Lei's elated expression, thinking to himself:"It seems Fire Phoenix truly holds a special place in His Highness's heart…"
"Thank you, Your Highness!" Huo Lei didn't waste words—she didn't need to pledge loyalty or make empty promises.
Her only duty was simple: when His Highness needed her, she would charge through fire and water without hesitation.
Elsewhere—
Ma Xiaotao's eyes reddened as she stared at the half-mechanical Chen Zifeng.
"Chen Zifeng, you… you're not dead?!"
Chen Zifeng, on the other hand, twitched his mouth as he looked at Ma Xiaotao's black cloak—A classic evil soul master outfit.
"What the hell happened to the academy while I was gone?"
This was the Royal Academy of the Sun Moon Empire, inside a trial arena.
With Xu Cheng's help, Ma Xiaotao had successfully obtained the identity of a Mingde Hall student, which allowed her to enter. She was looking for someone to spar with when she happened to see Chen Zifeng wielding a longsword, moving like a raging flood dragon, cutting through his opponents in the trial arena.
Ma Xiaotao glanced at herself, cloaked as she was, and her expression became complicated. "Did that evil soul master bring you back here?"
Chen Zifeng scratched his head. "No, that evil soul master died a long time ago. After I woke up, I watched the recording stone. It was someone from the Holy Spirit Cult named 'Crow' who saved me. But this Holy Spirit Cult… seems different from what I imagined."
"So, you joined the Holy Spirit Cult?" Ma Xiaotao asked with a complex expression. She wasn't blaming him—after all, she herself had already become the Holy Spirit Cult's Saintess…
Fate played cruel tricks.
"Not exactly." Chen Zifeng sighed. "His Highness Xu Cheng gave me two choices. The first was to join the Holy Spirit Cult, but it would be the Holy Spirit Cult under his rule. He took me to see it for myself and… how should I put it? It's not just different from the evil soul master strongholds I imagined—it's completely unrelated to them. He told me that as the Holy Spirit Cult's Holy Son, he is striving to achieve a certain goal. What I saw overturned my worldview and even made me feel a little inferior."
"The second choice was to join the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Academy and enter Mingde Hall, since he is still a prince of the Sun Moon Empire. Look, this mechanical arm was personally crafted for me by His Highness Xu Cheng. It's an eighth-ranked soul tool. I wasn't comfortable using sword-type soul tools, so I stuck with my martial soul."
As he spoke, Chen Zifeng showed Ma Xiaotao his mechanical arm.
It moved as naturally as flesh and blood, flexible and precise.
"To be honest, I'm amazed. This mechanical arm doesn't slow me down or hinder my strength in the slightest. In fact, it's even enhanced me to some extent." Chen Zifeng smiled. "I've already advanced to the Soul Emperor level and obtained my sixth soul ring. I can even rival a seventh-ranked soul engineer now!"
"And the atmosphere here is great. Ma Rulong, Lin Xi, and those guys? When I was still missing half my body, they literally carried me off to fights, and we even silenced a seventh-ranked soul engineer together! Hahaha…"
Ma Xiaotao remained silent.
She could tell that Chen Zifeng's smile was genuine—it wasn't an act.
After hesitating for a long time, she finally asked, "If… you had a chance to return to Shrek Academy, would you…"
"I wouldn't." Chen Zifeng's tone was indifferent. "Xiaotao-jie, I can see that you've changed a lot too. You're calmer and more mature than before. But if you're trying to persuade me to go back, you should give up on that idea."
"First, after contacting my family, I learned about the academy's actions. As for Elder Xuan, I know that's just how he is, but I simply can't accept his arrogance when my family was preparing for my funeral. Even my family, after this incident, has decided to shift their focus toward the Sun Moon Empire."
"Second, Shrek's inspection team? In my eyes, it's just a meat grinder that crushes talents. It serves no purpose whatsoever. Ten thousand years ago, when the Spirit Hall faced an enemy, they sent out Titled Douluo to fight. But Shrek Academy… Forget it. I, Chen Zifeng, have never feared evil soul masters. If I were afraid of death, I wouldn't have undertaken twenty-four missions, the most dangerous of which even cost me half my body."
"Besides, if I want to hunt down evil soul masters, I might as well join His Highness Xu Cheng's forces. Because he told me that not everyone in the Holy Spirit Cult is evil. Some were forced into it after being persecuted by the so-called righteous factions, and many of them have never stained their hands with innocent blood. His Highness Xu Cheng has promised that in the future, he will deal with the true evil soul masters. In my opinion, he is more trustworthy than Shrek Academy…"
"But what truly made me decide was the fact that, in the Holy Spirit Cult, I met a senior…"
Chen Zifeng's voice grew heavy.
"He was crippled by that scum Zhou Yi, had his potential completely ruined, and was then expelled from Shrek Academy. With nowhere else to go, he was forced to join the Holy Spirit Cult. And he's not the only one—there are quite a few seniors like him in the Holy Spirit Cult."
"So, what exactly is Shrek?"
Chen Zifeng muttered to himself.
"Does it really deserve to be called the number one academy on the continent?"
Ma Xiaotao gently pressed her lips together.
After a long while, she let out a quiet sigh.
She was lost too…
(End of Chapter)