Douluo Amon: I am the Heavenly Venerable of the Dragon King

The darkness on Zhang Yangzi's face seemed to lessen a bit, and he couldn't help but ask, "Teacher Wu, isn't mecha a topic only taught in the advanced classes? We're only first-year students! Isn't it too early?"

Following traditional teaching methods, the junior division of an intermediate soul master academy consists of six years of foundational study. The senior division begins to explore knowledge related to mecha. After graduating from the senior division, students specialize in different areas...

They were admitted to various advanced colleges for further study. Those who graduated from these colleges were all elite students at the very top of society.

They're in their first year of junior high at the intermediate academy, which is six years old. Are they already learning about mecha? Isn't that forcing them to learn too much too soon?

Wu Changkong said, "Your mecha class only talks about the knowledge of mecha, so that you can have a general understanding of mecha, but it does not teach you any specific details."

So there won't be many courses. Which of you doesn't want to become a mecha pilot in the future?

All six fell silent. Mech pilots were now synonymous with strength and represented the mainstream.

Wu Changkong said, "Since that's the case, then listen to the lesson carefully." He glanced at Zhang Yangzi, and immediately, Zhang Yangzi felt a chill run down his spine and dared not utter another word.

"The development of modern mechs dates back ten thousand years. At that time, soul tools had undergone thousands of years of development and were increasingly widely used."

All technologies were initially researched for the purpose of war. Soul tools were no exception. Only after soul tools achieved widespread use in warfare did they gradually transition to civilian applications.

"At that time, the Soul Masters envisioned whether Soul Tools could be used to comprehensively amplify Soul Masters, thereby making them more powerful. They began to experiment with mecha research in various ways."

"In the ancient times tens of thousands of years ago, Soul Masters were the most popular profession. However, not only were Soul Masters few in number, but the vast majority of them were limited to very low levels and could not become strong."

The emergence of soul tools gradually changed this landscape, allowing lower-level soul masters, especially support-type soul masters, to possess combat power through the combination of their soul power and soul tools. The appearance of soul-guided mechs has made this change even more pronounced.

"Soul-guided mechs are powered by soul power stored in a soul power storage device, allowing users to unleash power far exceeding their own capabilities. The earliest soul-guided mechs were developed with the goal of becoming larger."

Because, in the eyes of the Soul Masters of that time, the larger the size, the more Soul Power storage devices and various weapons and equipment it could carry.

"With the advancement of technology, even ordinary people, as long as they are physically strong enough, can pilot soul-guided mechs. This has made soul-guided mechs the mainstream of modern armies."

"The development history of Soul-Guided Mechs has progressed from small-scale to large-scale, then gradually to medium-scale, and finally to the mechs you commonly see today. This is a brief overview of the development of mechs."

The entire process underwent continuous verification and evolution, including the refinement of the soul-guiding array and various innovations and technological leaps. The importance of mechs steadily increased during warfare.

Nan Fusheng listened very attentively. This was the first time he had systematically learned about mechs, and given his current weakness in attack, mechs were a good option.

It's a bit expensive. Although Nan Fusheng doesn't know how much it costs to build a mech, it's definitely not something a poor guy like him with just over a million federal dollars can afford.

As he thought about it, Nan Fusheng couldn't help but shed tears of despair. He vowed that if he ever had the chance, he would definitely become a high-level blacksmith or a soul master, or some other profession that made it easy to get rich quick.

At this moment, Wu Changkong on the stage said, "A true strongman will not make his body bigger. The existence of mechs is for amplification, not to become a bigger target."

Therefore, mechs of purple rank and above are all trending towards miniaturization. Because they've become so small they resemble armor, they're called "Battle Armor!"

Upon hearing Wu Changkong mention 'Battle Armor' on stage, Nan Fusheng, who had been lost in thought, immediately snapped back to reality. Battle Armor was an alternative soul tool that could directly amplify a soul master's strength.

The other five were also captivated by the novel term Wu Changkong used: Battle Armor! This entirely new concept easily drew their attention.

Mechs that resemble armor are the ultimate form of technology.

"As we all know, in addition to mecha pilots who control mechas, there are also mecha manufacturers, a profession that occupies an important position in the human world."

Mech builders are divided into three categories: mech designers, mech builders, and mech repairmen. Today, we'll begin explaining mech-related knowledge, and a very important part of this is allowing you to choose your future second career path.

I suggest you choose one of these three as your second career. This is an essential path to becoming strong.

Gu Yue asked in surprise, "Teacher Wu, shouldn't we be focusing on cultivation, or at most learning how to operate mecha? Why choose a second profession?"

Wu Changkong said, "If you want your battle armor to become powerful, then the battle armor must be suitable for you. Therefore, a truly top-tier battle armor master will always be extremely close to his or her mecha."

Either you design it yourself, or you make it yourself, or you repair it yourself. Only in this way can it gradually become one with your battle armor.

Without learning a second profession, you will never be able to create the battle armor most suitable for yourselves, and thus you will never be able to ascend to godhood.

"The establishment of Class Zero has only one goal: to propel you toward the pinnacle. This process will be difficult and lengthy, and you may spend your entire lives striving in this direction. What I need to do is, in the very beginning, help you avoid detours and help you recognize the right direction."

"There's no rush to choose a second career. You have plenty of time to think about it. But by your third year at the latest, you'll have to make a choice. With your talent, you should be ahead of the average person in this area. The earlier you start, the sooner you'll reap the rewards. So give me your answer within three years."

"Of course, the three options I've given are just what I consider the best. They're not absolute. There are other mecha-related professions that you could consider as your second career. In fact, some of you have already chosen your second career."

At this point, he looked at Tang Wulin.

A second profession? Tang Wulin immediately realized that Teacher Wu was referring to his forging skills.

"Wu Lin chose blacksmithing. He chose his second profession very early, so I believe he must have a special talent in this area. Blacksmithing is also a second profession that I suggest you consider."

Because all mechs of purple rank and above require forging. Regardless of your secondary profession, reaching five stars or higher will provide you with sufficient resources for training.

Tang Wulin was the most stable one; he had already made his choice and would definitely not consider changing it. He was now a three-star forging master, highly regarded by the Forging Masters Association, and the more he studied forging, the more determined he became.

The more he learned, the more he realized how profound and complex this field was. His father had taught him from a young age that whatever he did, he had to concentrate on it and not be half-hearted.

The other five remained silent, clearly indicating that choosing a second job was not an easy task.

They are still young and cannot decide what they like yet. Fortunately, they have more than two years to think about it, which is plenty of time.

Chapter 41 Killing the chicken to scare the monkey

Wu Changkong said calmly, "Alright, that's all for today's lesson on mecha. You only need to remember two key points."

First, truly powerful mechs are called battle armor, and truly powerful soul masters rely on weapons that exist in the form of battle armor.

Second, you need to choose a second career related to mecha within three years.

It was easy to remember, and it covered things that Nan Fusheng and his classmates were most interested in, making the lesson very simple.

At this moment, Tang Wulin suddenly said, "Teacher Wu, when can we see the real battle armor?" He had been listening very attentively until now, and only now did he speak up about what he most wanted to know.

Wu Changkong glanced at him and said, "Once you complete the first phase of practical training, I'll let you see the battle armor. Whoever finishes first will see it first. You're not qualified yet."

Practical training? Practical training between Soul Masters?

Before the students could ask any questions, Wu Changkong continued, "Today's next lesson is practical training. Right here. Nan Fusheng and Tang Wulin, you two help them move their desks to the back, clearing out the central area of ​​the classroom."

Here? Wouldn't it be easy to destroy a Soul Master's abilities if they were used here?

All six of them, including Nan Fusheng, had the same question in their hearts, but they still did as Wu Changkong said.

"Tang Wulin, come to me." Wu Changkong nodded to Tang Wulin.

"Yes." Tang Wulin stepped forward quickly.

"What do you think of your match yesterday?" Wu Changkong asked coldly.

After a moment's thought, Tang Wulin said, "We've all been too eager for quick success. We're classmates after all, and we shouldn't hurt each other. We should stop here."

Wu Changkong waved his hand. "I'm not asking you those things. I'm asking you about your feelings during the battle. How do you think you performed in the competition?"

Tang Wulin said, "The process was a bit chaotic. It was the first time we had seen each other's abilities, and we were a little confused and our coordination was not good enough. I'm referring to the four of us. They were coordinating at the time, but they didn't seem to have particularly good teamwork."

Wu Changkong coldly said, "Chaos? It's more than just chaos, it's a complete mess."

Upon hearing this, all five of them, except for Nan Fusheng, were stunned. As the best of the first-year students and members of the special class Zero, specially approved by the academy, everyone except Tang Wulin was very confident in their abilities. Where did this talk of chaos come from?

Wu Changkong looked into Tang Wulin's eyes and said, "To be honest, I'm very disappointed. The four of you have been learning from me for three months. Your teamwork is barely passable."

However, from the very beginning of the match, you relinquished your advantage. Xie Xie deserved to have his arm broken.

Xie Xie's expression froze; he hadn't expected his teacher to give him such an evaluation.

Next, Wu Changkong launched a barrage of attacks on the six people, pointing out all their shortcomings in the promotion tournament and belittling them to the point of being worthless, yet they were unable to refute him.

Wu Changkong's few words of criticism were spot on.

Finally, Wu Changkong said coldly, "All six of you have a common problem, which is also the problem that will be solved in the upcoming practical class."

That is, you yourselves severely lack practical combat experience and skills. I'm not referring to your combat experience using martial spirits or spirit skills.

You're lacking in that area too, but not too much. What you lack even more is basic combat ability when not using your Martial Soul.

Basic combat abilities? Do Soul Masters even need such things? Aren't Soul Masters simply required to unleash Soul Skills to achieve combat objectives?

Do you think that the basic combat abilities I mentioned are meaningless?

Gu Yue said, "Yes, Teacher Wu. My ability is elemental control. In battle, I only need to continuously suppress my opponent using the elements."

Whether it's a single enemy or a group of enemies, as long as the elements I control are powerful enough, I can end the battle.

Wu Zhangkong nodded.

"If that's what you think, then let's do a test. Gu Yue, you come out too."

You and Tang Wulin, attack me together. I won't use any soul skills, and I'll suppress my soul power to the same level as yours, around level thirteen. Let's see if you can defeat me. Hmm, activate your martial soul as well.

As he spoke, Wu Changkong turned around and picked up a pointer from the podium. Then he returned to the center.

Gu Yue stepped forward and came to Tang Wulin's side. At the same level, he still wouldn't use his soul skills? Not even his martial soul? That's seriously underestimating him!

After three months of training, Gu Yue and Tang Wulin had developed a certain level of teamwork. When they worked together, one focused on close-quarters combat, while the other provided ranged attacks.

Unfortunately, despite their excellent teamwork, the two couldn't pose much of a threat to Wu Changkong. Instead, they were thoroughly outmaneuvered by Wu Changkong's exquisite swordsmanship and Tang Clan's ultimate techniques. After the battle, the remaining four looked at each other in bewilderment.

This……

So strong.

The classroom fell silent instantly. Wu Changkong reappeared in front of Tang Wulin, but his gaze was fixed on the fading golden scales on Tang Wulin's right arm, revealing a thoughtful expression.

"Teacher, were you just using basic techniques?" Xie Xie stared wide-eyed at Wu Changkong.

Wu Changkong nodded. "Do you still think basic skills are useless? Basic skills are the foundation of everything."

While martial spirits and soul skills can certainly make a soul master powerful, how you use them is the fundamental factor that determines just how powerful you can become.

Basic skills are simply the ways to apply them, and this applies to both battle armor and regular mechs. Therefore, from today onward, for a long time to come, practicing basic combat skills will be an important subject for you.