As Vice Pagoda Master of the Spirit Pagoda, Leng Yaozhu had known Qiangu Dongfeng far too long. Others might not realize it, but how could she not know his ambitions?
He was a born schemer. His goal was to elevate the Spirit Pagoda into an entity like the ancient Spirit Hall from twenty thousand years ago—an organization powerful enough to stand above the entire Federation, even to control it.
She didn't have absolute proof, but she was certain.
It wouldn't be long now...
"The Federation's newest tech? That sounds interesting. Each major city has its own competition hub, and each city's Spirit Pagoda can also participate. Apparently, it's somewhat like the Spirit Ascension Platform—but not quite the same."
"This new tech can cover the entire continent. Every soul master who wants to join can take part. It can completely scan and simulate each participant's body condition and all their abilities. It's totally fair. This system could greatly enhance soul masters' actual combat capabilities—and it's especially helpful for mecha pilots."
"Exactly! Devices like this used to only exist in major organizations, and even then, they weren't well-developed or interconnected. But this time, it's different. It's being rolled out by the Federation. All systems will be unified."
"The Federation is hosting this tournament with such high rewards just to attract as many soul masters as possible to promote this advanced system. I heard it's already being used within the military—and it's working really well."
"If it's true, then great. What are we waiting for? Let's go sign up. It's free anyway—no cost to try it out."
"Are there any restrictions?"
"Not really. Anyone below Titled Douluo can participate. Oh, and below Three-Word Battle Armor level. Apparently, the system can't handle the energy from battles involving Three-Word Battle Armor yet. The external components aren't strong enough. Even if someone with Three-Word Armor is scanned, the energy overflow during combat might break the system."
"So as long as you're not a Three-Word Armor user—or don't use your armor—you can enter, as long as you're not a Titled Douluo."
"Is it all just one-on-one duels? Are there team battles too?"
"Not yet. This tournament is split into two parts: mecha battles and soul master battles. Both are solo events."
"This is a national-level competition. It starts in regional divisions, then moves into the finals. I heard that anyone who makes it to the finals will receive huge rewards."
"The top sixteen will get even crazier prizes. The champion, they say, gets a full set of red-grade mecha crafting materials—or a full set of Divine-grade metal for Four-Word Battle Armor. That's absolutely insane!"
"Obviously! If it's something launched by our country, how bad could it be? Of course the rewards have to be maxed out!"
---
Gu You had already left.
Blood Nine glanced toward Blood One, whose expression had turned solemn.
"What's wrong, chief?" Blood Nine asked, puzzled.
Blood One replied gravely. "Gu You's appearance might be the greatest opportunity we've ever had—or it might be a disaster. It's too soon to tell. He's exposed too early. I've already reported to the commander that we need to reinforce our defenses."
"This Abyssal Tide was short, but I worry the next one will come much sooner."
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"Star Dou Battle Network?"
Gu You stared at the data Blood One had sent him, surprise flickering in his eyes.
'Isn't this basically a virtual PK game?'
The Federation's latest technological advancement used a device called the Star Dou Pod, which allowed users to enter the Star Dou Battle Network and participate in simulated battles.
It seemed a bit like the Spirit Ascension Platform from the Spirit Pagoda—but without entry limits, and without the ascension effects. It didn't conflict with the Spirit Pagoda at all.
The biggest advantage was that it allowed soul masters and mecha pilots to compete on a shared platform.
The system had only recently been developed, and future updates were planned.
Blood One's task for Gu You was to join the Battle Network Tournament—and make it into the top three.
Gu You twitched slightly.
He had expected a hard assignment, but this? Looking over the Star Dou Network info, he suddenly felt there was no problem at all.
Fighting in a game?
That was totally his thing.
The rules stated: only those below Titled Douluo could enter. That meant even Rank 80 Soul Douluo were eligible. And many Soul Saints and Soul Douluos probably only had Two-Word Armor, right?
So their combat capabilities might be comparable. This could be interesting.
A Star Dou Pod had already been delivered straight to his new room. He was no longer staying in his old dorm; now he lived on the floor above the main hall, where auxiliary Blood God members were housed.
The living conditions hadn't improved much—it was still basic—but the room was larger.
Unfortunately, that extra space was now almost completely occupied by the Star Dou Pod.
The device took up a full eight square meters. It looked like an oversized coffin—complex and probably extremely expensive.
The Blood God Battalion wasn't the only place with these pods. The Corps had them too. Gu You remembered Long Yuxue mentioning that the Corps had been among the first to test the Battle Network.
But the Corps only had fifty pods. They were always booked solid, requiring long queues to use. That's why Long Yuxue had never taken him there.
So when Gu You saw one of these pods all to himself, in his own room, he couldn't help but feel a little excited.
To have a private Star Dou Pod—especially when the tech had just been released—was definitely a luxury.
Time to try it out.
Registration had already opened. The regional matches would start in two days. Before that, he needed to register and get used to the system.
Gu You pressed the button to open the pod and climbed in.
The pod's internal design was extremely complex—far more intricate than anything he'd seen in the Spirit Ascension Platform.
Once the hatch closed, it wasn't stuffy at all. Various metal lines connected to his body, aligning perfectly. Circular restraints locked around him to prevent energy from leaking out during the simulated battles.
It took nearly five minutes for the connections to complete.
Gu You felt like some kind of test subject.
Then his vision went black...
(End of Chapter)
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