Zhou Luo from Canglan Third High School had taken a staggering eighteen-level lead over everyone else, even crushing the prodigies from the world-class base cities of the capital, Demon City, and Seacity beneath his feet.
His own arrogance and domineering nature were further displayed when he slashed through the phantom of the Adjudicator invigilator with a single strike, shocking the entire Canglan Base City.
Every young fighter now knew Zhou Luo's name.
Many major factions couldn't resist investigating Zhou Luo's background, but all they could uncover was that he had consistently dominated the first rank in the first-tier Net Domain over the years.
With a full 100,000 battles fought and a win rate of 100%, it was no wonder his combat experience was so formidable.
As for any other information about Zhou Luo, no one could find a trace.
At this moment, Zhou Luo had already returned home, only to find two people sitting on the sofa the moment he opened the door.
"Get in here, you little rascal. These two esteemed guests are here to see you."
Zhou Hong pulled Zhou Luo inside and immediately gave him a fierce hug. "Kid, seize this opportunity. Divine Martial Mech Academy in Demon City is good, but I wouldn't recommend it. These two guests are probably here for you—don't mess this up."
Though Zhou Hong's voice was low, the two on the sofa were no ordinary figures and heard every word clearly.
The corners of their lips curled slightly.
"Esteemed guests, I leave Zhou Luo in your hands. I'll go help out in the kitchen."
To Zhou Hong, these two were the most powerful experts he had ever encountered in his life. Were it not for Zhou Luo, he might never have had the chance to meet them.
And yet, these two had personally come to their home for Zhou Luo.
"No need for formalities. We'll just have a quick chat and be on our way," Yu Wentong said with a calm smile.
"Zhou Luo greets the two seniors."
The two men were none other than Adjudicator Yu Wentong and Meng Li, the admissions instructor from War God Academy.
"Let me introduce myself properly. My name is Meng Li, a third-tier instructor at War God Mech Academy." Meng Li rose from the sofa and slowly extended his hand.
Zhou Luo shook it.
Meng Li's temples were streaked with white, his frame somewhat gaunt. His eyes were exceptionally shadowed, his cheeks slightly sunken, yet his posture was strikingly upright. The man resembled a coiled viper, exuding an aura of chilling coldness.
It sent shivers down one's spine.
Hearing the name "Meng Li," Zhou Luo's expression shifted slightly.
"The Demon Blade Meng Li! A renowned seventh-tier super expert!"
"Demon Blade" was the title the world had bestowed upon him. When his mecha fought, it would be shrouded in eerie black mist. Combined with his mecha's signature weapon—a massive black blade—and his ultimate technique, which could disturb an opponent's mind, he was seen as utterly demonic.
Hence, he was called the Demon Blade!
A seventh-tier expert with a title was an entirely different concept from one without.
"I'm Yu Wentong—you already know me."
Next, Yu Wentong removed his wide-brimmed hat, revealing a face that commanded authority even without anger. A scar ran down the right side of his cheek, adding a touch of ferocity.
"You probably already guessed why we're here."
"That's right. I, Adjudicator Yu Wentong, formally invite you to join Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall."
"War God Mech Academy also extends a formal invitation to you. As I said before, aside from ensuring your safety, we cannot directly provide you with resources. Everything depends on your own strength."
"Don't rush to refuse just yet."
"Let's talk about the Imperial Capital Base City and Demon Capital Base City first. The top academies there will undoubtedly offer astonishing resources, but so what? Those places are just for the descendants of influential families to gild their credentials—there's no real substance to it."
"Even if there are top-tier talents, they're nothing but trash. Only our War God Mech Academy is worthy of recruiting geniuses like you!"
"There, you'll find instructors with unparalleled strength and students with equally extraordinary talents. Not a single coward exists in our institution!"
"Most importantly, we have numerous Heaven and Earth Secret Realms, perfectly suited for battle geniuses like you to train!"
Zhou Luo nodded in agreement after hearing Meng Li's words.
The Mecha Universities in Imperial Capital and Demon Capital were indeed questionable. Their students either came from powerful backgrounds or had extensive connections. Outsiders like him would only face suppression there.
Even if he could crush those people, having them pester him like flies would be troublesome.
In contrast, the War God Academy was truly exceptional.
The War God Mech Academy was located in Tianyu Base City—not only a world-class base city but also home to this top-tier institution whose overall strength rivaled the mech academies of Imperial Capital and Demon Capital.
Most importantly, the War God Academy had abundant Heaven and Earth Secret Realms. With his two mechas, Fire Thunder and Swift Blade, activating double experience gain would be absolutely exhilarating!
"Two esteemed seniors, you both want to recruit me, but I can only choose one," Zhou Luo said with a bitter expression.
The Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall was also extraordinary, and the Adjudicator was a revered figure wherever he went.
He didn't want to give up such an impressive title either.
Hearing this, the two men exchanged glances and burst into laughter.
"No need to worry about that. Our War God Mech Academy and Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall are close allies. We regularly send many outstanding students there—this isn't restricted."
"Moreover, Yu Wentong graduated from our academy. He was one of my students."
"What!?"
Now it was Zhou Luo's turn to be shocked.
He never expected the War God Academy to be so formidable, having such close ties with the Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall, and that Adjudicator Yu Wentong was actually a student of Demon Blade Meng Li.
"What? Couldn't you tell, kid?" Yu Wentong teased.
Zhou Luo chuckled awkwardly.
It seemed the War God Academy was indeed his destined path. He had no interest in going to Imperial Capital or Demon Capital to play house with those credential-gilding students.
"State your choice, young man."
"I choose the War God Academy, but I won't pass up the Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall either!"
"I knew it!"
"Hahahaha!"
The two men roared with laughter at having recruited such a genius.
In the kitchen, Wang Qiong and Zhou Hong peeked out quietly, relieved to see Zhou Luo chatting so happily with the two seniors.
"One month from now, on September 15th, I'll pick you up at 8 AM sharp at Canglan Base City's port. Miss it, and you're on your own."
"As for those who still won't give up, I'll personally inform them."
After giving Zhou Luo a profound look, Demon Blade shattered the void and departed.
"The teacher's running for his life—don't overthink it. The vice president of Starry Sky Mech University came in person for you. If he didn't run, he'd be in for a beating."
Hearing Yu Wentong's explanation, Zhou Luo couldn't help but laugh.
"Since you've already agreed to join Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall, I should explain its structure to you. You've probably heard about it, but certainly not in full detail."
"Then I'd appreciate your guidance, senior."
"Our Heaven's Punishment Mech Martial Hall was founded by the current world's top-ranked supreme expert, Fa! This is beyond dispute."
When speaking about Fa, the hall master, Yu Wentong's expression couldn't conceal a trace of worship and reverence.
(End of chapter)