Second Profession

Suddenly, Wu Changkong changed the subject and said:

"But the mechas I'm going to tell you about aren't those."

Not those!

Tang Wulin and the other four were greatly startled. Although Su Hao had already known this, seeing Tang Wulin and the others so shocked, he followed their lead and put on a surprised expression.

Wu Changkong continued calmly:

"Do you think that with the progress of the times and the development of Soul Tools, ordinary people are increasingly able to control powerful weapons?

"Then let me tell you that your understanding is merely the understanding of ordinary people.

"On the Douluo Continent, one thing has never changed over the past Ten Thousand Years: the strongest beings have always been the most powerful Soul Masters.

"An ordinary person can use Soul Tools to gain combat strength equivalent to that of a Second Ring, or even a Three Rings, Four Rings, or Fifth Ring Soul Master.

"Mechas can grant them formidable combat ability, but no matter what kind of mecha it is, it cannot turn an ordinary person into a top-tier Soul Master like an Eight Rings or Ninth Ring. At least, as things currently stood, this had never been possible in human history."

Upon hearing this, Xie Xie questioned Wu Changkong, "Then what if they use some superweapons? Some superweapons can be operated by ordinary people too, right?"

After hearing Xie Xie's question, Wu Changkong first acknowledged it, then countered with a question.

"What you said may be possible. But let me ask you this: what if both sides possess superweapons?

"Who would be able to unleash greater power? At the same time, I must tell you that, based on my understanding of current top-level technology, even the most powerful superweapons cannot destroy an individual with the strongest personal combat ability."

Wu Changkong spoke with absolute certainty, and Su Hao and the other five unconsciously straightened in their seats.

Wu Changkong paused briefly before continuing.

"Perhaps such a possibility will emerge in the near future.

"After all, human weapons are constantly advancing. But at least for now, it does not exist."

After hearing Wu Changkong's words, Tang Wulin raised another question.

"Teacher Wu, are these individuals with powerful personal combat ability Mecha Masters or Soul Masters?"

Wu Changkong answered Tang Wulin's question without hesitation.

"To be precise, they are a combination of both."

Wu Changkong then continued explaining to Su Hao and the other five.

"The mechas you see in daily life are generally between five and eight meters tall, varying according to their type.

"This is what I mean by the modern trend toward medium-sized mechas. After countless generations of research by Soul Engineers, they concluded that this size balanced mobility, offense, and defense, making it the most suitable for military deployment.

"But those are military-standard mechas, or rather, ordinary mechas. White Mechas and Yellow Mechas all belong to this category.

"However, that is not your goal. Your talents determine that you cannot develop in that direction in the future.

"The direction you should pursue is Battle Armor!"

Upon hearing the words "Battle Armor," only Su Hao among the six had done a little research on it. The other five were hearing of it for the first time and instinctively pricked up their ears to listen carefully to Wu Changkong's explanation.

Seeing that Su Hao and the other five were listening even more attentively than before, Wu Changkong said calmly:

"A true powerhouse will not make his body larger. The purpose of a mecha is to amplify its user, not to become a bigger target.

"Therefore, mechas above the purple grade are all developing toward miniaturization. Because they have become as small as armor, they are called Battle Armor!

"Only a Soul Master who possesses Battle Armor can be called a powerhouse. Only then can they truly combine their Martial Soul and mecha perfectly, thereby gaining formidable combat power."

Wu Changkong paused slightly, then continued.

"As everyone knows, besides Mecha Masters who operate mechas, Mecha Manufacturers are a profession that holds an important place in the human world.

"Mecha Manufacturers are divided into three categories: mecha designers, Mecha Manufacturers, and Mecha Repair specialists.

"Starting today, I will teach you knowledge related to mechas. One very important point is for you to choose the direction of your future Second Profession.

"I suggest that you choose one of these three as your Second Profession. This is a necessary path to becoming strong."

Gu Yue asked Wu Changkong in surprise, "Teacher Wu, shouldn't we focus our efforts on cultivation, with perhaps some mecha operation training at most? Why do we need to choose a Second Profession?"

Hearing Gu Yue's question, Wu Changkong rolled his eyes at her before continuing his explanation.

"If you want your Battle Armor to become powerful, it must suit you. Therefore, truly top-tier Battle Armor Masters must have an extremely close relationship with their mechas.

"Either they design it themselves, make it themselves, or repair it themselves. Only then can they gradually become one with their Battle Armor.

"If you do not learn a Second Profession, you will never be able to create Battle Armor that suits you best, and you will never be able to ascend to the altar of the gods.

"Class Zero was established with only one goal: to push you toward the altar of the gods. This process is difficult and lengthy. Perhaps you will spend your entire lives striving in this direction. What I must do is ensure that you take fewer detours in the beginning and recognize the right direction.

"There is no rush in choosing a Second Profession. You still have plenty of time to think about it.

"But by the third grade at the latest, you must make your choice. With your talents, you must also stay ahead of ordinary people in this regard. The earlier you begin, the sooner you reap the rewards.

"Therefore, give me your answers within three years.

"Of course, the three choices I have given are merely what I consider the best options; they are not absolute. There are also other professions related to mechas that can serve as your Second Profession.

"In fact, someone among you has already chosen a Second Profession."

After saying that, Wu Changkong looked toward Tang Wulin. Tang Wulin immediately realized that Wu Changkong was referring to the forging he had been learning.

Wu Changkong then withdrew his gaze and continued.

"Alright, that is all for today's lesson on mechas. There are only two core points you need to remember. First, truly powerful mechas are called Battle Armor. All mechas above the purple grade exist in the form of Battle Armor.

"Second, within three years, you need to determine a Second Profession related to mechas for yourselves."

Hearing Wu Changkong's words, Tang Wulin interrupted him and asked:

"Teacher Wu, when can we see real Battle Armor?"

Wu Changkong glanced at Tang Wulin and said:

"Once you complete the first stage of practical combat training, you may see Battle Armor. Whoever finishes first will see it first. As you are now, you are not qualified."