First-Word Battle Armor-Fire!

Xuan Zi's voice rose higher, his whole body taut.

He felt as though his worldview was being reshaped.

"Is that for real?! Are you sure?! You're certain about what you're saying?!"

Ji Jing didn't answer. He only watched Xuan Zi calmly.

There wasn't the slightest hint of jest in those golden-red eyes.

Under that gaze, Xuan Zi felt his thoughts churning.

He paced twice across the room, one hand resting on the back of a chair while the thumb of his other hand rubbed the wine gourd over and over. Shock he couldn't suppress filled his eyes.

Of course he knew how absurd it sounded.

A Soul King beating a Soul Saint was the sort of thing people would tell as a joke in any sect or academy.

But...

He raised his eyes and studied the red-haired youth before him once more.

He had long since become certain that this kid was connected to a deity.

Xuan Zi drew a sharp breath, then forcefully let out the air caught in his throat.

"...It's highly credible."

The words sounded as though they were meant for someone else, yet also as though he were saying them to himself.

He sat back down, grabbed his wine gourd, and took a long swig.

"You really are something, kid."

"Don't be so quick to jump to conclusions."

Ji Jing spoke lightly, his tone casual.

"There are a few things I still need to make clear."

Xuan Zi lifted a hand, signaling for him to continue.

Ji Jing nodded and began:

"Wang Dong still can't wear a complete set of First-Word Battle Armor."

"The Soul Power consumption of a full set is several times higher than that of a single piece. Her body isn't strong enough to handle it yet."

"But I can already wear one. My Battle Armor should be finished in a couple of days. You'll understand then."

Xuan Zi's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward slightly.

But Ji Jing didn't let him interrupt, smoothly changing tack.

"However, there's one thing I need to make clear beforehand."

He looked around at everyone in the private room, his gaze finally settling on Xuan Zi.

"I can take full responsibility for crafting Wang Dong's Battle Armor because she and I have Perfect Martial Soul Fusion."

"I'm more familiar with her Martial Soul and Soul Power than she is. But if it were anyone else, I couldn't take over the entire process."

"Why?"

Dai Yueheng leaned forward slightly and asked seriously.

"Because the metal used to forge Battle Armor is alive."

Ji Jing explained,

"Metal is alive, so Battle Armor itself is alive as well."

"Only something alive can truly resonate with its wearer, responding as naturally as an extension of their own body and becoming one with them."

"That's the fundamental reason for its strength."

Silence fell over the private room once more.

Xiao Xiao blinked and ventured a question.

"Then... does that mean other people can't have Battle Armor?"

"No."

Ji Jing shook his head.

"I've divided Battle Armor production into four parts."

"The hardest is Forging."

He raised one finger.

"Forgers work with metal, granting it the transformation that gives it life. This is the most demanding stage, and the one most closely linked to the Battle Armor."

"Next come Mecha Design and Mecha Manufacturing."

"These determine the overall structure of the Battle Armor. Their technical requirements are lower than Forging's, but they're still no simple matter."

"After that comes Mecha Repair."

His tone grew a little more relaxed.

"However, its importance steadily decreases as the Battle Armor's grade rises. By the time it reaches Third-Word Battle Armor, the metal can repair itself, leaving repairs with a very limited role."

"The more deeply someone participates in its creation, the stronger the bond between the Battle Armor and its wearer. And the greater its potential on the battlefield."

After speaking, Ji Jing picked up the tea in front of him and took an unhurried sip.

The private room fell silent for a while.

At last, Ji Jing broke the silence.

"I'll put together a complete system of knowledge."

"Forging, design, manufacturing, repair. I'll sort each part into clear grades and levels. Then we'll try to equip the academy first and gradually roll it out from the inside."

Xuan Zi stroked his beard, watching him with a solemn gaze.

In the past, he had always looked down on the Soul Tool industry.

But now, he could no longer remain unmoved.

"Fine."

He picked up his wine gourd and tipped back a swig.

"I'll report this to the Sea God Pavilion on the academy's behalf and give you my full support."

He paused, as if remembering something, then added,

"Soul Tool Technology has to be brought out to the world sooner or later."

"Just look at all the Flying Soul Tools soaring over the streets, not to mention those powerful Soul Cannons. I only hope you can introduce it at the academy first."

"Of course."

Ji Jing nodded.

After everyone dispersed, only silence remained in the rooms belonging to Shrek at the Star Luo Grand Hotel.

Everyone began to process what they had witnessed and heard that day—and to look forward to the arrival of a complete set of Battle Armor.

Two days later.

Star Luo Empire, Star Luo Plaza.

The elimination rounds of the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Soul Fighting Tournament were in full swing. Today, Shrek Academy faced its opponent for this round—

Zhengtian Academy.

When the referee loudly announced that the match format was a "seven-on-seven team battle," the entire audience erupted in deafening cheers.

In Shrek Academy's waiting area, Ji Jing rolled his wrists and waved to Wang Dong and the others, who were eager to fight behind him.

"Just watch from below. I'll go up alone and stretch my muscles."

"Good luck. I believe in you."

Standing beside Ji Jing, Wang Dong encouraged him with a determined look.

Ji Jing smiled faintly. Under the gaze of the crowd, he kept his hands in his pockets and strolled up the steps alone, his expression languid, until he reached the broad Soul Fighting Arena.

Across from him, the seven members of Zhengtian Academy stood in a line, each looking grim, as though facing a formidable enemy.

Zhengtian Academy's lineup was undeniably powerful.

At the front stood their captain, Ye Wuqing. He was nineteen, with a cultivation of Level 58. He was a Power Attack System Battle Soul King, and his Martial Soul was the Golden Leaf.

Beside him stood Yu Mengdi, a Level 53 Power Attack System Battle Soul King whose Martial Soul was an angel.

On the other side was Tang Xiaolei, a Level 52 Power Attack System Battle Soul King whose Martial Soul was the Purple Brilliance Bow.

As for the remaining four Soul Ancestors, they might have counted as geniuses in an ordinary academy, but before Shrek, they weren't even worth remembering by name.

"Shrek sent only one person?"

Ye Wuqing knitted his brows, feeling deeply insulted. But thinking of Shrek Academy's reputation, he didn't dare let his guard down.

"Form up!"

Ji Jing stood in the center of the Soul Fighting Arena, looking at the seven opponents in their battle formation. A playful curve tugged at his lips.

"Begin!"

At the referee's command,

Ji Jing softly uttered a single word:

"Fire."

In an instant, an extreme heat beyond words erupted from Ji Jing!

"Vmmm—!"

Accompanied by a clear, ringing hum, pieces of armor in a noble golden-red appeared on Ji Jing's body.

In the blink of an eye, a complete set of golden-red First-Word Battle Armor had perfectly covered his entire body!