The afternoon sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting dappled light and shadow across Wu Changkong's office.
Tang Wulin stood before the desk, his expression respectful.
"Wulin."
Wu Changkong set down the documents in his hands. His cool, clear eyes rested on Tang Wulin as he suddenly asked, "Do you really not want a mecha of your own someday?"
The question was hardly out of the blue. In this era, mecha were an important means for Soul Masters to increase their combat strength. For high-ranking Soul Masters in particular, a suitable mecha could multiply their fighting power.
Hearing this, Tang Wulin shook his head firmly without the slightest hesitation.
"That's right, Teacher. At least, not right now."
Wu Changkong raised an eyebrow, signaling for him to continue.
Tang Wulin gathered his thoughts and said earnestly, "As things stand, mecha can give Soul Masters more ways to attack, but they don't substantially help increase a Soul Master's own strength. Besides, there's a delay in controlling a mecha. It can't achieve true unity between person and equipment."
A glimmer of longing flashed in his eyes. "By comparison, although current battle armor technology still can't reach the heaven-destroying, earth-shattering power of the Humanoid Soul Tool from ten thousand years ago, its potential is limitless. Battle armor can fuse perfectly with a Soul Master's body and martial soul. It not only provides powerful defense and enhancement, but can also evolve as the Soul Master grows."
"Besides, I personally feel that battle armor's upper limit is far higher than that of mecha."
Tang Wulin clenched his fists, a trace of fervor entering his voice. "So, for now at least, my goal is to bring out battle armor's full potential. I want to become a Battle Armor Master, not a mecha pilot."
Wu Changkong listened quietly. A