Meng Hongchen: Little Martial Uncle! I'd recognize you even if you turned to ash!

The power that the greatsword had just accumulated suddenly dissipated, and it returned to calm.

"Was it just good luck?" Xu Song's expression darkened slightly.

Generally speaking, the advantage of Soul Engineer over ordinary Soul Master is their firepower, which is comparable to a self-propelled powder keg. After all, most Soul Tool rely on the Soul Engineer's aiming, so unless some have a significant advantage in mental perception, the rest rely on sufficient firepower to compensate for their lack of accuracy.

In other words, during the Continental Soul Engineer Tournament in the original novel, Xiao Hongchen could summon over a hundred level-five Soul Cannon, but why didn't he demonstrate much suppressive power?

It's because the crosshair isn't sharp enough.

Simply relying on sheer numbers to increase their attack range, while those hit would at most be struck by one or two level-five Soul Cannon at the same time, the mainstream approach in the Sun Moon Empire was firepower coverage, using quantity to compensate for insufficient accuracy. No one was willing to improve accuracy, nor could they improve it.

On the other side of the arena, you'll be facing Agility Attack System Soul Engineer, Power Attack System Soul Engineer, or even those carrying Flying Soul Tool —all of them rely on strengthening their physical bodies to deal damage. Even if you painstakingly train your concentration or aim, can your naked eye outpace their ability to easily level up?

That's impossible.

So when faced with Lu Cheng's fighting style, he was first stunned for a moment, and then even more stunned...

Is the Level 7 Soul Cannon useless? Actually, it's not really useless. Even Soul Saint would feel the pain of taking a hit from it. But in the general perception, this bulky thing is useless... precisely because it can't hit its target.

The other side isn't stupid; they'll naturally dodge. Generally speaking, hitting once out of five or six shots is considered a very high hit rate.

But today, this guy...

Lu Cheng carried a dark cannon barrel on his shoulder, still emitting ashes of annihilation. The outer shell was slightly hot from the energy gathering. His face still held a warm and handsome smile, exuding an air of composure.

The scene fell silent for a moment, then erupted into enthusiastic shouts of encouragement.

The Heaven Dou Imperial Academy was simply being crushed. Even the renowned experts in the Illustrious Virtue Hall were completely overwhelmed and unable to fight back. Even though Lu Cheng only managed a draw, it still drew cheers.

"Xu Song, cripple him for me! What are you waiting for!" Xu Tianzhen shouted angrily, her hand forming a megaphone shape.

"Call..."

Xu Song frowned slightly, but quickly regained his composure, glancing indifferently at Lu Cheng opposite him. "Since that's the case..."

"Mechanical Amplification!"

As a jet-black Soul Ring appeared beneath his feet, Xu Song's body seemed to be covered with layers of heavy metal armor, increasing his speed by more than double. He slammed his feet into the ground, creating shockwaves around him, and leaped up again like a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey, charging straight towards Lu Cheng.

Strictly speaking, he is a practical Soul Engineer. In terms of combat power, he is slightly better than other Soul Engineer of the same level. His Martial Soul is the extremely rare "Mechanical". Anything that is assembled from metal like a machine can receive a combat boost.

But just when he thought it was all over...

The roar of artillery fire resumed.

In his line of sight, the dark cannon barrel was once again aimed at him. In a moment of panic, he dodged to the left, but suddenly his back was covered in beads of sweat. He had been anticipated again... The cannon barrel had moved slightly a fraction of a second before he swayed, exposing his body to the attack.

"Boom!!!"

The roar of artillery fire filled the air.

"Sizzle~"

Smoke billowed as a figure was sent flying backward, his body blackened and charred, landing on the ground in a rather disheveled state. He was unharmed, having used a level five Invincible Shield, but had lost all face.

"It's open?!!"

Xu Song looked surprised. Even though his face was blackened by the smoke, his eyes were exceptionally bright. Or was this guy... the extremely troublesome mental-type Soul Engineer?

Otherwise, it's hard to explain this guy's aiming accuracy.

He tried several more times, but each time Lu Cheng calmly pressed him down, preventing him from even getting close enough to attack, let alone gathering his strength.

They then took out a long-range Soul Cannon, but it either missed or was precisely neutralized by the opponent's Soul Cannon.

"Interesting, really interesting..." Xu Song's face showed interest.

He was also a member of the royal family, so he was quite knowledgeable and experienced.

But this guy who suddenly appeared is really...

In that case, let's end the game with the fortress.

Although this guy's Spiritual Power guidance was very precise, and he seemed to have the upper hand from beginning to end, in reality, what right does Soul Engineer have to call himself Soul Engineer if he only has a Soul Cannon?

As a provocative glint appeared on his face, he once again unleashed a scene resembling an iron fortress around his body, and a smile gradually spread across his lips.

With nearly ten level-seven Soul Cannon, hundreds of level-six Soul Cannon, and dozens of Soul Guidance Ray of various types and attributes, he is also considered one of the best in the fortress-style. Even Soul Engineer of the same level would feel their scalps tingle upon seeing him.

That terrifying firepower coverage, all you've got is a level seven Soul Cannon?

When you're stacking up firepower, even huge differences in accuracy can be negated. Not to mention, on this field with a diameter of no more than 100 meters, even if you were blindfolded and firing randomly, you wouldn't miss.

"It's over."

Just as Xu Song was smiling and snapping his fingers, preparing to end the meeting...

Lu Cheng also smiled.

"Who said I only have this one Soul Cannon?"

Various Soul Tool Turret of all sizes, compressed using spatial technology, were suddenly released. Their sheer number left everyone present speechless with amazement. If Xu Song was an iron fortress, then Lu Cheng was more than a steel stronghold.

Only at this moment did everyone seem to awaken to the truth.

Previously, he had been "bewitched" by Lu Cheng using only a level seven Soul Cannon.

What does it test to simultaneously control the number of Soul Tool?

That's right, Spiritual Power.

What makes you think that an opponent who can overwhelm you in Spiritual Power would be weaker than you in terms of the number of Soul Tool they can manipulate?

Staring at the countless dark cannon barrels opposite him, Xu Song's throat bobbed, a bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, and his expression gradually became blank. Was he... about to lose?

"What a strong guy..."

In the stands, Xu Song, who had been blasted off the field, coughing up blood, was quickly carried away on a stretcher by numerous guards rushing out from the sidelines, while Lu Cheng, who had tucked away his cannon barrel, stood calmly to the side.

A glint of light flashed in Ji Juechen's eyes as he gently stroked the longsword with his hand.

"If given the opportunity, I will definitely challenge them. It would be an honor to fight such a strong opponent."

"Can you beat him?" Jing Ziyan retorted.

"I can't beat him." Ji Juechen nodded honestly. "He's very strong, very strong... but to become strong, you need a never-give-up spirit. If you lose, then try again!"

Jing Ziyan was taken aback and rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"No matter what you say, you're always right; I can't argue with you."

"Monster."

In the rest area, after a quick bandage to her wound, a look of surprise flashed in the eyes of the girl with a bandage on her right arm. As a member of the Royal Soul Engineering Academy, she naturally didn't want to be left unchecked and have that guy run wild here.

However, a glint of light also flashed in the girl's eyes.

He was exceptionally talented, had a good appearance, and was the same age as her.

Such a rare item would be a sought-after treasure anywhere, and at her age, she was naturally somewhat tempted. However, she then remembered that she was still under the control of the Holy Spirit Cult, and her future was uncertain. So she turned her head away sadly and went to lick her wounds in secret.

"..."

rostrum.

The dean of the Mingdu Soul Engineering Academy slammed his fist on the table, his face filled with astonishment. "How, how is this possible?!"

"Elder Nian, it seems that Mingdu Soul Engineering Academy is still far inferior to our Royal Soul Engineering Academy. I hope this exchange and sparring can provide some experience and lessons." Jing Hongchen's mouth was practically splitting with a grin, but he still had to pretend to be kind and magnanimous as he spoke with a smile.

"Hmph! I will come again!" The white-haired old man snorted coldly and turned away.

Jing Hongchen's meaning was clear: they were too inexperienced and needed more practice.

But this guy who suddenly appeared out of nowhere is really...

"Brother, have you noticed? This guy... looks a lot like someone." Meng Hongchen stood not far behind Jing Hongchen, her white hair fluttering in the wind, a smile playing on her lips.

"Who?" Xiao Hongchen asked excitedly, unaware of the implication in his sister's words. He was simply thrilled. "I never expected to meet someone who can finally rival this genius! Life won't be so dull and boring anymore!"

Meng Hongchen: "..."

Fool.

After making a sarcastic remark about her brother, the girl's silver eyes turned back to the still calm-faced guy. When you truly care about someone, even if they change their appearance, you can still sense a familiar feeling.

If before she only had doubts, now he was almost certain...

Familiar movements and expressions—many things cannot be changed.

Especially with that unforgettable memory from a few days ago, she recognized him at a glance. The two figures slowly overlapped, and a sense of absurdity gradually welled up in her heart.

That's really bold.

He actually dared to forge an identity and then single-handedly infiltrate the Sun Moon Empire.

This is the absolute heartland and main base of the Sun Moon Empire, Mingdu, where countless powerful Sun Moon warriors gather. Once discovered, let alone him, not even a mosquito could escape alive.

However... it seems she's the only one who noticed.

Meng Hongchen curled the corners of her lips into a smile.

Her slender hand gripped the railing lightly, but gradually tightened its hold. "If I find out, you'll have to pay hush money to keep quiet, won't you?"

"Grandmaster!"

"Cheng Lu is invincible!!"

Lu Cheng, facing the fervent gazes, smiled and waved before leaving with Ju Zi, Ke Ke, and the others.

Ke Ke's face was flushed, and she jumped and skipped all the way, feeling happy and proud, as if she, not Lu Cheng, had defeated her on stage.

Ju Zi couldn't hide her surprise, and kept stealing glances at Lu Cheng.

She had guessed that Lu Cheng was quite powerful, but she never imagined he would be this strong. He was definitely not a dullard like Teacher Xuan who only knew how to do scientific research, but a monster whose combat power far surpassed that of his peers.

Zi Mu's eyes also showed a hint of respect, a genuine recognition of Lu Cheng's status as the Grandmaster.

However, on the way back, they encountered an uninvited guest.

"Hello!"

Xu Tianzhen crossed her arms, her small face cold, and glanced at Lu Cheng. She was surrounded by a large group of disciples from the Mingdu Soul Engineer Academy, but most of them had shifty eyes, clearly feeling uneasy about Lu Cheng's powerful combat strength.

Faced with such a monster, only Her Highness the Princess could use her status to suppress it.

"You bastard, how dare you ruin my plans!" Xu Tianzhen gritted her teeth and roared angrily.

"I wonder what the princess means?" Lu Cheng smiled and raised an eyebrow with interest.

"Don't play dumb! You know what I'm talking about." Xu Tianzhen snorted. "Considering your ignorance, I'll spare you this time, but there are conditions! If you're willing to leave the Royal Soul Engineering Academy and submit to my command, hmph, I won't bother you anymore."

"You're just a poor scholar from another province with little to rely on, but if you were to latch onto this princess's coattails..."

"Oh?"

Lu Cheng glanced at Wang Shaojie, who was hiding in the crowd but was still easily spotted, and a smile appeared on his face.

No wonder Xu Tianzhen found out his identity so quickly.

The latter hung his head, not daring to look Lu Cheng in the eye.

"What if I don't?" Lu Cheng asked calmly, his gaze fixed on Xu Tianzhen's angry eyes.

"No, no..."

Xu Tianzhen was taken aback. Perhaps she was too angry before, which made her not pay close attention to this guy's appearance. But now that she was close, almost face to face, she realized that this guy seemed to be... quite handsome, especially compared to the group of guys in the royal family who were all dark-skinned. He looked fair and handsome.

Therefore, my brain went blank for a moment.

"Your Highness, isn't this going a bit too far?"

Another leisurely voice rang out, and the crowd parted to make way for the newcomer, who was short and stout with a large belly, but no one dared to underestimate him. The disciples all fell silent and bowed respectfully.

"Red Dust, Hall Master Hongchen..."

Princess Xu Tianzhen felt guilty upon seeing the visitor. Her throat bobbed. She knew she wasn't in the right this time, and if this person went to her father to complain about her again, she might be confined to her quarters for months.

Who could blame him when this man is the Illustrious Virtue Hall, a capable general of the empire?

Although she was a princess, she wasn't stupid.

"Ahem, I just saw that this young man is very talented, and I was thinking of giving him more cultivation resources and some support..."

"Your Highness is overthinking it. My Illustrious Virtue Hall never mistreats any genius," Jing Hongchen interrupted directly, her tone leisurely. "But if Your Highness continues to openly try to win over my disciples, don't blame me for reporting you to the Emperor!"

"I... Hmph!" Xu Tianzhen snorted, stomped his foot, and turned to leave. A group of the Mingdu Soul Engineer Academy disciples, who dared not speak loudly, hurriedly followed behind, afraid of being beaten by this Hall Master Hongchen.

"Thank you, Master."

Lu Cheng smiled.

"Hahaha, as expected of a hero of my hall! You did a great job this time! I, the hall master, will reward you handsomely. Come to the Illustrious Virtue Hall tomorrow, and I will reward you handsomely!" Jing Hongchen laughed heartily, patting Lu Cheng's shoulder with satisfaction. For some reason, he seemed to have a strange sense of familiarity with the young man, a feeling that made him feel quite close to him...

With such talent, it wouldn't be impossible to cultivate him into a direct descendant of the Illustrious Virtue Hall and a successor.