Mecha Era: Ascending to Godhood Alone

"We have several challenges," Lin Guotao began. "First, the Oversight Department."

"Our attempt to imprint Li Yi's mind with ideological control failed. If the Oversight Department discovers this during the divine mech selection, the consequences could be significant."

"Second, both the Liang and Lin families' top ten seeds were knocked out of the top ten. Having lost their chance to select a divine mech, they might try to sabotage Li Yi."

"Third, the True Ring Sect—"

Teng Baixin, initially patient, interrupted as soon as Lin Guotao mentioned the True Ring Sect.

"Stop. Are you planning to list all the problems and expect me to handle them?"

"You're joking, Commander. Of course not. Though, if you could manage two of them, it would be appreciated."

"You wish!" Teng Baixin replied with a wry smile, pausing before continuing, "I'll communicate with the Liang and Lin families. As for the Oversight Department, if they find any issues, you'll have to take responsibility. Don't let it affect the promising newcomer's future. But if they insist on causing trouble, I'll step in as needed."

After speaking, Teng Baixin added meaningfully, "Lin, sometimes you need to think long-term. Don't just focus on my position. The rank of Yaocihao's commander is minor compared to the vastness of the deep space fleet."

Lin Guotao felt relieved when he realized Teng Baixin wasn't making things difficult for him. However, the latter's words hinted at something more.

"You're joking, Commander. Achieving this position is already the pinnacle for me. I wouldn't dare eye your position. I only want to add more leverage in future wars for Yaocihao," Lin Guotao quickly reassured.

"Alright, you may leave now," Teng Baixin dismissed him, ignoring Lin Guotao's reassurances.

...

The three-day martial arts tournament flew by. For many, the first 24 hours were the most exciting, featuring classic battles, especially Li Yi's. He defeated opponents with powerful genetic techniques through pure combat skills and positioning, gaining a fan base. The controversy over his aggressive style and ruthless tactics subsided as he maintained a significant lead in points. In a fleet where martial prowess was valued, strength was seen as style, while lack of it was seen as cunning.

Unfortunately for the audience, Li Yi never faced Liang Shaocong's team. Liang Shaocong ended with fewer points than Li Yi, securing second place.

...

Hiss~

The helmet popped open, and the link rod retracted automatically. Li Yi opened his eyes, taking a moment to adjust to the external environment before standing up. Long immersion in virtual reality could cause sensory displacement and cognitive imbalance. Those with genetic defects or previous brain damage were particularly vulnerable, potentially developing serious mental illnesses. The first stage of the deep space fleet's entry test screened for such issues to eliminate high-risk individuals early.

The venue lights dimmed abruptly.

Ten spotlights converged.

Qingguo Fairy AI's ethereal voice echoed at the right moment:

"The first round of the rookie martial arts tournament's virtual reality battle has concluded. The top ten have been decided."

"Please, those ranked tenth to first—Lei Lan, Chen Changxiu, Xie Zhenye, Pang Haoren, Zhong Xiufa, Lin Qi, Long Guanshan, Lin Hua, Liang Shaocong, and Li Yi—come to the stage."

Li Yi scanned the room, recognizing those who stood up, then ascended the podium under the gaze of the crowd. Apart from Liang Shaocong, the others were weaker than he anticipated. However, considering the extensive hunting by him and Liang Xing, it made sense. Many strong contenders like Lin Qin, Liang Xing, team members, Miao Wanwan, and Shi Zijun were forced out early.

As Li Yi pondered, everyone took their places under Qingguo Fairy AI's guidance.

Then, Qingguo Fairy AI began to speak:

"Welcome, esteemed colleagues."

"Next, I will announce the rules for the second round of live combat."

"The top ten from the first round will select divine mechs based on their ranking and participate in the second round."

"After the first place selects, the second will choose, and so on."

"Additionally, those eliminated will have an 8-hour revival match for two spots, ranking 11th and 12th for mech selection."

"The second round will determine the true rookie rankings."

"The first place in the second round will be granted mech pilot status, fleet level 2 access, a 1 million star coin reward, and an A-grade support module."

"Second place will receive quasi-mech pilot status, fleet level 1 access, a 500,000 star coin reward, and a B-grade support module."

"Third place will also receive quasi-mech pilot status, fleet level 1 access, a 300,000 star coin reward, and a C-grade support module."

"Fourth to fifth place will receive a 100,000 star coin reward."

"Do you all understand these rules? Any questions?"

Qingguo Fairy AI turned to the group.

"If the rules are clear, follow me to the mech storage."

Li Yi asked, "What is a support module?"

His question drew surprised looks. Didn't he know about support modules? Most families with some knowledge would be aware.

Li Yi remained unfazed by the curious glances.

"The support module acts like a stress buffer for pilots."

"When piloting a divine mech, the brain receives overwhelming information, and the body endures excessive stress."

"Thus, without physical enhancement, one's time operating a divine mech is limited and fixed."

"A high-quality support module extends your operating time, allowing you to attempt divine activation and receive divine radiation."

"These are relics from ultra-ancient civilizations, limited in number. Even within our deep space fleet, there aren't many."

"The most precious reward of this tournament is the support module."

Qingguo Fairy AI explained patiently with a warm smile.

Li Yi understood. With this, he could withstand divine radiation longer. He was determined to get the A-grade support module.

He nodded, "Thank you for the explanation."

"You're welcome."

With questions resolved, the group followed Qingguo Fairy AI through the exit passage, boarded the internal elevator, and descended.

Their destination: the mech storage.