The standardized mechas would reflect only the operator's control skill.
In that sense, mecha battles felt even more fair.
Soul master battles were simpler—direct combat on a competition platform.
Both formats began with regional qualifiers. The top thirty-two in each division would advance to the finals.
The regional qualifiers would use a mix of elimination and round-robin formats, but elimination matches would dominate.
The rules were simple. Since everything took place in the Star Dou Battle Network, there were no real safety concerns. There were no restrictions on causing injury. Participants were encouraged to fight with full power, showcase their strength, defeat opponents, and aim for advancement. That was all.
But the simpler the rules, the more brutal the competition.
In an elimination format, just one unlucky early match against a powerhouse could mean the end of the road.
Gu You couldn't help thinking about the absurdly lucky draws he'd had during the tournament on the Xingluo Continent. The corner of his mouth twitched.
'I hope my luck in the Star Dou Network is just as good.'
It wasn't that he didn't want to face strong opponents. He just felt that the final few enemies were the only ones worth his full effort, right?
Getting byes in early rounds saved energy—just fight the top contenders at the end and take first place.
Below Titled Douluo. Below Three-Word Battle Armor.
It was worth looking forward to!
With everything confirmed, Gu You waved his hand. The screen in front of him disappeared.
Then he took a lap around the stadium to get familiar with the surroundings.
The layout was simple but visually appealing. A few things caught his attention. The stadium was divided into a mecha zone and a soul master zone. For those registered in both events, the system would schedule their matches at different times.
Right now, both zones offered a trial experience. Just select one and enter a training match.
But—it cost money. Federation coins.
"You've gotta pay for this?" Gu You's eyes widened. "That's outrageous!"
And the price wasn't cheap either. One match in the mecha room cost 2,000 coins. One in the soul master room cost 1,000 coins. Each purchase gave just one fight.
But he still needed to try it. After all, he hadn't seen the official arenas yet. He had to at least get a feel for them.
Before Gu You could say anything, the AI immediately kicked in. A screen flashed and a robotic voice sounded.
"Would you like to top up your balance?"
Gu You ground his teeth.
'Of course this part works flawlessly.'
"Yes. Recharge 10,000 Federation coins," Gu You said, swiping his card to complete the payment.
After the recharge, a small number appeared in the bottom-left of his vision: 10,000.
He felt oddly humiliated.
He imagined a future on the Douluo Continent… A robot stretches out a hand and asks:
"Would you like to buy Q-coins?"
"Want to try?" A voice broke his train of thought.
Gu You turned around. Inside this space, everyone's appearance was disguised. Each person wore a white mask, making it impossible to see their face. Their clothing was plain gray.
Only a nickname floated above each person's head.
The one in front of him had the nickname: Between Four and Six.
"Why?" Gu You frowned. "Trying to get a free ride?"
"You're gonna try it alone?" The guy gave him a look of disdain.
Well… he wasn't wrong.
"Player Between Four and Six invites you to a spar. Entry cost: 1,000 Federation coins."
Gu You accepted.
Instantly, two beams of light descended from the sky, enveloping both of them. In the blink of an eye, the scenery changed.
They now stood in a massive arena that looked identical to a real stadium, only larger. The circular platform had a diameter of more than 300 meters—spacious and grand. The surrounding stands were full of seats, though empty of spectators.
"Three… two… one. Begin!"
The countdown was abrupt. They appeared 100 meters apart, and without warning, the match started.
Gu You looked toward Between Four and Six. The other man was also watching him.
The next second, both of them charged at each other.
Neither released their martial souls right away.
The hundred-meter distance vanished quickly. When they were less than 20 meters apart, both men released their martial souls at the same time.
The opponent's body swelled in an instant. Six soul rings burst forth around him, and his entire frame expanded.
This was…
Gu You quickly struck the other man with a full-powered punch.
"It's me, sir!"
"What the— You little brat!" Hearing that familiar voice, Jiang Wuyue flipped upright.
"You got recruited into the Blood God Battalion?" Jiang Wuyue didn't hide his envy at all.
Gu You nodded.
"Then stop calling me 'sir.' We're brothers now."
Jiang Wuyue looked around the space.
"This is my first time here too. Pretty interesting. Different from the Corps' training systems. The guided interface is pretty handy."
"Yeah. AI-driven. The Federation's tech is really impressive. At least it's a solid start. Sir—still want to fight?" Gu You asked.
Jiang Wuyue clapped the dust from his clothes. "Of course we fight! Nobody gets hurt in here. Let's go. I'm not afraid to lose!"
"Good!" Gu You replied with enthusiasm.
He never turned down opponents who fought with passion.
Jiang Wuyue didn't hesitate to summon his Two-Word Battle Armor. The black armor glowed with a faint metallic sheen as it covered his entire body.
A powerful surge of bloodline energy radiated from Jiang Wuyue. With a roar, his aura climbed higher and higher, pushing against Gu You's own bloodline.
"Come on!"
With a shout, Jiang Wuyue's massive wings beat the air. Like a falling meteor, he hurled himself toward Gu You. Two huge hammers appeared in his hands, slamming downward.
Last time they sparred, he hadn't used weapons.
Golden light flashed. The Golden Dragon Spear appeared in Gu You's hands. The dragon core in his chest flared with radiant light. As the brilliance burst forth, blood energy coursed through his entire body.
If his bloodline once flowed like a mighty river, then now—with the dragon core—it surged like the radiant stream of a galaxy. Light was faster than water.
In just a moment, Gu You's bloodline power soared to its peak.
Boom—!
Infused with his surging bloodline, the Golden Dragon Spear began to transform. The body of the spear...
(End of Chapter)
---
This Fanfiction Has Been Completed on Patreon, There is 2 Chapters Ahead of Release for Free Memebers on my Patreon.
Support me if you like this Fanfiction.
Patreon,com/Fallen_Archangel_
(Remove comma for dot.)
Leave a 5 star Review and a Power Stone.