Chapter 143: Left with Kuang Shao? Well Done!

PS: When uploading, I accidentally copied part of yesterday morning’s content as well. There was a mistake with Douya, which has since been corrected. Everyone can check the website again tonight.

After the trial run ended, Xuan Xuan continued adjusting the mechas. Once the school’s mechas arrived, she began modifying that batch. However, due to the massive scope of work, she only upgraded five of them.

Previously, she had Zheng Chao perform trial runs and felt that with his skill level, it was barely manageable to operate such mechas. Then she arranged for Xiao Daopeng and others to test them. Except for Lou Yitong, whom Xuan Xuan deemed unsuitable, the others were capable of piloting the mechas.

Therefore, only five mechas required modification.

After upgrading the mechas, the weekly physical training classes were with Zhan Yu, focusing on martial arts, and in mecha piloting lessons, they learned from Kuang Shao. On days without classes, they either went to the Kuang household to train with Kuang Shao and Zhan Yu or to the Wanqi family, where Wanqi Lianhao and others sometimes offered guidance. Occasionally, Wanqi Lianjun and Wanqi Yi also stepped in to assist.

Wanqi Weihao and his companion’s progress in piloting mechas was nothing short of astonishing.

The others were barely capable of engaging in combat with mechas. Xuan Xuan focused on training Lou Yitong to accelerate her control. Lou Yitong had learned to restrain her emotions so as not to affect others and could expand the scope of her influence. However, in battle, she tended to amplify everything all at once, which not only enhanced her teammates but also the enemy.

Such an effect was worse than no amplification at all. A true soul singer could distinguish between friend and foe, selectively amplifying allies or severely weakening enemies.

In large-scale warfare, Lou Yitong definitely couldn’t achieve this yet, but for these small-scale skirmishes with just over a dozen participants, three months of practice would suffice.

Even if she couldn’t fully master it, amplifying just one or two individuals selectively would still be highly effective.

Lou Yitong was talented, obedient, and quick to grasp concepts, requiring almost no effort from Xuan Xuan to enable her to selectively amplify three people.

Though the results fell short of expectations, Xuan Xuan was still satisfied. This small squad could easily compete in the Federation’s top military academy’s rookie tournament. When idle, Xuan Xuan often pulled Kuang Shao to spar with them. The mechas were well-suited, the pilots’ skills steadily improved, and with Lou Yitong’s amplification, Kuang Shao went from easily overwhelming the team to barely winning under pressure.

Xuan Xuan smiled faintly and tossed a few bottles of potions to them, one per person. She said, “It’s the last day. Don’t be too polite to Kuang Shao.”

Aside from Lou Yitong, the six others—Wanqi Weihao and the rest—were visibly excited. They had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Since day one, when Kuang Shao looked down on their team, they had eagerly anticipated this moment. Originally, they could already force Kuang Shao into a difficult position, and with Xuan Xuan’s potions—although their effects were short-lived—they could confidently unleash them on Kuang Shao.

Using those potions on Kuang Shao had been a wish since the start of military training, and now they could finally fulfill it.

Xuan Xuan entered the Kuang household’s mecha training room and saw them already seated inside their mechas, poised and ready. A subtle smile curved her lips.

When Zhan Yu arrived, he noticed Xuan Xuan watching Kuang Shao with a mysterious smile and couldn’t help but smile himself. This time, Kuang Shao was probably in trouble.

Zhan Yu approached, and Xuan Xuan glanced at him without speaking. She began monitoring the mental energy of everything on the field, sharing the information with the team, especially with Wanqi Weihao, their commander.

Everyone glanced back at Xuan Xuan in surprise. She showed no expression. Suddenly, all eyes turned to Kuang Shao, who looked puzzled and glanced at Zhan Yu, sensing a bad premonition.

However, Kuang Shao was already familiar with their tactics and was not overly worried.

With Xuan Xuan’s mental energy sharing, Wanqi Weihao’s control became much easier. He instructed Wanqi Weihuan to launch a strong attack, while he provided support. Zheng Chao, being a bit weaker, was tasked with protecting Lou Yitong. The others waited for the opportune moment.

As Wanqi Weihao finished his orders, Lou Yitong’s singing began, targeting Wanqi Weihao, Wanqi Weihuan, and Kuang Shao with habitual preemptive strikes.

Without hesitation, they rushed toward Lou Yitong. Through their sparring sessions, Kuang Shao had long understood Lou Yitong’s amplification importance. If he didn’t eliminate her first, he’d have to expend at least twice the effort dealing with the group. However, Lou Yitong’s singing had limitations—it required time, and the opening notes had little effect.

Zheng Chao stepped in front of Lou Yitong, ready to defend against Kuang Shao’s attacks. Wanqi Weihao flashed forward, blocking Kuang Shao’s path. His mecha was lightly armed, just equipped with a small laser cannon. Kuang Shao’s eyes flickered as he raised his brow—Wanqi Weihao seemed much faster than before.

Xuan Xuan controlled the entire battle. Kuang Shao’s subtle movements and the direction of his feints were all under her surveillance. Following her cues, Wanqi Weihuan performed a spatial shift without hesitation, appearing exactly where Kuang Shao was headed and executed a sweeping attack.

Xuan Xuan smirked slightly—Wanqi Weihuan liked to show off. Such spatial shifts, especially when bringing the entire mecha along, wasted mental energy and time.

Kuang Shao’s awareness was sharp; he forcibly changed direction mid-air. Before landing, he noticed Wanqi Weihao’s attack approaching again. The two of them pressed him relentlessly. Frustrated, Kuang Shao vaulted upward and glanced toward Xuan Xuan outside the field, suspecting her involvement.

Meanwhile, Xiao Daopeng and Zuo Chen, lying in wait, attacked Kuang Shao without need for orders.

Kuang Shao’s expression darkened as he maneuvered swiftly, but under their coordinated assault, he was overwhelmed. Several parts of his mecha were damaged. Without shields, he would have been defeated. His next moves were entirely anticipated, leaving no time for adaptation. Wanqi Weihao and the others’ reaction speed was simply too fast.

Kuang Shao grumbled loudly, “Stop, stop! No more fighting.”

He knew he couldn’t win at this rate. Worse, he might lose—and he refused to lose in front of Zhan Yu and Xuan Xuan, especially to a bunch of freshmen.

Wanqi Weihao and the others looked at Xuan Xuan. She smirked and said, “Not finished yet. Let Teacher Kuang give you a proper lesson.”

She especially emphasized “Teacher” and “lesson.”

Kuang Shao gritted his teeth, “I knew this had something to do with Wanqi Xuan Xuan.”

“Hm?” Xuan Xuan’s tone rose teasingly, making Kuang Shao even more frustrated. Zhan Yu’s eyes sparkled with amusement.

Wanqi Weihao and the others were visibly thrilled. Defeating Kuang Shao—even with the six of them combined and Xuan Xuan’s assistance—was a prideful achievement.

Seeing Kuang Shao’s frustration, Zhan Yu spared him some dignity, “Alright. Prepare to rest. Spend these days coordinating as a team. Avoid strenuous activities before the competition.”

Kuang Shao was also their instructor; they couldn’t push him too hard or he wouldn’t be able to guide them later.

Xuan Xuan glanced at Zhan Yu and nodded. Wanqi Weihao and the others exited their mechas, visibly elated. Wanqi Weihuan was especially boastful, asking Xuan Xuan, “Am I handsome?”

“Ground his mecha for three days. Don’t let him compete. You all are enough,” Xuan Xuan told Wanqi Weihao, who was too arrogant for his own good.

Wanqi Weihao smirked and nodded; that flaw needed fixing.

Wanqi Weihuan wanted to jump up but shrank back after seeing Wanqi Weihao and Xuan Xuan’s stern looks, his expression slumping.

Zhan Yu nodded and said solemnly, “In battle, you must achieve the most with minimal cost, conserving every ounce of your strength. That might save your life in critical moments.”

His serious tone made Wanqi Weihao and the others forget their recent victory excitement.

Everyone understood Zhan Yu’s concern—it was a lesson paid for with blood in past wars.

Even the usually boisterous Wanqi Weihuan and Zuo Chen kept silent.

As they left the Kuang residence, they saw Kuang Hongyi speaking with Wanqi Lianhao. Upon noticing Xuan Xuan and the others, Wanqi Lianhao excused himself.

They vaguely heard Kuang Shao getting scolded behind them. Even Wanqi Weihao’s group couldn’t defeat him; he deserved the reprimand for underestimating their team. Sometimes, support powers were crucial.

Xuan Xuan could be spiteful at times.

Wanqi Lianhao looked at the now listless group. They had entered excited but emerged drained.

“Did you lose?” Wanqi Lianhao asked. Even if they had, it was no big deal. They were young, and as long as they could withstand setbacks, identify weaknesses, and keep striving, it was enough.

Wanqi Weihuan jumped up, “No way!”

Wanqi Lianhao raised an eyebrow. Not losing but looking so down—did they really let Kuang Shao win?

“Hmph, underestimate us,” Wanqi Weihuan snorted.

Wanqi Lianhao glanced at them and mentioned Kuang Shao; their faces brightened. Lou Yitong’s round cheeks flushed red.

Could it be they actually won?

Wanqi Weihuan looked excited yet slightly regretful. “If Kuang Shao hadn’t called for a pause, we would have crushed him by now.”

Guessing was one thing; actually hearing it was another. Wanqi Lianhao eyed Xuan Xuan and asked, “Really?”

Xuan Xuan nodded and glanced at Wanqi Weihuan, who shrank back again, knowing he had erred and fearing reprimand in front of Wanqi Lianhao.

Seeing Xuan Xuan’s confirmation, Wanqi Lianhao laughed heartily and patted Wanqi Weihuan’s shoulder. “Crushing Kuang Shao? Well done!”

Wanqi Weihao was proud. Naturally, defeating Kuang Shao’s team was a big deal.

In the following days, the six didn’t visit the Kuang household again but focused on team coordination. Xuan Xuan occasionally joined to help them adapt to her mental energy sharing.

Just a few days passed before the rookie tournament began.

Wanqi Weihao and the others were brimming with anticipation, spirits high. They intended to show everyone that their previously hopeless team had become formidable.

Xuan Xuan’s seven-person squad arrived at the school’s competition area. The tournament was held at the Federation First University’s mecha arena, the annual venue for the rookie tournament. It was as large as the imperial capital’s arena.

They arrived late; the venue was packed. A massive screen displayed the ongoing battles. School leaders, imperial military, and political figures were seated. From afar, Xuan Xuan spotted Kuang Shao, Zhan Yu, and Wanqi Lianhao. It seemed Ai Zhe’s father, Bai Ruchen, and others were also present.

Clearly, this competition was extraordinary.

After an opening speech, all participating teams were invited to enter.

“First to enter is the command department’s Ai Zhe’s team, called the ‘Infinite Squad’…”

Xuan Xuan glanced over. They were the first to appear, entering in their competition gear. Seven people with six mechas; the seventh was likely a mecha repair specialist.

Ai Zhe’s team was the favored champion. Their entry caused a sensation, with the crowd calling out “Ai Zhe” and “Infinite Squad.”

Wanqi Weihao carefully examined them. Ai Zhe’s team was their biggest rival. From what he’d learned, Ai Zhe had one commander, five mecha pilots, and one mecha repair specialist—the perfect composition. With strong support from the Ai family, training a top-notch mecha mechanic was no problem.

Ai Zhe’s leadership was strong; his team consisted of the best mecha pilots and the finest repair personnel. Ai Zhe always pursued being first and the best.

Xuan Xuan smiled faintly, observing other groups behind them and glancing at Wanqi Weihao, who was deep in thought. He was indeed an excellent captain.

“Next up is the team led by the command department’s Xuan Guo, called the ‘Reverse Squad.’ This is the only team led by a female captain this year—a true heroine. Let’s cheer for them.”

Xuan Guo’s team seemed focused on strong offense. All members except Xuan Guo were mecha pilots, with no repair specialists. Such an offense-heavy lineup had advantages and drawbacks: strong attack power but no modifications to their mechas’ parameters. Experienced opponents might exploit weaknesses in their standard mechas—speed, attack, or defense vulnerabilities.

However, their strength was more balanced, and unmodified mechas tended to be more stable, less prone to accidents.

Xuan Xuan had expected Xuan Guo to choose a more optimal balance. Though the Bai family lacked top mecha designers and mechanics, modifying these military MC-250 mechas would be no problem.

While Xuan Xuan had secured several top mecha students through her connections and Bai Ruchen’s influence, against ordinary students, they would be invincible. Facing Xuan Xuan’s team, however, Xuan Guo was doomed.

On reflection, if Xuan Guo had chosen Ai Zhe’s ideal composition, she couldn’t surpass him in command, mecha control, or design modifications.

Given that, her only hope was to take a different path: field all strong attackers, seven against six. Ai Zhe would have to watch out for the lone repair specialist, increasing her chance of victory.

As she pondered, the announcement came for their team.

“Now entering is the ‘Instant Kill Squad’ led by Wanqi Weihao… uh…”

The seasoned commentator hesitated. “Instant Kill?” Looking at Xuan Xuan’s team, though they bore the Wanqi name, was such arrogance warranted?

And he’d heard few of them were combatants.

As he announced the team’s name, laughter erupted throughout the arena.

“‘Instant Kill’? More like others will instantly kill you!”

“Is that name a prophecy?”

“Two mecha pilots, five support members—how can they call themselves ‘Instant Kill’?”

“Now they have five pilots.”

“So what? A potion master, a mecha designer, and that bug researcher—what can they really do?”

“Look, their mechas are even modified.”

“Tsk, they look lighter, probably lowering pilot requirements. But how will they withstand damage? And with less power, how will they handle high-recoil powerful attacks? Who did those mods? Worthless!”

…

The commentator realized his mistake as the crowd grew louder and glanced at the leaders’ box, where only the Bai family appeared displeased. He quickly said, “We wish the ‘Instant Kill Squad’ good luck today. Next up is…”

The barrage of critiques gave Wanqi Weihao’s team headaches. Xuan Xuan remained calm, shooting a glance at Wanqi Weihuan, who had chosen the team’s name. The others simultaneously glared at him.

Wanqi Weihuan protested, “When I suggested the name, everyone said it sounded mighty. Why the change now?”

Xuan Xuan and Lou Yitong led the way, with Wanqi Weihao and the other five mechas following closely. They swiftly passed the front stage to their designated seats, passing by Xuan Guo’s team.

Xuan Guo sneered, “I didn’t expect you’d actually dare to compete. ‘Instant Kill’? Hmph.”

Xuan Xuan barely glanced at her, as if dismissing a wisp of air.

Watching Xuan Xuan’s retreating figure, Xuan Guo clenched her fists. “I’ll make sure you get ‘instantly killed’!”