Xiang Fan stood before the dilapidated mecha in his courtyard. The paint had long since peeled, the metal plates covered in scratches and rust from the passage of time. Several cracks were even crudely held together with wire and inferior alloy, making it look as if it could fall apart at any moment. In the gleaming main hall of the Lingxiao Sect, neatly lined up top-tier mechas gleamed with golden light, each one carrying the pride of countless disciples. Compared to them, this mecha was simply a pile of scrap metal, devoid of any intimidating power.

Yet, Xiang Fan's gaze remained unwavering. He raised his hand and gently brushed the cold, rough shell of the mech. As his fingertips touched the mottled metal texture, it felt as if he were touching some sleeping beast. He glanced up at the sky. The setting sun was sinking, its last rays illuminating his face, igniting an unprecedented radiance in his usually calm eyes.

"So what if my cultivation isn't enough?" Xiang Fan whispered, his tone thick with anger, as if questioning himself, yet also challenging the entire world. He slowly clenched his fists, his knuckles turning slightly white. "I still have the virtual network. This time, they'll have to pay the price."

He stood there in silence for a moment, then took a deep breath and gently patted the metal shell of the mech, as if comforting an old friend. He whispered, "Old buddy, I'm counting on you again."

Xiang Fan climbed onto the mech without hesitation, expertly lowered the hatch, and buckled his seatbelt. His movements were fluid and natural, as if this battered mech wasn't just scrap metal, but a comrade who had accompanied him through countless life-or-death battles. He activated the mech's core systems. The connecting devices flickered with a faint blue light, and the ancient control panel vibrated slightly. With a few dry beeps, the mech's systems slowly awoke.

"Account confirmation in progress...Zero, login complete. Welcome back, King of Glory, Zero." The mechanical sound of the mecha's internal system was low and cold, but with a hint of majesty.

This simple mechanical announcement sounded softly, but it was like a thunderclap that exploded in the ears of Lu Qingli, who was standing outside the courtyard gate. She had originally come to check on Xiang Fan's condition, but she didn't expect to hear this incredible title as soon as she walked outside.

"Zero?" Lu Qingli's pupils shrank slightly, a rare flicker of shock crossing her cold face. Her body stiffened slightly, her gaze fixed on the battered mech. A low voice uttered from her throat, "The legendary mech pilot of the psychic battlefield...Zero?"

She felt a sense of disbelief, almost unable to believe her own ears. Zero—the name had long become a symbol within the virtual network. Although Lu Qingli rarely entered the psychic battlefield, the name was recognizable to her. Within the virtual network's combat landscape, Zero was once a legend in the hearts of countless players. He had destroyed entire enemy teams with his extraordinary skill, and even withstood the siege of high-level players, he remained unscathed with his precise control and keen combat instincts. That mecha was hailed by countless as the "Undefeated King of Glory," and its owner became a legend within the psychic battlefield.

And now, this name was actually associated with Xiang Fan. And that already dilapidated mecha was actually Zero's login device?

Lu Qingli stood outside the door, unable to conceal her shock. She had never imagined that the usually silent, low-key boy, almost ignored, was actually the undefeated legend of the psychic battlefield. She was about to push the door open, but stopped and stood quietly outside, wanting to find out the truth.

At this moment, Xiang Fan was completely unaware of Lu Qingli's presence. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and his consciousness flowed through the mecha's connectors into the virtual network. The familiar psychic energy surged into his mind, warm and vast. A faint blue light spread from the mecha's cabin, and the psychic energy pulses converged before him into countless complex rune chains, gradually outlining a magnificent virtual battlefield.

"Shadow Killer, Black Tortoise Guard, Ling Ruoxi, Gu Master... I guess everyone's still waiting for me," Xiang Fan murmured softly, a complex mix of emotions in his voice. His fingertips slid rapidly across the control panel, his eyes focused. Psionic pulses flowed through the mecha, emitting a low, continuous hum.

In the virtual network, countless data streams converged at astonishing speed, forming the team channel interface before him. The familiar operations and names made him breathe a sigh of relief, his weary soul seemingly finding some solace at that moment. He entered a series of commands, and with a final tap of the confirmation button, the system chimed, "Team call successful."

"Everyone's still waiting for me," Xiang Fan whispered, as if reminding himself, or perhaps responding to some invisible responsibility. His lips curled up slightly, but there was no smile. Only the long-lost fighting spirit was resurrecting in his body.

He leaned back in his seat, took a deep breath, and glanced across the screens within the mecha's cabin. He watched the gradually stabilizing psychic energy chains and pondered, "Hundred Star Sect... what exactly are you planning? Since the Star Lord Mansion can't find out, let's find out."

His voice was deep yet powerful, as if he had already etched this decision deep into his soul. His hand moved across the control panel again, activating more data analysis modules, ready to retrieve information on the poison. The entire shabby mech seemed to come alive as it connected to the psychic network. The blue light pulses within the cabin gradually intensified, and the mottled metal surfaces seemed to glow faintly with the flow of psychic energy.

Outside the courtyard, Lu Qingli remained standing quietly. Her initial shock had gradually transformed into a complex expression. She gazed deeply at the battered mech in operation, a deep sense of doubt and inquiry flashing in her eyes. She hid herself in the shadows beside the door, fearing to alert Xiang Fan inside the mech's cabin, yet she couldn't suppress her shock and confusion.

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