Ling Ruoxi had just left the secret room, and before she had time to collect herself, she was taken to the family mecha forging hall by her father, the head of the Ling family. Spiritual energy permeated the air, and the forging table shone with bursts of brilliance. Several elders stood nearby, their faces etched with mysterious smiles.
"Ruoxi, building a foundation is not only a leap forward in your cultivation, but also a new starting point for your strength." The head of the Ling family spoke with pride. With a wave of his hand, the light curtain in the center of the forging hall slowly opened. "To celebrate your advancement, the family has specially prepared a great gift for you."
As the light curtain dissipated, a mech, shimmering with spiritual energy, slowly emerged. Its shape was sleek and graceful, its silver-white armor resembling the moonlight in the night sky. Every surface was engraved with intricate spiritual patterns, emitting faint spiritual fluctuations. Most striking was the massive light sword on its back. Spiritual energy flowed through its blade, and its edge trembled slightly, as if it was eager to take action.
"The Sky Sword Armor," an elder said, straightening his back, his tone filled with pride. "This combat mecha is tailor-made for Foundation Establishment cultivators. Its speed, spiritual energy compatibility, and attack power are second to none among its kind. This spiritual energy lightsaber, in particular, is said to be difficult for even Jindan-level mechas to contend with." At this point, the elder added, "Of course, it can also be used for chopping wood and splitting mountains without any problem. It's absolutely put to good use."
Ling Ruoxi's gaze was captivated by the Sky Sword Armor. She couldn't help but step forward and gently stroke the icy yet powerful surface of the armor. The rhythm of spiritual energy flowed into her fingertips, and the touch instilled in her an immense fighting spirit.
"Thank you, father, and thank you, elders." Her voice was slightly choked, but she quickly regained her composure, a hint of fighting spirit flashing in her eyes. "With this, I will definitely be able to break through the past, and even..." She paused, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, "Defeat that Zero."
Upon hearing this, the elders couldn't help but cough softly. The Ling family's head paid no attention, simply smiling faintly: "Since you are determined to surpass others, then prove it to everyone with your actions. The Sky Sword Armor is now your partner, treat it well."
Ling Ruoxi nodded, and without hesitation, she boarded the mecha and placed her hand on the control panel. As the spiritual energy was infused into it, the light pattern of the Sky Sword Armor instantly lit up, like a ferocious beast ready to attack.
As the mecha powered up, Ling Ruoxi appeared on the Spirit Realm battlefield's login screen. Familiar light and shadow surrounded her, and the system notification chimed in as expected: "The player's cultivation has been detected to have reached Foundation Establishment. They will be transferred to the Black Iron Zone. Countdown to ten seconds, nine... eight..."
Ling Ruoxi was slightly startled, a faint reluctance forming within her heart. While the Bronze Zone was a thing of the past, the unfinished duels and unfulfilled wishes made her feel a certain reluctance to let go. However, the rules of the Spirit Realm battlefield were unwavering and unforgiving. Having already established her foundation, it was impossible to remain in the Bronze Zone.
She took a deep breath, looked up at the countdown on the screen gradually reaching zero, and gripped the control stick of the Sky Sword Armor tightly, her eyes gradually becoming firm. "Black Iron District, this is my new battlefield."
As the light curtain flickered, the spiritual energy surged, and the surrounding scene rapidly changed. Her figure was enveloped in a dazzling light, and the power of transmission propelled her into a whole new world.
The shadow of Zero appeared in her mind. Ling Ruoxi raised the corner of her mouth with a slight sneer: "Zero, even if we can't win in the Bronze Zone this time, I will definitely catch up with you in the Iron Zone."
The teleportation countdown had just ended, and the virtual scene began loading. The scene before her instantly overwhelmed her with a strong sense of oppression. Border City, the main city of the Black Iron District, stood majestically amidst the aura. Its towering psychic towers shone dazzlingly, and a waterfall of spiritual energy, like an inverted galaxy, stretched across the city, emitting a strong psychic surge. A giant advertising screen suspended in the air played a dazzling video of high-end mechas in combat, accompanied by stunning sound effects, drawing the attention of every newcomer.
On the streets, Foundation Establishment-level mechas streamed by continuously, with the occasional Golden Core-level mecha flashing by. The intensity of the spiritual energy fluctuations was like invisible slaps in the face, causing her to startle slightly. Ling Ruoxi slowly navigated the streets in her Sky Sword Armor, sensing a fiercely competitive atmosphere distinct from that of the Bronze District. Her eyes flickered slightly, and a faint smile curled her lips. "This is the real battlefield."
Just as she was immersed in the shock of her new world, a message suddenly popped up on the communication channel. The sender was the "Assassin," and the content was straightforward and boastful, "Hey, Xiaoxi? You finally established your foundation? Congratulations! I'm now unbeatable in the Black Iron Zone. If anyone dares to bully you, remember to come to me. I'll help you beat them!"
Ling Ruoxi couldn't help but hold her forehead, the familiar feeling of speechlessness coming over her once again. Then, a voice call invitation popped up, accompanied by Ning Yuge's familiar loud voice: "Xiaoxi! Hurry and find me! I just upgraded the Shadow Killer's thrusters, and it's so fast that it won't even leave a shadow! The two of us can team up and sweep through the Black Iron Zone with ease!"
Ling Ruoxi pursed her lips, trying to maintain a smile on her face, and whispered, "Cousin, I just got here and I want to adapt myself first." Her tone was soft, but with a hint of obvious perfunctoriness.
But Ning Yuge clearly wasn't buying it. His voice came through the communication, carrying a sense of pride that "Big Brother has you covered." "No! I've been waiting for you in the Iron Zone! With me here, I guarantee you'll have everything you need and climb into the top ten of the leaderboard in one day! Come on, come on!"
Ling Ruoxi couldn't resist her cousin's enthusiasm, so she could only sigh and compromise, "Okay, I'll contact you after I adjust the mecha." Hearing this, Ning Yuge on the other end almost jumped up with excitement: "I knew Xiaoxi was the most reliable! Wait, cousin, you will teach you how to play in the Black Iron Zone!"
After hanging up the call, Ling Ruoxi breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the control panel of the Sky Sword Armor, continuing to adjust the spiritual energy adaptation data. However, deep in her heart, another name quietly emerged, carrying an inexplicable obsession.
"Zero..." She whispered the name, her eyes becoming more determined, as if looking into the distance through the bustling streets of the border city. "I hope you can be promoted to the Black Iron District as soon as possible. I will definitely find you, challenge you again, and defeat you with my own hands." She gripped the joystick tightly, and the spiritual patterns of the Sky Sword Armor lit up slightly, as if it could also sense the unyielding fighting spirit in her heart.
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