I've also recently started a new translation, please check it out and show your support! Douluo: Seven Kill Shock the World
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Starting, running, and suddenly stopping to pivot—Gu La's mecha moved like a ghost, carving out sharp angles with fluid transitions, without the slightest wobble.
The mechanical arms rose, grasped, and lowered with precision and smoothness, akin to the most skilled craftsman. Under Gu La's control, the heavy metal arm could steadily pick up a tiny nut from the ground as if it were his own hand!
There was no burst of soul power, no visible fluctuations in spiritual force.
In Gu La's hands, the mecha seemed like an extension of his body. Every movement reached textbook-perfect standards—and even surpassed them—carrying an indescribable rhythm and absolute mastery.
"How… how is this possible?"
"He's touching a mecha for the first time, right? How can he be so proficient? Did he already have experience?"
"This level of control… it's like he's controlling his own body!"
"It's too smooth! How did he do it?!"
A wave of suppressed exclamations and murmurs rippled through the training ground.
Even the mecha expert on the high platform was left dumbfounded, his eyes filled with disbelief.
This level of control required an inconceivable mastery of one's strength, center of gravity, and balance—a feat that couldn't be achieved through mere training. It was talent! Instinct!
Inside the cockpit, Gu La remained calm.
To him, this was child's play.
Through Mu Ye of the Body Sect, he had mastered secret techniques for controlling blood essence, honing and mastering every muscle fiber, every trace of blood essence, and every ounce of strength to their utmost limits.
Controlling a mecha that relied on physical feedback was as natural to him as breathing.
Every subtle vibration and minute change in force fed back by the mecha was perceived with incredible sensitivity, allowing him to make instantaneous and precise adjustments.
Not far away, Tang Wulin, Xie Xie, and others watched Gu La's mech, which seemed to have come alive, their expressions growing increasingly grave.
The gap… an overwhelming gap everywhere!
Xie Xie's eyes were filled with unwillingness and jealousy. He considered himself talented, and his mecha piloting skills were above average, but in front of Gu La, he felt like a toddler learning to walk.
When the class ended and Gu La leapt down from the mech, he was met with countless gazes filled with shock, awe, and curiosity.
He calmly walked toward Bai Yuan and the others, as if he had merely completed some trivial task.
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In the afternoon, the atmosphere during the class meeting was somewhat delicate.
Wu Zhangkong still wore his cold black outfit, but the badge representing his position as homeroom teacher had disappeared, replaced by an assistant teacher's insignia.
He stood beside the podium, his face icy as frost, his eyes harboring a hint of frustration and regret. Standing in the main position was Shen Yi.
Shen Yi surveyed the room, her gaze lingering particularly on Gu La and a few others before she spoke clearly: "The new semester has begun, and there are a few important announcements."
"First, regarding the final decision on last semester's end-of-term assessment, I assume everyone is already aware. I won't elaborate further."
"Second," Shen Yi shifted her tone, her voice carrying a hint of excitement, "the imperial family of the Star Luo Empire and the Star Luo Royal Academy have officially extended an exchange invitation to the Federation and our Shrek Academy."
"This is a significant opportunity to promote exchanges between the soul master communities of the two continents and solidify peace! The academy's upper echelons have decided to select the seven most outstanding students from each grade of the outer court, along with representatives from the inner court, to form a delegation for a year-long exchange program on the Star Luo Continent."
"The Star Luo Continent!"
"The exchange team!"
"Seven members?!"
The news hit the classroom like a boulder thrown into a lake, instantly causing a huge stir.
Representing the academy on an exchange trip to another continent—what an honor and opportunity this was!
The eyes of all the students burned with fervor, especially those at the top of their class.
Shen Yi raised her hand to quiet the murmurs and continued: "The number of slots is limited, and the selection criteria will naturally be extremely strict. The academy will comprehensively evaluate each student's strength, potential, and character. The preliminary selection list will be chosen from the class committee members of each grade."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over the room before landing on Wu Zhangkong: "With the start of the new semester, Class Zero will hold a re-election for the class committee."
"Among them, Bai Yuan and Gu La, who defended the academy's honor at the Sun Moon Academy, have directly secured two spots and do not need to participate in the trials."
"The others will compete in an internal class battle royale. The rules are simple: free-for-all combat on the arena."
"The five people who remain standing on the stage at the end will become the new class committee members. Additionally, performance in this selection match will serve as an important reference for the academy's selection of members for the Star Luo exchange team."
As soon as Shen Yi finished speaking, the atmosphere in the classroom instantly became scorching and charged with tension.
Battle-ready gazes collided in the air. Everyone wanted to become a class committee member; everyone coveted the precious exchange team slot.
Gu La slightly raised his eyes, a flicker of understanding flashing within. A reshuffling of the deck, selecting the elite under the banner of honor, preparing for the journey to Star Luo.
This was very much in line with Shrek's style.
He glanced at Bai Yuan and Liu Niandao beside him. Their expressions were calm, showing little concern for the positions. If not for the opportunities awaiting them on the Star Luo Continent, he wouldn't waste his time either.
Wu Zhangkong took a deep breath, suppressing his complex emotions, and coldly announced: "The selection match will take place three days from now at the academy's central coliseum. Rules: unrestricted free-for-all combat. No deliberate maiming or killing. Those who surrender or lose the ability to fight will be eliminated. The last five standing win. Dismissed! Prepare well!"
"Yes!" the students responded in unison, their voices brimming with fighting spirit.
Tang Wulin clenched his fists, his eyes burning with unyielding flames. Being a work-study student was a disgrace, but the slot on the Star Luo exchange team—he had to seize it! This was his chance to prove himself and restore his honor!
Xie Xie, Xu Lizhi, and others also rose, their fighting spirit surging. They were a team, and they would wash away their shame in the selection match.
Meanwhile, Gu La calmly stood up and walked out. His steps were steady, his thoughts drifting elsewhere. He was hesitating about whom to approach as a recommender for Liu Niandao to join the Tang Sect.
In the end, Gu La approached the familiar Wu Zhangkong, asking him to recommend Liu Niandao to the Tang Sect. The trial posed little difficulty for Liu Niandao, and he passed with ease.
Thus, all five of Gu La's avatars had found their respective places, drawing resources from various factions to aid each other's growth.
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Three days later, at the central Arena of Shrek Academy.
The massive circular stands were packed to capacity, with nearly all the outer court students gathered here. The atmosphere was as heated as a boiling furnace.
The air buzzed with the restless surge of soul power and anticipation for the upcoming melee. On the high platform, Shen Yi, Wu Zhangkong, and several other inner court teachers served as referees and spectators.
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