But if it’s clear that the pilot of this Beta-3 model is the number one powerhouse in the mecha field, “Gale”, then even a veteran player piloting a platinum mecha would surely keep their distance.

Because it was precisely with this outdated bronze-class Beta-3 mecha that Gale swept through the entire mecha domain, making it to the finals of the God of War tournament with a flawless record. In the eyes of mecha domain players, he is almost like a “god”.

The moment Winter Demon and Gale both stepped onto the finals stage, the noise gradually subsided. The system referee activated the arena switch, and the two supreme champions of the Ancient Martial Domain and the Mecha Domain appeared in a desolate desert.

The “Golden Sand Desert” battle map was chosen by the system as a fair arena after evaluating the strength of both sides, and it is also the place where the sole “God of War” title in “Blade Tomb” will be decided.

The surrounding audience had already held their breath, their eyes fixed on Winter Demon and Gale in the “Golden Sand Desert”. The moment the system sound rang out, both of them moved at once.

Two figures crossed paths in midair at a speed almost impossible to follow with the naked eye. The clash of metal rang out as the “Uranium Light Sword” in Winter Demon’s hand—reputedly the strongest weapon in the Ancient Martial Domain—struck fiercely at the Beta-3’s downward-slashing laser kinetic blade. In terms of raw power, even an ancient martial arts master like Winter Demon couldn’t possibly match a mecha with fifty thousand horsepower.

But his ancient martial arts skills made up for this shortcoming. At the instant blade and sword met, Winter Demon spun swiftly, skillfully neutralizing the massive downward force of the laser kinetic blade with a deft move.

“What a perfect use of four ounces to move a thousand pounds… If I remember correctly, this should be a basic martial technique of the Tai Chi school. I learned it myself back in the day…”

In the audience, Brian Carter’s eyes lit up, rubbing his hands together in excitement, then showing a helpless wry smile. “As expected of the number one in the ancient martial arts domain—even basic techniques can have such astonishing effects in his hands. If it were me, I’d probably be KO’d instantly.”

Speaking of which, Brian Carter started playing “Blade Tomb” as early as the open beta. Generally, even with average talent, six years of gameplay would be enough for a player to earn a hall master title. Yet to this day, Brian Carter’s rank in the Ancient Martial Domain is still just a senior disciple, only a few notches above a newbie.

As the battle in the Golden Sand Desert grew fiercer, Brian Carter couldn’t help but exclaim repeatedly, “Sword Sect’s Breaking Army Style, Whirlwind Style, Riding the Wind Style, Dragon Soaring Style… Wudang’s Cloud Ladder, Shaolin’s Bone Shrinking Technique, Kunlun’s Universal Arm Technique, Demonic Sect’s Shifting Shadow… Incredible, my idol!”

Because the fight was so intense, no one paid any attention to Brian Carter’s behavior. If anyone had, they would have been shocked by the names of ancient martial arts techniques he was calling out.

Because since the start of the match, every time Winter Demon made a move, Brian Carter would accurately name a corresponding ancient martial arts technique, as if he himself were sparring with the Beta-3 mecha.

You should know that in the Ancient Martial faction of “Blade Tomb”, there are thousands of martial arts schools for players to join. A single player can also choose to study in multiple schools, but only after completing the ultimate test of their original school.

This ultimate test is rather unusual—it doesn’t test the player’s combat strength, but is a comprehension test administered by the system, essentially a verbal exam.

Once the system recognizes that you’ve mastered all the techniques of a school, you can choose to join a new one.

Over these six years, Brian Carter’s experience in “Blade Tomb” has been less than stellar, even a bit dismal, but he has successfully passed the ultimate test of eighty-seven schools. However, he’s always kept a low profile, and has never told anyone about this seemingly buggy system setting.

In the blink of an eye, the battle was nearing its end. Winter Demon’s initial dominance was gradually waning, while Gale, piloting the Beta-3, launched wave after wave of fierce attacks.

“Iron Wall Sword Curtain… That’s the strongest defensive technique of the Sword Sect.”

Seeing Winter Demon leap up, the Uranium Light Sword slashing upward and conjuring a flurry of sword shadows to suppress the Beta-3 mecha’s ferocious assault, Brian Carter instead frowned. “He didn’t take the chance to counterattack—could it be my idol is running out of stamina? I wonder what internal skill he’s trained in. If it’s a top-tier SS-class internal skill, even against a platinum mecha’s onslaught, he should be able to fight for over ten hours!”

Although Brian Carter is extremely knowledgeable in ancient martial arts theory—someone recognized by the system as proficient in eighty-seven schools of martial arts could earn a doctorate in ancient martial arts in real life—everything he knows is theoretical. With almost zero real combat experience, there’s still a lot Brian Carter doesn’t know.

Indeed, Winter Demon has trained in the top-tier SS-class internal skill, but at this moment, he is already on the verge of physical exhaustion.