Time rewound two hours, to a spot in space near a planet. A Xuanmen Mechanical Hall on several starships was building a cultivation mecha.
Inside a vast laboratory, the Hall Master of the Mechanical Hall watched excitedly as the mecha neared completion.
The mecha was twenty meters tall.
The Deputy Hall Master of the Mechanical Hall stood by, observing.
Soon, the mecha's outer shell was assembled, with only the energy source and engine left to be installed.
The Hall Master declared, "Next, we'll assemble the core components. Once this energy source and engine are installed, the mecha will be ready."
The Deputy Hall Master voiced his concern, "Hall Master, I believe we should conduct the final assembly in open space. If an explosion occurs, not only would the starship be destroyed, but more importantly, many of our Mechanical Hall members are on board!"
However, the Hall Master beside him dismissed the worry, saying, "No need to fret. Look at the numerous defensive formations surrounding this laboratory; there will be no issues. See how strong my pursuit of science is? Are you, a Dragon Country native, inferior to me, a new Dragon Country citizen? Hahaha, I have joined Dragon Country too."
The Deputy Hall Master's gaze fell upon the energy source and engine. The energy source was a collection of top-grade spirit stones, contained and restrained by various secret instruments to manage gravitational forces.
The engine, connected to the energy source, was a specially designed energy engine. Composed entirely of energy, it represented a breakthrough in engine technology.
The Hall Master was eager to proceed with the assembly, but after several rounds of discussion, the Deputy Hall Master, citing safety concerns, insisted that the assembly be moved to outer space.
The Hall Master had no choice but to agree. Then, with the aid of intelligent mechas, the mecha's outer shell, energy source, and energy engine were transported into space.
Once they were two thousand kilometers away, the experiment commenced.
The Hall Master, controlling an intelligent mecha from afar, personally oversaw the assembly.
The final assembly was straightforward: the energy source and engine were placed inside the mecha and secured.
Upon completion, the Hall Master exclaimed with delight, "Deputy Hall Master, look, it's assembled! I told you there would be no danger."
At that moment, the instruments installed on the mecha transmitted feedback.
"Secured, no looseness."
"Readings normal."
"Sensory system operational."
"Propulsion nominal."
"Weapon systems online."
"Defense systems engaged."
"..."
After a series of self-checks, the Hall Master excitedly announced, "Then, let's proceed to the next phase! Activate Dragon Country Golden Immortal Mecha Unit 0001!"
The Hall Master pressed the activation button.
In the distant space, the Dragon Country Golden Immortal Mecha Unit 0001 began to channel increased energy into its engine.
The energy within the engine rapidly expanded, filling the mecha and continuing to grow. Like muscles developing, this energy formed a giant, one hundred meters tall. The mecha's metal structure was now at its core.
Then, the Hall Master maneuvered the mecha through several basic movements.
The mecha within the energy field mirrored every action of the external energy mecha, moving in perfect synchronization.
"Excellent, the basic movements are also performing well. Let's try the next step: increase the energy output!"
Energy began to be channeled into the engine at a higher rate.
Immediately, problems arose.
"Warning, energy levels rising inexplicably."
"Warning!"
The energy gauge on the side surged past the preset limit.
The Hall Master immediately attempted to control it, but to no avail.
The energy bar climbed higher and higher. The mecha quickly went out of control. In space, it began to fly erratically, and then, it started firing its weapons at its surroundings.
Powerful energy cannons erupted.
The surrounding starships scrambled to evade. These energy cannons were not the mecha's most potent attacks; its true power lay in its energy-based assaults.
However, even these cannon shots pierced through a nearby starship, leaving a gaping hole.
Fortunately, everyone on that starship was a cultivator. As the starship exploded, they escaped and flew into space.
The Deputy Hall Master shouted, "Stop that mecha immediately!"
"Unable to stop it, it's malfunctioning."
"What happened? Why is it malfunctioning?"
"Energy overload, it has burned out the internal controller."
The Hall Master beside him stated, "It seems I must step in here."
The Deputy Hall Master asked, "Hall Master, what do you intend to do?"
The Hall Master replied, "I will go out and subdue that mecha. After all, I am a Golden Immortal!"
This Hall Master was a Golden Immortal. The Deputy Hall Master's current cultivation was not even at the Nascent Soul stage. He had been assigned by Dragon Country to assist the Hall Master. After so long, the Deputy Hall Master had almost forgotten that the person before him was a Golden Immortal.
The Deputy Hall Master inquired, "Should we arrange a mecha for you?"
The Hall Master replied, "No need. Those mechas are not as powerful as I am."
The Hall Master ventured out into space, his figure a streak of light as he flew towards the mecha.
Upon seeing someone approach, the mecha immediately launched an attack.
The Hall Master boasted, "A mere mecha dares to attack me?"
The Hall Master deployed a defensive puppet.
"Boom!"
The defensive puppet was immediately pierced by an energy cannon from the mecha.
Then, the mecha, also a streak of light, flew directly towards the Hall Master.
The Hall Master hastily drew his long sword to defend himself.
But the long sword proved utterly useless.
The sword was shattered by the mecha.
Furthermore, the mecha's energy blade continued its momentum, striking the Hall Master's arm.
The Hall Master's arm was severed.
The Hall Master stared at his missing hand in disbelief, exclaiming, "Isn't this a Golden Immortal-level mecha?"
The Hall Master had not anticipated that this mecha would be more powerful than him, a Golden Immortal.
After severing the Hall Master's arm, the mecha's attack did not cease; it continued to assault him.
After a brief struggle with the mecha, the Hall Master found himself severely injured.
The Hall Master declared, "This is no good, I am no match for this mecha. Evacuate immediately!"