Martial arts have become extinct worldwide, yet I am forced to have a large family.

Dead?

Yang Xian's brain went blank for a moment.

Looking at the bright-smiling girl in front of him, he couldn't associate her with the word "death."

Immediately afterwards, a series of keywords flashed through his mind.

Ten years ago...

The torchbearer...

Star City...

"You...you're the 'God of War' who saved Star City back then?"

Yang Xian pointed to the colossal mecha standing like a god in the center of the academy, "Even that huge thing, you created it?"

"Yes! Hehe, isn't that amazing?" Lin Ai nodded with a smile, making no attempt to hide her pride.

She sat back down on the bench, hands behind her head, looking like a carefree girl next door.

"For some strange reason, I did not die completely and can only exist in this form of 'ghost'."

"I can't do anything, and my range of movement is restricted. I can only move around near the 'Stars'."

"I guess you can see me because the power of the 'Flame' remains within you."

Lin Ai turned her head, her pure eyes curiously scrutinizing Yang Xian. "That's why I want to know, why are you still alive and well after using the Flame of Life?"

How would I know?

Yang Xian also wanted to know the answer.

He suspected it was related to the system within him, but no matter how he called out to it in his mind, the system didn't respond at all.

The answer to this question may not be found for a long time.

"I'm not really sure...maybe it's just me who's different." Yang Xian shook his head, then spoke solemnly:

"Tell me, what do you want me to do for you?"

"If you have any unfulfilled wishes, just tell me, and I'll do my best to help."

The girl in front of him inexplicably reminded him of Senior Liang.

The "Torchbearers" lived in obscurity, dedicating everything to China, and even after their deaths, their names were forgotten by the world.

People would simply assume that it was the lofty God of War who saved everyone.

Yang Xian could also be considered a "torchbearer," and he sincerely admired such heroes who sacrificed their lives for righteousness.

"Hehe, it's easy!" Lin Ai's smile widened even more. "Just help them bring the mecha out!"

"Mecha?"

"Yes! My old car!" Lin Ai explained.

"A part of my spiritual core remains inside, which is like a clone of me."

"As long as you carry it with you, I won't be stuck here anymore!"

She winked playfully and held up one index finger.

"In return, they'll teach you everything they've ever learned about mechas!"

"The kind that guarantees you'll learn it!"

------

The academy's mecha warehouse.

"Mr. Yang Xian, this is the warehouse where the mechs are stored."

The staff led the way inside, their attitude very respectful.

He was sent by Liu Qin, specifically to guide Yang Xian in selecting a mecha.

"Thank you for your trouble." Yang Xian nodded politely.

He and the "invisible" Lin Ai followed behind the staff.

The warehouse interior is larger than one might imagine.

What comes into view are rows of neatly arranged mechs, standing silently in the hangar.

"Some of the mechs here are defective products discarded by the research institute, while others were salvaged from the battlefield," a staff member explained in detail.

"Although their original owners are no longer here, each mech carries the glory of a warrior. We will maintain them regularly, waiting for their new owners to awaken them."

"Each mech has a brief introduction and performance parameters next to it. Just tell me which one you like."

"Thank you." Yang Xian looked around. "I'll take a look around myself first."

The staff tactfully stepped aside, giving Yang Xian enough private space.

Yang Xian looked at the humanoid mechs in front of him with curiosity, unable to hide his excitement.

I have to say, every single one of them is incredibly cool.

He had dreamed of driving a mech across the land since his past life, and now he never thought that dream would come true.

What men like is actually quite simple.

A handy, straight stick, powerful firearms, and... an incredibly cool mecha!

"Yang Xian! Yang Xian!! Come with me quickly!"

Lin Ai's voice interrupted Yang Xian's reverie.

With a wave of her hand, she skipped and hopped towards the depths of the warehouse.

"My mech is stored up ahead!"

What's the rush!

Let me admire it a little longer!

Yang Xian muttered a helpless complaint to himself, but still took a step and followed.

He had only taken a few steps when the staff member called him back.

"Mr. Yang Xian!" The staff member quickly caught up, a hint of embarrassment on his face. "The mechs stored over there are level two, which are not very suitable for a level three martial artist like you to pilot. Their performance is somewhat outdated."

"It's alright!" Yang Xian didn't stop walking. "I'll just take a look around first!"

The staff member opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.

But over there...

It's a mecha specifically designed for female pilots...

Soon, Lin Ai stopped in a corner and excitedly pointed to one of the mechs.

"Here it is! That's it!"

Yang Xian looked in the direction she pointed, and there was a mecha that was entirely pearl white.

The mecha's overall lines are slender, exuding a feminine grace, and it also has a pair of thrusters on its back.

"it……?"

"Um!"

Lin Ai's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly, her face full of "Choose it quickly" expressions.

"Uh..." Yang Xian fell silent for a moment.

He is quite handsome, but...

This thing doesn't seem to suit my style as a grown man!

Just then, the staff arrived, panting.

"Mr. Yang Xian, let's go back over there and choose. The mechs here, in terms of design... um..."

"It's geared more towards women's body types and driving habits, so you might not feel very comfortable driving it."

He advised her tactfully.

Yang Xian wasn't stupid; he could easily understand the meaning behind his words.

but……

He glanced at the pink-haired girl beside him who looked expectant.

"Yang Xian," Lin Ai leaned closer to him and blinked one of her eyes.

"You can't go back on your promises to girls!"

On the other side, seeing that Yang Xian hadn't spoken for a while, the staff member cautiously reminded him again.

"Mr. Yang Xian...?"

"..." Yang Xian slowly closed his eyes, his mind in turmoil.

On one side is a man's dignity, and on the other is a promise to others.

How am I supposed to choose?!

In the end, I just gritted my teeth and made a decision.

Fine!

Well, I've already chosen it. At worst, I just won't release it again!

"I've already made my choice!" Yang Xian opened his eyes, his gaze becoming resolute.

"This is the one!!"