"Additionally, scattered throughout the venue are various supply boxes, some of which are obvious, while others are hidden in secret places, requiring high-level scanning technology to find. And some are guarded by powerful Spirit Beasts or Magical Beasts, or mechanical traps."

"The supply boxes contain Ethereal Crystals for energy recovery, and portable printing devices that can quickly repair damaged bodies."

"Moreover, to ensure fairness and spectacle in the Mechanical Spirit Cup, the capabilities of all competitors' machines, including Spiritual Power, Ether intensity, etc., will be suppressed to a fixed standard by the [System]."

"This competition will test the machine's performance itself, as well as the driver's pure skills and tactics."

"Multiple drivers are allowed, but for each additional driver, the suppression penalty imposed by the [System] will multiply. Unless you possess an extremely special talent for multi-person collaboration, it often isn't worth the cost."

"Overall, it is a format that intensely tests comprehensive abilities, not just direct combat skills, whether it's stealth, perception, or various creative ideas and methods—they're all allowed!"

"And this year, the energy level requirements for the Mechanical Spirit Cup are set extremely high! This means the limits of what the competitors can achieve are equally astonishing!"

Zumama sat hugging her knees on the workbench, her thick python tail tapping back and forth on it, indigo eyes reflecting the screen's glow.

"Well then, now that the foreword is over, let's welcome our special guest, Senior Researcher, Professor Qingwu, to talk about this year's key competitors!"

The screen cut to a middle-aged man who looked somewhat familiar, scholarly and thin.

Seeing him, everyone paused slightly.

This man is someone they often see even during normal times,

Qingwu, one of Longteng University's employed True Masters, though he didn't conduct courses this year, he led a project in the Equipment Department, hailing from the Coastal Qing family.

The Qing family is a rare New Martial Spirit Master family indeed, leading Great Xia in the study of mechanical Spirit Beasts and Spiritual Artifacts, but they did not participate this year, so they can freely comment without conflict of interest.

He smiled and spoke, "Hello everyone, I am Qingwu."

"As the highest honor for mechanical Spiritual Artifacts in Great Xia, this year's Mechanical Spirit Cup is absolutely a Dragon-Tiger rivalry with many old friends returning and new strong contestants participating."

"Most have already made a name for themselves before, and there has been a lot of information online."

"Let's start by introducing [Lei Mi Group]'s competing creation."

"[Frost Tiger]."

The screen showed a still promotional photo.

In a dimly lit hangar, a majestic twenty-meter-long quadripedal mechanical tiger stood quietly, covered entirely with snow-white armor and black stripes, its fangs flashing with electric light, exuding a chilling aura.

Beside it stood a tall man with purple hair in a cape, appearing imposing, standing on its left shoulder with golden light flickering in his eyes.

"Though concrete parameters haven't been leaked, as Lei Mi Group's cutting-edge creation, it definitely bears great expectations."

"Its creator and driver are also our old friend, Lei Mi Group's Chief Technology Officer, True Master Dan."

The host nodded emphatically.

Soon, a new image appeared on the screen.

It was a very peculiar-looking machine.

It appeared about ten meters high, but at first glance, people struggled to describe what it resembled. The machine's surface was covered with dark gray armor, and below seemed to hide something, perhaps weapons or other things.

Qingwu's voice continued to introduce: "[Yuanhu Industry], [Chaos]."

"From the name, it should be clear to everyone that the prototype of this machine's design is a wondrous Spirit Beast named [Chaos], without a specific form, yet capable of displaying a variety of bizarre changes."

"Using extremely intricate mechanical Spiritual Artifacts to replicate the myriad changes of [Chaos] is undoubtedly a bold attempt."

"True Master Li Feng hasn't participated in the Mechanical Spirit Cup for four editions. Many may have forgotten his dominance back then, but this time, he is surely prepared."

The audience stared unblinkingly at the photos, speculating on its abilities with great interest.

The screen switched again.

The next machine made the audience gasp in surprise.

Appearing before them was a silhouette many were familiar with.

It was an entirely pitch-black top with no reference points, making size difficult to determine.

Its shape exuded a simple yet lethal beauty, made from a special non-reflective material that seemed to absorb all light, judging the shape of its attack ring could only be done through shadows cast behind it.

Battle Tops.

In Great Xia, Battle Tops are a popular Spirit Beast among children.

The four Tier Seven pinnacle Tops Holy Beasts annually distribute their power seeds to children who love Battle Tops.

However, obviously, this Battle Top wasn't any of the four Holy Beasts series but a Spirit Artifact machine mimicking their creation.

Qingwu's voice grew more interested: "[Yuedong Group], True Master Qian Yue leads the development of [Battle Top: Celestial Punishment]."

"Its appearance should tell you it definitely possesses the universal trait of High Tier Battle Top Spirit Beasts."

"As the battle progresses, its spin speed will increase, its agility and overall attributes will continuously enhance, so if you can't defeat it immediately, the opponent will face a terrifying existence that gets faster and stronger with time."