What Qu Jianlei talked about was not a breakthrough in Qi Refining.

Lately, he's been busy hunting to earn money. Although he's also cultivating, he hasn't felt any signs of breaking through to Qi Refining level seven.

He's referring to the upgrade of the small lake. This winter, he's read many books on mechanics, and the database has been continuously enriched.

Recently, while visualizing the small lake, he was pleasantly surprised to find that when the Big Head Butterfly was circling, there was a slight stutter.

This reaction wasn't unfamiliar to him. Back on Blue Star, whenever the small lake was about to upgrade its database, similar phenomena would occur.

Back then, he was sure the small lake didn't have an independent personality consciousness—he also didn't dare to openly challenge social norms.

But now, he really couldn't determine what the small lake was like.

Anyway, he's looking forward to its upgrade. Unfortunately, his body is still a bit too weak to support its computing power.

Just now, Geng Shougong sent over three hundred books, so he thought he might try to see if he could let the small lake level up?

Upon hearing that he's about to shut himself away to delve into mechanical knowledge again, both Flower Scorpion and Cindy were a bit speechless.

Claire directly asked, "Is mechanical knowledge really that interesting?"

"Of course it's interesting," Qu Jianlei replied with a smile, "Why don't you study it too?"

"No, thanks," Claire shook her head like a rattle, "I'd rather learn saber techniques from you."

She's at a rebellious age, and has long coveted the saber technique taught by Panda boss.

But this idea isn't that outrageous; there are plenty of female adventurers in the Wasteland, including skilled hands like Flower Scorpion.

Upon hearing this, Spencer couldn't help but roll his eyes—is another team going to get attacked again?

Panda boss striking so frequently is, well, not great, right?

Qu Jianlei came out after seven days, as was customary, he first cooked a big pot of meat and ate heartily.

Noticing his odd mood, no one dared ask much, but Claire, with her boldness, asked, "How's the retreat harvest?"

"The harvest was okay," Qu Jianlei replied a bit listlessly, "just... too costly."

This time, the small lake upgrade consumed yet another B-level Crystal, causing him a three-day headache.

The gains were definitely worth it; the small lake successfully absorbed the Wasteland's mechanical knowledge systematically into the database.

A comprehensive absorption, Qu Jianlei could even make custom modifications to Wasteland's machinery.

After three days of headaches, the small lake's computing power also improved somewhat.

However, what frustrated Qu Jianlei was that he now only had one B-level Crystal left.

This Crystal could help him reach Qi Refining level seven, but as for level eight, that's out of the question.

Facing diminishing resources, he was anxious... As long as the B-level Crystal is still effective, better not to use the A-level early, right?

The problem is that there are not many A-level Crystals either, only two in total... plus one not yet formed.

It's only upon cultivation that one realizes their poverty, Qu Jianlei thought gloomily as he ate large chunks of meat.

When Spencer returned at night, he was somewhat surprised to see that he hadn't gone off to ambush others.

That's what he thought, while offering new information, "Black Wind's attack is being rewarded personally by Red Snow!"

"Red Snow..." Qu Jianlei was a bit speechless at the news, "What are they thinking? Only allowing Black Wind to rob things?"

"Mainly because there's been no clue," Spencer replied indifferently, "Red Snow feels humiliated..."

Then he sighed, also looking a bit grim, "It's said that among the goods robbed from Black Wind, there were two Mutant Crystals."

"Mutant Crystals?" Qu Jianlei was stunned upon hearing this but couldn't help cursing inwardly, what a load of crap about Mutant Crystals.

"Definitely fake news," an old swindler could figure that out, but the issue was, "money is enticing, isn't it?"

Qu Jianlei was initially a bit downhearted, then realized, isn't this a reason for procuring Crystals?

"Did they say what kind of Crystals those were?"

"Didn't say," the old swindler shook his head, then seriously spoke, "I guess they might want to hook that Sha Qu."

"The reward for Sha Qu has now risen to two thousand; mainly because he also likes Mutant Crystals."

"Who doesn't like Mutant Crystals?" Qu Jianlei responded indifferently, then expressed.

"Help me inquire about where to find Exotic Snow Silk Ape Crystals... I'll pay a high price."

"Exotic Snow Silk Ape?" Spencer raised his eyebrow, "Only this kind, or you want all B-level Crystals?"

"Mainly Exotic Snow Silk Ape," Qu Jianlei replied impassively, "As for others... I'll decide based on specifics."

The old swindler pondered a bit, then asked, "Will we be too conspicuous by doing this?"

If someone suspects you as Sha Qu, we might face disaster without knowing.

"Just let the word spread," Qu Jianlei slightly shook his head, "Exotic Snow Silk Ape has a reputation; it'd be strange if I wasn't interested."

His words were spot-on. On the third day, Geng Shougong visited, "Exotic Snow Silk Ape Crystal... you've hit the bottleneck already?"

Generally, Mutant Crystals aren't of use, but this particular one is an exception—for Maintenance Masters!

Snow Silk Ape Crystals can effectively enhance the Maintenance Master's touch, increasing stability.

This knowledge, Qu Jianlei didn't originally know, only recently gleaned from books.

As for how to use the Crystal to enhance touch and increase stability, the book didn't specify—those who know just know.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.