"Is it second only to the dimensional rift here?" Qi Shan asked, somewhat shocked.
"Mm." Xu Que nodded, yet he did not speak the truth.
Based on the current count of monsters within the dimensional space, the one in Haigang District had already been significantly reduced, after all. In his past life, the rift was only completely sealed in the fifth year. According to the reports from that time, the earlier rifts would erupt at specific intervals, far more stable compared to the later ones which exploded every seven days.
"Xu, are you sure it's just these ten kids that will be accompanying us?" Qi Shan still seemed incredulous.
Xu Que patted Qi Shan's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll make sure Zhang Hao and his team accompany you as well, but don't expect too much from them."
Qi Shan froze in place at Xu Que's words, but before he could ask further questions, Xu Que took off into the air.
Once all the trash bags had been used up, the deadly trial had come to an end.
At the Prospect International Building, within the explosion-prone company.
As Xu Que returned, Shen Mengchu handed him three documents.
"The first is the information regarding your entry into the dimensional space; you'll need to fill it out yourself. The second is about the online slander against us recently. The third is from Xiangcheng."
Xu Que tossed the second document aside, uninterested in the online insults.
Picking up the third document, he glanced at it, and noted that it concerned the Chaserfield family—his curiosity piqued. However, when he saw the founder's name, his mind drifted back to his past life.
"What do you think?" Xu Que asked, placing the third document down.
"I can only say, the newcomers are not friendly, and seem to be targeting us intentionally." Shen Mengchu moved closer, picking up the second document again. "According to official investigations, some of the people online have been influenced by them."
Xu Que took the second document, then placed it alongside the third.
"These matters are not worth worrying about. One day, these people will come begging to us."
"Are you sure?" Shen Mengchu asked, her expression one of doubt.
"Mm." Xu Que nodded without offering further explanation.
For him, some things were inevitable. Though he wanted to cultivate talents in the early stages, his strength was still limited. Besides, he wasn't interested in unnecessary efforts.
In his past life, he had endured much and witnessed the so-called betrayals and deceptions, which led him to focus only on his own interests.
As for others' suffering—what did that have to do with him?
"Oh, right, here's the new security list." Shen Mengchu handed him a document from her desk.
She didn't mention the events from two days ago, having already accepted that harsh reality.
Xu Que glanced at the list briefly and saw a name he somewhat recognized, though he couldn't immediately recall where he had heard it before.
"Not satisfied?" Shen Mengchu asked, noticing his expression.
"No, just remembered something." Xu Que handed the document back. "Alright, let's proceed with these arrangements for now."
"Mm, then fill out the documents." Shen Mengchu took the papers back and resumed her work at her desk.
The intelligence file system was one Xu Que had purposely set up after founding the company, intending to provide the authorities with accurate data and use these connections to implement his future plans.
In his past life, many companies maintained official cooperation this way.
Though he was currently very strong, some matters still required official intervention.
After quickly filling out the documents, Xu Que bade Shen Mengchu farewell and left the top-floor office.
On the rooftop, Xu Que opened his inventory and quickly reviewed his latest acquisitions.
[Name: Cloak of Chromagus A-Level (Unique Equipment)]
[Quality: Epic (Gold)]
[Passive: Increases the wearer's mental strength and grants immunity to all curses.]
[Note: A gift from the Hell Gatekeeper, Nefarius, to his beloved dog. Wear this and you will attract Nefarius' attention.]
"Is it that monster?" Xu Que mused, rubbing his chin.
But before long, he decided to wear the hood.
[Name: Scorcher B-Level (Unique Equipment)]
[Quality: Excellent (Purple)]
[Active: Unleashes a burning slash on the target (Cooldown 24 hours).]
[Passive: Increases fire attribute attack power while lowering a small portion of stamina and movement speed.]
[Note: A saber belonging to Hero Aiven, devastatingly powerful, forged from Hellstone Crystal, one of Lavende's proudest creations.]
"This greatsword would be perfect for Zhao Xian. With it, he could secure second place on the [Divine Weapon Rankings]."
Xu Que sent a message to Zhao Xian and continued reviewing other items.
[Name: Powerguard Leggings B-Level (Unique)]
[Quality: Excellent (Purple)]
[Active: Can activate a protective power shield once (Cooldown 12 hours).]
[Passive: Increases defense and adds a small amount of mental strength.]
"These are nice, I could use some leg protection myself."
Xu Que equipped them without hesitation.
[Name: Hellhound Boots B-Level (Unique Equipment)]
[Quality: Excellent (Purple)]
[Passive: Increases movement speed and offers resistance to fire damage. Has a small chance to trigger the "Rampage" effect upon attacking.]
Upon seeing the boots, Xu Que decided against wearing them. Although they were decent, they didn't offer the secondary jump effect he was looking for.
Just as he was about to continue checking the next item, Zhao Xian arrived.
"Have the teams been assigned?" Xu Que asked.
"Only Li He's team remains, but I want them to head to Liaojiang City alone," Zhao Xian replied.
"Are you doing this to repay Chen Daguo?" Xu Que asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Something like that," Zhao Xian nodded.
Xu Que understood Zhao Xian's reasoning. Had it not been for Chen Daguo, Qi Shan might have perished in Liaojiang City.
"Alright, make the arrangements," Xu Que said, handing over the weapons and gear to Zhao Xian.
Upon seeing the [Scorcher], Zhao Xian was stunned.
"This sword is for me?"
"Mm, I want you to take second place on the [Divine Weapon Rankings]," Xu Que said.
Zhao Xian glanced at the top-ranked weapon and asked, "Is that yours?"
Xu Que didn't deny it, nodding slightly. "You know the truth. Some things need to remain hidden."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xian instantly understood. Though Xu Que hadn't acknowledged being first on the other rankings, he knew Xu Que's strength would never be second to anyone.
"Got it."
Watching Zhao Xian leave, Xu Que smiled inwardly. He knew exactly what kind of person Zhao Xian was—he needed someone like him as his right-hand man!
If his guesses were correct, in his previous life, these people must have faced something that ultimately led to the rise of the young emperor, Kun Shao.
But in this life… With his intervention, such tragedies would never unfold again.
As for Kun Shao, Xu Que planned to let him train on his own. After all, the former emperor's potential couldn't be too bad!
With that thought, Xu Que returned his attention to the inventory.
[Name: Hellhound's Venomous Fang A-Level]
[Quality: Epic (Gold)]
[Material: The venomous fang of the Hellhound Chromagus, incredibly tough, infused with potent venom. Useful for forging and alchemy.]
[Name: Hellhound's Fire Fang A-Level]
[Quality: Epic (Gold)]
[Material: The fiery fang of the Hellhound Chromagus, extremely tough and imbued with fire properties. Useful for forging and alchemy.]