Xu Que's way of thinking was rather simple; his primary goal was to stabilize Z Nation first, then gradually shift his focus to the outside world.
As for why he held such a view, perhaps it was because he had already altered the course of the future.
In his previous life, there was no one who dared to take such risks at this point. Xu Que remembered vividly that, at this very time in the past, he had only just begun to unsheathe his sword and take that first step.
Compared to now, it felt like two entirely different worlds!
This life, however, was different—he was reborn. Not only had he changed many unfortunate events, but even other countries were starting to shift in response.
Although the human population was still on the decline, the number of powerful humans had increased exponentially, far surpassing the figures of his previous life. Thus, the Blue Star had truly entered an era of global apocalypse.
Given that there was hope now, he would never let that flame of hope extinguish.
Whether or not the Celestial Tribe existed, he was willing to take a gamble. If humanity on Blue Star won, he would lead them into the other world and obliterate all those who coveted Blue Star.
"If this is the path you've chosen, I will support you," Shen Mengchu said with a smile.
"Thank you," Xu Que said, pulling Shen Mengchu into an embrace.
As Xu Que held her, Shen Mengchu subtly sniffed the air.
Though the subterranean level three was overwhelmed with the scent of various ores, there was something about Xu Que's scent that felt oddly familiar.
Noticing Shen Mengchu's nostrils twitching, Xu Que's mind raced with a thousand thoughts.
"You—"
They both spoke simultaneously.
"You go first," Shen Mengchu said with a smile.
"By the way, I have something I want to give you," Xu Que said quickly.
"Is it an engagement ring?" Shen Mengchu asked curiously.
Xu Que was speechless. He hadn't even prepared for a proposal, and besides, it was far too soon for that.
"No, it's just two bottles of shower gel. I thought the scent was nice," Xu Que said awkwardly, scratching his head.
"Is it the scent on you?" Shen Mengchu asked.
"Yeah, it's quite pleasant, and last time, when I smelled terrible, it was thanks to this," Xu Que said as he quickly pulled out the two bottles of blue shower gel.
Xu Que had once asked Liang Jinyu why she gave him two bottles of shower gel.
She simply replied, "You'll understand when the time comes."
Thinking back on Liang Jinyu's expression, Xu Que felt a profound respect for her.
"This woman is truly exceptional. She could even anticipate such a situation!"
Xu Que decisively wrote in his notebook: "Top-tier Mistress!"
Shen Mengchu opened the bottle, sniffed it, and nodded in approval. "Not bad, this smells quite pleasant."
Seeing that his diversion worked, Xu Que smiled and quickly steered the conversation. "So, what were you going to ask earlier?"
Shen Mengchu's face immediately flushed, her expression becoming shy.
"Can I tell you that I was wondering about the scent on you?"
"Ah, Shen Mengchu, you're so clever, but why is it that you freeze at crucial moments?" Xu Que couldn't help but think about Liang Jinyu again.
"Truly a master, she knows exactly when to shut down a conversation—YYDS (forever a legend)! I'll make sure to work extra hard next time I fix the plumbing!"
The air grew awkward with both of them silent.
Xu Que, attempting to break the tension, asked, "Well, since you can't remember, forget about it. By the way, are you planning to set up an alchemy lab upstairs, or would you like me to build one for you?"
Shen Mengchu pointed at the strange-shaped ingots and asked, "You plan to use these ores to create an alchemy lab?"
"I was originally planning to reinforce the F3 level with them, but as I worked, it turned into this," Xu Que explained awkwardly.
In his previous life, the huge fortresses of Magic City were built with A-level spiritual ore. So, Xu Que thought of trying with C and B-level ores first. The result… was something that defied description.
"Do you need me to find a defensive structure architect for you?" Shen Mengchu asked.
Xu Que, intrigued, asked, "Do you know anyone?"
"Don't forget, the military has plenty of talents," Shen Mengchu said with a proud smile.
"Great, it would be best to find someone who specializes in weaponry research. I have a lot of questions I need answered," Xu Que said.
"Not a problem," Shen Mengchu replied, smiling. "In the meantime, practice your forging skills, because people from Xiangcheng will be arriving tomorrow."
Xu Que nodded seriously, watching Shen Mengchu leave.
He looked at the D-grade armor blueprints in his inventory and decisively chose to study them.
As soon as he learned the blueprint, he instantly understood the construction of the armor mold.
"Wow, it's that simple… I really am an idiot!"
...
At the Chasfield family estate in Y Nation, when Leixi heard that the Centipede had decided to leave the organization, she didn't get angry. Instead, she smiled innocently.
She wasn't surprised by Centipede's departure, though she hadn't expected him to leave at this time.
"Leixi, do you want me to take some people to Z Nation and kill Centipede?" Maier asked.
Maier had long been displeased with Centipede. Not only had he ignored his calls, but he even told him to stay away. A servant who dared to defy him deserved to be eliminated!
Leixi glanced at Maier, thinking that with his mindset, he would never achieve anything significant.
"Since he chose to leave, do you think he wasn't prepared for it? Or is he trying to attract the attention of Z Nation?"
"Although we have some basic strength, if we clash with Z Nation, it would be like using an egg to break a rock. Don't forget, what is our real objective?"
Upon hearing this, Maier fell silent.
Although he knew Leixi was trying to control Z Nation slowly, he feared that without using some despicable means, he might never get the chance again.
Sitting in the main seat, Majorlo spoke up, "The people should have arrived in Xiangcheng by now, right?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Leixi replied with a smile. "Although we've made some concessions, as long as we bring Xu Que back, there will only be one voice in Y Nation from now on—the Chasfield family."
Majorlo nodded, agreeing with Leixi's words. After all, there were too few weapons above grade C, and currently, only fifteen appeared on the "Heavenly Armament Rankings." If they could acquire a large quantity of grade C weapons, they would dominate the lower eighty-five spots on that list.
"By the way, how are things with Mand?" Majorlo asked.
"Most of the politicians in M Nation are already on our side. With our support, Laireis Technology has begun to take shape," Leixi answered.
"Good. Laireis is important to us. If we can develop other superpowers, the Chasfield family will become the rulers of Blue Star!"
...
In the morning, Xu Que groggily opened his sleepy eyes.
Looking at the pile of D-grade pauldrons and armor before him, he felt no joy.
Though he had mastered the craft, he had gained no real insights from forging.
As he saw that his experience had reached 89%, Xu Que scratched his head.
"Do I need to level up before I can gain any insight?"
As he pondered, remembering what Duan Jiude had said in his previous life, his phone suddenly rang.
Seeing an unknown number, Xu Que frowned as he opened the message.
It was from Murong Xuanyue, wanting to add him as a friend.
Recalling what Elder Ye and Liang Jinyu had said, Xu Que couldn't help but smile smugly.
"Sure enough, no matter where they are, excellent men can never hide their charm!"
Xu Que clicked accept, then clicked on Murong Xuanyue's profile picture…
"Damn, this woman is stunning!"