Iron Chariots.
The motorcycles returned one after another, and the news of the Iron Chariots' victory in clearing the old cities spread. The originally lively Iron Chariots became even livelier.
Scorpion and Tusk were about to report the battle situation to Leader Ling You, but they were stopped at the door.
"You mean someone from the Black Steel Shelter is talking to the leader?"
Tusk and Scorpion looked at each other. The Black Steel Shelter had always been superior. Although Leader Ling You also had connections in the shelter, even if something happened, it was Ling You who took the initiative to report to the shelter. The shelter rarely sent people to the Iron Chariots, except for the annual recruitment.
"There are still more than two months before the recruitment. Is this year's recruitment ahead of schedule?" Tusk asked in a low voice.
"It's possible!" Scorpion nodded. "However, it's also possible that they're here for Asterite."
Scorpion furrowed his brows. If the other party was really here for the star stones, then things were going to be troublesome. If the other party had come at this time, then they definitely did not represent the will of the shelter. It should be the will of someone in the shelter, and this person could not be stronger than an M4 or P4.
If they wanted to take away the star energy stones, then Lu Yin might not be able to stop them. Most importantly, people who were willing to lower themselves for the sake of star energy stones were usually not very generous. They would usually not give an equivalent price in return, and it was even possible for them to freeload.
This kind of thing had happened in Lionheart Castle before. Leonis had once obtained a piece of rare xenogeneic metal. He originally wanted to give it to his child in exchange for a chance to step into the Black Steel Shelter. However, the news was leaked, and an M4 from the shelter forced Leonis to give up the xenogeneic metal at the cost of a mechanical weapon.
"Don't worry, Leader Ling You is not someone Leonis can compare to. Even if the person who came is really an M4 or P4, the other party may not dare to mess around," Scorpion said in a low voice.
Tusk nodded. Not only was Ling You strong, but she was also more confident than the leaders of the other shelters. An ordinary M4 or P4 was not enough to make her bow her head.
After waiting for a few minutes, Luan suddenly ran over.
"Captain, Qi Yuan is back. He came back with Sickle, and he didn't bring any Asterite with him," Luan said in a low voice..
Qi Yuan is back?
Sickle was slightly stunned, then smiled and let out a sigh of relief.
"It's good that he's back!"
The news of the mysterious disappearance of the remaining Asterite had spread. As for the whereabouts of the Asterite, rumors had already spread. Many people were secretly targeting Qi Yuan. If Qi Yuan had not shown his strength as a pinnacle Tier 3 and brought back No.1 and No.2, these rumors would have only spread even more.
If Qi Yuan had left without saying goodbye, it would undoubtedly confirm the rumors that he had stolen the remaining Asterite. Dozens of Asterite meant a huge fortune. Even if the two hunting parties, Wolf's Teeth and Thunder Scorpion, worked together, they might not be able to protect Qi Yuan from the rumors.
Now that Qi Yuan was back, and he didn't bring any Asterite with him, this could at least dispel some people's suspicions. Even if some people were suspicious, they wouldn't have any evidence. As long as Qi Yuan wasn't stupid enough to blow himself up, the whereabouts of the Asterite would never be confirmed.
With the strength that Qi Yuan had shown, plus himself and Scorpion, even if someone wanted to slander Qi Yuan, they couldn't do anything to Qi Yuan.
"Where is Qi Yuan now?" Scorpion asked.
"He seems to have gone to Master Qu's laboratory," Luan said in a low voice.
Fang heard this and nodded.
"Let him stay in Qu Shi's laboratory for a few days. When the matter is over, take him to see the Chief and see if we can solve the Trickster on him."
At this moment, Fang and Luan saw an unfamiliar young man coming out of Ling You's residence.
The two's face froze. There were very few people who were qualified to enter Leader Ling You's residence, and there were even fewer people who they didn't know.
Although the two couldn't judge the strength of this person, they had seen phase-4 ability users, so at a glance, they could tell that this person's strength was definitely above phase-3, and at least a phase-4 ability user.
"I just heard you talking about Qi Yuan?" The person said with a smile.
Fang and Scorpion looked at each other, and couldn't help but be shocked.
He knew Qi Yuan!
This phase-4 from Black Steel Shelter actually knew Qi Yuan!
Thinking of Qi Yuan's various miracles, Fang suddenly had some doubts. Maybe Qi Yuan was originally a resident of the shelter, and just left for some reason.
Only this could explain why Qi Yuan wasn't enthusiastic about stepping into the shelter at all.
Feeling that he had touched the truth, another doubt floated in his mind.
Why did he suddenly mention Qi Yuan?
Did he come for Qi Yuan?
Fang's mind turned quickly, and he quickly realized that since the person mentioned Qi Yuan, then the news about Qi Yuan couldn't be hidden from him, so he simply told him the truth.
"Qi Yuan is in Qu Shi's laboratory."
"Qu Shi?
Qu Shanhai, that old man?
He's still alive? "The person smiled.
"His life's work was stolen, and he didn't die of anger. Qu Shanhai's temperament has improved!"
Lie and Scorpion were stunned. This sentence seemed to reveal some secrets that they had never known.
"I haven't seen Qu Shanhai in a few years. Lead the way, I'll go see him."
Fang gave Scorpion a look, and then left with the person. Scorpion quickly walked into Ling You's residence.
The young man, who was talking to Fang while walking, looked very easy to deal with. He didn't hide his origin, and Fang finally knew his identity.
As previously guessed, he was a phase-4, but he wasn't an aptitude user, but a mechanic. A phase-4 mechanic from the Biological and Mechanical Laboratory!
His name was Su Li!
Although Su Li said he was going to see Qu Shi, he was obviously more interested in Qi Yuan. Along the way, he asked several questions about Qi Yuan, and Fang answered them one by one. After all, some things couldn't be hidden, and Su Li obviously didn't have any bad intentions towards Qi Yuan.
"You mean Qi Yuan killed a few pinnacle phase-3 last night?" Su Li couldn't believe his ears.
Fang nodded and continued to say,
"Qi Yuan's strength is very strong, and his potential is limitless. This time, it's very likely that he will pass the recruitment assessment and step into the Black Steel Shelter!"
"If what you said is true, then the possibility of him passing the recruitment assessment is indeed very high!
This will save me a lot of trouble! "Su Li said to himself.
Su Li didn't hide his words from Fang, and Fang's heart trembled slightly after hearing it. He was just testing Su Li, and didn't expect Su Li to reveal the information he wanted.
Judging from Su Li's words, Qi Yuan didn't seem to be a native of the shelter. Otherwise, he wouldn't have to go through the assessment to enter the shelter.
Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of Qu Shi's workshop, and Fang whispered,
"Qu Shi has set a lot of traps inside. I'll go in and report first to avoid accidental injuries!"
Su Li nodded gently and motioned for Fang to report. Although the traps here might not be able to harm a phase-4 mechanic, he didn't come here to fight, and Qi Yuan couldn't be exposed to some people with ulterior motives.
Soon, Fang came back with only one apprentice. Qu Shanhai didn't come out to greet him, and neither did Qi Yuan.
Su Li didn't mind and followed the apprentice all the way to Qu Shi's laboratory.
Qu Shi and Qi Yuan were both in the laboratory. After seeing Su Li's arrival, Qu Shi didn't even bat an eyelid. He continued to assemble the machine as if he didn't see him.
Old Man Qu was full of confidence!
Qi Yuan said in his heart.
Ling You probably wouldn't be so arrogant in front of a phase-4 mechanic, but Qu Shi did it.
Fortunately, Su Li didn't care about Qu Shi's attitude. He walked to Qu Shi's side and pressed his hand on the half-assembled machine.
With a series of clicking sounds, the mechanical parts placed on the workbench seemed to have come alive. They floated around the machine and automatically assembled. Qu Shi had spent a long time assembling the machine, but he only managed to complete half of it. However, with Su Li's help, it only took him less than ten seconds to complete the assembly of the machine.
Qu Shi put down the tools in his hand and glared at Su Li.
"You brat, you only know how to cause trouble every time you come here!"
Su Li was not annoyed and said with a smile,
"Old man, how am I causing trouble? I'm helping you!"
Qu Shi snorted arrogantly, obviously not appreciating the help.
"Tanqiu is now in the critical period of being promoted to a phase-4 researcher. Why aren't you guarding her? Why are you running around!" Qu Shi said.
Su Li smiled.
"Tanqiu's promotion to phase-4 has been confirmed. There won't be any accidents. Even if there is any trouble, she can handle it herself."
Su Li gave him a look.
"We haven't seen each other for so long. Let's find a quiet place to catch up!"
Qu Shi looked at Su Li with some surprise, then nodded and said,
"Let's go to my lounge."
Su Li followed Qu Shi. Su Li's lips moved slightly. Qu Shi frowned slightly, then said to Qi Yuan.
"Qi Yuan, come with us. Get to know Su Li first. When you enter the shelter in the future, you can ask him for help if you have any trouble."
Several apprentices heard this and cast envious glances at Qi Yuan at the same time. Qu Shi's words meant that Qi Yuan would definitely step into the Black Steel Shelter and even began to pave the way for his future life in the shelter. This kind of treatment was simply enviable!
Qi Yuan raised his eyebrows. He knew that Qu Shi's words were just an excuse.
Although Su Li did not say it explicitly, he vaguely guessed that Su Li came here this time not to talk to Qu Shi, but specifically to look for him.
After the three of them entered the lounge, Qu Shi locked the door and turned on the anti-eavesdropping mode at the same time. He looked at the two of them, frowned, and asked,
"You know each other?"
Qi Yuan nodded.
"We met once in Blackstone Town."
Su Li looked at Qi Yuan with a smile.
"From your expression, I can see that you don't want to see me!"
"Because you mean trouble!
And big trouble! "Qi Yuan said.
"You actually guessed it!
Tanqiu's evaluation of you was right. You are indeed a smart person! "Su Li said.
'I also want to know if Tanqiu's evaluation of you is just one word — idiot!'
Qi Yuan could not help but complain in his heart.
From the first time they met, Su Li did not seem very smart. If he had to describe it, it would be the kind of person who was betrayed by Tanqiu and still had to help her count the money.
"Tell me, why did Tanqiu ask you to come find me?" Qi Yuan asked directly.
Su Li put away his expression and said seriously, "You will be in trouble very soon. Trouble from the Black Steel Shelter, or more accurately, trouble from a certain rank 4 researcher in the Biological and Mechanical Laboratory!"
Big trouble indeed!
Qi Yuan's heart sank. The pit that Tanqiu had dug before finally had a problem. If this pit was not dealt with properly, he was afraid that he would really be dragged into the laboratory and become an experimental specimen.
Qu Shi also frowned. Although Qi Yuan was somewhat mysterious, he was only a rank 2 ability user after all.
Rank 4 researchers in the Biological and Mechanical Laboratory were the absolute upper echelons. The research projects of these people were mostly about Walker level mechanics, Blood level genetic warriors, Glory level awakeners, Heart Erosion level corruptors, or Elite level insectoids. No matter what, they should not be related to a rank 2 ability user. These were two completely different worlds.
"Is there a problem with Tanqiu's research project?" Qi Yuan frowned slightly.
Su Li nodded and gave a rough explanation of the cause of the trouble.
Back then, after obtaining the experimental samples from Qi Yuan, Tanqiu did not have much hope and only established a small project. However, she did not expect that in the follow-up research, this project would have unexpected results.
It was also this small project that directly pushed Tanqiu from a rank 3 researcher to a rank 4 researcher.
As the youngest rank 4 researcher, Tanqiu's rapid promotion naturally attracted the attention of many people. Another rank 4 researcher, Feng Qian, also had his eyes on Tanqiu. He took advantage of Tanqiu's carelessness when she had just advanced to rank 4 to steal the biological samples left behind from Tanqiu's project. It seemed that he had discovered something, so he began to secretly send people to search for the source of those biological samples.
Qi Yuan's expression became ugly. If it was a normal problem, he could still deal with it. However, facing a rank 4 researcher, it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot. Once the other party traced back to him, he would only end up as the other party's experimental specimen.
"It's him again!" Qu Shi coldly snorted.
"I didn't think that after so many years, this guy would still be so stubborn!"
Su Li nodded.
"Back then, Feng Qian stole your experimental results and was promoted from a research assistant to an official researcher in the Biological and Mechanical Laboratory. Who would have thought that he could be promoted so quickly? If Tanqiu hadn't broken his record, he would still be the fastest ranked rank 4 researcher in the Biological and Mechanical Laboratory."
Qi Yuan glanced at Qu Shi and felt that he had inadvertently stumbled upon a big melon.
A rank 4 researcher with a high position actually started out by stealing Qu Shi's experimental results and climbed all the way to his current position!
If this melon didn't affect him, Qi Yuan would have been very willing to sit on a small bench and secretly watch the show!
"Is this kind of academic fraud allowed?" Qi Yuan asked.
If the Black Steel Shelter's order was so chaotic, then it would be the most terrifying thing.
Within the vast territory controlled by the Black Steel Shelter, no one could go against the will of the Black Steel Shelter.
If a rank 4 researcher could wantonly break the rules of the game like this, it would definitely not be good news for him.
"Of course this kind of thing is forbidden!"
Su Li shook his head and explained.
"That incident back then also caused a huge uproar. Because there was no evidence and Feng Qian had someone backing him up, in the end, it was left unsettled. Feng Qian also took advantage of the situation to escape from the whirlpool. After so many years, Feng Qian never did anything out of line again. He always cherished his reputation, so this incident was forgotten by everyone."
"When Feng Qian climbed to the rank of a rank 4 researcher with his own strength, the previous suspicions naturally disappeared. No one would believe that a rank 4 researcher would steal experimental results from a small laboratory in a gathering point!"
"This time, Feng Qian's sudden move was also out of Tanqiu's expectations. She also didn't think that Feng Qian would bribe one of her experimental assistants just to steal some residual biological samples!"
"In reality, this incident is still a secret. Tanqiu didn't publicize it because even if she did, no one would believe that a rank 4 researcher would steal a residual biological sample."
"That's because you don't understand Feng Qian!" Qu Shi snorted coldly and continued.
"Feng Qian has an extremely strong motive for doing things. He must have his reasons for taking such a risk. This incident will definitely bring him greater benefits than the risk!"