Few people in the Black Steel Shelter could refuse the invitation of a Heaven Enlightening Ability User, and Qi Yuan was no exception.
However, Qi Yuan didn't have much doubt about his safety. If Wei Jing wanted to deal with him, he didn't even need to show his face. With the huge difference in rank between the two of them, Wei Jing could kill him with a single glance.
Qi Yuan's doubts were answered when Wei Jing arrived at 257 White Elephant Street.
Wei Jing was actually entrusted by the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce to find him!
257 White Elephant Street was the headquarters of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce, and it was also the location of another checkpoint.
Qi Yuan's eyes flashed as he walked into the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce with Wei Jing.
The controller of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce, the Grade 4 Mechanic Yu Ren, took the initiative to welcome them with a smile.
"Mr. Wei, Researcher Qi, your arrival brings light to the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce!"
Qi Yuan smiled and didn't say anything. He wanted to know what Wei Jing was up to. The Black Gold Chamber of Commerce was the stronghold of the Xu family. Wei Jing couldn't not know this, but he was still willing to be the middleman.
As for the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce wanting to reconcile with him, it wasn't hard to guess. Although he hadn't done anything to the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce after entering the Black Steel Shelter, it wasn't because he had forgotten this grudge, but because he wasn't strong enough.
Qi Yuan was originally prepared to make use of the favor the Order Department owed him to make a move on the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce after the matter with the Investigation Team was over, but he didn't expect the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce to take the initiative to come to him.
After Yu Ren led the two of them into the living room, Wei Jing didn't hide anything and directly said to Yu Ren, "I've already called you over.
"I've already called him over for you. Whether or not you can convince Researcher Qi and resolve the misunderstanding between you will depend on your sincerity."
Qi Yuan raised his eyebrows. What did Wei Jing mean by that?
Was this his private work?
Or was it the intention of that Director Zhuang Guo?
"Researcher Qi." Yu Ren's face was apologetic as he spoke, and his posture was very humble.
"I represent the entire Black Gold Merchant Guild to apologize to you regarding the matter of the Black Gold Merchant Guild's branch in the Iron Chariots. I can guarantee that the Black Gold Merchant Guild has no intention of becoming your enemy."
"Ye Xiao dared to secretly hook up with the Xu family. They deserve to die. It has nothing to do with the Black Gold Merchant Guild."
"Researcher Qi, you've helped us eradicate this malignant tumor and also solved the hidden danger of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce. To express our gratitude, the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce is willing to sponsor a thousand basic Tier 1 materials for your laboratory. Here is the list of materials. Please take a look."
Are you worried that I'll get even with you later, so you're asking for peace in advance?
Qi Yuan looked at the list in his hand in astonishment. A thousand Tier 1 materials for a basic unit was equivalent to a thousand Academic Points. It was definitely a valuable compensation.
However, why would the Black Gold Trade Firm do this?
Since Yu Ren was able to convince Wei Jing to be the middleman, this background was enough to ensure that the Black Gold Commerce would be safe under the protection of Black Steel.
Not to mention that he was only a Tier 2 researcher, even if he really became a Tier 3 researcher, he might not be able to touch the Black Gold Trading Firm.
"It's because the Black Gold Trading Firm doesn't want to offend a researcher with a bright future!" Wei Jing suddenly answered Qi Yuan's doubts.
Qi Yuan was shocked when he heard this. Wei Jing was actually able to listen to his thoughts!
Thinking of the other party's rank, Qi Yuan instantly became vigilant. Wei Jing's Mysterious Realm ability was most likely related to the mind. Since he could listen to his thoughts, then he could also …
No!
I can't think about it anymore!
For the first time, Qi Yuan felt a deep sense of fear towards this Mysterious Realm Apocalypse in front of him!
"Don't worry!" Wei Jing's voice seemed to have a mysterious power that instantly calmed the fear in Qi Yuan's heart.
"I was able to listen to your thoughts just now because you weren't on guard and didn't restrain your thoughts. That's why I was able to listen. As long as you restrain your consciousness, like now, I won't be able to listen to your thoughts."
Qi Yuan tried his best to restrain his thoughts. Although he didn't believe Wei Jing's words, this was the only thing he could do now.
Qi Yuan muttered to himself for a moment before handing the list of materials to Yu Ren.
"There's no deep hatred between the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce and me. Since it's just a misunderstanding, let bygones be bygones. There's no need to spend money on compensation."
Yu Ren chuckled and continued.
"Although the misunderstanding has been resolved, the compensation still needs to be paid. I hope Researcher Qi won't refuse."
Qi Yuan muttered to himself for a moment before saying, "There's no need for materials.
I heard that the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce has a lot of weapons obtained from outside. How about I pick a suitable weapon as compensation? "
Yu Ren was slightly surprised. With Qi Yuan's current status and reputation, how could he lack weapons? With his ability to activate mutated energy weapons, it was possible for Qi Yuan to obtain a mutated energy weapon.
Although he was surprised, Yu Ren quickly reacted. No matter why Qi Yuan made such a request, it was enough as long as the conflict could be resolved.
Moreover, Qi Yuan's request wasn't excessive.
"No problem," Yu Ren agreed.
"The Black Gold Chamber of Commerce does have a collection of weapons. They should be able to satisfy your needs."
Wei Jing stood up and said with a smile,
"Since the conflict has been resolved, I won't stay here any longer. Director Zhuang is still waiting for me to report back. I'll take my leave first!"
After Wei Jing left, Yu Ren personally led Qi Yuan to the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce's warehouse. As the elevator descended, Qi Yuan felt that he was getting closer and closer to the check-in point.
"I wonder what kind of weapon Researcher Qi is used to?" Yu Ren asked.
"I haven't thought about it yet." Qi Yuan shook his head.
"There aren't many opportunities to fight in the laboratory," Yu Ren said with a smile.
"There aren't many opportunities, but it's a habit. Without a suitable weapon in my hand, I always feel like I'm missing something."
The corner of his eye swept past the number of floors displayed on the elevator. With the powerful computing power of the data center, Qi Yuan discovered that when the elevator descended from the fifth floor to the fourth floor, the time was obviously wrong. It was one second longer than the time needed to calculate. This meant that there was a gap between the fourth and fifth floors.
And the check-in beam was hidden in this gap!
The elevator stopped on the fourth floor. The elevator door opened, revealing a dark metal corridor in front of them. Yu Ren walked out of the elevator. After a light screen swept past, the lights in the dark corridor lit up.
"Please follow me," Yu Ren said.
Qi Yuan nodded and walked behind Yu Ren.
This was the warehouse of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce. The defensive measures inside were definitely not something he could resist as a Tier 3. He couldn't court death at this time.
However, how can I go to the check-in floor?
Qi Yuan's mind turned.
The Black Gold Chamber of Commerce was the stronghold of the Xu family. This was almost certain. Qi Yuan didn't believe a single word of Yu Ren's explanation. However, Qi Yuan didn't care too much about the grudge between himself and the Xu family.
In the few conflicts between the two sides, he didn't suffer any losses. On the contrary, the Xu family suffered a lot. Not only did he loot Xu Xiaoshuang's crates, but he also killed her twice.
This unlucky child …
As for the Iron Chariots of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce, he lost a lot of money.
If the Xu family really intended to compensate and make peace, after he completed the check-in, it wouldn't be a problem for him to settle the grudge with the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce.
Walking into the warehouse, Qi Yuan was instantly shocked by the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce's collection. He originally thought that the chamber of commerce was just a cover and wouldn't invest too much money and energy into doing business.
He didn't expect the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce's collection to be so rich. Just the weapons in this warehouse were a huge fortune.
Qi Yuan walked around the weapons warehouse and didn't choose any weapons, which surprised Yu Ren.
"There's no weapon that catches your eye?"
"I feel like something's missing," Qi Yuan said.
He had to find a way to go up and take a look. He didn't know what the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce was hiding up there!
Just as Qi Yuan was thinking, Yu Ren's expression also showed some hesitation. The reason why the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce was able to let Wei Jing be the middleman was not only because Wei Jing happened to come to White Elephant Street, but also because Young Master Zhuang Jr. had shares in the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce.
This sensible son of Zhuang Guo was the main reason why the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce could stand tall in the Black Steel Shelter.
Recently, Qi Yuan's limelight had been getting more and more prosperous, and the network of connections he had woven was also getting stronger and stronger. If the grudge with Qi Yuan really affected Young Master Zhuang Jr.'s dividends, the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce would really come to an end.
After thinking for a while, Yu Ren gritted his teeth and said, "The Black Gold Chamber of Commerce also has some special collections of weapons. There should be something you need in there. Please come with me!"
As soon as his voice fell, Yu Ren's mechanical right limb flashed with a flash of light. The ceiling of the warehouse suddenly split open, and a blue rotating energy ladder slowly descended.
This!
Qi Yuan looked at the spiral staircase that led to the next floor. Above was where the check-in point was. For the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce to set up such a hidden floor, there had to be some special secrets inside. He didn't expect Yu Ren to take the initiative to open up the staircase.
If he wasn't sure that the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce wouldn't be stupid enough to make a move on him at this time, Qi Yuan would have suspected that Yu Ren was trying to kill him.
Since the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce had a big shot behind them, it meant that it would be very difficult for him to use force against them. Even with the cover of the investigation team, he couldn't touch them. Now that the check-in point was right in front of him, he couldn't back down no matter what.
Qi Yuan suppressed the waves in his heart and stepped onto the spiral staircase made entirely of blue energy.
After entering the hidden floor, Qi Yuan's eyes darkened slightly. The inventory of weapons in the warehouse below was already shocking enough. He didn't expect that the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce's real treasures would be on this hidden floor.
Through area detection and energy control, Qi Yuan discovered several energy sources on this floor that made him tremble in fear.
In the center of the room, there was also a set of pitch-black mechanical equipment. Before he even got close, Qi Yuan could already feel a tangible pressure.
If he was not mistaken, this was most likely a Peak Tier 6 mechanical equipment!
Aside from these, Qi Yuan also discovered two unactivated Mutated Energy Weapons. One of them was an arc-shaped dagger.
The other was a dark red double-edged battle axe that was taller than a person.
Xue Hong, the second generation of the Quan Family, who was obsessed with Mutated Energy Weapons, didn't even have one. In the end, he was even exiled to the wilderness because of one. This was enough to prove how rare Mutated Energy Weapons were.
Noticing Qi Yuan's gaze on the Mutated Energy Weapons, Yu Ren's eyelids couldn't help but twitch a few times.
You're just a Tier 3, what are you looking at Mutated Energy Weapons for?!
When Qi Yuan pretended to be magnanimous and gave up on those materials, Yu Ren had suspected that Qi Yuan wanted a higher price. He didn't expect that Qi Yuan actually had his eyes on Mutated Energy Weapons.
However, since he had brought Qi Yuan here, Yu Ren was prepared to pay a huge price.
Even if Qi Yuan really wanted to take away a Mutated Energy Weapon, he could only grit his teeth and swallow it.
"I didn't expect you guys to have so many good things here!" Qi Yuan laughed.
Yu Ren squeezed out a smile and said, "If a merchant guild wants to gain a foothold in the Shelter, they must have some trump cards. These are all we have."
Qi Yuan smiled and did not continue on this topic. For other small merchant associations, these items might be a trump card, but for the Black Gold merchant association that had the backing of the Xu family and a powerhouse like Wei Jing, their wealth was definitely not limited to these items.
Don't forget, this was only one of the floors. Even if they included the weapons warehouse below, it was only two floors.
The Black Gold merchant guild's stronghold occupied the entire White Elephant Street, 257. It was a 9-storey building.
Just as Yu Ren was guessing whether Qi Yuan would take the dagger or the double-bladed axe, Qi Yuan walked past the two Mutated Energy Weapons without taking them.
Yu Ren was stunned. Although there were several items on this floor that were more precious than these two Mutated Energy Weapons, Qi Yuan couldn't use them at all. At the very least, he couldn't control them until he reached Tier 5.
Under Yu Ren's astonished gaze, Qi Yuan walked to the side of a fist-sized spherical metal object and stopped in his tracks.
"What is this?" Qi Yuan asked curiously.
"This is something a Wilderness Hunter brought back from a mechanical ruin. Its material is very special, and we can't analyze its composition. It's different from any metal we know of, and it's very hard," Yu Ren said.
"An unknown metal?"
The Black Gold Merchant Guild also had a strong research capability. A metal that they were unable to analyze had a high research value.
Qi Yuan casually picked up the spherical metal object and quietly signed in. At the same time, he used Area Detection to observe it in an attempt to pry into its secrets.
However, there seemed to be an invisible force field covering the surface of the metal object. Tier 2 Area Detection couldn't penetrate this force field at all.
Interesting!
As expected of something that came together with the sign-in beam!
Qi Yuan's eyes flickered. Just because Area Detection failed didn't mean he had no other way.
Qi Yuan tried placing a Tier 3 Talent Point near the metal object, and a familiar feedback quickly appeared.
Sure enough, it resonated with the metal object!
There was something good inside this metal object!
If the Talent Point fused with the object inside, he could activate a brand-new Tier 3 ability called Mindstorm!
Qi Yuan quietly retracted his Talent Point. Although this was a Tier 3 ability guided by the Talent Tree, compared to a core Tier 4 ability, Qi Yuan still had his own choice.
Qi Yuan casually tossed the metal object in his hand.
"Compared to those unusable weapons, I still prefer to research this mysterious unknown metal. I wonder if Guild Leader Yu is willing to part with it?"
Yu Fan opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he quietly swallowed his words.
"Since Researcher Qi likes it, take it," Yu Ren said with a smile.
Qi Yuan kept the metal object in his bag. After the two chatted for a while, Qi Yuan stood up and bid farewell. Yu Ren personally sent him to the door, then quickly turned and returned to the reception room. Wei Jing, who had left long ago, had quietly returned to the Black Gold Trading Firm. He sat alone in the reception room, waiting for Yu Ren's arrival.
"Is the matter done?" Wei Jing asked.
"It's done." Yu Ren nodded.
"What did Qi Yuan choose in the end? That dagger?
Or that battle axe? "Wei Jing asked.
With Qi Yuan's current wealth, he naturally wouldn't care about ordinary weapons. The only things that could move Qi Yuan's heart were the Mutated Energy Weapon and Asterite.
"Qi Yuan didn't choose a weapon," Yu Ren said carefully.
"He took away the metal object he brought back from the Mechanical Ruin."
Wei Jing frowned when he heard this.
"The metal object that will slowly erode the owner's consciousness?"
"Yes!"
Yu Ren lowered his head, but he could still feel Wei Jing's gaze on him.
"I personally came forward and called Qi Yuan to the Black Gold Trading Firm to help you both reconcile. In the end, you still didn't restrain your desire to kill Qi Yuan!"
Cold sweat appeared on Yu Ren's forehead as he explained in a low voice, "It was personally chosen by Wei Jing.
"This item was personally chosen by Qi Yuan, and within a short period of time, this metal ball's invasion of consciousness will not be too obvious. Even if something really happens to Qi Yuan, he will not suspect us."
Wei Jing glanced at him coldly.
"If Qi Yuan was so easy to deal with, he would've been a corpse long ago."
"You acted on your own initiative and did stupid things. You should clean up the mess yourself!"
"You should know Young Master Zhuang's personality very well. If nothing happens, everything will be fine. If the Black Gold Trading Firm's business is affected because of your stupid decision, you know the consequences."
"Yes!" Yu Ren lowered his head deeply.
"If something happens, even if I have to sell the entire Black Gold Trading Firm, I will make up for Young Master Zhuang's share of the profits!"