Free Web NovelChapter 884: Chapter 754: Rhine’s Reputation
The simplified and ordinary versions can’t be compared, they’re even far apart.
Rhine is very aware of the current situation. Although the simplified Qi Gathering Array isn’t rampant, quite a number have leaked out.
Some powerful forces, and even the hands of Star Thieves, have the simplified Qi Gathering Array.
However, even the lawless Star Thieves wouldn’t dare announce they possess a Qi Gathering Array, or they’d be expecting the Imperial’s iron fist.
So, for the vast majority of people, the term "Qi Gathering Array" is extremely unfamiliar, far less known than "Cultivation Room."
The simplified version of the Qi Gathering Array can be used for B-level attacking A-level, and even C-level can cultivate, albeit not for long.
But the ordinary Qi Gathering Array is for Supreme Cultivation... If you are extravagant, you can cultivate to the Supreme Peak.
With one such Qi Gathering Array, it can completely support the cultivation of three to four Supreme cultivators... and with rotation, it’s not impossible to do more.
Then, the question arises, with such a Qi Gathering Array in hand, how large a team can one organize?
To put it more pointedly, with what kind of team in hand, would someone be tempted to acquire such an array back?
Just four simple words, "thinking it through is terrifying"!
She pondered for a while before speaking carefully, "This matter is of great importance, can I ask what it’s for?"
Qu Jianlei looked at her strangely, "It’s definitely for use, isn’t that reason enough?"
"Not enough," Rhine shook her head, replying with a mix of crying and laughing, "This kind of thing is definitely for use."
"But, why not apply to the military for use? If it’s inconvenient for you, I can help negotiate."
"It’s inconvenient to apply to the military," Qu Jianlei shook his head, answering earnestly, "I can pay more."
"It’s not a matter of money," Rhine also shook her head, having made her refusal, she found it easier to speak next.
"There are compromise methods, but you must truthfully disclose the organization’s name, the Supremes using it, and the planned usage location."
She paused and hinted, "Of course, declaring is one thing, the number of users can be managed flexibly."
This was already quite a considerable favor, equivalent to borrowing a set of ordinary Qi Gathering Array from the military for use.
As for limited supervision, that’s almost a given— if it can be done "limited," the favor is already sky-high.
Qu Jianlei pondered and asked, "Is it borrowed from the military? I happen to still need to seek reparations from the military for their discourtesy to me."
Since Rhine’s influence was enough, he could add a bit of pressure here, possibly maneuvering a workaround.
"Not borrowed from the military," Rhine shook her head lightly, "The military would never agree to lend, I’ll find other avenues."
From her tone, it seemed she had a slight aversion to the military.
Qu Jianlei blinked and tested by asking, "If I use it for research, could it be lent out?"
"Research?" Rhine widened her eyes in surprise, then nodded thoughtfully, "Research... isn’t entirely out of question."
Then she glanced at Qu Jianlei, "But for research... what proof can you provide?"
Qu Jianlei thought for a moment and asked, "Can you keep a secret?"
"Of course," Rhine answered without hesitation, "Secrets of Supremes... even if there are two Supremes, how dare I leak them casually?"
She understood her position well, many Supremes treated her with courtesy, this was not false, though courtesy was not necessarily directed at her.
She could interact neither humbly nor arrogantly, but to truly believe people were afraid of her would be a grave mistake.
Qu Jianlei glanced at her attendants, then spoke after pondering, "Then come with me."
Rhine, being shrewd, waved her hand, "You all stay here, I’ll be right back."
The two crossed the small gate and ascended the steps, passing through a grove, until arriving in front of a hall.
Claire was practicing her Saber Technique at the entrance. Upon seeing Qu Jianlei, she nodded first, "Boss."
Then she glanced at Rhine, raising her eyebrows slightly—what’s going on here?
"Continue your practice," Qu Jianlei nodded slightly, "I’ll take her inside for a look."
Claire gave Rhine another suspicious look; she already knew how sensitive their Qi Gathering Array was.
Qu Jianlei smiled and offered no explanation, guiding Rhine as they pushed open the door and entered.
Inside was a long entryway. Qu Jianlei spoke softly, "What you see here, don’t speak of it outside."
After rounding the entryway, Rhine was instantly shocked by the layout before her.
Inside were all sorts of strange objects and materials, connected in ways she couldn’t understand. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
Some objects appeared unconnected, but she, at A-level Peak, could perceive a peculiar energy being transmitted between them.
"This is..." she furrowed her brow, perceived the elements in the air, and exclaimed, "the Qi Gathering Array?"
"And the Defense Array," Qu Jianlei answered solemnly, "none are standard, they’re our modifications."
Ultimately, Rhine, experienced and knowledgeable, quickly regained her composure.
But she still looked at Qu Jianlei incredulously, "Is this your research outcome? It’s really surprising..."
"With such an outcome, applying for an ordinary Qi Gathering Array shouldn’t be difficult, right?"
Qu Jianlei shook his head and replied faintly, "I don’t like the atmosphere of the academic circle, are they the only ones who can create information barriers?"
Rhine nodded thoughtfully, this situation is not uncommon in research circles.
Society is inherently a theater of fame and fortune, and the academic circle is no exception; no one can escape it.
Especially at the Supreme level, when one’s strength is enough for self-preservation, it is normal not to care about the academic circle’s opinions due to harboring grievances.
Unfortunately, she is completely clueless in the area of arrays, unable to see the intricacies within.
But without a doubt, the other party wouldn’t resort to deceit to fool her.
This goes back to how the two met, when Qu Jianlei behaved neither humbly nor arrogantly, nor did he ask for exorbitant prices.
First impressions are truly important during interactions between people.
Rhine shook her head straightforwardly, "Sorry, I can’t quite understand, can you give me the general schematic?"
"I can give it to you," Qu Jianlei nodded without hesitation, "but some key information cannot be fully disclosed to you."
"Of course," Rhine agreed without hesitation, "I’ll find someone to help analyze it."
"If there are no major disputes, I will quickly bring over the ordinary version of the Qi Gathering Array."
Qu Jianlei nodded upon hearing this, "Alright, but still be mindful of confidentiality."
He couldn’t prevent the other party from consulting others; they already mentioned that they didn’t understand, so he could only emphasize confidentiality.
"Don’t worry about that," Rhine replied casually, "I can’t afford the consequences of leaking information."
If leaks occur, she could hide behind her backing, but what about the entire Haiyin Family?
The other party not only dared to target Lord Norton but also dared to actively attack the Customs Enforcement Warship; such desperados, who would lightly provoke?
They dared to offer the relevant information up front, clearly not afraid of her forcefully acquiring it.
Qu Jianlei asked again, "About how long will it take to acquire the array?"
"Assessment takes at least three days; to be safe... let’s say five days," Rhine calculated, furrowing her brows.
After a while, she replied with a serious tone, "At most fifteen days, if everything goes smoothly."
Qu Jianlei nodded, considering that the efficiency was not low, "What’s the value of this ordinary Qi Gathering Array?"
This question must be clarified; whether he can afford it is one thing, but he also doesn’t want to accept a gift.
"This is truly not a matter of money," Rhine shook her head helplessly, "It’s basically something money can’t buy."
"But there must be a cost price, right?" Qu Jianlei insisted, "Let’s go with cost price plus twenty percent markup."
"It’s a military product, who talks about cost price?" Rhine murmured softly, couldn’t help but ask again, "Why spend money?"
"Because free things are the most expensive," Qu Jianlei responded faintly, "Buy it, and it’s ours."
"Alright," Rhine nodded, not wanting to argue with him—after all, he is Supreme.
"Then, can you give me a schematic of this Defense Array as well?"
Qu Jianlei shook his head and declined, "This is not convenient, it was acquired from someone else."
In fact, it’s when he calculated the Defense Array that too many people knew—at least the teachers at the Engineering College are aware.
Not segmenting this part makes it easy to expose Panda’s identity.
Rhine wasn’t suspicious; people with similar interests naturally form circles.
On her way home, she called someone.
"Master Nelson, I have some array information here, could you take a look... remember it’s confidential."
The wristwatch on the other side chuckled heartily, "I’m the best at confidentiality, but is there really a need to keep your array schematic confidential?"
He had a good relationship with Rhine, so joking came easily, though he truly doubted she had any decent array.
"This must remain confidential," Rhine stated earnestly, "otherwise I wouldn’t trouble you."
"Alright then, send it over," Nelson replied casually, "if you feel the wristwatch is insecure, send half first."
Rhine indeed sent half of the data over.
Nelson glanced at it casually, couldn’t help but let out a soft exclamation, "Hmm, this is a Simplified Qi Gathering Array, how come you have it too?"
"What do you mean I have it too?" Rhine was startled, "Could it be you’ve come across it too?"
She truly couldn’t believe that with Rhodiola rosea’s pride, one would plagiarize others’ research results.
"I just came across it recently," Nelson replied casually, "It was handed to me by Qinghu Supreme, the approach is similar."
"Similar approach?" Rhine questioned in surprise, "Please take a closer look, are they truly the same?"
Nelson heard her tension and finally became serious, "Well, it does seem a bit different..."
"Qinghu Supreme also mentioned that the approach came from a friend of hers, indicating that there are quite a few who ponder over this."
Rhine was certainly aware of Qinghu Supreme, feeling somewhat doubtful: could she also know Rhodiola rosea?
At the next moment, Nelson’s words came, "I say, you didn’t really send just half, did you?"
