Soon, an ultra-high-definition list appeared before Qi Xu—presumably detailing all the deducted supplies from the players of Zone 565.
"Boss, hurry up and pick! Just place the items you choose on the little scale on the screen. Make sure to fill it up!"
Qi Xu skimmed through the list. Most of it was basic supplies, along with various cards and the like.
He first grabbed 1,000 Vehicle Upgrade Cards. Seeing there was still space on the scale, he added 100 Energy Stones. Finally, to fill the last gap, he picked a Copy Fatal Protection Card.
This dungeon had shattered four protection cards—he needed to replenish his stock.
Once the scale showed it was full, Qi Xu submitted his selections, and the list and scale instantly appeared before the second-place player, Tonsils Never Speak...
Qi Xu couldn’t stop thinking about the Rainbow Egg—after all, it was a top-tier pet egg. In the last round of the game, information had been scarce, and he had no idea if anyone had ever obtained one.
He’d sold several high-tier pet eggs before, and that decision had proven wise. After all, this was the first top-tier pet egg he’d ever seen! Better to raise one exceptional pet than a bunch of mediocre ones.
Qi Xu collected his rewards for placing first in the dungeon.
"Congratulations, player! You have obtained: Vehicle Upgrade Cards ×500, Blush Map Fragments ×4, Survival Coins ×2000, Energy Stones ×1000, Tri-Colored Crystals ×200, Vehicle Core, Any Station Location Card ×1, Upgraded Thermo Suit, Copy Fatal Protection Cards ×2, Plant Nutrient Potions ×50, Animal Plushie ×1, Top-Tier Pet Egg, Service Zone Fragment ×1."
His expression remained calm as he scanned the list—most were expected rewards. But when he saw "Service Zone Fragment," he rubbed his eyes. Was he hallucinating from exhaustion? Why was this item, which should only appear after forming a faction, already in his hands?
Qi Xu took out the Service Zone Fragment and scanned it separately with the screen.
The display read: "Once all fragments are collected, you will gain exclusive control over a designated Service Zone. As its ruler, you may freely decide who can enter.
This is the Noah’s Ark amidst apocalyptic disasters—thunderstorms cannot breach its dome, floods cannot cross its borders, and monsters cannot step past its barrier. Roars and claws are perfectly sealed outside. Within the Service Zone, only warmth, rest, and the laughter of companions remain!
But this is just one fragment. Collect 10 to activate its full function. Keep striving, player!"
Qi Xu immediately sent a private message to Zhu Fu, who was still fuming over not making the dungeon’s top 50.
"Listen, this dungeon is ridiculous! I even trained a parrot to perform a comedy skit with me. My script was hilarious, packed with punchlines!
But right before the show, the bird bailed, forcing me to do a solo act. A duo skit and a monologue are NOT the same! Worst of all, no one laughed no matter how hard I tried. Ugh, I’m so mad! I never want to see that stupid parrot again!
What’s up? When are you free? I’ll perform the skit for you—it’s all about roasting Qiuqiu. I should’ve just played both roles myself instead of improvising last-minute!"
Qi Xu comforted the kid. "That parrot clearly has no taste. Don’t stress—it was probably awestruck by your performance. 51st place isn’t bad across 10 zones—that’s still top 10 per zone on average."
Zhu Fu instantly felt the anger dissipate. "You’re right. Why bother with a bird? So, what’s up?"
"Have you heard of top-tier pet eggs?"
Fortune God’s Only Daughter: "!!!"
"Don’t tell me that was the dungeon’s hidden reward!"
"Bingo."
"Holy—our server finally has a real top player! Before this, I only knew about M Country’s Bald Eagle and E Country’s Polar Bear—both hatched from top-tier eggs!"
After learning more, Qi Xu added, "I also got a Service Zone Fragment. Does this mean Faction Creation Tokens are coming soon?"
Fortune God’s Only Daughter: "Not yet. The first token won’t drop until the game’s anniversary dungeon."
Qi Xu sighed in relief. He didn’t want the game’s progression to rush ahead. He preferred to solidify his foundation step by step, ensuring he was ready for whatever came next.
He took out the top-tier pet egg. Even unhatched, it seemed alive—warm in his palm.
To hatch it, he needed 1,000 Energy Stones and 100 rare materials.
A quick check revealed he only had 36 types so far.
"Qiuqiu, scan the trading hall and buy whatever materials are available."
"Roger! Purchased 13 types!"
For small expenses like this, Qiuqiu didn’t even need authorization. That’s how much authority it had!
Qi Xu then posted the remaining material list in the chat.
Invincible Black Tornado: "If you have any of these, DM me with your price. Thanks."
He pinned the message immediately—no reason not to use his top-ranked privileges.
Qi Xu wasn’t the kind of boss who exploited workers without pay. He transferred Qiuqiu’s overtime bonus in advance.
"Motivated Qiuqiu" got to work enthusiastically.
Just then, Fortune from All Directions sent a video—a clip of Qi Xu battling plush monsters in the dungeon.
"Boss, can we sell this? You look epic!"
Qi Xu smirked. Of course it could be sold—he’d put on that performance precisely for publicity.
Fortune from All Directions: "If we post it for free, people might forget it fast. But if they pay for it, they’ll rewatch it daily!
I’ll edit it with Sister Bian’s footage and your silhouette upgrading the vehicle to Level 7. With some hype, we’ll make waves!"
After a brief hesitation, Qi Xu agreed. "Fine. Keep prices low—focus on exposure, not profit."
"Got it! Leave it to me. It’ll be perfect."
Invincible Black Tornado: "Ok!"
Qi Xu was learning to trust his team’s strengths. Assigning the right tasks to the right people—even if results weren’t flawless—was how they’d grow.
He was always willing to pay for his mistakes, as long as he gained experience.
With everything settled, Qi Xu hurried to shower. He reeked, his body caked in dried blood.
A long soak would help him unwind. Once rested, he’d piece together the Blush Map Fragments and set off again.
Qi Xu fought with increasing ferocity, driven by an unyielding urge to grow stronger—an addiction to the thrill of progress!
..........
