Zhu Fu nodded blankly.
“They were originally your teammates, but every time you interacted, things didn’t end well. Yet, you’ve also shared many good times together, which is why you can’t bring yourself to ignore them completely, but you also don’t want to accept them, right?”
Though Zhu Fu was reluctant to admit it, she had to concede that Qi Xu was right.
“Actually, you don’t need to worry about that. The original leader of your team was that pushover, wasn’t he? Every time your team ran into problems, his issues were the most severe. He was never fit to be a leader—so you should take charge!”
Zhu Fu was stunned. “No, no, no! I want to follow you.”
“Hold on, let me finish. I can tell you still care about them. Since you can’t let go, then don’t. Make them acknowledge you as their ‘Big Sis Fortune’!
As the gang grows, we’ll need different divisions. Take the Egg Family, for example—they know each other well and work seamlessly together. Assigning them joint missions would be twice as effective. I’d never split them up.
You can also rally the Zaun division. I’ll handle the big-picture decisions, and you’ll manage the details. You’ve got us backing you, so go all out—I’ve got your back.”
When Zhu Fu heard the words “you’ve got us,” it felt like a weight had been lifted from her heart.
Sometimes, people struggle not because they can’t accept past failures, but because they need a clear answer—a ritual of reconciliation with themselves.
Yesterday, Zhu Fu had been stuck in her own head, but today, she felt she could finally move on.
Who would’ve thought she’d find true release under the torment of the Heart Demon’s Sky Evasion, where she’d died hundreds of times…
“I feel so much better now, really. Let’s go collect those vehicles. Should we talk to them? Maybe grab the other dozen or so too?”
Qi Xu chuckled. “They’re not idiots. Don’t worry—they’ll stay.”
When Zhu Fu had earlier offered to leave the vehicles for herself, the others had heard. These people had skill, brains, and a unique kind of solidarity. What they lacked was a strong leader to truly guide them.
Back in the Mountains and Rivers Unworthy of Weight dungeon, even when they’d briefly fallen out, they’d still ended up sticking together.
They had to unite every force they could. If possible, Qi Xu didn’t want to lose a single one—especially since these people weren’t irredeemably bad. Otherwise, the kind and pure-hearted Zhu Fu wouldn’t have stuck with them through thousands of trials.
Sure enough, the people from District 444 came by the vehicles to say goodbye before leaving. They didn’t even mention the vehicles, let alone board them to gather their spoils.
Zhu Fu happily followed Qi Xu to collect the scrap. Nothing cured bad moods like making money—and soon after, she received apology messages from every remaining member of District 444.
Instantly, she felt triumphant, bouncing on her toes with a smug grin. “How’s that, huh? What Heart Demon’s Sky Evasion? Trash!”
There were twelve vehicles in total—two Tier-6 and the rest Tier-5. A huge payday, though it was a shame the vehicles didn’t have much loot on them.
Qi Xu gathered all the usable items and sent them to Heartbroken Kitten.
Heartbroken Kitten’s reply was tactful: “Thanks, Boss Whirlwind.”
Then the conversation ended abruptly—no questions about why the vehicles could be sold, and no mention of the Fortune God’s only daughter.
After a dramatic exchange of familial affection and some top-tier acting between Qi Xu and Qiu Qiu, the vehicles sold for a whopping 23,600 Survival Coins.
A profitable morning, plus resolving Zhu Fu’s “heart demon,” made for a great start to the month.
Qi Xu asked in the group chat, “Who’s got Transfer Cards?”
Bian sent two.
Blessed by Luck chimed in: “I’ve got one, Boss. Sent it to you. Need more? I can ask my supplier.”
Qi Xu hesitated. “Yeah, I need quite a few. Price isn’t an issue—just get as many as possible.”
No one else replied in the group. Even with prior warnings, they could feel their emotions stirring.
Best to keep interactions to a minimum.
Even Old White Dragon in the Waves and his gym trainer canceled their usual workouts—no point risking a fight that’d strain relationships.
Qi Xu suddenly turned to Zhu Fu. “You free? Come with me to see the little goblin. I’ve got business with it anyway.”
Zhu Fu shook her head vigorously. “No thanks! I’m still too small. A gun’s enough—no other weapons suit me.”
Qi Xu raised an eyebrow. “You’ve met before? What happened?”
Zhu Fu pouted. “It messed with me first. I made it cry.”
Qi Xu’s face scrunched up. Yeah, maybe bringing Zhu Fu to provoke the goblin wasn’t the best idea. Needed some groundwork first.
After parting ways with Zhu Fu, Qi Xu headed straight for the goblin. This time, she didn’t call out loudly right away—first checking if anyone was at its door.
Once sure it was clear, she hollered a greeting.
“Dou Dou, look what I brought you!”
Qi Xu pulled out her dungeon spoils: Skeleton Vajra Owl, Rainbow-Scaled Sky Dragon Scales… plus assorted feathers and bones.
The goblin flailed excitedly.
“Oh my stars! Such rare materials! Where’d you get these?!”
“From the dungeon. I prioritized gathering these over finishing the mission.”
The goblin’s favorability skyrocketed… stopping at 96.
Qi Xu flashed a grin. “I’ll bring you more in the future!”
“Mhm! You wanted armor, right? I’ll make you a set with these Rainbow-Scaled Sky Dragon Scales and eagle feathers, plus some Dreamweave Silk.
Since you’re an ability-user now, this’ll not only restore mental energy but also be super lightweight—won’t hinder your combat. How’s that sound?”
Qi Xu nodded eagerly. “Perfect! Exactly the kind of gear I wanted! Dou Dou, you’re amazing—you get me!”
“Of course! Though ability-user gear’s trickier. It’ll take a while.”
“No problem, you’re the boss. How many Survival Coins? I just hit the jackpot this morning!”
Iron Dou Dou’s face fell. “Between us, why pay? I’ve made plenty lately. That Emberkiss Starmoon spent 10,000 here, and the materials only cost 400-ish coins.”
Qi Xu’s eyes widened. Suddenly, Warwolf 004’s story about Emberkiss Starmoon’s murderous rage made sense…
“Nah, she got a steal. Your craftsmanship’s priceless!”
“Damn right!” The goblin preened.
“Still, rules are rules. If I don’t pay, you’ll… face penalties. Makes things hard for you.”
After the incident with Xiao Hei, Qi Xu learned his lesson—when interacting with NPCs, he had to be mindful of boundaries to avoid causing them trouble.
The little goblin shook its head proudly. "Don’t worry, it’s fine. The materials you brought me are worth a lot. Crafting a weapon for you for free is well within the allowed limits."
Seeing that Iron Dou Dou absolutely refused to accept payment, Qi Xu left behind a generous stash of food and drinks instead.
..........
