"Are you able to conduct research using green-grade materials?"
"Yes, once researched, I can acquire blueprints, which allow for the creation of advanced equipment."
That solves the problem. Li Wenxi has an overabundance of green-grade iron blocks; she’s complained to me several times about it. It’s perfect to help her use some up.
"Can you research and manufacture the heavy crossbow now?"
Even though Ma Hongwei is still in the recovery phase, which lasts for twenty-four hours, Xu Xin doesn’t want to waste that much time.
"Researching is not possible, but manufacturing should be fine," Ma Hongwei replied.
Xu Xin nodded, understanding that research indeed requires a lot more effort. Manufacturing can be done easily at the [Weapon Armor Workbench].
Xu Xin pondered for a moment, then decided to have him make the control panel first.
The heavy crossbow can wait; Xu Xin wanted to give him metal materials to study, aiming for direct manufacturing of a metal crossbow.
"I need blue-grade logs," Ma Hongwei said. "I have quite a few in my previous treehouse, all grown by myself."
Xu Xin looked at Lou Fei’Er, as she was tasked with collecting resources from Ma Hongwei’s treehouse.
"I have them here, um, fifteen portions of blue-grade logs. Wow, three blue-grade pine trees!"
"Due to my abilities, most of my blue-grade soil is used to grow pine and birch trees," Ma Hongwei explained.
The newborn parasitic treehouse lacks a weapon armor manufacturing station, so Xu Xin returned to the main treehouse and gave him some materials to create it.
Ma Hongwei nodded and immediately made three, handing them over to Xu Xin.
[External Treehouse Weapon Control Panel (Blue): Connects all external treehouse weapon control panels, allowing all external weapons to be operated from the panel.]
A control panel needs nine portions of logs (green) and one portion of logs (blue) for manufacturing.
It seems there’s a need to intensify the plantation of blue-grade logs.
"Alright, take a good rest. If anything comes up, contact me via the watch." Xu Xin stood up and raised his left hand.
This action startled Lou Fei’Er, who stood up with him, because his left hand had not just a watch but also a bracelet.
Oh no, the psychological shadow has deepened again. Lou Fei’Er smiled helplessly.
"I’ve placed a bed and stuff for you. Make do for today, and tomorrow once you’re better, you can tidy up yourself!" Lou Fei’Er pointed towards the bedroom and spoke to Ma Hongwei.
This sounds awfully familiar.
Wasn’t this what he said to Lou Fei’Er back then!
Xu Xin smiled and shook his head. Lou Fei’Er sure bears a slight grudge, remembering this incident.
"Since you’re free, help Ma Hongwei tidy up the new treehouse here," Xu Xin told her, warning, "And don’t act arrogant towards your own people."
"I... Fine..." Lou Fei’Er deflated, lowering her head.
"Oh, one more task for you." Before leaving, Xu Xin looked at Lou Fei’Er again. "See that treehouse to the south?"
"South?" Lou Fei’Er looked south, "Ah, you want me to bring that survivor over, right?"
"Yes, it’s Le Youfang. You should know about him. Think you can bring him and his treehouse over today?"
"Le Youfang... Sure, I’ll definitely get him today!" Lou Fei’Er confidently patted her ample chest, "Leave it to me!"
For her, bringing back a "one of us" from the 187 area was as easy as pie.
Xu Xin nodded, then looked at Ma Hongwei, his eyes narrowing, "The woman residing in your north treehouse, she is my woman. Now that you’re a partner, I’ll let bygones be bygones. But if you dare have any inappropriate thoughts again..."
For Xu Xin, it’s normal for a man in this precarious world to desire a captive enemy female to solve certain issues. Ignorance is innocence, as long as he doesn’t direct his ambitions toward Xu Xin’s woman, this matter is over.
"Huh?" Ma Hongwei’s eyes slowly widened, immediately shaking his head, "I definitely won’t risk my life."
Having designs on Xu Xin’s main woman is courting death. Although he’s got a fondness for beauty, he won’t let instincts run wild.
"Can I ask, is it Wen Guixin?" Ma Hongwei asked tentatively.
"No, her name is Li Wenxi. You’ll meet her in due time. But Wen Guixin is also part of our organization."
Xu Xin descended from the parasitic treehouse, heading back to his main treehouse.
Silver King Mimi and Afu had already come out of the hut by themselves, lying at the hut’s door.
Xu Xin brought Silver King and Mimi back to the treehouse, while Afu flew into the treehouse on its own, probably due to the cold outside.
Keke remained napping on the sofa.
Xu Xin was about to place the control panel at an appropriate spot when the watch started vibrating.
He raised his hand to see it was Ji Chaoyang, quickly answering the call. Google seaʀᴄh ɴovᴇl(F)ɪre.ɴet
"Xu Xin, listen to me. Tomorrow, besides the onset of winter, there is another crisis," Ji Chaoyang’s voice, though slightly fatigued, was very grave.
...Is the true crisis of the second phase about to arrive!