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Starting Cultivation in Wasteland

Chapter 885 - 755: The Middle Ground · Oct 13, 2026

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Chapter List (1233)

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851 Chapter 851 - 721: Strange Materials 2026-10-13
852 Chapter 852 - 722: Clues 2026-10-13
853 Chapter 853 - 723: Parting Ways 2026-10-13
854 Chapter 854 - 724: Rebirth 2026-10-13
855 Chapter 855 - 725: A Few Rookies 2026-10-13
856 Chapter 856 - 726: Bullying the Weak by Flaunting Power 2026-10-13
857 Chapter 857 - 727: Come Out and Talk 2026-10-13
858 Chapter 858 - 728: Possession? 2026-10-13
859 Chapter 859 - 729: The Real Treasure 2026-10-13
860 Chapter 860 - 730: You’re Right 2026-10-13
861 Chapter 861 - 731: Utter Madness 2026-10-13
862 Chapter 862 - 732: Three Days Apart 2026-10-13
863 Chapter 863 - 733: Seizing by Force 2026-10-13
864 Chapter 864 - 734: Lending a Hand 2026-10-13
865 Chapter 865 - 735: New Developments 2026-10-13
866 Chapter 866 - 736: Enemy Attack 2026-10-13
867 Chapter 867 - 737: Coordination 2026-10-13
868 Chapter 868 - 738: Picking and Choosing 2026-10-13
869 Chapter 869 - 739: Wanted List 2026-10-13
870 Chapter 870 - 740: Head and Neck Region 2026-10-13
871 Chapter 871 - 741: Courting Death 2026-10-13
872 Chapter 872 - 742: Catching Rabbits While Gathering Grass 2026-10-13
873 Chapter 873 - 743: I Have Principles 2026-10-13
874 Chapter 874 - 744: Ancient Oath 2026-10-13
875 Chapter 875 - 745: Return 2026-10-13
876 Chapter 876 - 746: Paranoid and Overbearing 2026-10-13
877 Chapter 877 - 747: Cognitive Bias 2026-10-13
878 Chapter 878 - 748: Not Just One Plus One 2026-10-13
879 Chapter 879 - 749: Refusing to Take the Blame 2026-10-13
880 Chapter 880 - 750: A Delayed Realization 2026-10-13
881 Chapter 881 - 751: Are You Kidding Me? 2026-10-13
882 Chapter 882 - 752: Rhine Takes Over 2026-10-13
883 Chapter 883 - 753: The Winds Have Changed 2026-10-13
884 Chapter 884 - 754: Rhine’s Reputation 2026-10-13
885 Chapter 885 - 755: The Middle Ground 2026-10-13
886 Chapter 886 - 756: Leaked Information 2026-10-13
887 Chapter 887 - 757: Reunion 2026-10-13
888 Chapter 888 - 758: The Price of Growth 2026-10-13
889 Chapter 889 - 759: Unavoidable Attention 2026-10-13
890 Chapter 890 - 760: Hated by All (First Update, Asking for May’s Guaranteed Votes) 2026-10-13
891 Chapter 891 - 761: The Confidence of the System (Second Update) 2026-10-13
892 Chapter 892 - 762: The Extermination Massacre 2026-10-13
893 Chapter 893 - 763: Mutual Restraint 2026-10-13
894 Chapter 894 - 764: Unwelcome Guests 2026-10-13
895 Chapter 895 - 765: Mission Accomplished 2026-10-13
896 Chapter 896 - 766: Repeater 2026-10-13
897 Chapter 897 - 767: Golf (First Update, Master He Meng – I Love Da Mi) 2026-10-13
898 Chapter 898 - 768: Get Lost 2026-10-13
899 Chapter 899 - 768: Get Lost - 69 Speechless (Double-Length - , Please Vote) 2026-10-13
900 Chapter 900 - 768: Get Lost – 69 Speechless (Double-Length - ) 2026-10-13

Chapter 885: Chapter 755: The Middle Ground

Originally, Nelson just wanted to browse casually. He knew the Rhine people had wide connections, but knowledge related to arrays was too niche.

A while ago, Qinghu had consulted him about some array-related matters.

He knew Qinghu was pondering over arrays related to the Qi Gathering Array, but that guy had a bad temper, so he didn’t want to inquire too much.

The array sent over from Rhine, he didn’t take it seriously. The Qi Gathering Array had already been thoroughly studied; how could it be improved further?

But as he kept looking, he couldn’t help but focus more intently.

Although there were things he understood without knowing why, he could confirm that this array definitely had potential.

But this time, it was Rhine’s turn to be dissatisfied, ”Sir, it’s enough to say half... transmitting through a wristwatch isn’t secure.”

Nelson could only laugh dryly, ”Little Rhine, are you still holding a grudge against me? Hurry up, send it over for a look.”

”I said it needs to be kept confidential,” Rhine replied earnestly, ”I’ll verify it first, then it has to be submitted.”

”Submitted...” Nelson thoroughly understood what this word meant, even though he’s Supreme, some people are really not to be messed with.

Yet he couldn’t help but ask, ”Did the person providing the information verify it?”

”They’ve seen the actual object,” Rhine didn’t want to offend either. Although she believed she would inevitably advance to Supreme, why bother?

”This is part of the design principles with regard to the actual object.”

”Then this team is excellent,” Nelson replied without hesitation, ”But be wary of the military.”

For this is really something only one’s own people would advise; although the achievement is astounding, it’s infringing upon the military’s interests.

”The other party has no intention of promotion,” Rhine replied gravely, ”They are very cautious about information barriers, likely intending to use it themselves.”

This situation is quite common, with Rhine’s explanation, Nelson understood.

”I’d like to trade for a set, does the other party have any needs?”

”Trade for a set” is merely an expression, essentially indicating he wants to obtain the technology and use it within a limited scope.

This limited scope is indeed very limited; it doesn’t even require supervision.

Imperial laws can’t curb the spread of piracy, but the military can.

Using it in a small range won’t trigger military alertness, and there generally won’t be any issues.

If someone intends to sell it widely, it’s not just about whether Rhine agrees, the military would be the first to disallow it.

Many people work on private research; the military has already monopolized the Qi Gathering Array and doesn’t want more fuss, especially against those High Tier Awakened.

The research of the big shots mostly stems from hobbies or for their own future, and it’s unstoppable.

If the military attempts to forcibly stop it, they’d face the risk of being besieged from all sides.

The army is indeed strong, but who can stay sheltered in the barracks for life?

Supreme’s ambushes, desperate assassins, even ordinary people can poison... so many methods, they are essentially impossible to defend against.

The most troublesome thing is offending too many people; finding suspects is akin to searching for a needle in a haystack.

The military has suffered losses like this before, now they just turn a blind eye: you conduct private research, then use it privately.

However, this is the military’s bottom line; anyone attempting to sell these items would face merciless suppression!

Come on, we’ve already let you use it secretly, isn’t that giving you face?

This person insists on selling for profits, whose business are they stealing, whose face are they slapping?

This behavior not only infuriates the military but, seen from another vantage point, could destabilize the foundation of Imperial rule!

Some things are really done in secrecy without comment, but doing them openly is to seek one’s own doom.

Ultimately, everything must be done with moderation, and Nelson understands this well.

And he also realized that the other party might not need money!

Money at a certain level truly becomes just a number.

For those at the top of the pyramid, things money can’t buy are precious; hence his inquiry about what the other party needs.

Rhine pondered for a moment before replying, ”I can inquire about this for you, sir; the other side isn’t easy to converse with.”

”Not easy to converse...” Nelson stared at the wristwatch as the communication ended, contemplating.

The fact that Rhine is so cautious and possesses the improved version of the Qi Gathering Array, not easy to provoke.

He lifted his head to gaze at the sky, noticing some clouds gathering, he couldn’t help but sigh softly, ”This is... a change on the horizon.”

Another half month passed when Rhine returned to the Niaoming Stream Estate.

This time they brought an ordinary Qi Gathering Array, but also proposed numerous conditions.

Firstly, the array is borrowed, and it must be returned in the future.

Even if an accident occurs and the array is damaged, the remaining broken parts must be returned.

Secondly, during the loan there is rent, which is strongly advocated by Qu Jianlei and also the demand of the forces backing Rhine.

The rent isn’t expensive, merely ten million a year.

For ordinary people, it would take several lifetimes without spending a dime to accumulate this much.

But in relation to Supreme cultivation, this year’s rent is essentially half rental and half gifting.

Rhine stated that the demands she raised were merely to emphasize ownership—you’re paying rent, so the item isn’t yours!

Qu Jianlei readily accepted the explanation, ”Not even a deposit is required, the conditions are already very generous.”

Both of them deliberately ignored one possibility: that if he encountered misfortune, this Array would be a one-way trip.

Without collecting a deposit, Rhine’s group would suffer significant losses.

But she didn’t point this out, which shows that her team is betting on Qu Jianlei as a person.

If the person is no longer around, then those losses... are not worth worrying about.

Qu Jianlei thought that if he mentioned this, he might accidentally set a flag.

His constitution attracts enough negativity already, why create more trouble for himself?

After all, if he really encounters misfortune and the Array doesn’t return, it’s something that can’t be helped.

But as the protagonist, he thinks he won’t be so unlucky—he’s destined to enter the Nascent Soul Stage sooner or later!

Since Rhine’s team is making a bet, they have their own needs.

This is the third requirement: if the Rhodiola rosea team can modify the Array, they hope to obtain relevant data.

Rhine knows the other party cares about information barriers, so she specially vowed that the relevant data will not be spread.

This idea is somewhat similar to what Nelson considered: they might use it, but only internally.

The cost of spreading it is something they cannot afford—at least not willing to get into such big trouble.

Rhine even frankly stated, ”They don’t believe that your team can quickly modify this Array.”

”So even without complete data, providing phase results when returning the Array is acceptable.”

This requirement is quite reasonable, meaning the other party’s skepticism is not an insult.

Being able to accept phased results proves they care about Rhodiola rosea team’s approach, or rather their technical route.

As for the results? They are not so important.

Most importantly, this statement indicates that even if the Rhodiola rosea team hides parts of the results, they won’t pursue it excessively.

Hence, it can be considered a gentleman’s agreement, truly sincere compared to the chips already provided by the other party.

Facing such sincerity, Qu Jianlei really had no reason to refuse.

He very readily stated, ”I’ll only rent for a year, not letting you take too big a risk.”

A one-year lease is quite short, but in fact, with Little Lake in hand, it basically takes a month to thoroughly analyze the Array.

As for perfectly replicating, the time will definitely be longer, maybe three to five years can’t achieve it, modifying might take even longer.

Yet within three to five years, it’s almost impossible for anyone in his team to advance to Supreme.

The Array he and Paranoid need to use is the Spirit Gathering Array, not the Qi Gathering Array.

In future years, his team has no demand for ordinary Qi Gathering Arrays, so he naturally sees no need to rent for such a long time.

However, Little Lake’s workload will be significantly increased because of this.

Especially terrible is that the two computational units Qu Jianlei spent heavily on were not within reach.

Fifty million is collecting dust in the Asteroid Belt, twenty million is on the 8384 ship, only a Customs Enforcement Division terminal is at hand.

Recently, he was analyzing the Teleportation Array but is still in the initial framework stage, not needing a lot of computation, the small terminal sufficed.

But now, wanting to analyze a basic version of the Qi Gathering Array, this computational power really is insufficient.

is not far, parked at the Star Port on the Celestial Handle, but now the problem is, he cannot leave the Niaoming Stream estate.

With his caution, ultimately he won’t be at ease with Paranoid.

He is very worried that once that guy leaves his sight, the situation will get out of control—at least, he can’t easily test human nature.

Should he authorize Rhine to help him retrieve the computational unit sets?

This thought stayed in his mind for only an instant before being cast aside.

Rhine’s sincerity this time is indeed abundant, but does that warrant his full trust?

The embedding and connection of the computational unit sets, and the modified underlying logic in the control room system, really can’t easily be shown to others.

Thus, this matter truly cannot be entrusted to Rhine.

Hence he coughed lightly, ”By the way, can you manage to acquire the Sea of Thought Creation computational unit sets?”

”Computational units, aren’t they purchasable if you have money?” Rhine is also not very familiar with this equipment.

Then she lifted her smartwatch and inquired about relevant information.

As it turns out, just as she said, they are purchasable if you have money.

Besides the twenty million, thirty million, fifty million, and eighty million computational units, there are also one hundred and fifty million and two hundred and forty million computational units.

However, this equipment is so specialized, even with the Haiyin Family’s involvement, the other party wouldn’t offer many discounts.

The reason is obvious—those needing this equipment have an essential need, why would the supplier offer discounts?

”Get the two hundred forty million!” A certain unscrupulous butterfly turned frenetically, ”You have this payment capability!”

It remembers clearly, two starships were sold recently, and the boss’s Silver Notes have already approached four hundred million.

(Double monthly tickets, update till summon monthly tickets, follow subscriptions, and recommend tickets.)

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