"This is..." Liu Hui immediately recognized the three white stones before him; they were the one, two, and three-star Monster Cores he had given Chen Changsheng for research. Chen Changsheng had subsequently taken several more, though he hadn't achieved any results from them until now.

"Boss, this is the result of our recent research. Three months ago, we discovered that these white stones contained immense energy, but we had no way to utilize it. Only after we augmented our research staff were we able to coax out a mere trace of that contained energy. However, due to the lack of a stable guiding device, that energy was extremely volatile and unusable in any normal capacity. Fortunately, we recently recruited a young man named Yang Hua. He previously studied high-energy battery technology in Bashan and proposed a very clever concept. Based on his idea, we successfully manufactured this energy guiding device, allowing us to finally harness the energy within," Chen Changsheng stated proudly.

Liu Hui was overjoyed upon hearing this. He had long known that the Monster Cores from the magic plane contained vast amounts of energy, but he had no idea how to refine and utilize it. Even the Zerg, whose genetic civilization had reached an extremely high level, had no solution for this, let alone his own research institute. Therefore, Liu Hui hadn't held much hope for Chen Changsheng's research, making him exceptionally pleased to hear that results had finally been achieved.

"Tell me the specifics right now," Liu Hui asked, excitement mounting.

"Boss, after research, we discovered that the energy contained within these three white stones is electrical energy, and a tremendous amount of it. However, the total electrical energy contained among the three stones varies drastically. Look at this one," Chen Changsheng held up a Monster Core, "it contains enough electrical energy for one thousand du (units of 1000 kWh)."

Liu Hui observed that the core Chen Changsheng was demonstrating was a Rank One Monster Core.

"As for this one," Chen continued, "its internal electrical energy reaches ten thousand du. And finally, this last one—its internal electrical energy even reaches one hundred thousand du."

"What? So much electrical energy inside these? But their size is so small?" Liu Hui was astounded. He was taken aback that cores smaller than his fist could contain such massive amounts of energy.

What surprised Liu Hui even more was that a Rank One Monster Core alone held one thousand du of electricity, and the energy in the Rank Two and Three cores increased tenfold each time. Following this logic, wouldn't a Rank Four Monster Core contain a million du of electricity?

"Indeed. I've never seen anything that holds so much electrical energy while being so small. We've studied them, and these white stones shouldn't really be called stones; they appear to be organic matter, as if grown from within a living creature. However, we couldn't analyze their precise composition, nor do we know why they contain such potent electrical energy," Chen Changsheng admitted with a hint of regret.

Liu Hui picked up the rather crude device and asked, "Is this the apparatus used to draw the electricity from these stones?"

"Yes, this guiding device is newly fabricated, which is why it looks somewhat rough and bulky. But given a little more time, we can make it incredibly compact and elegant," Chen Changsheng replied.

Liu Hui inserted the Rank One Monster Core into the device. A socket immediately enveloped the core. Liu Hui pressed the activation button on the device, and a green light illuminated.

"Boss, we've pre-set the basic parameters in this device, so the output voltage matches the voltage we currently use. You can just plug your appliance in, and it will work normally," Chen Changsheng explained.

Liu Hui took a desk lamp, plugged it into the device's socket, and the lamp immediately lit up—incredibly convenient. Satisfied, Liu Hui looked at the setup and asked, "How do I know how much energy is left inside?"

"Boss, turn the device over; there’s a specific numerical display there," Chen Changsheng instructed.

Liu Hui immediately flipped the device, and a small LCD screen on the back displayed the number 999.

"Boss, that LCD screen displays the remaining power. When it reads zero, it means the energy inside is depleted," Chen Changsheng clarified.

"This is excellent. The total volume of this device combined with the stone isn't large; it looks almost like a component of the lamp itself, making it very portable. With this, I can enjoy household appliances even in the wilderness, and I won't fear power outages. Let me calculate: my lamp is twenty-five watts, meaning one du can power it for forty hours. So, the energy in this device can power the lamp for forty thousand hours—that's one thousand six hundred and sixty-six days, four and a half years! Truly remarkable. I wonder if this lamp will even last that long," Liu Hui marveled.

"Correct. With this guiding device, we can use electricity much more conveniently. It can even power our entire laboratory, eliminating the need for backup power installations," Chen Changsheng nodded.

"Then use this power source in the lab, but be absolutely sure: it stays strictly within the lab and cannot be leaked," Liu Hui commanded.

"Boss, do you really have a lot more of these stones?" Chen Changsheng asked, filled with hope as Liu Hui agreed to use the power source in the lab.

"Yes, well, I do have some remaining," Liu Hui replied after a moment's hesitation.

"Boss, if that's the case, this is wonderful! Do you realize the strategic significance of these things?" Chen Changsheng exclaimed excitedly.

"This thing should be like a massive, portable high-energy battery, right? With this, it should have tremendous applications in national defense?" Liu Hui speculated.

"Boss, you are absolutely correct. The significance for national defense is immense. Can you imagine submarines, aircraft, and tanks all powered by these stones?" Chen Changsheng pressed.

"If all those instruments of war were driven by these stones, their combat effectiveness would increase countless times over," Liu Hui agreed.

"Precisely. With these high-energy stones, the logistical dependency of those instruments of war would decrease drastically, their operational radius would expand exponentially, and they would exhibit extraordinary capability. Furthermore, certain energy weapons could unleash devastating power under the support of these stones. Therefore, even though we possess these things, they must remain top secret; no one must know," Chen Changsheng stated, having some knowledge of defense technology from his past research.

"You are absolutely right. We must strengthen security. Our current strength is still too weak. If word gets out that we possess such items, people will stop at nothing to seize them," Liu Hui concurred.

"Rest assured, Boss. I have already tightened security at the Scientific Research Institute. The researchers only know we are studying something, but they have no clue about the specifics of the research, so there is no chance of leakage," Chen Changsheng assured him.

"You are the expert. If you say it's fine, then it’s fine. I trust you," Liu Hui nodded in satisfaction.

He hadn't held out much hope for the Monster Core research because even the Zerg from the Zerg civilization couldn't solve it. Yet, unexpectedly, after the Hermit from the Cultivation Realm inscribed an energy conversion formation onto the Monster Cores and coupled it with a simple guiding device, the energy within the cores became usable. According to Chen Changsheng’s calculations, a Rank Four Monster Core should contain one million du of electricity, a Rank Five containing ten million du, a Rank Six one hundred million du, and a Rank Seven a billion du.

Liu Hui had no idea what the maximum rank of Monster Cores in the magic plane reached. The highest-ranked core he currently possessed was Rank Seven, and he wondered if there were any higher ranks beyond that. Even so, the electrical energy contained within a Rank Seven Monster Core was a terrifying billion du.

Consider this: the entire nation's annual electricity generation was only forty-one trillion du. The output of the globally renowned Three Gorges Dam last year was only eighty-four billion du—equivalent to just eighty-four Rank Seven Monster Cores. Liu Hui currently possessed over twenty thousand Monster Cores of various ranks, the majority being Rank Four and above, including more than twenty Rank Seven cores. Not to mention the vastly larger quantity of cores piled up in Alexander's massive warehouse in the magic plane. The total electrical energy contained in the cores Liu Hui held already exceeded one hundred billion du, far surpassing the annual output of the Three Gorges Dam.

What did it mean for one person to possess this much energy, all contained in such small volumes? Liu Hui struggled to fully grasp it for a moment. But one thing was certain: with this colossal amount of energy, even if his "Starry Sky Vision Enhancer" couldn't be sold, he could become an energy magnate and develop a corporation larger than the Starry Sky Group, as the future belonged to energy.

However, it was slightly unfortunate that the energy contained within those Monster Cores varied—it wasn't solely electrical energy. If all that energy were converted to electricity, there would be a 10% loss.

But Liu Hui quickly dismissed his concern. Even with a 10% loss, the total energy remained staggering, too much for him to calculate immediately. What was certain was his immense happiness: the energy problem in his plans was thoroughly resolved.

As evening approached, Liu Hui carefully dressed himself, donning a suit, leather shoes, and a tie. He went downstairs and found Hu Xian'er waiting by the car. The moment she saw him approaching, she smiled and walked over.

"Shuinniu (Water Buffalo), why are you so slow? Making a girl wait for you?" Hu Xian'er teased.

"Haha, it wasn't starting for a while yet, right? Besides, you said to wear formal attire, so it took a moment," Liu Hui returned with a smile.

"Well, your overall look is acceptable, but the color of your suit doesn't match your tie. Luckily, I brought an extra tie. See what you think?" Hu Xian'er examined him closely, finding his tie and suit colors clashed. She retrieved a yellow tie from the car and held it near his neck.

"This... this actually looks better," Liu Hui chuckled awkwardly. Before making his fortune, he was an ordinary man who knew nothing about color coordination.

"You men just don't pay attention to these details. A handsome man can be ruined by improper dressing, but thank goodness for women like us," Hu Xian'er said. Seeing Liu Hui agree about the tie, she immediately removed his old one and proceeded to retie the yellow one for him.

Liu Hui's breathing grew slightly heavier. As Hu Xian'er stood on her toes to fasten the tie, her ample bosom brushed unintentionally against his chest. Coupled with the faint, sweet fragrance of her hair, his heart raced, and his body reacted slightly. He quickly averted his gaze.

After finishing the tie, Hu Xian'er stepped back a few paces, admired her work, and clapped her hands, declaring, "Done! You look much sharper now."

Liu Hui immediately bent down and got into the car. The close contact with Hu Xian'er had elicited a reaction, so he swiftly retreated into the vehicle to hide his embarrassment.

Liu Hui was twenty-seven now, a mature man. Liang Jingyue had been his only girlfriend previously, and they never engaged in any improper behavior while together. Consequently, a knot of suppressed desire had built up inside him with no outlet. Although he desperately tried to suppress his emotions and physiological needs, the hormonal surge meant he was involuntarily drawn to beautiful women. Thus, even a simple brush against Hu Xian'er's stunning figure was enough to make Liu Hui feel exposed.

Hu Xian'er also slipped into the car, sitting next to him and smiling at him.

"Ahem, Xian'er, why do you think Mr. Li is hosting this reception now?" Liu Hui asked, quickly looking away after glancing at Hu Xian'er to distract himself. Hu Xian'er looked stunning tonight in a black evening gown and white high heels, radiating noble elegance.

"Shuinniu, the Old Super Man has been appearing frequently in the media lately to prove his health and counter rumors about his condition. Only with his health confirmed will the public continue to support him, and his old allies will re-endorse the Li family. You know, to the people of Hong Kong, the Old Super Man is like an invincible god. Now, the battle between his family and the forces trying to overthrow them has reached a fever pitch, close to resolution. Hosting this reception now must be his way of declaring war," Hu Xian'er replied with a smile.

Liu Hui chuckled, "Who believes an octogenarian is actually that healthy? I suspect those forces besieging the Li family are just stalling. Once this reception begins tonight, they'll be utterly defeated."

"Indeed. Rumors about the Old Super Man's ill health started months ago, and he hadn't appeared publicly for a long time, so those trying to usurp the Li family thought they had an opening to swallow them whole and laid this trap. They never expected the Old Super Man to be so robust, showing no signs of trouble. I imagine those plotting must be incredibly disappointed," Hu Xian'er admitted, sounding puzzled.

Liu Hui secretly smiled. The Old Super Man had received his treatment; his body was perfectly healthy, aside from his aged appearance. If those plotting against the Li family were to compete with the Old Super Man in longevity, they would likely lose. Thus, their current efforts were doomed to fail.

As they chatted happily, the car finally arrived at the reception venue. Starry Sky Security personnel were the first out, scanning the perimeter for safety before opening the door for Liu Hui.

Hu Xian'er linked arms with Liu Hui as they slowly stepped out. A large throng of reporters waited outside the hotel entrance, eager for news. One reporter spotted Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er exiting and immediately shouted, "Liu Hui is here!" The other reporters surged forward, surrounding the pair. Flashbulbs erupted continuously, capturing photos of Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er smiled faintly, cooperating with the photographers.

"Mr. Liu, I'm from Ming Pao..." A reporter thrust a microphone toward Liu Hui's mouth, but was intercepted by Ah Huo, who was guarding Liu Hui, before he could finish speaking.

"Everyone, I apologize. Our boss is here only to attend Old Super Man's reception today and will not be taking interviews. If you wish to interview our boss, please contact our company's Public Relations department. Thank you," Ah Huo spoke politely to the reporters while simultaneously forcing a path through the crowd with several other security personnel, escorting Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er into the hotel.

"Shuinniu, you really are famous now. Look, those celebrities who just got out of their cars aren't getting as much attention as you," Hu Xian'er remarked, pointing to several celebrities who had just arrived.

"Hehe, they aren't here to interview me. They must have flocked over because they saw how sexy and beautiful you are," Liu Hui teased.

Hu Xian'er was delighted to be called sexy and beautiful. "You are the main flower; I'm just the green leaf. How dare I steal your spotlight," she responded.

They entered the reception hall chatting merrily. Many guests were already present in the main hall. The Li family's Eldest and Second Sons were moving through the crowd, greeting guests. Their eyes lit up when they spotted Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er approaching, and they immediately stepped forward.

"Haha, Young Master Hui, you've finally arrived, and you brought such a stunning beauty! You make us incredibly envious," the Second Son said with a grin.

"Hehe, it is my honor to have earned Miss Hu Xian'er's favor; that's something you two can't envy," Liu Hui replied, as Hu Xian'er politely nodded and smiled at them.

"Young Master Hui, Father will arrive shortly. Shall we chat with you for a moment first?" the Eldest Son said with a smile.

"That won't be necessary. You two are very busy tonight; I won't keep you. Besides, look at all the people here; let us wander around on our own. That way, we can make more friends," Liu Hui suggested.

"Very well, we'll attend to our friends for now and find you later," the Second Son agreed.

Liu Hui and Hu Xian'er then politely bade farewell to the two hosts and entered the main hall.

"Xian'er, is that really you? I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me," a man's voice suddenly sounded near Liu Hui's ear.

Liu Hui turned his head and saw a handsome young man looking at Hu Xian'er with an expression of surprised joy.

"Oh, it's Senior Qin! It really has been a long time," Hu Xian'er exclaimed happily upon seeing the man.

"Haha, it must have been several years since we graduated. When I first saw you, I couldn't believe it was you, but it turned out to be you! Xian'er, you've become so much more beautiful; I almost didn't recognize you," the young man said, his eyes fixed on Hu Xian'er.

Noticing that Hu Xian'er seemed very familiar with this young man, and their exchange sounded somewhat intimate, Liu Hui felt a prick of displeasure. He tightened his grip on the arm Hu Xian'er had linked through his and asked, "Xian'er, who is this?"

The young man only then noticed that Hu Xian'er was accompanied by another man. When he saw their arms linked tightly, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.

"Boss, this is my university classmate, Qin Zhou. I went to study in America later, and I haven't seen him in years. I never expected to run into him here today. Qin Zhou, this is my boss," Hu Xian'er introduced them. Being a formal occasion, she had reverted to using Liu Hui's formal title; she only called him "Shuinniu" when they were alone.

"Hello, here is my card. I look forward to your guidance," the young man named Qin Zhou said, immediately handing a card to Liu Hui.

Liu Hui took it and read: *Qin Zhou Psychology Clinic, Qin Zhou, Psychologist*.

"Dr. Qin, my apologies for my discourtesy," Liu Hui said coolly. Noticing the air of familiarity between Qin Zhou and Hu Xian'er, his impression of the doctor immediately soured.

"Mr. Liu, the discourtesy is mine. I am merely a humble psychiatrist; the number of patients I can help is rather small. It's not like your pharmaceuticals, which can benefit countless sufferers," Qin Zhou replied earnestly.

"I see you are quite familiar with Xian'er. Have you two...?" Liu Hui inquired, his gaze fixed on Qin Zhou. He wasn't particularly curious how Qin Zhou knew him; after all, people like Yang Hua, who only studied and never read the papers, were rare in this world.

Qin Zhou paused for a beat, then quickly clarified, "Mr. Liu, please don't misunderstand. I was Xian'er's senior when we were in university. We were in the same club, which is why I interacted with her more. We are just very good friends, nothing more."

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