Qu Jianlei initially used hot weapons, just to retain enough Inner Breath to perform Techniques.
Killing wasn't his goal; he was out to deal with the artificial intelligence.
The body of the AI in the Customs Enforcement Division isn't in the Hope Star Realm, so no matter how much he sabotages, it wouldn't harm the opponent.
Artificial intelligence isn't life, it's just a stream of data; as long as the core segments are preserved, it can regenerate anytime.
Little Lake was always eager to acquire equipment, isn't that just to make oneself stronger?
So Qu Jianlei's actions are somewhat like venting frustration, with no real meaning.
Doesn't he know that himself? He surely knows, however, what he needs now is a release!
Not to say much, the central control system of the Customs Enforcement Division is certainly more expensive than the Vortex.
It's hard to say hundreds of billions, tens of billions... but at least there must be a dozen billions, right?
