Chapter 7: Rising Dragon Fist!

"Miss Wang, you've taken something you shouldn't have and handed it over. This matter is settled," Ghost Face King Kong's tone was surprisingly calm, devoid of the ferocity usually associated with him.

Despite his imposing physique and menacing nickname, he didn't exhibit the expected violent temperament.

"What is it that Ms. Wang is holding?" Gu Shanhai inquired, sensing it might be part of a hidden mission.

Much like the guard-type first-level copy, triggering such a mission often resulted in a monster-killing quest or a time-limited escort. Gu Shanhai decided to gamble, hoping for the former so he could reap additional benefits.

"You'll have to ask Ms. Wang. Perhaps over a cup of tea," Ghost Face King Kong suggested.

This gesture seemed to be "First Age's" way of compensating new players, preparing them for encounters with highly intelligent enemies immediately after completing the novice tutorial.

It appeared that such treatment was reserved for players entering their first elementary dungeon, underscoring the game's consideration for newcomers.

"Just a moment, Miss Wang. I suspect you're here for the treasure map of the Yansheng Painting Cave. I'd like to know who tipped you off," Ms. Wang interjected, prompting surprise from the other players, indicating the triggering of a hidden mission.

Observing their reactions, Ms. Wang's expression darkened, clearly unprepared for this turn of events.

"Miss Wang, you've been less than truthful with us about this matter. After all, this is the Yansheng Painting Grotto," Gu Shanhai quipped. Though unsure of the situation, he saw an opportunity for leverage.

Neither the interloper nor Ms. Wang appeared trustworthy. The treasure map likely didn't belong to her, and it was probable that all three were hired hands.

However, this was likely just part of the game's setting. The supposed employer probably didn't exist, given the map's limited scope. It was likely just a plot device.

In this way, Miss Wang's value would be greatly diminished. While the treasure map might lure other players into the mid-level area, in the hands of Gu Shanhai, it amounted to nothing more than a mere picture.

"If the three of you are willing to escort me back to Qingshui City, I'm prepared to share this treasure map," Miss Wang said through clenched teeth.

The other two exchanged glances with Gu Shanhai, silently consenting.

"Master, if you don't object, you're welcome to join us. We'll deal with whoever's trailing you. Why not share the spoils?" Gu Shanhai interjected abruptly.

Ghost Face King Kong appeared intrigued for a moment before remarking, "Loyalty is at stake."

Gu Shanhai wagered fifty cents in his mind; the earlier temptation had clearly swayed the other party. What appeared to be a casual tea-time chat was actually sowing seeds of discord, but unfortunately for him, his companions were astute players.

"The master may be honorable, but if he believes he can obtain the treasure map by eliminating us, he's overly confident. With Luoxiake and Huanghua Diao at his back, how assured are you, Master?" Gu Shanhai's words were deliberate and measured.

Ghost Face King Kong's expression shifted, evidently recognizing the oversight; in killing his adversaries, he would then have to guard against his own teammates, both of whom were no saints.

Seizing the moment while the other party pondered, Gu Shanhai unleashed a burst of mana beneath his feet, hurtling towards his opponent like an arrow released from its bowstring.

"Eat my Dragon Fist!"

Accelerating with mana, Gu Shanhai wielded the magic mirror as he delivered an uppercut to Ghost Face King Kong's jaw, sending him flying in a graceful arc before crashing to the ground with a resounding thud, unconscious.

Confusion reigned among the two players and Miss Wang's entourage. In a split second, Gu Shanhai had dispatched Ghost Face King Kong with a well-aimed blow, using a potted plant as a weapon.

Though still breathing, Ghost Face King Kong was incapacitated and unlikely to rise again.

Amidst the perplexed onlookers, Gu Shanhai nonchalantly converted the magic mirror from a glove to an accessory, its enhanced durability rendering it more suitable for melee combat than casting spells. With lower power consumption and adequate damage output, it served his purposes well.

Under the watchful eyes of the trio, Gu Shanhai approached and swiftly snapped Ghost Face King Kong's neck, confirming his demise.

With a disdainful tone, Gu Shanhai remarked, "Pathetic, truly devoid of worth."

"Hey, we can't just loot his belongings," the stout little iron pot interjected, evidently taken aback by Gu Shanhai's callousness.

"It's fine. I'm a scavenger by nature, and I take what I want," Gu Shanhai retorted dismissively, before addressing the others, "You two triggered a hidden mission."

"That's correct. Did you?" the lofty white goose inquired.

"I didn't. It's not within my skillset, but it's likely a personal endeavor. Whether you disclose yours is your choice; it won't affect me," Gu Shanhai replied candidly.

"No worries. It involves eliminating the old white ape. The mission only activates after defeating Ghost Face King Kong, Luoxiake, and Huanghua Diao. Fail to eliminate all three, and the mission won't trigger," the white goose explained succinctly.

"Got it. If two remain, do you intend to eliminate them or proceed?" Gu Shanhai queried.

"Brother, if you can handle it, go ahead. We'll follow your lead," the stout little iron pot asserted without hesitation.

Why engage in a difficult fight when victory could be attained effortlessly, especially considering their limited combat capabilities? One could only manage rudimentary archery, while the other relied on throwing objects. Talents, though valuable, typically provided indirect rather than direct combat advantages.

"Very well. Then they're mine, along with the spoils I've gathered," Gu Shanhai declared, asserting his claim without reservation.

(End of chapter)