Chapter 9: Who Carries Cheat Books When Venturing Out?

Luo Xiake's demise, bludgeoned to death by the stout little iron pot wielding a bow, sent shivers down Miss Wang's spine.

In her eyes, the stout little iron pot seemed inconsequential compared to Gu Shanhai, who effortlessly dispatched two adversaries in succession.

However, witnessing the stout little iron pot deliver fatal blows with a bow, coupled with the injuries adorning his body, evoked a sense of reverence and fear.

"Brother, this sword is equipment," the stout little iron pot admitted somewhat awkwardly, brandishing the long sword.

"Of course, what you've earned is rightfully yours. I have no qualms if I claim the rest," Gu Shanhai replied, showing no interest in appropriating the sword.

With the Yunlingcao potted plant in his left hand, wielding a weapon in his right would prove cumbersome. He suggested the stout little iron pot search for any additional valuables.

"Absolutely, I'll gladly share my findings with you," the stout little iron pot affirmed, unperturbed by the prospect of sharing.

Observing the prayer beads and clothing adorning Gu Shanhai, the stout little iron pot suspected they might be equipment but refrained from asking, feeling it would be impudent considering Gu Shanhai's recent conquests.

Gu Shanhai noticed the stout little iron pot's hesitation but paid it little mind, knowing the items in question were mere acquisitions.

Upon searching Luo Xiake's belongings, Gu Shanhai found no cheat books, which puzzled him momentarily, but he shrugged it off as a missed opportunity for a windfall.

"Luo Xiake is a disciple of Biyunzhuang, so it's unlikely he'd carry his master's secrets. Unlike Ghost Face King Kong and Huang Hua Diao, wandering souls have nowhere to stash such valuable tomes," Miss Wang explained.

"Ah, so you're a homeowner. No wonder you only carry money," Gu Shanhai remarked, feeling increasingly unlucky.

The stout little iron pot and the lofty white goose felt slighted by Gu Shanhai's comment.

"Let's not dwell on it. We have little time left," Gu Shanhai redirected the conversation, reminding them of their impending departure.

Unable to do much with the corpse, he suddenly realized something.

"Oh, damn! I forgot about the main treasure," Gu Shanhai exclaimed, a wave of realization washing over him.

Amidst the horrified gazes of all present, Gu Shanhai lifted Ghost Face King Kong's lifeless body.

"Alright, let's proceed," Gu Shanhai announced, leading the way.

Observing Gu Shanhai's actions, the stout little iron pot and the fluttering big white goose exchanged uneasy glances, suspecting he might have some mental issue.

However, they hesitated to broach the topic. After a moment of silent communication, the stout little iron pot tentatively spoke up, "Brother, have you ever considered that you might have obsessive-compulsive disorder?"

Perplexed, Gu Shanhai responded, "Why do you ask?"

His motive for retrieving Ghost Face King Kong's body was simple: it offered the most intact specimen for autopsy, allowing him to better understand the martial arts system of this elementary dungeon.

"Are you wondering why I carried the corpse? Well, it'll serve as a meat shield. We may encounter the boss later," Gu Shanhai casually explained, fabricating a reason.

If Ghost Face King Kong, Luoxia Ke, and Huanghua Diao were elite monsters, then the old white ape must be the boss, as only such a formidable adversary would warrant a hidden mission.

Gu Shanhai estimated the boss's resilience, predicting it would require at least two strikes of the Emmanuel Blade or a critical hit to defeat. With only two aura blades remaining, he needed to conserve his resources wisely.

Although his current aura technique was an improved version, not the original, he was confident it would suffice. Moreover, he possessed the magic mirror as a backup plan if needed.

However, Gu Shanhai actually coveted the complete body of the old white ape more. In terms of value, it far exceeded that of Ghost Face King Kong.

"That's not ideal. It's inappropriate to use a corpse as a shield," the fluttering big white goose remarked uneasily, expressing discomfort at the notion of manipulating a corpse.

However, Gu Shanhai remained resolute, affirming, "It's necessary for dealing with the boss."

Suddenly, Gu Shanhai remembered their limited health reserves and cautioned, "Stop attacking. You might accidentally injure me when the time comes."

Acknowledging the limitations of melee archers and the area damage potential of the big white goose's red flame talisman, Gu Shanhai opted to rely on himself to avoid friendly fire.

Despite their inexperience, Gu Shanhai appreciated the effort of the two newcomers. They understood their roles without any delusions of equal share, focusing instead on the subsequent evaluation.

With a shared understanding, the group continued their journey until they encountered an elderly figure blocking their path—a frail old man with slender arms, leaning on a bamboo stick like an aged ape.

"Take heed, travelers. I have words of advice for you," the old man intoned solemnly.

(End of Chapter)