Chapter 9: Who Carries a Secret Manual When Going Out

Luo Xiake died, surprisingly killed by Strong Little Iron Pot with a bow, which made Miss Wang shiver involuntarily.

In her eyes, Strong Little Iron Pot didn't seem very noticeable, especially compared to Gu Shanhai, who had killed two people.

Now, seeing someone kill with a bow, coupled with his injuries, that crazed look was enough to make one respect and fear him.

"Brother, this sword is a piece of equipment, look..." Strong Little Iron Pot said somewhat awkwardly, holding the longsword.

"Since you fought for it, it's yours, but I hope you don't mind if I scavenge the rest," Gu Shanhai said, having no intention of fighting over the sword.

He was currently holding a pot of Yunling Grass in his left hand; having a weapon in his right would make things inconvenient.

Better to scavenge a bit and see if there's anything else valuable.

"Sure, I'll give it to you, of course." Strong Little Iron Pot naturally didn't mind, as it couldn't be taken out anyway. He had checked earlier, and this was the only piece of equipment that could be taken out.

He glanced at the Buddha Beads and clothes hanging on Gu Shanhai, thinking they might be equipment too, but it felt awkward to ask for them.

It wasn't him who made the kill, and asking now would seem rather shameless.

Gu Shanhai noticed his dilemma but didn't pay much attention to it; those two things were not equipment but merely items he had found.

After scavenging, he was surprised to find no secret manuals on Luo Xiake, though there was some silver.

"Luo Xiake is a disciple of Biyun Manor, naturally he wouldn't carry the secret manuals of his sect. Unlike Ghost-faced Vajra and Huang Huadiao, who are itinerant martial artists and can't store their manuals in one place," Miss Wang explained.

"So, they were homeowners, no wonder they only carried money when they went out," Gu Shanhai muttered, feeling more unlucky upon hearing this.

"..." Strong Little Iron Pot and Flapping Big White Goose felt slighted.

"Let's leave it then, there are only a few minutes left to our destination," Gu Shanhai decided quickly.

He wasn't going to do something like taking from a corpse...

"Damn, I forgot a major treasure," Gu Shanhai suddenly realized, remembering the most valuable thing.

Then, under the horrified looks of the others, he picked up the corpse of Ghost-faced Vajra.

"Now we can go," Gu Shanhai then led the way.

At this moment, Strong Little Iron Pot and Flapping Big White Goose wondered if his sanity was in question.

However, they hesitated to speak up, so after exchanging glances, Strong Little Iron Pot tactfully suggested, "Brother, have you ever considered that you might have OCD?"

"No, why do you ask?" Gu Shanhai was puzzled.

The reason he wanted Ghost-faced Vajra's body was simple; it was the most intact upon death. Bringing it back for dissection would offer a more direct understanding of the martial arts system in this beginner instance and its strengths.

After all, possessing only a "Yunling Technique" manual wasn't enough for self-protection. It was better to train some martial skills to enhance his strength.

"You're asking why I'm carrying a corpse? I plan to use it as a shield since we might face a BOSS soon," Gu Shanhai made up a casual excuse.

If Ghost-faced Vajra, Luo Xiake, and Huang Huadiao were elite monsters, then White Ape Elder was definitely a BOSS, otherwise, why would he be part of a hidden task?

That meant he would be tough to defeat.

By Gu Shanhai's estimate, at least two Spirit Light Blades or critical strikes were needed to kill him.

He only had two Spirit Light Blades left, and conjuring more wasn't easy, especially since he was low on "blue light."

Still, he could use a true mirror to execute the original Spirit Light Skill if necessary.

However, he actually preferred to have the complete corpse of White Ape Elder to study later, along with that of Ghost-faced Vajra.

The BOSS's body would undoubtedly be of greater value.

"That's right, but using a corpse as a shield might be somewhat inappropriate," Flapping Big White Goose commented uneasily, feeling queasy about using a corpse, despite the game's isolation effects.

"It's indeed inappropriate, but if that makes your husband face the BOSS, I wouldn't mind," Gu Shanhai said seriously.

Both then remembered that Gu Shanhai was supposed to be the tank, but the two elite monsters had died so quickly that they had forgotten that fact.

Flapping Big White Goose offered an awkward smile, moving past the topic. It was clear her husband was weak after fighting Luo Xiake and couldn't withstand the BOSS.

So, in her eyes, the responsibility was on Gu Shanhai, making using a corpse as a shield seem justifiable.

Everyone was here to play a game, and although uncomfortable, they were on the same side. If he was willing to use a corpse to fight the BOSS, continuing to make a fuss would be unacceptable.

"By the way, how much health do you have left?" Gu Shanhai turned to ask Strong Little Iron Pot.

"Probably... a touch would kill me," he replied helplessly.

"Okay, then just don't... dang, better if neither of you attack, you might accidentally hit me," Gu Shanhai suddenly remembered he couldn't be immune to friendly fire.

Relying on a nearsighted archer or Flapping Big White Goose's Red Flame Talisman, which caused area damage, wasn't wise.

Although his defense was strong, why waste it when he could just do it himself? He could get White Ape Elder's complete body without being backstabbed by the two newbies.

These two newbies were quite capable, at least they weren't dragging him down. Gu Shanhai wasn't too particular about sharing items.

They exchanged a glance, probably thinking it was like being boosted by a pro.

They were aware of their situation and didn't think of dividing everything three ways. The real reward would be after the game evaluation.

"Alright, let's rely on the master then," Strong Little Iron Pot quickly changed his reference from "brother" to "master."

After another three minutes of walking, they heard an old cough.

Not far ahead, an elderly figure wearing a bamboo hat and straw coat, with long arms and leaning on a bamboo staff, blocked their path like an old ape.

"Gentlemen, please hold, I have some advice to offer."