Everyone's spirits immediately lifted. "Where?"

Dora took the lead. The group crossed a stretch of ink-blue grassland and saw a vast, deep pit. At the very bottom, several huge, curved metal objects were embedded in the soil, with other block-like metal pieces scattered around.

It somewhat resembles metal ribs, Chen Gu thought.

Leder exclaimed excitedly, "Bring out the detection equipment!"

The mercenaries quickly unloaded special equipment from the combat vehicle. Leder waved his hand, directing, "Go collect some samples and bring them back."

The mercenaries hesitated. Who knew if this seemingly calm pit, like the Thorns Forest before it, concealed deadly dangers?

Leder pointed at Old Mo. "You go."

Old Mo grimaced, knowing Leder still blamed him for the Thorns Forest incident. He transformed into his sand state again and slid down the edge of the deep pit.

Hu Ling and his team unobtrusively moved closer, securing several of the most advantageous positions for an attack. They had done the same when Old Mo previously entered the Thorns Forest, positioning themselves to rescue their teammate.

Chen Gu nodded silently, thinking that Hu Ling treated his subordinates quite well.

Qing Ruyan whispered in his ear, "This is a common tactic among mercenaries. If they confirm these are the remains of a super-lifeform, they'll rush down immediately. Due to the employment agreement, all spoils belong to the employer. However, the first ones down can easily hide a few inconspicuous small items. The employer can't exactly search them. They seize advantageous positions under the guise of supporting teammates, and no one can object."

Qing Ruyan sneered. "Hmph, camaraderie? Perhaps some of it is genuine, but deeper down, it's still driven by profit."

Chen Gu was taken aback, not having realized all the complexities involved.

Qing Ruyan raised an eyebrow at him. "You, you're still too green."

Just as Chen Gu was about to nod in agreement, he sensed something odd about her gaze. As though I... was being teased?

Damn it! Chen Gu cursed inwardly. He recalled Griffin Wester's memories. Looking at mercenary groups like Hu Ling's and Dora's, he quickly found several adjectives: Low-grade, pocket-sized, junior, bottom-rung...

In the original language of the Star Battle Instructor, it was: "I indeed have no knowledge of such trash!"

Chen Gu fell silent. Alright then. The Blue Blood Thugs were the top mercenary corps back in the day. Old Sir certainly had the right to say that and to look down on these lesser mercenary groups. Griffin Wester excelled at combat and had no experience with the so-called 'survival tactics' of these small-time mercenaries. He never cared about 'survival'; his own survival was never an issue. His path truly lay across the stars and seas!

Chen Gu might not have understood Hu Ling's group's petty schemes, but Dora and the others were keenly aware. Soon, Chen Gu noticed Locke and Ken also subtly maneuvering into advantageous positions.

Since they had all come together, it was natural for them to want a share of the spoils.

Chen Gu then saw Dora, eager to jump in, while he himself shrank back behind Qing Ruyan.

He wasn't covetous of the so-called remains of the super-lifeform. If I need something, I still have my wealthy son! It's just that the old brat has a rather twisted personality... If I were to ask him for it, he'd most likely refuse. But if I don't ask, he'll surely prepare it in secret and force it upon me. Just like last time with the supermatter. What can I do? I can't let the kid's filial piety go unappreciated. I, the Emperor, could only half-heartedly accept. Of course, I still had to refuse verbally with a couple of 'Absolutely not! Absolutely not!'

Chen Gu had two objectives for coming to the Yingudusi Devil's Pit: first, the Four Hundred Braves, and second, the 'rebel' Dilina.

However, with no leads on either matter and the danger growing increasingly terrifying, Chen Gu felt quite frustrated.

Chen Gu decided. Let them fight over it. I'll just lay low—'No use stringing the bow if the demons don't show, no need to release the hawk if the rabbit doesn't go.'

Chen Gu was completely unaware that, to Miss Liu Shichan of the Dead Phoenix Society, who was observing coldly from the rear, his behavior seemed like sheer timidity.

Liu Shichan snorted. How can someone who navigates the world shy away when things get tough?

But then she became conflicted. I was the one who told him to be careful and try to withdraw.

She couldn't decide whether to be pleased that this classmate had listened to her advice or annoyed that he lacked the courage to fight...

After pondering for three seconds, Big Sis Liu finally reached a conclusion: I'll help him this one time, but my organization absolutely cannot have such a degenerate!

Chen Gu remained vigilant of his surroundings with Mind Belief. Suddenly, his gaze shifted in a certain direction, toward a patch of loose soil above the deep pit.

As Chen Gu looked, something under the soil seemed to stir, but it quickly became still again, as if nothing had occurred.

He frowned, pretending not to have noticed, and turned his head back.

Old Mo reached the metal remains and used a small laser cutter to slice off a piece before returning. Leder quickly took it and placed it into the analysis device.

The device BEEPED steadily, analyzing data point after data point.

Leder grew increasingly excited. The data displayed so far strongly suggested these were the remains of a super-lifeform.

As the final, most critical piece of data was about to appear, everyone's attention focused on the device. It was a pivotal moment; even the mercenaries craned their necks to see.

BEEP—

The final data was about to display when a sudden scream pierced the air. Everyone, startled, looked towards the sound. A mercenary had fallen. A fist-sized black shadow erupted from his body and instantly vanished into the ground.

"What the hell is that!"

The mercenary captain bellowed, raising his gun and scanning the surroundings.

But then, screams erupted one after another. Mercenaries on the periphery fell, one by one, a black shadow bursting from each of them.

RAT-TAT-TAT...

Gunfire erupted, but the targets were small and moved with incredible speed. They quickly burrowed into the ground and disappeared. Not a single one was hit.

Guns raised, everyone searched anxiously. Suddenly, from the ground beneath all the professionals, WHOOSH! WHOOSH! WHOOSH! Groups of black shadows shot out!

Dora's long ears shot straight up. She dropped her rifle and her hands flew to her waist, snatching two small pistols. BANG! BANG! BANG! She fired rapidly. Several black shadows lunging at her were hit. They emitted a SQUEAK and fell several meters away, then tumbled into the ground and vanished.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.