Facing the Abyss as a Demon Cultivator

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, clearly resistant to asking Chu Xiu for help.

In fact, there wasn't much conflict between them and Chu Xiu, but people are naturally exclusive, and this exclusivity is greatly amplified in the unsafe post-apocalyptic environment.

Especially since they had just bad-mouthed Chu Xiu, and now had to ask for his help, it felt awkward for everyone.

Guan Ke continued, "I know no one likes Chu Xiu, but his bone equipment does give him the ability to hunt ghouls alone."

"We already have a lot of corpses stored up. If we can turn them into equipment, it will greatly enhance our team's combat power."

"Besides, some of the bodies are starting to rot and need to be dealt with quickly."

After a long silence, Shen Zhuo sighed, "Understood, I'll talk to him."

A few minutes later, the door to Chu Xiu's room was knocked on.

"Chu Xiu, are you there? I want to discuss equipment refining."

Chu Xiu opened the door, and Shen Zhuo walked in, carrying a box of neatly arranged venison.

This surprised Chu Xiu.

He didn't hold back and accepted it.

Though with his current physique, he could survive the entire trial without eating, lacking energy replenishment would definitely affect his combat state.

The small amount Yun Lu gave him earlier wasn't enough.

Chu Xiu calmly took a piece of meat and started eating, "Didn't expect to find deer in this place."

"We were surprised too," Shen Zhuo said with a smile, "And the deer was quite fat, not like it lived nearby."

Chu Xiu took another bite, seemingly thinking of something, "When I observed the surroundings earlier, I saw that the city's outskirts are surrounded by forests. Maybe it came from there."

Shen Zhuo nodded, "I agree. This city seems strange. Ordinary plants struggle to grow here, but outside they aren't affected. By the way, how was your harvest today?"

"Not as expected," Chu Xiu replied.

His answer made Shen Zhuo smile knowingly, "Acting alone does allow you to gain full experience, but there are too many things to worry about, lowering hunting efficiency."

"It's manageable on normal days, but with the density of ghouls in the building dropping sharply today, and without Yun Lu's help, it's normal to have a poor harvest."

"So, want to reconsider joining the team?"

Chu Xiu shook his head again at Shen Zhuo's invitation.

"Alright," Shen Zhuo said regretfully but didn't press the issue, instead asking, "What level are you now? Level 2 or 3?"

Chu Xiu didn't answer, taking a big bite of venison, pretending to be clueless, "Why are you asking?"

Shen Zhuo laughed, "Let's say you got lucky and reached level 3. Even with armor protection, every time a level 3 support profession hunts ghouls, it's a life-or-death situation."

"So, you must be urgently looking for ways to enhance your combat power, right?"

"I have a proposal."

"Helping you make bone equipment?" Chu Xiu asked.

"Exactly!" Shen Zhuo nodded, "We've brought back the intact corpses of the ghouls we've hunted. Including previous ones, we have thirteen ghoul corpses."

"This could be a big deal, greatly easing your current predicament," Shen Zhuo said.

Chu Xiu rubbed his chin, "What's your offer?"

"1 Karma Point per corpse?" Shen Zhuo said, cutting a piece of meat, "I'll add fifty percent more for black-furred ghouls."

Hearing this, Chu Xiu smiled and shook his head, raising one finger.

"10 points per corpse."

"Ten Karma Points?" Shen Zhuo's brows shot up, his tone rising, "It's just activating your talent. Why does it cost so much?"

Chu Xiu laughed, "My talent isn't without limits; it greatly consumes my energy."

Shen Zhuo's brows twitched, "That's still too much."

Chu Xiu was prepared, "One black-furred ghoul corpse can make a piece of ordinary quality equipment."

"You know, due to the trial, Mortal-tier equipment can sometimes sell for more than Soldier-tier, especially high-tier items, which have exorbitant prices! Even ordinary equipment can easily sell for twenty to thirty thousand Huaxia Yuan."

"And a Karma Point's buyback price is between seven and eight thousand. Although it's a state-controlled item, you rich kids have ways to get it, right?"

"It's a special time, so it's not unreasonable for me to ask for more."

"That's true," Shen Zhuo didn't deny Chu Xiu's words, "But you don't need to provide materials, so it's pure profit for you. The price is still too high."

"And Karma Points are strictly controlled, much harder to get than you think. Their value can't be measured by state buyback prices."

"Besides, we've already passed the toughest stage. Even without your equipment, survival isn't an issue. It would just slow down our leveling speed."

"We got a bone sword today, and many of us have equipment. For example, Wang Long's metal bat and Xin Yi's short-barreled handgun..."

Chu Xiu didn't refute this.

Indeed, apart from Yun Lu, who was penniless, everyone else had some equipment.

Wu Xinyi, in particular, seemed to come from a good family and had even brought a handgun.

But its noise was too loud, and she had limited bullets, so she hadn't used it.

"So, what's your offer?" Chu Xiu asked.

Shen Zhuo said, "I don't like haggling, so I'll be straight. Three thousand for black-furred, two thousand for ordinary. That's my bottom line."

Seeing his forced calm face, Chu Xiu squinted.

Lying.

He's nervous, his heart rate is ten percent faster than usual, his Adam's apple moves unconsciously, and his body leans slightly forward. He's anticipating but also ready to haggle more. His actual bottom line is at least fifty percent higher.

Ah, why do I automatically know these things?

Chu Xiu found it amusing and rubbed his forehead, "I'll give you my bottom line too. Four thousand five for black-furred, three thousand for ordinary. Take it or leave it. I'm not wasting energy in this world where danger could be around any corner."

As Chu Xiu finished, Shen Zhuo's face showed obvious surprise, as if wondering how Chu Xiu guessed his actual price.

Then, he looked conflicted.

Chu Xiu's offer was precisely within his expected range, but agreeing still pained him.

Chu Xiu wasn't in a hurry. Shen Zhuo thought hunting in the building would get harder, so he'd agree for his own safety.

Indeed, after much deliberation, Shen Zhuo tried to haggle but, seeing Chu Xiu's firm stance, finally reluctantly agreed.

With the deal done, Chu Xiu immediately got to work.

He went to the room where the bodies were stored and began refining equipment as requested.

But he suddenly exclaimed, "Why are there only five black-furred ghouls?"

Shen Zhuo shrugged, "Don't know where the ghouls in the building went today. We only killed two, the other three are from previous hunts."

Chu Xiu: ...?

He knew Shen Zhuo's haul was bad since he'd killed most of the ghouls.

But there should be more than two.

He remembered seeing fresh blood from at least four ghouls today.

Could it be...
Someone else is hunting ghouls in the building?