Stirling stared at Monk Green across the path, his blood almost freezing instantly. His pupils shrank slightly.

  Relief and fear washed over him at the same time. He was glad it wasn't Monk White; the temple's strongest. But he was afraid of Monk Green's strength, which surpassed that of the two-headed dwarf.

  Though panic crept in, Stirling had prepared himself all night. He says with a smile, "Father Green, it's you. How did you find the time to visit Rock Village?"

  Green smiled back, narrowing his eyes as he approached. "I heard you appeared here just a few days ago, rescued by villager Old Larry. But Larry and his wife haven't shown them for days. Do you know where they are?" Monk Green paused three steps in front of Stirling, waiting for an answer.

  "Have no clue. Since the preaching day, they left and never returned. I'm worried, too." Stirling shook his head, showing a look of deep concern.

  "Hmm, I see. It looks like you're going out. Hope not bother you." The monk nodded and turned to walk toward the house across from Stirling, as if he were stopping by to say hello.

  Stirling watched him leave, then headed toward the village's back intersection.

  After the rain, the path was muddy. He trudged to the small pond, where he practiced Tang Dao skills. His brow furrowed as he thought about his next move. He was definitely on the evil Green's list, even he wasn't the primary target.

  If a woman showed interest in him, Stirling would feel thrilled. But if Monk Green had an interest, he vowed not to entertain such ideas. "I still have a few years of lifespan; hope they're enough for survival."

  The sky cleared after the rain, and the sun rose with a soft light, yet Stirling felt no warmth. He tightened his clothes and moved forward, his heart heavy. Soon, he reached an open spot beside the pond and found a clean area to work out. His arm felt harder and harder as he practiced. A strange blockage remained in his chest.

  "Huh!" Stirling stopped, exhaled deeply, and looked at his right hand holding the blade.

  A thought struck him.

  He gazed at the clouds on the horizon rolling and expanding, then he released a light breath, as if he had decided. He hurried to a nearby large rock, sat down, and pulled out the Quicksand Map for observation.

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  The small red cross for Green stayed in Rock Village. This eased him somewhat. Since the enemy hadn't pursued him, he felt safe for now. He was going to use this short period for wise preparation; then he could counterattack when needed. Everyone will die, but to sit and wait for death is an unacceptable shame.

  With that in mind, Stirling gathered wood and piled it on the rock. Then, he took out a small knife and began carving. Soon, a pistol-shaped object emerged from the woods. Yes, Stirling enhanced a gun to surprise the monk. As a traveler from another world, his best option to beat a tough enemy, along with his knife, was an American weapon with which he was familiar. He had thought about this before. But when he faced villagers and demonic monks in groups, a pistol wouldn't help unless a Maxim or Gatling gun boosted it.

  Those heavy weapons would be difficult to generate. And their effectiveness against these devils is also unclear. But in a one-on-one fight, a pistol offers better safety. Stirling carved the words "Earth Pistol - Recoil Optimized" into the wooden barrel. He had also hollowed out the grip and added a long strip of wood, resembling a magazine with detailed runes, as well as the one on the lantern.

  Stirling had studied that pattern for days without a clue. A lantern of that design can destroy a Shadow Hornet, so a pistol should work even better. Once all the parts were in place, Stirling kept a close eye on the pistol. The familiar text reappeared before his eyes.

  [Current enhancement requires 7 years of lifespan. Enhance?]

  Stirling felt torn.

  This pistol could be powerful on Earth, but here, he wasn't so sure. So many strange things happened, and the monk seemed quite capable. What if Green could deflect a bullet with his sword? That would be a tremendous loss.

  After some hesitation, Stirling gritted his teeth and chose With no escape at present, he might as well gamble everything.

  As he made his choice, the wood on the boulder glowed. Moments later, the light faded, revealing the wooden pistol.

  [Malice-Slaying Pistol]

  A weapon that doesn't exist in this world. Designed with ingenuity, but effective only against low-level worshippers. Before use, ignite a cigarette and say: "My bullets never miss! "The cool image will dazzle and inspire envy, without a doubt!

  Stirling's eyes brightened, and he snatched up the pistol, murmuring: "Long time no see, good boy." He never expected to meet an old friend in another world again. Fate is sometimes marvelous. The weight of the pistol is heavy, despite its being made of wood.

  Stirling unloaded the magazine, finding eight bullets inside. They also used a similar material and engraved the same runes as the lamp.

  Though the gun had only eight bullets, each use took one. Stirling knew he must familiarize with it; otherwise, a mistake at a critical moment could be disastrous. Holding the Malice-Breaking pistol, he aimed at a small mouse twenty meters away. The feel was familiar; the distance was right. He took a deep breath and pulled the trigger.

  A quiet gunshot rang out. The bullet hit its target with precision, making a bare sound.

  Stirling stared at the mouse in disbelief, excitement bubbling up inside him.