Qin Gou is the Stone Spirit

Gu Yinjiao stood with his hands behind his back, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Did you hear that, Junior Brother Qin? Forgotten Self is truly ruthless, throwing our plans into complete disarray with just one announcement.”

“And did the Second Young Master hear it clearly?” Qin Gou replied, his expression unreadable. “Is there any point in continuing our cooperation?”

Gu Yinjiao laughed heartily. “I don’t mind. But you’re always so suspicious. Fine, let’s part ways here. The next time we meet, we’ll be enemies.”

Qin Gou shrugged, smiling faintly. “The Second Young Master is truly understanding.”

“Are you regretting not joining me earlier? Maybe you’re starting to admire my charm?” Gu Yinjiao teased, laughing.

The next moment, as Gu Yinjiao’s warm laughter echoed, a massive fist filled Qin Gou’s vision.

“Entangle!” Qin Gou said calmly. A Senluo Seed he had planted earlier transformed into a Living Death Vine, wrapping tightly around Gu Yinjiao and binding him like a mummy.

“Why bother, Second Young Master? Your words are noble, but your actions are disgraceful,” Qin Gou said, shrugging.

Gu Yinjiao glanced at the tightening vine, then burst into laughter. “Junior Brother Qin, you’re no better than me. I didn’t expect you to be so prepared. But since that’s the case, don’t blame me for being ruthless.”

Flames erupted from Gu Yinjiao’s body, forming a fiery suit of armor that burned away the Living Death Vine. With a powerful struggle, he broke free.

“Life-Bound Spiritual Tool: Dual Polarity Armor! Collapse the Mountain!”

Gu Yinjiao charged at Qin Gou, his massive, flame-clad body resembling a stone giant. The flames on his shoulders formed a bull’s head, its sharp horns aiming directly at Qin Gou’s chest.

Qin Gou knew the attack’s devastating power. After all, Gu Yinjiao, like Gu Feiyan, was nearly at the Forging Realm, far above Qin Gou’s early Hidden Artifact Realm.

Suddenly, Qin Gou stomped the ground and leaned backward, his feet leaving the ground. But the short distance and limited time made it impossible for him to retreat far enough.

“Idiot. What’s this? A death wish? Have you already lost the courage to fight me?” Gu Yinjiao sneered as the bull’s horns closed in on Qin Gou’s chest.

A Senluo Seed sprouted beneath Qin Gou, transforming into a massive Spring Grass that launched him into the air. It then morphed into a giant Man-Eating Flower, its sharp teeth biting into Gu Yinjiao’s unarmored foot.

“Damn it, what is this thing?!”

Gu Yinjiao screamed in pain, smashing the flower with a fiery punch. The flower burned to ash, reverting to a green Senluo Seed that disappeared into the mist.

Blood poured from Gu Yinjiao’s foot, and a cold liquid seeped into his wound, causing excruciating pain. He stumbled, barely able to stand. Turning around, he saw another Senluo Seed had become a purple flower, spraying a sensory-enhancing liquid in his direction.

“Damn it! What kind of tactics are these? I’ve never seen anything like this,” Gu Yinjiao growled, burning the flower with his flames. Sweat dripped from his brow as he panted heavily, cursing, “What are these childish tricks? Qin Gou, show yourself! Stop running, you coward!”

A Living Death Vine shot out from the mist, aiming for Gu Yinjiao’s neck. He grabbed it with both hands, snarling, “Qin Gou, come out and die!”

But the vine twisted and transformed into another Man-Eating Flower, its jaws snapping at Gu Yinjiao’s head.

“To hell with this!”

Gu Yinjiao hurled the flower away. Despite his higher cultivation, Qin Gou’s unpredictable attacks kept him on edge.

Suddenly, Gu Yinjiao felt a gust of wind above him. His hair stood on end as he dodged and looked up.

“You… what the hell are you?! Isn’t your life-bound spiritual tool supposed to be that paper lantern?!”

Qin Gou hovered in the air, supported by two massive green leaves that spread like wings. He descended swiftly, his staff-sword gleaming with a chilling light.

Slash.

Gu Yinjiao managed to avoid a fatal blow, but Qin Gou’s sword still struck his shoulder, slicing through the fiery armor and nearly severing his arm. Blood sprayed everywhere.

“Ahhh!” Gu Yinjiao screamed, his face pale. “How can an early Hidden Artifact Realm cultivator have so many bizarre techniques? How did you break through my Dual Polarity Armor? This doesn’t make sense! You… you’re not Qin Gou. You’re the Stone Spirit!”

***

Elsewhere in the mist, a man with metallic, glimmering ears moved confidently. “This gray mist maze is perfect for my life-bound spiritual tool, Wind Listener Ears,” he said, smirking. No sound escaped his detection.

“Hmm? There’s someone to the east. That voice… it’s the Second Young Master!”

He paused, listening carefully. “The First Young Master sent me to find Qin Gou, but it sounds like the Second Young Master is in trouble, fighting someone. I must help him!”

He hurried toward the source of Gu Yinjiao’s voice.

***

“You’re not Qin Gou! You’re the Stone Spirit!” Gu Yinjiao’s desperate scream echoed through the mist, reaching the man’s ears.

The man froze, his face turning pale. Without a second thought, he turned and fled, stumbling as he ran. “First Young Master! The Stone Spirit is nearby! It’s disguised as Qin Gou… Qin Gou is the Stone Spirit! Run! Run for your lives!”

His panicked cries spread through the maze, reaching countless ears.