The Art of Outsmarting

A Senluo Seed duplicate instantly transformed into a massive cactus, blocking the path between Qin Gou and the Stone Spirit. Simultaneously, a Living Death Vine coiled tightly around the Stone Spirit, buying Qin Gou just enough time to turn and flee.

At that moment, Qin Gou finally understood why Gu Feiyan and Liu Ying had bolted the moment they saw him earlier.

“Damn it, does the Stone Spirit randomly take on the appearance of anyone in this maze? Why the hell does it keep choosing my face? And what’s with switching to Xi Pingchen’s face and then back to mine?!”

The cactus and vine barely slowed the Stone Spirit. Lacking emotions and pain, it tore through the Living Death Vine and barreled straight through the cactus, leaving a human-shaped hole. Unscathed, it resumed its relentless pursuit of Qin Gou.

Forgotten Self hadn’t lied—no one in the maze, even at the peak of the Hidden Artifact Realm, could stand against the Stone Spirit.

“Alright, you want to chase me? Fine.”

Qin Gou abruptly turned, two green leaf-like wings sprouting from his back. With a gust of wind, he soared into the air, looking down at the Stone Spirit with a smug expression. “Stay right there. Daddy’s going to buy some milk. Be right back.”

The Stone Spirit, wearing Qin Gou’s exact face, stared blankly at him. Then, without warning, it tore off its own right arm. There was no blood, only the grating sound of stone grinding against stone. The arm hurtled toward Qin Gou like a missile.

The Stone Spirit wasn’t just self-mutilating—the detached arm homed in on Qin Gou with unerring precision.

Qin Gou’s pupils dilated. His green wings weren’t as agile as Gu Xunhe’s Golden Roc Wings, making dodging impossible. With no other choice, he unsheathed his staff-sword and swung it with all his might at the incoming arm.

Bang!

The impact sent a deafening shockwave through the air. Qin Gou’s sword vibrated violently, and his right hand twisted unnaturally, blood dripping from his wrist. Though he managed to keep hold of his sword, his wings shattered, and he plummeted to the ground.

With a sharp click, the Stone Spirit’s arm reattached itself seamlessly. It began striding toward Qin Gou, its footsteps echoing like a death knell.

Pale as a sheet, Qin Gou forced a bitter laugh. Just one blow from the Stone Spirit had left him looking as lifeless as the creature itself. At this point, anyone would believe they were twins.

“You… mom?” the Stone Spirit rasped, mimicking Qin Gou’s earlier taunt.

Struggling to his feet, Qin Gou grinned weakly. “Who my mom is… that’s a secret between her and me.”

“Die!”

The Stone Spirit roared, its fist smashing into the ground as it charged at Qin Gou.

Does this thing actually have emotions? Qin Gou wondered, shocked by its apparent rage.

In the blink of an eye, Qin Gou poured all his remaining spiritual energy into three Senluo Seeds.

The first seed transformed into an ironwood tree, its sturdy trunk blocking the Stone Spirit’s path. The second seed became another ironwood tree, standing directly behind the first.

The third seed, the original Senluo Seed, grew into a tightly coiled Spring Grass, bracing itself against Qin Gou’s chest.

The Stone Spirit’s fist shattered the first ironwood tree, then the second, its momentum slightly diminished. When it struck the Spring Grass, the plant compressed to less than five inches. Qin Gou spat blood, his face even paler, but a manic grin spread across his lips.

The Spring Grass unleashed its stored energy, launching Qin Gou like a slingshot. He shot through the air at breakneck speed, disappearing into the mist.

The Stone Spirit stood frozen for a moment, seemingly confused. After taking a few steps in Qin Gou’s direction, it changed course, targeting another unfortunate soul.

***

“Chen Dayi, I owe you my life,” Gu Xunhe said, patting the shoulder of one of his subordinates. His tone was warm and sincere. “If it weren’t for your Wind Listener Ears, I’d have been fooled by that damned Stone Spirit and died without a trace.”

“Serving you is my honor, Young Master,” Chen Dayi replied, bowing deeply. His eyes shone with gratitude.

Gu Xunhe sighed dramatically, his expression darkening. “It’s a shame about Xi Pingchen. He stayed behind to cover our retreat, and now he’s probably dead. But don’t worry, Chen Dayi. When we return to the sect, I’ll make sure you’re richly rewarded and promoted to a core disciple.”

Chen Dayi’s face lit up. “Young Master, you’re wise and generous. I’ll follow you to the ends of the earth!”

—

“Roar!”

“What was that?!”

Chen Dayi’s metallic ears twitched. “Young Master, be careful!”

Gu Xunhe waved dismissively. “I didn’t hear anything. If only your Wind Listener Ears picked it up, it means whatever made that sound is still far away.”

“No, Young Master. It’s getting closer!” Chen Dayi exclaimed, his voice trembling.

“Hmm, I hear it now too. Sounds like someone’s being chased—”

Before Gu Xunhe could finish, a white blur slammed into his chest, sending him flying.

The sickening crunch of bones breaking echoed as Gu Xunhe screamed, blood pouring from his mouth.

“Young Master!”

Chen Dayi rushed to his side, only to see Qin Gou—bloodied, pale, and moving like a broken puppet—climbing out of Gu Xunhe’s arms.

In truth, Qin Gou had used his last bit of spiritual energy to transform a Senluo Seed into a cushion of cotton to soften his landing. But the cotton wasn’t enough to fully absorb the impact. Just as despair set in, he crashed into Gu Xunhe’s broad chest—a soft, warm salvation.

What a blessing! Qin Gou thought. Whoever owns this chest must be a true gentleman.

“It’s the Stone Spirit!”

Chen Dayi’s shout was filled with terror. He was certain of it. The figure before him was drenched in blood, its face devoid of life’s warmth. Its movements were stiff and mechanical, like a rusty automaton.

And it looked exactly like Qin Gou.

“Stone… Stone Spirit?” Gu Xunhe stammered, turning to face Qin Gou with wide, terrified eyes.

Expressionless, Qin Gou tilted his head, his arms hanging limply. His body twitched violently as he let out a guttural growl, lunging at Gu Xunhe.

“My god! It’s even crazier than before—it must’ve evolved!” Gu Xunhe screamed, his soul nearly leaving his body. He didn’t know how many bones he’d broken, but he didn’t care. Scrambling on all fours, he clawed at the ground, dragging himself toward Chen Dayi with the desperation of a drowning man.