The Masked Man was startled to see that his hate-filled strike had not even left a pale mark on the Daoist robe.
That slash had been razor-sharp. Even a top-tier master, if caught off guard, would be cleaved in two—yet it had achieved nothing?
Ignoring the corpse of his tragically slain subordinate, he spun through the air and landed beside his other surviving subordinate, withdrawing from the center of the valley.
As the Masked Man retreated, the Stone Giants seemed to receive some command as well, returning to their quiet state. Nothing about them suggested they possessed the power to uproot mountains and shake the earth.
"My lord, these Stone Giants possess Indestructible Diamond Bodies, boundless strength, and mastery of martial arts. We came insufficiently prepared today; I fear we cannot break through. We should return, seek out an array master, and discuss this further."
Having witnessed the terror of the Stone Giants, the sole surviving subordinate had gone pale as clay. His companion had been struck dead on the spot by a single blow. Had it been him, he would have fared no better. How could he dare keep risking his life?
"Rubbish. It took me a full year to find Kou Huaizhen's hidden legacy, and another three months to find a method of breaking the Puppet Array. Do you expect me to wait several more months, or even another year?
"Time waits for no one. I must take Kou Huaizhen's true inheritance as quickly as possible and strengthen myself.
"Ling Pu and Ling Mu willingly gave their lives to save me. That was true loyalty and courage. Now, it is your turn."
Though Meng Zhao remained some distance away, his hearing was exceptional. Since neither man had deliberately lowered his voice, he heard every word clearly and could