The three split up to search along the stream. Xie Mu moved lightly, heading deeper downstream.
Before long, he noticed movement behind a pile of jagged rocks ahead.
A gigantic ape covered in iron-gray fur rose from behind the rocks. Its arms hung below its knees, its broad shoulders and back resembling a millstone, and the gravel beneath its feet crunched loudly.
An Iron Arm Ape, just over a thousand years old—a strength-type Soul Beast. It would not be easy to handle head-on.
Xie Mu did not hesitate. He pushed off the ground, his figure leaving a blurred afterimage through the forest. A Light Dragon Dagger formed in his palm, its silver-white blade drawing a short arc through the dim woodland light.
He did not confront the Iron Arm Ape directly. Using the rocky terrain to conceal himself, he circled and probed, waiting for the sluggish gaps when the giant ape turned to find an opening to attack.
The light and dark daggers rose and fell in alternation, two streaks of light weaving through the forest. Every strike was precise, landing squarely on the Iron Arm Ape's openings.
The Iron Arm Ape grew irritated. Its arms swept sideways, smashing two nearby saplings as thick as bowls. Gravel and broken branches flew everywhere.
That was exactly what Xie Mu had been waiting for.
He ducked through the flying debris, his dagger slicing through the air and leaving a shallow wound behind the Iron Arm Ape's knee. He then leaped into the air, merged his two daggers, and thrust straight at the vital spot on the giant ape's nape.
The giant ape roared in pain, its legs weakening as it dropped to one knee.
Xie Mu did not pause after landing. His Light Dragon Dagger swept across, precisely cutting through the vital