The figure seemed illusory and unreal. A pitch-black spike in its hand plunged down with the speed of thunder that left no time to cover one's ears.
Although the old man had spotted it, he had no time to block with his magical artifact. But seven white spirit inscription symbols suddenly glowed over his chest, and a white light screen sprang up on its own.
Bang!
The spike struck the white light screen, and both the figure and its weapon burst apart, dissolving into a cloud of thick black mist.
"Shadow Secret Art!"
The old man seemed well versed in the ways of the world. The sight made him realize what was happening with a shock, and he swung his silver cane, attempting some defensive move.
But just then, a slender, indistinct figure shot out of the shadow beneath him. A gleaming broken spike flashed in her hand, then vanished straight into thin air.
The next moment, inside the white light screen, the old man felt a chill on his shoulder. The phantom image of half a broken spike appeared directly inside the barrier and drove viciously into his shoulder.
The old man roared, his eyes widening and his beard and hair bristling. An immense spiritual pressure swept wildly outward in every direction as he swung his silver cane, bringing it down on the nearby figure with a raging gust.
But the figure seemed to be made of paper. Before the cane could reach her, she withdrew the spike and floated lightly backward on the wind.
A boom rang out.
Centered on the spot where the silver cane struck, the ground within several yards abruptly sank.
"Heavy Rock Art!"
A startled female voice came from the indistinct figure, followed by a lilting giggle.
"Hehe, old man, you really are bold.