"Do you really think you can hold me down on your own? It won't be easy."

"Enough talk. Let's fight. Your disciples were such a disappointment, too weak. I hope you prove more challenging," Zhou You said with anticipation, rubbing his palms. He knew he was stronger than most martial artists here. Yet, he had only reached the fifth level of the Taiyi Heart Method, which was merely an internal cultivation technique. Its unexpected potency made him wonder how invincible he'd be if he found the remaining chapters.

Master Wei retrieved a device, pressed some keys, and a robotic figure emerged from the bushes, its movements uncannily human.

"This tech is rather outdated, isn't it? A decade-old robot could mimic human micro-expressions. Why does yours move like an underdeveloped primate?" Zhou You remarked sarcastically.

With a sardonic smile, Master Wei clarified, "It's not a robot, but a Steel Puppet I've meticulously crafted. A fusion of a human body with the toughest alloy. Even advanced energy guns can't harm it, and it's indestructible."

After pressing a few more buttons, a red light illuminated the puppet's chest. As it powered on, its eyes, eerily similar to a human's, opened. Its entire being emanated a sharp aura as it lunged at Zhou You, a stark contrast to its initial awkwardness.

Upon witnessing its steel fists, Zhou You wondered if there was a way to counteract such force.

Zhou You fired two shots from the compact gun gifted by Shao Qi, its power surpassing ordinary firearms. Yet, they barely left marks on the puppet, without affecting its momentum.

He holstered the gun, clenching his fists enveloped in a golden hue. Using significant force, he engaged the puppet in a head-on collision. The overwhelming counter-force sent him staggering back, his entire arm throbbing with numbness.

Glancing at the puppet, which had been pushed back slightly, its fist remained unscathed.

"Every puppet has its vulnerabilities," Zhou You thought to himself. If it's indeed a puppet, it's essentially lifeless. It must be controlled by someone. He should aim to destroy the puppet's controller or kill the puppet master.

Zhou You glanced at Master Wei who was leisurely healing himself. A dark mist hovered above his head, giving him an ominous appearance.

A leg came swinging at him. Zhou You snapped to attention and leapt to evade the strike. Mid-air, he spun 180 degrees and delivered a palm strike aimed at the puppet's head.

Even its head was encased in metal. The puppet was thoroughly armored from head to toe. The only distinguishable feature seemed to be its eyes.

"Its eyes?" Zhou You jumped out of the puppet's attack range and scrutinized its eyes for a few seconds. Suddenly, those eyes swirled into black vortexes. Zhou You's spirit shuddered, nearly entrapped by the hypnotic gaze.

"Heh, you have remarkable determination," said Master Wei, opening his eyes, "At such a young age, you've achieved so much. If I don't kill you now, you'll surely surpass me in the future."

Mockingly, Zhou You retorted, "People like you can't stand to see others succeed. Jealous and petty. Your disciples aren't very skilled in martial arts. Did you deliberately hold them back, fearing they'd outshine you?"

Without waiting for a response, Zhou You continued, "Being your disciple is truly unfortunate. Actually, knowing someone like you is the real misfortune. Did you frequently lose to others in the past, leading to this excessive competitiveness? And all that talk about ensuring humanity's dominion over Earth—ridiculous! It's clear you just want dominion for yourself. Why not just kill everyone and rule the world?"

"That wouldn’t be so bad. I'd create more puppets, have them do my bidding. Everyone would heed my commands."

"Pervert!" Zhou You exclaimed, continuing his combat with the puppet. Each clash demanded most of his strength to avoid injury, while the puppet showed no signs of wear.

If this persisted, Zhou You's internal energy would be drained. No wonder Master Wei was so confident. As long as this iron puppet stood, Zhou You would be worn out.

Zhou You tried targeting its eyes, but the moment the puppet sensed his intention, it would shield them. Its entire head resembled a metal sphere without any openings.

Seeing that Master Wei had completed his healing and was revitalized, Zhou You knew he couldn't delay any longer, fearing the master's next cunning move.

"Zhou You, move!" A voice called from behind. Instinctively, Zhou You rolled to the side just in time to see a glass bottle shatter upon the puppet. The corrosive liquid inside bubbled upon contact, eating away at its metal exterior within seconds.

Zhou You looked back to see Shao Qi approaching in an armored vehicle. Climbing on top, Zhou You inquired, "What was that?"

"Venom of the One-eyed King Snake. Highly corrosive. So far, there's no metal it can't eat through. Stay away from the puppet to avoid any splashback," Shao Qi cautioned, adding, "Hold on!" He then took out a rocket launcher from the vehicle and fired several rounds at the puppet, all targeting the same spot—its switch. Zhou You realized Shao Qi had identified the puppet's weakness at a glance.

"Where'd you get that rocket launcher?" Zhou You wondered if Shao Qi had some sort of hidden storage. How did he always have the right tool at the right time?

"Took it off this armored vehicle. It's convenient. Each vehicle is fitted with two rocket launchers, I've saved one for you."

Zhou You smirked, replying sarcastically, "Oh, thank you."

As Shao Qi locked eyes with the puppet, Zhou You noticed his trembling hands. He momentarily wondered if the puppet was someone Shao Qi knew in life. But that speculation was demolished as Shao Qi obliterated the puppet's head with the next rocket.