This article is not just a “shortcut” guide, but also a handbook to help you better understand the story and the character Man-in-Stone. We will explore each step, each battle, and reveal secrets that you may have accidentally missed.
Finding and Talking to the Man-in-Stone
From the Squall Hideout Shrine, follow the path on the right. You will see a trail leading upwards; follow this path.
After a while, you will see the path fork down into a narrow ravine. Be careful, as this area may have ambushing enemies.
As you descend into the ravine, listen carefully. You will hear the voice of the Man-in-Stone echoing from somewhere; this call is the “guiding light” to help you find his location.
You will see the Man-in-Stone at the end of the path; he looks like a large, strange rock. Interact with this “rock” to start the conversation.
The Cave and the Mother of Stones
After receiving the quest from the Man-in-Stone, you need to find your way to a nearby cave to search for Stone Essence.
From the Man-in-Stone‘s location, return to the main path (the path leading up from the Squall Hideout Shrine). Go up a bit, and you will see the cave entrance on your left. When you enter the cave, follow the path on the left. You will face a few Rock Guai along the way. Be careful!
Going deeper into the cave, you will reach a large area where there is a strange “entity” called Mother of Stones. The Mother of Stones is a giant mass of rock, embedded with blue crystals, unable to move.
The Mother of Stones will not directly attack you; instead, it will continuously summon Palestones to attack.
Your task is to dodge and defend against the attacks of the Palestones while focusing your attacks on the Mother of Stones. Use your skills and spells wisely to optimize damage.
After defeating the Mother of Stones, you will receive Stone Essence – the item that the Man-in-Stone requested.
In addition, you will also receive Stone Spirits and Yaoguai Cores – useful materials for later upgrades.
Confronting and Defeating the Man-in-Stone
Return to the original location of the Man-in-Stone in the ravine (where you first met him). Interact with the Man-in-Stone and give him the Stone Essence.
The Man-in-Stone will “reveal his true form”! He will break out of the rock, revealing his true nature as a scammer. It turns out he used you to get the Stone Essence for his own purposes.
Don’t hesitate, give him a beating! Although he has a health bar like a boss, the Man-in-Stone is actually very weak.
After taking a good beating, the Man-in-Stone will “back down” and return the Stone Essence to you. The Stone Essence will now transform into the Azure Dust Transformation Spell – an extremely useful transformation spell that allows you to transform into a Rock Guai with superior strength and defense. The Man-in-Stone also promises to “sell” you goods the next time you meet.