"Clang!"
With a fierce clang of metal on metal, Ling Feng and poh were both sent skidding backward by the immense force.
Ling Feng quickly stabilized himself, resuming his fighting stance, a hint of apprehension in his gaze toward poh.
"As expected of the Laughing Coffin guild master, stronger than Kirito."
He had sparred with Kirito more than once and knew his strength intimately. Kirito was already ranked very high in SAO.
Yet, compared to the poh before him, Kirito was significantly weaker.
Of course, this was without Kirito using his dual-wielding skill, which represented his true strength.
The demonic sword-class cleaver in poh's hand had attributes no lesser than Fen Ji.
He and poh were of similar levels. Under these circumstances, poh was a high-attack, high-speed, high-armor-penetration fighter.
He, on the other hand, was a balanced fighter, having his stats suppressed by 75%.
His ability to fight poh to a standstill relied entirely on his combat techniques.
Ling Feng stared at poh, his pupils narrowing slightly, as he thought.
"It seems to take him down safely, I must resort to dual swords."
...
On the other side, poh had also gained a preliminary understanding of Ling Feng's strength.
The opponent's attack power and agility were at least half of his, and his level was likely significantly lower.
(PS: Without being in a party, one cannot see the opponent's level.)
But Ling Feng's strength lay in his superb physical techniques, exquisite swordsmanship, and an endless array of sword skills, all of which made poh extremely wary.
If their stats were equal, he admitted he would be completely defeated.
Though he didn't know why Ling Feng was so strong with such a low level, now was not the time to ponder such matters.
Time was of the essence. Once the Assault Team finished dealing with his subordinates, his chances of escaping would diminish.
"Hehehe, the title of Sword Saint is indeed well-earned."
"But your life is mine!"
poh chuckled sinisterly and, in an instant, darted forward like a phantom.
"Some words are spoken too soon!"
Ling Feng calmly opened his operation interface, clicked a few times, and then...
Instead of retreating, he advanced. Lowering his stance, he accelerated his movement and charged towards poh.
For the first strike, both men poured all their might.
Clang!
With a resounding clash of metal on metal, Fen Ji collided with the cleaver.
Due to being outmatched in stats, Ling Feng was immediately at a disadvantage in this pure strength contest.
"Hehehe, as expected, the Sword Saint's weakness is a direct confrontation of pure strength."
poh cackled cruelly, pressing down on the cleaver with all his might.
"You're celebrating too soon!"
"Clang!"
As sparks flew...
The cleaver poh had been pressing down was suddenly struck by a force that sent it flying up, and his footing faltered.
Fortunately, poh was experienced in combat and adjusted his posture in time to avoid falling.
However, he was still forced to retreat several steps to regain his balance.
But not falling was crucial. If he had stumbled to the ground, the battle would have been effectively over.
Having regained his footing, poh's eyes widened in disbelief as he saw Ling Feng wielding two long swords.
"Dual swords!"
Before he could process it, Ling Feng burst forward, Fen Ji and Wu Feng in his hands, striking in rapid succession.
Fen Ji took the offensive, while Wu Feng provided defense.
poh's pupils contracted, and he quickly swung his cleaver, engaging in a fierce exchange with Ling Feng.
Had it been anyone else, they might not have even had time to react.
Despite being a red-named player, poh was also a top-tier player in SAO.
However, even with his timely reaction, Ling Feng's sudden dual-sword assault put him at a significant disadvantage.
Wielding two swords was possible in SAO, but no one dared to do it.
Why?
Without the Dual Blades skill, using two swords meant sword skills could only be applied to one, easily causing conflicts.
In this death game, a single mistake could lead to death.
Without sword skills, one could only rely on basic attacks.
Basic attacks would never be as powerful as sword skills.
Therefore, SAO players had abandoned the idea of using two swords, opting for a sword and shield combination for both offense and defense.
Yet, Ling Feng was employing this strategy, and what's more, he could seemingly use sword skills with both blades.
Ling Feng was already incredibly powerful with just one sword.
With two swords, he instantly compensated for his lack of offense and speed. Combined with his swordsmanship and physical techniques, poh's eyes could barely keep up with Ling Feng's attack speed.
He was even struggling to defend himself.
"Clang, clang, clang!"
Like a blacksmith hammering steel, sparks flew continuously.
The sharp edges of Ling Feng's dual swords relentlessly struck poh, causing blood particles to scatter.
Ling Feng's attacks grew faster, and his sword skill combos became increasingly fluid.
poh could only be on the defensive.
This was Ling Feng in his full offensive state, using the special skill "Mimicry" to unleash a dual-wielding style and continuously execute a barrage of attacks.
Soon, several gashes appeared on poh's imposing frame.
poh's vision was now filled with the interweaving of crimson and blue-white sword lights.
Feeling the pain in his chest and his rapidly declining health,
poh roared.
"Damn it!"
poh gripped his cleaver with both hands and swung it down with immense force, a massive, dark blade light exploding forth.
"Clang!"
Despite his continuous assault, Ling Feng's speed was also considerable. He raised both swords to block, taking the blow head-on.
poh panted heavily, while Ling Feng's breathing had only slightly deepened.
"Surrender."
Ling Feng said to poh.
"Im—possible!"
poh uttered each word slowly, his face obscured by his black cloth, making it impossible to discern his expression.
"You have nowhere to run. Your men are either dead or imprisoned."
As Ling Feng finished speaking, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed from the entrance.
Soon, a group of people entered, led by Kirito and Asuna.
When Kirito saw Ling Feng wielding dual swords, his eyes briefly lit up before quickly dimming.
The group stopped a short distance behind Ling Feng, while simultaneously binding the paralyzed red-named players around them.
However, no one dared to step forward.
Who would approach a demon who killed without hesitation?
But judging by the current situation, Ling Feng seemed to have the upper hand.
poh surveyed the surroundings and knew he couldn't escape. He let out a wry laugh.
"Charge! Fatal Blow!"
Suddenly, poh roared and charged towards the group with his cleaver.
He no longer hoped to escape, but intended to take someone with him before he died.
His cleaver was enveloped in a dark, spectral glow, a clear indication he was using a sword skill.
"Everyone, be careful."
Asuna called out solemnly, holding up her Shining Object. Kirito gripped his Elucidator with a serious expression, while the others adopted a defensive posture.
After all, Laughing Coffin was founded by poh. His desperate counterattack might not be simple.
Seeing this, Ling Feng sighed. poh had decided not to surrender, but if that was the case, he would be the one to send him on his way.
"You all step back. He's mine."
Ling Feng handed Wu Feng to Sae, then with Fen Ji in hand, he charged forward at incredible speed, an orange glow emanating from his blade, shimmering like starlight.
"Clang! Hiss! Soar!"
Three strikes in total. The first knocked the cleaver aside, the second plunged the long sword into poh's chest, and the third sent him flying upward.
"Have you ever heard of a sword move that descends from the heavens?"
"Heavenly Descent Sword!"
Ling Feng leaped high into the air, ascending like a shining star.
This was a sword skill he had created himself, a final, all-out attack, a single, unwavering strike.
The onlookers watched Ling Feng's move, all stunned, mouths agape, dumbfounded.
What kind of move was that!
It was no wonder they were surprised, as this sword skill was not present in the game's skill tree.
Reaching a certain height, Ling Feng descended diagonally, his downward strike brilliant and swift, like a lightning flash, like a rainbow spanning the sky.
The sword light, like a flying rainbow, plunged directly towards the airborne poh.
poh was helpless. He watched the radiant sword light, like a falling star, descend upon him, then pierce through him.
*Boom!*
A cloud of dust instantly engulfed the area. Everyone instinctively closed their eyes to avoid the grit.
A moment later, they slowly opened their eyes and looked forward.
In the dust cloud, Ling Feng stood with Fen Ji sheathed, his back to the onlookers. Behind him, poh's health was rapidly depleting.
Given the terrifying power of that descending sword, its damage was undoubtedly immense.
Just as everyone thought the matter was concluded,
poh suddenly moved, swinging his cleaver at Ling Feng's back. The cloak concealing his face turned to ash, revealing a fiendishly cruel smile beneath the shadow.
"No!"
"Careful!"
"Ling Feng!"
Sae and the others cried out in terror, surprised that even now, poh was still attempting a counterattack.
" *Slash!* "
Ling Feng did not turn around. poh's body trembled, his head lowered. In his line of sight, the blade of Fen Ji had already pierced his chest.
Simultaneously, the durability of the cleaver in poh's hand was completely depleted, shattering into energy fragments.
On the brink of death, poh showed no fear in his eyes. It seemed he had anticipated this day, and instead, he let out an evil chuckle, grinning savagely at Ling Feng.
"You murderer!"
With his dying breath, poh sought to inflict psychological terror and trauma on Ling Feng.
If one were experiencing their first kill, like Kirito, such fear and psychological trauma might occur.
However, he underestimated Ling Feng.
*Slash!*
Ling Feng drew Fen Ji and said softly.
"I am indeed a murderer. But compared to your wanton killing, I suppose this is acting on behalf of heaven."
"Let me tell you a secret. I have killed many people in reality... So trying to scare me? Sorry, it's useless."
Upon hearing Ling Feng's words, poh's pupils slowly widened. He pointed at Ling Feng, attempting to say something, but he had already turned to dust.
Ling Feng remained unfazed, slowly sheathing Fen Ji.
The operation to剿 (annihilate) the murderer guild Laughing Coffin thus concluded.
The assault force, consisting of over fifty people, suffered more than a dozen casualties.
Laughing Coffin suffered over twenty casualties, their leader was killed, and the remaining dozen were apprehended and taken to Black Iron Palace.
...
A month later, by the lakeside on the outskirts of Laquer on the 22nd floor.
Ling Feng lay leisurely on the grass, enjoying the gentle breeze blowing from the lake.
In the past month, the floors of Aincrad had been broken through to the 74th floor.
After a year of continuous battles, Ling Feng had decided to take a long vacation and had brought Sae and the two of them to the 22nd floor, the most suitable place for a holiday.
Like Kirito, Ling Feng had spent almost all his savings to buy a cabin in the woods.
While buying the house, Ling Feng had felt the sting of his wallet but had also been smiling.
Sae was currently cooking in the cabin, while Ling Feng had come out alone to bask in the sun.
"Ah, this is so comfortable. Soft grass, a cool breeze, perfect for sleeping."
Ling Feng stretched languidly, sighing contentedly and smacking his lips.
As Ling Feng was leisurely enjoying his life, a familiar voice called out.
"Hey, Ling Feng, I was wondering why I haven't seen you leveling up in the labyrinth area lately. So you've come to this place to enjoy life."
Ling Feng knew who it was without even turning around.
"Yo, isn't this Kirito?"
"What, are you here to enjoy life too?"
Ling Feng chuckled.
Kirito shook his head, sat down on the grass beside Ling Feng, and replied.
"Not yet. I'm here to find you about something."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
Hearing that Kirito had something to discuss, Ling Feng's interest was immediately piqued. He pushed himself up from the ground, propping himself up with his hands.
"It's about..."
As Kirito was about to speak, a whistling sound and shouts erupted from behind them.
"Thunder Hammer! Raging Moon Thunder Hammer Shatter!"
Ling Feng and Kirito, seemingly accustomed to this, instantly sprang up and rolled to the sides to evade.
*Boom!*
The spot on the grass where they had been sitting collapsed like a spiderweb. A large yellow iron hammer was embedded in it, with a plume of gray smoke rising.
The person holding the golden hammer's handle was a girl with twin ponytails.
She was about Sae's height but had yellow hair.
Behind her stood four other people.
"Ah~ As expected of the Sword Saint and the Black Swordsman, you easily avoided the attack of the Evil Eye's servant, the Thunder God Hammer wielder, Death."
"But that's all. Compared to the great Evil Eye, you are still too weak."
"Allow me, Kumin, to clear all obstacles for the Evil Eye!"
Ling Feng and Kirito looked at the speaker, a single drop of sweat slowly trickling down their foreheads. Although they were used to it, still...
What was a small girl carrying a hammer as big as she was!