As the PK countdown ended, Barbarian Spear strode toward Shi Feng step by step, at an unhurried pace, as though this were no real contest at all.
Truly worthy of a quest that could summon a Demon God—he had instantly become a baron-tier demon. Watching Barbarian Spear close the distance, Shi Feng drew Holy Sword Stormbane and Abyssal from his waist, his expression turning serious.
Titled demons were exceedingly rare even ten years in the future. The vast majority of players who became demons stopped at high-tier demon. To progress any further, they needed recognition from a superior demon or from a Demon God willing to grant a portion of their power.
Whether superior demons or Demon Gods, both could only bestow a limited amount of power. That was precisely what made titled demon players so extraordinarily rare.
Right now, Barbarian Spear had reached level 45, with HP exceeding 240,000. Even Shi Feng's own HP at level 50 was only around 42,000—a difference of nearly six times…
On top of that, a titled demon's defense and magic resistance exceeded even those of a high-tier demon. Even an ordinary second-tier player expert would struggle to kill the current Barbarian Spear, let alone the fact that no second-tier player yet existed in Divine Realm.
When Barbarian Spear was fewer than 12 yards away, Shi Feng slammed his foot into the ground, left an afterimage behind, and charged directly at him.
"So fast!"
The five members of the Seven Deadly Sins Flower clucked their tongues as Shi Feng appeared before Barbarian Spear in the blink of an eye.
This was undoubtedly the fastest Swordsman they had ever seen. Covering 12 yards in an instant—even they might get caught off guard by such a rush attack.
Shi Feng's movements and judgment were remarkably sharp.
A Berserker wielding a spear had a wider attack range than one using a greatsword, warblade, or battle-axe—roughly two yards more. The optimal attack range was four to eight yards. The longsword used by a Swordsman had an optimal range of one to three yards. Though sword qi could hit enemies within five yards, once an enemy stood at the four- or five-yard mark, they could easily dodge the attack by stepping back a yard or two and slipping out of range. No matter how dazzling or powerful the sword technique, it simply wouldn't connect.
An inch longer means an inch stronger.
Those extra two yards of reach could mean the difference between life and death.
To win and suppress the opponent, the best approach was to close the distance to one to three yards of a spear-wielding player, neutralizing the weapon's advantage entirely.
Conversely, if Shi Feng had waited for Barbarian Spear to walk closer, before he even entered Shi Feng's attack range, Barbarian Spear would already be able to strike. That would have put Shi Feng at a severe disadvantage.
Launching a preemptive assault was an absolutely wise decision.
"Quick reflexes! Too bad you're facing me!"
Though Barbarian Spear was surprised by Shi Feng's speed and judgment, what others would find impossible to track was crystal clear to him. Moreover, with his enhanced physical stats, his awareness of the surrounding environment had improved dramatically compared to before, covering a range of over 20 yards. The moment Shi Feng prepared to move, Barbarian Spear already knew exactly what he intended.
Whirlwind Slash!
Barbarian Spear was fully prepared. His crimson spear swept horizontally in a devastating arc, capable of dealing severe damage to all enemies within a 10-yard radius.
Wielding the power of a demon, Barbarian Spear's spear lashed out with a thunderous crack, so fast that the shaft itself became invisible. At this point, Shi Feng was still six yards away. By the time he could reach striking distance, Barbarian Spear's spear would have already crashed into him.
Compared to greatswords, warblades, and battle-axes, a spear sacrificed some raw power in exchange for superior speed.
Crack!
The spear collided with his blade, and Shi Feng was immediately knocked back several steps.
"What an incredibly high skill completion rate!" Shi Feng looked at the completely unmoved Barbarian Spear and couldn't help but feel a flicker of surprise.