Chapter 1319: Epic-Level Adventurer

"If you wish to continue, esteemed Guardian, then I must explain the process." The Senior Steward channeled magic through the array, drawing upon terrifying mana to conjure another shadow knight. "Earlier was merely a test to confirm you had reached Tier 2 standards."

"However, the next test determines what rank of adventurer you can become — it dictates the level of commission quests you can accept in the future. As such, the difficulty will increase significantly. Should the shadow knight kill you within the magic array, your soul will suffer damage, and you will enter a weakened state for a period of time. Moreover, the more powerful the shadow knight that kills you, the longer the weakened state will last. Are you certain you wish to continue?"

"Continue."

Shi Feng didn't hesitate in the slightest. He already knew all of this.

The Bronze Rank test was merely the minimum standard for Tier 2 players. The subsequent tests were the real challenge.

Generally speaking, completing a Tier 2 class advancement quest was already no easy feat, but those who could pass the Iron Rank test were truly few in number — typically only expert players among the elite could manage it. It was widely regarded as the watershed that separated true masters from the rest.

After Shi Feng spoke, the Senior Steward channeled another surge of mana into the shadow knight's body. Instantly, the knight's eyes blazed to life, radiating a searing crimson glow. Its entire aura transformed dramatically — like a tiger suddenly awakening from slumber.

Shadow Knight, Illusionary Creature, Leader, Level 53, HP: 3,000,000

This time, before Shi Feng could charge forward, the shadow knight unleashed a Charging Slash, transforming into a violent gust of wind as it closed the distance and brought its silver greatsword crashing down.

A streak of silver light descended. Whether in terms of power, speed, or reaction time, this knight was vastly superior to the previous one.

Boom!

The sword struck the ground, carving a massive fissure that extended over ten yards.

However, this terrifying destructive force never touched Shi Feng — it landed just beside his feet. A cyan longsword had already pierced through the shadow knight's chest, dealing a critical hit of 25,274 points of damage.

The crimson glow inside the shadow knight's helmet flared violently. It gripped its greatsword and pivoted into a sweeping slash.

Whirlwind Slash!

Clang!

A crisp ring of weapons colliding echoed throughout the entire arena. The silver greatsword was held at bay in midair by the Abyssal, unable to reach even a fraction closer to Shi Feng, while the Holy Sword Thunderrend in Shi Feng's hand had already landed squarely on the shadow knight's body.

When Shi Feng was still a Tier 1 player, he could already slay Leaders of the same level with ease. Now, as a Tier 2 Sword Master, taking down a Leader of the same level was practically child's play.

In less than a minute, the Iron Rank shadow knight dissolved once more into a shower of starlight.

But before long, it coalesced once again — though its form was noticeably different from the previous shadow knight. It no longer wielded a silver greatsword. Instead, it now held twin double-edged battle axes, and its savage aura had surged by more than a single degree.

Shadow Champion, Illusionary Creature, High Leader, Level 53, HP: 4,000,000

"Esteemed Guardian, do you wish to continue the challenge?" the Senior Steward asked once more.

"Continue." Shi Feng nodded, regarding the Shadow Champion before him with a sense of familiarity.

In his previous life, he had lost to the Shadow Champion during his first test after becoming a Tier 2 player. It had taken him no small amount of time to improve his equipment and hone his skills before he finally defeated it and advanced to Mythril Rank adventurer.

As Shi Feng declared his intent to continue, the Shadow Champion let out a roar and charged straight at him like a wild beast. When the distance closed to less than ten yards, the Shadow Champion suddenly hurled one of its double-edged battle axes. A sharp crack split the air as the weapon streaked toward Shi Feng's chest at terrifying speed.

Death Throw!

Immediately after, it swung the remaining battle axe, planted its foot, and surged forward with a burst of speed, following behind the thrown axe to strike.

It was clearly prepared to slash at any opening the moment Shi Feng dodged.

In terms of combat technique, it far exceeded the previous shadow knight.

But before the battle axe could reach Shi Feng, a flash of cyan light flickered, and the axe was sent flying off course. The Shadow Champion momentarily froze in surprise.

Then, Shi Feng swept the Abyssal aside to deflect the axe the Shadow Champion swung with its other hand, while the Thunderrend in his other hand made a casual thrust, passing straight through the Shadow Champion's massive frame and leaving behind a deep sword wound.

"This…" The Senior Steward, watching quietly from the sidelines, couldn't help but be stunned by what he saw.

A same-level Leader was one thing, but a same-level High Leader being overpowered by Shi Feng with sheer force…

For Shi Feng, though, this was only natural.

With so many Epic-grade items on his person — plus two Legendary-grade fragments — and being a Holy Sword Saint, one of the Ten Great Classes, if his strength wasn't at least comparable to a same-level High Leader after advancing to Tier 2, something would be seriously wrong.

By Shi Feng's estimation, his current base Strength and Speed, while perhaps not matching those of a same-level Great Leader, should be not far behind. Even without using any skills, he could handle a same-level High Leader — it would simply take a bit more time.