Chapter 20: The Spirit of the Sword (Part 2)

"White-Clad Ah Feng" — anyone with even a slight understanding of the mercenary world knows this name. In the Traveler's Hall, every mercenary recalled the portrayal of this legendary figure in the "Soul of War" rankings: At first glance, there's nothing remarkable about him; he looks like a scholar or a noble. People generally perceive him this way, and isn't that just fine? He smiles faintly. Those who know him find it hard to imagine how such a great person can be so serene. Everything happening in the world has its cause and effect. I don't wish to judge right and wrong based on my personal interests. He shakes his head with a smile and continues with his trivial tasks. Understanding the principles of swordsmanship is not extraordinary; I am but a mere mortal, wishing to enjoy the pleasures of being human. Has he regressed? On the contrary, he has fully grasped the essence of swordsmanship. In moments of choice, he remains true to himself, seeing through the chaotic world and transcending the dichotomy of good and evil. What enabled him to break free from the confines of a mere swordsman and become such a master swordsman is likely his unparalleled calmness.

The legendary White-Clad Ah Feng hailed from a magical lineage in the Amy Empire. Originally a first-level mage, he had a deep love for the longsword, mastering both magic and swordsmanship. He became one of the most renowned swordsmen of his time. However, at the peak of his swordsmanship, this exceptional swordsman suddenly left the Magic Association and the imperial court he served, becoming unexpectedly calm and withdrawn. No longer did he exude any magical aura, yet his swordsmanship defied logic, entering an indescribable realm. Without magic, Ah Feng could no longer cast spells, but his sword energy became even more elusive and deadly. Freed from the constraints of magic, he pushed the power of his sword to its zenith, enhancing his resistance to spells. As a grandmaster of the sword who wielded it with intent, he could unleash a passion that surpassed magic with a mere ordinary iron blade. His courage to let go was truly beyond words.

White-Clad Ah Feng was undoubtedly a name that caught the attention of countless up-and-coming mercenaries.

A berserker who hasn't gone berserk can still be reasonable, especially under immense pressure.

"Retreat," bellowed the large berserker. The other two berserkers supported their injured comrade and moved aside.

"This is best. We're all mercenary brothers here; whatever the issue, we can sit down and discuss it calmly." With the same gentle smile and courteous words, Ah Feng smiled peacefully. "I think we're all here to complete this special task, just like any other mercenary organization. Let's discuss together how best to approach it. The task is so dangerous, and the reward is so great. Isn't it better to complete it together? If you venture alone and get killed, you'll gain nothing."

"Ah Feng, count me and my partners in," said the old dwarf who had spoken several times. "A-rank mercenary group, Silver Snow Wolf, elite task force Wolf Spirit team. Just call me Old Locke, an A-rank mercenary; my partners include A-rank mercenary, Snow Wolf Knight Blaund; B-rank mercenary, magic archer Lane; A-rank mercenary, first-level mage Jess; B-rank mercenary, elf grand mage Leslink."

A buzz filled the small room at the mention of Silver Snow Wolf; the chatter grew louder at the mention of Wolf Spirit. As one of the five major mercenary groups, Silver Snow Wolf reportedly had three top core teams at its highest level: "Wolf Soul" for formal war operations, "Wolf Wraith" for assassination, and "Wolf Spirit," responsible for exploration, standing before them. Ordinary tasks were completed by regular members, but in the event of the most dangerous and significant situations, these three elite teams would be deployed. The buzz intensified as Old Locke introduced the team, especially when it was revealed that the team included three A-rank mercenaries, two B-rank mercenaries, and an elf grand mage. Almost everyone saw the hope of completing the task take flight like a bird with wings, quickly distancing itself from them.

"We had an elite exploration team wiped out earlier in this mission; it included two A-rank mercenaries. This mission is extremely dangerous. Therefore, I represent the Silver Snow Wolf organization to say we do not oppose any mercenary friends joining this mission and are willing to complete this mission together with everyone."

"Brother Ah Feng, count us in too," chimed in a young man from another table, clad in obvious Hami wolf rider armor. "Hami Iron Wolf mercenary group, C-rank. I'm Hesla, and my partner As is a wolf knight, B-rank; we also have two C-rank mages. The white-bearded one is first-level mage Keke, and the clean-shaven one is Keke's apprentice, Nuo, a second-level mage and junior priest."

"Berserk Warrior mercenary group," the large berserker stood up, still seething with rage. "B-rank group, all B-rank mercenaries, berserkers. I'm Deru, and these are my brothers: Deyue, Dehai, Deshan. We're a big organization with 300 people. Our leader sent us to complete the task."

"Save it, all big organizations here. Ah Feng has 500 mercenary brothers, and Hami Iron Wolf has over 100," teased the old dwarf, constantly at odds with the large berserker.

"Ha, greetings, everyone. We're a small mercenary group, F-rank. I'm Aimi, and my partner Daqingshan and I just completed seven tasks. As mentioned, we're G-rank." Aimi stood up, feeling good about himself, and greeted everyone present.

"Damn, since it's a double-S mission, no mercenary would oppose having better and stronger partners to help complete the task. However, no mercenary would want deadweight tagging along for a free ride," Deru was the first to jump in opposition.

"What makes you think they're inferior to you?" Old Locke immediately retorted. "Go ahead, try. Don't cry if you get beaten."

"You," Deru's hand reached for his long battle axe again.

"What, want to see whose axe is more formidable?" The old dwarf jumped off his chair, picking up a massive axe. In stark contrast to the berserker's long battle axe, this axe had a face a meter square, almost as tall as the dwarf, but a very short handle, just enough for the dwarf to grip with both hands, leaving room to swing.

"Enough, old man, you're over a thousand years old. Don't bother with the young ones," Ah Feng kindly placed a hand on the half-raised axe of the old dwarf.

"It's still best to test them. This task is too dangerous; without some capability, entering would mean certain death, which would only harm them," interjected A-rank mercenary Snow Wolf Knight Blaund.

"Ha, that's perfect. Thanks for giving me a chance to perform," Aimi immediately jumped up from his chair.

"Fighting one isn't enough; big guy, you and one of your brothers come at me together, I'll take you all on."

"Humph," grunted Deru, and he and one of his brothers raised their axes, flanking from both sides.

"Wait," Aimi raised his hand to stop them.

"What, afraid to die?" Deru glared with bloodshot eyes, fearing Aimi would chicken out.

"Not at all; how can such an exciting match go unchallenged? But I'm just a G-rank mercenary, fighting you two B-ranks. With such a disparity, wouldn't anyone stand up for me? Even if no one stands up for me, wouldn't anyone want to place a bet? I'll wager 10 gold coins that I can beat these two big oafs. Who will bet with me?"

"Good on you, young man. You're a good sport; I love betting life and death," the old dwarf pulled out a purse, pouring out 10 purple gold coins. "Betting on your win, 10 purple gold coins." One purple gold coin equals 10 gold coins; it seemed the old dwarf had squared off with the berserkers.

"I bet on myself to win. Dehai, put out 100 gold coins," a pile of gold coins was poured onto the table with a clatter.

"I bet on the berserkers to win, 100 gold coins," Hami Iron Wolf mercenary group Hesla also put out 100 gold coins.

"My brothers and I don't gamble; don't look at me," Ah Feng said softly. "Just win or lose, not life or death. You two, show mercy."

"Ha, another chance for a big win," Aimi patted Daqingshan's shoulder. Daqingshan, looking somber, said, "This is all we have; if we lose, we'll have to move out."

"Ha, don't worry. Count to 100, and I'll settle it," Aimi swung his long sword in the air. "Come on."

"Kid, go die." Deru, humiliated repeatedly, was enraged. His knight's long battle axe stirred up a massive gust as it sliced down. In the gap left by his axe, the candlelight flickered in the wind, the flickering flame suddenly dimmed—the other axe's handle silently stabbed towards Aimi's waist.

No one could imagine that the berserkers, known for their brute force and straightforwardness, would employ such a sinister tactical cooperation with the advantage of two against one.

Berserker axes weigh at least 56 pounds, while long knight battle axes generally exceed 100 pounds. Deru wielded his axe like a straw. Those who hadn't faced this axe couldn't imagine its attack speed.

The Blade of Ice met the strike like a whirlwind, instantly borrowing the axe's force to drift back. The axe, with its momentum, carved a small semicircle upwards before slashing down again. The axe handle, snake-like, missed its mark, revealing the menacing grin of the massive axe head hidden behind it, cutting a smaller semicircle from the opposite direction of Deru's axe.

All the onlookers grew solemn—such skilled attacks, such speed, leaving the opponent no space or time to counter. Even an A-rank mercenary would be flustered. What could a G-rank kid do?

The battlefield situation suddenly changed.

Aimi seized a brief opening, his long sword swiftly conjuring a flurry of frost. "Blade of Ice—" he shouted, as countless ice shards flew with the cold wind towards the berserkers. Undoubtedly, this attack had little real effect; the berserkers merely covered their eyes, the flying ice chips not enough to harm their perpetually exposed skin.

Yet, this momentary attack pause was all Aimi needed: "Wurher." A golden bolt of lightning descended with the incantation, striking Deru's brother on the head. The lightning wasn't highly damaging but could paralyze nerves, rendering one immobile for several minutes. Aimi rolled to the ground, advancing before Deru could react, leaping high, his sword slashing through the air, striking heavily on the paralyzed man's neck. "Ha, you're dead."

With a crash, a berserker fell.

"Whoa—" Deru, now aware of Aimi's intent, reacted quickly, his massive axe swinging at Aimi's legs as he hung in the air. Aimi tucked his legs, blocking the axe handle with his sword, taking the full force of the axe's blow, sending him crashing onto a table.

In that moment, the advantages of "Devil's Training" became evident. Aimi adjusted his falling posture mid-air. Although the table shattered beneath him, Aimi himself suffered almost no harm, smoothly rolling off one side to the ground.

The axe didn't pause, pursuing Aimi's head on the ground with a direct slash.