Lord of Darkness

For NPCs, the disparity in attributes between each level is quite significant. If one were to breakthrough first and then challenge a sword god of the same level, the difficulty index would undoubtedly skyrocket.

It is precisely because of this that Dongfang Yixin used the term "luck."

"So..."

The young girl pointed her sword at Jiang Han, not immediately making a move. "Shall we start directly?"

Having examined the attributes panel of the Sword God, Jiang Han inquired cautiously, "When you were at the Silver level, could you cast forbidden spells?"

Forbidden·Myriad Swords Returning!

Any skill prefixed with the word "forbidden" implied a level of forbidden spell, an outrageously powerful move.

"Of course," Dongfang Yixin replied with a gentle smile. After hesitating for a few seconds, she explained, "Actually... as a Dark Swordsman, under the right circumstances or when emotions are in place, you can also stimulate hidden potential and possess exclusive killing techniques."

Originally, such information should not have been disclosed by her. However, upon second thought, she felt it was not such an inscrutable secret. Even if revealed, it wouldn't be a big deal.

"Can you be more explicit?" Upon hearing that he too could have forbidden-level moves, Jiang Han was shaken.

Dongfang Yixin shook her head, cutting short any further explanation. "So... let's finish this quickly."

"Swoosh..."

The next moment, the sword in her hand was released into the air, like a flying arrow, heading straight for Jiang Han.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Sword God Dongfang Yixin uses the skill [Sword Mastery], attack speed +50%, attack range +200 meters, cooldown: none!

The first skill unleashed was this outrageous?

Seeing the dazzling sword approaching, Jiang Han's expression turned serious. Dispelling his usual playful demeanor, he initiated an almost habitual Evil Tread, but this time, the target was... the incoming sword!

Grip of the Undead!

The sword, appearing like a fleeting light, was already challenging to trace. Thus, within a short period, Jiang Han used consecutive control moves. Unlike usual, this time, Grip of the Undead did not target any unit. Instead, it utilized a large hand formed from the purple-black energy to block the sword, causing a momentary pause.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You use the skill [Grip of the Undead], causing a 0.35-second immobilization state on the weapon [Demon Slayer]!

Turning slightly, swiftly lifting his foot, Jiang Han precisely stepped on the side of the blade, suppressing it for an additional 0.5 seconds.

"Huh?"

The playful and mocking expression on Dongfang Yixin's face disappeared, replaced by surprise and seriousness. "I've witnessed these moves in the Dark City before, but I didn't expect you to play with them now..."

The fact that the opponent could become a Dark Swordsman was a manifestation of potential. However, this set of moves, unrelated to the strength of the profession, demonstrated combat talent.

"Sword Mastery looks pretty cool." Jiang Han calmly said, "Can you teach me?"

Which man wouldn't want to master the sword? Whether it was strong or not was another matter, but this skill was genuinely too flashy, enough to allow melee classes to kill enemies from a distance. Anyone who didn't want to learn was a fool.

"Our positions are different, and I can't make an enemy stronger." Dongfang Yixin refused without hesitation. "But Sword Mastery is just about meticulous control of elemental energy. Once your strength is sufficient, you'll surely grasp it without a master."

Saying that, she turned her hand back, attempting to retrieve the sword. Unfortunately, Jiang Han stood on the sword, preventing any movement.

"Don't tell me, Silver-level Sword Mastery can lift people up?" Jiang Han deliberately asked.

The control provided by Evil Tread and Grip of the Undead was crucial. He chose to use both to step on the sword, naturally with corresponding considerations.

In the end, if Silver-level strength could manipulate the sword, the opponent would be inherently invincible. The so-called challenge task would be unnecessary; the Sword God could be deemed the winner directly.

"..."

Dongfang Yixin's eyes revealed a touch of wariness. She said, "Good judgment."

With that, she took out another weapon from her package. However, its power was obviously inferior to the Demon Slayer, reducing her overall attack by over two hundred points.

The answer was simple!

The true strength of the Sword God was unimaginable. However, she was currently suppressed at level 39, in a fight at the same level, and had very few weapon choices. Jiang Han even suspected that the sword in her hand needed a level surpassing the current stage, but it was forcibly restrained by the "rules."

This time, she did not use Sword Mastery but chose to approach, launching a clean and decisive straight stab.

"Excellent!" Jiang Han's eyes lit up, and he did not dodge.

Domain of War!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You use the skill [Domain of War], increasing your attack by 20%, reducing Sword God Dongfang Yixin's attack by 10%, lasting for three minutes!

"Hiss!"

The blade pierced his chest, and blood spilled out!

In reality, suffering such a fatal blow would undoubtedly lead to death. However, Jiang Han was well aware that this was a game, following the "game rules." The Sword God, having lost the attack of Demon Slayer, only had an attack of just over two thousand. It was a far cry from Jiang Han's -16,475 damage.

-16,475!

The damage exceeded ten thousand.

The Sword God's talent, Sword Heart, boosted the final damage by 80%. It was no surprise that his normal attacks caused high damage.

With his left hand holding onto the sword blade, Jiang Han did not hesitate to launch a counterattack.

Rampageous Slaughter!

-28,644!

-MISS!

-35,781!

-MISS!

...

There were two consecutive attacks that were avoided. After all, no matter how fast the combo, without continuous control, the opponent could not just sit back and wait to be killed.

Pulling out the sword inserted into Jiang Han's chest, Dongfang Yixin stepped back a few steps, shaking off the blood on the blade. She said somewhat displeased, "You're entirely risking your life."

Jiang Han remained silent and directly activated the skill attached to the Dark Armor.

Terrify All Directions!

"Roar!"

The next second, the soul of a black dragon emerged from the armor, soaring out and enlarging countless times. The terrifying dragon's might enveloped the entire Hidden Sword Pavilion. With a massive tail sweeping, Dongfang Yixin had no choice but to evade.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: You use the skill [Terrify All Directions], dealing 36,714 damage to Sword God Dongfang Yixin and reducing her attack speed by 20%, movement speed by 20%, lasting for three seconds!

Taking advantage of the opponent's slowed state, Jiang Han flew closer. As the sword blade descended, a purple-black energy emanated.

Death Slash!

Due to the slowdown, Dongfang Yixin couldn't avoid it. She immediately raised her sword to block.

"Clang!"

The sword contacted, and sparks flew.

However, Jiang Han stably suppressed the Silver-level attack,

 forcing the opponent's sword to resist, but even so, the sword still cut into his shoulder, causing a wisp of blood to seep through the green robe.

-17,431!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Sword God Dongfang Yixin uses the skill [Break Moves], exempting 80% damage based on the difference in attributes between the two sides!

Without giving any chance to catch a breath, Jiang Han launched a full-scale attack. The Bloodthirsty Sword carried a 15% lifesteal, coupled with the panel gap, allowing Jiang Han to maintain a healthy state despite the damage dealt.

"Swoosh..."

Dongfang Yixin recalled Demon Slayer with Sword Mastery, slashing out a sharp sword aura.

Gentle Wind Guard!

-43,200!

"Let's stop here." Watching Jiang Han's health still above 80%, she analyzed calmly, "In terms of Silver-level strength, without using forbidden spells, I have to admit, I'm not as good as you. Your talent... is quite domineering."

She was in the Silver level, unable to unleash numerous techniques, and with just over 2000 attack, almost half of Jiang Han's due to the talent bonus. This gap was too significant; relying solely on values already placed her at a near-suppressed state.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Congratulations on completing the mission [Challenge the Sword God], reward: Experience +1,200,000!

"Swoosh!"

Golden light scattered.

The experience rewarded from the mission brought Jiang Han to level 40.

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Your strength has entered a new level, reaching the standard of a Gold-level BOSS, title changed!

"Ding! ~"

System prompt: Your title [Dark Dominator] has advanced to [Dark Sovereign], attributes have changed!