Chapter 69: Shengzai Accepts the Duel

Many guilds that had previously formed Gonglve groups were bound by an unwritten rule.

That rule stated that if a guild defeated the floor boss, it would gain priority rights to develop the next floor and the authority to establish its guild headquarters on that floor.

Although this rule sounded deeply unfair to ordinary players, they naturally had to make some appropriate sacrifices while enjoying the benefits of being carried.

Moreover, such a rule further ignited the fighting spirit of the Gonglve group players.

After all, who would fight on the front lines without any reward?

Remember, SAO is a real death game—if you slip up even once, you truly die.

Yu Shengzai, a solo player of considerable strength and widespread reputation, had been courted by far more guilds than just the Blood Alliance Knights.

Previously the second-ranked guild, the Holy Dragon Union, and even Klein’s Wind Forest Fire, had invited him multiple times—all of which he had refused.

Of course, Shengzai was well aware that while guilds like the Holy Dragon Union sought to recruit him merely to boost their combat power, the Blood Alliance Knights’ leader, Hizcliff, had repeatedly tried to bring him in for reasons far more suspicious.

Others might not know, but Shengzai was very clear: Hizcliff, leader of the Blood Alliance Knights, was in fact Maochangjingyan .

Other guilds worried about insufficient combat power—but Maochangjingyan , playing with a GM account and freely using cheats, would still worry about that?

“Leader Hizcliff also said he very much wants to witness your unique skill and challenge you to a fair duel.

If you win, he will grant you any request; if you lose, you must join our Blood Alliance Knights.”

Upon hearing Asuna’s words, Shengzai understood.

Hizcliff’s invitation to join the Blood Alliance Knights was a pretense—he truly wanted to probe Shengzai’s true strength.

After all, Maochangjingyan at least knew of Kirigaya’s unique skill, “Two-Sword Style.”

But he knew nothing of Shengzai’s fabricated unique skill, “Spirit Blade.”

As the game’s GM, Maochangjingyan disguised himself as Hizcliff and joined the players partly to experience the joy of gaming, but also precisely to better observe the players.

In fact, as early as floor 50, Shengzai had considered exposing Maochangjingyan ’s true identity to end this death game prematurely.

Yet after hesitating, he ultimately chose not to.

The reason was simple: Shengzai was not the chosen one of the world, nor did he have any plot armor—he had no idea whether Maochangjingyan would admire him or fly into a rage if his identity were revealed.

If it were the former, he would at least gain the same fair duel opportunity as Kirigaya.

But if it were the latter, even if Shengzai were the strongest, he would still have no way to counter a furious Maochangjingyan .

That’s right—Shengzai had cheats of his own, but in this SAO world, Maochangjingyan was the cheat itself.

As long as his GM immortality trait remained active, his HP could never drop below fifty percent.

This was a system setting, unrelated to skill—no matter how powerful Shengzai was, he couldn’t possibly challenge a GM who could alter the game’s code.

Yet as a transmigrator, Shengzai also knew that although Maochangjingyan was cold and ruthless, he was extremely trustworthy with his promises.

If he truly defeated him in a fair duel, could he use the condition Maochangjingyan promised to end this death game early?

Possessing the divine skill “Damage Nullification,” Shengzai had no fear of death; after less than a moment’s hesitation, he looked at Asuna beside him and said: “Tell Hizcliff I accept his duel challenge!”

Before the floor 75 boss Gonglve meeting even began, news that Hizcliff of the Blood Alliance Knights and the “Saint” were preparing for a fair duel spread throughout SAO.

Both Hizcliff and Shengzai were unquestionably celebrities in SAO.

Hizcliff needed no introduction—he was long called the strongest player in SAO, and countless players, not just monsters, had challenged him.

Yet with his unique skill “Sacred Sword,” none of these famous challengers had even come close to defeating him; most couldn’t even force his HP into the yellow zone.

As for the “Saint” Shengzai, his record wasn’t as illustrious as Hizcliff’s.

But SAO players knew Shengzai was among the absolute top-tier Qiangzhe , and one of only three players in SAO who possessed a unique skill.

That’s right—Shengzai’s exposure of his “Spirit Blade” was intentional; when Kirigaya learned Shengzai also possessed a unique skill, he realized he wasn’t unique, so he no longer concealed his “Two-Sword Style.”

Hizcliff was powerful, but Shengzai, as one of only three unique skill holders, was no less formidable.

Thus, when news of Hizcliff and Shengzai’s duel broke, SAO erupted completely.

Their duel was set to take place at the “Dragon’s Nest” on the western mountain in the north of floor 55.

Because of this duel, the area was already packed with high-level players by early morning.

“Lizbeth, I didn’t expect you’d come here to join the crowd too. Remember, we nearly became ice dragon food right here last time.”

Kirigaya, having heard of Shengzai’s duel with Hizcliff, arrived at the “Dragon’s Nest” with Yuki first thing—only to find familiar faces like Agil and Lizbeth already there.

Lizbeth was a pink-haired girl who ran a blacksmith shop on Linds Street, the main road on floor 48.

Due to her exceptional craftsmanship, Shengzai, Kirigaya, and others frequently patronized her business.

Back then, Kirigaya had come to the “Dragon’s Nest” with her to gather forging materials for his second one-handed sword, “Darkness Seeker.”

“Kirigaya-kun, long time no see. Is ‘Darkness Seeker’ working well for you?”

Lizbeth cheerfully greeted Kirigaya, then gave Yuki beside him a provocative look.

That’s right—since their near-death experience at the “Dragon’s Nest,” Lizbeth had fallen for Kirigaya.

And Yuki wasn’t Asuna; they had no prior connection, and Kirigaya and Yuki hadn’t yet confirmed their relationship, so Lizbeth had always regarded Yuki as a rival.

Even if Kirigaya and Yuki were now lovers, it was just a game—Lizbeth still had plenty of chances.

(End of Chapter)