What's the biggest difference between a regular boss and a boss in quest mode?
Is it their battle strength?
No!
Take this regular boss, Tian Boguang, for example. His battle strength is indeed formidable, but that's only when it relates to his personal peak state.
Without discussing far examples, just look at Monk Yuanzhen under serious injury. If we compare their attributes and martial skills, Tian Boguang in his regular state might have a slight advantage.
Yet, considering the unique martial arts characteristics of both men, dealing with Yuanzhen might be even more troublesome.
In fact, if both characters were entirely computer-controlled and engaged in a life-or-death brawl, chances are that Tian Boguang, who is one rank higher, would be the one to die.
But if we pit quest mode Yuanzhen against regular mode Tian Boguang in the same arena, the outcome might be turned on its head.
The difference lies in the regular boss's higher intelligence.