Chapter 44: the Heavenly Pressure Trial

Even the Elders seated on the elevated platform seemed interested in seeing how many new Inner Court disciples would emerge from this year’s selection.

After allowing the anticipation to build for a moment, he continued. "Alright, then. Let’s see what challenges await you!"

Suddenly, a gate emerged in the middle of the Azure Battle Grounds, and everyone immediately understood what its appearance meant. At the same time, a massive spirit projection appeared above the grounds.

The projection was square-shaped, displaying the same visuals on all four sides so that everyone in the Azure Battle Grounds could see it clearly.

Within the projection was a vast hall with a floor formed by ascending steps that stretched toward the far end, where something had been placed on a raised platform.

Many disciples had already guessed what the upcoming test would be. They had witnessed it several times before, but this time, the location was different.

Leo’s voice rang out across the grounds.

"You may have already guessed what this test is going to be. It is called the Heavenly Pressure Trial!"

"As the name suggests, you must prove your ability to stand firm and continue moving forward under the pressure of the heavens. In this trial, that pressure will take the form of gravity."

He gestured toward the enormous projection.

"The hall you see before you is subjected to increasing levels of gravity. It begins at twofold gravity near the entrance and gradually increases until it reaches twentyfold gravity at the very end."

The disciples swallowed nervously as they heard the final figure.

Although most of them were already familiar with the trial, none could help feeling intimidated.

After all, no one had ever reached the end of the hall during an Inner Court disciple selection, let alone overcome the twentyfold gravity waiting there.

Leo paused briefly before continuing.

"As for the golden medallion placed at the end of the hall, anyone who manages to obtain it will receive a special surprise after the selection concludes!"

His announcement stirred the audience, but the participants showed little excitement. They knew how difficult the trial was, and obtaining the medallion seemed almost impossible.

Nevertheless, several disciples wore confident expressions, determined to accomplish what no one before them had ever achieved.

Meanwhile, Veyron studied the projection with interest. This trial might help me understand my current limits.

[Yes... This trial will be an excellent opportunity for you to test yourself. Why don’t you try obtaining that medallion?]

Hearing the system’s suggestion, Veyron smiled confidently.

"I’ll definitely try."

Leo continued, "To pass the first test, you must at least cross the fivefold gravity boundary. And let me remind you, although it might sound easy, it is far more difficult than you imagine!"

"The Heavenly Pressure Trial will challenge your physical endurance, Spirit Energy control, mental fortitude, and physical foundation."

"Among these, the most important is your mental fortitude—your willpower. It is what allows you to overcome your limits. Even when your body can no longer endure the pressure, a strong will can push it to keep moving forward!"

"And that is precisely what this trial is about: proving yourselves under the pressure of the heavens and demonstrating that your will remains unbroken even beneath their overwhelming might!"

The participants and audience listened carefully to Elder Leo’s words, gradually understanding the true purpose of the trial. What he said made sense.

This challenge was not merely about cultivation or physical strength; it was also a test of one’s determination to keep moving forward when every part of the body demanded surrender.

Grand Elders Eleanor and Aveline nodded in agreement, as did the other Elders. They all understood how important willpower was to a cultivator, especially when facing overwhelming pressure and pushing beyond their limits.

"With that, let us begin our first trial!" Leo announced. "All participants will enter the teleportation gateway, which will transport you directly into the hall."

"The moment you arrive inside, the trial will begin. If your knees touch the ground before you cross the fivefold gravity boundary, you will be disqualified and automatically teleported back to the Azure Battle Grounds."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"Since we have more participants than usual this year, the sect has decided to adjust the passing requirement.

You must now reach the fivefold gravity boundary to pass. And don’t bother complaining about it, because this is the sect’s decision!"

The participants were hardly pleased with the announcement. Many wanted to complain about the sudden change, but none dared to voice their objections against the sect’s decision.

Veyron also found the adjustment somewhat strange. However, now that the reason had been explained, he didn’t particularly mind it.

His eyes swept across the participants, allowing him to identify several powerful individuals among them. As for the rest, he suspected that most would be eliminated before they even managed to reach the fivefold gravity boundary.

This is essentially an elimination round designed to separate the strong from the weak, Veyron thought, understanding the sect’s intention.

Only those with sufficient physical endurance, Spirit Energy control, and determination would be able to advance, allowing the sect to filter out the weaker candidates from the very beginning.

With that, nine more gates emerged across the Azure Battle Grounds.

All ten teleportation gateways were large and wide enough to accommodate numerous participants at once, allowing everyone to enter without delay and ensuring the trial could begin almost immediately.

The number of participants in this year’s Inner Court disciple selection had increased significantly, exceeding five hundred—far more than usual.

With so many disciples participating, including both newcomers and those attempting the selection again, the sect had made the necessary arrangements to keep the process running smoothly.

"Now, all of you may stand in front of any gate you wish to enter. Make sure you distribute yourselves evenly instead of crowding around a single gateway!" Elder Leo announced.

Following his instructions, the participants began moving toward the ten gates, spreading themselves out rather than gathering in front of just one.

With so many large teleportation gateways available, there was no need to create an unnecessary crowd.

Veyron also took his place in front of one of the gates, waiting patiently with the other participants.

Once Elder Leo confirmed that everyone was ready, he raised his voice and announced, "You may enter now!"

The participants began entering the teleportation gateways, and almost instantly, their images started appearing in the enormous projection above the Azure Battle Grounds.

Before stepping inside, Veyron turned around and glanced toward his senior sister, Xialyn. With a playful smile, he gave her a quick wink.

Xialyn’s cheeks immediately reddened, but she wasn’t the only one affected by his charming display. The many female disciples standing beside her also found themselves flustered, their eyes following Veyron with renewed interest.

Veyron then turned toward his aunt and smiled lovingly at her.

"Good luck, baby~" Aveline’s sweet voice echoed in his mind through their mental connection.

"Thanks, Aunt!" Veyron replied through mind transmission.

**

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