Chapter 62: Heart Demon Trial 2

"And for those of you thinking that you don’t have any Heart Demons, don’t be mistaken. The formation will create one for you based on your subconscious.

Whatever you experience will feel completely real, even if it has never happened before!"

Elder Leo’s words caused many participants to grow nervous as they began to understand the true implications of the trial.

Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others frowned as they recalled their own past experiences. After all, facing one’s deepest fears was never an easy task.

High above the arena, Grand Elder Eleanor turned toward Aveline and asked, "Does Veyron have any past trauma or anything that could become a major obstacle for him?"

Aveline gently shook her head.

"He doesn’t, and I’ve made sure of that. I haven’t told him about his parents yet, and I’ve given him all the love and care he needs. Still, this trial won’t be easy..."

Aveline replied, her gaze settling on Veyron below. Her expression was filled with concern for her precious baby.

"From what I’ve observed, Disciple Veyron possesses extraordinary willpower and determination. His performance during the first trial was proof of that.

Although his cultivation strength is still lacking, his mental fortitude is remarkably strong. Still, I understand your concerns," Eleanor said with a sigh.

After all, there was hardly anyone in the entire sect more proficient in Illusion and Charm Techniques than Aveline.

The very Spirit Formation that the participants were about to enter had been personally constructed by her, so she understood better than anyone just how challenging the trial could be.

Although Veyron supposedly had no significant past traumas or fears, Aveline’s assumption wasn’t entirely correct.

After all, the current Veyron possessed two sets of memories: those belonging to the original Veyron from this world and those from his previous life on Earth.

And some of those memories might contain fears and experiences that even Aveline knew nothing about.

Down below, among the audience, Xialyn was absent today.

As a Core Disciple, she had been assigned a mission and had to leave early that morning, long before Veyron had woken up. Although she wanted to stay and watch her Little Vey participate in the second trial, her responsibilities as a Core Disciple had to come first.

However, the female disciples from Jade Mist Peak hadn’t forgotten about their beloved Junior Brother. They were cheering for him enthusiastically, their voices occasionally rising above the surrounding noise.

And they certainly weren’t the only ones supporting him.

By now, Veyron had arguably gathered the largest fan following among all the participants. His extraordinary performance yesterday had made him a popular figure throughout the sect, and many disciples were eager to see what he would accomplish next.

Naturally, one particular section of the audience was considerably louder than the rest.

"Hahahaha! Looks like Brother Veyron is going to cook everyone again today!" Benny shouted, his chubby figure bouncing excitedly as he jumped up from his seat.

"Yeah! We’re still accepting autograph appointments! Don’t miss your chance!" Jack added enthusiastically.

"Our buddy is going to become an even bigger star today!" Will chimed in, looking just as excited.

The three troublemakers continued shouting enthusiastically, shamelessly promoting themselves using Veyron’s name.

Many spectators rolled their eyes at their ridiculous behaviour, while a few couldn’t help but laugh at their antics.

Still, nobody bothered to stop them for long, as everyone’s attention was gradually returning to the arena. After all, the second trial was about to begin.

All the participants had already taken their designated positions within the massive Spirit Formation.

The intricate patterns engraved across the platform began glowing one after another, and faint waves of Spirit Energy spread through the surrounding area.

The Elders watched attentively as the formation gradually came to life. Everything was ready. The second trial was about to commence.

Veyron and the other participants settled into the lotus position on the platform. The moment everyone had taken their seats, Elder Leo’s amplified voice rang throughout the Azure Battle Grounds.

"With this, the second trial of this year’s Inner Court Disciple Selection officially begins!"

As soon as his words fell, the massive Spirit Formation beneath the participants suddenly lit up.

Brilliant patterns spread across the platform as waves of Spirit Energy surged through the formation. In the next instant, the consciousness of every participant was drawn into the illusion.

Their bodies remained seated motionlessly on the platform, their eyes closed and expressions still.

Unlike the first trial, there was no way for the audience to witness what was happening inside their consciousness. All they could do was wait and see who would overcome their Heart Demons and open their eyes first.

A strict time limit had also been established. Anyone who failed to escape the illusion before the allotted time would be disqualified.

However, that wasn’t the end of the matter.

Those who remained trapped beyond the time limit would have to be forcibly awakened by the Elders. Doing so was an extremely delicate process, as forcibly pulling someone out of a Heart Demon could cause severe damage to their soul.

That was precisely why Aveline had personally taken responsibility for this aspect of the trial.

....

BAM!

"Ugh! Fuck!"

A young man suddenly slammed his head against a wall.

"What’s up, dude? Are you sleepwalking? Kekeke!"

A guy standing nearby burst into laughter at the sight.

He wore a school uniform, but his appearance was far from that of an ordinary student. Tattoos covered his arms, and his delinquent-like attitude made him look more like a street thug than a high schooler.

"Fuck! Where the hell am I?" Veyron muttered, rubbing his forehead.

His head felt incredibly fuzzy, and he struggled to make sense of his surroundings. Just moments ago, he had been doing something, but his memories seemed to be all over the place.

"What’s wrong with you today, fuck’s sake? Wake up, dude! You’re at school!"

Hearing that, Veyron finally looked around properly. Only then did he realize that he was standing in a school corridor.

He slowly straightened up, dusted off his clothes, and glanced at the familiar-looking guy beside him.

"Dude, you should seriously try drinking less, or you’ll lose your mind," the guy said with a laugh.

"Shut up, you bastard! I don’t drink!" Veyron retorted before turning toward his classroom.

"Hey! Fuck! Wait up!" The guy hurried after him. The two soon reached their classroom and pushed open the door.

Inside was a room filled with nearly forty students. However, the moment they noticed the two entering, the atmosphere changed.

Several students stiffened, while others quickly lowered their heads, their expressions turning nervous. The guy following Veyron entered with an intimidating expression, casually scanning the classroom.

His gaze soon landed on a student who was staring at them. "What the hell are you looking at, you fucking retard? Want another beating?"

"N-No, sir!" the student hurriedly replied before turning away. Veyron simply ignored the exchange, walked toward his seat, and sat down.

His friend followed him, casually pulled out his phone, and began playing a game. At the same time, he ordered another student to give him a massage.

The student immediately obeyed without daring to complain. Veyron could only sigh inwardly as he settled into his seat.

It seemed like an ordinary school day.

**

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