In a split second, Kai activated Swift Wind Step, darting to the left. The black silhouette's fingers grazed his cheek as he moved, sending a chill down his spine.

Kai stumbled, breathing heavily as he put some distance between himself and the strange entity.

That was too close. What is this thing?

As if in answer to his question, a translucent blue screen materialized before his eyes:

Shadow Construct

Level: Qi Refining Stage 8

Qi: 250/250

Special Ability: Pressure Manipulation

Qi Refining Stage 8? It's at the same level as me, Kai's eyes narrowed as he processed the information. But I'm exhausted from climbing those stairs. This isn't good.

The Shadow Construct turned to face him. Kai tensed, ready for another attack.

He didn't have to wait long. The faceless being lunged forward, its arm stretching impossibly as it reached for Kai once more.

Kai ducked under the elongated limb, feeling the air whoosh above his head. He sprang back up, throwing a quick jab at the construct's midsection.

His fist connected, but it felt like punching a dense fog. The construct's form rippled at the impact, but quickly solidified again.

Physical attacks aren't very effective, Kai realized. Time to switch tactics.

He focused his qi, channeling it into his palm. "Flame Palm Strike!"

A burst of fire erupted from Kai's hand as he thrust it forward. The flames streaked towards the Shadow Construct, illuminating the dark chamber with an orange glow.

For a moment, Kai thought he'd succeeded. But at the last second, the construct's form wavered and shifted, allowing the flames to pass harmlessly through where its center had been a moment before.

The fire attack struck the far wall, leaving a scorched mark but doing no damage to the shadow being.

Well, at least fire seems to affect it, Kai thought, a glimmer of hope rising. But it's too agile for it to land cleanly.

The construct's form solidified again, its featureless head tilting as if studying Kai. Then, without warning, the construct attacked again. This time, instead of reaching for him, it seemed to... expand. The air around Kai suddenly felt heavy, as if gravity had increased tenfold.

Kai's knees buckled under the intense pressure. It felt like he was back on the staircase, fighting against that oppressive force. He gritted his teeth, fighting to stay upright.

This must be its Pressure Manipulation ability, he realized. But how do I counter it?

The strange being moved closer, its form looming over Kai. With each step it took, the pressure intensified. Kai felt like his bones might snap at any moment. In desperation, he activated Iron Skin.

A faint metallic sheen covered his body, providing some relief from the crushing force. But it wasn't enough. The construct was still advancing, and Kai knew he couldn't withstand this pressure much longer.

Think, Kai, think! he urged himself. There's got to be a way out of this.

As the construct reached for him again, an idea struck Kai. It was risky, but it might just work.

He deactivated Iron Skin, allowing the full force of the pressure to hit him. Pain erupted through his body, but he forced himself to focus.

Come on, just a little closer, he thought, watching the black hand approach.

At the last possible moment, Kai activated Swift Wind Step again. He shot forward, passing through the being’s incorporeal form.

As he emerged on the other side, Kai felt the pressure lessen dramatically. He spun around, facing the construct again.

Just as I thought, he mused. Its Pressure Manipulation has a limited range. If I can stay mobile, I might have a chance.

The black figure turned, seeming almost confused by Kai's maneuver. It reached out again, but Kai was ready this time.

He darted to the side, then forward, then back, using Swift Wind Step to stay just out of its reach. Each time he moved, he felt the pressure intensify, then lessen as he escaped its range.

But Kai knew he couldn't keep this up forever. His qi reserves were already low from the staircase climb, and each use of Swift Wind Step drained them further.

I need to end this quickly, he realized. But how?

As he dodged another of the construct's attacks, Kai's mind raced through possible strategies.

There's got to be a way to use my skills together. Something to give me an edge against this thing.

Then it hit him. Wait a minute. This thing is made of... shadows, right? What if I could trap it somehow?

"Alright, you shadowy nuisance," Kai muttered. "Let's see how you handle this."

He focused on his Qi Condensation skill, pulling his qi into a visible form. In his hands, a shimmering net of blue qi began to take shape.

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The Shadow Construct lunged at him again, its form stretching impossibly.

Kai grinned. "Perfect timing."

He threw the qi net forward, expanding it as it flew. The construct, mid-attack, couldn't dodge. The net enveloped the shadowy being, its energy crackling as it made contact.

The construct writhed within the net, its form distorting as it tried to escape.

I've only got a few seconds before this thing dissipates, Kai thought. Better make them count.

With his right hand, Kai began channeling qi for his Flame Palm Strike. The shadow being was still struggling against the net, its movements growing more frantic as if it sensed the danger.

"Sorry, pal," Kai said. "But I'm ending this now."

Just as he felt his qi net beginning to weaken, Kai thrust his flame-wreathed palm forward. "Flame Palm Strike!"

The fiery attack connected with the trapped construct. For a split second, nothing happened. Then, with a sound like a thunderclap, the shadow being exploded into wisps of darkness.

The force of the explosion sent Kai stumbling backward. He caught himself, breathing heavily as he watched the last traces of the shadow being dissipate into the air.

Did that... did that actually work? Kai thought, hardly daring to believe it.

He stood there for a moment, waiting to see if the Shadow Construct would reform. But the chamber remained empty and silent.

A grin spread across Kai's face. "Huh. I guess sometimes the crazy plans do work out."

He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the drain on his qi reserves. That combination attack had taken a lot out of him, but it had paid off.

As the adrenaline of the fight began to wear off, Kai felt the full extent of his exhaustion. He'd pushed himself to the limit with that last attack.

"I really hope that was the end of the trial," he muttered. "Because I don't think I have another fight in me right now."

As if in answer to his words, Kai heard a loud clap. The dark chamber shimmered and then dissolved around him.

Suddenly, Kai found himself back on the plateau where the trial had begun.

He blinked, disoriented by the sudden change. As his vision cleared, he saw all the elders seated on thrones, their eyes fixed on him. The Sect Master sat in the center, a slight nod of approval on his otherwise impassive face.

"Congratulations," the Sect Master's voice rang out. "You have completed the trial in 15 minutes, securing the second-fastest time."

Kai's eyes widened in surprise. 15 minutes? That's it? His perception of time in the trial realm had been completely distorted. What felt like hours of grueling challenge had apparently lasted only a quarter of an hour.

As the implications of the Sect Master's words sank in, Kai's eyes narrowed. Second fastest? Then who...

He turned, scanning the plateau. His gaze landed on a familiar figure standing off to the side, face as blank and unreadable as ever.

Shen Yu.

Why am I not surprised? Kai thought, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Kai's eyes scanned the area, searching for a familiar tiny figure who should be waiting for him. A frown appeared on his face when he couldn't spot Zhi-Zhi anywhere.

"Excuse me, Sect Master," Kai called out, bowing. "May I ask where my friend is? The spirit tortoise who was with me earlier?"

The Sect Master turned to Kai, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, you speak of the small but spirited creature. He is currently undertaking the trial, just as you did."

Kai's eyes widened in surprise. "Zhi-Zhi is in the trial? I... I didn't realize he would be participating as a disciple candidate."

"Indeed," the Sect Master nodded. "All beings who wish to join the Azure Sky Sect must prove their worth, regardless of their nature or origin."

I can't believe I didn't consider this, I had thought the sect didn’t take in spiritual beasts as disciples, Kai thought, shaking his head. I just assumed Zhi-Zhi would tag along if I passed. I didn't expect the sect to test him separately.

As Kai pondered this new information, he noticed a commotion near the edge of the plateau. More recruits were appearing, looking dazed and exhausted. The air was filled with excited chatter as they compared their experiences.

The Sect Master turned to address the new arrivals. "Ah, it seems more of our aspirants have completed the trial. Well done, all of you."

As the Sect Master began explaining the results to the other recruits, Kai took the opportunity to catch his breath and assess his condition.

He felt drained, both physically and in terms of qi. The climb up the endless staircase and the fight with the Shadow Construct had pushed him to his limits.

I need to be careful, Kai thought. If there are more trials coming, I can't afford to be this depleted.

He glanced around, noting the reactions of the other recruits. Many looked shocked to learn that Kai and Shen Yu had completed the trial so quickly. Some, like Sun Jun, wore expressions of barely concealed anger and jealousy.

Great, Kai thought sarcastically. I'm sure this won't cause any problems later.

As more recruits continued to appear, Kai noticed Liu Wei stumbling onto the plateau. The former bandit looked exhausted but relieved.

Kai made his way over to his follower. "Liu Wei," he called out. "Are you alright?"

Liu Wei's face lit up at the sight of Kai. "Master Kai! I did it! I actually completed the trial!"

Kai smiled, genuinely pleased to see Liu Wei had succeeded. "Well done. I knew you had it in you. How did you find it?"

Liu Wei's brow furrowed in confusion. "The wind tunnel was challenging, but I managed to overcome the wind spirit at the end rather quickly.”

Just then, Elder Feng approached them, a scroll in his hand. "Ah, Liu Wei. Well done on completing the first trial. Your time was... 45 minutes."

Liu Wei's jaw dropped. "Forty-five minutes? But that's impossible! It couldn't have been more than five or ten minutes!"

Kai's eyes narrowed as he processed this information. A theory began to form in his mind.

"Liu Wei," Kai asked, "you said you chose the wind route, right?"

Liu Wei nodded, still looking bewildered. "Yes, it seemed the most suitable for me, given my wind affinity."

Interesting, Kai thought. My speculation might be correct after all.

"I think I understand what's happening here," Kai said aloud. "The trial ground must have some sort of time distortion effect. If you chose an element that suited you, like wind in your case, it felt like it went by quickly. But in reality, it took longer."

Liu Wei's eyes widened in understanding. "And for those who chose an element that was difficult for them..."

"Exactly," Kai nodded. "It would have felt like it took a long time, but actually finished quicker."

Kai thought back to his own experience in the darkness tunnel. It had felt like an eternity, but he'd finished in just 15 minutes.

"That's... that's ingenious," Liu Wei said, awe in his voice. "It forces you to face your weaknesses, but rewards you for doing so."

Kai smiled, impressed by Liu Wei's quick grasp of the concept. "Precisely. It's a clever way to test not just our abilities, but our willingness to challenge ourselves."

Liu Wei suddenly looked around, his brow furrowing.

"Master," he said, "where's Zhi-Zhi? I haven't seen him since we started the trial."

Kai's expression grew serious. "The Sect Master told me he's still in the trial. Apparently, Zhi-Zhi is being tested as a disciple candidate too."

Liu Wei's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I didn't know spirit beasts could become disciples. But wait..." His face filled with concern as he glanced at the sky, noting the position of the sun. "The time limit is almost up, isn't it?"

Kai nodded, a knot of worry forming in his stomach. "Yeah, it is. I'm getting worried. Zhi-Zhi talks a big game, but I've never actually seen him in a real test like this."

They both turned their attention to the spot where recruits had been materializing, willing their small friend to appear. The seconds ticked by, feeling like hours.

Liu Wei fidgeted nervously. "Do you think he'll make it, Master? What happens if he doesn't complete the trial in time?"

Kai's jaw tightened. "I don't know. The Sect Master said those who don't complete the trial in time will be expelled. I'm not sure if that applies to spirit beasts too, but..."

He left the sentence hanging, not wanting to voice his fears. The thought of continuing without Zhi-Zhi, as annoying as the little tortoise could be sometimes, left a hollow feeling in Kai's chest.

"Come on, Zhi-Zhi," Kai muttered under his breath. "Where are you?"

Suddenly, just as the last second of the trial approached, there was a small pop of displaced air. A tiny figure materialized on the plateau, its shell tightly closed.

“Zhi-Zhi!”