Slowly, a small head peeked out from the shell. Zhi-Zhi's eyes were wide, and Kai could see a tremor in the tortoise's tiny limbs.

"Are you okay?" Kai asked. "What happened in there?"

Liu Wei crouched down, his eyes scanning the spirit tortoise for any signs of injury. "You had us worried, little friend."

At the sound of their voices, Zhi-Zhi seemed to remember himself. He puffed out his chest, his usual air of bravado returning. "Ah, my dear disciples! Worry not, for I have triumphed over the Earth Trial with ease!"

Kai raised an eyebrow. "The Earth Trial? What was that like?"

Zhi-Zhi waved a tiny claw dismissively. "Oh, it was nothing for a being of my caliber.”

Kai raised an eyebrow. "You cut it pretty close there, Zhi-Zhi. We were worried you might not make it in time."

Zhi-Zhi's expression faltered for a moment before he harrumphed. "Time? Bah! Such arbitrary limits are beneath beings of true power and wisdom. In my day, we understood that greatness cannot be rushed!"

Liu Wei tried to hide a smile. "But Zhi-Zhi, didn't you once tell us about how you won a race against the Jade Emperor himself?"

The spirit tortoise's eyes darted back and forth. "Well, yes, but... that was different! This trial was clearly biased against those of us with shells. Do you know how hard it is to climb stairs when you're a tortoise?"

Despite his bravado, Kai could see that Zhi-Zhi was embarrassed about finishing last. The tortoise's tiny claws fidgeted nervously.

"Hey," Kai said gently, "what matters is that you made it. You passed the trial, just like us."

Zhi-Zhi's expression softened slightly. "Well, of course I did. I couldn't very well let my disciples show me up, could I?"

Despite his boastful words, Kai noticed that Zhi-Zhi's eyes still held a hint of fear. Liu Wei seemed to notice too, exchanging a concerned glance with Kai.

"I faced an earth golem of tremendous size!" Zhi-Zhi began his usual ramble. "But of course, its attacks were futile against my impenetrable defense. Not a single blow could penetrate my shell!"

As Zhi-Zhi spoke, Kai's mind painted a very different picture. He imagined the tiny tortoise, hidden within his shell, trembling in terror as a massive golem pounded away relentlessly.

But wait, Kai thought, a frown forming on his face. If Zhi-Zhi was defending the whole time, how did he actually defeat the golem?

Liu Wei, seemingly having the same thought, gently asked, "That's amazing, Zhi-Zhi! But... how did you actually beat the golem if you were in your shell the whole time?"

Zhi-Zhi's boastful expression faltered for a moment. "Well, you see... that's... that's a secret technique passed down through generations of celestial tortoises! Yes, that's it! I can't reveal such sacred knowledge to just anyone, you understand."

Before Kai could ask the tortoise any more questions, the Sect Master's voice boomed across the plateau.

"Attention, all recruits!" he called out. "Congratulations to those who have successfully completed the Trial of Endurance.”

His gaze swept over the assembled crowd, his expression growing somber. "To those who did not complete the trial within the time limit, I'm afraid your journey with us ends here. We thank you for your effort and wish you the best in your future endeavors."

Kai watched as several crestfallen recruits were led away by sect members. He felt a slight pang of sympathy for them, but he knew this was the nature of such trials.

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It's harsh, he thought, but I guess that's how these sects maintain their standards.

The remaining participants looked up as the Sect Master’s gaze swept over them. "You have proven yourselves worthy of consideration for our sect. However, this was merely the first of three trials you must face."

A murmur of excitement and nervousness rippled through the crowd. Kai's ears perked up. Just like I expected, three trials but I wonder what the others will be like.

The Sect Master continued, "Before we proceed, let us acknowledge the top performers in this trial. In first place, completing the trial in 12 minutes, we have Shen Yu."

All eyes turned to Shen Yu, who bowed slightly, his face still devoid of any emotion.

"In second place," the Sect Master went on, "with a time of 15 minutes, we have Kai Thorn."

Kai felt dozens of eyes turn to him. He straightened his posture, trying not to show how exhausted he still felt. He noticed Sun Jun glaring at him from across the plateau.

Suddenly, a blue window appeared in Kai's vision:

Congratulations!

You have completed the Trial of Endurance

You have achieved second place in the Trial of Endurance

You have been awarded a new skill!

Name: Rock Hard (Passive)

Description: physical toughness, making your body more resistant to damage and strain, increases your Durability by 5 points

You have gained 50 XP!

Kai blinked in surprise. A new skill? This could be useful. Extra durability might help me survive whatever they throw at us next.

"And in third place, with a time of 18 minutes, we have Young Master Sun Jun of the Sun Clan."

Sun Jun's chest puffed out with pride, but Kai could see the frustration in his eyes. Being third clearly wasn't good enough for the young master.

As the Sect Master continued reading out the rankings, Kai felt a presence beside him. He turned to see Shen Yu standing there, his calm gaze fixed on the Sect Master.

"Congratulations on your victory," Kai said, keeping his voice low.

Shen Yu glanced at him, the barest hint of surprise flickering in his eyes. "Thank you," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "You performed admirably as well."

Kai nodded, studying Shen Yu's face for any clue about what he might be thinking. "I'm curious," he ventured, "what kind of challenge did you face in your trial?"

For a moment, Shen Yu was silent. Then, so quietly Kai almost missed it, he said, "Shadows. Many shadows."

Before Kai could ask for clarification, the Sect Master's voice rose again. "The second trial will begin tomorrow at dawn. Use this time to rest and recover. You will need all your strength for what is to come."

With that, the elders began to rise from their thrones. Outer Elder Feng approached Kai and Liu Wei, a proud smile on his face.

"Well done, both of you," he said. "Especially you, Kai. Second place is a remarkable achievement for a new recruit."

Kai bowed slightly. "Thank you, Elder Feng. I couldn't have done it without your guidance."

Yeah, right, Kai thought. You're just happy because my success means you're closer to whatever prize they're offering the elders. Probably some pill to help you break through to Core Formation.

Elder Feng glanced down at Zhi-Zhi. "And you, little one. You may have finished last, but completing the trial is an accomplishment in itself, especially for a spirit beast your size."

Zhi-Zhi puffed up his chest. "Last? Bah! I simply chose to savor the experience, unlike these rushed youngsters. In my day, we understood that true mastery takes time!"

Kai and Liu Wei exchanged amused glances, while Elder Feng chuckled.

"Of course, of course," the elder said diplomatically. "Now, come along. Let me show you to your quarters. You've all earned a good rest, regardless of how long it took you to finish."

As they followed Elder Feng, Kai gently patted Zhi-Zhi's shell. "You did well, Zhi-Zhi," he whispered. "No need to make excuses."

Zhi-Zhi huffed but leaned into Kai's touch, a mix of embarrassment and gratitude in his tiny eyes.

As they followed Elder Feng, Kai's mind was racing. Shadows. Many shadows, he repeated Shen Yu's words in his head. What does that mean? Did he face multiple constructs? Or something else entirely?

Their group made their way across the plateau, heading towards a series of buildings nestled against the mountainside. As they walked, Kai overheard snippets of conversation from the other recruits.

"...never felt anything like it..."

"...thought I was going to die for sure..."

"...how did that village boy beat us?"

Kai smirked at the last comment. If they only knew.

Liu Wei fell into step beside him. "Master," he whispered, "do you think the next trial will be as difficult?"

Kai considered for a moment. "Probably more so," he replied honestly. "They'll want to push us to our limits; I think they’ll test different things to see what we're really capable of."

Liu Wei's face paled slightly. "I... I'm not sure I'm ready for that."

Kai placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You made it through this trial, didn't you? You're stronger than you give yourself credit for, Liu Wei."

The former bandit's eyes widened at the praise. "You really think so?"

"I know so," Kai said with a smile. "Just keep focused and trust in your abilities. You'll do fine."

Liu Wei nodded, standing a little straighter. "Thank you, Master. I won't let you down."