Chapter 11: End of the trials

After Tang Jian successfully completed the previous trial, many participants believed it to be an easy task, thinking that if Tang Jian could do it, they could too.

Little did they know that Tang Jian was a reincarnated soul who had faced countless hardships and trials in his previous life. Despite their confidence, most participants' efforts were in vain, as only a handful of them were able to form a vague image that allowed them to pass the trial. Those who failed couldn't even form an image, but they still received a silver badge for reaching the second stage.

Out of all the students, only six managed to pass the Soul Seeking trial. Li Bai and Liang Meng achieved high scores, while Tang Jian earned a perfect score due to his exceptional soul stability.

Having a Water spiritual root granted one the opportunity to join the prestigious Soul Cleansing Hall. However, without a high or perfect score in this second trial, students would only be allowed to study the basic level courses instead of the intermediate or advanced ones. Thanks to his remarkable performance, Tang Jian was granted permission to study the advanced level courses.

"Congratulations, young Tang! You will undoubtedly become a Soul Manifestation Cultivator or Soul Summoning Cultivator," the Hall Master of Soul Seeking Hall warmly congratulated Tang Jian with a gentle smile on her face.

Elated by the Hall Master's praise, Tang Jian politely expressed his gratitude.

Having passed these trials, it was now time for the most challenging one yet—the Spiritual Pressure trial. This trial was considered close to impossible for someone like Tang Jian, who had yet to begin refining his soul.

Out of the six participants, three chose not to take part in this trial, leaving only Tang Jian, Li Bai, and Liang Meng. The reason for their withdrawal was their intermediate level roots. Only participants with high-level spiritual roots were able to attempt this trial. However, Tang Jian refused to back down.

Unlike the previous trials, this one was taken by all participants together.

"Kid, are you sure you want to take this trial? It can be pretty dangerous for someone your age," Instructor Jiang expressed his concern once again.

"Thank you, Instructor Jiang, for your concern, but I will still attempt this trial," Tang Jian replied with great determination in his eyes. Seeing his unwavering determination, Instructor Jiang didn't pursue the matter further and accepted Tang Jian's decision.

Witnessing Tang Jian's confidence, everyone present eagerly awaited another miracle from him.

After receiving instructions from the Vice-head, Instructor Jiang released his spiritual aura—a manifestation of Qi energy. Qi energy was a type of internal energy that cultivators formed by absorbing spiritual energy from their surroundings. Instructor Jiang's Qi energy was exceptionally powerful due to his peak-level cultivation. Even with high-level spiritual roots, Lian Meng found it challenging to endure, while Tang Jian faced an even more difficult situation. On the other hand, Li Bai breezed through it due to his cultivation at the 1st layer of the Body Forging Stage.

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In this trial, participants had to endure the pressure until half of the incense's time had passed. As time went on, Instructor Jiang increased the pressure on the participants. However, all three of them remained standing.

At the halfway mark, Tang Jian began to experience nosebleeds. The pressure felt as if someone had placed a massive rock on his head. Meanwhile, Li Bai and Liang Meng managed to hold their ground.

Concerned about Tang Jian's condition, the Hall Master of Soul Cleansing Hall attempted to intervene but was interrupted by the other Hall Masters.

"Why won't you let me stop him? It would be a pity if such a promising individual were to get injured here," the Hall Master of Soul Seeking Hall inquired in her alluring voice.

"Sit down, Liu Mei. You've seen what this kid is capable of. Considering he's still holding on purely with his willpower, who knows, he might even pass this test. Let's not let his efforts go in vain," the Vice-head replied sternly. Vice-head Li Jun, though an old man, remained a powerful cultivator at the Nascent Soul Stage. This made Hall Master Liu Mei refrain from offending him and accept his suggestion.

Hall Master Liu Mei's worries were unfounded, as Tang Jian continued to endure the pressure. This time, however, no one seemed perplexed, as they had anticipated such a scenario.

Tang Jian was on the verge of passing the trial, with only about a minute remaining until the half-incense time ran out.

But this last minute proved to be the most challenging, as Instructor Jiang increased the pressure once again. The Qi pressure that had felt like a giant rock transformed into the weight of a mountain. Yet, Tang Jian's mental fortitude was not to be underestimated. With sheer willpower, he endured the Qi pressure equivalent to that of a peak Qi Condensation Stage expert.

This alone made Tang Jian highly regarded by all the Hall Masters.

Moments later, Tang Jian was very close to passing the trial, with only about 10-20 seconds remaining. However, he suddenly felt extremely dizzy. Tang Jian had already demonstrated his incredible endurance, but he was still too weak to pass this trial.

With only a few seconds left, Tang Jian lost consciousness. As he was about to collapse onto the floor, the Hall Master of Alchemy and Soul Cleansing Hall reached him just in time and prevented his fall.

Weather, it was trial participants or hall masters, everyone felt a sense of disappointment as Tang Jian couldn't pass this daunting trial. The room was filled with a heavy atmosphere, and whispers of regret and sympathy circulated among the onlookers.

Instructor Jiang gently lifted Tang Jian's unconscious body and carried him to a nearby resting area. His face was pale, and beads of sweat covered his forehead, a testament to the immense pressure he had endured. The hall masters gathered around, their expressions a mix of concern and admiration for Tang Jian's valiant effort.

Hall Master Liu Mei approached Tang Jian with a soft sigh. "Such a shame. He displayed remarkable resilience, but his young age and lack of cultivation foundation proved to be his limitations. If only he had more time to prepare."

Vice-head Li Jun, known for his wisdom and insight, interjected with a calm voice. "Remember, this trial was designed to push participants to their limits. Tang Jian has shown exceptional potential and determination. Though he didn't pass this time, he has left an indelible impression on all of us. Let's not forget that he held on until the very last seconds, surpassing our expectations."

The hall masters nodded in agreement, recognizing the significance of Tang Jian's efforts. They couldn't help but wonder what heights he would reach in the future with the right guidance and cultivation.

With the conclusion of the trial of Spiritual Pressure, the atmosphere in the Azure Dragon Academy was filled with a mixture of excitement, reflection, and anticipation. The entrance exam had come to an end, leaving participants and onlookers eager to see the results and embark on the next phase of their cultivation journey.