Novel Bin Chapter 129: Last Trial (2)
However, for Chen Tian, it was still nothing that he couldn\'t handle.
Who was he?
He wasn\'t an ordinary cultivator; he stood as one of the mightiest in the Nine Heavens.
He was renowned as a deity among his fellow cultivators, possessing unmatched might and prowess.
His name instilled dread in his foes and inspired respect in his comrades.
Chen Tian had dedicated years to refining his abilities and mastering secret techniques transcending the limitations of typical cultivators at his stage.
He had elevated himself to a level that countless individuals aspired to reach, establishing a notable standing among fellow cultivators.
Such pressure posed no challenge to him.
He proceeded onwards, step by step, advancing from the third to the fourth and then the fifth step. Chen Tian\'s determination never wavered as he continued his ascent.
With every step, the weight on his soul grew, and it was on the 30th step that the pressure intensified twofold.
Nevertheless, Chen Tian persisted, his resolve unshaken.
On the ice staircase, Su Bingxin wasn\'t too far behind him, observing his remarkable display of resilience.
She was amazed by his capacity to endure such intense pressure and held a deep respect for his unwavering determination.
She had already reached the 25th step, just five steps behind Chen Tian, yet she didn\'t sense any overwhelming burden.
This gave her the confidence to continue ascending without hesitation.
With every step upwards, Su Bingxin could sense the pressure\'s growing around her, but she refused to let it hinder her progress.
With each step, her determination grew stronger, matching Chen Tian\'s unwavering resolve.
Su Bingxin was driven by a strong desire to reach the top alongside Chen Tian, demonstrating her competence and determination to herself and everyone around her.
This motivation fueled her as she steadily climbed the steps, matching her determination with her effort.
Although her pace was slightly slower than Chen Tian\'s, she pressed forward with all her strength.
"Hm?"
"Something has changed!" he exclaimed, his awareness heightened.
Chen Tian quickly sensed a shift in the atmosphere.
He had reached the 50th step, and the pressure remained manageable for him. However, it was likely a different story for the others.
Those who reached the 50th step had to utilize their spiritual Qi to continue progressing.
The pressure on this step was unlike anything they had encountered previously.
The weight of expectation seemed to bear down not only on their souls but also on their physical bodies.
Every muscle and nerve felt strained as they ascended further, the air growing thinner and more charged with each step.
Utilizing their spiritual energy became a necessity. It was no longer an option; if they aimed to progress, they had to do so.
"Now the true test begins," Su Linhua remarked, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Indeed," Long Wei agreed.
Both of them remained atop their respective statues, watching the participants who were descending onto the platform below.
"The steps from 1st to 49th merely signify the first phases of a cultivator\'s true potential.
During these steps, their talent is regarded as ordinary, a foundation upon which greater achievements can be built.
Yet, true trials lie ahead, for it is at the 50th step that the cultivator\'s talent is truly tested in earnest.
As the cultivator steps onto the 50th step, a profound transformation occurs. The very fabric of their soul and body is met with an unyielding pressure, like the weight of a mountain pressing down.
This pressure is no ordinary force; it is a crucible through which the cultivator\'s potential is refined.
Muscles ache, bones resonate, and the soul shivers, but it is within this crucible that greatness is forged.
No normal cultivator would be able to bear.
From the 50 to 60 step, we begin to see promising signs of a cultivator\'s true potential, and those that reach between these steps are considered to have good talent for cultivation.
There will be steady growth in their abilities, but they will need a clear dedication to train, as talent alone wasn\'t enough.
This is a crucial phase where foundational skills are honed, and the path forward starts to take shape.
But as they progress to the 61–70 step,
Cultivators in this range possess a rare talent that is found only once every 1,000 years.
The speed of their progress sets them apart from cultivators who have normal talents.
Advancing further to the 71–80 step, we find cultivators possessing a talent that surfaces once every 10,000 years.
Their abilities reach a level that transcends the norm, and their understanding of laws is deeper than normal.
Entering the 81–90 step, we encounter a talent that is incredibly challenging to come by, only appearing once every 100,000 years.
Cultivators at this stage push the boundaries of possibility. Their feats appear almost miraculous, as they navigate through challenges that would deter all but the most steadfast individuals.
Those that reach these steps have a 100% chance of reaching the Dao Fusion Realm without facing any problems.
Finally, from 91 to 100, we find talents that are the rarest of the rare, emerging once every 500,000 years.
These kinds of talents are known as prodigies in the mortal realm, and their potential is truly awe-inspiring.
They possess an innate understanding and connection to the Dao, effortlessly surpassing all obstacles in their path.
Their cultivation progress is nothing short of extraordinary, as they quickly ascend to the highest realms of power and become legends in their own right.
Their appearance is a momentous event that shakes the entire cultivation world, sparking fervent admiration and envy from all who witness their rise.
Reaching these steps means that the person has a chance of surpassing the Immortal Ascension Realm and ascending from the mortal Realm."
"Remember, these stairs are designed to assess mortals who are from the mortal plane," Su Linhua gently reminded Long Wei.
"While ascending these steps may grant them the opportunity to transcend their mortal limitations, it is not a guarantee of success.
Many have tried and failed, facing unimaginable trials and tribulations along the way.
Only those with unwavering determination and exceptional talent can hope to reach the pinnacle of cultivation and achieve true immortality." Su Linhua\'s words echoed in Long Wei\'s mind as he gazed up at the seemingly never-ending staircase.
"If it weren\'t for that person, we wouldn\'t even be in this situation," Long Wei stated, his words slipping out involuntarily.
He attempted to avoid remembering the chain of events that had brought them to their current circumstances.
Nonetheless, an unusual sense of fear began to creep over him, a sensation he rarely experienced.
"Why are you bringing up that person again?" Su Linhua asked, his voice filled with a mix of annoyance and fear.
Merely the thought of that person sent shivers of fear coursing through her body.
She was well aware of Long Wei\'s thoughts, yet she had no desire to remember the person responsible for confining them here.
Long Wei hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath before answering, "Because that person is the reason we are here.
I don\'t know why he wanted us to stay here and supervise this useless trial, but it\'s clear that he had a motive.
I can\'t shake off the feeling that something is going on behind the scenes."
Su Linhua exchanged a worried glance with him, their shared fear palpable in the air.
"Don\'t overthink it. Whoever trapped us here obviously had a plan, but what does it matter?
Even if we pondered it, we\'d be powerless.
Even in our prime, we couldn\'t lay a finger on him.
He defeated us in a matter of seconds. The power he wields is beyond anything we\'ve encountered before.
Our collective strength, our strategies, all proved futile in the face of his overwhelming might."
"Sigh..." Long Wei let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat.
"I still remember that day. I never thought I would see the day when we would be rendered so helpless," he muttered, his voice laced with disappointment.
The weight of their failure hung heavily in the air, as they realized that their efforts were futile against an adversary of such immense power.
"Let\'s put that guy aside for now; our focus is on completing this trial.
Once we accomplish that, our agreement with him will be fulfilled, and we can leave this place," Su Linhua reassured, aiming to boost Long Wei\'s morale.
"Your right." Long Wei nodded in agreement, understanding that dwelling on their past defeat would only hinder his chances of success.
With renewed determination, he set his sights on completing the trial, determined to finish it and return.
Unknown to either of them, the crimson crystal at the center was emitting a dim hue, its energy growing stronger with each fleeting second.
Currently, no one was able to detect this happening, but for the first time since their arrival to this place, this object was showing a reaction.
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(AN: I made some changes to the first chapters. One significant change is that I replaced the concept of gods with cultivators, and the term "godly spark" is now referred to as "Celestial spark."
Additionally, the setting is no longer a god domain; instead, it\'s called the "9 heavens," which is also referred to as the "Immortal world" for brevity.)