The roar of the crowd had barely settled from the elimination battles, yet anticipation was already building for the second stage of the Outer Sect Trial.
The Endurance Path.
A test not of sheer combat strength—but of survival.
Qin Chen stood among the remaining disciples, his golden eyes calm as he gazed at the vast stone pathway stretching before them.
This was where many would fail.
And where he would once again prove himself unmatched.
A sect elder, standing atop a floating jade platform, raised his hand, instantly silencing the crowd.
"The Elimination Stage has ended," his voice boomed across the Grand Martial Arena. "Those who remain—congratulations. You have proven that you possess the necessary strength to fight."
"But raw power alone does not make a true cultivator."
His sharp gaze swept across the competitors.
"A true cultivator must possess endurance, both physically and mentally. The path of cultivation is one of unending struggle, and if you cannot withstand hardship, then you are unworthy of progressing further."
He gestured toward the massive stone pathway stretching beyond the arena.
Ding!
System Notification: Second Stage – Endurance Path Unlocked.
Objective: Complete the trial and reach the finish line.
"The Endurance Path is a test of both body and mind. You will walk along the path and endure the Sect's Spirit Pressure Formation—a formation that increases in intensity as you progress. Only the first 100 to walk through the formation will pass to the next round."
Murmurs spread through the disciples.
Spirit Pressure Formation?
Most knew of it—an ancient formation designed to weigh down a cultivator's body and mind, forcing them to withstand immense pressure.
The further one advanced, the heavier the pressure became.
Many would collapse before reaching the end.
Qin Chen, however, smirked.
Pressure?
He thrived under pressure.
"Begin!"
The elder's command echoed through the arena.
Immediately, the disciples surged forward, stepping onto the stone path.
For the first few steps—nothing changed.
But then—
BOOM!
An invisible force pressed down upon them.
Some disciples staggered, their breath hitching as they felt the first wave of pressure settle onto their shoulders.
It was as if the air had turned to stone, pressing against their chests and limbs, slowing their movements.
Qin Chen, however, simply kept walking.
Compared to what he had experienced?
This was nothing.
As they advanced, the Spirit Pressure Formation grew stronger.
At the halfway point, the weaker disciples began collapsing to their knees, their bodies trembling under the invisible weight.
Their veins bulged, their muscles spasmed—some coughed up blood, unable to withstand the increasing force.
Qin Chen could hear their frantic whispers.
"I can't… move…!"
"This pressure is insane!"
The elder watched from above, nodding.
"This is where the true test begins."
Those who couldn't continue would be removed from the trial.
But Qin Chen?
He hadn't even felt the pressure yet.
His Fire Sovereign Dao Body naturally absorbed the force, his Qi cycling fluidly through his meridians, reinforcing his body.
His steps remained steady. Unfazed. Unstoppable.
Then—he started walking faster.
The disciples near him stared in horror.
Was he… was he accelerating?
Under this pressure?!
By the three-quarter mark, only 50 disciples remained.
Many were on the verge of collapse, their bodies shaking, their knees buckling under the strain.
The air was so thick with pressure that even breathing felt like a struggle.
Some disciples had their eyes shut tight, using every ounce of willpower just to keep moving.
But Qin Chen…
He was still walking normally.
His golden flames flickered subtly around him, an unconscious response to his body adjusting to the formation.
Then, he heard a voice.
"Impossible…"
Xu Ming.
The arrogant Peak Qi Refinement disciple stared at him, disbelief flashing across his face.
Qin Chen didn't bother responding.
He simply smirked—and increased his pace again.
BOOM!
The ground cracked beneath his feet as he surged ahead, passing the struggling elites like they were standing still.
The watching elders narrowed their eyes.
"This disciple… is simply walking through the formation."
"How much endurance does his body have?"
But one elder, seated quietly at the back, chuckled softly.
"This is no ordinary disciple. Mark my words—his name will soon shake the sect."
One by one, disciples collapsed, unable to take another step.
Some barely dragged themselves forward.
Only a handful reached the final stretch.
But Qin Chen?
He arrived first.
Not just first.
He had crossed the finish line while others were still struggling far behind.
When he stepped onto the final platform, he casually dusted off his robes, his breathing perfectly even.
For a moment—silence.
Then, the elder at the podium spoke.
"Qin Chen… has completed the trial."
His voice was even—but the weight behind it was undeniable.
Around him, the remaining disciples looked at him with a mixture of awe and fear.
This wasn't a human.
This was a monster.
Qin Chen simply smirked.
Ding!
Trial Complete! You have cleared the Endurance Path with a perfect ranking!
Bonus Reward: 500 SP
Qin Chen raised an eyebrow.
An extra reward for finishing first?
It wasn't much, but he wasn't complaining.
He checked his remaining SP.
Ding!
Total SP: 700
Enough for some decent purchases before the final round.
As he turned to watch the final struggling disciples drag themselves across the finish line, a thought crossed his mind.
This sect… this so-called Outer Sect…
It was simply too small for him.
He needed to move forward.
Higher.
Stronger.
Because this?
This was just the beginning