Death... and me

The sect disciples helped those with injuries or those with any other issues while the kids were resting. When the test arrived the next day, all the kids were back to normal condition, ready to do anything. Obviously, their parents or those responsible for them were there as well, cheering for them.

Malo then stepped forward and began to talk with the kids who passed the first test. "Well done with yesterday's test. If you're still here, it shows that you stood out among the majority, so you should be proud of that. However, the tests aren't over. The next test is called the Spiritual Energy Pressure Test. All you have to do is stand up. Those who lie down for more than one hour will be out of the contest."

Malo nodded at Roan, who flew above the field where all the kids were gathered. Soon after, he released his Spiritual Energy Pressure, which immediately assaulted the kids.

*Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud...*

In the very first second, all the kids lost their balance and fell. There was no exception for one's cultivation, though. Even the Foundation Establishment candidates had the same issue. Roan, obviously, wouldn't use the same amount of Spiritual Energy on ordinary kids and those who had cultivations. He was using his Spiritual Sense to check each kids' cultivation and assaulting them with the right amount specifically.

Roan kept looking around, waiting to see which kid would be the first one to ask to leave. After all, the problem wasn't just standing up. It was the fact that it also hurt to stay there.

However, one entire minute went by, and nothing happened. The kids were still trying to fight against the Spiritual Energy Pressure. Some seemed to be on the verge of crying. Others had painful expressions, but no one had given up so far. 'Better than I expected,' Roan thought for a moment. 'Let's see how long they can resist. If you don't understand that fighting against the pressure is bad, you will lose your energy very quickly.'

It took three minutes for the first kid to give up. "I wanna leave! I wanna leave!"

The kid's parents couldn't help but sigh after seeing that. Nevertheless, they waited as a sect's disciple entered the field and brought the kid back to them.

As if a chain reaction started, one kid after another began to give up non-stop. By the time ten minutes had passed, more than 200 of them were gone. Roan didn't care, though. He simply kept increasing the Spiritual Energy Pressure little by little, waiting to see if there would be anyone to notice the trick.

Suddenly, on the corner of the field, a little girl at eight to nine years of age got up to her knees. Obviously, that caught both the attention of the kids around here and the adults watching outside. A few seconds later, she got up with much difficulty. It was obvious that standing up was a very hard task, but she succeeded in the end.

However, before anyone could ask her anything about how she did that, a disciple of the sect appeared on her side and brought her away. At the same time, Suana announced with a loud voice, "Mariana Tulis passed the test."

Around a minute later, it was a boy who understood the problem and stood up as well. Obviously, he was brought away in the next moment as an announcement spread throughout the area once more. "Carvan Fusols has passed the test."

One by one, the kids began to understand that something wasn't right. That's because it wasn't those with the highest cultivations who left first. Instead, it was ordinary kids or those with low cultivations.

Thirty minutes had already passed, and both situations continued to happen. Kids gave up or found the reason why they couldn't stand up. Of course, the ones who failed were much more numerous than those who passed. Understanding the trick was one thing. Applying it was another.

Forty-five minutes had passed, and the near five thousand participants in the field fell to a little more than a thousand. Of those who left, one-fourth succeeded, while the rest failed. Those who were still there were because they were very stubborn or had difficulty adapting to it before standing. Roan didn't make it easier for them either, as he kept increasing the pressure more and more. In a way, it would help them understand the method to pass the test faster. On the other hand, they would get tired much quicker.

Eventually, Malo stood up and approached the field, saying as he infused his voice with Spiritual Energy, "Only five minutes left. For those who were able to resist Elder Roan's Spiritual Energy Pressure up to now, I have to say that you are quite remarkable. However, those who could adapt to it and stand up were even better. As for those who failed, try again next time."

Malo then smiled before saying, "However, as a token of my appreciation for your resistance, I'll tell you how to do it in case you haven't figured it out yet. This is the sect's recognition of your stubbornness."

Immediately, all the kids paid attention to Malo as he continued, "The trick is not to fight against it. You have to accept the Spiritual Energy Pressure and adapt to it. For those who have a certain level of cultivation, stop using your own Spiritual Energy to fight against it. That only makes things harder. As for those who don't have cultivation, try to feel Elder Roan's Spiritual Energy. Don't treat it as a foreign object. Instead, think of it as part of your body."

Malo then put his hands on his back after that. "That's all I have to say. Good luck in the final moments."

Thanks to Malo, quite a few kids stood up a few moments later. It was obvious that Malo's clue had worked.

Roan also didn't mind Malo's words. After all, he also liked those who didn't give up until the very last moment. Even if they were one of the last ones to pass the test, they at least had the will to put effort into their training.

Up to the last seconds, there were still kids conquering their limits and standing up. However, not everyone succeeded even after the explanation.

Roan's Spiritual Energy Pressure then disappeared as Malo announced, "The test is over!"