Chapter 263-Trial
Li Zhi sheaths his sword and looks at the inherent cultivators.
"Don't worry everyone, if they stop you, I will be their enemy also."
The people from Gu and Mo clans were stunned as they didn't expect him to attack. The leaders of each clan realized what Li Zhi was planning. He plans to use this chance to make his image good and those inherent cultivators might join forces with him.
"We thought that every one of them is arrogant but young master Li Zhi is kind."
"Yeah that's right, they are arrogant but luckily Young Master Li Zhi is good."
The inherent cultivators were thankful for Li Zhi as he is more amiable than others.
"Tsk, you are lucky Li Zhi as I don't have time to fight with you"
Xander from the Mo clan said and then led his men to step on the stairs.
Everyone ignored them and went to test their willpower and they were excited about what reward they might get.
"Lets go"
Hemire said as everyone decided to try it.
.....
Dave stood before the imposing staircase. Its steps stretched as far as the eye could see. Each step represented a level of challenge, an opportunity for growth, and an ordeal for the mind.
With unwavering determination, Dave took his first step onto the staircase, his boots making a resolute thud against the stone. As he ascended, the air around him seemed to change, crackling with energy. It was a telltale sign that illusions awaited him on each level, designed to test his willpower and mental fortitude.
He saw that he was being attacked by a demon, but he smiled as his Ancestral Eyes took effect and destroyed the illusions.
On the second step, a mirage materialized before him—a vision of his deepest fears and regrets. But Dave remained unaffected, his mind shielded from the illusion's grip. He recognized it for what it was—a mere projection of his own psyche—and continued his ascent, bypassing the illusion effortlessly.
The third step revealed a tantalizing image of immense wealth and power, beckoning him to abandon his path and indulge in worldly desires. Yet Dave's resolve remained unyielding. He saw through the illusion's allure, understanding that true strength came from within, not from material possessions. He pressed on without hesitation.
His willpower is solid and even without using his eyes, he can bypass them easily.
Dave looks at others and sees that someone is already on the fifth level but remains stuck and it looks like he is still facing the illusion.
With each subsequent step, the illusions grew more intricate, attempting to entice and sway Dave from his chosen path. Illusions of loved ones in distress, visions of fame and adulation, and even temptations of unrivaled knowledge and forbidden secrets were cast upon him. But like a mountain standing firm against the elements, Dave's mind remained steadfast, immune to their enchantments.
He recognized these illusions for what they were: ephemeral manifestations, mere shadows attempting to disrupt his focus. His training within the tower and his experiences battling the Sin energy had hardened his mind, granting him a resistance to such mental manipulations.
As Dave reached the fiftieth step, the illusions intensified, desperate to break his will. Specters of past failures whispered doubts into his ears, urging him to question his purpose and worthiness. Yet, with an unshakable determination, Dave cast aside these self-doubts, embracing the strength that resided within him.
"Wow who is that?"
A genius from the Mo clan said who is at stage 3 of the stairs and is amazed at how fast he is rising. He looks like he is climbing without sweat and he can't help but be amazed.
The other geniuses who also woke up from the illusions saw him and didn't expect that nobody would surpass them easily.
Li Zhi looked at Dave and he didn't expect that someone would surpass his level. He was only at level 10 but that man is now going to level 16.
Hemire and the other geniuses were also stunned as they didn't expect him to have strong willpower.
"He really is not simple"
Hemire's eyes were serious and decided to not think of it.
Dave continues to dominate, and everyone felt despair when they saw him climbing easily as if he was walking in the park. In just 10 minutes, he reaches level 80 while next to him is only at level 20.
There is no time limit but they cannot help but to lament as the gap is too huge. They also saw that Dave had a pet near him so he must be seeing stronger Illusions than them yet he is still leading.
Hemire was stunned as she didn't expect him to be this strong and she can't help but be curious about him. Li Zhi's eyes are full of determination as it didn't let him stop climbing but it serves as a fuel for his fighting spirit to ignite. Only Xue and Xander are the one he treats as an equal, but he can't help but respect the young man in front of him.
Meanwhile, Xue and Xander are looking at Dave with killing intent as they are forming some schemes inside their head.
1 hour later, Dave approached the hundredth and final step, the illusions grew into a tumultuous storm of chaos. They assaulted him with illusions of overwhelming power, aiming to overwhelm his senses and shatter his resolve. But Dave stood tall amidst the maelstrom, his mind a bastion of tranquility amid the tempest.
Dave decided to not use his immunity to illusions as he felt that he must not be complacent, and he still needed to tamper his mind. That's why it took him so long but if he uses his Ancestral Eyes, he can reach the top in just 5 minutes.
With a final surge of strength, Dave planted his foot on the hundredth step. The illusions dissipated instantly, revealing a breathtaking view at the apex of the staircase. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to his unyielding willpower and immunity to illusions.
Breathing deeply, Dave absorbed the scene before him, realizing that he had passed the ultimate test of his mind.