Thale and nineteen other cultivators move on to the second stage. Meanwhile, the teachers are observing the students through a magical mirror.
Old man Zhang says, "This kid is interesting, he seems to be able to control his Qi very well. I haven't seen anyone at this level be able to do that before."
Vivian says, "He must have a natural talent for cultivation. We should keep an eye on him in the next challenge."
Sharon says, "I agree, but we must not let our guard down. The other sects will also be trying to get their hands on talented cultivators like him."
Xin says, "He's just one person, we have nothing to worry about. We just need to focus on getting our own people through the challenges."
Vladimir says, "Ha! Let them try. Our sect has the strongest cultivators here, we have nothing to fear from this kid."
Victoria says, "I agree with Zhang, we should definitely keep an eye on him. But we should also remember that the trials are not just about individual strength. We must also work together as a team to overcome the challenges."
The teachers are discussing the students as they observe them through the magical mirror. Old man Zhang of the Sword of the Eternal Flame sect bets on his student, a young man with a determined expression and skilled sword techniques. Vivian of the Blissful Garden sect bets on her student, a calm and collected woman with a strong spiritual cultivation. Sharon of the Burning Heart sect places her bet on a hot-headed young man with impressive fire cultivation abilities. Xin of the Coiling Snake sect bets on a sly-looking young man with stealthy movements and poison techniques. Vladimir of the Scorching Edge sect bets on a fierce and ruthless young man with impressive combat skills. Victoria of the Cloudmist sect bets on a radiant young woman with a strong sense of exploration and a unique cultivation style.
As for Thale, the teachers are intrigued by his mysterious cultivation techniques and his ability to control his Qi in such a precise manner. Some of them are even considering recruiting him into their own sects once the trial is over.
The teachers continue to observe and make bets on the students as they progress through the challenges. Old man Zhang is confident in his student's abilities and brags about their strength and skills. Vivian scoffs at his confidence, saying that her student's spiritual cultivation is far superior. Sharon simply smiles and says that the results will speak for themselves. Xin snickers, saying that his student's stealth and poison techniques will be the key to victory. Vladimir grumbles about the difficulty of the challenges and how his student's combat skills will be put to the test. Victoria calmly observes, saying that the true measure of a cultivator is their adaptability and determination. The teachers continue to bicker and tease each other as they watch the students fight through the challenges.
Thale and the other cultivators are given a brief overview of the second challenge, which involves navigating through a treacherous cave filled with traps and monsters. The goal is to reach the end of the cave and retrieve a magical crystal. The cultivators are given a choice of three different paths, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. Thale decides to take the middle path, which is said to be the most balanced in terms of difficulty.
As they enter the cave, Thale and the others are immediately confronted with a series of traps and monsters. Thale uses his cultivation techniques to defend himself and his teammates, relying on his speed and agility to evade the traps and his Qi to fight off the monsters. Despite their best efforts, several cultivators are eliminated along the way, either by falling victim to the traps or being overpowered by the monsters.
As they progress deeper into the cave, the challenges become more intense, and Thale finds himself constantly pushed to his limits. However, he refuses to give up, driven by his desire to become stronger and avenge Elara's death. He continues to fight on, using all of the skills and techniques he has learned to overcome the obstacles in his path.
Eventually, after a grueling journey, Thale and the remaining cultivators reach the end of the cave and retrieve the magical crystal. Exhausted but triumphant, they emerge from the cave to find the teachers waiting for them. Old man Zhang and Vivian praise Thale for his determination and skill, while Sharon and Xin express surprise at his abilities. Vladimir and Victoria simply nod in approval, but Thale can sense a hint of rivalry in their eyes.
Thale and the other successful cultivators are congratulated by the teachers and allowed to move on to the final challenge, where they will have the opportunity to prove themselves once and for all. Despite the fatigue and injuries he has sustained, Thale is filled with excitement at the prospect of facing this final test, knowing that it could be his chance to truly make a name for himself in the cultivation world.