The recruits spent the night in a shared dormitory, a spartan hall lined with wooden cots. Wei Liang sat on the edge of his, staring out the small window at the distant mountains. The air was crisp and quiet, but his mind was anything but calm. Two trials down, one to go.
The first test of potential had left him feeling like an ant in a world of dragons. His low-grade Earth Root was a constant reminder that he was at the bottom of the ladder. The second trial, the combat duel, had been a near disaster. The System's assistance had saved him, but his victory was more luck than skill.
He turned over the small wooden token bearing his number, running his fingers over its engraved surface. Joining the Jade Peak Sect wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about proving, to himself and to this new world, that he could rise above his humble beginnings.
[Reminder: Quest Objective—Pass the Initiation Trials. Reward: Enhanced Qi Condensation Speed.]
The System's voice was as calm and clinical as always, but Wei Liang found its presence oddly comforting. It was a lifeline, a guide in this unfamiliar world.
Morning came too quickly. The recruits were awakened at dawn and led to a secluded valley behind the sect. The air buzzed with energy, and the ground was littered with strange formations carved into the earth—runes, spirals, and glowing glyphs. At the center of the valley stood Elder Yan, flanked by two other elders.
"This is the Trial of Endurance," Elder Yan announced, his voice carrying easily over the gathered recruits. "It will test your resilience, your ability to endure hardship, and your will to persevere. These are qualities every cultivator must possess."
The recruits exchanged nervous glances. Elder Yan gestured to the formations on the ground.
"These are Spirit Pressure Arrays. When activated, they will weigh down on your body and soul. The longer you endure, the greater your score. Those who fail to last at least an hour will be dismissed immediately."
Wei Liang's heart sank. This trial sounded like a nightmare. The farmer's body he inhabited was sturdy, but how could it withstand something that targeted the soul itself?
Elder Yan raised a hand, and the formations began to glow, their runes pulsing with a soft, ominous light. "Take your positions."
Wei Liang swallowed hard and stepped onto one of the arrays. The moment his feet touched the glowing runes, an invisible force pressed down on him. It wasn't just physical—it was as if the very air around him had turned to stone, crushing his chest and clouding his mind.
His knees buckled, but he managed to stay upright. Around him, other recruits were already struggling. Some fell to their hands and knees, their faces twisted in pain. A few screamed, clutching their heads as the pressure overwhelmed them.
[Analyzing Spirit Pressure Impact… Adjusting Host's Qi Flow to Compensate.]
A sudden warmth spread through Wei Liang's body, dulling the edge of the crushing force. He still felt the weight, but it was manageable now.
"Thank you, System," he muttered through gritted teeth.
The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity. Sweat poured down his face, and his legs trembled under the strain. His mind wavered, threatening to give in to the relentless pressure.
But every time he thought of quitting, he remembered the farmer's life he had left behind. The endless toil, the despair of knowing he would never amount to anything. This was his chance to escape that fate, to rise above the life he had once accepted as his only option.
Around him, recruits began collapsing one by one. Sect disciples carried them away, their faces pale and defeated. Wei Liang clenched his fists, forcing himself to stand tall.
The glow of the formations began to fade, and Elder Yan's voice rang out. "Time is up. Those still standing, step forward."
Wei Liang staggered out of the array, his entire body trembling. He glanced around and saw that fewer than half the recruits had lasted the full hour.
Elder Yan surveyed the survivors with a critical eye. "You have passed the Trial of Endurance. Congratulations. You are one step closer to becoming disciples of the Jade Peak Sect."
Wei Liang allowed himself a small smile. He had done it.
---
After the trials, the remaining recruits were led to a grand hall within the sect. There, the elders reviewed their performances and made their final decisions.
When Elder Yan called Wei Liang's number, he stepped forward, his heart pounding.
"You have shown determination and resourcefulness," the elder said. "Your spiritual root may be lacking, but your will to persevere is commendable. You will be admitted as an outer disciple of the Jade Peak Sect."
Wei Liang bowed deeply, relief flooding through him. He had made it.
---
Later that night, as he sat alone in the small, shared quarters assigned to outer disciples, the System chimed.
[Quest Complete: Pass the Initiation Trials.]
[Reward: Enhanced Qi Condensation Speed Unlocked.]
A new screen appeared before him, displaying his updated status.
---
Name: Wei Liang
Cultivation Realm: Qi Condensation (Stage 1)
Spiritual Root: Low-Grade Earth Root
System Assistance: Active
Abilities Unlocked: Enhanced Qi Absorption
---
Wei Liang stared at the screen, a mix of exhaustion and excitement swirling in his chest. He was a cultivator now, no longer just a farmer.
This was only the beginning, but for the first time, he felt like he had a chance to succeed in this world.
Tomorrow, his real training would begin.