Endless streams of life energy erupted from the surroundings and descended upon the gathered disciples like an invisible ocean crashing from the heavens.
The World Tree Spirit silently floated above the white world while observing the reactions of the participants.
No explanations were given. No hints were offered. The survivors quickly understood everything themselves. It’s a test of how much pressure a cultivator could endure while continuing to move forward.
The weaker disciples quickly began sweating. Some sat down immediately and circulated their techniques to refine the overwhelming life energy entering their bodies.
Others stubbornly attempted to advance only to cough blood and retreat several steps. Every meter closer to the path increased the pressure dramatically.
Kevin Ten’s expression became serious for the first time since arriving. Even with his talent, he could feel enormous pressure pressing against his body. The surrounding life energy seemed determined to force itself into every corner of his meridians.
Beside him, Lily’s brows furrowed as she activated her cultivation technique. Frost-colored energy slowly circulated around her body while she adapted to the sudden increase in pressure.
Several Clark Family disciples nearby were already sitting down cross-legged and trying to stabilize themselves.
Meanwhile, the true monsters among the survivors were already advancing.
Elsa walked forward calmly while the surrounding life energy swirled around her. The Demonic Sea Tribe princess showed no signs of panic. Her tribe possessed techniques specifically designed to absorb vast amounts of energy from the sea. Although the pressure affected her, she adapted quickly. Several surviving sea tribe disciples followed closely behind her.
They were all moving like snails... but moving!
The Bald Monk wore a bitter smile as golden Buddhist light circulated around his body. Every step felt heavy, yet he continued advancing. He had not survived the Dream Realm only to fail in the first trial.
At the front, several famous geniuses had already taken the lead. Their cultivation techniques roared to life as they absorbed the overwhelming life energy flooding the area. Some moved quickly. Others advanced slowly. Yet all of them were forced to struggle.
Except one.
Tony Clark!
The contrast was so ridiculous that several nearby disciples stopped cultivating just to stare at him.
Tony simply walked.
That was it... No strain... No sweating.
He simply walked forward with his hands behind his back as though he were taking a leisurely stroll through a family garden.
The reason was simple.
Before the World Tree Blessing had fully bloomed, Tony had already entered the World Tree once through extraordinary circumstances. Back then, his body had already adapted to the unique life energy carried by the World Tree. What felt like crushing pressure to everyone else felt completely natural to him.
The life energy rushing through the white world didn’t reject him.
Instead, it welcomed him. The closer he approached the path, the more obvious the difference became.
Several disciples stared with disbelief.
One disciple who was struggling merely to stand watched Tony casually walk past him and almost lost control of his cultivation from shock.
"How is he doing that?"
Another participant looked equally stunned. "Is he even feeling the pressure?"
No answer came.
Even Elsa eventually noticed. Her calm expression finally changed.
The Demonic Sea Tribe princess watched Tony steadily advancing through an area where others were struggling to survive.
At that moment, Tony reached a position occupied by several Imperial Family disciples. The group was currently sitting cross-legged while desperately refining the overwhelming life energy. Their leader had veins bulging across his forehead from the effort.
Then he noticed Tony. The Imperial disciple froze.
Tony stopped beside him.
Several surrounding participants immediately became interested.
The Imperial disciple forced a smile. "Something you need?"
Tony looked around. "Actually yes."
The disciple frowned.
Tony pointed toward the ground. "You seem to be occupying a pretty good spot."
Several nearby disciples immediately understood where this was heading.
The Imperial disciple’s expression darkened. "This isn’t your position."
Tony smiled. "I know. That’s why I’m taking it."
The Imperial disciple almost choked.
Before he could react, Tony casually grabbed the fellow by the shoulder and moved him several meters backward.
The movement looked effortless.
The Imperial disciple was too busy controlling the violent energy inside his body to resist properly.
The crowd exploded into laughter. Several participants nearly lost control of their cultivation.
Even Kevin Ten covered his face.
Lily rolled her eyes.
The Imperial disciple looked ready to vomit blood.
Tony calmly sat down in the newly acquired spot. Then something even more ridiculous happened. The enormous amount of life energy flooding the area immediately surged toward him.
The surrounding participants watched in stunned silence.
Several geniuses who had been proud of their progress suddenly felt depressed.
Others became suspicious.
Meanwhile, Tony simply closed his eyes and began cultivating. A faint smile appeared on his face.
The first trial that was supposed to eliminate the weak had unexpectedly become the perfect cultivation environment for him.
And somewhere above the white world, the World Tree Spirit quietly observed everything.
For the first time since appearing, a trace of surprise appeared within her ancient eyes.
Meanwhile, the imperial disciple who is the Seventh Prince of the Imperial family, Jamie Ashford, was currently sitting on the ground with a swollen face while staring at Tony with a mixture of humiliation, anger, and fear.
Earlier he had proudly stepped forward to question Tony. Earlier he had carried the dignity of the Imperial Family. Earlier he had spoken with the confidence of a royal prince. Unfortunately, reality had not been kind to him.
At the moment, the royal prince looked like a defeated street dog who had picked the wrong opponent. Several Imperial Family disciples surrounded him protectively while glaring at Tony.
Tony suddenly stood up and reached the Imperial disciple Jamie again.
[Jamie is not carrying the Imperial family surname ’Smith’. Because he is a bastard son. But because of his martial talent, he was awarded with prince title. Not the actual prince who can complete for the throne in future. He will be addressed as Seventh Prince from next Chapter.]
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Thank you @ChristianCampos for power stones!