Chapter 664: Tower Trial

“Looking at the state of the cultivators, I can say, that a lot of them weren’t expecting something like this to happen,” the commentator said.

“Indeed, there seems to be a lot of confusion and death, which is very normal yet quite unfortunate,” Eccentric Long stated.

“How so?” the commentator asked.

“Because most of these younglings are sheltered babies in my eyes, they’re nothing but moving elixir bottles that have eaten and enjoyed the richness of their families. Stuffed with god only knows how many good elixirs to bolster their cultivation.

And just because they made it to such a high level of cultivation shouldn’t excuse their lack of problem-solving ability,” Eccentric Long said as another screen was turned off as the person on it just died.

“They’re too sheltered, and it shows,” Xiao Du said. “Among the cultivators that just died, some had even reached the Void Shattering stage, and even with that level of cultivation, they couldn’t figure out such a simple thing and tried to fight against hoards of other opponents, the ones that are resourceful and more careful had already backed away.

And those who are truly strong are fighting tooth and nail against incredible odds yet they’re very confident in their ability to overcome the dangers, however, those with inflated egos from the grooming of their families and the endless resources that they consumed, we all can see how they’ll end up.”

“That is the price of challenging the Strongest Under the Sun trials. It isn’t for the faint of hearts or those with weak stomachs. This is a trial that will try one’s ability fully, from mind to body, from power to resourcefulness, because if anyone were to just simply stuff themselves with heavenly treasure and obtain this title, then the title itself will be meaningless, Regardless!

With this trial done, and the shadow of the massive island gone, we can finally say that the first portion of the trial had finally finished!” the commentator said and as soon as he finished, the great shade above the Floating Islands began dissipating.

The slimes on the island began merging back into the island itself disappearing from view, and cultivators who were in the middle of battle had finally gained a moment to breath.

Some had been running for hours, and some had been fighting for hours. All had taken a respite from this endless stress. Except two people who were still sitting calmly amidst the chaos.

Shen Bao and his companion were enjoying a jug of wine as the sun rose above them, chasing the shade away.

“It’s time to call them back!” the commentator said as he clapped both hands.

Soon, the bracelets on every cultivator that was still alive shined once more, teleporting them back to the arena.

Unlike before, when even this massive arena couldn’t take in everyone at once, now with so many trials, a lot of challengers have lost their lives, and the number dwindled by a great deal.

With barely a bit above a million cultivators, the arena still felt packed to the brim, but it was a far cry from before.

“Congratulations on making it this far in this tournament!” the commentator stated for all.

Many of the cultivators weren’t feeling as cheerful as the audience was.

A far contrast from the jubilant and very enthusiastic audience, the cultivators were a literal mess. Covered in dirt, bloodied and wounded, and clear signs of exhaustion all over them.

“For now, this makes the first part of the competition concluded, you may return to your lodging and rest up for now!” the commentator said, however, a faint smile was still plastered on his face. “Or so you would think! NEXT TRIAL LETS GO!”

The cultivators that took a moment of relief were back to stressing out immediately after.

“Did you think you get to rest and relax? No enemy will wait for you to regain your strength! Struggle and wriggle out of your misery! The strong can only be tested with challenges and difficulties as would a sword be tested by the flames of a forge!” the commentator then waved his hand up, manifesting a massive tower that slowly came down and made contact with the ground.

“This tower is brought to you by the Wisest Sun! This was something he had personally made in his younger days, and it has been in his sect for many years. A tower that he used to try and challenge his own disciples to solve many a mystery and many troubles! Now you all get a chance to take a glimpse at the genius of the Wisest Sun! Climb and challenge the tower!

For not only might is required from a cultivator, but a mind that can also drive and guide that strength! Though you might think it unfair…”

The commentator trailed as he explained his next point. Since this tower had been in the presence of the Wisest Sun’s sect, many of them already knew all the ins and outs and would have an advantage over you. However, don’t worry, this isn’t a test where you must come out first, but a test where you just need to clear at least four floors.

Anyone who fails to do so will immediately be excluded from proceeding further! Do note, that this test is not lethal,” he said.

Which made many cultivators sigh in relaxation as they realized that they didn’t have to fight for their lives.

“But that doesn’t mean that when you’re eliminated you won’t wish you were dead!” the commentator added.

“That is rather cruel,” Eccentric Long said.

“Do you think so, dear Long? You have been co-casting with me for a while, but why do you believe me cruel?”

“You really did give them hope where it would be far better for some to give up than even try this trial. I’ve seen this tower in the sect of the Wisest Sun, and even the best of their disciples don’t dare to go up to the higher floors, I’ve even seen cultivators who have lost their minds and mental ability by simply visiting the first floor.” Eccentric Long said.

“It is as you said, the Wisest Sun’s Tower isn’t something strange to many of the people here, but that doesn’t mean it is simple or easy! Go at your own risk. Though you can also simply just give up here, if you don’t feel up to the task!” the commentator shouted the last part.

Many cultivators didn’t hesitate to take this opportunity, folding immediately as they needed to simply break their bracelets.

With a god portion of cultivators instantly leaving, about two-thirds remained. None seemed to be too worried about the upcoming challenge. However, that was soon about to change.

“Hurry, what are you waiting for? Oh just so you know, time goes differently inside the tower, so everyone’s turn will come rather fast. The tower can take in a hundred cultivators at the same time so start from the closest to the tower!”

The people around the tower soon walked inside, some of them had the banner of the white sun and almost instantly the first-floor light lit up, a screen showcasing the cultivator who broke the first floor appeared up above everyone’s head. However, it wasn’t tracking his progress in real-time as the secrecy of the trial was needed to not allow anyone an advantage.

Just as the second light lit up, the third-floor light lit up but immediately the man was ejected from the third tower floor, looking nothing more than a pile of shriveled-up and old bones. As if tens of thousands of years had gone by for that man where it wasn’t more than a few seconds.

This was a realization for everyone around the tower, it wasn’t going to be an easy task.

Several more cultivators walked up and soon more and more were ejected from the first couple of floors, looking like decrypt corpses that spoke in unhinged and incomprehensible tones.

However, a few had made it to the fourth floor and weren’t ejected out but transported somewhere else.

“Good, we already have a few contenders who are able to clear the trial. The rest of you should really get your bearings together. Since the fewer cultivators that clear this stage would only mean that the title of Strongest Under the Sun will be easier to obtain!” the commentator didn’t hesitate to throw jabs at the cultivators who were hesitating.

Yet his eyes were still locked on one person in particular, Du Shen, the man who had barely shown any of his skills or abilities.

Even for him, something like the Tower of the Wisest Sun should pose a great deal of trial and challenge. Perhaps he’ll make it to the fourth stage. No, maybe even the fifth, since not many cultivators dared push past their limit and stopped at the fourth, Du Shen could be the one to go one step above and go beyond what is needed.

While the commentator’s mind was still racing with the thoughts of how Shen Bao was going to proceed, the latter locked eyes with him and smiled. He then began walking up ahead to the tower.

“I guess we’re about to see something interesting!” Eccentric Long stated.

“Indeed, I hope to see him achieve something good. Not many are even able to reach the fourth stage, and the few that do are nothing but true monsters,” Xiao Du said.

“Indeed, however, Du Shen had proven that he too is a monster. I hope that we can see something good,” the commentator said.

And just as Shen Bao took the first step into the tower and disappeared inside.

The Commentator’s eyes and everyone in the audience had their mouth opened agape and eyes wider than a deer in front of a strong light…