As Kai screamed in pain. Old Man Hanxian pitifully looked at him.
'*Sigh* Sorry for deceiving you kid!'
'This thing is more horrifying than what I introduced it as; I was only able to take 2 steps on it while the founder took 3 steps. Considering how high our potential was in our lives I cannot even begin to imagine how much willpower one would need to climb all the 9 steps!'
His body shuddered as he remembered the time when he attempted to climb the Heavenly Steps. He was completely burned and almost half dead just from stepping a single foot on the 2nd step, completely losing all the previous determination he had and falling unconscious with fear. If not for the elders at that time rescuing him and feeding him a lifesaving pill he might have just lost his life that day.
He only told Kai to climb 4 steps as to motivate him so he would not lose his will too fast. Kai was more than worthy of receiving his inheritance and even he would gladly hand the inheritance to Kai seeing the level of talent he displayed in the previous trials.
He sighed as he pondered over everything once more. 'This is more than enough.' He thought and planned to step forward as to rescue Kai.
Just when he was about to take the first step his eyes widened and a wide smile appeared on his face.
Kai's body was burned in various places, his breathing grew heavy. Despite the terrifying lightning strike and its strong impact, because it lasted only for an instant, Kai found it manageable to continue. Even though he felt a lot of pain. He was constantly using mana to strengthen his body and he looked forward with a confident expression on his face.
*Tap*
Kai placed his foot on the 2nd step.
*Thrum*
He could instantly feel the pressure weighing him down, growing by several folds. Kai's upper body slightly bended due to the sudden change but he quickly steadied himself.
Old Man Hanxian entire body trembled with excitement. Since Kai was able to place a foot on the 2nd step it means he at least has the same potential as him. The potential to become a Great Emperor!!!
Just as he was about to say something, his words got stuck in his throat… no words came out as he looked in front.
Kai lifted his other foot and placed it on the 2nd step!!! Surpassing Old Man Hanxian's record.
'I knew he had more potential than me!' The old man exclaimed in his mind. He started inwardly giggling.
Kai channeled his mana throughout his body, unlike the previous time he was prepared! He raised his head to look at the dark clouds, his gaze containing pure determination and confidence! He had no plans on failing this trial!
*Crack*
Just then the clouds roared loudly as two lightning strikes, one yellow and one red rushed straight at Kai. It hit Kai head on as Kai's entire body got engulfed with flames, severely worsening his already bad condition.
This time Kai didn't scream! He gritted his teeth and endured! He couldn't afford to suffer so much and had to get used to this since he had only made it to the initial steps of the Heavenly Stairs and had a long way to go.
Old Man Hanxian watched on as no words came out his mouth. He was witnessing the birth of a future legend. And even if he is already dead, he didn't wish to miss such a moment.
Even Lilith looked on with interest. But more than interest her gaze was filled with worry! "Kai." She muttered in a low tone.
Just like that Kai propelled himself off the ground and placed his foot on the third step!!
*Thrum!!!!*
'The pressure has been increased by almost 20 times!!!' Kai screamed in his mind. He has now started feeling pain purely by the pressure too, not to mention the terrifying lighting that will soon fall on him!
Though this was still manageable as he continued to place his other foot on the 3rd step and prepared himself for the lightning strike.
*Rumble*
This time 3 lightning strikes each of a different colour charged at Kai and struck!!! Kai's mouth bled from gritting his teeth too hard. At this point all his clothes were burned and a lot of his skin was completely charred!
The old man sighed in defeat. This young brat that he underestimated just yesterday somehow turned to have better willpower than even their sect's founder. Their founder was knocked off the stairs after placing one foot on the 3rd step by the insane pressure, but here Kai was… having a strong foothold on the same step, enduring the pressure and even able to withstand those frightening lightning strikes!
Just like that Kai didn't stop! He continued climbing.
Soon he was on the 4th step completing his goal for the trial. But he didn't stop there! He continued to climb and surprise both Old Man Hanxian and Lilith, who both had their mouths slightly agape as they looked at Kai's back with awe and admiration.
5th step...
6th step...
7th step...
8th step...
Just like that Kai had reached all the way up to the 8th step!
The old man felt his knees growing weaker, barely able to stand as he looked on the spectacle. He knew Kai was more talented than him, but he didn't know the gap was so big! Just thinking about the things Kai could achieve in his life, even the once all powerful Great Emperor was forced to gaze at him with envy and… jealousy. But internally he was very happy knowing how powerful his successor would be.
Kai's body was scorched raw, his skin blistered and felt as if it could peel right off like burnt paper. He heavily gasped for air, every breath hurting as it reached his fire-scorched lungs. Blood streamed from his eyes, nose, and mouth… and many parts of his body. His hands trembling, broken, and soaked in crimson blood just by the sheer pressure he was experiencing.
Almost half unconscious, already losing his thought process midway through the trial. He now only had a single reason driving him to continue forward and endure.
Every time he wanted to give up, the imaginary silhouette of his sister always appeared in his mind. Making his body move forward with pure willpower!!!
Kai stared at the 9th and final step for a few minutes, properly preparing his mind. Finally taking a deep breath and utilizing the mana around him to move his haggard body he stepped forward!!!