Second Stage: Heaven Trampling

The 100 top participant that survived the first stage all sat on the wide platform. They silently meditated, recovering as much strength as possible for the second stage.

The second stage is extremely peculiar. A staircase which will test their minds left them restless and unsure about the specifics. At the very least, most of the participants didn't expect such test.

Only a handful looked calm and unperturbed while they meditated.

However, Tatsuya knew that their mental stability is just one thing to note for. Their Dao Heart will determine the result. Even Tatsuya is unsure whether Chu Xin will take the first place.

Chu Xin, herself, is extremely strong. Tatsuya knew that she was holding back against Xia Qingyue. She didn't want to fight her seriously. Probably because she wants to win the tournament no matter what. Unnecessarily revealing her trump cards and spending her energy might affect her negatively.

His gaze hovered on Chu Xin most of the time.

"She's in top shape. There's nothing to worry about."

The Dao Heart is a simple yet miraculous thing to exist within a person. It determines the extent of their willpower and luck. Having a clear and achievable goal can be categorized with Dao Heart. That's the normal assumption about Dao Heart.

Dao Heart exists in everybody, mortals or not. It is the reflection of their experiences. Their ability to reflect and change is their Dao Heart. Dao Heart represents their self, showcasing their experiences and journey up to this point.

A person can be stronger than you in cultivation, but they might not necessarily defeat you with their Dao Heart. In rare cases, a True God can be weaker against a mortal with exceptional Dao Heart.

It is very mysterious…

"Everyone! Second Stage of the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament will now begin!" The announcer excitedly raised her hand. Her gaze landed on the empty air above the platform.

"—!" The audience widened their eyes.

The space above the platform shifted for a few seconds before a glassy staircase descended before everyone. It encompassed the stadium and hovered in the air, reflecting a wondrous scene.

"This is the Heaven Trampling! According to her majesty Phoenix, it is a replica of a godly item that once existed in the Primordial Era. It was used by Primordial Heavenly Sects to test their disciples…"

Tatsuya knew very well that this staircase is not a replica. He was also quite surprised when the Phoenix brought up the matter of Heaven Trampling being used for test.

Normally, it would not be shown to others. The Heaven Trampling possess a strange aura that can attract powerhouses from the Divine Realm. It is specially because the Heaven Trampling was once owned by a True God!

It might just have an inheritance that can allow the Divine Master Realm cultivators to reach the Divine Extinction Realm!

Tatsuya's existence assured the Phoenix, thus she brought it out. She plans to use the Heaven Trampling to pick out exceptional seedlings which she would nurture.

As he was thinking to himself, he sensed Chu Xin's gaze which landed on his body.

Tatsuya smiled at Chu Xin slightly, silently encouraging her.

Chu Xin nodded her head, determination filling her eyes. She could not afford to lose here! She must win the Seven Nation Ranking Tournament to prove herself to Tatsuya!

'I can't afford to be complacent here…' Chu Xin said to herself, glancing at Xia Qingyue.

Humm—!

The Heaven Trampling hovered in the air, emitting a soothing sound. The participants found themselves flying involuntarily towards the Heaven Trampling.

They relaxed their body, letting the energy guide them to the invisible platform.

Chu Xin and others landed softly, their gazes attracted to the first glassy step.

Everything looked normal, but they all plastered a serious expression on their face.

The fact that it was called the Heaven Trampling alarmed them and made them extremely cautious. No one could afford to relax, not even Chu Xin!

She could indeed trample with her peers using absolute strength. But it won't work with Heaven Trampling.

Being together with Tatsuya for a long time, she could sense a weaker but similar pressure from the Heaven Trampling to her big brother. It was a type of energy that asphyxiated them.

But, she didn't back down despite sensing that incomparably holy presence.

Chu Xin took a step forward while others were still preparing themselves for worst.

Each of her step resembled the rise of an immovable mountain. Her aura slowly increased, with her flowing hair fluttering in the air. She looked like a peerless immortal empress!

Thud!

Chu Xin's left food landed on the first step. She didn't flinch nor looked affected.

She continued…

2nd step… 3rd step…

She steadily climbed the stairs with a steady pace.

Everyone held their breaths in admiration for the fairy-like immortal who looked ahead fearlessly without any inch of hesitation. If Chu Xin captured their attention at the start with her beauty, now she managed to charm their hearts with her inner beauty.

Her gaze seemed to shout "I will trample the heavens itself!"

Feng Xihan looked absolutely enraptured with her beauty before he soon woke up from his daze. He could not afford to let Chu Xin leave him.

Encouraging himself with his own motivation, he also stepped on the staircase with his determined gaze.

Xia Qingyue and other geniuses followed Chu Xin.

A burning competitive atmosphere enshrouded all of them. All of them refused to back down.

Tatsuya looked at the participants and nodded his head. He appreciated their attitude.

When the others reached the 20th step, Chu Xin had already stepped into the 31st step. Her feet were steady and calm. She silently ascended the staircase.

The audience had long grown calm, as they all silently watched the floating white screens before them. They could shout but an obligatory atmosphere that seemed to prevent them from doing so had longed descended upon them.

It was as if it was their duty to silently watch the 100 participants ascend the very heavens itself.

Stepping on the Heaven Trampling is the same as trampling on the heavens itself.

The Phoenix has toned down the difficulty of the Heaven Trampling to an appropriate level. If she did not do that, even Chu Xin will have failed the very moment she stepped on the first level.

Tatsuya looked at the Heaven Trampling quietly as a thought formed within his mind.

Truthfully, he was wondering whether he could easily reach the peak of the Heaven Trampling at its full power. He didn't doubt his ability as a True God, but still felt quite curious.

Will he manage to ascend the Heaven Trampling easily as if walking in his own backyard or will he encounter a challenge that he never once experienced in his life?

'I'll talk to her later about this…' Tatsuya thought to himself.

He was not the adventurous type, but he sure was curious about the strength of the True God Item which was birthed in the Primordial Era.

Maybe if he tried the Heaven Trampling, he will discover something.

Who knows…?

Tatsuya focused on Chu Xin again, silently watching her figure ascend the Heaven Trampling in a steady pace, a certain emotion flashing within his eyes…