Tribulation

Battling with the bandit, Ray and Ellis were able to take an attack from him without taking any damages which annoy the bandit more for whenever he has a chance at any of the two, his attack will be deflected by the other.

Sending out is wind slash at the bandit while Ellis run in to deliver a blow whenever the bandit went on a defense stance to defend himself from the attack, Ellis was able to land a blow on him which cause him to move six steps back. After stabling himself from going back which will make him take more attack that he is not prepared for, the bandit send a shape gaze at Ellis who was rubbing his fist.

' A mere QI refining realm was able to cause me harm" thought the bandit while placing a hand on his stomach.

" Nice one Ellis, you were able to land a hit on him" said Ray while giving Ellis a thumbs up.

" I was only able to land a hit on him due to the fact that he was distracted by your wind slash" replied Ellis while smiling.

" Hey kids, do you need any hand here" said the hunter that Gray ordered to help them out.

" No need to worry about, we can handle this one on our own, but I doubt that those two will be able to hold him off" replied Ray to the hunter.

Looking at the hunters that were fighting with the other middle age man that was as strong as the one Gray was battling with, the hunter knew they will not be able to last long if he does not join in. Turning back to Ray and Ellis asked once again.

" Are you sure you two will be able to handle him alone".

" Just go will you" replied Ray while dashing at their opponent and at the same time swinging his blade from different angles at the bandit. Which were easily blocked by the bandit, but before he could send an attack of his own a fist will be sent at him which left him with no choice other than to defend himself. Seeing that they were able to stand their ground against the bandit, the nodded before running to the opposite side were the other two hunters are battling with the middle age man.

" You just lost the only chance you had in defeating me" said the bandit when he saw the hunter leaving to assist the others.

" We are more than enough to take you out" replied Ray with a serious look on his face

while fighting with the bandit, Ray was able to gather the energy needed to execute the flame burst technique and when it was time to release the energy, he slashed the blade downwards at an incredible speed and since the bandit was busy defending himself from Ellis attack he was not able to see the attack on time and only when it hit the ground did he feel the energy coming from the ground, but it was too late for him to make a run for it.

Taking the attack head on with the whole spiritual energy in him, the bandit was able to fare a little against the attack but was let with some injuries and smaller amount of spiritual energy. When the explosion goes off, those fighting turned to see what cause it only to see the attack coming from where the two apprentice were battling.

" Those guys are really terrifying for a QI refining realm cultivators" said Gray with a smile on his face while attack the middle age man.

The battle between Gray and the middle age was very fierce, and they seem to be at stalemate. While the rest of the hunters are holding their own ground against their opponents.

Meanwhile, after losing so much spiritual energy in protecting himself from the flame attack, the bandit have no choice than to turn tail and run deep into the forest. Seeing he was running away, Ray and Ellis give chase while leaving the rest to deal with their problem.

After chasing for some while, they were able to corner the bandit and started to struggle to see that he could not get away from them. And after giving it their all, they were able to kill him.

*Ding*

" Congratulation for leveling up"

" Host has five minutes to prepare himself for his tribulation"

" What tribulation are you talking about" asked Ray when he heard the system mention tribulation.

* Ding*

" It a trial encountered by cultivators at key points in their cultivation, which they must resist and ultimately transcend. Because immortal cultivation (generally) goes against the Will of Heaven, the Heavens will send down tribulations to oppress high-level cultivators who make progress towards Immortality, often right when they enter a new cultivation stage. This typically takes the form of a lightning storm, with extraordinarily powerful bolts of lightning raining down from the Heavens to strike at the cultivator."

" And what if I were to fail the test" asked

*Ding*

" Being unable to withstand the baptism will only lead to death"

" What, is there anyway I can avoid the tribulation" asked Ray with fear in her voice.

*Ding*

" There is no way to avoid the tribulation, but host can purchase pills that will increase the success rate"

" Really, then what are we waiting for" said Ray before ordering the system to open the potion shop.

Taking a look at the goods that are recently added to the potion shop. Confused about what he needed for the tribulation and could only turn to the system for help and with the system guidance, Ray purchases five foundation realm pills and closed the interface before turning to Ellis and said.

" Am about to face my tribulation and I will need you to stand by and protect me".

" What, you want to go through your tribulation, and you are asking me to stand here and protect you" asked Ellis while pointing at himself.

And Ray nodded to Ellis word in agreement.

" Do you really want me dead that badly" said Ellis with anger.

Ray become to why he would say that, but before he could ask Ellis why he would say that, he saw Ellis running away.