"So this is the pressure-resistance test!" At that moment, everyone, both on and off the grounds, understood at last.
"This is the Eight Directions Mountain-Suppressing Formation," Mu Xuanzhou said from outside the grounds.
"Master, what kind of formation is that?" Li Yong and Zhang Hao, who were not taking the examination, asked curiously.
"It uses a formation to draw upon the power of heaven and earth, subjecting every candidate to the same crushing pressure. That certainly counts as a novel way to test them," Mu Xuanzhou said with a nod.
"The time limit is two hours. Afterward, the examiners will assess each candidate's performance based on how long they lasted, combined with their mounted archery results. The top two hundred will advance to the Main Trial," Yu Zhiyong said from the raised platform.
The full rules of the second test had only been announced at the very last moment to prevent cheating. The world was vast, with no shortage of strange wonders. If someone learned the contents of the examination beforehand, they might pay a hefty price for treasures that helped them withstand pressure. Although everyone had been searched before the examination and forbidden from bringing in poison, concealed weapons, or any equipment that offered assistance, revealing the details early might allow disciples with powerful backing to acquire treasures that could slip past the inspectors.
That was why the detailed rules of the second test were only announced when it began.
Even the three Innate realm sect masters had not known beforehand. They had only known that Su Qingwan needed their help.
Outside the grounds, the watching sect members, along with the disciples' friends, relatives, and teachers, were also discussing it in low voices:
"They say the Son of Heaven strictly ordered that there be no shady dealings whatsoever in