Free Web NovelChapter 88: Chapter 88: Strength Gate
The Strength Gate was not subtle.
The moment Qin Yuheng’s team entered, pressure slammed down on their bodies like a mountain.
The world inside the gate was a long stone bridge suspended over a red abyss. At the far end of the bridge stood a giant stone door. Between them and the door were nine pressure zones, each marked by red runes.
A panel appeared.
[Strength Gate Trial]
[Objective]
Cross the Nine Pressure Zones and open the Strength Gate Door.
[Rules]
Team members may assist one another.
Carrying, shielding, or supporting teammates is permitted.
If any member falls, the trial fails.
[Warning]
Pressure increases with each zone.
Qin Mo stared at the abyss.
"I dislike rules that mention falling."
Qin Yuchen rolled his shoulders, testing the pressure.
"Zone one is manageable."
Qin Lian’s expression remained calm, but her body was not strength-focused. This trial would be harder for her and Qin Mo.
Qin Yuheng immediately understood the purpose.
It was not testing who was strongest individually.
It was testing whether the team could cross together.
"Formation," he said. "I take front pressure. Yuchen supports right. Lian stays center. Qin Mo, behind me, use stabilizing formations only when needed."
Qin Mo looked at the bridge.
"Formations may be suppressed."
"Then use them carefully."
They stepped into the first zone.
Pressure increased.
Their bodies sank slightly, but they adjusted quickly.
Second zone.
Third.
By the fourth zone, Qin Mo’s breathing became heavy.
By the fifth, Qin Lian’s steps slowed.
Qin Yuheng did not rush.
"Step with my rhythm."
He released a controlled thunder-body aura, not enough to expose his full strength but enough to create a forward pressure path.
Qin Yuchen matched him, using his body and sword as balance support.
Qin Lian adjusted her breathing and moved between their pressure shadows.
Qin Mo activated a small earth-stabilizing mark beneath his feet every ten steps.
The sixth zone introduced wind pressure from the side.
The bridge shook.
Qin Lian nearly slipped, but Qin Yuchen caught her wrist.
Qin Mo muttered, "No falling. Excellent rule. Terrible bridge."
The seventh zone added heat.
The eighth added impact waves from beneath.
The ninth zone was pure weight.
Qin Yuheng felt the pressure settle deep into his bones. The Primordial Thunder Emperor Body responded, eager to break through. He suppressed the urge to release too much.
Instead, he used the Origin Thunder Emperor Body Scripture’s first layer.
Origin Thunder Marrow Tempering.
His bones stabilized.
His steps became heavy and steady.
War Thunder Advance.
One step.
Then another.
Behind him, Qin Yuchen supported Qin Lian. Qin Mo’s face was pale, but his eyes were focused. He placed his last stabilizing mark and forced himself forward.
Ten steps from the door, Qin Mo’s knees buckled.
Qin Yuheng turned instantly.
But Qin Mo raised a hand.
"Do not carry me yet."
He gritted his teeth and stood.
"I refuse to be defeated by walking."
Qin Yuheng waited.
Qin Mo took another step.
Then another.
The team reached the door together.
Now came the final task.
Open it.
The stone door had four handprints.
One for each member.
Qin Yuheng placed his hand on the first.
Qin Yuchen on the second.
Qin Lian on the third.
Qin Mo on the fourth.
A message appeared.
[Team Force Synchronization required.]
The door did not need one person’s strength.
It needed combined output. frёewebηovel.cѳm
Qin Yuheng understood.
"If one person pushes too hard, the balance fails."
Qin Yuchen nodded.
"Same rhythm."
Qin Lian adjusted her breathing.
Qin Mo closed his eyes.
"Tell me when."
Qin Yuheng counted.
"One."
Pressure gathered.
"Two."
Their energy aligned. fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
"Three."
They pushed.
The door trembled but did not open.
The pressure rebounded.
Qin Mo coughed.
"Again?"
"Again."
This time, Qin Yuheng reduced his output deliberately. Qin Yuchen steadied the right side. Qin Lian added sharp, focused force. Qin Mo supported the formation rhythm rather than raw power.
They pushed again.
The door cracked open.
Red light poured through.
[Strength Gate cleared.]
[Team Strength Evaluation: Excellent.]
[Individual note: Strength imbalance corrected through leadership and synchronization.]
[Reward pending final settlement.]
The pressure vanished.
Qin Mo sat down immediately.
"I defeated walking and door-opening. My legend grows."
Qin Lian looked at him.
"You did well."
He blinked.
"Thank you. That makes complaining harder."
The world shifted.
They returned to the Trial Hall.
Two gates cleared.
Spirit Gate.
Strength Gate.
Only Battle Gate remained.
The black gate stood quietly, darker than before.
Qin Yuheng looked at his team.
"Rest for ten minutes."
Qin Mo lay flat on the floor.
"I vote twenty."
"Ten."
"Cruel."
After ten minutes, they stood.
The Battle Gate opened.
No pressure came out.
No mist.
No heat.
Only the sound of a blade being drawn.
Qin Yuheng stepped forward.
The final gate awaited.
