Is This an Illusion to Test the Team

Behind the Illusory Realm training hall, on a hillside, lay a vast open space.

At this moment, it was packed with onlookers—disciples eager to witness the rare spectacle of a live spar between two elite disciples.

In the center of the crowd,

Zhong Yi stood with golden Dao patterns shimmering across his back, six colossal golden arms faintly materializing around him.

Zhou Yue wielded black-and-red karma flames, a ferocious fiery vajra guardian looming above his head.

"Brother Zhong, your [Great Dao True Word Art] seems to have improved significantly, hasn’t it?"

"Likewise, Brother Zhou. Your [Karmic Flame Lotus Technique] is even stronger than during our last bout. Have you nearly purified all the sin and calamity in your fate?"

The two exchanged a knowing smile.

In the next instant, their figures vanished, golden and black-red spiritual energy clashing violently, explosions reverberating through the air.

"Stop hopping around like that!"

"You—how dare you count 'three-two-one-zero'? What kind of nonsense is that?"

"What’s wrong with counting to zero after one?"

"What’s wrong with calling it a 'small hop' when the distance is shorter?"

"Three-two-one, I’ll smash your tiny head in!"

"Three-two-one-zero, I’ll smash your head in!"

……

The fight only ceased when Zhao Wendao and Lin Qingxuan arrived.

With a grim expression, Zhao Wendao escorted the two to the control room where Lu Ze was stationed.

"You’re telling me this is a team trial illusion???"

Zhao Wendao pointed at the illusion projection titled [Four Must Walk Together], staring at Lu Ze in disbelief.

"Correct."

Lu Ze nodded without a hint of guilt.

"Then why are the disciples outside… acting like that??"

Zhao Wendao gave Zhong Yi and Zhou Yue a strange look.

The two weren’t truly fighting—they had just gotten heated in the illusion and decided to spar outside.

After all, even without the illusion, they often sparred as close friends.

But if even elite disciples could come to blows, what about the others?

From what Zhao Wendao had seen, many disciples were already smacking each other’s heads with chains inside the illusion.

It was only a matter of time before it escalated into real-life brawls.

How could a team trial end up like this?

This was more like torture!

"It proves their teamwork can’t withstand the test!"

Lu Ze replied matter-of-factly.

Zhou Yue and Zhong Yi exchanged glances, both letting out awkward chuckles.

"Master, Junior Brother Lu is right. Our team failed the illusion’s trial!"

Zhong Yi bowed deeply to Zhao Wendao in apology.

"I agree with Brother Zhong. This disciple is willing to accept punishment!"

Zhou Yue added, lowering his head.

Seeing the elite disciples admit this, Zhao Wendao and Lin Qingxuan grew even more puzzled.

If even elites couldn’t pass, what kind of illusion was this?

"I’ve prepared a special solo version. Why don’t the two elders give it a try?"

Lu Ze smiled faintly, producing a customized illusion he had prepared in advance.

Their curiosity piqued, Zhao Wendao and Lin Qingxuan entered the trial.

The map was the same, the challenges identical.

The only difference?

This was a solo version.

Without the chains or teammates restricting them, the two elders cleared the 1,000-foot leap with ease.

"You’re saying the disciples are struggling with this illusion?"

Lin Qingxuan remained skeptical, half-suspecting Lu Ze of trickery.

"Absolutely. You can ask Senior Brothers Zhong and Zhou if you don’t believe me."

Lu Ze nodded.

"Master, it’s true… Earlier, Brother Zhong and I were stuck at 600 feet, completely unable to progress!"

Zhou Yue confirmed.

"Preposterous! How could such a simple illusion trouble you? You’ve shamed the title of elite disciples!"

Zhao Wendao scolded, his face dark with anger.

"Elders, please calm down."

Lu Ze stepped forward with a smile, explaining:

"The illusion itself isn’t difficult. Any inner disciple could clear it easily."

"The challenge lies in teamwork."

"If even one person’s rhythm is off, the whole team suffers… Look here."

He pointed to a projection in the control room.

Three disciples leaped in perfect sync, only to be dragged down by the fourth, who was half a beat too slow—sending all four plummeting.

Watching this, Zhao Wendao and Lin Qingxuan began to understand why even elite disciples struggled.

"Conversely, if the team works in harmony, they could clear the illusion in just fifteen minutes."

Lu Ze shook his head with a chuckle.

"The difficulty isn’t in the illusion or cultivation level… but in the team itself."

"Isn’t that the essence of a team trial?"

His words left Zhao Wendao and Lin Qingxuan momentarily speechless.

Having experienced the solo version’s simplicity, they had to admit Lu Ze made sense.

If they couldn’t even manage basic teamwork, how could they call themselves a righteous sect?

Recalling the chaos he’d witnessed earlier, Zhao Wendao gnashed his teeth in fury:

"Fine… It seems they’ve grown too comfortable! They can’t even maintain the slightest discipline!"

"At this rate, what difference is there between them and those selfish demonic cultivators?!"

"Lu Ze, relay my order!"

"Every disciple in the sect must clear this illusion!"

"We must rectify this team mentality—starting now!"