The sight that met their eyes surpassed their wildest expectations, as the institute's grandeur and celestial beauty unfurled before them, marking the commencement of their journeys and trials in the realm of cultivation and magic.

Before them lay a breathtaking panorama. The grand institution nestled at the foot of a mountain enveloped in mystical mists, encircled by ancient forests that appeared to cradle it with protective reverence.

The institute's architectural design seamlessly blended traditional elegance with celestial beauty. Towering pagodas, embellished with intricate carvings of mythical creatures, punctuated the landscape.

Golden roofs glistened in the sunlight, and their spires seemed to reach for the heavens. Stone bridges gracefully spanned clear, meandering streams that wound through the campus, and beneath them, koi fish glided with elegant poise. The air carried the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms, while melodious birdsong graced the surroundings.

As they entered through the grand white gates adorned with the symbol of the Celestial Phoenix Institute, Dylan couldn't help but be captivated by the tranquil, otherworldly ambiance.

The youngster recognized that his arrival at this sacred ground marked the commencement of a new chapter in his life, one defined by challenges, revelations, and the relentless pursuit of genuine cultivation.

The man clad in intricate navy robes, raised his hand, and a gust of wind swirled around him. His authoritative voice resonated, carrying its command to every corner of the forested mountain.

"Welcome to Celestial Phoenix Institute," Senior Zhang declared, "the path to enlightenment and greatness. Your inaugural trial is to ascend these stairs from the mountain's base to reach the institute's primary grounds near the peak. Best of luck, and fear not; if you should falter, the magic of the institute will ensure your safe return."

As Senior Zhang concluded his address, an air of anticipation and uncertainty pervaded the surroundings. The students exchanged glances, their expressions ranging from unwavering determination to subtle traces of anxiety.

Before them, they beheld a colossal set of stone stairs that commenced at their feet and vanished into the ethereal shroud veiling the mountain's peak. It was a breathtaking sight, as if they stood on the threshold of a celestial journey into the heavens themselves.

With that final sentence, Senior Zhang turned and, in a few swift steps, vanished into thin air, leaving the students bewildered and without guidance.

For an instant, a profound silence engulfed them, and uncertainty hung in the air as the students hesitated, uncertain about taking the initial step. Then, a courageous soul emerged from their midst, a young woman with unwavering determination and resolute eyes, who bravely stepped forward.

She drew in a deep breath, planted her foot firmly on the first step, and commenced her ascent. An air of anticipation gripped the onlookers, and the very next moment, a subtle transformation overcame the young woman as she took her second step.

Yet, her unyielding determination served as an inspiration for others, and before long, a surge of students mirrored her actions. In unison, they took their initial steps, each exhibiting the same reaction as the first female.

As they made their ascent, the stairway stretched seemingly into eternity, the weight of an increasing pressure pressing upon their very souls. The climb felt overwhelming, and, in response, some students succumbed, collapsing on the steps.

"What's happening?" one student inquired of another who was attempting to ascend.

"I can't go on; there's a force blocking me," the other responded.

However, as if by the hand of fate, the Celestial Phoenix Institute's magic fulfilled its promise. When a student's resolve weakened to the point of collapse, a shimmering light enveloped them, gently transporting them back to the initial field, unharmed.

"This is unjust!" another student cried out. "I've dedicated years of my life to earn this chance. How can something as simple as climbing stairs be impossible?"

It wasn’t normal to start the academy at the age of eight like Dylan. Most students were teens, and starting at such a young age was a privilege only available to the noble families of Shadow Peak Territory.

"Yeah!" a chorus of students chimed in with similar grievances. However, the determined individuals who could continue their ascent paid no heed to the complaints. They recognized that despite the perceived unfairness, they had no say in the rules. Complaining was futile; if they possessed the energy, they ought to press onward with their climb.

The Celestial Phoenix Institute had established the tone for their journey with a trial that called for more than just physical prowess. It demanded the strength of spirit and the unwavering will to persist, serving as a reminder that in the realm of cultivation, challenges were boundless. Only a resolute heart could advance.

Dylan approached the formidable stone staircase, a blend of determination and apprehension in his demeanor. The stairs seemed to extend limitlessly towards the heavens, and as he took his first step, an immediate and immense pressure descended upon him. It was as though the very essence of the Celestial Phoenix Institute presented a challenge right from the outset.

"Interesting…" Dylan mused, his approach distinct from the desperation of those attempting to scale the stairs. While others grappled with the physical challenge, Dylan's mind delved into the intricacies of the staircase. How did the magic of this place manipulate his psyche to induce physical exhaustion?

With each ensuing step, the pressure mounted, transforming each movement into a grueling ordeal. His muscles protested, and droplets of sweat gathered on his brow. The burden on his very soul seemed to intensify, and he could discern the subtle energies of the location probing his inner essence, examining his determination and fortitude.

Despite the escalating pressure, Dylan remained engrossed in contemplation as he ascended the steps with swiftness and determination.

"How can he manage this?" a student, whom Dylan passed, couldn't resist blurting out.

"He's clearly cheating!" another protested, unwilling to accept that such a seemingly frail individual could surpass him.

As Dylan continued his ascent, the surrounding atmosphere grew increasingly saturated with mystical energy. The ambiance of the place appeared to tug at his very core, urging him to acclimatize and discover equilibrium within the tumultuous surroundings.

The stairs stretched on, and many faltered in their trial. The initial assembly of students, numbering a couple of hundred, had dwindled to a mere double-digit count.

"It appears we have a less promising group this year," Senior Zhang remarked to himself at the summit of the stairs, his apprehension growing as he observed the ongoing challenge.

Undaunted by the formidable challenges, Dylan continued his ascent. His mind held a blend of unwavering determination and the understanding that he needed to demonstrate his capabilities, not just to Declan but also to himself. He remembered the very cause that had spurred him on this path—his aspirations for mastery and scientific revelations.

The courageous girl who had initiated the journey by taking the first step led the group of students, while Alfred closely followed, overtaking one student after another in quick succession.

As he passed many hot-headed young masters, their scornful looks were evident, betraying their wounded egos. How could an obscure noble outshine them, when they all hailed from Celestial Mage Grade families?

Dylan remained steadfast in his determination to surpass the obstacles and demonstrate his ability to reach the zenith of his potential. Slowly but steadily, he drew nearer to the girl leading the way.

Her attire was an exquisite blend of traditional and ornate garments, adorned with sumptuous fabrics that seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly enchantment. The intricate embroidery upon her robes depicted celestial motifs, and her flowing sapphire-blue hair cascaded like a waterfall down her back.

In her ascent, every step she took became a mesmerizing dance, her movements reflecting a rhythm of unwavering determination and unshakable confidence. Her eyes held a glint of resolve, her features, though ethereal, exuded an inner strength that contradicted her delicate appearance.

The mystical energy enveloping her appeared to answer her very existence, weaving a radiant halo of light around her as she continued to ascend. Her inner spirit harmonized with the institute's power.

The climb was an arduous examination of both their physical endurance and inner resolve, yet it also served as a significant rite of passage that would mold their fates as cultivators. With each step, they drew nearer to the institute's core, where the genuine trials and enigmas of the Celestial Phoenix eagerly awaited them.

At last, Dylan had reached the girl's position. She greeted him with a calm smile, appearing unfazed by his presence. There was a subtle glimmer of surprise and intrigue in her eyes as she regarded him.

They now found themselves in a fierce competition, racing side by side up the stairs, spurred by their mutual determination not to settle for second place.

After enduring hours of grueling toil, the summit of the stairs came into view, and both Dylan and the girl could see Senior Zhang awaiting their arrival at the top.

"What's your name?" Lianxia Tian inquired, her voice carrying a melodic quality.

"Dylan Haco," her competitor replied with confidence. His actual age was years beyond her maturity and she failed to intimidate him.

"Would you care to make a wager?" the crafty young girl proposed.

"Sure," Dylan agreed. The last few steps became increasingly easy for him so he had time to divert his attention.

"I noticed you arrived on the field with an Uxulia," Lianxia Tian began.

'Here we go again,' Dylan thought inwardly, but he responded, "And what are you willing to wager?"

"There's nothing particularly unique about a single Uxulia; my family has numerous. However, it's exceedingly rare to possess one with cyan fur. I'd like to have this steed as a gift for someone," the girl continued, her eyes batting innocently at Dylan.

"And what is your wager?" the youth reiterated, his composure unshaken.

"I will grant one of your requests," the striking girl responded with resolute eyes.

Dylan contemplated dismissing her and telling her to forget about it, as he had little interest in infants. Yet, the recollection of her mysterious family background stirred his curiosity. 'Perhaps I'll need her for access to classified information or resources?' he pondered.

"Very well," he agreed.

"Fantastic! The first one to reach the top wins," the girl responded, her elation evident in her expression. She hastened her pace and charged toward the summit, with only 25 steps remaining and Dylan just two steps behind her.

The two competitors, Lianxia Tian and Dylan Haco raced up the final steps, their determination propelling their ascent. Despite the escalating pressure on their willpower with each step, they persevered, their gaze unwaveringly fixed on the goal.

The other students who had grappled with the challenge of the climb watched in admiration and anticipation. They engaged in hushed discussions, choosing sides and speculating on who would ultimately triumph.

"That's the most promising youth from the Astral Celestia Clan!" one student exclaimed, recognizing the sapphire-haired girl.

"The Astral Celestia Clan?" The whispering among the students grew hushed as her family clan was mentioned. It was the most powerful family in the Shadow Peaks Territory, boasting a Celestial Mage Grade status.

At the pinnacle of the staircase, Senior Zhang observed the climbers with keen interest. His eyes tracked their progress as they approached the summit, and a faint smile touched his lips. He had witnessed numerous challenges and rivalries among the students, and this was another test of their determination and spirit.

With only a few steps remaining, Dylan quickened his pace, his heart pulsating with resolve. He closed the gap between himself and Lianxia Tian, and in a final surge of effort, he reached the peak just moments ahead of her.

To the onlookers, it seemed like Dylan had struggled to conquer these steps, but in reality, he had long mastered them and was only pretending to be challenged. The test primarily assessed one's willpower; the more determined the competitor, the less the steps' power affected them.

Having experienced death in a previous life, Dylan was driven by a strong desire to correct past mistakes. This determination provided him with an unending well of motivation from which to draw willpower. His ambition overshadowed any uncertainty he might have had about achieving his goals.

The bystanders gasped in amazement as Dylan emerged victorious, placing his foot upon the stone surface of the Celestial Phoenix Institute's highest step. Lianxia Tian, despite her valiant effort, stood just one step behind.

"Impossible! Who is that youth?" questioned someone, their voice filled with astonishment.

"He defeated a disciple of the Astral Celestia Clan!" another voice exclaimed.

Senior Zhang nodded in approval, his expression radiating a sense of satisfaction. "Well done, young disciples," he commended them. "Your determination and resolve are truly admirable."

Dylan feigned exhaustion, allowing his body to tremble for added effect. He turned towards Lianxia Tian, offering a hand in a display of sportsmanship. "I hope you'll honor our bet," he said.

Disappointed by her defeat, Lianxia Tian declined his hand with a shy demeanor. "Of course, what is your request?" she inquired in a timid voice. Had he known the implications of this gesture, he might have refrained from extending his hand.

Without taking any offense, Dylan responded, "I'll tell you at a later date. It's enough that you've acknowledged your loss." He refrained from discussing his request in front of the approaching students.

Misinterpreting his ambiguous words, Lianxia Tian's face turned red, and she looked down, her bangs hiding her eyes.

"That scoundrel!" Many shared her sentiments, and curses filled the air.

The two students soon joined Senior Zhang and silently observed the remaining students completing the trial.