Soon, they reached the training chambers. Outside, on a raised square platform, stood another orb — slightly larger than the standard ones used for checking cultivation realms.
Yami looked at Derek. "You can test your realm with this one. There shouldn't be any issues this time."
Derek nodded and stepped forward. His heartbeat quickened as he slowly raised his hand and placed his palm on the orb.
'Please work properly… and please... don't tell me my realm really dropped.'
Yami and Meridith watched with tense anticipation as well.
The moment Derek's palm touched the surface, the air inside the orb stirred violently. A swirl formed, colors shifting rapidly until the translucent orb turned a deep, dark orange.
Derek waited, hoping — begging — for it to climb higher.
But the color didn't change.
Not even after several long seconds.
