The moment Ace stepped onto the 151st stair, the pressure returned, and unlike the previous steps, it no longer felt like a force descending upon his soul.
In fact, it had become something more complicated. The pressure seemed to penetrate every layer of his existence, testing the relationship between his physical body, soul, will, and cultivation foundation.
His body remained stable, and his will was strong enough to endure the increasing pressure. Even his soul, supported by his Cultivation Heart, had gradually adapted to the Stairway's assault.
Yet Ace felt something had changed: the pressure wasn't merely increasing; its influence was becoming more comprehensive.
He narrowed his eyes; previously, the pressure had focused primarily on his soul, forcing it to adapt while his Cultivation Heart provided support. Now, however, the pressure seemed to be examining the connections between them.
