Heavy Steps

Since the sect was more focused on gaining disciples with a lot of potential than a lot of cultivation base, it wouldn't make sense for the strength of the aura to increase by the same level for everyone else. Surely, it would increase proportionally based on their cultivation base.

Which meant, Alex had a chance to succeed here.

He didn't speed up. He didn't skip steps. He moved one step at a time at his own pace, ignoring the others who may be rushing on ahead or slowing down ever further behind.

Sure, there may be a reward at the end for someone who arrived at the top the fastest, but Alex didn't need to be first.

He just had to get there.

Alex climbed the staircase slowly, feeling the effects of the aura gather around him, making things heavier. Nearly a thousand steps up, the aura felt as though he was walking around with a ton of weight on him.