Xuan Wu had stepped on the first stair as a sudden suppression weighed down on his body, he clenched his fist as he vaguely remembered that in his previous life's attempt he could only reach the 38th step.
[This time it will be different, this time i shall reach even higher as this test is not just about the body but also soul.]
Xuan Wu quickly went up to the second step, then the third, fourth, etcetera. It wouldn't be long before he was on the 20th step, however it was still easy for him so to deceive not only the other youths but also Ming Yue, he clenched his fist even more and made his fists tremble.
Just 5 minutes had passed before he was on the 38th step, the suppression was actually making it nearly unbearable for Xuan Wu's youthful body. The suppression weighing heavily on his shoulders, he clenched his fist to the point that it began bleeding but this did relieve some of the stress on his body.
Murmurs filled the hall as he was looked upon with jealous gazes from the crowd, especially from those with low level aptitude. Ming Yue looked at him with newfound interest.
Xuan Wu stepped on the 39th step - one step higher than in his past life's attempt, however the suppression was weighing extremely heavily on his shoulders to the point it was almost unbearable. The suppression felt suffocating to the point even his legs were shaking and his breathing became ragged.
Tension filling the air, and whispering spreading like wildfire discussing whether or not he could successfully reach the 40th step.
Xuan Wu lifted his right foot to take the step as he did so with great effort and pure determination, he could barely move it up an inch.
As his leg rose towards the 40th step all he felt was agony and determination, he forced his body to keep on going [I can't allow myself to stop here! if I cannot keep going it will all be for naught!]
The suppression would strain his body to the point blood would come out of his mouth, it slowly dripped down on the step on which he was standing right now. [I refuse to give up here!], his vision began blurring, he was barely conscious at this point.
He let out a loud roar and with a final push he slammed his foot down on the 40th step - he had done it.
This achievement would silence the onlookers, disbelieve filling the air, even the composed Ming Yue would be hit with surprise.
This action would mark the beginning of Xuan Wu's new journey, however, this time he will be following the demonic path.