Chapter 6: Obsessed With Staircase[First Person POV]The night sky stretched endlessly, a single moon casting its glow as countless stars flickered in and out of existence."Greetings, Elder Long.""Greetings, Elder Long."Tap. Tap.I followed behind Elder Long Bai, our footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Along the way, we passed many elders, all of whom recognized the distinguished figure in deep blue robes and respectfully greeted him.We were traveling on foot because I couldn't withstand the fierce winds and breakneck speed of Elder Long Bai in the air. Out of concern for me, he decided to walk, using the opportunity to introduce me to the background and current standing of the Hidden Dragon Sect in the cultivation world."Elder, am I really talented in cultivation? Will the Sect Master accept me?"I voiced the questions that had been gnawing at my mind."I won't give you false hope. Something like this hasn't happened in thousands of years—at least, not in our sect.""But doesn't that mean it might just be a coincidence? That there could be another reason behind the earthquake?""The Sect Master should know more than I do. But one thing is certain—the disturbance came from the Talent Stone. Every elder in my realm can confirm that much."Seeing that I was still uncertain, Long Bai decided to explain further."You saw how the Talent Stone reacted when my fingers merely brushed past it.""Yeah… a bell-like hum resonated in everyone's ears," I recalled, replaying the scene in my mind."That means I have exceptional talent—the highest recorded so far."Wow!I stared at Long Bai in awe, my eyes gleaming with newfound admiration.Straightening his back, Long Bai walked with a more confident stride."Yes, exactly. Every time someone places their hand on the Talent Stone, it reacts in some way—silence, a slight tremor, a deep hum, or ringing like a bell. There is also a legendary reaction beyond these, but no one has ever seen it before."He took a deep breath before continuing."That is why Long Chen was deemed trash. Because when he touched the Talent Stone, it made no sound.""Are the results of the Talent Stone permanent? Is there any—?""Stop. I know what you're about to ask. But I advise you to focus on recognizing human hearts first. It's a skill that only comes with experience."I frowned. What did he mean by that?My brows furrowed as I mulled over his words, but even after several minutes, I couldn't grasp what he was trying to tell me. He must have sensed something that I had failed to notice.Silence settled between us.Tch?!"Too slow."Chicken-Grabbing Technique!!Before I could react, I felt myself being lifted into the air—my waist secured and my arms bound under the armpits.Like a small chicken being grabbed by its wings.The world blurred around me at lightning speed.Before I could even process what was happening, my surroundings stabilized once more—except we were now in a completely different place.The Sect Master's Pavilion sat at the highest peak of the Hidden Dragon Sect, overlooking everything like a divine throne among the clouds. Carved directly into the mountain, its grand hall was constructed from ancient blackwood, its towering pillars wrapped in golden dragon engravings that shimmered under the sunlight. A wide staircase, lined with stone lanterns, led to the pavilion, each step feeling heavier under the weight of the sect's authority. Behind it, sheer cliffs formed a natural barrier, while a cascading waterfall ran along the side, feeding into a mist-covered lake below.From here, the entire sect was visible—disciples training in courtyards, elders patrolling, and stairways sprawling down the mountain like veins of an ancient beast.It was a place of absolute power, where only the most worthy dared to step.For a moment, I forgot to breathe. The sight before me stole the very air from my lungs."Welcome. To. The. Sect Master's Residence!!"Long Bai's voice boomed across the mountain, causing the very peak to tremble. Tiny pebbles tumbled from the cliffs due to the sheer force of his declaration.Cough! Cough! Cough!I suddenly found myself coughing, my breath catching in my throat. The air at this altitude was thin, yet a wild breeze whipped around me, making it difficult to even stand upright. No matter how hard I tried, breathing was a struggle.Shielding my eyes with my arm, I braced myself against the howling winds. Through my half-closed eyes, I saw Long Bai standing firm, unfazed—like an unmovable mountain in the storm."ELDER... A LITTLE... HELP HERE, PLEASE!!"I had to shout just to be heard. If I had spoken normally, my words would have been swallowed by the raging wind before I could even finish them."Oh yes, here—take this. From this point on, you must climb alone. Only those summoned by the Sect Master are permitted to enter the pavilion."Long Bai tossed something toward me.A locket-shaped token.I expected it to be blown away by the wind, but instead, it shot straight toward me and fastened itself around my neck—as if it had marked me.Instantly, the wind vanished.I could breathe again.When I looked back up toward where Long Bai had stood, there was no trace of him.A chill ran down my spine.The breathtaking view that had once filled me with awe now seemed like an endless abyss.If I fall from here…No, no. Don't think about it.