No Skills, First Threshold

Once again, the intense Qi Energy pressure from the first step of the staircase almost pushed me out of the way. Fortunately, I was prepared for it and I steeled myself just in time. I gritted my teeth as I felt every cell on my body on the verge of breaking. The other 'climbers' stared at me in disbelief. The longer I stayed on the first step, the more they grew worried. They were probably thinking about how a mere Heavenly Realm Cultivator could stay on the first step when it took them months to climb it. 

Also, as I mentioned before, I decided not to use any of my skills while climbing up this Qi Energy Ladder. I know that I've been too dependent on my skills these days. If I don't change this habit of mine, I wouldn't be as resilient like before, back when I only relied on my own cultivation to best everyone. 

"You sure about this, Yongrui?" Hui-ying concernedly asked me. "Do you want me to take over if you get tired? I can assist you."