Vahn deliberately stopped at the 501st step. He knew this was enough to earn maximum attention while keeping his full talent at bay. Only a foolish person would reveal a higher potential than necessary.
The moment he stopped, the humming and golden light subsided. But Vahn also heard a deeper calling from the Stairway itself, something like a desperate, ancient cry for help. It was likely a residual spirit or artifact related to the true secret of the Stairway, a calling reserved for a cultivator with a unique core like his. But Vahn couldn't cross 10,000 steps just yet; he needed to stick to the plan. Whoever or whatever was calling would have to wait.
"Young man, Congratulations! Congratulations! You have great potential in you," shouted one ecstatic elder.
"I would love to take you into My Peak, but alas, that drunken bastard got really lucky," lamented another, clearly referencing the Drunken Master.
