Please be my partner.

……

The seventy-fifth floor...

……

The 85th floor...

……

According to the barrel theory, how much water a barrel can hold depends on the shortest piece of wood that makes up the barrel.

Facing the all-round pressure of the 'Stairway to Heaven', although Melen had just been promoted to demigod not long ago, he showed unimaginable tenacity.

In terms of the physical aspect, ever since Xiao Honglian entered the Legend, she has been strengthening Mellen's physical body, day after day, all year round without any interruption.

Not to mention the mental aspect, which has always been Mellen's strong point. It is no exaggeration to say that he is several versions ahead.

Melen was not weak in mind and soul to begin with, and now with Nasus's complete evolution, he has rebuilt the defense line in his mind and soul. Not to mention the impact of a demigod, even if a mythical strongman took action, it would probably take some effort to defeat Melen's mind and soul.

The rules are diverse but not chaotic. Each dog has its own strengths. Mellen can integrate the rules of the dogs to achieve the effect of one plus one being greater than two.

So, when Mellen stepped onto the 90th step, he found that this was still not his limit.

After a little thought, Melen stepped onto the 91st step, but the imagined mythical level pressure did not come. Although the pressure of this level has surpassed that of a demigod, it has not yet formed a real qualitative change. Not to mention an all-round powerful person like Melen, even other peak demigods can only hold on for a while.

At the same time, along with this pressure, Melen could also clearly sense that he was gaining an all-round improvement, and even his mythological characteristics showed signs of accelerating condensation.

By this time, Melen had basically come to the conclusion that the pressure felt in the 'Stairway to Heaven' was directly proportional to the actual efficiency of cultivation.

Below the 60th level, because the pressure had no effect on Mellen at all, he could hardly feel the improvement in his training efficiency. This situation only changed when he reached the 61st level.

By the time he reached the 90th floor, his cultivation efficiency had reached about ten times that of the outside world. After reaching the 91st floor, due to the sudden increase in pressure, his cultivation efficiency suddenly increased fivefold, reaching about fifteen times that of the outside world.

This is the effect of passive stay. If he actively exercises, the improvement will be greater.

Mellen didn't stop. After adjusting himself a bit, he continued to climb...

The ninety-second floor...

The ninety-third floor...

The ninety-fourth floor...

Suddenly, Melen stopped. He actually saw other people on this floor, two of them.

Along the way, Mellen met many people on different stairs, but he didn't meet anyone else above the 70th floor. He didn't expect that there was someone who could reach the 94th floor and practice here!

Mellen's arrival naturally attracted the attention of the two people. They looked at Mellen with some surprise, and obviously had similar thoughts as Mellen.

However, they had never met before and had no intention of becoming close friends. They just exchanged glances to show that there was no hostility, and then looked away. Melen was also ready to continue climbing and challenge his limits.

But at this moment, one of them uttered a light "huh" and looked at Mellen again. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "My friend, do you know a wizard named Warwick?"

Mellen's heart suddenly jumped. He looked at the person who spoke but did not answer.

The man looked apologetic and explained, "Although I don't have any evidence, my heart tells me that you may have some connection with Warwick."

Mellen asked, "So what if I know him? So what if I don't know him?"

The man was speechless and smiled, "Sorry, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Lorraine, and this is Roach. I understand your caution. After all, Warwick is such a troublemaker."

"I traveled with Warwick for a while. We were kind of... friends."

Mellen felt a little relieved. Although he hadn't completely given up his vigilance, he was still interested in communicating. So he said, "I do know him. Well, I'm quite familiar with him."

"My name is Mellen. Nice to meet you. It's been a while since I heard from Warwick."

Luo Lin laughed and said, "That guy is either on adventures or hiding from his pursuers. In short, he never has a moment to rest. He seems to have a physique that attracts disasters. Basically, wherever he goes, he always stirs up some trouble."

"Just like this ancient exile land, it has existed for who knows how many tens of thousands of years. It was originally fine, but when he arrived, he tore apart the core origin area here. I'm afraid that in just a few years, this place will be absorbed by the starry universe."

Melen asked doubtfully, "Digested by the starry universe? What does that mean?"

Lorraine was stunned for a moment and asked, "You don't know?"

Seeing Mellen shake his head, Lorraine didn't hide anything and explained, "This ancient exile land isn't originally part of the Starry Universe. Instead, it drifted here from outside the universe. It's a fragment of another universe that was captured by the Starry Universe and then merged into it."

"However, after being washed away by the outside world, the part of this fragment that survived is extremely stubborn. The starry universe has spent countless years trying to digest it without success."

"Now that the fragments have lost their core origin, they're on the verge of falling apart. This is like crushing a large piece of food, making it naturally easier to digest."

At this point, Lorraine smiled bitterly and shook his head, adding, "Actually, Warwick really got a great deal. According to some records I've found, when this fragment of the outer universe first entered the starry universe, more than one or two myths and even overlords were eyeing it. Unfortunately, the fragment was too powerful at the time, and those ancient beings were unable to do anything to it."

"Over the course of time and the wear and tear of the years, the universe gradually broke this tough bone. Just when the harvest was about to begin, Warwick plucked the peaches."

"Ah! His timing was perfect. If a few dozen or a hundred years had passed, with the awakening of the gods, there would surely have been many mythical masters eyeing this piece of 'fat meat' rushing over."

Melen didn't expect that this ancient exile land had such a secret. From Lorraine's explanation, he understood the origin of the name.

Recovering from his thoughts, Mellen asked, "Do you know where Warwick is now?"

Lorraine shrugged and shook his head, saying, "He always likes to run around. He's probably on an adventure somewhere right now. If you want to know about him, it's actually very simple. Just pay more attention to major events. He's always good at this."

Mellen nodded slightly.

After a fairly pleasant exchange, initial trust was established between the three of them.

Lorraine and Roche looked at each other, seemingly completing some communication. The former coughed lightly and said, "Merlen, are you interested in cooperating with us?"

Mellen asked, "Cooperation? In what areas specifically?"

Lorraine said, "After the collapse of the Ancient Exile Land, although most of it will be absorbed by the starry universe, some powerful relics or treasures will still survive..."

"For example, the 'Stairway to Heaven' you see now."

"The three of us can form an offensive and defensive alliance, and after the Ancient Exile Land collapses, we can jointly snatch the scattered treasures. What do you think?"

"Is that so..." Melen pondered for a moment and asked doubtfully, "I think the strength of both of you has probably surpassed the peak of demigods. Do you still need to form an offensive and defensive alliance with such strength?"

Luo Lin sighed and said helplessly, "There's always someone stronger than the strongest! Not to mention those tough demigods, after the Ancient Exile Land collapses, I'm afraid even the mythical masters will intervene. Even if they don't come personally, they'll probably send clones. In the hands of these truly powerful ones, we can only form an alliance to barely protect ourselves."

Mellen's expression also became a little solemn. He didn't expect that it would eventually lead to an incident of this magnitude.

However, Melen did not agree directly. Instead, after exchanging contact information with the two, he said that he needed to think about it and would give them an answer before the collapse of the Ancient Exile Land.

Chapter 546: Peaceful Cultivation and the Ancient Tree of Knowledge

Next, the three of them exchanged information in a friendly manner. Of course, it was mainly Lorraine and Roche who spoke, which gave Mellen a lot of knowledge.

After saying goodbye to the two, Mellen embarked on his journey of climbing the stairs again.

The ninety-fifth floor...

The ninety-sixth floor...

The ninety-seventh floor...

……

At this point, the pressure from the steps was approaching the limit of what Mellen could bear. In this situation, he, who had always appeared omnipotent, also realized his own weakness... his body!

The bones rubbed against each other, making a creaking sound, as if they would break at any time.

The blood flow became slower and slower, almost solidifying into a solid. Although with Melen's current strength, the transportation of energy and nutrients in the body no longer depends on blood, it is still necessary as an integral part of the body's operation.

Muscle fibers are constantly intertwined, and the fascia and skin swell and contract to resist external pressure.

Compared to other aspects, Mellen's physique is indeed a weakness.

Xiao Honglian saw this and felt very guilty, thinking that she had failed to take good care of her master.

When Mellen climbed to the 100th floor with great difficulty, the physical pressure of the stairs had completely exceeded the limit of what he could bear.

Fine cracks continued to appear on Mellen's body, and bright red blood turned into blood beads that squeezed out and were then reabsorbed by him.

Mellen slowed down his breathing. At this time, he had reached the critical point. The particles that made up his body began to deflect, and if he was not careful, he might even fall apart.

Melen stopped and looked up, where the monotonous steps had undergone obvious changes.

The 101st step is no longer pure gold, but a more ancient dark gold, as if it has been deposited over the years, and is covered with certain patterns and textures, as if it has a special magical power.

A strong premonition told Melen that if he continued to go up, he would reach the realm that truly belonged to the mythical strongmen, which was not something he could set foot in at the moment.

Mellen didn't hesitate any longer and turned to leave.

As Mellen moved, a golden light suddenly appeared, and when he landed on the ground, he had already appeared outside the "Stairway to Heaven".

Some people glanced over and were not surprised to see Mellen's scarred appearance. It was obvious that they were used to it.

Mellen found an empty corner far away from the 'Stairway to Heaven' to rest.

After more than half a day, when he had almost recovered, Mellen entered the 'Stairway to Heaven' again.

This time, Mellen did not move forward slowly, but climbed quickly. He soon arrived at the 61st floor where Eagle and the others were. After saying hello, he continued to move forward. Soon he reached the 94th floor where Lorraine and Roche were.

Under the two people's astonished gazes, Mellen moved forward one more floor and stopped only when he reached the ninety-fifth floor.

Spike, Little Red Lotus, Garuru, Little Liuli, Golden Retriever, Nasus, and Void Dog appeared one by one and began to practice while resisting the pressure of the "Stairway to Heaven".

Among them, Spike, Little Red Lotus, Golden Hair and Nasus, who have evolved into golden sacred beings, all seem to be at ease. Both their talent and strength are far beyond their peers.

Because of its special life form, Garuru can barely withstand the pressure.

Xiao Liuli and Void Dog were in a bit of a bad situation. The actual level they could withstand was only about eighty levels. Even with the blessing of Mellen's [Soul Synchrony], the ninety levels was already the limit.

After holding on for more than ten seconds, the two dogs could only reluctantly return to the fairy tale kingdom.

Melen had also thought about putting Xiao Liuli and Void Dog down on the 80th floor and letting them practice on their own.

But 'Stairway to Heaven' is not his own territory after all. If he really encounters danger, it will take a long time for Mellen to rescue him even if he wants to, so he gave up this idea.

Fortunately, the [Wolf Tamers] are a whole. The improvement of the dogs' strength will drive the improvement of Mellen's strength, and the improvement of Mellen's strength will also drive the improvement of the dogs' strength. Of course, nesting dolls is prohibited here!

The days of cultivation were peaceful and harmonious. Under the pressure of the 'Stairway to Heaven', Mellen and the dogs' data in all aspects were steadily increasing.

However, pressure is something that cannot be replenished indefinitely. The key is to have a balance between tension and relaxation. Therefore, every month, Mellen will exit the "Stairway to Heaven" to relax for a day, and he can also take the opportunity to exchange some information with Eagle and others.

Niu didn't know where the channels came from, but he was always able to collect the latest intelligence information about the ancient exile land, such as a demigod war in a certain area, the emergence of a powerful treasure that caused a fight, or the discovery of a relic.

Time flies, and two years have passed in the blink of an eye.

In the past two years, Mellen temporarily put aside all external affairs and concentrated on practicing in the "Stairway to Heaven". He and his dogs have made great progress in strength.

In the third month, Melen and the dogs began to practice on the ninety-sixth floor. In the seventh month, they reached the ninety-seventh floor, and in the fifteenth month, they reached the ninety-eighth floor.

At this time, Mellen and the dogs were able to practice normally on the 99th floor. The rapid improvement in their strength in the past two years was so rapid that even he himself was shocked.

During this period of peaceful cultivation, Melen was also pondering his own mythological characteristics. He had some ideas a long time ago, but he had always lacked the most critical trigger, so he still had not found the "correct" path.

As the dogs' strength increased, their rules began to influence Mellen in reverse, and his hesitation became an obstacle. Occasionally, he even had the illusion that he was being pulled together by the dogs' rules and eventually torn apart.

In fact, the solution to this problem is very simple. Melen only needs to favor a certain dog. In this way, his resonance with that dog will continue to deepen, the rules will gradually converge, and the mythological characteristics will also change accordingly.

In contrast, an invisible gap will appear between Mellen and the other dogs. Although he can still mobilize their power at will, he cannot have deep interactions like [Soul Synchrony] like he is doing now.

Actually, this is the path that the eagle, cat, bear, cow, and snake take.

Of course, according to Mellen's understanding, this was also the advancement route they had originally set.

Unlike Melen's contracted dog, Eagle and the others all follow the path of accommodating extraordinary bloodlines and evolving themselves step by step.

In other words, Eagle and his companions do not control beasts. All their great powers belong to themselves, and they use different talents and abilities by switching between different forms.

Mellen's method of signing a contract with the dogs, and then obtaining the dogs' abilities through [Soul Interaction] and [Soul Synchrony], and even allowing himself and the dogs to jointly exert power far beyond the current level, seems to be somewhat similar to the dragon.

The reason for this difference is probably because in the era of the Ten Thousand Beasts Universe, Wolf was Tianlong's loyal supporter and an absolutely loyal lackey, so Tianlong gave Wolf special teachings.

Melen guessed that perhaps the secret of Tianlong, Xuanfeng and Youhu becoming the top three tribes was hidden in these teachings, but it was obvious that Tianlong had concealed some of the most crucial things.

But this is understandable. After all, what Tianlong needs is a strong and loyal lackey, not another opponent who can compete with him.

Originally, these were not a problem. In the universe of all beasts, Tianlong was the absolute ruler. Even if there were talented wolves who wanted to understand the key, they could only follow the path set by Tianlong in the end.

Each generation of wolves would respectfully hand over the rope around their necks to the dragon.

But now, things have gone a little awry!

No matter why Tianlong insisted on invading the starry universe.

Judging from the current results alone, the inheritance has been reshuffled and has become even more powerful after absorbing the rules of the alien universe (the Starry Universe).

For Wolf, or rather, for Mellen, this is an opportunity! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!!

Recovering his thoughts, Mellen exited 'Stairway to Heaven'. It was time for his monthly rest and communication.

Soon, Mellen saw the five Eagles who were waiting for him at the old place.