"It seems that the item rewards within the first 100 layers are all Rare grade."

"Following this pattern, if I want Epic grade items, would I need to pass layer 300?"

Thinking of Star Ember from the Star Sea Civilization, who had only reached layer 318, Noah understood just how difficult that would be.

"Layer 99."

With a single slash, Noah split the monster in front of him into two. He did not immediately proceed to the next layer and instead chose to rest where he stood.

Starting from layer 50, the monsters’ strength increased rapidly. Even Noah could no longer kill his opponents casually. He had to either use his skills or engage in a tough fight.

By the time he reached layer 70 and beyond, even using skills was no longer enough to defeat monsters easily.

After a series of battles, Noah’s clearing speed slowed more and more.

It was clear that the monsters’ strength was changing dynamically.

Noah possessed Epic skills, and his Perfect grade skills were only one step away from reaching the maximum level. With such strength, and under the same panel attributes, how could other Awakeners compare? Even he was struggling. Unless other Awakeners had extremely refined Combat Art, it would be very difficult for them to even reach layer 70.

After all, the Sky Piercing Tower tested Combat Art. The further he progressed, the more his advantage in skills was gradually reduced.

Ten minutes later, after recovering some of his stamina, Noah stepped into the 100th layer.

---

Outside the Sky Piercing Tower.

"Someone has entered the 100th layer," an Awakener exclaimed in surprise, instantly drawing everyone’s attention toward it.

Sure enough, a single light appeared on the 100th layer. It was the only one.

"I wonder if he can clear it."

"Difficult. It is far too difficult. Many Awakeners are stuck on the 100th layer."

"To clear it. Combat Art must reach 100 percent, with perfect control over all of one’s strength."

The surrounding Awakeners discussed it intensely. They understood just how difficult the 100th layer was.

In the Sky Piercing Tower, each layer was harder than last. Every ten layers brought a significant increase in the monster’s strength, and by the hundredth layer, the difficulty rose sharply.

Perfectly controlling all of one’s strength might sound simple, but it was not.

In reality, how much strength a person could exert depended on many factor. Mental state, physical condition, and environment could all cause fluctuation in performance.

Only by achieving complete control could one ensure that their power was used without any loss or interference.

Reaching that level was extremely difficult.

Most Awakeners were stuck at this stage.

Only those with exceptionally strong mind, will, or soul, or those who had all three, could achieve perfect control. Some could even exceed their limits and display power beyond one hundred percent.

Combat Art was not just technique. It was the combined expression of mind, will, and soul.

...

Noah was locked in a fierce battle.

The monster on the 100th layer was absurdly strong. Its attributes were several times higher than his. If not for his overwhelming advantage in skills, Noah would have been killed long ago.

It was not until the eighth minute that Noah finally defeated his opponent.

"Hoo... hoo..."

Noah collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.

[Congratulations on clearing the 100th layer of the Sky Piercing Tower. You have received 10000 full attribute crystals, 3 Basic Skill Crystals, 3 Rare grade sublimation stones, 3 Rare grade talent upgrade pills, 1 Low grade Bloodline Essence, and 1 Lottery Chance.]

[Due to your excellent performance, Blue Star Civilization has received the following rewards: Zero Order Awakeners all attributes plus 10, First Order Awakeners all attributes plus 100, Second Order Awakeners all attributes plus 1000, Third Order Awakeners all attributes plus 10000, Fourth Order Awakeners all attributes plus 100000. The probability of awakening High grade Talents has also slightly increased.]

[You have one hour of rest time, or you may immediately enter the next layer.]

The battle had been difficult, but the rewards made it completely worthwhile.

"The nationwide reward has arrived."

Noah smiled. Although it was the lowest tier of nationwide reward, it was still extremely valuable.

"It seems that nationwide rewards only appear every hundred layers."

Clearing one hundred layers was already this difficult, so reaching two hundred layers was almost impossible.

He was not in a hurry to enter the next layer. Instead, he began checking his gains.

The reward for clearing the 100th layer far surpassed anything from before, and a new item had appeared, Low grade Bloodline Essence.

[Low grade Bloodline Essence]

[Quality Rare]

[Type Item]

[After use, greatly increases bloodline concentration. Effective up to Rare grade bloodlines.]

Noah’s expression showed a hint of surprise.

Bloodline concentration was essentially the same as experience points.

Did this mean that bloodline levels could only be increased using this Bloodline Essence, rather than Skill Crystals?

Noah had originally planned to obtain some intermediate Skill crystal to level up his Savage Bloodline.

Now it seemed that Intermediate Skill Crystal were useless for that purpose, and he needed Bloodline Essence instead.

At first glance, this Bloodline Essence appeared far more valuable that intermediate skill crystals.

Shaking his head, Noah did not dwell on it. He possessed his talent, so even without Bloodline Essence, he could still improve gradually. At most, his growth would be a little slower, which was not a major issue.

He immediately used his lottery chances.

Unlike previous draws, all the rewards this time were of Rare grade. After using them, Noah obtained a Rare item.

An hour later.

"Continue."

Noah’s gaze was steady and resolute.

---

Outside the Sky Piercing Tower, many Awakeners were surprised to see the light on the 100th floor remain for more than ten minutes.

"He actually cleared it. Impressive."

"perfect control... I wonder whether this person has a stronger mind, will, or Soul."

"I have challenged the tower several times and always stopped at the 80th floor. This person is far stronger than me."