What often gets overlooked is the cost of advancement. Each major realm breakthrough is described as agonizing, risky, and resource-intensive. Lin Dong constantly needs rare pills, blessed grounds, and life-threatening trials. So the 'power levels' aren't free. They're a measure of suffering endured, luck exploited, and debts incurred. That guy at the Reincarnation Realm? He didn't just train hard; he likely died and came back multiple times, consumed treasures that could fund empires, and made enemies of ancient clans. The number is a summary of a brutal journey.