"Descend to" can be used to describe a variety of actions, but it's always related to moving or progressing downwards in some way. For this reason, there are quite a few other phrases and synonyms that can be used to convey the same idea. For example, one might "sink to" a particular level or "plunge into" a certain situation. Alternatively, "stoop to" or "lower oneself to" a certain level might be appropriate. Finally, it's possible to "fall to" a particular level or "drop to" a certain position. All of these phrases and synonyms can help add variety and nuance to writing and conversational language.