Nexus Ascension: My Comprehension Defies the Heaven Chapter 494: The Cosmos rushing to one singular point

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Previously on Nexus Ascension: My Comprehension Defies the Heaven...
Grey uses his Divine Decree to reshape the dragon world into the Nexus Domain, a central hub for his followers. He transforms grass into advanced circuitry, creates teleportation structures, energy devices, and diverse attractions like hot springs that enhance enlightenment. He also establishes a mecha forge for automated production and a challenging tower for evolvers. The world undergoes a massive, instantaneous transformation, shocking onlookers with its blend of ancient aesthetics and high technology.

No sooner had Grey concluded his preparations than he immediately took to the internet, commencing the advertisement of his world. Leveraging his formidable hacking expertise, it took him mere moments to infiltrate networks and disseminate the ad.

The advertisement itself was straightforward. Primarily, it showcased a striking image of Grey himself. The revelation that the Nexus Domain was none other than the Saint’s planet was positioned to ignite significant interest with minimal effort. As an additional enticement, he also let slip the crucial detail that this planet served as the primary hub for the Aetheric Evolutionary Path.

He harbored no anxieties about facing an onslaught from any random entity, for at the end of the day, he possessed the backing of the Heavenly Dao.

Currently, the entirety of the cosmic internet was in an uproar.

[XenonPulse]: Did you all happen to catch the advertisements that just flooded all the streaming services and forums?

[DragonSlayer_X]: It's the Saint who annihilated the dragon realm.

[AetherFanatic]: Not that! His planet... it's the main planet for the Aetheric Evolutionary Path!? You guys saw that, didn't you?

[RogueScholar]: You're referring to "that" path? The one that only surfaced yesterday?

[GalacticNewsJunkie]: Precisely. It's currently the hottest trending topic across the cosmos. Individuals throughout the Human Alliance are now fiercely competing for evolutionary stones to achieve the status of a pathstrider within that specific evolutionary path.

[Whisperer]: The evolutionary AI has never been wrong. The fact that its potential can ascend to the 6th rank while being a 5th rank path is a testament to its power.

[Pathstrider_Z]: This is absolutely unbelievable. I've just transitioned to the 5th rank of the path myself. It’s a stage that doesn’t necessitate the use of an evolutionary stone. I'm heading there immediately! In fact, I'm relocating my entire family to that location! To think that the new Saint would be a pathstrider of that very path.

[FEET_FAN011]: I'm with you! I also made the switch yesterday. As of now, countless beings are embracing the path, and that was within a single day. This path presents too much allure for others to simply disregard. Even the most seasoned veterans are reevaluating their choices after observing its unique characteristics.

[OldGodsObserver]: I can only imagine the thoughts of the forefathers of other evolutionary paths as they witness this new contender.

[CreatorSpace_Novice]: I'm a modest creator with access to the Creator Space. You might not be aware, but even the architect behind the Esper evolutionary path is actively seeking to learn from the Aetheric Evolutionary Path.

[AbyssWatcher]: This power not only bestows formidable combat prowess and a comprehensive enhancement of all your stats as an evolver, but it also possesses the astonishing capacity to contend with Abyssal energy!

[FrontlineVeteran]: Everyone, without exception, is now actively pursuing corruption fields within the alien battlefields. It's rumored that numerous vice-captains have already defected to the Aetheric Evolutionary Path, a strategic maneuver orchestrated by the Seven Disciples of the Arbiter, who also hold the positions of Great Marshals overseeing the military.

[CH emperor]: I am the Emperor of the Celestial House Divine Kingdom. I am en route with my entire fleet.

He wasn't the sole individual harboring such a precise intention.

Within an hour of the advertisements going live, approximately 100 million space fleets had already set a course for the Nexus Domain. Over 500 million beings had arrived.

Considering the sheer magnitude of this world, such a number was relatively modest. Certain individual planets alone housed populations ranging from 20 to even 40 billion individuals. The cosmos is an immense expanse. Attempting to ascertain precise figures for the total populations of various alien races and the Human Alliance proved exceedingly difficult. Perhaps Eterna might possess such data.

"I am the Emperor of the Celestial House Divine Kingdom, young Saint. You may recall me from the tournament," the Celestial House Emperor stated, his tone laced with a degree of deference.

"Welcome to the Nexus Domain. Would you be interested in relocating your entire kingdom to my world?" Grey inquired, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "The tax is quite minimal, merely 10% of your earnings."

"This..." The Celestial House Emperor's expression became one of clear indecision. Was this proposal perhaps too premature?

"We extend complimentary access to the simulation tower for all kingdoms that choose to migrate to the Nexus Domain." Grey gestured towards the towering structure. "This tower was constructed by my master, a distinguished individual of high standing in the higher world. He has entrusted me with the mission of disseminating his path among others, and I believe you are already well aware of the capabilities of my chosen path."

"I am indeed aware," the Celestial House Emperor responded, his voice tinged with a slight hesitation.

"I was contemplating a switch, but is it within the realm of possibility to attain the 6th rank of the Aetheric Evolutionary Path, Sir Grey?"

"Not at this precise moment." Grey cleared his throat. "I haven't communicated with my master in some time, but its creation is imminent. Grant it a few months' time."

"Merely a few months?" The Celestial House Emperor's face lit up with sheer delight. "Then, I am willing to wait for as long as it takes."

"In that case, I shall proceed with relocating the divine galaxy of the Celestial House here. I trust that you will serve as an invaluable assistant to the empire, Sir Grey."

"I shall endeavor to perform my duties to the best of my ability," Grey replied, a polite smile gracing his lips.

Thus, the initial alliance was forged, and the Celestial House Emperor escalated his grand schemes. By this point, an additional 500 million individuals had already descended upon this realm.

Merely two hours had elapsed, yet the Nexus Domain was already teeming with a billion souls.

Some were drawn by the novel attractions, others had plunged headfirst into the interstellar ring space race, some ventured into the simulation tower, while a select few sought solace in the tranquil hot springs.

[Ting!]

[You have acquired 100,000 Cosmic Credits.]

[You have acquired 100,000 Cosmic Credits.]

[You have acquired 100,000 Cosmic Credits.]

[You have acquired 100,000 Cosmic Credits.]

He had meticulously configured his mind interface to alert him whenever someone purchased property. Now, over 10 million people had already secured residences in the vicinity of his central tower. The core areas bustled with spacecraft and evolving beings traversing the landscape. Grey observed the vibrant scene, a faint smile gracing his lips.

This was precisely the outcome he had envisioned.

With his objective met, he turned his attention back to finding Jeremiah.

---

Jeremiah and Grey now stood within the confines of a solitary chamber.

"Speak. What is the designation of your system? How did you come into its possession? Who are you? What are your ultimate objectives?"

"Brother..." Jeremiah uttered, a tremor of apprehension in his voice as he addressed Grey.

"I am not your brother," Grey replied, his gaze devoid of warmth. "Nor do I claim any familiarity with you in that regard. We share no familial bond. The only individuals intertwined with me by blood are my father, my mother, and Julie."

His statement held absolute truth. As a Fateless One, he could not possibly form any cosmic connection with these individuals. Anderson, Julie, and Angela were his family from his prior existence and would remain so.

[Your comprehension challenges the divine! By observing a Golden Finger, you have attained profound insight into its nature.]

[You can now perceive and sense the Golden Finger.]

"Ah, it has already activated," Grey remarked, his eyes briefly flicking towards the luminous golden screen situated before Jeremiah.

"You can perceive me?" an uninflected voice emanated from the system.

"Indeed, I can, Mr. Golden Finger," Grey responded with a subtle grin. "And this is hardly my first encounter with a system user. Therefore, cease this charade and provide a proper introduction."

Jeremiah visibly flinched at this declaration and nodded emphatically. "My designation is Jeremiah Arclight..."

"Not you," Grey interjected, his expression darkening. "Your system," he clarified, a hint of exasperation in his tone.

"My system... oh. Please accept my apologies for the misunderstanding." Jeremiah stammered. "My system is known as the Strongest System. It assigns me quests which I must fulfill, thereby granting me rewards such as rank advancements and similar benefits."

"Hmm," Grey acknowledged with a nod. "Then, enlighten me regarding these Golden Fingers. What is your purpose in all this? Why do you consistently seek out hosts to bestow quests upon them?"

[It is inherent to our existence. The Golden Finger race originates from the higher planes of existence. We attain greater strength through the Dao of Equivalent Exchange. We establish a connection with a host and assign them tasks utilizing the power of the Heavenly Dao. In reciprocation, our true selves also grow more potent within our respective realms,] the system articulated in its characteristic monotone.

[You, who wield the capability to summon the Heavenly Dao, should already be privy to this knowledge. O, Son of Heaven.]

"Son of Heaven, you say?" Grey let out a soft chuckle. To external observers, he might indeed appear as a Son of Heaven, yet the reality diverged significantly from such a perception.

[Furthermore, I wish to extend my sincerest apologies for initiating a quest with the objective of eliminating you. I am aware you must have already detected the murderous intent emanating from him. Previously, I harbored uncertainty regarding your capacity to sense me, but following the tournament, all doubt was dispelled.]

"Irrelevant. Simply refrain from any foolish actions, and I shall permit you to exist unmolested," Grey stated dismissively, waving a hand.