Nexus Ascension: My Comprehension Defies the Heaven Chapter 531: Entering the World beneath the tree, Paragon’s Pressence

"Anything else?" Grey inquired, gazing at her before his attention shifted back to the magnificent blue dragon positioned behind her. Then, as if a realization dawned upon him, Grey let out a hollow chuckle. "Your martial soul bears a resemblance to you," Grey affirmed with a definite nod. "What do you mean it looks like me? Are you implying I'm unattractive?" Alissa challenged, her eyes narrowing with a dangerous glint. "No," Grey responded, rendered speechless. His intended compliment had, unfortunately, gone completely awry. "I intended to convey that your martial soul is as beautiful as you are." "Hmph." Alissa immediately became flustered, a subtle flush creeping up her cheeks. However, she masked it skillfully with an indignant pout, averting her gaze. Observing her reaction, Grey felt a genuine impulse to reach out and playfully pinch her cheeks, but he resisted the urge. However, the most perplexing aspect to his logical mind was why she sought his affirmation. "You're such a blockhead," Alissa murmured softly beneath her breath as she returned to stand beside Julie. Shortly thereafter, the Spirit Ancestor guided the group towards the specific boundary where the Spirit Domain physically intersected with the World Tree. As they approached its immense, bark-like exterior, the colossal structure of the World Tree loomed ever closer. Its surface was intricately etched with luminous green veins, pulsing with potent life force. "The sole method of entering this domain is by obtaining direct authorization from the World Tree itself," the Spirit Ancestor elucidated, gesturing towards the solid wood. "To be candid, very few individuals here ever receive permission to enter." "You may attempt it." "Would you like to proceed first, Alissa?" Grey inquired, turning to face his companion, whom he affectionately, though internally, referred to as his perpetually irate and endearing chipmunk. She offered no verbal response but instead strode forward with unwavering determination. Remarkably, the instant she made contact, her form seemed to dissolve and fuse seamlessly into the World Tree. Witnessing this, the others eagerly stepped up to try their luck. Ultimately, only Aerin managed to gain entry following Alissa's success. The invisible barrier repelled everyone else. Soon, it was Grey's turn. He glanced back at those who remained behind and declared, "Wait here. We shall return shortly." With assured steps, he advanced, and the tree's energy willingly parted to grant him passage without any impediment. "Why did he speak as if he already knew he could enter?" the Spirit Ancestor mused aloud, a hint of bewilderment in his voice as he too passed through the barrier. Grey's perception underwent a dramatic transformation. The ground beneath them vanished, and he found himself plummeting through an expansive, seemingly endless sky toward the enigmatic world below. Alissa was right beside him. A deep frown creased her brow as she turned her head to look at Grey amidst the fierce rush of wind. "Grey, I'm unable to utilize my powers," she shouted above the gale's roar. Aerin, hovering nearby, overheard and offered an explanation: "It is because acclimating to the laws of this realm requires considerable time. Only the native elves have managed to adapt to the unique pressures of this world." "Master, can you wield your abilities?" Aerin inquired, turning her attention to Grey. "I can," Grey confirmed with a nod. His profound grasp of universal laws enabled him to adapt to this new reality, albeit not to his absolute peak. His capabilities were currently confined to his physical form, a consequence he attributed to the natural suppression exerted by this secluded world. "In that case, I advise carrying Miss Alissa. Otherwise, she will inevitably crash into the dense terrain below. Such an impact carries sufficient force to shatter an origin core." "Oh." Upon hearing this, Grey's expression turned serious. He adjusted his posture and maneuvered through the air towards Alissa, meeting her gaze as she looked back at him with a visibly embarrassed expression. "Here. Just get it over with," she sighed, allowing herself to be taken into Grey's arms. He caught her with practiced ease, securing her in a princess carry as they continued their descent. Within the embrace, Alissa looked up at Grey's composed face before swiftly diverting her attention downward towards the fleeting clouds, her cheeks burning with a blush. "Rest assured, Alissa, I shall prevent you from becoming incapacitated," Grey stated with utmost sincerity. A dazzling white light began to intensify within their field of vision, and moments later, they breached the barrier, emerging into a world teeming with boundless, vivid clouds. Actual structures were ingeniously constructed upon these clouds, and minuscule, luminous spirits flitted about. "What are those?" Grey queried Aerin, still in motion. "Those are World Tree spirits. They are indigenous to this realm." "I see," Grey responded, absorbing the spectacle. This realm was remarkably advanced and alien. To such an extent that even he could not navigate freely until he spent time adapting to the spatial fabric.

The solid ground loomed closer with alarming speed. Below, various distinct regions were visible. Just moments before Grey and Aerin impacted, Grey concentrated his telekinetic power, attempting to alter their descent.

Boom! With mere inches separating his feet from the earth, Grey's telekinesis halted their momentum abruptly. The power dissipated as quickly as it manifested, and they dropped the final distance to the ground, landing softly with Alissa cradled in his arms.

Moments later, the Spirit Ancestor landed with practiced grace.

"So, how is it?" he inquired, brushing invisible dust from his robes.

"It is good. I can feel my Law of Spirit stirring just by standing here," Grey replied, noting the abundant spiritual energy permeating the atmosphere.

This location was indeed exceptionally well-suited for the cultivation of his laws.

"Hey, can you let go of me now?" Alissa's voice was strained as she asked, her expression blank.

Grey was still holding her, and she felt a profound sense of embarrassment at being held so tightly in front of everyone.

Grey obliged, gently releasing her. However, the instant her contact with him broke, an immense, crushing pressure descended upon her shoulders. Grey swiftly reached out, grasping her hand firmly, which immediately alleviated the formidable weight.

"You still have not gotten used to this world. Try revolving your energy first to build a resistance. You can hold onto my hand while you do that."

"..." Alissa nodded, her face impassive, yet she did not withdraw her hand.

At that precise moment, the Spirit Ancestor's brow furrowed deeply, his face contorting with shock and horror.

In the following second, an ancient, metallic token materialized within his hand. It pulsed with a piercing red light, projecting a stark system warning into the air.

[Warning! Warning! Ascendancy power detected nearby]

[Warning! Warning! Ascendancy power detected nearby]

[It has been confirmed to be a Paragon.]

It wasn't solely the Spirit Ancestor whose expression shifted.

Grey's nonchalant posture vanished, replaced by a look of deadly seriousness.

"A Paragon?"

"What is the meaning of this, Spirit Ancestor?" Grey questioned, his gaze sweeping across the hazy horizon. "Why is there a Paragon here?"

The dire warning prompted Alissa to instinctively tighten her grip on Grey's hand.

"I do not know myself," the Spirit Ancestor stated, his voice trembling with grave concern and bewilderment.

"How did one of them even find its way into this sealed realm?"

He inhaled deeply, striving to regain his composure. "But do not worry, Saint Grey. Even if it is a Paragon, it should just be a projected clone."

"I am sure we can do something about a mere clone."

"Still, we need to exercise extreme caution."

"You are my guest, Saint Grey. Please rest assured, I will manage the Paragons myself."

The Spirit Ancestor clenched the glowing medal in his hand. "If it comes to it, we will call in our powerful seniors at the Helios organization to intervene."