Reign of Exiled

Chapter 120: The Nexus of Stars

The luminescent glow of the Sylvan Courts faded behind them as Kael and his Union approached the cosmic portal. It pulsed with an intoxicating blend of familiar cosmic energy and unknown potential, a swirling vortex of shimmering light and shifting colors. There was no hesitation in Kael's steps; his goal was clear, his resolve hardened by the truths of his past.

"Hold tight," Kael instructed, his voice firm, a hand finding Selene's, another resting on Evelyne's back. "Transiting between realms can be... disorienting. Trust your cultivation, and trust in our Union."

With a shared nod, his wives braced themselves. Aelisa simply grinned, her Succubus Duskkissed Queen essence already tingling with anticipation for new experiences. Thalaria squared her shoulders, ready for any cosmic turbulence. Nysera's eyes sharpened, observing the portal's intricacies, while Valeria, now more accustomed to such phenomena, tightened her grip on Kael's arm.

As Kael stepped forward, drawing his wives with him, the portal surged. A low hum vibrated through their very bones, followed by a sensation akin to being stretched across infinity, then compressed into a singularity. Colors exploded around them, not just light, but pure, raw energy. Memories, sensations, and echoes of distant worlds flashed through Kael's mind, a chaotic kaleidoscope of existence. His Worldpiercer's Will roared to life, anchoring his consciousness, preventing him from being lost in the chaotic currents of inter-realm travel.

Moments later—or perhaps an eternity, time was meaningless in transit—the sensation abruptly ceased. They landed on solid ground, a low thrum echoing beneath their feet. The air was cool, sterile, and faintly metallic, a stark contrast to the verdant warmth of the Sylvan Courts.

They stood on a vast, circular platform of polished obsidian, suspended in a cosmic void. Around them, stars, nebulae, and distant galaxies swirled in breathtaking splendor. Above, colossal crystalline structures soared into the darkness, connected by bridges of pure light. Below, tiny specks of light indicated what could only be countless more platforms and structures, stretching into the abyss. This was no individual planet, but a massive, artificial construct—a nexus where realms converged.

[Welcome to the Starlight Nexus!]

[Type: Inter-realm Hub (Astral Confluence – Mid Realm)]

[Status: Active Trade & Transit Zone]

[Warning: Cultivation suppression fields active for higher realm cultivators. Lower Realm Plane inhabitants unaffected.]

Kael's eyes narrowed as he read the system notification. The Starlight Nexus. This was one of the Astral Confluence realms, a major hub. The "cultivation suppression" was an expected measure in such a place, likely to prevent powerful beings from causing chaos, but it meant high-tier cultivators would need to be cautious. For them, being Worldpiercer Realm Tier 2, they were still considered "Lower Realm Plane inhabitants" for the purpose of this suppression, meaning their full power was unimpeded. This was a significant advantage.

"A hub world," Kael stated, scanning their surroundings. "We didn't land directly in the Veridian Expanse. This is likely a major transit point. That makes sense, given the scale of inter-realm travel."

"It's... magnificent, yet so cold," Valeria murmured, her natural affinity for life feeling the stark difference from her warm, living realm.

"Look at the sheer scale of it," Evelyne breathed, her starlit eyes wide. "So many paths, so many possibilities."

Selene, ever practical, pointed towards a distant, larger structure. "There are signs leading towards transit points. We should investigate how to reach the Veridian Expanse from here."

Nysera's gaze swept over the various beings moving across other platforms—figures of light, beings encased in arcane suits, towering automatons, and cloaked merchants. "A melting pot of species. This place will be a wealth of information, and perhaps, resources."

Suddenly, a voice, smooth and resonant, echoed from a nearby crystalline archway. "Greetings, newly arrived travelers. Welcome to the Starlight Nexus. Are you seeking passage, trade, or perhaps, simply information?"

A being stepped forward, tall and slender, with skin like polished obsidian and eyes that shimmered with an inner starlight. They wore elegant robes that seemed to flow with the cosmic currents. Kael instinctively felt their power—formidable, but not overwhelming. Likely a guardian or administrator of this hub.

Kael stepped forward, his Charm radiating a confident, yet non-aggressive aura. "We seek passage, Guardian. To a specific Lower Realm Plane: the Veridian Expanse."

The being's starry eyes seemed to evaluate them, lingering briefly on the powerful auras of Kael and his wives. "The Veridian Expanse. A realm not commonly visited. Its coordinates are stable, but passage requires specific clearances, especially for those who seek to return after… an extended absence. There have been changes there, in recent cosmic cycles."

Kael's gaze sharpened. "Changes?"

"Indeed," the Guardian replied, its voice holding a neutral, almost detached tone. "The Radiant Empire within the Veridian Expanse has seen a significant shift in its ruling authority. Its influence has expanded, reaching further into the Astral Confluence, under the guidance of new, powerful benefactors. Some whispers suggest connections to... older powers from the Celestial Spires."

A cold certainty settled in Kael's stomach. The Elder's influence wasn't merely confined to the Veridian Expanse; it had grown, using his usurped empire as a base to extend its reach into the wider cosmos. This wasn't just a local reclamation; it was a confrontation against a deeply entrenched power player operating on a grander scale. This SSS+ quest just got even more complicated.

STATUS WINDOW: KAEL VIREN

System Level: 49

EXP: 35,000,000,000/80,000,000,000

Realm: Worldpiercer Realm — Tier 2/9

HP: 105,000/105,000

Mana: 118,000/118,000

Stats (with buffs applied):

Strength: 980×2.8×2=5,488

Endurance: 950×2.8=2,660

Willpower: 970×2.8=2,716

Charm: 1080×2.8=3,024

Intellect: 870×2.8=2,436

Dexterity: 980×2.8×2=5,488

Sin Points: 5,000,000,000/100,000,000,000

Sin Tier: Warlord Rank

SKILL WINDOW

Active Sin Skills:

Sovereign Flame Crush [+Max]

Wrathflare Lance [+Max]

Flamebind Chains [+Max]

Infernal Domain [+Max]

Passive Traits:

Crown of Dominion → Throne of Ascendancy [+Mythic]

Sovereign Union [+Enhanced]

Nullfire Core [+Enhanced]

Phoenix Mantle [+Enhanced]

Worldpiercer's Will [+New]

Vision Beyond the Veil [+New]

Verdant Sovereign's Heart [+NEW — Mythic Trait] (Passive regeneration aura for all party members within 500 meters)

Shared Bloom [+NEW — Passive Trait] (Increases Charm and Intellect of bonded partners by 8%)

Bloodline / Physique Traits:

Carnal Sovereign Core [+Enhanced]

Sin Catalyst Matrix [+Enhanced]

[Skill Upgrade Available — Spend Sin Points to enhance or evolve active/passive/bloodline skills]

[Bonded Partner Skills Eligible for Sin Point Upgrade]

Bonded Wives (Mythic Bloodlines/Physiques Active):

Selene — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Mythic Eclipse Matron)

Evelyne — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Starlit Ember Empress)

Thalaria — Skyshatter 8/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Stormheart Valkyrie — Advanced 11 tiers)

Nysera — Skyshatter 9/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Scarlet Hexmistress)

Valeria — Skyshatter 8/9 → Worldpiercer 2/9 (Verdant Windborne Queen)

Aelisa — Heaven's Echo (Peak Rank) (Succubus Duskkissed Queen)

Pet Panel:

Emberfang — Infernal Flamebeast Cub (Tier 5)

Vira — Sky Serpent Hatchling (Tier 2)

Cultivation Realms:

Initiate → Essence Drawn → Veinwoven → Soulroot → Starforged → Sunbound → Moonglade → Skyshatter → Worldpiercer ← Current (2/9) → Heaven's Echo → Celestiaflame → Worldbreaker → Eternal Crown → Primordial Ascendant

Next: Heaven's Echo (Unlocks at Worldpiercer Tier 9/9)

Now in the vast Starlight Nexus (Astral Confluence), Kael and his Union have learned that the Veridian Expanse is under the expanded influence of his enemies. How will they secure passage back to his former home, and what strategic moves will Kael make to navigate this dangerous cosmic hub and gather intelligence before initiating his reclamation?