[It has been over half a month since Ron joined the Divination Commission. The commission has remained peaceful, with no calamities triggered by his arrival.]
[Under your surveillance, you have not seen Ron do anything out of the ordinary. On weekdays, aside from studying the commission's texts and learning divination, he has almost no free time.]
[You watched him mediate between the IPC's commercial representative and the Aurum Alley Merchant's Guild, using deceptive means to complete the acquisition of Aurum Alley...]
[Although he exhausted all his spare time for this, constantly working on the matter, in the end, he did not keep a single cent for himself. The entire proceeds were handed over to the Aurum Alley Merchant's Guild, to the shopkeepers who had lost their shops.]
[You have made a simple calculation of Ron's actions. With a quick divination, you have ascertained the benefits his actions brought—the Aurum Alley Merchant's Guild received compensation far exceeding market value for his efforts, while the company successfully acquired the Aurum Alley port they urgently needed, with the cost still within an acceptable range.]
[Ron skillfully mediated between them, achieving a win-win situation... Aside from the occasional diner who would miss the snack street filled with childhood memories that was Aurum Alley, their sorrow was fleeting.]
[You open your Omniscia and perform a simple calculation of the future—due to the compensation far exceeding market value, most members of the Aurum Alley Merchant's Guild are able to secure a storefront in a more bustling street in the Exalting Sanctum, hanging their old signs in a new alley.]
[The Interastral Peace Corporation will also completely finish the construction of the Aurum Alley port in a few months. The port will be bustling with cargo ships, and the entire starport will be brightly lit. At all times, freight orders from star-domains belonging to the IPC will be signed here. The starships, constantly navigating between the stars, will become the blood vessels for the IPC's Luofu branch, bringing unimaginable commercial aid and support to the branch.]
[The scale of the Interastral Peace Corporation's business on the Luofu has expanded dramatically. Due to the significant increase in mutual trade, the major merchant guilds of the Sky-Faring Commission have also reaped enormous benefits, and the entire Luofu has consequently taken a swift step into a new era of commercial prosperity.]
"...He's truly amazing."
Looking at the light screen before her, Fu Xuan was silent for a moment, unable to hold back her admiration.
Although in this simulation, this new era of commercial prosperity for the Xianzhou [Luofu] was the inevitable result of the times—after all, the Luofu had been actively opening up to foreign trade in recent years, and the reopening of the Astral Express's routes had connected many star-rails that allowed for rapid interstellar travel. A golden age of trade was on the horizon, and economic growth was a certainty.
The IPC would also not continue its previous conservative trade strategy on the [Luofu]. After the great success of their trade strategy with the Xianzhou [Yaoqing], the profit-driven company would naturally want to expand its trade scale on the [Luofu] at this moment. Rebuilding the Aurum Alley port was just the beginning.
But these objective conditions could not erase the contributions Ron made.
In fact, Ron's role in the acquisition of the Aurum Alley port was ineffably significant. The IPC had only just made their plans when Ron had already calculated their objective and proactively approached them with a trade request.
Afterward, Ron's aid to Aurum Alley, bringing the Merchant's Guild back from the brink of death, clearly gave the IPC a significant jolt, forcing them to expedite their choice to acquire the port. Then, he secured the port with incredible speed and handed it over to the IPC for construction. This greatly accelerated the IPC's work efficiency.
Frankly, without Ron's actions, given the IPC's habits, they would have likely haggled over every detail, negotiating the compensation terms with the shopkeepers of Aurum Alley multiple times, leading to the Merchant's Guild's refusal to give up. This would have dragged on for a considerable amount of time before a consensus was finally reached and the port was acquired.
And that amount of time... was the most important thing right now.
The Luofu's Six Charioteers had long intended to take advantage of the Trailblaze's reopening, with the entire sea of stars becoming interconnected once more and all civilizations able to travel between the stars with ease, to transform the Xianzhou [Luofu] into a pan-galactic trade hub. This would benefit the entire Xianzhou Alliance, bringing in far more trade revenue than ever before.
The Xianzhou Alliance had been on the Hunt for a long time. The previous wars against the Denizens of Abundance had taken their toll on its foundations. Now, the Luofu needed to develop its economy to provide blood for the Alliance, to plan for the entire Alliance's future.
The sooner they could expand their trade scale and attract foreign merchant groups, the sooner they could gain a leading edge in this golden age of interstellar trade and truly establish a pan-galactic trade market that could attract both merchants and consumers.
The Six Charioteers naturally understood the importance of time. Theoretically, the moment the IPC's commercial representatives arrived on the Luofu from their headquarters, the Sky-Faring Commission should have begun discussions with them about expanding trade relations.
But this matter had been temporarily put on hold because of the forged Reignbow's Decree from Fu Xuan. The entire Luofu had focused its energy on Jarilo-VI, temporarily unable to promote the establishment of a pan-galactic trade market. This caused the IPC branch representatives, who returned from headquarters with the intention of expanding trade, to fail to attract the attention and importance of the Sky-Faring Commission.
And Ron, in this matter, although no one had assigned him any tasks and it was not within his scope of work, had perfectly accomplished what the Sky-Faring Commission should have done, bringing unimaginable trade benefits to the Luofu.
Looking at the light screen before her, Fu Xuan's expression couldn't help but soften considerably, and her whole demeanor seemed to relax.
This wasn't because of the huge trade benefits Ron brought in the simulation, but because of some of Ron's small actions.
He didn't take a single cent from the commission fee the IPC gave him. Instead, he gave all the strales, apart from the bidding funds, to the merchants of Aurum Alley.
The members of the Aurum Alley Merchant's Guild actually had little impact on the Luofu's overall commercial prosperity. Whether they continued to do business or not would not affect the continued prosperity of the Exalting Sanctum.
But Ron did not forget them. He gave them compensation far beyond what was reasonable, ensuring their lives would not be worsened by the change, and even giving them the potential for a better future.
In fact, Fu Xuan didn't care if the Luofu could create another commercial boom. She only cared if Ron, this super-weapon, could grow up normally.
And now, Ron had shown her through his own actions that even after leaving the extremely harsh living environment of Jarilo-VI, although he still possessed extraordinary abilities far beyond ordinary people, his heart was still kind. He was willing to bring generous compensation to these unknown small merchants, hoping they could live better lives.
Good... this is good.
Looking at the light screen, a faint smile appeared on Fu Xuan's face.
She wasn't going to interfere with anything. She would just see if Ron, without too much interference and just by leaving the harsh environment of Jarilo-VI, would still grow into that terrifying Aeon who could casually destroy the sea of stars.
Although, based on the current situation in the simulation, a kind-hearted person like Ron could never become that kind of anti-human madman. But since the game had already started, just to be safe, it was better to simulate it to the end.
With this thought, Fu Xuan clicked on the light screen, letting the simulation continue.
---o---
[Currently, your progress on the Path of [Destruction] is—(100/100)]
[You have successfully embarked on the Path of [Destruction].]
Looking at the text on the light screen, Ron nodded in satisfaction.
As he expected, completing the perfect destruction of Aurum Alley, from "destruction" to "rebirth," had directly maxed out his Path Progression, allowing him to successfully embark on the Path of [Destruction].
But... was that all?
Looking at the unmoving text on the screen, Ron couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.
According to the precedent from every previous simulation, as long as he embarked on a new Path, the Life Simulation Game would enter a cutscene. The simulated version of himself would have a personal audience with an Aeon. This was true no matter which Path he became a Pathstrider of.
Even an Aeon like IX of [The Nihility], when Ron became a Pathstrider of [The Nihility], had opened its hollow eyes filled with a turbid stream of nothingness from within the chaotic haze, casting its gaze upon his location, only to lose the energy to keep its eyes open the next moment due to the Path's nature of "everything is meaningless," returning once more to the eternal, chaotic emptiness.
There was no way Nanook of [The Destruction] was more difficult to have an audience with than IX of [The Nihility]. What was the problem with this simulation?
Why was it... so completely different from the previous simulations?
Ron thought for a moment, and after a short while, a flash of insight appeared in his mind. He suddenly had an epiphany, one that was hiding in plain sight.
Embarking on a Path and having an audience with an Aeon was not a guaranteed occurrence. Although Ron had been able to meet an Aeon every time he embarked on a different Path in previous simulations, that was only because he was special.
The "Salvation" entry could help him encompass different Paths, interpreting those Paths with the concept of "Salvation" and broadening the Aeons' own Path concepts. This caused Ron, the moment he embarked on those Paths, to have the respective Aeons of those Paths broaden their own scope.
Having received such a significant boost, any Aeon would naturally cast a glance at Ron. Coupled with the fact that the Paths he had previously embarked on were quite compatible with him, making him a genius highly suited for those Paths, it led to him meeting an Aeon every time he embarked on a different Path. This also made him subconsciously believe that this was just how it was for Pathstriders.
But it was a pity... In this simulation, he had lost the "Salvation" entry. The "Salvation" entry had been completely upgraded to "The Way of Salvation," becoming the Path of [Salvation] itself. He didn't dare to directly load this Path, so naturally, he could no longer broaden the Path concepts as he did before.
And Ron himself was extremely incompatible with the Path of [Destruction], so much so that he needed a full one hundred points of Path Progression to embark on it. On the Path of [Destruction], he was an absolute nobody. Nanook of [The Destruction] shouldn't have any reason to care about him at all.
Thinking of this, Ron felt a little helpless. He had originally planned to directly load "The Way of Salvation" the moment he embarked on the Path of [Destruction] to try and directly contact Nanook himself, to see if he could find traces of Terminus of [The Finality] through him. But now, it seemed that wasn't going to work.
He would have to think of another way.
With this in mind, Ron clicked on the screen before him, letting the simulation continue.
The text on the screen faded, and a new option appeared:
[A scorching rage surges within your heart the moment you embark on the Path, and it flows through your body with the beating of your heart and the circulation of your blood.]
[Wisps of scorching imaginary energy now flow upon the Path the moment you embark on it. These wisps of heat dance at your fingertips, and a tyrannical will flows within, but it ultimately submits to your control, becoming a power you command.]
[You have successfully completed your plan. You have embarked on the Path of [Destruction] and become a fledgling Pathstrider.]
[The Sky-Faring Commission's auction did not last long. By noon, you had already returned to the Yichen Inn.]
[Today, in order to participate in the Sky-Faring Commission's auction, you specifically requested a full day off from Fu Xuan, which means you are now quite free, with nothing to do for the time being—]
[But your heart is still weighed down by many things. Time should not be wasted. Perhaps you should find something to do.]
[Please choose—]
[1. (Destruction) "Jie-jie-jie, I have embarked on the Path of [Destruction], my divine skill is complete. Who in this world can stop me now?"]
[Having successfully embarked on the Path of [Destruction], you are no longer the same person you were before... Before, you were weak and helpless, unable to do anything to the Xianzhou [Luofu]. But now, you are a Pathstrider of [Destruction]. Why not seek refuge with the Lord Ravager Phantylia, who is hiding on the [Luofu], and go on a killing spree with her?]
[You have already embarked on the Path of [Destruction]! Jie-jie-jie, these Xianzhou people are living so happily, it displeases you. They should all be slaughtered!]
[By selecting this option, you may trigger the events: "Change of the Ambrosial Arbor," "Spreading Embers," and "Imprisonment by the Ten-Lords."
[2. (Nihility) "Are you kidding me? I took the day off, do I really have to do other troublesome things? Nothing can disturb my important day off. I'm going to sleep!"]
[The plan to destroy Aurum Alley these past few days has been too exhausting. You have been working non-stop for half a month. You should have taken a good rest long ago.]
[There is still half a day of vacation left. There's nothing wrong with taking a nice nap... The rent for the Yichen Inn was paid for by Qingque with the travel funds Master Diviner Fu Xuan allocated for you. She paid for three weeks in one go, and now your room will expire in a few days. You are also short on cash and will soon have to move to the Divination Commission's staff dorms—which are far less comfortable than the rooms at the Yichen Inn. You should enjoy this high-class inn room while you can.]
[You decide to rest directly, lazily passing the rest of the day.]
[By selecting this option, your progress on the Path of [Nihility] will be slightly deepened, and you will advance several steps on the Path of [Nihility].]
[3. Blank Choice. (The Way of Salvation can activate a special choice)]
Looking at the option box on the screen, Ron couldn't help but widen his eyes slightly, a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
The first, extreme [Destruction] option was something Ron would never consider. The second, classic slacking option was also something Ron had no intention of choosing.
Neither of these two options had any meaning... What was important was the third option.
The third option, as a special choice brought about by "The Way of Salvation," why did it suddenly have a "The Way of Salvation" entry activatable special choice?
Ron scratched his head in confusion, but he didn't hesitate. He directly clicked on the question mark next to the shining special choice option, preparing to see the Life Simulation Game's detailed explanation for this option.
The option box on the screen dimmed, and a tip regarding the special choice popped up:
[Because you have successfully embarked on the Path of [Destruction] and contacted a new Path, the special effect of the entry "The Way of Salvation" can be chosen to be triggered.]
[You can select this special option, choose to load the entry: "The Way of Salvation," and use the power of the Path of [Salvation] as a driving force to climb the Path of [Destruction], walk to the starting point of the Path, and see the most primal nature of the Path of [Destruction].]
Following these two text boxes was a deep red warning:
[Please note! This option requires loading the entry "The Way of Salvation" in the simulation. After selecting this option, you are destined to open the Path of [Salvation] in this simulation, and this process is irreversible.]
[Furthermore, after selecting this special option, you will personally possess the simulation, using your own will to conduct the simulation and explore the source of the Path of [Destruction].]
Looking at the warning tips on the light screen, Ron was slightly taken aback, and a smile couldn't help but form on his lips.
He had just been thinking that without an audience with Nanook of [The Destruction] upon embarking on the Path, how would he be able to meet him? How could he rely on "The Way of Salvation" to directly analyze him and search for traces of Terminus of [The Finality]? And now, the Life Simulation Game had already prepared the process for him.
To climb directly from the end of the Path to its source was naturally the best way to analyze this Path.
As for "Paths" being incarnations of concepts, their actual existence being abstract and impossible to truly comprehend, Ron had never thought that "The Way of Salvation" would be able to analyze a Path in this way. He was still considering trying to make contact with Nanook of [The Destruction] to analyze him.
But... just as he had expected, in order to load the "The Way of Salvation" entry and analyze a Path, this simulation would inevitably end in death due to his certain ascension to the Aeon of [Salvation]. It could only be treated as a one-time intelligence-gathering simulation attempt.
Well, since loading the "The Way of Salvation" entry will inevitably lead to becoming the Aeon of [Salvation], then I don't need to worry about losses after I personally possess the simulation.
It didn't matter what trouble he encountered while climbing the Path of [Destruction] and analyzing its existential nature, whether it would lead to his death in the simulation or have any other serious consequences. As long as he could get more information, without the sacrifice being too great to bear, it would be fine.
After all, after exploring the Path of [Destruction], he would surely have to face Nanook of [The Destruction]. Ron, who had just ascended and had yet to even stabilize his godhood, was no match for Nanook. The ending would inevitably lead to destruction.
This simulation would clearly end quickly. There was indeed no need to worry too much. It was best to go for the maximum possible gain.
With this thought, Ron no longer hesitated. He directly closed the small tips on the light screen and clicked on the third option.
A subtle dizziness came over him. Ron was momentarily dazed, only to find himself still sitting on the bed of the Yichen Inn, as if nothing had happened.
But looking out the window, he could see the brilliant noon sun—although both the simulated him and the real him were in the Yichen Inn, unlike the dusk outside the simulation, the sun was high in the sky within it. It was exactly noon.
Of course, besides this difference in time, Ron quickly felt the biggest difference between inside and outside the simulation.
Scorching imaginary energy could flow with his blood, constantly reminding him that he had embarked on the Path of [Destruction] and had truly become one of its Pathstriders.
This heat carried with it a constant mania and desire for destruction, assailing Ron's mind. Although the feeling wasn't intense, it was clearly eroding his mind constantly.
Perhaps, sooner or later, this erosion from [The Destruction] would have the potential to turn Ron into a monster manipulated by rage and the desire for destruction, to be devoured by embers just like the Antimatter Legion—
But unfortunately, that day would never come.
Countless cracks split open across Ron's body, and holy light flowed out from within. The light of hope flickered in Ron's chest, and a lantern materialized in his hand. Within the lantern, wisps of a brilliant golden flame ignited, growing larger with time.
The "The Way of Salvation" entry was now completely loaded. In this instant, Ron possessed the prototype of the Path of [Salvation]. He was only one step away from resonating with the Tree of Existence, carving out a domain of imaginary numbers that belonged to this Path in the Sea of Quanta, and then he could immediately wear the crown with the power of [Salvation] and become the Aeon of [Salvation].
But that was not what Ron wanted. Ron calmed his mind, manipulating this power to not make contact with the Tree of Existence, not to open a Path to the higher world in the unseen.
Instead, he turned and directed this power towards the Path of [Destruction] he had just embarked upon, attempting to use the power of [Salvation] to push himself forward on this Path.
The Path, which should have been just an abstract concept, was forced to manifest after coming into contact with the prototype of the Path of [Salvation]. The world before Ron shattered. The illusory void and reality became distinct, with the jagged edges of the shattered world looking sharp enough to draw blood.
And in this void after the world shattered, a phantom "branch," seemingly wrapped in infinite colors, extended forth. Ron was standing at the end of the branch, preparing to walk towards its source.
This was a branch of the Tree of Existence.