expedition

The Spacetime Law inside the rift was extremely chaotic, and the figures of the two were constantly being stretched and twisted within it. If White Night's boundary gate Core hadn't been able to slightly manipulate spatial energy, they would have likely been torn apart by the spatial turbulence.

Finally, they found the unconscious team member deep inside the rift, wrapped him in Origin Energy, and successfully brought him back to the Simulated Battlefield.

"Exercise suspended!" The Mechanical Emperor immediately stopped the exercise, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. "There was a deviation in the spatial parameters of the simulation system. I didn't expect it to trigger a real Spatial Rift, nearly causing a major disaster."

White Night watched the two unconscious team members being treated by the medical unit, his brows tightly furrowed. "This also reminds us that the spatial environment of the boundary gate Passage is more dangerous than we imagined. The Technology Unit must recalibrate all spatial parameters to ensure similar issues don't occur during the official crossing."

Over the next half month, the expeditionary force carried out comprehensive rectification based on the issues exposed during the exercise.

The Mechanical Race optimized the spatial stabilization system of the Psionic Fleet, installing "Spatial Anchors" on the hulls to fix the ships' positions during Spatial Turbulence; the Formation Masters of the Xuantian Immortal Domain carved "Anti-Turbulence Runes" onto the expeditionary force's equipment, enhancing the members' resistance to spatial chaos; experts from the Soul Race also developed a "Spatial Perception Potion," which, when consumed, allows members to sense the appearance of Spatial Rifts in advance and prepare to evade.

While the expeditionary force was intensely preparing for battle, the repair project for the boundary gate entered its final sprint.

Under the continuous injection of Origin Energy, the purple crystal at the core of the boundary gate shone brighter and brighter. The closed Spatial Rift had expanded to a width capable of accommodating the Psionic Fleet. Monitoring data from the Dual Realm Research Center showed that the stability of the boundary gate Passage had reached 98%, fully meeting the conditions for official activation.

On the day the boundary gate was opened, all important members of the Dual Realm Civilization gathered at the Black Wind Mountain Range.

Leaders such as the White-Bearded Elder, the Mechanical Emperor, Azure Cloud Master, and Liu Chengfeng stood beside the Boundary Gate Ruins, their eyes filled with anticipation and tension—this was the first time the Xuantian Immortal Domain and the Multiverse had actively explored an unknown Outer Domain Civilization. Regardless of the outcome, this would become a major milestone in the history of the Dual Realm Civilization.

"Commander White Night, are you ready?" The White-Bearded Elder grasped White Night's hand, his tone carrying a sense of instruction. "Remember, no matter what situation you encounter, the safety of the expeditionary force must be your primary task. We will await your news here."

White Night nodded solemnly. "Please rest assured, everyone. I will certainly lead the expeditionary force back safely and bring back information about the outer domains for the Dual Realm Civilization."

He turned and boarded the flagship of the Psionic Fleet, standing before the command console on the bridge, checking the readiness of the various units on the communicator. "All units, report status!"

"Vanguard Unit ready! We can enter the boundary gate at any time!" Wind Howling Silver Wolf's voice carried excitement.

"Main Force Unit ready! Defensive Formation is in place!"

"Medical Logistics Unit ready! Potions and Medicinal Pills are fully stocked!"

"Technology Support Unit ready! Psionic Fleet energy is full!"

"Mental Defense and Energy Supply Unit ready! Support can be provided at any time!"

"Excellent!" White Night took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the faint purple nebula projection within the boundary gate Passage. "Inter-Universal Expeditionary Force, objective: The Outer Domain Civilization on the other side of the boundary gate. Depart!"

As the order was given, the Vanguard Unit led by Wind Howling Silver Wolf rushed into the boundary gate Passage first, followed closely by the Psionic Fleet, with the Main Force Unit and the Medical Logistics Unit following in an orderly manner.

When the last member entered the passage, the black stone pillars of the Boundary Gate Ruins suddenly erupted with dazzling light, runes illuminating to maintain the passage's stability at the highest level, ensuring the expeditionary force could cross safely.

The scene inside the boundary gate Passage was even more magnificent than the Simulation Exercise. The faint purple nebula resembled flowing silk, dotted with countless twinkling stars. Spatial Rifts were faintly visible against the nebula background, like transparent spiderwebs. The Spatial Anchors of the Psionic Fleet played a crucial role, allowing the ships to sail smoothly through the Turbulence without any shaking.

"Energy signal detected ahead!" shouted a monitor from the Technology Support Unit. A huge green light spot appeared on the screen. "The signal strength is stable. It doesn't resemble the black signal of Essence Devouring Creatures. It looks more like... the energy source of some civilization!"

A sharp light flashed in White Night's eyes. "Vanguard Unit, go investigate! Main Force Unit, prepare for battle, just in case!"

Wind Howling Silver Wolf's figure transformed into a silver lightning bolt and flew toward the green light spot. Half an hour later, its voice came through the communicator: "We found the Outer Domain Civilization's Space Station! The surface of the space station has an Energy Shield, and there are no signs of attack. It appears to be a peaceful research outpost!"

This news allowed everyone to relax. The Psionic Fleet slowly approached the Space Station. White Night attempted to establish contact using the ship's communication system: "This is the Inter-Universal Expeditionary Force from the Xuantian Immortal Domain and the Multiverse. We harbor no ill will and hope to communicate with your esteemed civilization."

There was a moment of silence in the communicator, followed by a gentle female voice: "Welcome, distant guests. I am Ayla, Research Station Chief of the Outer Domain Civilization, the Star Source Federation. I have opened the Space Station's Docking Channel for you. Please guide your ships in an orderly manner."

Following the guidance, the Psionic Fleet slowly sailed into the Space Station's Docking Channel. The walls on both sides of the passage were covered with light blue Technological Runes. These runes shared similarities with those of the Mechanical Race but were far more sophisticated, clearly indicating that the Outer Domain Civilization had reached an extremely high level of technology.

When the ships docked at the Berth, a woman wearing a white research uniform appeared outside the hatch. She had light purple hair and blue eyes. Although she exhibited no spiritual energy fluctuations, she could sense the expeditionary force's energy through some kind of technological device. "I am Ayla. Welcome to the Star Source Federation's 'Nebula Observation Post'."

White Night led the Core Command Layer out of the ship and shook hands with Ayla. "I am White Night, Commander of the Inter-Universal Expeditionary Force. This is Wind Howling Silver Wolf, Captain of the Vanguard; Liu Ruyan, Leader of Medical Logistics; Mechanical Emperor, Leader of Technology Support..." He introduced the members beside him one by one, his eyes filled with curiosity about the unknown civilization.

Ayla led the group on a tour of the Space Station. The interior of the Observation Post was larger than expected. Inside countless transparent research cabins, Outer Domain Researchers were studying the energy characteristics of the nebula and the spatial structure of the universe. Their body forms varied; some were similar to humans, while others were semi-mechanical. Clearly, the Star Source Federation was a civilization formed by the integration of multiple species.

"Our Star Source Federation has existed for tens of thousands of years, primarily studying the Origin Energy of the universe and spatial technology," Ayla explained as they walked. "We detected your energy fluctuations through the boundary gate and know that you are fighting creatures from the 'Essence Devouring Universe,' which is also a subject we have been researching."

This news greatly surprised White Night and the others. "You know about Essence Devouring Creatures too?"

"Yes." Ayla led the group to a massive holographic projection, which displayed a black planet—the Essence Devouring Creature Mother Nest previously discovered by the Pathfinder. "This 'Essence Devouring Mother Star' is the birthplace of the Essence Devouring Creatures. They continuously expand by devouring the Origin Energy of the universe and have already destroyed three civilizations adjacent to us.

We study the boundary gate precisely to find a way to completely destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star."

Liu Ruyan couldn't help but ask, "Have you found a way to restrain the Essence Devouring Creatures? We found that a mixed solution of heart-clearing grass and chaos spiritual milk can temporarily suppress their devouring nature, but it cannot eliminate them completely."

Ayla nodded. "We developed the 'Anti-Essence Devouring Energy Wave,' which interferes with the cellular structure of the Essence Devouring Creatures, preventing them from absorbing energy. However, this energy wave requires immense energy to drive, and our Space Station cannot provide enough power, so it can only be used in small-scale battles."

"We have a way!" the Mechanical Emperor said excitedly. "Our Dual Realm Furnace can produce vast amounts of Origin Energy. This energy integrates Immortal Dao Spiritual Power and Multiverse Law Energy, which might provide enough power for the Anti-Essence Devouring Energy Wave!"

The discussion between the two parties deepened, revealing strong complementarity in their research against the Essence Devouring Creatures. The Star Source Federation possessed advanced technology and in-depth research data on the Essence Devouring Creatures, while the Dual Realm Civilization had powerful energy production capabilities and practical combat experience.

"I propose that we establish a formal cooperative relationship!" White Night suggested. "The Dual Realm Civilization and the Star Source Federation should share research findings, jointly develop weapons and tactics against the Essence Devouring Creatures, and unite to destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star!"

A light flashed in Ayla's eyes, and she immediately agreed. "I will report this to the Star Source Federation Headquarters immediately. I believe the Headquarters will agree to this proposal. Before then, you may dock the Psionic Fleet at our Space Station, and we will provide you with necessary supplies and technical support."

Over the next month, the Dual Realm Expeditionary Force and the Star Source Federation researchers began deep cooperation.

Engineers from the Mechanical Race and scientists from the Star Source Federation jointly optimized the Anti-Essence Devouring Energy Wave device, integrating Origin Energy with the Star Source Federation's technological energy, greatly enhancing the energy wave's coverage and power. Alchemists from the Xuantian Immortal Domain collaborated with outer domain biologists, combining the anti-essence devouring potion with outer domain genetic technology to develop a new type of potion that could induce "Anti-Essence Devouring Genes" in organisms, fundamentally improving resistance to Essence Devouring Creatures. Furthermore, mental power experts from the Soul Race worked with the Star Source Federation's consciousness scientists, discovering that the Essence Devouring Creatures' shared consciousness possesses a "Consciousness Core." Destroying this core would cause large groups of Essence Devouring Creatures to lose command and become disorganized.

White Night also visited the Star Source Federation's "Origin Energy Research Institute." Inside the institute, a massive "Energy Collector" was absorbing the nebula's Origin Energy. This energy was similar in essence to the Spiritual Vein Energy of the Xuantian Immortal Domain and the Law Energy of the Multiverse, but it was purer.

The head of the research institute told White Night that this nebula origin energy was precisely the source of boundary gate energy, and also the energy most coveted by Essence Devouring Creatures — as long as they could control the nebula's origin energy, they could fundamentally cut off the energy supply of the Essence Devouring Creatures.

"But controlling the nebula's energy requires a 'star core key,' which was lost ten thousand years ago during the Immortal Law Alliance era," the head said regretfully. "According to ancient records, the star core key was jointly forged by the Star Lord and Immortal Venerable of the Immortal Law Alliance, capable of resonating with the nebula's core and controlling the flow of energy."

White Night's heart stirred, recalling the Star Lord Crystal he found in the Boundary Gate Ruins: "Is the star core key you're talking about a transparent crystal that can resonate with boundary gate energy?"

"Exactly!" the head said excitedly. "That crystal is part of the star core key! As long as we can find the complete key, we can activate the energy collector and control the nebula's energy!"

This discovery gave everyone hope for a complete solution to the threat of Essence Devouring Creatures. White Night immediately decided to dispatch an advance force to join the Star Source Federation's exploration team and head to the ruins of the Immortal Law Alliance from ten thousand years ago to search for other parts of the star core key.

Wind Howling Silver Wolf once again served as the vanguard, leading a small team composed of Dual Realm elites and outer domain explorers. They boarded a small Psionic Fleet vessel and set off towards the Immortal Law Alliance ruins. The ruins were located on a desolate planet deep within the nebula, where the environment was extremely harsh, filled with spatial rifts and residual Essence Devouring Creature energy, making exploration extremely difficult.

Before the team departed, White Night personally saw them off: "Silver Wolf, you must be careful. The star core key is crucial to the success or failure of fighting the Essence Devouring Creatures, but your safety is even more important. If you encounter danger, return immediately; do not take risks."

Wind Howling Silver Wolf let out a low growl, rubbed its head against White Night's palm, then leaped into the small Psionic Fleet vessel. The ship slowly departed the space station, flying towards the desolate planet deep within the nebula, leaving White Night and his Dual Realm and outer domain companions to await their news in the space station.

The nebula's light spilled onto the space station's viewport, its pale purple glow like a beacon of hope, illuminating the path of cooperation between Dual Realm Civilization and the Star Source Federation.

White Night knew that the journey to find the star core key was destined to be fraught with peril, but as long as they united, they would surely overcome the difficulties, find the key, control the nebula's energy, completely destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star, and open up a brand new path for the peace and prosperity of the universe.

White Night's legend of the immortal path, in cooperation with outer domain civilizations and in the crusade against Essence Devouring Creatures, was steadily advancing towards a grander, more magnificent future.

And the three-way integration of Xuantian Immortal Domain, the Multiverse, and the Star Source Federation would also write a magnificent chapter of cosmic civilization exchange and symbiosis in this long battle... The exploration team led by Wind Howling Silver Wolf sailed deep into the nebula for seven days, finally reaching the desolate planet of the Immortal Law Alliance.

The surface of this planet displayed an eerie dark red, and the atmosphere was filled with large amounts of black dust. This dust was precisely the crystallized residual energy of Essence Devouring Creatures; inhaling it would severely corrode the cells of living beings and the spiritual power of cultivators.

"Everyone, put on your anti-essence devouring potion masks and activate your protective suits' energy shields!" commanded Renoir, the Star Source Federation's exploration captain.

He was a cyborg, his head and arms covered in silver metal armor, capable of analyzing environmental data on the planet's surface through his mechanical eyes. "According to the scan results, the density of spatial rifts on the planet's surface reaches 12 per square kilometer, and the Essence Devouring energy concentration exceeds the safety threshold by 3 times. We must proceed cautiously."

Wind Howling Silver Wolf's lupine eyes could penetrate the black dust, seeing the scattered massive architectural remnants on the planet's surface — these remnants shared a similar style to the black stone pillars of the Boundary Gate Ruins, clearly structures from the Immortal Law Alliance era. It let out a low growl into the communicator, signaling the team to head towards the largest remnant, where the energy fluctuations were strongest, likely hiding fragments of the star core key.

The small Psionic Fleet vessel slowly landed on a flat area near the remnant. When the hatch opened, a gust of wind mixed with black dust rushed in, and the protective suits' energy shields instantly glowed with a pale blue light, blocking the dust. Team members exited the vessel one by one; the dark red soil beneath their feet was as soft as quicksand, sinking half a foot with every step, greatly affecting their progress.

"Captain Silver Wolf, energy anomaly detected 300 meters ahead!" Renoir's mechanical eyes suddenly glowed red. "The energy fluctuations highly match those of the star core key fragments, but a large number of Essence Devouring Creature activity signals have also been detected nearby!"

Wind Howling Silver Wolf immediately stopped, its entire body tensed with silver spiritual power. It could feel the surrounding black dust rapidly converging, formingVague shadows — these shadows were "Essence Devouring Phantoms" condensed from Essence Devouring energy. Although they had no physical form, they could devour the energy of living beings through contact, serving as the Essence Devouring Creatures' advance scouting force.

"Prepare for battle!" Wind Howling Silver Wolf's consciousness transmitted through the communicator to the team members. The Extreme Cold Spiritual Power on its wolf claws transformed into ice blades, and it charged first towards the nearest black shadow. The moment the ice blade collided with the shadow, the shadow let out a piercing shriek, was frozen into a transparent ice sculpture, and then completely dissipated under the effect of the Extreme Cold Spiritual Power.

The other team members also launched their attacks. The Dual Realm cultivators released origin energy and immortal spiritual power, forming streaks of light blades that cut through the surrounding Essence Devouring Phantoms; the Star Source Federation explorers activated their portable "anti-essence devouring energy guns," pale blue energy beams shooting at the black shadows, disintegrating them one by one.

The battle lasted for half an hour, and the surrounding Essence Devouring Phantoms were finally cleared.

But no one relaxed their guard — these phantoms were just an appetizer; the real danger lay within the architectural remnants ahead.

"The energy anomaly area is inside the remnant!" Renoir pointed to a hugecrack in the center of the remnant. "There's a secret chamber deep within thecrack, and the star core fragment should be inside. But the density of spatial rifts around thecrack is extremely high, and there's a barrier formed by Essence Devouring energy. Forcing entry would be very dangerous."

Wind Howling Silver Wolf walked to the edge of thecrack, silver light flickering in its wolf eyes.

It could see that the entrance to the secret chamber deep within thecrack was carved with vortex runes similar to those in the Boundary Gate Ruins. These runes were slowly operating, forming a faint golden energy barrier, blocking the invasion of Essence Devouring energy.

This was a defensive array left by the Immortal Law Alliance.

"This barrier is key," Wind Howling Silver Wolf's consciousness sounded in the communicator. Its wolf claws gently touched the air at the edge of thecrack, clearly feeling the gentle energy transmitted by the rune barrier.

This energy was of the same origin as the purple crystal in the boundary gate core, clearly a defense set up by the Immortal Law Alliance using origin energy. "Forcing a breakthrough will trigger the barrier's counterattack mechanism. We need to find the array's core and activate it with energy of the same origin."

Renoir immediately brought up the Immortal Law Alliance architectural blueprints stored in his mechanical eyes. The blueprints marked structures similar to thecrack, with a hidden groove on each side wall of thecrack. "According to ancient records, the core of this type of defensive array is usually hidden in the groove, and a fragment of the star core key is needed as a 'key' to activate the barrier's passage."

A Foundation Establishment late-stage cultivator from the Dual Realm elites volunteered: "I'll try! My spiritual power can resonate with origin energy, and perhaps I can simulate the energy of the star core fragment to temporarily activate the array core."

He cautiously approached the groove on the left side of thecrack, placed his palm on its surface, and slowly injected origin spiritual power. When the spiritual power contacted the runes in the groove, the groove suddenly lit up with a faint golden light, and a small energy channel appeared on the barrier. But this channel only lasted for a moment before closing as the cultivator's spiritual power was depleted.

"No, the required energy is too strong!" the cultivator retreated, his face pale. "My spiritual power can only last for ten seconds at most, which isn't enough for the entire team to pass through."

Wind Howling Silver Wolf pondered for a moment, then suddenly thought of a solution. It took out an origin crystal core from its storage bag, which it had collected earlier in the Boundary Gate Ruins — this was an energy crystal left by the Immortal Law Alliance. Although its purity was not as good as the star core key, it also contained origin energy of the same source.

"Try this!" Silver Wolf handed the origin crystal core to Renoir. "Embed the crystal core into the groove, then assist its activation with your technological energy. Perhaps it can extend the time the channel remains open."

Renoir immediately complied. He embedded the origin crystal core into the left groove and simultaneously activated the technological device on his arm, a pale blue energy stream flowing into the groove along the crystal core. The two energies merged under the guidance of the runes, and the groove's light instantly surged. The energy channel on the barrier also expanded to a width that could accommodate two people side-by-side, and showed no signs of closing.

"Success!" Renoir shouted excitedly. "The crystal core's energy can sustain it for at least half an hour, which is enough for us to enter and exit!"

The team members entered the energy channel one by one. The walls inside the channel were covered with ancient runes of the Immortal Law Alliance, which recorded the alliance's history of researching origin energy — from the initial energy extraction to the later development of the Balance Array, and then to the construction of the boundary gate. Each rune was like a page of a history book, recounting the glory of ten thousand years ago.

Wind Howling Silver Wolf walked at the front of the team, its wolf eyes vigilantly scanning the surroundings. A faint origin energy permeated the channel, but it also contained a faint, elusive Essence Devouring aura. Clearly, Essence Devouring Creatures had once broken in here, but were blocked outside the secret chamber by the barrier.

"The secret chamber is ahead!" Renoir's mechanical eyes detected the expanding space ahead. "But the Essence Devouring energy concentration at the secret chamber's entrance has suddenly increased. Watch out for traps!"

...