Nebula Purification

Just as the words fell, countless tiny cracks suddenly split open on the walls on both sides of the passage. Black Essence Devouring energy darted out like poisonous snakes, winding towards the team members. These energies were more solid than the Essence Devouring Creatures encountered before; when they touched the energy shields of the protective suits, they could actually slowly corrode the light of the shields.

"It's an Essence Devouring energy trap!" The cultivators of the Dual Realm Civilization immediately released their origin spiritual power, forming a green wall of light to temporarily block the attack of the Essence Devouring energy. "These energies are controlled by runes and will automatically attack any living creature that enters the passage!"

The alchemist sent by Liu Ruyan quickly took out the anti-essence devouring potion and sprinkled it onto the wall of light. The pale green potion reacted violently with the black Essence Devouring energy, causing the Essence Devouring energy to dissolve rapidly like snow meeting a raging fire. However, the Essence Devouring energy gushing from the cracks was endless, and the light of the wall was gradually dimming.

"This can't go on!" Wind Howling Silver Wolf let out a low roar, and Extreme Cold Spiritual Power erupted from his body. "You guys continue forward; I will block these energies!"

He leapt to the back of the team, gathered all his spiritual power in his wolf claws, and released his strongest skill: "Ice Wind Roar." The silver storm raged in the passage, freezing the incoming Essence Devouring energy into ice and temporarily cutting off the source of the energy.

"Quick! Enter the secret chamber!" Renault led the other members to charge quickly toward the secret chamber at the end of the passage. The door of the secret chamber was made of a single piece of black origin crystal core, and a huge vortex rune was carved on it. In the center of the rune was a groove, obviously the place to put the star core key fragment.

A Super Hong Meng Realm powerhouse from the Multiverse stepped forward, placed his palm on the rune, and mobilized the law energy within his body. The law energy resonated with the rune, and the door slowly opened, revealing the scene inside the secret chamber—

On a stone platform in the center of the secret chamber lay a transparent crystal box. Inside the box quietly rested a palm-sized pale gold fragment. The fragment emitted pure origin energy; it was the star core key fragment they were looking for!

"We found it!" Everyone revealed joyful smiles. Renault walked quickly to the stone platform and carefully opened the crystal box. When his fingers touched the star core key fragment, the fragment suddenly erupted with dazzling light, and a holographic image appeared in the secret chamber—

In the image, the Star Master and the Immortal Venerable stood in front of a huge energy device, their expressions solemn. The Star Master held the complete star core key in his hand, while the Immortal Venerable was adjusting the parameters of the device.

"The Essence Devouring Creatures have broken through the outer defenses. We must activate the 'Nebula Purification Plan'." The Star Master's voice carried determination. "Divide the star core key into three pieces and hide them in the Boundary Gate Ruins, the abandoned planet ruins, and the Nebula Core respectively. Only by collecting all three pieces can we activate the purification device and completely eliminate the Essence Devouring Creatures."

The Immortal Venerable nodded, his eyes full of reluctance: "We don't have much time left. The energy of the Essence Devouring Mother Star is expanding rapidly. Once they break through the limitations of the nebula, the entire universe will be devoured. Remember, only the one who can balance origin energy and Essence Devouring energy can truly control the star core key and activate the purification plan."

The image disappeared as the light of the star core key fragment faded. Renault held the fragment and said with a heavy heart: "So the star core key was divided into three pieces. We only found one of them; the other two are in the Boundary Gate Ruins and the Nebula Core respectively. Moreover, starting the purification device also requires someone who can balance the two energies..."

"The person who can balance the two energies might be Commander White Night," a Dual Realm cultivator suddenly said. "Commander White's origin golden core fused the characteristics of origin energy and Essence Devouring energy. Previously in the Ten Thousand Demon Valley, he even successfully purified the Essence Devouring energy in the Blood Eye Demon Lord's body. Perhaps he is the person the Star Master and Immortal Venerable were waiting for."

This speculation made everyone's eyes light up. Wind Howling Silver Wolf also remembered the origin golden core in White Night's dantian, which indeed had similar balancing characteristics to the energy of the star core key, and his determination to bring the fragment back safely grew stronger.

"We should go back!" Wind Howling Silver Wolf's consciousness sounded in the communicator. "Captain Silver Wolf is still outside resisting the Essence Devouring energy. We must support him as soon as possible!"

The group quickly returned to the passage with the star core key fragment. At this time, Wind Howling Silver Wolf's spiritual power had been mostly consumed, the silver storm was gradually weakening, and the black Essence Devouring energy broke through the defense again, beginning to corrode his silver mane.

"Captain Silver Wolf!" Renault immediately activated the anti-essence devouring energy gun, and light blue energy beams shot toward the Essence Devouring energy, relieving the pressure for Silver Wolf. Other members also took action, with origin spiritual power and technological energy intertwining to completely clear the Essence Devouring energy in the passage.

Wind Howling Silver Wolf lay weakly on the ground, but a joyful light flickered in his wolf eyes. He saw the star core key fragment in Renault's hand and knew that this exploration mission had been a success.

The team members quickly withdrew from the energy passage. Renault removed the origin crystal core from the groove, and the passage on the barrier closed, completely isolating the remaining Essence Devouring energy inside the passage.

When they returned to the small psionic ship, the black dust on the planet's surface became even thicker, and the figures of Essence Devouring Creatures even appeared in the atmosphere—these creatures seemed to have sensed the energy of the star core key fragment and were gathering toward the direction of the ship.

"Take off immediately!" Renault started the ship's engines. The psionic ship struggled to rise into the air amidst the black dust and flew toward the direction of the Star Source Federation space station. Behind the ship, countless black tentacles stretched out from the dust, trying to grab the ship, but were blocked by the psionic ship's energy shield.

Wind Howling Silver Wolf lay by the ship's porthole, looking at the gradually receding abandoned planet, feeling deeply emotional.

This exploration not only found a fragment of the star core key but also revealed part of the secrets of the Immortal Law Alliance, providing important clues for fighting against the Essence Devouring Creatures. But he also knew that the journey to find the other two fragments would be even more difficult, especially the fragment located in the Nebula Core, which was the area with the highest concentration of Essence Devouring Creatures, and the danger level far exceeded that of the abandoned planet.

The psionic ship shuttled through the turbulence of the nebula, moving toward the space station. Wind Howling Silver Wolf closed his eyes and began to recover his consumed spiritual power. In his mind, he kept replaying the words of the Star Master and the Immortal Venerable from the image, and his determination to assist White Night in collecting the star core key fragments and activating the Nebula Purification Plan grew stronger.

Meanwhile, in the Star Source Federation's space station, White Night was researching the defense system of the Essence Devouring Mother Star with Aila and the scientists of the Star Source Federation. In the holographic projection, the surface of the Essence Devouring Mother Star was covered with a thick layer of Essence Devouring energy, and the energy layer was full of fortifications, with countless Essence Devouring Creatures shuttling through it, forming an impregnable line of defense.

"To destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star, we must first break through this energy layer." Aila's tone was solemn. "But the thickness of the energy layer exceeds one hundred kilometers and can automatically repair itself. Our Psionic Fleet simply cannot break through it head-on."

White Night's gaze fell on the Arctic region of the Essence Devouring Mother Star in the projection, where the energy layer was relatively thin and there were no obvious fortifications: "That might be our breakthrough point. The energy flow in the Arctic region is abnormal, which may be the energy weakness of the Essence Devouring Mother Star."

The Star Source Federation scientists immediately retrieved detailed data of the Arctic region: "That's right! The Arctic region is the energy output port of the Essence Devouring Mother Star. Although the energy flow is intense, the defense is relatively weak. If we can deploy enough anti-essence devouring energy wave devices there, we might be able to temporarily tear open a gap in the energy layer and create opportunities for subsequent attacks."

Just as they were discussing the attack plan, the communicator suddenly rang, and a message came from Wind Howling Silver Wolf's team: "Commander White Night, we have found a fragment of the star core key and are on our way back to the space station. We are expected to arrive in three days!"

This news made everyone excited. A light flashed in White Night's eyes: "Great! Once Silver Wolf and the others return, we will have the key to activating the nebula energy collector. At that time, not only can we cut off the energy supply of the Essence Devouring Creatures, but we can also provide enough power for the anti-essence devouring energy wave devices, killing two birds with one stone!"

Aila also smiled: "I will immediately report to the headquarters and request to send more researchers and defense troops to assist us in preparing for the plan to attack the Essence Devouring Mother Star."

The next three days, the space station entered a tense preparation stage.

The Mechanical Race engineers began to modify the weapon systems of the Psionic Fleet, installing anti-essence devouring energy wave devices on the main guns of the ships; the cultivators of the Xuantian Immortal Domain stepped up the refining of anti-essence devouring potions and demon breaking pills to ensure that every member of the expeditionary force had sufficient supplies; the scientists of the Star Source Federation were analyzing the energy characteristics of the star core key fragment, preparing to activate the nebula energy collector.

Three days later, the team led by Wind Howling Silver Wolf finally returned to the space station. When Renault handed the star core key fragment to White Night, the fragment suddenly resonated with the origin golden core in White Night's dantian. The pale gold light echoed with the three-colored golden core in the dantian, forming a pillar of energy light that illuminated the entire space station.

"This is... energy resonance!" The Star Source Federation scientists looked at this scene in shock. "Commander White's golden core can indeed resonate with the star core key. He is the person the Star Master and Immortal Venerable were waiting for!"

White Night felt the connection between the golden core in his body and the star core key fragment, and his heart was filled with power. He knew that the mission of collecting the star core key and activating the Nebula Purification Plan had fallen on his shoulders. And the battle to destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star and guard the peace of the universe was about to begin.

Outside the porthole of the space station, the pale purple nebula was still beautiful, but it also hid deadly dangers.

White Night gripped the star core key fragment in his hand, looking firmly toward the Essence Devouring Mother Star deep in the nebula. He knew that the road ahead was destined to be thorny, but as long as the Dual Realm Civilization and the Star Source Federation were united as one, and as long as he had the support of these partners around him, no difficulty could stop their progress.

The Immortal legend belonging to White Night, at the critical moment of collecting the star core key fragments and on the eve of the coming ultimate battle, was moving steadily toward the pinnacle of the universe. And the tripartite alliance of the Xuantian Immortal Domain, the Multiverse, and the Star Source Federation would also write the most magnificent chapter in the history of cosmic civilization in this battle.

...

The resonance between the star core key fragment and the origin golden core lasted for a full hour before gradually subsiding.

When the light faded, White Night could clearly feel a mysterious connection established between himself and the star core fragments—he could perceive the energy flow deep within the nebula through the fragments, and could even vaguely "see" the approximate locations of the other two fragments: one deep within the black stone pillars of the Boundary Gate Ruins, and the other in the energy vortex of the Nebula Core.

"This is the 'Star Core Induction' ability!" the head of the Star Source Federation's Origin Energy Research Institute said excitedly. "Only those who can resonate with the star core key can possess this ability. With it, we can precisely locate the other two fragments without having to explore blindly!"

White Night closed his eyes and concentrated his spirit to perceive the aura of the other two fragments.

The aura of the fragment in the Boundary Gate Ruins was relatively clear; it seemed to be at the base of the black stone pillar repaired previously, hidden by the Immortal Law Alliance using special runes. However, the aura of the fragment in the Nebula Core was extremely faint and enveloped by dense Essence Devouring energy, so it could only be determined that it was somewhere near the energy vortex at the center of the nebula, with its specific location requiring further exploration.

"The fragment in the Boundary Gate Ruins is relatively easy to obtain; we can send people there to excavate it first," White Night said to everyone, opening his eyes. "But the fragment in the Nebula Core is extremely difficult to retrieve. Not only is it a dense area for Essence Devouring Creatures, but there is also a powerful energy vortex that ordinary ships cannot approach at all."

The Mechanical Emperor immediately proposed a solution: "We can modify a 'Nebula Shuttle' to use the energy of the star core fragments as propulsion, which can withstand the energy vortex of the Nebula Core and the erosion of Essence Devouring energy. We had a preliminary concept for the design blueprints of such a ship, and now with the energy data of the star core fragments, it can be manufactured within three months."

Aila also added: "The Star Source Federation can dispatch our most advanced 'Explorer' research ship to assist. The 'Space Folding' technology on the research ship can shorten the travel time within the Nebula Core and reduce the probability of encountering Essence Devouring Creatures."

Over the next half month, the Dual Realm Civilization and the Star Source Federation worked together, dividing tasks to begin implementing the plan to obtain the other two star core fragments.

The first team was led by Azure Cloud Master, heading to the Boundary Gate Ruins in the Xuantian Immortal Domain to excavate the star core fragment hidden at the base of the black stone pillar. As a cultivator at the late Golden Core Stage, Azure Cloud Master had deep research into Immortal Dao formations and could safely crack the hidden runes left by the Immortal Law Alliance, avoiding the triggering of traps.

The second team consisted of the Mechanical Emperor and scientists from the Star Source Federation, responsible for modifying the Nebula Shuttle. They input the energy data of the star core fragments into the design system, optimizing the ship's defense systems and propulsion units to ensure it could sail safely in the extreme environment of the Nebula Core.

White Night remained at the space station, working with Wind Howling Silver Wolf, Liu Ruyan, and others to study how to utilize the existing star core fragments to initially activate the Nebula Energy Collector.

The activation of the Nebula Energy Collector required at least one star core fragment as a "key." Although it could not perform its full function, it could collect a small amount of nebula origin energy, providing more powerful propulsion for the Psionic Fleet and the anti-essence devouring energy wave device.

In the control room of the Nebula Energy Collector, White Night inserted the star core fragment into the slot on the console. The fragment resonated with the collector's energy system, and a pale golden energy stream spread along the circuits. The collector's massive disk began to rotate slowly, absorbing the origin energy of the nebula.

"Energy collection efficiency has reached 30% of the target!" the monitor shouted excitedly. "The purity of the collected energy is extremely high, far exceeding the origin energy produced by the Dual Realm Furnace!"

White Night watched the energy values rising on the screen, his heart filled with anticipation. As long as all three star core fragments were gathered, the collector would be able to perform its full function, not only cutting off the energy supply of the Essence Devouring Creatures but also providing a continuous stream of clean energy for all civilizations in the universe, achieving true cosmic peace and prosperity.

Half a month later, the team led by Azure Cloud Master returned safely to the space station, bringing back the second star core fragment. This fragment was slightly smaller than the first, pale blue in color, and contained rich spatial energy; it was clearly the key used by the Immortal Law Alliance to stabilize the boundary gate space.

When the two fragments resonated with White Night's origin golden core simultaneously, the space station's energy system even experienced a brief overload. Pale golden and pale blue lights intertwined, forming a small nebula vortex above White Night's head. Pure origin energy flowed within the vortex, making the surrounding cultivators and outer-realm creatures feel an unprecedented sense of comfort.

"Now, we have two fragments!" Aila said excitedly. "As long as we find the third fragment in the Nebula Core, we can launch the Nebula Purification Plan and completely destroy the Essence Devouring Mother Star!"

At this moment, the Mechanical Emperor also sent good news: "The Nebula Shuttle modification is complete! We have covered the hull with three layers of 'Star Core Energy Shields,' which can withstand attacks from Essence Devouring Creatures at the Golden Core Stage and allow it to sail freely within the energy vortex!"

Everyone turned their gaze toward White Night, waiting for him to issue the order to head to the Nebula Core. White Night took a deep breath and said with a firm gaze: "Inter-Universal Expeditionary Force, Star Source Federation research team, prepare to depart! Target: Nebula Core, obtain the third star core fragment!"

Three days later, the expedition team consisting of the Nebula Shuttle, five Psionic Fleet ships, and one Explorer research ship slowly sailed away from the space station, heading in the direction of the Nebula Core.

White Night served as the captain of the shuttle, with Wind Howling Silver Wolf, Liu Ruyan, Leinuo, and others as core members, together forming this team that carried the fate of the universe.

The expedition team sailed in the nebula for ten days, during which they encountered multiple surprise attacks from Essence Devouring Creatures.

However, relying on the powerful defense of the Nebula Shuttle and the firepower support of the Psionic Fleet, they successfully resolved the crises.

On the tenth day of the expedition team's voyage through the nebula, the surrounding environment became increasingly extreme.

The pale purple nebula was gradually swallowed by the dense black Essence Devouring energy, the originally twinkling stars became dim and lusterless, and the intensity of the spatial turbulence was five times greater than before. Even the Nebula Shuttle, equipped with the Star Core Energy Shield, began to experience slight jolts.

"Warning! Detected a large-scale cluster of Essence Devouring Creatures, numbering over five thousand, including three 'Essence Devouring Lords' with strength reaching the Nascent Soul Stage!" The monitor of the Explorer research ship issued an emergency alert. In the holographic projection, dense black figures gathered deep within the nebula, like a moving black cloud, rapidly approaching the team.

White Night stood on the bridge of the Nebula Shuttle, frowning as he watched the Essence Devouring Lords in the projection, whose sizes far exceeded those of ordinary Essence Devouring Creatures.

These three Lords had different forms: one was like a giant octopus, with tentacles covered in barbs capable of corroding energy shields; one resembled a cheetah, with four limbs covered in black scales and speed so fast it left afterimages in the nebula; and another looked like a floating jellyfish, with countless tentacles hanging beneath its bell that could release Essence Devouring rays.

"Psionic Fleet, form defensive formation!" White Night's voice spread through the communicator to the entire team. "Ships one through three are responsible for attacking the octopus Lord, ships four and five will contain the cheetah Lord, the Explorer research ship will use Space Folding technology to interfere with the jellyfish Lord's rays, and Silver Wolf and I will provide support!"

"Received!" the captains of the ships responded in unison. The five Psionic Fleet ships quickly deployed, the main guns at the bows began to charge, and pale blue technological light intertwined with cyan-green Immortal Dao spiritual power, forming beams of energy ready to be fired.

When the cluster of Essence Devouring Creatures approached, the main guns of the Psionic Fleet fired simultaneously. The energy beams shot toward the black cluster like a rainstorm. Ordinary Essence Devouring Creatures instantly turned to ashes under the impact of the energy beams, but the three Essence Devouring Lords remained unscathed—the Essence Devouring energy layer covering their bodies could absorb most of the attack energy, with only a small amount penetrating the defense to cause slight damage.

"As expected, it's not simple!" the Mechanical Emperor's voice carried a grave tone. "The energy layers of these Essence Devouring Lords are even thicker than the Blood Eye Demon Lord's; ordinary main gun attacks cannot break through at all!"

The octopus Lord launched a counterattack first, dozens of thick tentacles carrying black mucus whipping toward the first Psionic Fleet ship. When the mucus touched the ship's energy shield, it made a "sizzling" corrosive sound, and the light of the shield dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye.

"Activate the Star Core Energy Shield!" the captain of ship one ordered immediately. A pale golden shield emerged from the ship's surface, temporarily resisting the corrosion of the mucus. But the octopus Lord's tentacles continuously struck the shield, causing the ship's hull to begin to tremble violently.

The cheetah Lord transformed into a streak of black lightning, rushing toward the fifth Psionic Fleet ship. Its speed far exceeded the ship's reaction speed, and its sharp claws left three deep scratches on the hull. The ship's body, made of Star Steel alloy, was easily torn open, exposing the internal energy pipes and emitting electrical sparks.

"Ship five is damaged! Requesting support!" the roar of a crew member came through the communicator of ship five.

Wind Howling Silver Wolf let out a low growl and leaped out of the Nebula Shuttle. The silver figure carved an afterimage in the nebula, blocking the cheetah Lord that was preparing to attack again. The Extreme Cold Spiritual Power on the wolf's claws turned into ice blades, slashing fiercely at the Lord's scales. Although it failed to tear the scales, it forced it to retreat temporarily, buying time for ship five to repair.

"Commander White Night, we must concentrate our firepower to attack the weaknesses of the Essence Devouring Lords!" Liu Ruyan's voice came through. Through the energy feedback of her pill furnace, she discovered that the energy layer of the Essence Devouring Lords would have a brief weakness when releasing attacks. "At the moment they launch a skill, the energy layer converges to the attacking part, and the defense of other parts will be significantly reduced!"

White Night immediately adjusted the tactics: "All ships, attention! Wait for the moment the Essence Devouring Lords launch an attack, and concentrate firepower to attack their backs! That is the position where the energy layer is weakest!"

The crew of the Psionic Fleet immediately held their breath, staring intently at the Essence Devouring Lords in the holographic projection. When the jellyfish Lord prepared to release the Essence Devouring rays, a pale black gap indeed appeared in the energy layer on its back—this was the flaw left behind when energy converged.

"Now! Attack!" White Night ordered. The main guns of the five Psionic Fleet ships aimed simultaneously at the back of the jellyfish Lord. Pale blue and cyan-green energy beams, like precise arrows, penetrated the gap in the energy layer and struck the Lord's main body!