328: rule?

However, just as the starship was about to touch the barrier, an immense and terrifying force suddenly erupted from the invisible barrier.

This force, like a surging tsunami, spread outwards with an overwhelming momentum.

The power was so great that it directly shook the space around the starship, causing fine cracks to appear as if the entire space could not withstand the impact of this mighty force, resembling shattered glass.

Immediately after, this impact force solidly hit the starship, and the powerful energy instantly triggered the starship's passive shield.

In an instant, a shield shimmering with a light blue glow rapidly unfolded, tightly enveloping the starship.

It should be known that this was a galaxy-class starship, and its hull defense system was top-notch.

The fact that its passive defense was triggered was enough to indicate that the power hitting the starship was extremely strong, capable of breaking through the starship's basic defense layer on the hull surface.

In the combat power evaluation system of interstellar civilizations, any attack capable of breaking through the basic defense of a star river class starship must at least reach the attack standard of a fourth-level civilization.

This sudden situation undoubtedly made everyone more deeply aware that this seemingly calm area actually concealed immense danger and mystery.

In other words, if the instantly erupting vibrational force were concentrated and converted according to the principle of an energy cannon, and then fired, the terrifying energy it contained could instantly destroy a large Galaxy at the very least.

Imagine that vast and boundless Galaxy, with its countless planets and nebulae, instantly shattering and dissipating like fragile bubbles under the impact of this world-destroying energy, turning into cosmic dust—what astonishing destructive power!

No wonder the previously missing starship was easily destroyed.

Thinking of this, Li Yang couldn't help but secretly feel fortunate.

Fortunately, Pal acted cautiously and sent a galaxy-class starship.

If he had rashly dispatched the ordinary starships from his fleet, they would likely have met the same tragic end as the previously missing starship, instantly pulverized under the impact of that powerful force.

“This is... the power of rules?”

Just as everyone was shocked by this scene, Lin Bi, who was beside him, suddenly changed his expression, and with unconcealed astonishment in his voice, blurted out.

“The power of rules?”

Li Yang looked at Lin Bi with a puzzled expression, clearly not yet familiar with this concept.

“Yes, the so-called rules, simply put...”

Lin Bi took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, and began to explain.

“These are the various regulations established by the universe since its birth. They are formless and colorless, yet they govern the operation of all things in the universe. From the perspective of our technological civilization, these are the cosmic rules, manifested in various physical laws and energy laws.

And from the perspective of a xuanhuan civilization, these are the laws of the 'Great Dao' they speak of. In the xuanhuan civilization's understanding, the 'Great Dao' is a supreme existence, and the laws derived from it determine the birth, death, and operation of all things in the world, containing endless mysteries.”

Li Yang suddenly understood. It turned out that the same kind of power had completely different interpretations in the cognitive systems of different civilizations.

To technological civilizations, it was cosmic rules based on scientific principles. To xuanhuan civilizations, it was the mysterious and all-governing so-called Great Dao laws.

This also made him more deeply aware that the civilization hidden behind this mysterious space was vastly different from the imperial technological civilization they were familiar with.

“So what is the use of this power of rules?”

Li Yang frowned, his eyes full of confusion, eager to get a clear answer from Lin Bi.

Lin Bi pondered for a moment, thinking about how to clearly explain this complex concept to Li Yang.

“The power of rules is relatively rare for our technological civilization... But actually, it can't be said entirely like that; the universe is full of the power of rules everywhere. For example, the gravitational force between celestial bodies is actually a manifestation of a rule. However, for this type of rule, although the Empire has been tirelessly researching it in depth, due to its complexity and mystery, research progress has always been relatively slow, and achievements are also relatively limited.”

He paused, then continued.

“Conversely, in the system of xuanhuan civilization, the more advanced the xuanhuan civilization, the more obvious and powerful the power of rules they display. This is precisely the fundamental reason why the Empire spares no expense in desperately searching for xuanhuan civilizations. Just think, what immense changes would occur if the Empire could completely analyze and control the rules of the universe!”

Lin Bi's eyes sparkled with excitement, and his voice unconsciously rose a few octaves.

“Once the Empire masters this power, it may be possible to successfully ascend from a seventh-level civilization to an eighth-level civilization. By then, the Empire will possess unimaginable great power, even capable of creating a universe itself!”

At this point, Lin Bi's face was filled with uncontrollable excitement, as if he had already seen the glorious future of the Empire stepping towards that supreme realm.

But soon, Lin Bi realized he had lost his composure and quickly reined in his emotions, saying with a slight apology.

“I apologize, I get a bit too excited when I think about these things. I really lost my composure just now.”

“It's nothing...”

Li Yang waved his hand, indicating it was fine.

However, listening to Lin Bi speak with such excitement and importance, new thoughts couldn't help but arise in his mind.

“But if that's the case, shouldn't we report the situation here to the higher-ups as soon as possible?”

Li Yang looked at Lin Bi with burning eyes, awaiting his response.

At this moment, a complex emotion surged in Li Yang's heart, feeling that the development of events seemed to far exceed their initial expectations.

Originally, the goal of this operation was merely to search for the missing starship and the unknown civilization associated with it, but who would have thought they would unexpectedly encounter such a tricky and mysterious situation.

“Of course.”

Lin Bi said with a serious expression, without hesitation.

“This kind of rule power with such obvious characteristics must be reported immediately! There can be no delay.”

“Chief...”

Pal couldn't help but speak up from the side, his face full of doubt.

“How are you so certain that this is the so-called power of rules, and not some other special power?”

After all, Pal had followed Li Yang on many missions and had encountered several xuanhuan civilizations, but he had never detected the existence of similar rule power.

Lin Bi smiled slightly, a glimmer of recollection flashing in his eyes, and slowly said.

“This relies on experience. Back then, I also had my own fleet, traversing the vast star sea of the universe, and my explorations of xuanhuan civilizations were countless. This power of rules is not unfamiliar to me; to put it plainly... because I have indeed seen it. The unique aura and powerful influence contained in that force are absolutely incomparable to other powers.”