Intra-regional integration, intelligence gathering

But for the Black Rock Domain, having just undergone a drastic change and a shift in power, these ten days were sufficient to complete a rough, top-down consolidation.

Nightmare did not return to the symbolic Obsidian Throne Hall, but instead occupied the core cultivation secret chamber originally used by Yan Kui.

Located deep within the ley lines of Black Stone Main City, this place not only had an extremely high concentration of Spiritual Qi (Grandmist Origin), but also saw the convergence of several tributaries of small and medium-sized origin crystal mineral veins, forming a natural treasure trove for cultivation.

The secret chamber itself was built from incredibly sturdy Obsidian Essence Gold that could isolate Divine Sense, and it possessed a vast internal space, complete with a small library and database.

He first spent two days thoroughly consolidating his cultivation in the Middle Hongmeng Lord Realm.

Devouring the Origin of a veteran Middle Sovereign like Yan Kui brought not only a surge in quantity but also a deeper understanding of the "Rock" attribute Origin rules.

Although his foundation was Reverse Dao Power, all rivers run into the sea; by drawing analogies, these insights allowed him to understand the underlying rules of the Hongmeng Universe more clearly, making him more targeted when facing enemies.

After stabilizing his cultivation, Nightmare turned his gaze to the database left behind by Yan Kui.

The Jade Slips, leather scrolls, and metal sheets in the library were piled high, categorized and recording the history, resource distribution, Cultivation Techniques, and records of interactions with other surrounding Elementary Universe Domains of the Black Rock Domain over thousands of years.

Yan Kui was not a ruler of grand talent and bold vision, but the basic governing data was quite complete.

Nightmare's Divine Sense, like an efficient scanning instrument, quickly swept past a large amount of useless information, focusing on finding records related to "Middle Universe Domain," "promotion channels," "Purple Lightning Domain," and the "power landscape of the Hongmeng Universe."

Soon, several Jade Slips marked "Domain Lord's Secret Records" and "Inter-Domain Interactions" caught his attention.

He submerged his Divine Sense into them.

The first thing to confirm was the common knowledge regarding Universe Domain Ranks.

The Hongmeng Universe is vast and boundless, generally divided into Elementary, Middle, and High Ranks based on comprehensive factors such as Origin concentration, rule completeness, and territory size.

Elementary Universe Domains are the most numerous, like the sands of the Ganges, and Black Rock Domain is one of them.

The number of Middle Universe Domains drops sharply, but they far exceed Elementary ones in every aspect and are the promotion goal that countless Elementary Domain Lords dream of.

High Universe Domains are even more mysterious and rare, with vague records that seem to involve deeper secrets of the Hongmeng Universe.

For an Elementary Universe Domain to ascend to a Middle one, or rather, for the Cultivators within to enter a Middle Universe Domain to Cultivate and develop, the most critical point is to find and pass through a "Hongmeng promotion channel."

Such channels do not exist naturally and extensively; they are often located in specific areas with weak spatial structures, or are controlled and monopolized by powerful forces.

The "border wasteland" where the Black Rock Domain is located is surrounded by several Elementary Universe Domains (including Black Rock, Purple Lightning, Golden Wind, Azure Frost, Green Water, etc.), and the only known, relatively stable "promotion channel" to the Middle Universe Domain has its entrance located precisely within the neighboring "Purple Lightning Elementary Universe Domain"!

"As expected..." Nightmare's eyes turned cold.

This matched what Yan Lie had said before his death.

The Jade Slip recorded that the Domain Lord of the Purple Lightning Domain, "Thunder Command," was similar in strength to Yan Kui, both being in the Middle Hongmeng Lord Realm, but he had a more domineering and aggressive personality, and the Purple Lightning Origin he cultivated was extremely offensive.

About a thousand years ago, Thunder Command forcibly seized control of that promotion channel by force and set a rule: anyone wishing to pass through, regardless of which Elementary Universe Domain they came from, must pay an exorbitant "passage Origin tax" and undergo strict inspection by the Purple Lightning Domain.

Any slight disobedience or non-compliance would result in expulsion at best, or immediate execution at worst; he had even wiped out a small Elementary Universe Domain that refused to submit.

During Yan Kui's rule, there were Cultivators in the Black Rock Domain who attempted to go to the Middle Universe Domain, but they were either discouraged by the high taxes, humiliated during inspections, or even perished.

Yan Kui himself seemed to have tried to negotiate with Thunder Command, but the result was self-evident: the Black Rock Domain remained excluded from the benefits of the channel.

The Jade Slip vaguely mentioned that Yan Kui harbored deep dissatisfaction with Thunder Command and the Purple Lightning Domain, but fearing their strength, he could only endure.

"Supporting Yan Kui in opposing me from the shadows? I'm afraid it's not just for the meager resources of the Black Rock Domain."

Thinking of Yan Lie's words before his death, Nightmare sneered inwardly.

Perhaps Thunder Command's actions were because he sensed the threat that he, an "external variable," might bring, or perhaps he simply wanted to maintain absolute control and exploitation of the surrounding areas.

But regardless, this promotion channel was something he had to obtain.

Being trapped in an Elementary Universe Domain was absolutely not his goal.

He also learned from scattered records and information circulating within the domain that the Purple Lightning Domain had long coveted the relatively wealthy "black stone Main Mineral Vein" of the Black Rock Domain, having repeatedly proposed "joint development" or "purchase," which were actually attempts at extortion, all of which were evaded by Yan Kui with various excuses.

There had long been a grudge between the two.

Putting down the Jade Slip, Nightmare had a clear judgment of the situation in his heart.

The Purple Lightning Domain Lord, Thunder Command, was the first substantial obstacle to his controlling the promotion channel and moving toward a broader world.

At this moment, Stone Firm's respectful voice came from outside the secret chamber: "My Lord, the ten-day deadline has arrived, various matters have been initially sorted out, and the commanders are waiting in the assembly hall."

Nightmare stood up and walked out of the secret chamber.

The assembly hall of the Domain Lord's Mansion had been rearranged; the flashy and impractical decorations were removed, making it look simple and austere.

Stone Firm and the other fourteen Elementary Sovereign-level Cultivators he had promoted (including those selected for their wit or outstanding strength from the original surrenderers of Black Wind Valley, the mines, and Dark Sand Star Domain) stood on both sides.

After ten days of integration and high-pressure tasks, the initial panic or obsequiousness on their faces had faded, replaced by a sense of solemnity and competence.

"Reporting, My Lord." As the interim manager, Stone Firm stepped forward first, holding a Jade Slip, "Over the past ten days, the following matters have been initially completed:

1. Resource Inventory: Captured items from the Black Stone Main City treasury, Black Wind Valley, black stone mineral veins, Dark Sand Star Domain, etc., as well as those confiscated from the fugitives' residences, total approximately 15,000 units of standard Hongmeng origin crystals; various Origin Ores and Materials are valued at approximately 8,000 units; three intact space ships (including Yan Kui's flagship 'black stone'), and fifteen small space ships; several Cultivation Technique Jade Slips and Magic Treasures have been registered and cataloged.

2. Personnel Integration: There are currently over 1,200 Cultivators in the domain, of which about 100 are in the Elementary Sovereign Realm (including us), and the rest are lower-ranked Cultivators or auxiliary personnel.

As per your instructions, 300 people have been selected to form the 'Nidao Guards,' divided into three teams, with myself (Stone Firm), the former deputy commander of the mining guards 'Iron Edge,' and the former deputy commander of the Dark Sand Star Domain 'Sand Shadow' temporarily serving as team captains.

The first rule of the Nidao Guards has been conveyed: in the event of resistance, rebellion, or violation of the Lord's orders, they have the right to execute first without needing to report."

Stone Firm's tone was steady and his report was clear.

Iron Edge was a man with a resolute face and a man of few words, while Sand Shadow was thin with agile eyes.

Both bowed slightly when Nightmare's gaze swept over them.

3. Intelligence Summary: Regarding the Purple Lightning Domain and the promotion channel, based on the records left in the domain and inquiries from various sources, the intelligence is as follows...

Stone Firm repeated the information Nightmare already knew in more detail and added some details, such as the suspicion that the Purple Lightning Domain Lord, Thunder Command, possessed a powerful thunder-type Origin supreme treasure; the Purple Lightning Domain had a standing army of about 500, of which about 150 were in the Elementary Sovereign Realm, led by three Protectors; the entrance to the promotion channel was located deep in the "Thunderstorm Sea" in the core area of the Purple Lightning Domain, guarded by heavy troops and set with powerful Restrictions.

After the report was finished, the assembly hall was silent, with only the slightly nervous breathing of the people present.

Everyone knew that after the resource integration was completed and the internal situation was initially stabilized, the next step would inevitably be outward.

And the target was very likely that strong neighbor—the Purple Lightning Domain.

Nightmare sat on the only black rock chair at the head of the table, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest, making a rhythmic tapping sound.

"15,000 standard crystals... barely enough to start." He said to himself, then looked up at the crowd below, "'Nidao Guards' is a decent name.

From today on, Stone Firm, Iron Edge, and Sand Shadow are officially appointed as Centurions of the Nidao Guards.

Each of you will lead a hundred-man team, intensify training, and familiarize yourselves with the combined attack Formations.

You will have priority access to the resources you need."

"Yes! Thank you, My Lord!" The three clasped their fists, joy and solemnity flashing in their eyes.

"As for the rest of you," Nightmare looked at the other twelve Cultivators, "assist Stone Firm in managing the administration, resource extraction, and intelligence gathering of the towns within the domain.

The rules remain the same: merit will be rewarded, and faults will be punished."

"We will strictly follow the Lord's orders!" Everyone responded in unison.

Nightmare stood up and walked to a simple star chart hanging in the center of the assembly hall.

It was a map of the Black Rock Domain's territory, with the outlines of neighboring domains like the Purple Lightning Domain faintly sketched on the side.

His finger pointed to the area representing the Purple Lightning Domain, especially the locations marked "Thunderstorm Sea" and "promotion channel."

"The Black Rock Domain is too small." Nightmare's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"The resources here cannot support a true powerhouse.

The stage of the Hongmeng Universe is in a higher place."

He turned around, his gaze sharp as a knife, sweeping over every face.

"The Purple Lightning Domain is blocking our path and has stretched its hand into our territory.

Yan Kui endured it, but I will not."

"We must control the promotion channel.

The Purple Lightning Domain will either submit, or... it will become the nourishment for the Black Rock Domain's growth."

The killing intent and ambition in his words were undisguised, causing everyone present to feel a shiver, followed by a surge of strong excitement.

Following such a master might be dangerous, but it also meant infinite possibilities!

"I will give you, and myself, five more days." Nightmare issued the final order, "The Nidao Guards must complete their basic integration and training.

All resources are to be prioritized for combat readiness.

Collect all intelligence regarding the Purple Lightning Domain's troop deployment, defensive weaknesses, and the details of the Thunderstorm Sea Restrictions."

"Five days from now, assemble twenty Nidao Guards elites to set out with me."

"Target: Purple Lightning Domain, promotion channel."

Once the order was given, no one questioned it, only followed it with awe.

The entire Black Rock Domain was like a war machine that had just replaced its core, and driven by Nightmare's will, it began to operate efficiently for an inter-domain conquest.

Five days was the final preparation period.

And when five days passed, the tranquility of this border wasteland would be completely shattered.

Nightmare's edge would, for the first time, truly point toward another force of the same level in the Hongmeng Universe.

A storm was already brewing.

And Nightmare was the eye of the storm.