Cross-domain expedition, Purple Lightning outpost

The five-day deadline arrived in the blink of an eye.

On the dedicated takeoff and landing platform outside Black Stone Main City, the 'black stone' Universe ship, a hundred zhang long, forged entirely from obsidian mixed with rare metals, and shaped like a ferocious giant beast, was already prepared.

The insignia on the ship's hull that originally belonged to Yan Kui had been erased, replaced by a simple yet sharp dark golden Reverse Pattern composed of three intersecting, twisted lines—this was the mark Nightmare had casually decided upon.

Twenty elite Nidao Guards, dressed in uniform dark-colored light armor and carrying improved Blackrock long halberds (the halberd blades had been specially treated and faintly shimmered with a dark golden luster), stood solemnly in Formation beside the gangways on both sides of the ship's hull.

Their auras were refined, their gazes sharp, and their cultivation was uniformly at the Peak of the Elementary Dominator Realm. They were the outstanding ones meticulously selected by Stone Firm and the others from the three hundred Nidao Guards, who had received prioritized resources within the five days and had initially honed their combined attack Formation.

The three centurions, Stone Firm, Iron Edge, and Sand Shadow, stood at the very front of the team, heads held high and chests puffed out.

The morning light (the celestial phenomenon simulated by the Domain's Origin) spilled down, plating the heavy armor of black stone with a cold, hard edge.

Nightmare's figure appeared silently on the deck at the bow of the ship.

He wore no armor, still dressed in a simple black robe, his aura completely restrained, like an ordinary person.

But when his gaze swept over the people below, everyone felt their Divine Soul tighten slightly, as if brushed by an invisible sharp edge.

Board the ship. There was no pre-battle mobilization, no grandiose words, only two plain words.

Yes! The twenty-three people shouted in unison, their movements uniform and synchronized, quickly boarding the ship and taking their respective positions.

Nightmare stepped into the ship bridge's main control room.

It retained the rugged style of the Yan Kui era, but the key control runes had been slightly modified by Stone Firm and his team to better align with the drive of the Dao Reversal Origin.

Outside the huge curved viewing window were the gray sky of the Black Rock Domain and the undulating mountains in the distance.

My Lord, everything is ready. The course has been set. The target is the border between the Purple Lightning Domain and the Black Rock Domain, the 'Violet Lightning Outpost'. Stone Firm stood by the main console and reported in a deep voice.

Depart.

black stone trembled slightly, a low humming sound rang out, the runes on the hull lit up one after another, and the rear spewed out a faint blue tail flame.

The massive ship body slowly rose into the sky, turned, and then suddenly accelerated, transforming into a streak of black light that broke through the sky barrier of the Black Rock Domain and sailed into the cold, empty Void Realm outside the Domain, filled with thin Grandmist Spiritual Qi.

Space travel was boring and long.

Fortunately, the distance to the border between the two Domains was not unreachable; at black stone's speed, it would take no more than half a day to arrive.

Inside the bridge, Nightmare closed his eyes to rest, but in reality, his mind was connected to the core token of the Black Rock Domain that he had just initially mastered, continuously sensing the situation within the Domain while also deducing potential situations in his mind.

Stone Firm and the others dared not slack off in the slightest, taking turns monitoring the route, checking the ship's status, and reviewing the combined attack Formation.

Time passed in silence.

Outside the viewing window, the scenery of the Void Realm remained unchanged, with only the occasional asteroid belt or tiny broken landmass passing by in the distance, indicating the movement of their position.

Gradually, subtle changes began to appear in the Void Realm ahead—the originally thin and colorless Grandmist Spiritual Qi began to mix with wisps of weak, jumping Violet Lightning.

The space also faintly transmitted a slight feeling of numbness.

My Lord, we are about to enter the buffer zone at the border of the two Domains. The Violet Lightning Outpost should be a million miles ahead. Sand Shadow was responsible for looking out and spoke to remind him.

Nightmare opened his eyes and looked out the viewing window.

In the Void Realm ahead, the Violet Lightning became more and more obvious, faintly gathering into a thin but vast 'thunder cloud' background.

That was the edge of the energy radiation of the Purple Lightning Domain.

Slow down, standard alert. Nightmare ordered.

black stone gradually slowed down, maintaining a speed that was neither obviously provocative nor insufficient to deal with sudden situations, and sailed toward the Violet Lightning thunder cloud area.

Another quarter of an hour passed.

A massive space fortress, built entirely of a certain deep purple metal, appeared abruptly in front of the path, blocking the only way to the hinterland of the Purple Lightning Domain.

The fortress was shaped like an elongated hexagonal prism, its surface densely covered with flickering runes and ferocious cannon muzzles. At the top of the fortress, a thick purple beam of light shot straight into the Void Realm, constantly scanning the surrounding area.

Around the fortress, dozens of small Violet Lightning patrol ships were cruising.

This was the 'Violet Lightning Outpost', the first and most important checkpoint controlled by the Purple Lightning Domain, leading to its Core Zone and that promotion channel.

It was not only a tax station but also a military outpost and early warning hub.

The approach of black stone immediately alerted the outpost.

Several patrol ships broke away from the Formation, greeted them in a defensive Formation, and at the same time, a tough Divine Thought communication was transmitted directly to the black stone bridge:

Ahead is the jurisdiction of the Purple Lightning Domain! The incoming ship must immediately state its identity and accept inspection! Report the purpose of passage and prepare to pay the passage Origin tax!

The Divine Thought was filled with unquestionable arrogance, which was the standard style of the Purple Lightning Domain.

Stone Firm looked at Nightmare.

Respond according to the plan. Nightmare said indifferently.

Stone Firm steadied himself, activated the communication Formation on the bridge, and transmitted a peaceful but clear Divine Thought back:

The new Domain Lord of the Black Rock Domain, heading to the Purple Lightning Domain, has important matters to discuss with Domain Lord Thunder Command.

Black Rock Domain? New Domain Lord? The other party's Divine Thought paused for a moment, seemingly surprised, and then became even more arrogant,

Hmph, didn't the Black Rock Domain just change its master? That one called Nightmare? No matter who you are, the rules of the Purple Lightning Domain do not change! All passing ships, regardless of identity, must accept comprehensive inspection and pay the passage tax! For an Elementary Universe Domain Lord, the tax is doubled! Stop the ship immediately, open the defenses, and accept boarding inspection! Otherwise, it will be treated as an invasion, and you will be killed without mercy!

Following this Divine Thought, the muzzles of those patrol ships all lit up with purple light, locking onto black stone.

The main cannon on the fortress behind seemed to be adjusting its angle as well.

My Lord... Stone Firm and the others' expressions sank. The other party's attitude was even worse than expected; not only did they want high taxes, but they also wanted to board the ship for inspection. This was simply naked humiliation.

Nightmare had no expression on his face, just looking through the viewing window at the purple fortress getting closer and closer, and at the top of the fortress, a figure that had just appeared on the observation platform, wearing battle armor with purple lightning patterns, whose aura had reached the Early Stage of the Middle-level Sovereign Realm—one of the Violet Lightning Protectors.

Tell them, Nightmare's voice was calm and waveless, Tax, none. Inspection, no. Make way, or...

He slowly stood up and walked toward the exit of the bridge.

...die.

Stone Firm took a deep breath and transmitted Nightmare's meaning in a more concise and tough way:

Our Domain Lord has ordered: No tax, no inspection. Clear the passage immediately!

Presumptuous! The Violet Lightning Protector's angry shout came through Divine Thought, like thunder exploding, You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit! A mere Black Rock Domain dares to defy the heavenly might of the Purple Lightning? This Protector will say it one last time: Stop the ship immediately, pay the tax, and accept the inspection! Otherwise, today I will let you, the new Domain Lord, be buried in the Void Realm! Those few Origin mineral veins in the Black Rock Domain will serve just right as an apology gift!

A threat that tore off the mask, undisguised greed.

Just as this Divine Thought came, the Violet Lightning Protector had already made a move!

Violet Lightning Cage!

He formed seals with both hands, and blinding purple lightning erupted from his body! The entire Violet Lightning Outpost fortress shone brightly, resonating with the thin thunder clouds in the Void Realm!

In an instant, countless thick purple lightning bolts were born from the Void Realm, weaving into a huge lightning network covering thousands of miles, covering black stone directly from above!

The electric network not only contained terrifying destructive power but also carried strong paralysis and imprisonment effects, obviously wanting to capture the people inside the ship alive, especially that 'new Domain Lord'.

Attack! Take them down! The Violet Lightning Protector ordered with a grim smile.

Thirty Elementary Dominator Realm guards stationed at the outpost (their auras were more refined than the Blackrock Guards) also flew out from the fortress, coordinating with the patrol ships, rushing toward black stone from all directions, the lights of various Violet Lightning Divine Abilities lighting up!

Facing this sudden omnidirectional attack, Nightmare had already stepped out of the bridge and arrived on the deck outside black stone.

The Void Realm turbulence blew his robes, but he was as steady as a mountain.

Looking at the Violet Lightning Cage covering the sky and the attacks coming from all directions, a trace of cold mockery flashed in Nightmare's eyes.

Stubborn and foolish.

He didn't even unfold his Domain, just raised his right hand, palm upward, fingers slightly spread.

Hongmeng Reverse Dao Demonic Star Flame—Incinerate Heaven.

Following his low voice, a point of deep darkness emerged from his palm.

The next moment, that point of darkness expanded and exploded violently! It was as if a black sun had been ignited in the Void Realm!

Boundless black Demonic Flame, with Nightmare as the center, swept out in all directions! Wherever the flames passed, the Void Realm twisted, and the Law wailed!

That seemingly imposing 'Violet Lightning Cage' electric network, the moment it touched the black Demonic Flame, was like meeting its nemesis!

The purple lightning was easily swallowed, assimilated, and reversed by the Demonic Flame! The electric network disintegrated and dissipated at a speed visible to the naked eye!

Those Violet Lightning Divine Abilities and energy beams attacking from all directions, whether from guards or patrol ships, once they entered the range of the Demonic Flame, were like clay oxen entering the sea, silently annihilated!

What?! This flame... The grim smile on the face of the Violet Lightning Protector standing on the fortress froze instantly, turning into extreme horror.

He felt that his connection with the Violet Lightning Cage had been forcibly cut off, and even more terrifying, the aura emitted by that black flame made the Violet Lightning Origin within his body instinctively tremble and repel!

No! Quickly activate the fortress's strongest defense! Everyone...

His order had not yet been fully issued.

Nightmare's figure had already, like a ghost, crossed the Void Realm and appeared in front of him! Between the two, there was only a layer of the fortress's energy shield.

You talk too much.

Nightmare, through the shield, looked at the terrified face inside and tapped his right index finger gently.

At his fingertip was a point of dark golden black light condensed to the extreme.

Break.

Pop—!

A soft sound.

That purple energy shield, which was enough to withstand several full-force attacks from a Middle Sovereign, was easily punctured with a hole like a soap bubble!

The dark golden black light did not diminish in momentum, passed through the hole, and in the wide-eyed gaze of the Violet Lightning Protector, sank into his forehead.

The Violet Lightning Protector's body stiffened suddenly, and the radiance in his eyes dimmed rapidly.

He opened his mouth, seeming to want to say something, but only let out a slight 'cluck' sound.

A tiny crack spread from his forehead, instantly covering his whole body, and then, his entire body along with the battle armor on him, like broken porcelain, silently turned into a cloud of purple light spots, which were then thoroughly burned clean by a wisp of black Demonic Flame that surged in from the hole in the shield.

The Violet Lightning Protector at the Early Stage of the Middle-level Sovereign Realm, in one encounter, Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering!

Protector, my Lord!!!

The thirty guards besieging black stone and the Cultivators on the patrol ships all saw this scene that made their Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering, and terrified screams exploded in the communication channels and Divine Thought.

The fortress's command System instantly fell into chaos.

And at this moment, the hatch of black stone had already opened.

Nidao Guards! Kill! Stone Firm, Iron Edge, and Sand Shadow roared in unison, taking the lead, and led the twenty elite Nidao Guards like tigers out of their cages, fiercely killing their way out!

They formed a simple Three Talents battle Formation, echoing each other, and charged directly into the panicked crowd of Violet Lightning guards!

Having lost their leader and being shocked by Nightmare's terrifying methods, these Violet Lightning guards, although not weak in individual strength, had their morale collapsed and their Formation scattered at this moment.

Facing the Nidao Guards who had tacit cooperation and boiling Battle Intent, it was almost a one-sided slaughter!

The long halberds swung, assisted by Demonic Flame (a small amount of Demonic Flame separated by Nightmare attached to the Nidao Guards' weapons, enhancing armor penetration and lethality), and screams and explosions rose one after another.

Patrol ship after patrol ship was destroyed, turning into fireballs in the Void Realm.

Nightmare stood above the fortress, coldly watching the slaughter below.

He raised his hand and waved it, and a patch of Demonic Flame spilled down, accurately covering several key nodes of the fortress—the communication tower, the early warning Formation core, and the main energy room.

Silently, these key facilities were swallowed and dissolved by the Demonic Flame.

The fortress completely became deaf and blind, unable to send any alarm to the hinterland of the Purple Lightning Domain.

The battle did not last long.

In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the thirty Violet Lightning guards, more than ten patrol ships, and the fortress itself, which had lost its function, had all turned into wreckage and ashes in the Void Realm under the cleaning of the Nidao Guards and Nightmare's Demonic Flame.

All spoils of war were quickly collected.

Nightmare returned to the bow of black stone, his robes unstained by dust.

Stone Firm and the others flew back to the ship. Although everyone was injured and their auras were fluctuating, their eyes were incredibly bright. In this battle, they truly witnessed the invincible posture of their new master and also tested the results of their initial integration.

My Lord, the outpost has been destroyed, and all early warning devices have been cleared. No survivors were found. Stone Firm reported.

Nightmare nodded, his gaze cast toward the even thicker purple thunder clouds deep in the Purple Lightning Domain.

Continue forward, target—Purple Lightning Main City, Thunderstorm Sea.

black stone started again, crossed the Violet Lightning Outpost area that had become ruins, and sailed into the territory of the Purple Lightning Domain without any obstruction.

Behind it, only a silent Void Realm and floating metal wreckage were left, witnessing this short and cruel first battle of the cross-Domain expedition.

The door to the Purple Lightning Domain had been kicked open.

And the real challenge was still ahead.