Black Wind was attacked suddenly, and its branch was wiped out.

Black Wind Star.

As the station for the 'Black Wind Branch' of the 73rd Division on the eastern edge of the Hongmeng Divine Court, this star had undergone continuous transformation for ten thousand years.

Its volume was nearly ten times larger than an ordinary life-bearing star, and its entire body presented a dull iron-gray color.

No oceans or vegetation could be seen on its surface; instead, it was covered in dense, angular metal building complexes, towering energy towers, and crisscrossing giant pipelines.

The planet's periphery was shrouded in three layers of visible pale golden energy shields, with complex defensive runes flowing on their surfaces, faintly forming a huge, phantom 'Court' character.

Dozens of star ports of varying sizes orbited the planet like satellites, receiving and dispatching standard Divine Court star vessels.

This was the core of power and military force for the Divine Court's rule over this edge Star Domain, garrisoned by over a thousand Divine Court Cultivators and commanded by Chu Li, a leader at the Middle Stage of the Hunyuan Celestial Venerable Realm, making it as solid as a fortress.

However, no matter how sturdy a fortress, it could not withstand precise intelligence from within and unexpected, lethal strikes.

Three million miles away from Black Wind Star, in the shadow of a 'debris belt' composed of dense asteroids, the ni dao vessel and several other disguised small star vessels lay in wait like lurking vipers.

Inside the bridge, on the star chart in front of Nightmare, the defensive layout of Black Wind Star was clearly marked—the strength and weak nodes of the three-layer shield, the garrison strength and shift times of each star port, the functional zones of internal major buildings, and even several secret emergency passages leading to the core 'Branch Main Hall' and 'Resource Treasury'...

Most of this intelligence came from Huo Gang's Storage Ring, with a small portion supplemented and perfected by several Cultivators from the newly incorporated resistance coalition who had once stayed on the outskirts of the Divine Court and knew something about Black Wind Star.

'Three layers of Heavenly Derivation Universal Divine Shields. The first layer focuses on early warning and energy reduction, the second layer focuses on physical and energy defense, and the third layer is connected to the planetary core's ley line Formation, possessing the strongest defense and an automatic counter-attack mechanism.' Nightmare pointed at the star chart, his voice calm, 'Our goal is not a frontal assault. It is...'

His fingertip pointed to a location near the planet's equator marked as 'C-7 Discarded Maintenance Passage Entrance'.

'Here. According to intelligence, this is an entrance to a deep maintenance passage abandoned after a ley line tremor three thousand years ago. It is located below the first layer of the shield and leads directly to the buffer zone between the second and third layers of the planet's internal shields. The entrance is simply sealed and has not been inspected for years. Sneaking in from there allows us to bypass the most troublesome third layer of the shield and enter directly into the periphery of the branch's core area.'

'The resistance coalition will be divided into three teams.' Nightmare's gaze turned to the leaders standing strictly to the side, ''Iron Rock', 'Ghost Thorn', you each take fifty people, board the assault vessels, and after we successfully sneak in and cause internal Chaos, attack the 'East 3' and 'West 7' outer star ports respectively. Do not seek to occupy them; just create enough commotion to attract and pin down at least thirty percent of the garrison's attention.'

The two resistance leaders named—one burly like a rock, one thin like a ghost shadow—immediately clasped their fists and accepted the order: 'Understood, Alliance Leader!'

'Blood Fang, take eighty members of the Nidao Vanguard Army and sneak in with me. After entering the core area, your task is to lead the people to clear all resistance along the way and quickly control the periphery of the 'Branch Main Hall', cutting off internal and external communications to prevent Chu Li from requesting reinforcements from the higher-level Divine Court.'

'Yes!' Battle Intent burned in Blood Fang's eyes.

'The rest of you remain with the star vessels, maintain concealment, and be ready to provide support at any time.'

Nightmare surveyed everyone and finally added: 'Remember, the key to this battle is 'speed' and 'accuracy'. We do not have time to fight a war of attrition with the Divine Court. Once successful, withdraw immediately according to the plan. For all spoils, prioritize collecting origin crystals, Legacy Jade Slips, and high-grade Materials. If you can't take it, destroy it on the spot.'

'Understood!'

'Action!'

...

One hour later, Black Wind Star rotated to a specific angle, and the energy flow of the outer shield also entered a preset, relatively weak 'tidal interval'.

Several small assault vessels, painted with special wave-absorbing and illusion coatings and shaped like irregular meteorites, used the cover of the 'debris belt' to drift silently toward Black Wind Star like real cosmic dust.

Nightmare, Blood Fang, and eighty elite Vanguard Army members were in one of the assault vessels. Everyone restrained their aura, like cold rocks.

The assault vessel slid precisely into the predetermined orbit, close to the underside of Black Wind Star's massive, thick first layer of pale golden shield.

Energy flowed across the shield's surface, emitting a low hum, but near the abandoned maintenance passage entrance, the energy fluctuations were indeed much more chaotic and thinner than elsewhere.

Nightmare's Divine Thought stirred, and a wisp of evolved, deeper-colored Chaos Annihilation Demonic Flame seeped from his fingertip, like the most precise scalpel, silently piercing the mottled and broken Seal runes at the entrance.

The characteristics of the Demonic Flame lay not only in destruction but also in the analysis and erosion of energy structures.

In just a few breaths, the Seal was dismantled from the inside, revealing a dark, deep metal tunnel entrance that could only accommodate a few people side-by-side.

'Enter.'

Without the slightest hesitation, Nightmare flashed in first, followed closely by Blood Fang and the others.

The assault vessel followed a preset program, quietly drifting away and re-hiding in the darkness.

The interior of the tunnel was exceptionally wide but covered with thick cosmic dust and condensed metal rust, and the air was filled with the smell of decay and metal oxidation.

Obviously, this place had been abandoned for too long.

The group moved quickly through the tunnel like ghosts, following the route map in the intelligence, avoiding a few potentially remaining automatic warning devices, and continuously penetrating deeper into the planet.

Along the way, they encountered a few waves of the lowest-level automated cleaning Puppets and energy nodes, all of which were silently resolved by the Cultivators in the Vanguard Army who were good at stealth and assassination.

About half an hour later, light appeared at the end of the tunnel ahead, and faint sounds of energy flow and human voices could be heard.

'We've reached the buffer zone.' Nightmare's Divine Thought extended forward, instantly investigating the situation outside.

The buffer zone was located between the second and third layers of the shield, a circular, vast space hundreds of feet high.

It contained some secondary functional areas, storage areas, and barracks for low-level Cultivators.

At this moment, it was a shift change interval, and it seemed a bit lax, with only a few patrol teams of Cultivators walking around routinely.

Nightmare gave Blood Fang a look.

Blood Fang understood and immediately signaled to the people behind him.

The eighty elite Vanguard Army members immediately divided into ten teams, like leopards merging into the shadows, silently scattering and pouncing on those patrol teams and several key energy node control rooms.

The slaughter unfolded in silence.

These Divine Court Cultivators stationed in the buffer zone mostly had cultivation at the Dao Master Realm, with a few captains at the Early Stage of the Celestial Venerable Realm.

In front of the well-prepared and stronger Nidao Vanguard Army, they had almost no power to resist.

Muffled groans, Sharp Weapons entering flesh, the light sounds of Formation nodes being destroyed... all kinds of sounds were controlled within a very small range.

In less than the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the overt defensive forces of the entire buffer zone were cleared, and all external communication and alarm lines were physically cut.

'Alliance Leader, the buffer zone is under control. No high-level Cultivators were found, and no large-scale alarms were triggered.' Blood Fang reported quickly.

'Very good.' Nightmare nodded, his gaze cast toward the center of the buffer zone, where there was a thick alloy gate with complex space teleportation runes engraved on it—this was one of the fast teleportation Formations leading to the core area 'Branch Main Hall' and surrounding areas.

'According to the plan, Iron Rock and Ghost Thorn should be about to make a move.' Nightmare calculated the time.

Almost at the same time his voice fell—

Woo—!!!!

Piercing and urgent alarm sounds suddenly came from the east and west directions outside the planet!

Even through the thick shields and buildings, one could faintly hear the roar of explosions and the violent fluctuations of energy collisions!

'Enemy attack! East 3 and West 7 Star Ports are under attack by unknown forces!'

'Strong energy reactions! The opponent has Celestial Venerable Realm Cultivators!'

'Outer garrison troops have gone to intercept! Requesting support from the core area!'

Through the low-level communication channel just captured that connected to the outer perimeter, noisy shouts and alarm information came through.

The tranquility of the core area was instantly broken!

'That's it!' Nightmare's eyes turned sharp, and he raised his hand to press on the core of the teleportation Formation on the alloy gate.

Domineering Demonic Flame poured in, forcibly cracking the Formation's identity recognition, and activating the teleportation!

Hum!

A white light flashed, and Nightmare, Blood Fang, and the fifty most elite Vanguard Army members (the other thirty remained in the buffer zone to control the retreat route) disappeared into the teleportation Formation.

...

Black Wind Branch, Main Hall area.

This was a magnificent complex of buildings constructed upon the planet's core geothermal vein node.

The central main hall stood a thousand zhang tall, forged entirely from dark golden 'Demon-Suppressing Divine Metal,' with a small, artificial blazing sun hovering above the roof, constantly radiating oppressive pressure.

Surrounding the main hall were several slightly shorter auxiliary halls, namely the 'Hall of Penal Law,' 'Hall of the Treasury,' 'Hall of Martial Arts,' and 'Star Observation Hall,' among others.

At this moment, deep within the main hall, the Commander Chu Li sat upon his throne, his face as gloomy as water.

Several light screens floated before him, displaying real-time footage of the attacks on the East Three and West Seven Star Ports.

In the footage, Cultivators from the resistance coalition were locked in fierce combat with the Divine Court garrison. Although the garrison could hold them off for now, the ferocity and suddenness of the enemy clearly exceeded expectations.

"Where did these scumbags come from? How dare they attack my Black Wind Star directly?!"

Murderous intent overflowed in Chu Li's eyes. "That trash Huo Gang still hasn't sent word, and now this group of death-seeking fools has popped up..."

Before he could finish speaking, an earth-shattering roar suddenly erupted outside the main hall! This was immediately followed by violent energy explosions and the screams and cries of Cultivators!

"What is going on?!" Chu Li stood up abruptly, his Divine Thought sweeping toward the outside of the hall like a raging tide!

He saw that the defensive Formation light barrier surrounding the main hall had been forcibly blasted open from the inside, creating a huge gap!

A figure shrouded in Chaos Nirvana Demonic Flame was walking toward the main hall, step by step, treading upon the shattered light of the Formation as if a Demon God had descended into the world!

Behind him, dozens of figures with powerful auras, carrying a chaotic murderous Qi that was completely incompatible with the Divine Court, were locked in battle with the main hall guards who had rushed over, forcing the guards into a steady retreat!

"Hunyuan Celestial Venerable Realm... Is it you?!" Chu Li's pupils constricted sharply. He instantly recognized the aura of that figure; it was identical to the dangerous feeling described in the vague information Huo Gang had last transmitted!

He actually dared to infiltrate Black Wind Star and fight his way directly to the main hall?!

Following the shock was boundless rage!

"How bold! I, this Commander, was just worrying about not being able to find you, yet you delivered yourself to my doorstep!" Chu Li roared, his Middle Stage Hunyuan Celestial Venerable Realm cultivation erupting without reservation!

With a flicker of his figure, he appeared in the sky above the plaza outside the main hall, facing Nightmare from a distance.

"Die! Divine Court Secret Technique — Heavenly Derivation Demon-Suppressing Seal!"

Chu Li formed Seals with both hands, and golden light erupted from his body. A terrifying pressure that seemed capable of suppressing all demons and cleansing the Universe condensed, transforming into a massive golden Seal that blotted out the sky, branded with countless sacred runes, and descended toward Nightmare!

Before the massive Seal arrived, the plaza ground below had already cracked inch by inch, and the space itself was solidified and locked!

This strike contained Chu Li's lifelong cultivation and profound understanding of the Divine Court's Cultivation Technique, and its power far exceeded Huo Gang's 'Wild Beast Heaven-Opening'!

Facing this terrifying strike, a trace of mockery flashed in Nightmare's eyes.

He did not dodge or evade, and he did not even use a weapon. He simply raised his right hand slowly, spread his five fingers, and aimed at the descending golden Seal.

In his palm, the evolved Hongmeng Chaos Nirvana Anti-Dao Demon Star Flame burned silently.

"Suppressing demons?" Nightmare whispered to himself. "Today, I will go against this 'demon' of yours!"

He clenched his palm abruptly!

Boom!!!

Endless Chaos Nirvana Demonic Flame, like a volcano that had been suppressed for eons, erupted violently from his palm!

The flames were no longer simple burning; they presented a bizarre state of 'flowing nothingness.' Wherever they passed, space, energy, light... all existence was 'erased' and returned to annihilation!

The golden 'Heavenly Derivation Demon-Suppressing Seal' collided violently with the torrent of Chaos Nirvana Demonic Flame!

The earth-shattering explosion that had been expected did not occur.

Everyone only saw that the incomparably powerful golden Seal, the moment it touched the torrent of Chaos Demonic Flame, dissolved and disintegrated rapidly, like snow under the sun!

The sacred runes on the massive Seal let out unbearable wails as they dimmed and shattered one after another!

In the blink of an eye, the massive golden Seal that had blotted out the sky was completely devoured by the torrent of Chaos Demonic Flame that appeared to flow 'slowly,' leaving nothing behind!

"What?!" Chu Li gasped in horror, his face full of disbelief. His full-strength strike had been 'erased' by the opponent so easily?

What kind of flame is this? What kind of Cultivation Technique is this?!

Just at the moment his mind was shaken, Nightmare's figure appeared like a ghost less than ten zhang in front of him!

Their gazes collided in the air.

Nightmare's eyes were cold and indifferent, as if he were looking at a dead man.

For the first time, an emotion called 'fear' rose in Chu Li's heart.

"No... You cannot kill me! I am a Commander officially appointed by the Hongmeng Divine Court! If you kill me, the Divine Court will never let you go! The headquarters will dispatch a Hongmeng Celestial Venerable..." Chu Li roared, his bark worse than his bite, attempting to activate his defensive Magic Treasure and secret techniques.

However, Nightmare did not give him another chance.

"Noisy."

Nightmare brought his right hand's fingers together, and a touch of extreme pitch-black swept past his fingertips.

"Anti-Dao Hunyuan Blade — Nirvana Slash."

A thin, pitch-black line, more condensed and profound than the one used to kill Huo Gang, and one that seemed capable of ending the very concept of 'slashing,' silently cut through the Void Realm.

Chu Li's roar came to an abrupt end.

The several layers of protective divine light that lit up around him, the ancient shield he had summoned, and the life-saving secret technique he had attempted to detonate... all were like paper before this thin, pitch-black line.

The thin line swept past Chu Li's neck without any resistance.

Time seemed to stand still for an instant.

Chu Li's head slowly slid off his neck. The cut was as smooth as a mirror, without any blood, because everything at the wound had been turned into nothingness by the power of 'Nirvana' in an instant.

His face remained filled with extreme terror and bewilderment, and his eyes quickly dimmed.

Middle Stage Hunyuan Celestial Venerable Realm, Commander of the Black Wind Branch, Chu Li — fallen!

Nightmare reached out and summoned, and Chu Li's Storage Ring, the Commander's token, and the ancient shield that had lost control fell into his hand.

He didn't even look at Chu Li's corpse. He turned around, and his cold voice resounded throughout the entire main hall area:

"Chu Li is dead."

"Those who surrender, cripple your cultivation, and you may live."

"Those who resist, kill without mercy!"

The voice was like the decree of the Grim Reaper, instantly shattering the last will to resist of the remaining Divine Court Cultivators. The Commander had been killed in seconds; what else was there to fight for?

The troops were routed like a collapsing mountain.

The subsequent mopping-up operation turned into a one-sided pursuit and seizure. Blood Fang led the Vanguard Army to quickly take control of the Core Zone, including the main hall and the Hall of the Treasury, slaughtering all who resisted and imprisoning those who surrendered.

Nightmare personally went to the Hall of the Treasury. There were several layers of powerful Restrictions here, but before his Chaos Nirvana Demonic Flame, they were as good as non-existent.

Forcibly breaking open the treasury gates, mountains of high-level origin crystals, various rare Ore Materials, thousands of Cultivation Technique Jade Slips and Legacy fragments, as well as a large amount of standard-issue Divine Court Magic Treasure equipment, came into view.

"Take everything. For what we can't fit, prioritize high-level goods," Nightmare ordered.

At the same time, he did not forget the 'geothermal vein core control room' mentioned in the intelligence. It controlled the third-layer shield and part of the self-destruct mechanism of the entire Black Wind Star.

Nightmare went there personally, using the Demonic Flame to erode the control core and paralyze it completely. He then set up a simple trigger device — when a specific energy fluctuation (such as the rescue signal unique to the Divine Court headquarters) attempted to restart the core, it would trigger a chain reaction explosion, destroying the entire geothermal vein node.

After doing all this, Nightmare used the captured communication Magic Treasure to issue a retreat order to the two units of Iron Rock and Ghost Thorn, who were still creating Chaos on the periphery.

The entire operation, from infiltration to killing Chu Li, controlling the core, and looting the treasury, took less than two hours in total.

When Nightmare, leading the troops laden with spoils and escorting some prisoners, retreated from Black Wind Star through the abandoned maintenance passage and rendezvoused with the star ships waiting on the periphery, the massive metal star behind them had completely fallen into Chaos and paralysis.

The resistance at the East Three and West Seven Star Ports had not yet fully subsided, and the Core Zone had lost its command. Coupled with the energy disorder caused by the destruction of the geothermal vein core, the entire Black Wind Branch was now a shell of its former self.

"Evacuate at full speed. Return to the depths of the desert, the Soul-Devouring Dark Vortex."

Standing at the bow of the 'ni dao vessel,' Nightmare took one last look at the star, which was gradually being lit up by internal explosions and energy turbulence, struggling like a dying giant beast, and issued the order.

Three star ships, along with the newly incorporated resistance coalition fleet, merged silently into the dark starry sky just as they had arrived, leaving behind only devastation and sky-high flames.

The Black Wind Branch was thus destroyed.

And Nightmare's Nidao Alliance, carrying rich spoils and a fearsome reputation, disappeared into the chaotic zone at the edge of the High Universe Domain.

A greater storm was already brewing.