However, its arrogance did not last long.
Just as this creature howled to the sky, a cold killing intent suddenly emanated from the direction of the drone swarm. Before the Old Insect King could react, a giant hand appeared beneath its feet at an unknown moment.
More accurately, it appeared beneath the entire insect swarm.
It was a palm the size of a galaxy, making all the insects upon it appear insignificantly small. An entire Level 7 insect swarm appeared as mere ants in its palm. The giant hand merely clenched lightly, and the massive Level 7 insect swarm, which had caused such a headache for all the Star Alliance members, including the Old Insect King, was thus reduced to dust in its grasp.
The giant hand disappeared, and by this time, the swarm was no more. Only a few lucky ones that happened to be outside its range remained scattered.
"Wha- what happened... where are those insects..."
Someone witnessing the scene still found it unbelievable, thinking it was an illusion. The vast swarm of insects that had covered the skies had just vanished like that?
They initially thought that the main force of the Beller drones had arrived—surely there were over 1,000 swarms here. They were certain a monumental battle would ensue, and they even plotted ways to escape amidst the chaos.
However, developments took yet another unexpected turn. Who would have thought that the drones didn’t even have a chance to act before that savage and domineering swarm was obliterated by a suddenly appearing giant hand? Such power truly exceeded their understanding.
Ordinary members might not know, but many within the Star Alliance had guessed part of the truth. Su Changqing was one of them.
"Mentor... is that you...?"
As Zhang Xiaoman’s disciple and a Star Alliance Inspector, Su Changqing had a certain understanding of his mentor’s true power, as he had long reached the Middle Extraordinary Level, and in this universe, essentially had no equal.
In fact, Su Changqing had been suspicious from the moment Ziwei appeared. The fact that those drones could coexist peacefully with her revealed one thing: the drones were not wild Bellers but transformed "allies."
In this world, there was but one being capable of transforming drones into allies.
"Mentor!!"
Su Changqing flashed out of the flagship, personally welcoming the return of his mentor.
In his line of sight, Star Dust slowly converged and then condensed into a magnificent figure.
"Extreme Star Lord!"
All faces bloomed with joy and relief. So it was the Extreme Star Lord who had just taken action, no wonder a single move obliterated a Level 7 insect swarm, and no wonder those drones stood obediently in place like well-behaved children...
It turned out, this was all the doing of the actual leader within the organization.
Many were seeing Zhang Xiaoman in person for the first time, profoundly shaken by his impressive display. They had long heard tales of the mysterious and formidable leader, who even attracted beings like the transcendental Black Soul from two universes away.
Initially, they could not fathom the great power of the Extreme Star Lord. Today, they finally witnessed it firsthand—a Level 7 insect swarm, claimed to be at the Universal Dominator Level, was wiped out with a mere raise of a hand. Such strength truly surpassed their imagination.
"Lord of the Stars... it is the Lord of the Stars... you truly did not forsake us... O mighty and merciful Lord of the Stars, may your light forever shine upon this world!"
Within the Star Alliance fleet were some Phantom Spirit People, who also witnessed the earlier events. As Zhang Xiaoman’s figure manifested through the stars, these loyal Divine Enlightenment Soldiers were almost frenzied with excitement, muddling their prayers. Their faith in the Master of the Stars reached unprecedented heights at that moment.
Zhang Xiaoman surveyed the surrounding environment, sighing softly.
"Karon Star System, it’s changed this much, has it..."
He recalled personally choosing this new homeland for the Phantom Spirit Clan. Karon Star, with the quality of its internal planets and surrounding cosmic environment, was then very suitable for civilization to thrive.
Yet, not having returned for decades, he found upon his return the seas and fields have changed profoundly.
The impact of the Great Fusion on the two universes was undeniable and massive. The once beautiful Karon Star Region had become battered and scarred under the ravages of war.
He extended his right hand, from the palm erupting vast vitality that repaired nearby spatial cracks.
Soon, that energy enveloped everyone aboard the Star Alliance fleet. When they regained their senses a moment later, they had already been transported from the tumultuous void flow region to within the Karon Star System.
The surging life energy continued to spread across the star system. Wherever it passed, shattered planets were restored, land grew gentle greenery, and oceans descended from the starry river above the skies. Planet after planet reshaped under the astounded gazes of those present, becoming even more magnificent than before.
After completing all this, Zhang Xiaoman stopped and nodded in satisfaction.
The power he wielded had now reached a small level of mastery. Since receiving Ni Yang’s guidance, he decisively set aside the Returning Sea Divine Ability and began seeking his own path.
And now, the energy he wielded was what he realized after all these years—a unique power of creation. The vitality used to restore planets and create habitable natural environments was merely one expression of it.
Zhang Xiaoman called this power "Primordial."
From the name, it was evident his ambition remained quite grand. In truth, even he didn’t know the upper limits of this power.
It was borne out of his insight while using laws in the Original Realm. It could evolve all things and laws of the world, quickly creating a life planet or instantly destroying it.
Now, Zhang Xiaoman was very pleased with the effects of this power, grateful to Ni Yang for pointing him in the right direction.
If he had continued focusing solely on the practice of the Returning Sea Divine Ability, it might have allowed him to take many shortcuts to some extent, but it would never have truly been his own. It would be difficult to surpass the heights of its founder, Ni Yang, far below the cultivated path belonging solely to himself now.
"Mentor, you have returned."
Su Changqing came before Zhang Xiaoman, performing a deeply respectful Star Touching Ceremony, while also placing his hand upon his chest and bowing his head in a more revered disciple’s salute incorporated within the Star Touching Ceremony.
Through the other’s eyes, Zhang Xiaoman already gained Insight into what had transpired within the Star Alliance during this time, including the situation on Karon Star and everything they went through near the void flow zone.
"You did the right thing, but perhaps refrain from using it again in the future."
Zhang Xiaoman spoke, his gaze settling on the small token in Su Changqing’s hand.
It was a Realm Lord Order he had given to Su Changqing.
So, Zhang Xiaoman simply beckoned and took the item back.
In fact, Su Changqing’s failure at the critical moment of activating the Realm Lord Order was due to his interference.
The Realm Lord Order was never intended as an explosive trump card for individuals.
Zhang Xiaoman pondered briefly, then bestowed upon Su Changqing a droplet-like tool.
This was the Tear of the Original Realm. With it, Su Changqing could, like him, open a portal to the Original Realm from anywhere in the universe at any time.
In this way, even if one couldn’t draw an enemy into it, they could at least summon the few powerful beings within the Original Realm to assist in battle. However, this item was a consumable and could only serve as a trump card as well.