Refinement, the Expansion of the Small World

But just as Hua Qiang approached the Star Core, it suddenly erupted with a blinding light, and a majestic yet furious consciousness descended.

"Outsider, you dare covet the power of the origin? Die!"

As that grand voice echoed through the space, the energy currents around the Star Core abruptly turned violent, condensing into a gigantic hand formed of pure energy that slammed toward Hua Qiang with an aura of destruction.

Wasn't he here for the Star Core Origin? How could he be frightened off by it?

Facing that giant hand capable of destroying everything, Hua Qiang showed no fear. The true qi within him erupted without reservation, and the Dao Sword bloomed with an unprecedented radiance.

This was a battle that would decide success or failure. Either he refined the Star Core, or... he withdrew and left empty-handed.

He was still quite confident in his ability to retreat unscathed.

The instant the giant hand fell, Hua Qiang raised the Dao Sword across his chest and forcibly received the blow.

The two powerful forces collided, violently shaking the entire space. Energy shockwaves spread in all directions, ripping countless cracks into the hard stone walls.

Hua Qiang only felt an immense force crash into him. His blood and qi churned, and blood seeped from the corner of his mouth.

"Damn, this is a little troublesome!" Hua Qiang muttered, wiping his mouth.

The Star Core seemed not to have expected this outsider to withstand its attack. The giant energy hand condensed once more and launched an even more violent assault.

Hua Qiang no longer defended passively. He pushed his true qi to its limit, and the totem on his left arm shone with a dazzling red light, intertwining with the golden radiance of the Dao Sword.

"Break!"

With an angry roar, he shot