In fact, when they were still quite a distance from their destination, Li Xingkong had already noticed something amiss.
The visible universe is actually very large. Although it's hard to see clearly, if you look up at the stars at night, you'll always find that the boundless sky is filled with countless stars.
These stars are not a small number from Earth Star; even the closest one is at least a light-year away. From the perspective of an average person, the largest visible part of the universe is 3,260 light-years.
In other words, within this range, we can perceive the light emitted by all the stars with the naked eye.
As a cultivator, Li Xingkong naturally possessed stronger basic observational abilities. Not only could he observe visible light, but he could also directly see the movement of the star systems where those stars were located, and even the general condition of the surrounding planets.
But the closer he got to his destination, the stranger the situation became to Li Xingkong.
In the vast star field before him, the stars seemed to be dead, without a trace of light. It was as if a black spot had appeared before his eyes, and as Li Xingkong got closer, this black spot was getting bigger and bigger.
It wasn't until Li Xingkong teleported again and the area around the teleportation point became populated again, showing signs of civilization, that he realized the true nature of the black spot.
Those weren't black spots at all; that dark, oppressive expanse, which swallowed up all light and matter, was the battlefield he was heading to.
This civilization is now very close to the battlefield. Standing on its planet and looking up at space, only a small patch of sky still bears traces of the stars; most of the sky is occupied by endless darkness.
Using his Divine Sense, Li Xingkong carefully.
In that darkness, it seemed that countless tiny creatures were moving about, their gray-black shells flashing with a barely perceptible light, like the luster on the surface of a leather shoe, fleeting in an instant.
Li Xingkong saw it clearly; that wasn't darkness at all, but an endless army of Zerg.
Each insect was the size of a car. They were connected head to tail, piled together, like blood, swimming back and forth, turning the entire sky black.
They were not close to the atmosphere, and were even some distance away from the civilization Li Xingkong belonged to.
Even so, the overwhelming pressure was already palpable. The others observing from this side, after only a few minutes of watching and seeing the truth behind the facade with the help of instruments, were already terrified and trembling with fear.
There aren't many who can even stand up.
Their numbers are simply too great.
It was so large that Li Xingkong could not estimate its magnitude.
Their sheer numbers are beyond description; wherever they go, planets are devoured, stars are sucked up and broken down, leaving nothing behind.
In this boundless darkness, how many galaxies have been destroyed by their jaws? We can only estimate by observing the size of the swarm.
Moreover, they are ruthless even towards their own people.
Li Xingkong witnessed more than once that any insect that lagged behind or wasn't ferocious enough would be immediately devoured and decomposed by the surrounding swarm, and then, through a series of reproductions, new individuals would be born.
The concepts of death and Samsara seem to be nonexistent among them; after death, the insects become the resources of newborn insects through the mouths of other insects in the next second.
They looked like a savage race devoid of any intelligence.
Although its reproduction rate is somewhat faster and it does appear quite impressive, this alone is not enough to justify its status as a second-tier civilization.
There are countless civilizations, but quantity alone is not enough without quality.
The sky was completely obscured, Li Xingkong couldn't see the Mechanical Scourge. Perhaps they were still on the other side of the universe.
"These Zerg are truly ferocious. If it weren't for the constraints imposed by civilizations, they would have devoured the entire universe."
"No, no, I don't think it's that exaggerated."
Once they had recovered from their fear, the travelers began to discuss the matter.
"These insects may be numerous, but they don't seem to have any brains. Without intelligence, they're just wild beasts after all."
"Blind men and an elephant, you've only glanced at the Zerg's appearance before drawing such a conclusion. Your knowledge is clearly limited."
"What do you think, buddy?"
As the group discussed their plan, they noticed Li Xingkong, who remained calm and focused on observing the sky.
"They are indeed very intelligent, not as simple as they seem."
Li Xingkong was almost fooled by their outward appearance at first.
After observing for a long time, he found a similar pattern in the movement patterns of the insects.
It's a biological computer.
Most of the insects moved haphazardly, but one type, which was darker in color and less ferocious in appearance, moved in a surprisingly logical manner.
Moreover, other insects would intentionally make way for them.
After observing for a while, Li Xingkong concluded that these insects acted as a nerve center within the insect swarm.
Just like the nerve tissue scattered throughout the human body, these insects serve a communication function.
Following the trails of these insects upwards, Li Xingkong quickly discovered an incongruous spot within the Zerg army.
The insects' movements were so predictable.
It's like a biological matrix.
Li Xingkong thought of the so-called biological computer, where each insect is a basic computing node, and through a large number of individuals, a super-intelligent system is created.
However, they are currently quite far apart, and Li Xingkong can only make out a general outline. As for the specific details, he will have to get closer to see them.
"Everyone, now that you're here, you're all probably heading to Peace Star for the ceremony, right?"
Just as they were discussing, a magnetic, universal language rang out.
Following the sound, they saw a creature resembling an Zerg figure slowly approaching.
It was enormous, much larger than those flying around outside, and its dozens of pairs of limbs, each attached to an exoskeleton, moved in an orderly fashion, creating a strange and beautiful sight.
It has a large head, and its mouth is not the typical insect's jaw, but rather resembles the vocal organs of other creatures.
"I am the Zerg diplomat, Zhuoyin."
"First of all, welcome. Secondly, in addition to the observation, we also provide other services."
"By offering your complete genetic material, you can receive protection from the Zerg for hundreds to tens of thousands of years, depending on the quality of your genes. Alternatively, you can sign up for the combat manual and participate in our Heaven-reaching Tower, where you can fight to your heart's content amidst the endless Zerg swarms—of course, we will guarantee your safety."
"Or perhaps there are those with a penchant for exotic figures; we also offer related services..."