The volume and total amount of matter in the universe do not represent the level of Dao power, but they can serve as a reserve of "Dao source" for the Lord of the Universe. The One of Eternity, in order to reach your location more quickly, emptied his universe to three millionths of its original size, meaning his sustained combat capability will be significantly reduced.

But what does it matter?

His combat power is undeniable, and his Dao power is substantial enough to erode your backward universe, which hasn't even given rise to the Eighth Realm yet.

Moreover, the energy of the universe merely ensures that his power is inexhaustible and endless; it is simply a hidden energy source on his back.

Even if one abandons the ego within the universe, one still possesses a normal amount of Dao source within oneself.

[You, accompanied by True Monarch Yufeng, found a deep blue universe, shrunk a hundred thousand times, yet still immense, occupying the entire field of vision before you.]

It would occasionally vanish into the shattered void, only to reappear in the next instant.

The direction we are heading is directly towards the source of light and dust.

The moment you enter this cosmic membrane, you feel an immense consciousness and an unparalleled power surge forth, enveloping you.

You were completely powerless to resist. With a soft 'whoosh,' you were instantly teleported inside, appearing before a large gray sphere.

The other's body was a perfect circle, radiating a hazy gray glow: "Interesting. Where did you come from, True Immortal?"

[“Despite being a first-time visitor to my universe and possessing no trace of Dao principles, he has Dao power comparable to that of over forty billion Resonance True Immortals…”]

The light on the large gray sphere seemed to dim further: "Tell me the truth, and I will spare your life and allow you to become a member of my Taiyuan Star Vortex."

[You recognize this gray sphere as the Lord of the Universe: "...You can't read minds?"]

[Grey Sphere: "That kind of Dao is too rare. I've heard that it only exists in the primordial universes, and I haven't yet completed it."]

You: "Boiling point."

[The gray sphere is enraged. The power pressing down on you instantly increases countless times, and countless laws of pain are applied, causing you to abruptly halt your journey into the future.]

[In reality, you're still at the gathering of immortals, and you can't help but shudder. Your face contorts as if you've licked a lemon. That future was just too painful; even just receiving the memory makes you feel a phantom pain all over your body.]

[You gave the god Mingyao below a wink.]

He immediately understood what you meant and embellished it.

"Oh, my universe! My father, what has happened to you?!"

"Holding the Grand Assembly of Immortals time and time again, and forcing us to rapidly increase our Dao principles countless times, your body must be riddled with holes by now!"

[Mingyao God, tears streaming down his face: "You really need to rest! Really! Please accept this as my plea!"]

"Sigh..."

You sighed, "I didn't expect you guys to see through me."

"Yes, every time I convene the Grand Assembly of Immortals, I have to manipulate the Dao principles, which is torture for my body. Now my body is riddled with holes and definitely needs time to heal."

The conference has been dissolved.

[You can let them comprehend the Dao in peace while you deal with the Gray Sphere Universe Lord; returning to the true nature in one go achieves two effects.]

[But that seems like too much trouble. You don't need to use it again, and you just want to focus your next Return to Truth skill solely on the Grey Ball.]

You return to your Father God's palace.

[A soft chuckle.]

"I wasn't wrong in that future encounter; that gray ball was indeed a boiling substance."

[As the Lord of the Universe, the gap between him and you at that time was definitely greater than the gap between you, the former Lord of the Netherworld, and yourself when you almost became his lackey!]

[If it used principles of hypnosis or charm, it might capture you on the spot. Even if it couldn't affect you in the present world as a true immortal in another universe, it could still cause you to lose face and disqualify you as the Father God in that future.]

However, it only used simple torture techniques to interrogate and torment you, which you then escaped using an instant disconnection technique.

"You won't be so comfortable from now on."

This is your fourth time entering the future today.

[They directly located the Taiyuan Star Vortex Universe, and were captured by the gray sphere the instant they entered.]

[Grey Ball: "Intended..."]

"jump over."

"Clearly..."

"jump over."

"...one member."

"Very well!" you agreed on the spot: "Your Majesty, the Eternal End, I am willing to reveal the source of this extraordinary power I possess."

【"only--"】

[You hold up one finger: "I have a small request, a very, very small request."]

The gray ball trembled slightly: "Speak."

[Your eyes revealed admiration: "I have always held the Eight Realms of Eternal End in the highest esteem and longing. When I heard of your presence nearby, I was overjoyed."]

"Even if I cannot become like you, I still wish to go further and get closer to those great beings who have reached such a legendary level!"

"So...may I hug you?"

[Grey Ball: "...Okay."]

So you rushed up and touched the surface of the gray ball.

The sensation was amazing; it felt like your palm was sinking into a ball of cotton softer than willow catkins. You could feel subtle resistance acting on your hand, and your palm easily sank into the gray sphere, entering its body.

"Father Yun is punishing you!"

[The essence of the Grey Sphere Cosmic Lord -49.31%.]

The moment you erase its essence, you immediately end this future and return to your true self!

"It feels so good to slap someone and then run away."

"In 14 days, after two more visits, that filthy gray ball will be completely pulverized and wiped out by me!"

Seven days later, you refreshed the page again, and the Gray Sphere Cosmic Lord's remaining essence is 1.38%.

You also clarified some other details.

Once it was determined that you could provide the secret to maintaining immense power even outside of the universe, the Grey Sphere was quite agreeable.

It also told you many secrets about the Lord of the Universe and the universe, secrets that are extremely difficult for outsiders to access.

After all, when faced with those who are helpful and willing to join them in good faith, even if they are a bald man, an old woman, or a soldier born nearly a hundred years ago, people will still treat them with kindness and friendliness—at least temporarily.

But you can't simply assume they're good people and feel favorably towards them—you still need to distinguish between enemies and friends.

The total number of laws in the Taiyuan Star Vortex Universe is 18.7 billion.