The scene was deathly silent. Even Dongfang Lin, who was used to life and death, unconsciously held his breath—Han Feng had just displayed not only power, but also a chilling sense of absolute dominance. It was as if the one standing there was not human, but the embodiment of a star that held the power of life and death.

The sweltering heat in the air lingered, and a few blue crystal fragments drifted down from where Nangong Wentian had disappeared, refracting an eerie light in the sunlight. Han Feng withdrew his hand, the power of the stars calming within him, yet leaving behind a strange sense of control—as if he could decide the birth and death of an entire world with a mere gesture.

"Star Lord..." Zhang Jingcheng's voice was cautious, as if afraid of disturbing something, "We are now..."

Han Feng turned his head and found that the old man, who had seen it all, was unconsciously hunched over, his eyes filled with awe. Dongfang Lin, standing beside him, was in no better shape, his fingers unconsciously rubbing the hilt of his knife, his knuckles turning white.

"Notify all ancient martial arts families," Han Feng said, his voice not loud but carrying an undeniable authority. "Three days from now, at the Dongfang family's secret realm, I want to meet with the heads of each family."

Dongfang Lin's Adam's apple bobbed: "All of them? Including those smaller families?"

"Especially the smaller families." Han Feng's eyes gleamed. "If Mu Xiaoxiao could infiltrate the Shangguan family, other forces might not be so clean." He looked up at the sky. "Moreover, those overseas scum have also gotten involved."

These words caused both elders to change color simultaneously. Ancient martial arts families have always been aloof from worldly affairs; if they were truly infiltrated on a large scale by external forces... the mere thought was chilling.

"I'll arrange it right away." Zhang Jingcheng took out an ancient jade slip, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "What if someone uses an excuse not to come?"

Han Feng's lips curled into a cold smile: "Tell them that those who don't come... will be considered to have tacitly agreed to collude with extraterrestrial forces."

Dongfang Lin gasped – this was tantamount to the ancient martial arts world having to choose sides. But seeing the terrifying power hidden in Han Feng's calm eyes, he didn't dare say a word, only bowing deeply to accept the order.

"Chen Feng," Han Feng called out to the air.

The figure of Squad Leader Longyuan immediately appeared from the shadows: "Here!"

"Take men to clean up the scene. The remnants of the Shangguan family..." Han Feng paused, "Those willing to surrender will be sent to Longyuan for investigation. Those who stubbornly resist... you know what to do."

Chen Feng gave a crisp salute, and as he turned, he couldn't help but glance at Han Feng again. The feeling he had for this young superior had completely changed—if he was a sharp sword drawn from its sheath before, he was now like a bottomless, icy pool, calm on the surface but harboring destructive power.

After explaining all this, Han Feng's oppressive aura suddenly dissipated. He turned to look at Dongfang Wantang, who had been quietly standing in the corner: "Let's go home first. You must be tired."

The girl blinked, seemingly surprised that Han Feng would think of this at this moment: "I...I'm okay."

Han Feng reached out and gently brushed the dust from her hair, his movements completely different from before. "I bet Mengran and Wanwan are worried sick right now."

Seeing this, Dongfang Lin tactfully excused himself: "Star Lord, I will go and make preparations for the meeting."

After the two left, Han Feng took out his phone and looked at the dozen or so missed calls on the screen—as expected, most were from Liu Mengran and Su Wanwan, and two were text messages from his mother. He then realized that a whole day had passed outside while the battle at the Shangguan family was taking place.

"Let's go," Han Feng called out. "And tell me on the way, what happened outside just now."

Dongfang Wantang's hands trembled slightly, whether from lingering fear or some other emotion, she couldn't tell. She reported softly, "Elder Lin called three times, saying that Longyuan is very unhappy about the Shangguan family suddenly closing the secret realm... Also, Mengran and Wanwan said that your parents have been looking for you."

Han Feng paused, the image of Liu Mengran's anxious face flashing before his eyes, a pang of guilt rising in his chest. He turned to look at Dongfang Wantang, and gently took her hand, saying softly, "Thank you for calming them down."

Dongfang Wantang looked down at their clasped hands, her voice even softer: "I...I didn't do anything. I just told them you would definitely come back safely."

Han Feng was about to say something when his phone suddenly vibrated. Lin Zhengguo's name flashed on the screen, accompanied by a text message: "Kid, call me back if you're still alive! I can't take the pressure anymore."

He gave a wry smile and dialed the number: "Sir, it's me."

"Han Feng?!" Lin Zhengguo's voice rose an unusual eight octaves. "Where the hell have you been? The entire Shangguan family's secret realm is sealed off. Satellites captured energy fluctuations equivalent to a small nuclear explosion! I thought you'd pulled off something big!"

"They did cause some commotion." Han Feng glanced at the ruins of the Shangguan family's secret realm behind him. "I'll report the details in person. The Shangguan family... no longer exists."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "...You did it?"

"I suppose so." Han Feng didn't elaborate on the matter of Nangong Wentian and Shangguan Ce, "but the reason is quite valid—they colluded with extraterrestrial forces, and I've already had Chen Feng compile the evidence."

After another moment of silence, Lin Zhengguo sighed, "Alright, I'll cover for you. But you need to come to the base as soon as possible. These reports are still necessary. Although the authorities now have a team of cultivators, I'm not sure I can handle the pressure from those powerful families."

"I understand, but don't worry, they won't dare say anything," Han Feng said nonchalantly.

"You mean you can handle those families?" Lin Zhengguo asked uncertainly.

"Three days later, I will have Dongfang Lin and Zhang Jingcheng notify all the families to come to a meeting. Anyone who does not come will be treated as colluding with overseas forces."

After receiving Han Feng's assurance, Lin Zhengguo didn't say anything more.

After hanging up the phone, Han Feng noticed that Dongfang Wantang was secretly watching him. Caught red-faced, she immediately looked away. He suddenly remembered Jue Li's mention of "the power of faith," and vaguely sensed a subtle energy flowing from the girl towards him...

"Wantang." He stopped. "Do you believe I can protect this world?"

Dongfang Wantang nodded without hesitation: "Of course! You are the Star Lord!"

With those words, Han Feng clearly felt a warm current flowing into his meridians, merging seamlessly with the power of the stars. This... is the power of faith?

He tightened his grip on the girl's hand, gazing at the distant city skyline. Mu Xiaoxiao, the Nether Crystal Clan, extraterrestrial forces... he would eliminate all these threats one by one. Not for some lofty mission, but simply to protect those who trusted him.

"Let's go," he said softly, "home."

A light rain began to fall from the sky, but it was blocked by an invisible force before it reached the two people's heads, as if the whole world was making way for this newborn Star Soul Lord.