In the vastness of space, countless flashes of light erupted, crashing against the magical barrier surrounding Earth, causing a series of booming sounds. These light rays scattered in all directions, their ripples echoing the universe.
Despite the powerful attacks from the Exterminator, the magical barrier protecting Earth gradually weakened, showing signs of imminent collapse.
"Though this planet has strong sorcerers, their power is clearly insufficient," the Exterminator muttered, disappointed that despite his prolonged assault, no one from Earth had emerged to stop him. It was evident they either couldn't or wouldn't intervene.
At that moment, a figure appeared in space—it was Wang Yan. Sensing Earth under attack, he had swiftly arrived, only to see a figure resembling someone in a bio-suit relentlessly attacking the planet.
"The Celestials," Wang Yan murmured. While others might not recognize the assailant, Wang Yan knew immediately. The Celestials managed the universe and saw tampering with the timeline as challenging their authority.
Although he could infer the general reason behind the Celestials' presence, Wang Yan wasn't sure which Celestial he was facing. The Celestials were numerous, each with unique abilities.
"Didn't expect a human sorcerer to know about the Celestials," the Exterminator said, mildly surprised. "Even so, it changes nothing. You violated the laws. I'm here to eradicate Earth's civilization. Resist, and you'll only die in more pain."
Seeing that a mere Earthling had acquired such powerful magic and dared face him head-on was unexpected for the Exterminator. However, it didn't alter his mission to obliterate Earth's civilization.
Wang Yan wasn't surprised. If the Celestials were involved, they wouldn't back down easily.
"Oh? Do the Celestials have the right to control the life and death of a planet?" Wang Yan queried.
The Celestials, powerful as they were to many civilizations, didn't intimidate Wang Yan. Having acquired divine power and the ability to manipulate timelines, he was aware of his strength.
As someone who had mastered the laws of the universe, Wang Yan's true power was inscrutable. The Exterminator, unable to gauge Wang Yan's depth, still viewed him as merely a powerful sorcerer.
"You must be the Exterminator from the Celestials," Wang Yan stated.
Surprised that Wang Yan knew his identity, the Exterminator responded, "Didn't expect you to recognize the great Exterminator. To maintain the universe's balance, some must die."
"We remove those who, like you, disrupt the cosmic laws and balance," the Exterminator continued, indifferent.
"Disrupt the cosmic laws? Violate the universe's balance?" Wang Yan's tone was mocking.
"You seem dismissive," the Exterminator noted, puzzled by Wang Yan's apparent lack of fear.
"Would you punish anyone who disrupts the cosmic balance or violates the laws?" Wang Yan asked.
"Of course!" the Exterminator replied, his voice confident.
"If that's the case, why don't you take action against Galactus? Doesn't his planet-devouring violate the cosmic balance and laws?" Wang Yan retorted, his tone icy.
The Exterminator hesitated but said, "Galactus's existence embodies the universe's laws. His purpose is to destroy planets. It's his mission."
Whether to convince himself or Wang Yan, the Exterminator's justification fell flat.
"Do you believe that yourself?" Wang Yan scoffed. If Galactus's actions were justified as part of the universe, then those living within it should also represent its will. Yet, the Exterminator targeted them, not Galactus.
Realizing the Exterminator wouldn't change his mind, Wang Yan said, "If you want to destroy my civilization, you'll have to defeat me first."
He extended his hands, summoning a powerful force. The black energy began to merge, forming a dark spear imbued with immense power. The Exterminator, recognizing the dark magic, grew cautious.
"Black magic sorcerer, huh?" the Exterminator muttered disdainfully but remained alert. The unpredictability of dark magic meant he couldn't underestimate Wang Yan.
The Exterminator raised his hammer, absorbing energy from the universe, and it shone brilliantly. Even his armor began to glow with collected energy.
His expression grew serious as he pointed his hammer, unleashing a blinding beam of golden energy at Wang Yan. The sharp sound of the energy cutting through space was deafening.
In response, Wang Yan launched his dark spear, a black meteor streaking through the golden beam. The spear pierced the beam, continuing toward the Exterminator, who was shocked when it struck his armor without leaving a mark.
"Just black magic? Die, human sorcerer!" the Exterminator sneered, intensifying his attack.
But as the golden beam neared Wang Yan, a powerful force struck the Exterminator, sending him flying. The blow could have been devastating if not for his formidable body and infinite divine power.
"What immense power!" the Exterminator gasped, realizing Wang Yan was far more powerful than he initially thought. The sorcerer wasn't just a powerful human—he was on par with a god.
"Who the hell are you?" the Exterminator demanded, realizing he couldn't treat Wang Yan as just another human sorcerer.