136: Peaceful living and the "greenhouse" crisis

The success of the "operation poaching" plan was like installing a continuously running "generator" for the Starlight Sanctuary.

Although the energy drawn from that secondary energy tributary of the Nirvana Swamp remained weak, it had the advantage of being stable and enduring.

A steady trickle flowed day and night into the altar, and together with the Star Power gathered by the "star chain," it nourished this independent space.

The changes were obvious.

The light of the Star Core at the center of the altar became increasingly gentle and bright, with runes flowing ceaselessly on its surface, and some larger cracks even began to heal slowly, visible to the naked eye.

The phantom starry sky overhead became more brilliant, and the starlight it cast down was rich and pure, illuminating the entire cavern as if it were daytime.

Under the support of sufficient energy, the scope of the Shelter began a stable and slow expansion.

From the initial hemispherical cavern, it gradually extended outward and was now the size of a standard courtyard.

Although it still could not be considered vast, at least it no longer felt so cramped.

Senior Brother Zhang even utilized the extra energy and space to clear a small "experimental field" in the corner, transplanting some moss and low-growing fungi brought in from the outside that were sensitive to Star Power to attempt cultivation.

Zhao Iron Pillar was busy using solid starlight to solidify the ground, planning areas for building simple dwellings in the future.

Even the two "Purifiers" had more smiles on their faces, no longer as tense as when they first arrived.

They began to systematically organize and Fusion the knowledge brought from the "Purifiers" organization with the techniques of Wen Youyi's team, attempting to write a "Rebel Survival and Construction Guide" to instruct those who would come later.

Wen Youyi monitored the operation of the entire Shelter while continuing to deepen his understanding of the Star Core and the Dao.

With a stable source of energy, he could more confidently conduct some deductions and experiments he had previously dared not attempt.

He even began to try using Star Core Power and his understanding of the Dao to simulate the alternation of day and night and the passing of a breeze within the Shelter; although still very rough, it gave this underground space a bit more vitality and a sense of reality.

Everything seemed to be developing in a good direction.

It was as if they had truly established a secluded, hope-filled "Shangri-La" in this wasteland.

However, deep within Wen Youyi's heart, a faint sense of unease always lingered.

Was this peace real?

They were hiding here, relying on stealing energy from the "spirit net" and sporadic support from companions to strengthen themselves; it looked safe, but in reality, it was like dancing on the tip of a knife, building a home right under the enemy's nose.

Would the "web weaver" really never discover them?

Was that secondary energy tributary of the Nirvana Swamp really going to be "safe" forever?

More importantly, was this state of "hiding in a corner" really the final goal they were pursuing?

Their original intention for rebelling was to reveal the truth, awaken the masses, and break this damned "harvesting" System, not just to survive themselves.

Now they were safe, and one could even say they were living more "comfortably" than before in the Sect (at least in terms of energy purity and safety), but what about the world outside?

What about the Cultivators and Mortals who were still kept in the dark, struggling amidst the exploitation of the "spirit net" and the traps of "Opportunity"?

What about those companions who might still be hiding and whose lives were uncertain?

A strong sense of guilt and mission began to impact Wen Youyi's heart.

He knew that the Shelter could not always just be a "refuge."

It had to become a "base," a "repository of sparks," a center capable of radiating power and hope outward!

Otherwise, what difference would there be between them and those selfish Cultivators who only cared about their own Ascension and didn't care about the deluge left behind?

That day, Wen Youyi gathered everyone in front of the altar.

He looked at the small home before him, which was taking shape under the starlight, peaceful and harmonious, and spoke in a deep voice:

"Everyone, we are temporarily safe; one could even say we are doing quite well."

Everyone nodded, their faces filled with satisfaction.

"However," Wen Youyi changed his tone, his gaze sweeping over every face, "we cannot forget why we came here! We cannot forget the companions who sacrificed themselves so that we could live! We cannot forget the world outside that is still shrouded in lies and harvesting!"

His voice gradually rose: "This Shelter should not become a greenhouse for us to hide in! It should be a fortress where we accumulate strength and prepare to strike back! It should be a lighthouse where we spread the truth and ignite more sparks!"

"We may be safe, but our mission is far from complete!"

Wen Youyi's words rang out in everyone's hearts like an alarm bell.

The smile on Zhao Iron Pillar's face faded, and he clenched his fists: "Boss is right! We can't just look out for our own comfort! We have to find a way to give them hell!"

Senior Brother Zhang pushed up his glasses, his eyes becoming sharp: "Correct. We now have a stable rear, and it is time to consider how to radiate our strength and influence outward."

Ying also solemnly stated: "The mission of the 'Purifiers' has never changed—to reveal the truth and resist the harvesting. We are willing to follow your lead."

Looking at his companions, whose fighting spirit had been rekindled, Wen Youyi felt gratified.

He knew it was time to inject some aggressiveness into this warm "refuge."

A Shelter cannot just be a Shelter.

It must grow fangs and must learn to... fight back!

(End of chapter)