139: The Rise of Green Grass and the Omens of "Awakening"

The "dandelion" project was being implemented silently.

Every day, Wen Youyi would use the "star chain" channel to directionally disseminate a small amount of "spirit awakening stardust" to the outside world.

These imperceptible stardust particles were like real dust, mixing into the flow of Spiritual Qi, attaching to the feathers of passing birds, and even drifting into the distance along with the rut marks of merchant caravans.

Inside the Shelter, everyone waited in anxiety and anticipation.

They could not directly observe the effects of the "stardust," and could only sense through the "star chain" whether the disseminated stardust still existed, and... wait for the faint response that might come from those who were "Awakened."

Days passed by, and the outside world seemed not to have changed much.

The purge storm within the Qingxuan Sect continued, the major markets remained bustling, and Cultivators rushed about and fought for resources and Breakthroughs; everything seemed just as it had been before.

"Is it... not working?"

Zhao Iron Pillar was becoming impatient; watching Wen Youyi repeat the "dust-scattering" action every day made him feel as if they were doing useless work.

"Be patient, Iron Pillar."

Although Wen Youyi felt a bit apprehensive inside, he remained calm. "A change in mindset takes time, just as a Seed needs the right soil and timing to sprout."

"What we are sowing is doubt; it won't immediately grow into a towering tree, but it will quietly take root in people's hearts."

Senior Brother Zhang pushed up his glasses and analyzed, "According to the theoretical model, the probability of 'stardust' being activated is not high to begin with, especially when people's minds are stable. Perhaps some external stimulus is needed..."

Before he could finish speaking, the star core fragment in Wen Youyi's embrace suddenly transmitted an extremely faint, yet clearly panicked and confused, "Star Language" fluctuation!

This fluctuation did not come from any "Seed" group they were familiar with, nor from the "Purifiers" like Ying, but from a completely unfamiliar frequency!

But the identification code contained within it matched the encrypted information at the core of the "spirit awakening stardust" perfectly!

[...Who is this?...Just now...in my mind...those images...are they real?...spirit net...harvesting...]

The message was intermittent, filled with uncertainty and fear, as if someone who had just woken up from a nightmare was murmuring in the dark.

It worked!

The "spirit awakening stardust" was actually activated!

And it successfully Awakened someone!

The Shelter fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes focused on Wen Youyi, filled with incredulous surprise!

Wen Youyi suppressed the excitement in his heart and immediately sent a response to that unfamiliar frequency through the star core, using a calm and soothing tone:

[Do not panic. What you saw is true. You are not alone. Stay calm, do not draw attention to yourself, carefully perceive yourself, and you will discover a difference.]

He did not reveal too much information, only confirming the other party's feelings and providing initial guidance.

For someone whose worldview had just been overturned, too much information might instead trigger panic.

The unfamiliar fluctuation was silent for a moment, seemingly struggling to digest and verify.

After a while, a clearer, yet trembling thought came through:

[...My Spiritual Qi...circulation seems...a bit smoother? That feeling of being invisibly drained...has faded? This...what is going on? Who are you?]

Wen Youyi felt relieved.

The other party had already begun to notice the abnormality in their own Spiritual Qi!

This was the first step of Awakening!

He continued to guide: [We are a group of people who know the truth and are trying to change all of this. The change you feel is the beginning of breaking free from the "spirit net." But the road ahead is dangerous, so be cautious. If you wish to know more, try silently reciting "Star Fire Guidance" in your heart; when your state of mind is stable enough, you might be able to hear our voices.]

He left behind the "key" for further contact, but handed the initiative to the other party.

Awakening requires willingness; it cannot be forced.

After doing all this, Wen Youyi let out a long sigh of relief and looked at his excited companions.

"The first one..." His voice was a bit hoarse, "We have Awakened the first one!"

Although it was only one person, and although the other party was still in confusion and fear, this meant their direction was correct!

The "spirit awakening stardust" key could truly unlock minds that had been blinded!

"Great!"

Zhao Iron Pillar threw a punch hard, "If there's a first, there'll be a second! I'd like to see how much longer those bastards can keep this hidden!"

Senior Brother Zhang and Ying also smiled at each other, the exhaustion of many days seemingly swept away.

Their efforts were not in vain!

However, amidst the joy, Wen Youyi was also more vigilant.

"The appearance of the first Awakened individual means the 'stardust' has begun to take effect. But it also means the risk of us being exposed has increased."

He said in a deep voice, "Can this Awakened individual keep the secret? Are there 'Scavengers' or 'Hounds' around him? We do not know."

"From today on, external 'Star Language' communication must be more cautious. At the same time, we must accelerate the defensive construction of the Shelter and the optimization of the 'Spirit Disturbance Array.' We must be prepared to be discovered!"

The wind had already begun to blow, carried by the insignificant stardust.

Whether it could stir up a storm that would sweep the world remained unknown.

But the Seed of change had already been planted, and the spark of Awakening had already quietly lit the first lamp in a corner unknown to anyone.

(End of chapter)