187: Energy Crystals and "Spark" Foundation Building

Carrying the spoils "dismantled" from the giant Starry Sky Debris and exhausted, the "demolition squad" returned safely to the Hope Platform.

Those few energy crystals flickering with stable blue light and several special metal samples were immediately sent to the remote technical consultant—Senior Brother Zhang—for analysis.

Wen Youyi gathered everyone to summarize the gains and losses of this operation, especially the experience and lessons learned in dealing with the "Flowing Silver" tide.

"Facing a large amount of 'Flowing Silver', fighting head-on is the worst strategy. Their numbers are endless, and they can devour Spiritual Qi," Wen Youyi said solemnly.

"The best method is to avoid them, or utilize the environment, like this time, using chaotic energy far exceeding their tolerance limit to disperse them."

He ordered that from now on, all outgoing exploration squads must carry a specially made "Energy Interference Rod"—this was a simple device urgently designed by Senior Brother Zhang based on this experience, capable of releasing small-range, high-frequency chaotic energy fluctuations in a short time.

Although it could not be as powerful as blowing up an energy core, it was enough to scare away small groups of "Flowing Silver" and buy time for retreat.

A few days later, the analysis results regarding the energy crystals came back from Senior Brother Zhang, perking everyone up!

[Major discovery!] Senior Brother Zhang's voice came through the intermittent "Star Network", unable to hide his excitement.

[The blue crystals you brought back are a type of extremely efficient compressed Star Power! Their structure is stable, the energy purity is extremely high, and... their internal energy fluctuation frequency is highly compatible with Star Core Power!]

[Simply put, this thing is like 'high-quality fuel' or an 'upgrade experience pack' prepared specifically for the main star core! If we let the main star core absorb them, not only can it quickly restore the consumption from our previous overload teleportation, but it might even push the main star core itself and all of our cultivation... further!]

Further?

Everyone, including Wen Youyi, started breathing rapidly!

In this crisis-ridden ruin, strength is the foundation of survival!

If they could collectively improve their cultivation, whether it was to expand their home or deal with danger, they would have greater confidence!

"Do it!" Zhao Iron Pillar was the first to roar.

"Then what are we waiting for? Hurry up and let Brother Core (he mimicked Wen Youyi's way of addressing it) eat it!"

Wen Youyi suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked cautiously, "Old Zhang, is there any risk in the absorption process? Will it cause another channel loss of control like last time?"

[The risk is controllable!] Senior Brother Zhang affirmed.

[Although these crystals have strong energy, their nature is gentle and stable. The main star core absorbing them is like a person taking supplements; as long as it's not excessive and is done gradually, there are only benefits and no harm!]

[Moreover, the strength of the main star core will provide feedback to all 'Starfire' members deeply connected to it!]

"Good!" Wen Youyi did not hesitate anymore. "Start the absorption plan immediately!"

He had everyone gather around the center of the "Hope Platform"—that was the place where Star Power resonance was strongest.

Wen Youyi himself held the few blue energy crystals, sat cross-legged, sank his mind into his Dantian, and fully activated the main star core.

The main star core felt the high-quality energy of the same source and immediately radiated joyful fluctuations.

Like a long drought meeting sweet rain, it generated a powerful suction force!

The blue crystals in Wen Youyi's hands became dim at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The extremely pure Star Power flowed like a trickling stream, continuously pouring into the main star core, and then, through the invisible connection between the main star core and everyone, gently dispersed into everyone's limbs and bones!

This was an unprecedented Cultivate experience!

Unlike the energy infusion from the "spirit net" that carried a sense of forced extraction, and unlike the slowness of absorbing Spiritual Qi from the thin heaven and earth during normal meditation, this energy from the star crystals was pure, majestic, yet extremely gentle, like a mother's hand, soothing their Meridians and nourishing their Dantian.

On the platform, everyone closed their eyes, immersed in this rare Opportunity.

Zhao Iron Pillar's earth-yellow Spiritual Qi light became increasingly thick and solid, as if he had merged with the metal platform beneath his feet.

Wang Wu's aura became more agile and ethereal, and his range of perception seemed to be quietly expanding.

Senior Brother Li and several other members also saw their auras grow, and the Bottleneck that had troubled them for a long time showed faint signs of loosening.

As the core, Wen Youyi felt it most profoundly.

After absorbing these high-quality energies, the main star core in his Dantian not only expanded slightly in volume, but its light also became more dazzling, and the vast will inside it seemed to have awakened a trace.

Consequently, his own cultivation barrier, which had been stuck at the Qi Refining Sixth Layer Peak for a long time, was suddenly broken open!

It was a natural success; Qi Refining Seventh Layer!

Not only that, his Mental Energy, his control over Star Core Power, and his perception of the surrounding environment all elevated to a whole new level!

The entire absorption process lasted for nearly a day and a night.

When the last trace of blue energy was devoured by the main star core, Wen Youyi slowly opened his eyes, stars seeming to swirl in his pupils, shooting out sharp light.

Feeling the surging Spiritual Qi in his body and his clearer mind, a powerful self-confidence welled up within him.

He looked around; Zhao Iron Pillar, Wang Wu, and others also woke up one after another, each face filled with surprise and excitement.

Although not everyone broke through directly like Wen Youyi, everyone's cultivation had made significant progress; Zhao Iron Pillar and Wang Wu had even reached the Qi Refining Sixth Layer Peak, just one step away from a Breakthrough!

The overall strength of the "Starfire" organization had experienced a leap!

"How do you feel?" Wen Youyi asked with a smile.

"Awesome! So awesome!" Zhao Iron Pillar waved his fists, feeling like he had endless strength in his body.

"I feel like I can take on ten of my previous self right now!"

Wang Wu also said excitedly: "The range of perception has doubled! The control over energy has also become much more refined!"

Everyone chimed in one after another, morale soaring.

Wen Youyi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the thriving crops and simple facilities on the platform, and then looking toward the endless debris in the distance.

"This is just the beginning!" His voice was resolute.

"This Starry Sky Debris is our treasure vault! With strength, we can explore more areas, find more resources, and build a stronger home!"

"One day, we will make the name 'Starfire' resound throughout this starry sky!"

"Let those guys who treat us like livestock to be harvested know—"

"A single spark can start a prairie fire!"