194: The construction of the base and the concept of the "Starry Sky Market"

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the "Flowing Silver" miners and all members of "Starfire," the construction of "Bedrock Base" progressed rapidly.

The initial pioneering work, which would have taken months or even years to complete, took shape in just over ten days thanks to the efficient devouring ability of "Flowing Silver."

Several sturdy living chambers, a spacious meeting hall that also served as a canteen, a workshop equipped with a simple Artifact Refining furnace and workbench, and even a small plantation utilizing natural condensed water circulation, were all carved out deep within the base.

The main structure of the base relied on the sturdy skeleton of the giant debris, the "Tilted Tower," with key nodes reinforced using collected high-strength metal, sufficient to withstand general impacts and energy disturbances.

Multiple gates and concealed fortifications were set up at the entrance, and the internal passages were intricate, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

Standing in the brightly lit (illuminated by energy crystals and the soft glow of "star moss") and fresh-aired (maintained by the expanded "stubborn stone fungus" and ecological farm) main meeting hall, looking at the surrounding facilities that were simple yet full of life, all "Starfire" members felt as if they were in another world.

From struggling to survive on the "Hope Platform" initially to now possessing a relatively safe, fully functional underground base, it had taken them less than two months.

The hardships and miracles along the way made everyone cherish it deeply.

"It finally looks a bit like a home!" Zhao Iron Pillar sat down on a chair pieced together from metal and animal hide, sighing with satisfaction.

Wang Wu held a small notebook, taking inventory of the supplies in the warehouse: "Food reserves are enough to last three months, the water source is stable, and there is a surplus of energy crystals, but some commonly used Medicinal Pill and Talisman Materials are running low..."

Wen Youyi nodded.

Survival issues were basically solved, but to develop in the long term or even accumulate strength, relying only on their current assets was far from enough.

They needed more resources, especially Cultivate resources, technical data, and... contact with the outside world.

"We cannot remain trapped here forever." Wen Youyi stood before the simple sand table (using different colored metal fragments to represent the surrounding areas) in the center of the meeting hall and said to the core members, "Starry Sky Debris is our base, but our gaze cannot be limited to just this corner."

He pointed to the areas on the sand table representing other large debris: "These places may very well contain the legacy of ancient civilizations, more energy crystals, or even intact equipment or knowledge bases. We need to organize stronger exploration teams to systematically develop these 'dungeons'."

"Additionally," he paused, his gaze becoming deep, "we also need to establish a relatively safe channel to connect with the outside world (specifically referring to the Qinglan Mountain Range and even wider areas)."

"Contact the outside world?" Wang Wu was a bit worried, "Won't that expose our location? Black Sha and those 'Scavengers' are probably still looking for us."

"Not direct contact." Wen Youyi explained, "We can establish a covert, one-way 'information receiving station' to monitor external movements and understand the recent situation of the 'Creation Heavenly Court' and the Qingxuan Sect. We could even... use some extremely concealed methods to get in touch with those 'Starfire' alliance members scattered throughout, to obtain intelligence and resources."

A bolder concept emerged in his mind.

"Perhaps, we could also try to establish a secret 'Starry Sky Market'." A merchant's shrewdness flashed in Wen Youyi's eyes, "We can use the specialties of the Starry Sky Debris—such as purified star metal, stable energy crystals, or even some repaired ancient Magical Artifact parts—to exchange for the Medicinal Pill, Cultivation Technique, and external intelligence we urgently need through extremely secretive channels with black markets or trusted merchants outside."

This idea made everyone's eyes light up!

That's right! The Starry Sky Debris was a dead zone to the outside world, but to them, it was a treasure trove!

Many things produced here were rare or even extinct treasures in the outside world! They could definitely be used for trade!

"This is good!" Zhao Iron Pillar said excitedly, "We can use the junk we pick up here to trade for their good stuff! It's a guaranteed profit with no loss!"

"The prerequisite is that the channel must be absolutely safe and hidden, and the trading partners must be strictly screened." Wen Youyi emphasized, "This matter needs to be considered long-term, and we must lay the groundwork slowly."

He cast his gaze toward Senior Brother Li (who was skilled in controlling objects and Formation), who had remained silent: "Senior Brother Li, the defensive Formation and perfection of the base are left to you. We must forge 'Bedrock Base' into a true fortress; even if it is discovered, we must make the invading enemies break a few teeth!"

"Understood!" Senior Brother Li nodded solemnly.

"Senior Brother Wang, you are responsible for organizing our current inventory list of resources and needs, preparing for future 'trade'."

"Iron Pillar, hurry up and train the combat teams; future exploration missions will become increasingly dangerous."

...

Instructions were clearly issued one by one, and everyone had a clear goal.

The "Starfire" organization, having survived the disaster, did not indulge in temporary stability but, under the leadership of Wen Youyi, planned their future path with a more steady and long-term perspective.

Beyond survival is development; beyond holding ground is expansion.

The roots of "Starfire" dug deeper and deeper into this Starry Sky Debris; and their gaze was already cast toward more distant stars and the future.

Wen Youyi walked to the observation port of the base, looking at the dead yet magnificent broken starry sky outside, his heart surging with pride.

"Here, will be the starting point for 'Starfire' to begin its prairie fire."

(End of this chapter)