219: The mystery of the "key" and the undercurrents

The "ark of hope" traveled steadily through the clouds, quickly moving away from the troubled area of the Blackwood Forest.

Inside the cabin, however, the atmosphere was far from relaxed.

The "Peddler" lay flat on a temporarily laid-out cushion.

His injuries were severe; he had multiple sword wounds deep enough to see bone, his Qi was nearly exhausted, and more seriously, his internal organs had suffered violent shocks, leaving his breath as faint as a candle in the wind.

Mu Wanqing stepped forward immediately.

After a careful examination, her brows furrowed tightly.

She quickly took out silver needles, sealed several of his vital acupoints to stabilize his heart pulse, and then took out a High Grade Medicinal Pill she had refined herself, carefully dissolved it in spirit water, and fed it into his mouth bit by bit.

Wen Youyi and the others gathered around with grave expressions.

This mysterious contact was crucial to "Starfire," and nothing could happen to him.

"He is severely injured, has lost too much blood, his Qi is overdrawn, and his internal organs are damaged..." Mu Wanqing said quickly while administering aid.

"My Medicinal Pill can sustain his life, but he needs time and quiet rest to recover."

Wen Youyi nodded: "Spare no cost, save him."

Under the effect of Mu Wanqing's superb medical skills and precious Medicinal Pill, the "Peddler's" breathing finally gradually stabilized.

Although he remained unconscious, his life was temporarily saved.

Only then did everyone heave a slight sigh of relief.

"Damn it, those bastards from the Discipline Hall, they really hit hard!" Zhao Iron Pillar looked at the hideous wounds on the "Peddler" and gritted his teeth.

"The key is that 'Scavenger'," Wang Wu said, still feeling lingering fear.

"It seemed... not so eager to kill, more like it was observing and analyzing."

Wen Youyi recalled the "Scavenger's" cold, scrutinizing gaze and said in a deep voice: "Exactly. Their behavioral patterns are changing."

"Before, they would clear away any abnormalities immediately upon discovery; now, they seem more inclined to 'collect data' and 'understand the target.' For us, this might be both an opportunity and a greater threat."

The opportunity lies in the fact that they might not immediately deal a fatal blow, leaving room for maneuvering; the threat lies in the fact that once they completely understand and analyze us, their targeted strikes will be even more lethal.

Several hours later, the "ark" quietly returned to "Bedrock Base."

Everyone placed the still-unconscious "Peddler" in the medical room, where he was looked after in turns by Mu Wanqing and a "Purifiers" member who was slightly versed in medicine.

Wen Youyi, along with Senior Brother Li, Senior Brother Zhang, and others, began to carefully inspect the items the "Peddler" carried with him.

Apart from some scattered Spirit Stones, Talismans, and miscellaneous items used for disguise, they found a palm-sized black iron box sealed with a special Restriction.

The material of this iron box was neither metal nor wood, and it felt cold to the touch.

The Restriction on it was extremely complex; forcing it open would likely trigger self-destruction.

"Is this the 'Key' the enemy is looking for?" Senior Brother Li examined the iron box with furrowed brows.

"This Restriction is very ancient and very sophisticated; it doesn't look like the style of the Qingxuan Sect or the 'Creation Heavenly Court'."

Wen Youyi tried to probe it with Star Power.

The Restriction fluctuated slightly but did not open; instead, it transmitted a faint sense of rejection that felt like verification.

"It seems only he knows how to open it." Wen Youyi withdrew his hand.

"Let's wait until he wakes up."

In the following two days, the base was filled with a sense of anxiety amidst the calm.

On one hand, the research and development of the "spirit purifying pill" had slowed down because Mu Wanqing's energy was diverted; on the other hand, everyone was looking forward to the "Peddler" waking up.

The information he brought and this "Key" might concern the future direction of "Starfire."

Mu Wanqing lived up to her reputation as a Genius of Danxia Peak.

Under her careful care, the "Peddler" woke up slowly on the evening of the third day.

When he opened his eyes, his gaze was initially dazed and vigilant.

When he saw Wen Youyi and Mu Wanqing guarding him, as well as this strange, high-tech cabin, he relaxed slightly and pulled out a weak smile: "...It's you guys... I owe you another life..."

"Don't say that, how are you feeling?" Wen Youyi handed over a cup of warm water.

The "Peddler" drank a small sip with difficulty, caught his breath, and smiled bitterly: "I won't die... Many thanks to Senior Sister Mu for her miraculous healing."

He looked at Wen Youyi, his expression becoming serious, "Brother Wen, the situation is not good."

"Luofeng Town has been completely exposed, and the network I've operated for many years has been almost completely uprooted."

"Black Fiend and... those 'ghostly things' seem to be looking for something."

His gaze swept to the black iron box on the table nearby: "It's this."

"What's inside?" Wen Youyi asked directly.

The "Peddler" took a deep breath and lowered his voice: "It's a list, and... half a map."

"A list? A map?"

"Yes." A flash of pain crossed the "Peddler's" eyes.

"The list contains records of all Disciples and Elders within and outside the Qingxuan Sect who, over the past hundred years, were suspected of having doubts about the 'spirit net,' or had conducted secret research, or had inexplicably disappeared or died!"

"It was something my Revered Master, the previous 'Keeper of Secrets,' spent his whole life secretly investigating and compiling!"

Wen Youyi and the others were shocked!

The value of this list was immeasurable!

It could not only prove that the problem with the "spirit net" had existed for a long time but also help "Starfire" find more potential comrades and allies!

"What about the half map?" Senior Brother Zhang asked eagerly.

"That half map..." The "Peddler's" voice became even lower, with a hint of uncertainty.

"According to what my Revered Master said before he passed away, it seems to point to a place... a ruin entrance possibly left behind by a civilization that had also resisted the 'Heaven' in ancient times, known as the 'Land of Fate-Defiance.'"

"But the map is incomplete, the other half is missing, and my Revered Master couldn't find it despite exhausting his life."

Land of Fate-Defiance! A relic of a civilization that had resisted "Heaven"!

These words exploded in Wen Youyi's mind like a thunderclap!

Could this be the contingency plan left behind by the ancient starship civilization?

If they could find that place, perhaps they could obtain more complete technology, or even learn more secrets of the "Creation Heavenly Court"!

No wonder Black Fiend and the "Scavenger" were in such hot pursuit!

This list was subversive evidence, and that half map might contain the key to confronting the "Creation Heavenly Court"!

"Key..." Wen Youyi murmured.

Now he understood the meaning of the word.

The things inside this iron box were indeed the "Key" to opening a new situation!

"We must protect it well!" Wen Youyi's expression was grave.

"'Peddler'... uh, I don't know what to call you yet?"

The "Peddler" smiled, with a hint of relief: "My real name has long been forgotten. My Revered Master bestowed the name—Mo Chen."

"Brother Mo Chen," Wen Youyi said solemnly, "Rest assured and heal here; it's absolutely safe."

"This 'Key' will be guarded by all of us, and we will make good use of it!"

Mo Chen nodded and closed his eyes wearily.

Clearly, revealing this information had cost him quite a bit of effort.

Wen Youyi walked out of the medical room, his heart surging with waves.

A list recording Awakened ones, half a map pointing to a resistance ruin... The path of "Starfire" seemed to have intersected wonderfully at this moment with rebels from a much more distant time and space.

He looked up at the star-filled dome simulated by the base, his gaze seemingly wanting to pierce through this layer of barrier to see the wider battlefield hidden behind the world.

The undercurrents had gathered, and a storm was brewing.

(End of chapter)