220: List decryption and the "Spark" plan

The "key" brought by Mo Chen was like a depth charge dropped into a calm lake, stirring up massive waves within Bedrock Base. The meaning contained in that list and the half-map made everyone realize that they were not solitary resisters; on this thorny path, predecessors had long since left behind footprints and hope.

Under the careful care of Mu Wanqing and the nourishment of the base's abundant energy, Mo Chen's body recovered quickly. A few days later, he was already able to get out of bed and walk. Accompanied by Wen Youyi, he arrived at the base's control center, prepared to open that mysterious black iron box.

The iron box was placed on the central platform. Mo Chen took a deep breath, his hands forming a complex and ancient mudra, while he chanted in his mouth. It was a passage of obscure syllables, seemingly carrying a specific rhythm. Following his movements, a trace of faint yet extremely pure energy—different from spiritual power and Star Power—was injected into the Restriction of the iron box.

"Click."

With a soft sound, the runes on the surface of the iron box flowed and dissipated as if they had come alive, and the lid slowly popped open.

There was no dazzling light, nor any shocking momentum. Inside the box lay two things quietly: a Jade Slip that was dark in color and warm to the touch, and an old, tattered map tanned from unknown animal skin, with missing edges and a yellowed hue.

Everyone's gaze focused on these two items, their breathing involuntarily held.

Wen Youyi was the first to pick up the Jade Slip, his Mental Energy sinking into it. In an instant, a massive amount of information flooded his mind! They were names, lines of brief records, but behind them were stories of confusion, resistance, or tragedy!

[Qingxuan Sect, Danxia Peak, Elder Qu Lingfeng, questioned the Origin of the "spirit net" three hundred and seventy years ago, secretly researched the "method of spirit purification," later suffered from Qi Deviation during closed-door cultivation, and exploded to death. Suspicion: Traces of external force intrusion in his Immortal Cave.]

[Outer Sect Deacon, Wu Ming, two hundred years ago accidentally discovered a hidden connection between Outer Sect Disciple contribution points and the rate of spiritual power loss, intended to report it, but suffered an "accident" and fell off a cliff on the way. His personal notebook went missing.]

[Sword Pavilion True Disciple, Lin Jingyu, hailed as a sword Dao Genius not seen in a millennium one hundred and fifty years ago, once said "the sword in my hand should sever falsehood," when breaking through to Golden Core at the Foundation Establishment Peak, a Heart Demon suddenly arose, his sword heart shattered, and he disappeared without a trace. It is rumored that spatial fluctuations remained at the place where he was last seen.]

[Loose Cultivator, "Empty Hand" Li San, eighty years ago circulated a type of Talisman in the black market that could briefly shield against the "spirit net" sensing, three months later, he and all relevant Talisman makers evaporated from the world.]

...

One name after another, one record after another, shocking to the eye! The time span covered hundreds of years, involving the inside and outside of the Qingxuan Sect, from Elders to handymen, from Geniuses to Loose Cultivators! They had sensed the abnormality of the "spirit net" in different ways and tried to explore the truth, but in the end, they could not escape the endings of "accidents," "Qi Deviation," or "disappearance." This was not a list; it was clearly a silent history of blood and tears, a record of "BUGS" cleared under the "Ranch" rules!

Wen Youyi withdrew his Mental Energy, his face heavy, and handed the Jade Slip to Senior Brother Zhang beside him. After reading it, Senior Brother Zhang's face also turned pale, and his hands were trembling slightly. This list confirmed their guesses and revealed the enemy's coldness and power even more clearly.

"It seems we are not the first batch, and we will definitely not be the last." Wen Youyi's voice carried a hint of hoarseness, but his eyes became increasingly firm. "This list is our warning, and also our wealth! It tells us that in this 'Ranch,' there are far more awakened ones than we imagined!"

Then, he picked up the tattered animal skin map. The way mountains and rivers were marked on the map was vastly different from today, and many place names were unheard of. In the central area of the map, there was an obvious, vortex-like mark, labeled with two words in ancient script next to it. Wen Youyi could not recognize them and looked at Mo Chen.

Mo Chen leaned in to look carefully and pondered, "These two words... Revered Master once speculated that they might be read as 'Guixu'."

Guixu? Wen Youyi's heart stirred, thinking of the Guixu from the myths of his past life that swallowed everything. Here, did it seem to point to the entrance of that resistance ruin?

The map was indeed severely damaged, only about one-quarter remaining. Most of the critical paths and specific location information were missing, with only the "Guixu" mark relatively complete, yet it was impossible to determine its specific location.

"Guixu... Land of Reversing Fate..." Wen Youyi muttered to himself, passing the map to Senior Brother Li and Ying, hoping that with their research on ancient runes and geography, they might find something.

Although the map was incomplete, the name "Guixu" and the pointer to the "Land of Reversing Fate" undoubtedly pointed out a direction for "Spark" that might contain huge opportunities and secrets.

That night, Wen Youyi convened all core members, including Mo Chen, who had just recovered from his injuries.

In the control center, the huge sand table was temporarily cleared, and Wen Youyi clearly displayed the information recorded in the list and the clues of the "Guixu" map to everyone.

"Comrades," Wen Youyi's voice echoed in the silent cabin, carrying an unprecedented solemnity, "We now hold two crucial things in our hands: one is the blood-stained proof that we are not crazy, and the other is a clue that may lead to stronger power and reinforcements. This means that our 'Spark' strategy can and must be adjusted and upgraded!"

His gaze swept over every excited and firm face.

"I propose to launch the second phase of the 'Spark Prairie Fire Plan' — Active Contact and Strategic Tracking!"

"The first phase, where we laid low and developed to solidify our foundation, has basically been completed. Now, we have a base, energy, technology, Medicinal Pills, and even a heavy list and a faint but hopeful clue!"

"In the second phase, we have three tasks!"

"First, Identification and Contact: Led by Brother Mo Chen, assisted by Senior Brother Zhang and Wang Wu, start cautiously and in batches to contact those on the list who still have traces, or their descendants, or associates. The goal is to confirm their stance, verify their authenticity, and gradually absorb or establish alliances with the scattered, potential sparks. This matter must be handled with extreme caution; slow is better than fast!"

"Second, Deciphering and Exploration: Led by Senior Brother Li and Ying, concentrate efforts on studying that half of the 'Guixu' map, combine it with our existing ancient starship database, attempt to decipher its geographical location, and use the 'hummingbird' Puppet and potential future exploration teams to start peripheral investigations under the premise of absolute safety, looking for clues."

"Third, Strengthening and Preparation: Inside the base, continue to develop with full force. Senior Sister Mu's 'spirit purifying pill' research must be accelerated; this is an important chip for us to win hearts and weaken the 'spirit net' in the future. The industrial zone must expand production, and equipment must be continuously upgraded. Everyone's cultivation must not slacken in the slightest! We must make full preparations for the greater conflicts that may come!"

Wen Youyi's plan was clear and grand, pushing "Spark" from survival in a corner to the prairie-fire momentum of taking the initiative, contacting all sides, and exploring ancient ruins!

"Damn it! Should have done this a long time ago!" Zhao Iron Pillar was the first to wave his fist in response, his face full of excitement.

Mu Wanqing's eyes also flickered with brilliance: "If we can find 'Guixu' and obtain the legacy of the ancient resistance civilization, our confidence in confronting the 'Creation Heavenly Court' will surely greatly increase!"

Mo Chen looked at the impassioned crowd, a gratified smile appearing on his pale face. Revered Master's life's work finally saw the hope of being carried forward in this generation.

"In that case," Wen Youyi stretched out his hand, palm up, the Spark mark flickering with light, "then let us sprinkle this prairie fire all over this silent Ranch!"

"For freedom!"

Everyone's hands stacked layer by layer, and firm oaths echoed in the control center.

The prairie fire is rising, the trend is set!

(End of this chapter)