35: Dark River Adventure and the Core of the "Inner Network"

The icy river water swept The core five people along, drifting rapidly through the pitch-black underground river channel. In the darkness, only their heavy breathing and the rushing sound of the water could be heard.

After an unknown amount of time, a glimmer of light appeared ahead, and the current became gentle. The core five people struggled toward the light and finally climbed onto a relatively dry riverbank.

This place seemed to be a massive underground karst cave. Countless stalactites hung from the ceiling, emitting a soft white light that illuminated the cave like daylight. The air was fresh and even carried a faint hint of Spiritual Qi, a stark contrast to the deathly silence and chaos on the surface of the Ancient Ruins.

"Cough, cough... My goodness, I almost suffocated to death..." Zhao Iron Pillar spat out several mouthfuls of water and lay sprawled on the riverbank like a fish out of water.

Wang Wu and the others were also in a sorry state, still shaken by the experience.

Wen Youyi didn't stop to rest; he immediately checked his left arm. The wound had already healed under the treatment of the star core fragment, leaving only a faint red mark, which even he found hard to believe. He pulled out the fragment once more; it had returned to its dark and simple appearance, but just holding it in his hand gave him a sense of peace.

"Just now... thank you, buddy," Wen Youyi whispered to the fragment as if it could understand. The fragment warmed slightly in response.

"Little Wen, your hand... it's healed?" Zhao Iron Pillar finally noticed, his eyes widening.

"It's all thanks to this." Wen Youyi raised the fragment in his hand. "It not only helped us isolate that 'the net' but also has a very strong healing effect."

Everyone gathered around, looking at the miraculous fragment and clicking their tongues in wonder.

"This place seems quite safe. We should be out of danger for now," Wang Wu said, observing the cave environment.

Having confirmed they were temporarily out of danger, their tense nerves relaxed, and fatigue washed over them like a tide. The core five people decided to rest and recover here, digesting the gains from this thrilling experience.

Holding the star core fragment, Wen Youyi's previous bold idea surfaced again—using the fragment as the core of the "Inner Network"!

He sat cross-legged and placed the fragment in front of him, signaling Zhao Iron Pillar and the other three to place their hands on each other's shoulders as usual and operate "Inner Network 2.0."

Once the Spiritual Qi cycle of The core five people was re-established, Wen Youyi carefully guided his Mental Energy, like silk threads, toward the star core fragment, attempting to "plug" it into the cycle.

It was extremely difficult at first. The level of power contained within the star core fragment was too high; their Spiritual Qi and Mental Energy were like small streams trying to flow into the ocean—insignificant and even repelled.

But Wen Youyi did not give up. Recalling the Concepts of "Inner Seeking" and "Concealment" from the Ancient Cultivator's inscriptions, he stopped trying to "conquer" the fragment and instead attempted to "communicate" and "resonate" with it. He slowly transmitted the faint collaborative intent, which The core five people had condensed through the "Inner Network" and which carried their unique mark, to the fragment.

Once, twice... Just as everyone's Mental Energy was about to be exhausted, a turning point appeared!

The star core fragment seemed to acknowledge this weak yet resilient collaborative will. Its vast power was not triggered, but a wisp of gentle Star Power on its outermost layer vibrated softly like a plucked lute string, creating a wonderful resonance with their "Inner Network" cycle!

"Buzz—"

A soft chime originating from the Soul level, perceivable only by the five of them, rang out!

In an instant, the five of them shuddered!

They "saw" that in the center of their Spiritual Qi cycle, the star core fragment had become like a miniature star, emitting a soft and stable starlight. The "Inner Network," which was originally ethereal and maintained entirely by mental effort, seemed to have gained a skeleton and a heart module! The flow of Spiritual Qi within it suddenly accelerated, becoming smoother and more solid! The total amount of Spiritual Qi they could share and mobilize nearly doubled!

More importantly, the starlight formed a stable, pale silver light shield about three meters in diameter, enveloping the five of them! Within this shield, the restrictive feeling of "the net" was completely isolated! The Spiritual Qi was pure and gentle, as if they had returned to the phantom of the "Pure Bamboo Residence"!

"Inner Network 3.0"—a "Domain-type Inner Network" with the star core fragment as its core—was a success!

"This... this is..." Zhao Iron Pillar was so excited he was speechless as he felt the surging Spiritual Qi in his body and the reassuring light shield around him.

Wang Wu and the others were also filled with shock. They could clearly feel that within this light shield, their Cultivate speed and Spiritual Qi recovery speed had been greatly improved! Moreover, they didn't have to worry about being "harvested" at all!

"We... we have our own 'home' now!" Senior Brother Li's voice choked with emotion. In this world full of malice and plunder, they finally possessed their first piece of completely safe territory that belonged solely to them!

Wen Youyi let out a long sigh of relief, a brilliant smile blooming on his weary face. This step was of extraordinary significance! It wasn't just a skill upgrade; it represented them truly possessing the initial capital to oppose the "Ranch rules"!

Although this "home" was still very small, only covering a range of three meters, it was a perfect starting point and prototype!

"From now on, we'll call it the 'Star Domain'!" Wen Youyi named the new ability. "As long as the Domain isn't broken, we can have our own rhythm!"

With the "Star Domain," their survival capability, Cultivate efficiency, and team combat power would all see a qualitative leap!

Just as the five of them were immersed in the joy of their Breakthrough, a strange, crisp sound like jade clinking suddenly came from the depths of the karst cave, accompanied by a faint medicinal fragrance.

It seemed something else was hidden deep within this karst cave?

Wen Youyi and his companions looked at each other, seeing the curiosity in each other's eyes.

Having just obtained a new ability, they happened to need a practical test. The depths of this mysterious cave might just be the next opportunity.

"Let's go and have a look!" Wen Youyi Collect the star core fragments (the "Star Domain" dissipated accordingly, but the smooth sense of the "Inner Network" connection remained). He led the team cautiously toward the source of the unknown clinking and medicinal fragrance deep within the cave.

(End of Chapter)