The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

Passing through the pale golden portal, carved open by the resonance of the Star Key and the brute force of Barton, was like plunging from the surface of a raging sea into a tranquil trench thousands of meters below. Outside the porthole, the soul-chilling roar of turbulent energy, the dizzying sensation of distorted spacetime, and the omnipresent oppressive force of destruction were instantly stripped away and isolated. In their place was an extreme silence and absolute stillness, almost like a vacuum chamber.

The "Stargazer" hovered silently at the center of this spherical "pocket space," several tens of kilometers in diameter, sustained by the beacon's own power. The space wasn't pure darkness, but rather permeated with an extremely thin, uniform, warm, milky-white psychic glow—a kind of "diluted" light of civilization. The glow was soft and not dazzling, enough to illuminate every corner of this small space without casting any shadows, creating a light that transcended physical light sources and was imbued with a sense of "idea."

The "boundary" of this space is not a wall, but a slowly flowing, semi-transparent energy membrane with a textured surface of pale gold and silver-gray. Beyond this energy membrane, the chaotic, distorted, and elongated dark purple and silver-white light and shadows of the external "spacetime turbulence" are faintly visible, like a maddening scene from another dimension separated by frosted glass. This energy membrane is clearly the barrier that maintains this independent and stable space, and also the key to perfectly concealing it within the depths of the turbulence.

And in the very center of this tranquil space, suspended, lies the very object of this journey—the beacon of civilization.

It was an extremely simple, even "simple," geometric shape. Roughly irregular in shape, about fifty meters long and twenty meters in diameter, it was made entirely of a matte, milky-white material with a warm, smooth texture similar to the "Light of Civilization" crystal. There were no superfluous patterns, interfaces, or visible propulsion devices on its surface. Only in the middle of the shuttle was there a very fine, slowly flickering pale golden band of light. Within the band, extremely complex, miniature psionic runes flowed, emitting psionic fluctuations that were of the same origin as the Star Key and the "Spirit Remains," but more "restrained" and "focused."

It floats there silently, like an ancient ancestor sleeping in amber, soundless yet exuding a heavy sense of presence and anticipation that transcends endless time and destruction.

Inside the bridge of the "Stargazer," an absolute silence lasted for more than ten seconds, unbroken by anyone. Everyone stared at the beacon shuttle so close to them outside the porthole, their chests churning with indescribable complex emotions—the excitement of finally reaching their target after overcoming countless dangers and narrowly escaping death; awe before this object that carried the last hope of civilization; and a faint sense of trepidation and uncertainty about the truth that was about to be revealed.

"Environmental scan complete." Instructor Verna's voice broke the silence first, trembling slightly. "Spatial structure: absolutely stable, independent of external spacetime turbulence, suspected to be a product of higher-dimensional folding or spatial anchoring technology. Environmental parameters: standard vacuum, no harmful radiation. Psionic background: pure, mild, inert 'Cradle' psionic energy, extremely low intensity. Target beacon body: no external active energy reaction, no defensive or offensive field. Material analysis... exceeds the database, suspected to be a composite of highly purified 'Light of Civilization' crystal homogeneous material and some unknown energy solidified state. No visible physical interface."

"It... is 'watching' us," Airi suddenly whispered, her dark golden eyes fixed intently on the shuttle-shaped beacon. The intertwined runes between her brows emitted an extremely faint, almost synchronized, flickering rhythm with the light bands on the beacon's surface. "No, it's not 'watching,' it's... 'sensing.' Sensing with a very slow, deep 'heartbeat'... the Star Key, and... the 'light' and 'lock' within my body."

As if to confirm her words, the pale golden light band in the middle of the beacon shuttle flickered slightly faster, and the psionic energy it emitted also showed a very subtle, directional "ripple" that gently brushed over the "Stargazer," focusing for a moment on the Star Key in Luo Wei's hand and on Airi, before slowly receding.

"It is indeed verifying." Lowe felt a faint but clear, almost confirming, resonance emanating from the Star Key. He said in a deep voice, "There's no hostility; it's more like... an instinctive 'examination' awakened from slumber by a specific 'key' and 'credential.' Verna, could you try sending it a simple, non-invasive greeting or identity message using the gentlest, synchronized psionic energy fluctuations? For example, repeating part of the encoding of the 'Deep Star City's' final verification signal?"

"We can give it a try." Verna immediately took action, combining the encoded fragment of the low-power verification signal obtained from the "Eternal Archives" with the Star Key's current resonance frequency, and modulated an extremely weak and peaceful stream of psionic information, which was then slowly "sent" toward the beacon.

The information flow touched the pale golden band of light on the beacon's surface. The rhythm of the light band's flickering briefly became disordered, as if undergoing high-speed computation and decoding. A few seconds later, the light band stabilized, its glow becoming softer and more stable. Simultaneously, a clearer, more stable, yet still deeply ancient and weary, message resonated directly in everyone's hearts. This voice was different from the collective, sorrowful desolation of the "spirits," and different from the cold, mechanical synthesized voices in the previous passage. It was more like the calm, weary welcome of a solitary guardian, weathered by time and about to complete their final mission, after a long slumber.

"Verification successful".

"Detected: Individual with 'Source Species' core authentication permissions. Detected: Speculator with 'Cradle' observation progenitor psionic characteristics (deep mutation) and 'Order' suppression symbiote. Detected: Carrying 'Light of Civilization' (non-core) carrier. Detected: Low-threat non-'Cradle' technology hybrid group."

"Based on comprehensive assessment: The visitor meets the minimum contact clearance requirements of the 'Passing on the Torch' Agreement."

"I am 'Beacon-Seven Alphas,' number 7-α-3, one of the seventh sequence 'Civilization Beacons' of the 'Cradle' civilization. Preset deployment coordinates: Quadrant 7 - Alpha Core Turbulent Zone. Mission: To preserve a portion of the 'Evolutionary Spark,' 'Pure Psionic Seeds,' a copy of the basic civilization database, and guidance information from the 'Spark Inheritance Agreement,' awaiting activation and acquisition by qualified 'Key' holders or civilization inheritors."

"Since its deployment, it has been in a deep dormant state for 7,934 standard years. External monitoring shows that the environment in the deployment area meets the preset extreme conditions, the concealment mechanism is operating normally, and the remaining energy reserve is 41.7%."

"Visitors, you have passed the initial verification. According to the agreement, you have the right to obtain a portion of the 'tinder' and information sealed inside the beacon."

"Please note: The beacon's internal structure is a one-time sealed design. Once the core storage unit is activated, it will enter an irreversible disintegration and information release process, lasting approximately three standard hours. After three hours, the beacon itself will completely disintegrate, and this isolated space will also dissipate. You must leave before then."

"In addition, we have detected that the 'Light of Civilization' carrier you are carrying has a deep information complementarity with the beacon's core database. We recommend keeping this carrier in an activated resonance state when receiving beacon gifts, which can improve the completeness of information reception and the depth of understanding."

"Now, please confirm: Do you wish to immediately activate the Beacon Core Sealed Unit and obtain the rewards granted by the 'Spark Succession Protocol'?"

One-time activation, three-hour time limit, the beacon self-destructs after the information is released! This design is clearly intended to prevent the legacy from being repeatedly used or occupied by the enemy for a long time. The "complementarity" between the "Light of Civilization" crystal and the beacon information is an unexpected bonus.

"Activation confirmed." Luo Wei replied without hesitation. Hadn't they gone through all that trouble to get here just for this moment?

"Command confirmed. Initiating core storage unit activation... Deactivating deep psionic lock... Activating information release protocol..."

As the beacon's calm and weary thoughts returned, the pale golden light band in the center of the shuttle-shaped beacon suddenly brightened! The light was no longer confined to the light band, but as if it had a life of its own, it rapidly spread and illuminated along the fine lines on the surface of the shuttle that were pre-set and invisible to the naked eye! In an instant, the entire surface of the beacon shuttle was covered with a dazzlingly complex three-dimensional network of psionic circuits flowing with pale golden light!

Then, from the center, like the most intricate Rubik's Cube, the shuttle silently and smoothly "unfolded" along a complex geometric path! The outer milky-white matte shell slid and folded to both sides, revealing an even denser, shimmering, crystal-like, nested complex structure inside. At the very core was a basketball-sized, multifaceted core made of pure "Light of Civilization" material, which seemed to seal a small stellar spiral within it, rotating slowly.

The moment the core appeared, a vast, pure, yet incredibly tranquil and inclusive stream of psychic information, like a silent tide, gently spread outwards from its center, especially towards the "Stargazer" and everyone inside! This stream of information was neither the intense emotional impact of "Past Echoes" nor the soul-searching scan of "Spirit Remains" certification, but a pure, highly condensed, open "presentation" and "invitation" about "knowledge," "ideas," and "possibilities."

At the same time, the "Light of Civilization" crystal in Luo Wei's arms and the rune between Ai Rui's brows resonated intensely! The swirling stardust inside the crystal suddenly accelerated, emitting a brighter milky-white halo, as if it were resonating and compiling with the information flow released by the beacon core at a deeper level. Ai Rui let out a soft hum, and the silver-white star in her dark golden eyes almost stopped spinning, transforming into two extreme "black dots" that seemed capable of absorbing all light. Her consciousness seemed to be instantly pulled into a larger, more abstract "ocean of information."

"Everyone, keep your minds clear and try to receive and understand as much as possible!" Verna said quickly, suppressing the slight dizziness caused by the influx of information. "The information flow is multi-layered and multimodal! It includes direct mental images, data encoding, psionic simulation experiences, and even... fragments similar to 'immersive memory transfer'! Prioritize receiving key information about 'the spark,' 'the beacon network,' 'enemy weaknesses,' and 'future direction'!"

Luo Wei immediately immersed himself in this tide of information. What he sensed first was the concrete manifestation of the "Evolutionary Spark"—not a physical object or energy block, but a set of extremely complex core "algorithms" and "idea seeds" concerning the "Cradle" civilization's processes of life evolution, the nature of psionic energy, and how to "guide" and "protect" the diversity of life and civilization under different extreme environments. This "spark" could not directly grant power, but it could provide a civilization or individual with a fundamental "thinking tool" and "possibility blueprint" to find direction in the dark universe, avoid going astray, and even combat ultimate threats such as the rigidity of "order" and the "crystal-devouring" annihilation. It was incredibly profound; with Luo Wei's current understanding, he could only comprehend a fraction of it, and it was more of an "imprint," waiting to "sprout" in the future under the right time and with the right experience.

Next came information about the "Pure Psionic Seed." This is a highly purified, fundamental source of psionic energy, stripped of all the specific imprints and contamination of the "Cradle" civilization, possessing immense "plasticity" and "affinity." It is encapsulated within a secondary unit of the beacon core, in small quantities, but sufficient to serve as a "seed" to nurture, in suitable "soil" (such as a nascent, psionicly active primordial planet, or a potentially promising individual), a completely new psionic life form or civilization untouched by the "silver glow." Obtaining it requires specific psionic resonance guidance and a pure "container."

The information about the "Civilization Beacon Network" greatly excited everyone. Beacon 7-α-3 (the one they were in) shared the initial deployment coordinates, preset "resonance frequency anchor points," and the "seed" or "legacy" type that each beacon emphasized preserving, which it knew of for the other six beacons!

Quadrant 9 - The Tower (Deep in the Gravity Labyrinth): Beacon 9 - θ-2, focusing on preserving the core technologies and "engineering spark" of the "Cradle" civilization regarding "matter manipulation," "gravity technology," and "survival in extreme environments."

Quadrant 12 - Omega (Edge of the Deep Abyss): Beacon 12 - ω-1, focusing on preserving the "sparks of exploration" and some "taboo knowledge" regarding "dimensional theory", "exploration of the abyss" and "research on the boundaries of 'order/chaos'" (Warning: This beacon may have been exposed to a highly dangerous environment or has been contaminated).

Spacetime fold coordinate A (dynamic): Beacon FA-1, focusing on preserving the "humanistic spark" of the "cradle" art, philosophy, history and "civilization spirit" (of the same origin as the "Light of Civilization" crystal, but more systematic).

Spacetime fold coordinate B (dynamic): Beacon FB-1, focusing on preserving the "spark of life" regarding "psychic life forms", "the nature of the soul", and "healing and harmony".

Spacetime fold coordinates C and D (dynamic): Beacons FC-1 and FD-1, information is incomplete, possibly focusing on "strategic technology" and "exploration of unknown areas" respectively, or they may be damaged/not fully recorded.

In addition, the beacon released a wealth of information about the early infiltration patterns of "Silver Glow" (the Silent Court), some of the operational logic and potential weaknesses of its "order" power (extreme reliance on pre-set rules, poor adaptability to "chaos" and "unpredictable variables," and energy scheduling delays in higher-level units), as well as the original cultivation information of "Crystal Devourers," some principles of their energy-devouring characteristics, and possible "suppression" or "guidance" strategies (requiring extremely high precision in psionic control and an understanding of the essence of life). Although this information is scattered, each piece is incredibly valuable, crucial "intelligence" for their future confrontation with these two mortal enemies.

The tide of information continued to wash over everyone's consciousness. Verna absorbed the fragments of technological principles with rapt attention; Barton struggled to understand the information about the energy nodes and attack patterns of "Order" units; Lilith focused on the "Spark of Life" and medical-related aspects; Lina lingered in information related to the "Spark of Humanity" and psionic rhythms; and Annie thirstily absorbed all knowledge of basic runes and energy structures.

As for Luo Wei and Ai Rui, due to their deep resonance with the Star Key and the "Light of Civilization," the information they received was more "essential" and "abstract." Luo Wei felt that the boundaries of his cognition were constantly being expanded. His understanding of the conflict between "evolution" and "order," and the essence of the power of the "Source Species," had become more revolutionary and "three-dimensional." The barrier that had been there for him in the later stages of the second-ring Star Speaker stage seemed to melt away under the "washing" of this high-dimensional information, and he had already touched the substance, waiting only for an opportunity to completely cross over. He even began to vaguely "see" that the four dynamic spacetime fold coordinates, with the assistance of the "resonance anchor point" information shared by the beacon, and in the Star Key's perception, began to change from a blur to having an extremely faint, traceable "sense of direction."

Ai Rui fell into a peculiar state of "immersion." She felt as if she had "merged" into an "information field" formed by the "Light of Civilization" crystal and the beacon core, and in a way that transcended sight, she "saw" a microcosm of the grand "epic of civilization" spanning billions of years—from the birth of the "Cradle" civilization to its glory, to its betrayal by the "Silver Glow," and finally to its despair and the dispersal of its "spark." This "epic" had no details, only a powerful emotional tone, key turning points, and a final, profound sorrow and hope, as deep as the starry sea. The merging power within her, resonating with this "epic," seemed to be "refined" and "purified," becoming more harmonious, and the light of the talisman between her brows took on a more distant and "civilized" quality.

Time flew by amidst the deluge of information. When the beacon's calm message sounded again, indicating "Core information release completion 92%, remaining energy will be used for the 'Spark' and 'Seed' entity transfer process," more than half of the three-hour time limit had already passed.

"Prepare to receive the 'Evolutionary Spark' concept imprint (already transmitted) and the 'Pure Psionic Seed' physical encapsulation unit," the beacon announced. At the core of the unfolded beacon, beside the basketball-sized multifaceted core, a smaller, fist-sized, crystal-clear sphere containing a constantly shifting, softly colored, liquid-like pale blue sphere slowly floated out and flew towards the "Stargazer."

"Lilith, prepare the highest-grade psionic isolation container to receive it!" Verna urged. This "psionic seed" was far too precious and far too fragile.

Lilith was already prepared. With the help of the ship's mechanical arm, she carefully stored and sealed the pale blue crystal ball in a specially made storage container obtained from "Gray Rock" that was specifically used to store highly active psionic materials.

"Gift transfer complete." The beacon's voice seemed to carry a faint, almost imperceptible sense of relief. "According to the agreement, Beacon 7-α-3, mission accomplished. Self-destruct sequence countdown: 600 seconds."

"Visitor, please leave immediately."

"May the light of 'evolution' guide you to find a new path in the darkness. May the 'spark' of the 'cradle' be reborn in your hands, or in the 'soil' you choose."

Farewell.

The pale golden light on the surface of the beacon shuttle began to rapidly contract and dim inward. Its unfolded structure also began to emit a faint "crackling" sound, like ice crystals shattering, and countless tiny cracks appeared on its surface. At the edge of the entire spherical "pocket space," the layer of pale gold, silver, and gray interwoven energy membrane also began to fluctuate violently and become thinner, allowing the distorted and frenzied scene of the external "spacetime turbulence" to penetrate in with increasing clarity.

"Attention all ships! Disengage immediately! Engines up, maximum thrust, return to the portal via the original route!" Lowe urgently ordered.

The Stargazer roared to life, and under Anderson's control, it rapidly turned its bow toward the direction it had come from—where the portal should have been, but now only a slightly distorted pale golden energy membrane remained—and sped off! The Star Key was once again activated and resonated by Rowe, shooting forward.

Under the combined effect of the spatial structural ripples caused by the beacon's self-destruction and the resonance of the star key, the energy membrane rippled and opened again, revealing the violent, dark purple "spacetime turbulence" outside.

Without the slightest hesitation, the Stargazer plunged into the chaotic void of destruction, like a giant whale breaking free from a fishing net!

Behind them, within the spherical "pocket space," the beacon shuttle completely disintegrated into countless pale golden particles of light, silently annihilating like fireworks blooming in reverse. The space itself, like a burst bubble, rapidly collapsed inward and disappeared, ultimately leaving only a brief ripple of void that was instantly filled and swallowed by the turbulent current.

"Escape successful! Re-entering the spacetime turbulence region!" Anderson shouted, and the starship was once again enveloped by violent jolts and the hissing of energy turbulence.

But this time, the turbulence and screech could no longer obscure the unprecedented, resolute, and hopeful light that ignited in the eyes of everyone inside the ship after obtaining the "spark" of civilization, clarifying the path to the future, and experiencing a leap in their own understanding and power.

In their arms lay the physical form of the "Psionic Seed" and the ideals of the "Spark." In their minds lay intelligence about the enemy's weaknesses and clues to other beacons. In their hearts lay the final gift and expectation passed down from the "Cradle" civilization across destruction.

The Quadrant 7-Alpha beacon has completed its mission and returned to nothingness. The Stargazer, carrying this precious "spark" and the weighty "clues," sets sail once more for its next destination—the beacon numbered 9-θ-2, hidden deep within the "gravitational labyrinth."

The road ahead remains treacherous, with the relentless pursuit of the Silent Court ever-present. But now, they are no longer simply fugitives or blind seekers. They are the carriers of the "spark," the inheritors of "civilization," and deep-space travelers who, with more "chips" and "direction" in their hands, challenge fate.

A new chapter is about to unfold amidst turbulent currents and labyrinths.