The Wizard of Truth: Starting with Analyzing All Things

Thorn Base, Control Center.

The atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable. On the main screen, Verna zoomed in and analyzed the remaining data from the monitor disguised as a meteorite—although the core program had self-destructed after sending the signal, reverse engineering still revealed some chilling information.

"The signal uses seven-layer dynamic quantum encryption, with each layer employing a different encryption algorithm. The encryption logic of the last two layers... has a 37% similarity to the underlying communication protocol of the Stasis Court in Marbas's memory." Verna's voice was calm, but her fingers tapped on the console three times faster than usual. "The transmission direction went through at least seventeen relay hops, ultimately pointing to a moving receiving point outside the nebula, whose exact coordinates cannot be traced. But it is certain that the surveillance has been lurking here for at least three standard months."

"So, you mean we were being watched from the moment we entered this nebula, or even earlier?" Lilith's face paled, and she unconsciously tightened her grip on the test tube of the potion in her hand.

"It might not be us," Elder Anderson said in a deep voice, his gaze sharp. "It could also be a routine setup for monitoring this nebula itself. But our contact with Kahn and his group, especially the scene where Rowe used the Star Key, triggered its high-priority alarm protocol."

Luo Wei stared at the blurred image of himself holding the Star Key, frozen and magnified on the screen, a chill running through him. Their target was so clear—the "Star Speaker's Legacy Token." The Silent Court's obsession with the Stargazer's legacy was beyond imagination.

"How much have we exposed?" he asked.

"The surveillance cameras have limited angles, only capturing partial views of you, the Starkey, and Kahn's wrecked ship. We can't confirm whether they captured the base entrance or the entire 'Stargazer'," Verna said, pulling up a simulation analysis diagram. "But the other side at least knows: 1. A Starkey holder appeared at the wrecked planet; 2. This holder had contact with a certain wrecked ship; 3. The approximate coordinates of the area. With the Silent Court's capabilities, it's only a matter of time before they track us down."

"How long?" Barton gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

"It's uncertain. It depends on how seriously they take this, the distance, and whether more resources need to be mobilized. It could take weeks at the earliest, months or even longer at the latest. But we must prepare for the worst." Verna looked at Rowe.

"The base must immediately enter full stealth mode," Lowe decisively ordered. "Mentor Verna, activate the highest level of silence protocol. Reduce all non-essential energy output to a minimum. Run the camouflage field at full power and disperse interference particles. Lilith, accelerate the development of the 'Environmental Mimicry Agent.' I need a formula that can perfectly conceal energy fluctuations in a nebula environment. Elder Anderson, lead the engineering robots to deploy passive sensor arrays and anti-detection runes within a three-kilometer radius of the base. Lina, narrow your spiritual perception range and focus on monitoring for any abnormal energy probing within a ten-kilometer radius of the base. Annie, assist Lina while simultaneously monitoring the covert operation of the life support system."

Orders were quickly issued, and the entire base, like a startled hedgehog, instantly retracted its quills and huddled into the shadows.

"What about us? Are we just going to hide here?" Barton asked, somewhat unwilling.

"No. Passive hiding is just buying time." Luo Wei's gaze fell on the main screen, on the star map marked with the coordinates of the "Starfire Chamber," located in the area of ​​the giant planetary debris. "We need to take the initiative. Before the enemy finds us, we need to obtain what's in the 'Starfire Chamber.' Since it's the activation point of the 'Guardian Protocol' left by the Stargazers, it's very likely to hold the key to fighting the Silent Court, or at least, it can make us stronger much faster."

"Kahn said that's 'Rock Spirit' territory, they exclude outsiders, and their strength is unknown," Lilith said worriedly.

"Therefore, planning and preparation are necessary. Mentor Verna, I need all possible information about the 'Rock Spirit,' even if it's just legend. Elder Anderson, please plan the most concealed and lowest-risk infiltration route based on the star map. Barton, select and prepare the most suitable exploration vehicles and equipment. Lina, try to sense that area remotely with your spiritual senses, but be extremely careful not to disturb anything. We need to understand our neighbors."

The group obeyed and left, and the base, on high alert, began preparations against the clock.

three days later.

The makeshift operations conference room. Everyone sat around the holographic star map; the atmosphere remained tense, but more orderly.

"Regarding the 'Rock Spirits'," Verna pulled up the compiled data. "Based on the scattered information provided by Kahn, combined with rumors from other scavengers within the nebula, and the results I obtained from comparing some ancient star map fragments, we can basically confirm that the 'Rock Spirits' are a type of silicon-based intelligent life form that naturally evolved in the early stages of the formation of 'shattered star remains,' under the extreme high-energy stardust radiation and special core material environment. They use planetary debris as their shells, feed on inert energy and specific minerals in the nebula, move slowly, have extremely long lifespans, and usually live in groups. They have an almost obsessive desire to maintain the 'integrity' and 'purity' of their territory, and are extremely averse to external 'contamination'—including active energy disturbances, frequent activities of non-silicon-based life forms, and large-scale resource extraction. The few recorded conflicts were all caused by outsiders touching their core territory. Their attack methods mainly involve manipulating rocks, causing local gravity anomalies, and some kind of mental shock. Their specific strength is difficult to quantify, but it is rumored that a small scavenger fleet was destroyed in their territory."

"Silicon-based life...psychic shock..." Lilith pondered, "Perhaps we can start with their life forms and prepare some non-lethal interference or communication methods."

"I tried remote spiritual perception." Lina rubbed her temples, looking somewhat tired. "That area was shrouded in a thick, inert mental barrier, making it difficult for my perception to penetrate. I could only vaguely sense many 'slow, heavy, but continuous' aggregates of consciousness, like... a sleeping mountain range. There was no obvious malice, but there was a strong sense of 'rejection' and 'warning.' Also, near the coordinates, I sensed a very faint but extremely powerful... energy fluctuation, somewhat similar to the Star Key, but much more ancient and desolate."

Luo Wei's eyes lit up: "That's it! That's very likely the entrance or barrier to the 'Starfire Chamber.' The Rock Spirits might not be the guardians of the chamber, but just happen to use it as their nest, or... be attracted to and altered by the energy emanating from the chamber?"

"The route is planned." Elder Anderson pointed to the star map, highlighting a winding path that avoided all known danger zones. "We can't jump directly across; the spatial structure is too unstable. We must use small, stealthy shuttles to traverse this debris field at low speed, which will take about twelve hours. There are three major risks: there's an active electromagnetic storm zone here; there might be swarms of 'Void Rays' feeding on stardust; and the final border area when we approach the Rock Spirit core territory, where we need to infiltrate silently."

"Regarding vehicles, I recommend using the 'Shadow' type reconnaissance boat. After emergency modifications by myself and Mentor Verna, we've added the latest starlight camouflage and wave cancellers, minimizing the energy signature. The weapon system retains only the bare minimum for self-defense, focusing on stealth and speed," Barton reported. "In addition, based on Lilith's research, we've produced a batch of silicon-based life-soothing dust and energy assimilation smoke bombs, which might be able to interfere with the Rock Spirits' perception or create opportunities for communication when necessary."

"Very good." Rowe nodded, looking at everyone. "The objective of this operation is to infiltrate the Rock Spirit territory, find and enter the 'Starfire Chamber,' and obtain the inheritance or information within. Principle: Avoid conflict as much as possible; if unavoidable, prioritize escape. Barton, Lina, and I will carry out the infiltration mission. Mentor Verna, Elder Anderson, Lilith, and Annie will remain at the base, maintaining the highest level of alert and ready to provide support at any time."

"Love, has your realm stabilized? This time, you may need to use the power of the Star Key frequently," Verna asked with concern.

Luo Wei held his palm upward, and the Star Key appeared. At this moment, its light was restrained, and its surface seemed to be covered with a layer of stardust-like shimmer, subtly resonating with the energy of the surrounding environment. "Over the past three days, I have attempted to further refine the Star Key and deeply integrate it with the nebula environment. I have gained some new understanding of the use of stardust energy. Although my realm is still in the mid-stage of the second-ring Star Speaker consolidation, the defense of 'Star Vortex Guardian' is more restrained and resilient, and the consumption of 'Astral Projection' has decreased by about 10%. My stamina should be enhanced in this nebula." He knew that the improvement of power required a slow and steady process and could not be rushed, but leveraging advantages in specific environments was the most pragmatic choice at present.

"I'm ready too." Barton patted his breastplate, his Star Aura surging slightly, carrying a solid quality. Clearly, he hadn't been idle for the past three days. Under Elder Anderson's guidance, his control over his power had become more refined, and his Star Warrior (High-Rank) realm had become more solid.

Lina nodded slightly. Although her spiritual senses couldn't penetrate deep into the Rock Spirit territory, the sharpness and range of her perception had improved, especially in this environment filled with inert energy. Her ability to detect subtle energy fluctuations and signs of life was much stronger. As a Spirit Speaker (Basic Stable), she was an indispensable "eye" and "alarm" for the team.

Lilith handed Luo Wei several small potion boxes and a specially made communication crystal: "Here are high-concentration energy replenishment, emergency treatment potions, and my newly concocted 'Spiritual Perception Shielding Potion' (which significantly reduces one's own spiritual energy fluctuations for a short period of time, and may be effective against the spiritual perception of silicon-based life forms). I've encrypted the communication crystal, but the signal may be strongly interfered with after entering the Rock Spirit territory, so use it with caution."

Verna inserted a data chip into the console: "This is a real-time dynamic analysis model of the coordinates of the 'Starfire Chamber,' as well as several speculations I've made based on Marbas's memories regarding the possible encryption and verification methods the stargazers might use. I hope this helps. In addition, I've readjusted the base's defenses. If... if you don't return within seventy-two hours, or if the base suffers an insurmountable attack, we will execute the 'Deep Dive' protocol and enter a pre-arranged backup hideout deeper into the nebula."

Lowe solemnly accepted the chip, exchanging glances with Verna, Anderson, Lilith, and Annie. He saw worry in their eyes, but even more so, trust and resolve. "We will definitely return. The base is in your hands now."

Six hours later, the "Shadow" reconnaissance boat, like a drop of water merging into the darkness, silently slid into the perilous depths of the nebula.

Inside the submarine, Lowe took the lead, Barton was responsible for surveillance and navigation, and Lena closed her eyes and focused intently on sensing the outside world. The reconnaissance submarine proceeded strictly according to the route planned by Anderson, skillfully avoiding the slowly rotating giant debris, narrowly missing the edge of the electromagnetic storm, and using a huge ice meteorite as cover to evade a group of aimlessly swimming "Void Rays" that were flat like manta rays and shimmered with faint light.

The journey was long and oppressive. Outside the window lay an eternal, ever-changing mist of stardust and enormous shadows, broken only by the faint light from the dial and Lena's occasional safety announcements.

"Approaching the border of the Rock Spirit territory. Inert energy concentration increased by 15%, and mental barrier perception strengthened." Lina suddenly opened her eyes and whispered.

Lowe reduced speed, the starlight camouflage on the reconnaissance boat was activated to maximum power, and the wave canceller emitted a low hum. Outside the porthole, the scenery began to change. The previously scattered and floating wreckage gradually became "ordered"—they seemed to be pulled and arranged by some force, forming natural, intricate rock "corridors" and "arches." Some of the huge rock blocks shimmered with a warm luster similar to quartz or chalcedony, emitting a weak but stable energy field.

"There are no signs of artificial carving, but it's too neat... as if it's been 'combed'." Barton observed carefully.

"Be careful, we're passing through a barrier." Lina's spiritual senses spread like ripples, cautiously touching the invisible barrier. The reconnaissance boat shuddered slightly, as if passing through a layer of viscous liquid. The surrounding environment instantly became more "heavy" and "quiet," even the movement of stardust seemed to slow down.

They officially entered the territory of the Rock Spirits.

The reconnaissance boat moved at a snail's pace through the rocky labyrinth. Lina's spiritual senses were heightened to their limit, guiding them and avoiding areas with particularly active energy fields that might harbor rock spirits. Occasionally, they could glimpse, through cracks in the rocks, some enormous, slowly moving shadows in the distance—colossal formations of countless rocks, each with a different shape, some like crouching beasts, others like walking mountains. They moved silently, blending seamlessly into their surroundings.

"An incredible life form..." Barton murmured.

"The coordinates are just ahead, inside that largest cone-shaped mountain with a hollow center," Rowe said softly, looking at the navigator.

The target was drawing ever closer. It was a massive, cone-shaped rock mountain, thousands of meters high and over ten kilometers in diameter at its base. The mountain's surface was riddled with honeycomb-like cavities and winding cracks. At its center was a huge, clearly naturally formed opening, about a hundred meters in diameter, its depths unknown. Scattered around the opening were many relatively "petite" (some as large as houses), rock spirits resembling sleeping stone sculptures. They were motionless, but the energy fields they emitted merged together, enveloping the entire mountain.

"Going in directly is impossible. The entrance to the cave is their 'sacred ground,' heavily guarded." Lina's spiritual senses swept across the area. "There's a crack about two-thirds of the way up the side of the mountain. The energy reaction there is relatively weak, so we can try to sneak in. But the internal structure of the crack is unknown; it might contain dormant rock spirits, or... something else."

"There it is. Patton, find a place to land, we'll sneak in on foot."

The reconnaissance boat carefully landed in the shadow of a protruding rocky platform on the back of the cone-shaped mountain. The three men, dressed in specially made exploration suits with basic optical camouflage and odor-eliminating functions, carried the necessary equipment and silently slid out of the hatch.

Gravity was slightly stronger than outside, and the air was so thin it was almost nonexistent, but this posed no problem for the three. Like geckos, they climbed the steep rock face towards the crack Lina had indicated. The rock face wasn't smooth; it was full of holes and protrusions, which actually made it easier to gain leverage. Lowe channeled his star power into his limbs, clinging to the rock face; Barton's battle aura made him as light as a feather; and Lina's spiritual sense detected the stability of each foothold in advance.

Twenty minutes later, they successfully reached the entrance to the crevice. The crevice was about two meters wide, extending inwards, pitch black and bottomless, from which a dull pulsation, like the heartbeat of the earth, could be faintly heard.

Lowe gestured and dived in first. The crevice wasn't straight; it meandered downwards, sometimes wide enough to be a hall, sometimes narrow enough for only one person to pass sideways. The cave walls were covered with moss-like minerals that emitted a faint phosphorescence, providing some illumination. The air was thick with the scent of earth and inert energy.

"There are remnants of unnatural energy circuits here." Verna's voice came through the encrypted bone conduction communicator, the signal now intermittent. "Although extremely ancient and weak... it is indeed the technique of the Stargazers... You're heading in the right direction..."

The three of them perked up and moved forward even more cautiously. The crack grew deeper, the temperature gradually rose, and the pulsating sensation of the earth grew stronger.

Suddenly, Luo Wei, who was walking in front, stopped abruptly and raised his fist. The two people behind him immediately froze.

From around the bend in the crack ahead, came the slow, rhythmic sound of rocks rubbing together.

Lina's expression changed slightly, and she silently mouthed, "The dormant Rock Spirit...is awake? No...is it...on patrol?"

Around the corner, a creature about three meters tall, made of grayish-brown rock and resembling a clumsy humanoid, was moving back and forth along a fixed route with heavy, slow steps. Two indentations on its head gleamed with a dim red light, like eyes. It seemed oblivious to the three people dozens of meters away, pressed against the rock wall, their presence concealed, mechanically repeating its patrolling movements.

"Go around it. Don't alert it," Rowe gestured with his eyes. They held their breath and, using the unevenness and shadows of the rock wall, moved slowly, inch by inch, past the patrolling rock spirit. The whole process lasted five minutes, each second feeling incredibly long.

Having successfully bypassed the patrol, they continued downhill. After advancing for about half an hour, they passed through an extremely narrow gap, and suddenly the view opened up before them.

A massive, naturally formed hemispherical cave appeared before them. At its center was a calm, still, silvery "pool" about fifty meters in diameter—but it wasn't water; it was highly condensed, liquefied, pure inert stardust energy! The energy pool emitted a soft glow, illuminating the entire cave. And in the very center of the energy pool, suspended, was a small, pyramid-shaped structure, about ten meters high, made of some kind of silvery-white material that was neither gold nor jade. Its surface was covered with ancient and intricate star runes, flowing like water ripples.

Countless fine silver threads connect the base of the pyramid to the surface of the energy pool below, as if drawing energy from the pool.

"The Starfire Chamber..." Luo Wei suppressed his excitement. The Star Key hummed softly in his arms, resonating strongly with the pyramid.

However, their attention was immediately drawn to something next to the base of the pyramid.

It wasn't empty. Near the edge of the energy pool, three skeletons, clad in tattered stargazer robes, sat cross-legged! The skeletons were crystallized, shimmering with a faint light, seemingly having endured unimaginable ages. Scattered around these three skeletons were traces of a battle—not recent, but equally ancient, though seemingly from a different event than the skeletons themselves.

What made their hearts sink even more was that on the other side of the cave, near the crack they had come from, there were piles of rougher, broken metal fragments and charred marks that were clearly not in the style of stargazers. They looked like the wreckage of some kind of small aircraft or exploration equipment.

This is not a pristine, untouched place. Before them, many other visitors had already arrived. The "Spark Chamber" before them, seemingly calm, had a tightly closed entrance that resembled a silent, gaping maw, awaiting the next to open it.

The runes flowing on the surface of the pyramid seemed to accelerate their flow in response to the resonance of the Star Key, radiating an increasingly strong attraction while also bringing an indescribable... warning.

Lowe took a deep breath and exchanged a grave look with Barton and Lena. The path they had come from lay behind them, but the secrets and potential dangers were right before them.

What's the next step? Should we move forward, or retreat temporarily and plan for the long term?

Just as Luo Wei was weighing his options, the Star Key in his arms suddenly flew out uncontrollably, hovering in front of him, shining brightly, and pointing straight at a specific rune area of ​​the pyramid!

At the same time, faint, star-like flames lit up in the empty eye sockets of the three skeletons of stargazers!

Inside the cave, the once calm pool of liquefied stardust energy suddenly began to ripple without warning!

"Retreat!" Luo Wei shouted, but it was too late. The pyramid was activated by the light of the Star Key, and an invisible force field instantly spread out, enveloping the entire cave! The crack they had entered through silently closed with a heavy stone gate, completely sealing off their escape route!

"Warning, high-energy reaction detected! Space has been sealed off!" Verna's urgent voice rang out in the intermittent communication, before being completely cut off by interference.

The Star Key remained suspended in the air, resonating with the pyramid, like a key accidentally inserted into a lock, activating a long-dormant, unknown mechanism.

The starlight within the eye sockets of the three skeletons slowly "looked" at the intruders. A desolate, ancient, and intermittent spiritual fluctuation resounded directly in the minds of the three:

"Verification...begins...the inheritor...or...the coveter..."

The crisis arrived suddenly, in a way that far exceeded expectations!