Rooted in this world
That heavy feeling of being shackled, that chilling despair, did not last long.
Like cold iron thrown into a furnace, it instead ignited the purest and most unyielding will of a Shura warrior within her bones!
What does it matter if decades pass by?
The will of the Asura warriors has long been tempered on the battlefield of the starry river, transcending the shackles of flesh and blood.
The cycle of return to nothingness continues, but the spark of life never dies.
This body is merely a vessel to hold will; the power of the soul is the eternal fuel that ignites the star's core and reignites its celestial journey!
After all, she has already established herself in this world!
Jinbao timidly looked at her from the pine branch, his small body still trembling slightly with fear.
The wolf cub, huddled in the corner, looked particularly vulnerable in the dim light.
In the distance, the stream she had personally channeled murmured, the thorny fence was taking shape, seedlings in the medicinal garden stretched their tender leaves, and the sinkhole pasture was full of vitality...
This territory is just beginning to take shape.
Protect the rekindled spark and nourish the star core!
The battlefield of the Asura Warriors has never disappeared; it has only changed form!
action.
She walked toward the water source and immersed herself in it.
Although the Starfire was small, it granted her an extremely pure and refined perception.
Carefully tracing the texture of every rock stratum through which the water flows, searching for the most stable path, least susceptible to geological changes...
With her new tools, the power of her dagger and steel chisel precisely targeted the predetermined points. The resulting stone trough had a slope as accurate as if measured with a ruler.
The main reservoir was constructed from incredibly thick, massive rocks, the inner walls of which she polished with a wide-backed planer until they were as smooth as a mirror, as if they were naturally formed.
The overflow outlet is cleverly designed to ensure that the water flow carries away silt and prevents sediment buildup.
She then went to a secluded spot upstream of the water source and buried several bluestone slabs with intricate water-guiding patterns that she had personally carved.
These patterns are a concrete representation of her understanding of the rules of water flow, which can guide the water flow to operate stably for a long time, even when she is not around.
Defense system upgrade.
When transplanting wiregrass, she selected plants with well-developed root systems and the strongest vitality.
When digging, carefully protect every delicate root.
At the same time, several pieces of gravel containing special minerals, which have been "activated" by the slight heat of the star core's star source fire, are buried deep in the root soil.
With a slight thought, a silent command is conveyed: Grow more resiliently, grow more lush!
The added watchtower was built with its base buried deep underground, using locally sourced boulders and molten rock fragments (obtained from chiseling the rock walls), mixed with tough vine slurry, and poured into it. After solidification, it was as hard as an anvil.
The medicinal garden's planning was adjusted: when protecting the *Anoectochilus roxburghii* (a type of orchid), the transplanted rocks not only simulated the native environment, but also had a small amount of special soil rich in rare elements, collected from a specific mineral vein on the mountaintop, buried deep in the rock crevices. The newly sprouted leaves at the very center of the *Anoectochilus roxburghii*, upon contact with the new soil, seemed to condense a golden sheen in their veins.
This is not forcing growth, but rather the most subtle nurturing and reinforcement of the original vitality of her "container".
In the trial planting area, she deliberately intercropped seedlings of *Anoectochilus roxburghii* with *Actinidia cuspidata*, a nitrogen-fixing symbiotic grass with small purple flowers. Her medicinal garden aims to create a self-sustaining, mutually nourishing micro-ecosystem, like a miniature star field.
The ranch has been further optimized: clear boundaries have been drawn for the activity areas of rabbits, pheasants, and wild boar piglets. These areas are separated by fences woven from sturdy vines. Next to the mud pits of the wild boar piglets, a small stream of running water has been cleverly channeled to create a small, automatically circulating water trough.
She began consciously collecting feces, digging pits far from water sources and residential areas, piling them up, and covering them with soil and dead leaves.
The nutrients of this world should circulate within this world.
She observed, recorded, and pondered how to make this small ecosystem develop its own life pulse...
Time slipped away quietly as they focused on their work.
The scenery at the mountaintop changes accordingly.
The sun set again.
The wooden houses, platforms, newly diverted streams, lush bramble fences, and nascent medicinal gardens are all bathed in a warm and rich golden glow.
Ling Zhan stood on the watchtower, overlooking the territory.
The evening breeze, carrying the coolness of the stream, the fragrance of grass, the slight earthy smell, and the sweet scent of flowers, brushed against my cheeks.
Deep within the palm of his hand, the pulse of zero was faint yet steady, like the breath of a sleeping giant, subtly syncing with the pulse of the earth beneath his feet.
The mountain wind murmured, sweeping past the newly sprouted thorns, brushing against the babbling brook, and swirling up the grass blades... The glazed rock wall behind the wooden house reflected a few specks of starlight in the setting sun, as if sensing the almost tragic waves of resentment coming from the direction of the village near the mountain.
A ripple of consciousness pulled Ling Zhan back to reality from the clouds.
Looking towards the direction of Kaoshan Village.
It's time to go back. The thought was acted upon immediately.
Return to the waterfall area halfway up the mountain via the cave.
The newly made, enormous basket still couldn't hold all of her harvest: herbs, animal hides, and samples of special minerals.
The roaring sound of the water was deafening.
She gazed at the surging torrents that converged upstream and cascaded down here, her eyes following the white waves downstream—
The same idea popped into my head again: what if we could go downstream and reach a place close to Kaoshan Village?
Therefore, the time spent traveling between the mountaintop and the foot of the mountain will be compressed to the extreme!
Transporting, transferring, delivering... efficiency has been dramatically improved!
This idea is incredibly tempting!
His gaze swept across the riverbank.
The birch trees near the water, with their silvery-white bark and dense, tough wood, and the vigorous pine trees that exude the fragrance of resin.
He instantly locked onto her gaze.
raft!
The structure quickly took shape and became clear in her mind.
Ling Zhan did not rush into action. She followed the roaring water, trudging downstream for several miles along the slippery, steep riverbank covered with moss and loose pebbles. The roar of the water was deafening, and icy droplets splashed everywhere.
She searched for sections of the river that were relatively calm, slightly wider, and had large, stable rocks on the banks for easy mooring.
Finally, at a bend in the river where the water flow was slightly exhausted from hitting the rock wall, they found the ideal "dock"—a huge black reef that jutted into the river like a reclining ox, standing steadily on the edge of the gentle flow.
She carved simple symbols on the shady side of the reef.
Returning to the vicinity of the upstream high point.
Three young birch trees, about the thickness of a bowl, with straight trunks and few branches, were selected.
Take a deep breath, channel your power, and the [unclear] slams in with a sharp, tearing sound!
"Thump! Thump! Thump—!"
The dull thud of chopping wood was almost inaudible amidst the roar of the water. With each swing, the blade embedded itself deeply, sending wood chips flying... Sweat soaked his forehead and hair, his arms ached, but his mind remained focused. Finally, with a loud "crack," three straight logs crashed to the ground.
Next, find the binding materials.
They ventured into the dense forest upstream, searching for the dark brown, ancient mountain vines that clung to old trees, weathered yet incredibly resilient. Wielding a machete, they severed vines thicker than a thumb, the rough surface stinging their palms. They dragged the heavy bundle of vines back to the riverbank.
The real challenge begins.
Ling Zhan pushed three heavy logs into a calm bend in the river, created by a large boulder. Using the jagged rocks and thick tree roots extending into the water as anchor points, he picked up the old vines, which were now more flexible after being soaked in water, and began to tightly bind and secure them.
The methods were swift and ruthless, characteristic of those used on the battlefield.
Each wrapping strives for a perfect fit, each knot is intricate and secure—it's an instinct honed through countless experiences binding equipment and securing fortifications. The rough vines dig deep into the birch wood, creaking and groaning.
My fingers were white from overexertion, and the vine bark had rubbed raw, leaving bloody marks. Sweat mingled with the icy river water as it dripped down.
Finally, a simple wooden raft, about 1.5 feet long and 5 feet wide, took shape on the surface of the bay.
The logs stand side by side, tightly bound by old vines, like a silent wild beast, undulating with the ripples.
That's not enough.
Ling Zhan then found several thick, naturally curved hardwood branches. He tightly bound them to the front of the raft with vines to form a sturdy "rudder frame." Finally, he selected the straightest and strongest long wooden stick and firmly fixed it to the intersection of the rudder frame to become the "rudder post."
Ready.
Place the heavy backpack in the most stable spot in the center of the raft.
Use the remaining vines to repeatedly wrap, knot, and reinforce them to ensure they are firmly rooted.
Ling Zhan stood in the knee-deep, icy river water, taking a deep breath of the moisture-laden air.
His gaze was fixed on the roaring, surging silver torrent ahead, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.
She jumped onto the raft!
With his heavy body and backpack, the raft suddenly sank, the river water washing over his feet and creating splashes.
The raft swayed, but the logs and vines held up, allowing it to float steadily.
Seizing the opportune moment, the end of the rudder stick was used to press against a protruding rock on the shore.
With a sudden burst of power from his core, he pushed off hard with both feet on the slippery raft surface!
"Whoosh—Boom!"
The raft was pushed out of the bay in an instant, as if by a giant hand!
Plunging headlong into the raging torrent!
The sudden weightlessness and acceleration sent Ling Zhan's body violently backward! The raging torrent of water, like countless icy giant fists, pounded, tore, and shook the raft from all sides! A massive wave crashed down without warning! The icy, murky river water instantly filled his mouth, nose, and ears! His vision blurred! The deafening roar of the water swallowed everything, leaving only the terrifying creaking of the wood under the immense force, as if it were about to disintegrate at any moment!
Ling Zhan's feet were like iron, gripping the slippery log tightly!
His back arched, every muscle tensed like a steel cable, unleashing core strength to resist the turbulence that could send ordinary people flying! His hands gripped the slippery rudder, his knuckles turning white! Shura Star's combat instincts and dynamic vision soared to their peak! His eyes, through the crashing water curtain, were fixed on the churning white foam and the menacing, fang-like reefs ahead!
Calculate the water flow direction, speed, and every deadly trap!
To the left! A huge black reef covered in slippery moss blocks the only way forward!
"Hard to port! Full power!"
Ling Zhan roared, his arm muscles bulging like writhing dragons, and with all his might, he slammed the heavy rudder down to the left and back! The raft barely grazed the edge of the cold, slippery reef, narrowly missing it! It rocked violently, the stern slamming heavily into the water, sending sprays flying high into the air!
Before I could recover from the shock, another whirlpool and undercurrent appeared to my right!
The rudder spun sharply, the bow of the raft rose, and it narrowly avoided the engulfing vortex...!
The journey was bumpy and swaying, fraught with danger, as if the next second would be the moment we plunged into the abyss!
After an unknown amount of time, the roaring water gradually subsided, and the river channel widened.
The raft finally entered a wide, calm body of water.
Maiden voyage – a success!
Ling Zhan lay on the cold, soaking wet raft, panting heavily.
The icy river water dripped from his hair, clothes, and trouser legs, forming small puddles on the raft.
She wiped the water off her face and turned to look back.
The misty waters have obscured the once thrilling and life-threatening rapids, which had lurched us to the brink of death.
The river surface was so calm that it was as if nothing had ever happened.
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