251: Ecological dome and "starry rice paddies"

The research and development of the Flowing Silver ship spirit System had entered the right track, injecting a unique Soul into the hope. At the same time, another key problem concerning whether the long voyage could be sustained—survival security—was placed before Mu Wanqing and her ecology group.

The scale of the hope was far beyond what the Bedrock Base could compare to. For future voyages that could easily last several years, it was impossible to rely on limited Medicinal Pills and stored dry rations. They had to establish a complete ecological cycle System that could operate stably for a long time within the closed starship and meet the basic survival needs of dozens or even hundreds of people.

The goal was clear: to achieve self-sufficiency in food, water, and oxygen, and to process metabolic waste as much as possible.

This sounded like a fantasy, but Mu Wanqing did not shrink back. She led the Disciples brought from Danxia Peak and members within the base who were interested in life energy, plunging headfirst into this unprecedented subject.

The first area to be renovated was one of the core areas in the hope's plan—the ecological dome. This was a huge hemispherical space located in the middle and rear of the starship, dozens of zhang high, supported by special transparent crystals and energy fields. According to the design, a small-scale, controllable ecosystem would be simulated here.

“Just simulating sunlight, air, and humidity is far from enough,” Mu Wanqing pointed out at the ecology group meeting. “We must screen for crops with high yields, short growth cycles, and strong adaptability to Star Power. At the same time, we also need to consider raising some small, easily-bred herbivorous Spirit Beasts or fish to form a simple food chain.”

From the key information database and the base's previous experience with the 'Star Spirit Medicine Garden', she found several ideal plant candidates: 'star rice'—a grain specially cultivated to grow rapidly in Star Power environments with seeds rich in Spiritual Qi; 'fluorescent algae'—an aquatic plant that can efficiently perform photosynthesis, purify water, and provide weak light; and 'Lichen Yam'—a tuber crop that is storage-resistant and can grow in barren environments.

As for animals, they chose two low-level Spirit Beasts with gentle temperaments and strong reproductive abilities—the 'Moonlight Rabbit' and the 'Star-Spotted Fish'—as supplementary sources of meat and protein respectively.

With the theory in place, the next step was practice. Mu Wanqing specially opened a small simulated ecological cabin within the base, setting up the environment strictly according to the design parameters of the hope's ecological dome, and then began trial planting and breeding.

The process was full of accidents and setbacks.

When the first batch of star rice was planted, because the simulated light frequency wasn't adjusted properly, they grew like bean sprouts and all collapsed before even heading. A Disciple in charge of breeding looked away for a moment, and several Moonlight Rabbits gnawed through the isolation net, nearly ruining the Lichen Yam seedlings in the adjacent experimental field. Even more troublesome was the wastewater treatment System; the initial version was inefficient, and within a few days, a strange smell permeated the simulation cabin.

“This is much harder than Alchemy...” a young Danxia Peak Disciple said with a long face, looking at the drooping crops.

Mu Wanqing, however, was exceptionally patient, knowing this wasn't something that could be achieved overnight. She led the group members, repeatedly debugging light, humidity, and nutrient solution ratios; reinforcing isolation facilities and optimizing breeding processes; and even pulled Senior Brother Li along to repeatedly improve the rune structures of the water cycle and air purification Systems.

The base's resources were limited, and every failure meant a significant loss. But no one complained; everyone understood that they were laying the foundation for future survival.

The turning point appeared in an unexpected place.

After those few meritorious Flowing Silver completed their daily 'ship spirit training', they seemed to take an interest in the vibrant (though poorly growing) plants in the ecological cabin. They often wandered to the edge of the cabin, their silver tentacles probing into the soil or water as if sensing something.

At first, Mu Wanqing was worried they might snack on the crops. But after a few days of observation, she was surprised to find that any star rice plants occasionally 'touched' by the Flowing Silver seemed to grow a bit better, with greener leaves and thicker stalks. And after those Flowing Silver came into contact with the wastewater, the content of certain harmful substances in the water actually dropped slightly!

“Are they... helping?” Mu Wanqing told Wen Youyi and the R&D team about this discovery.

Wen Youyi immediately realized that this was another manifestation of the Flowing Silver's potential abilities! They might have unique perception and influence over life energy and material cycles as well!

He immediately arranged for Xiao Wu to try and communicate more deeply with the Flowing Silver interested in the ecological cabin, guiding them to understand concepts like 'helping plants grow' and 'purifying water', and giving them Star Power as a 'reward'.

This time, the Flowing Silver's 'learning' speed was even faster than learning to control starship components! Perhaps due to an innate affinity for life and energy, they quickly understood Mu Wanqing's needs. Several Flowing Silver even spontaneously 'moved into' the key nodes of the ecological cabin's circulation System, using their unique liquid bodies to act as 'living filters' and 'growth promoters'!

With their assistance, the operating efficiency of the simulated ecological cabin soared! The star rice finally successfully headed, producing heavy grains that shimmered with starlight; the fluorescent algae grew vigorously, purifying the water until it was crystal clear; and the populations of Moonlight Rabbits and Star-Spotted Fish stabilized.

When the first handful of star rice was successfully harvested, husked, and steamed into rice that emitted a sweet fragrance and weak Spiritual Qi, the entire ecology group was moved to tears. This wasn't just a bowl of rice; it was hope! It was the guarantee for them to sustain life in the sea of stars!

The 'ecological dome' project had achieved a decisive Breakthrough!

On the blueprint of the hope, a vibrant 'star rice Field' and a clear 'Breeding Pond' were solemnly marked. During the long journey ahead, this place would not only provide food but also serve as a green Homeworld within the starship to soothe the Soul and maintain vitality.

Looking at the thriving scene inside the simulation cabin, a long-absent, heartfelt smile appeared on Mu Wanqing's face. She knew the road ahead was still long, but at least they had crossed another seemingly impossible hurdle.

(End of Chapter)