A million freedom particles surged like a black tide into the depths of the dark passage.
The walls on either side bore the marks of time: cracks, moss stains, and all manner of writing that had become illegible.
Seconds later, Star Network passed through the passage, and the view suddenly opened up.
This was a sizable semi-independent space, its far end beyond sight.
Under Star Network's control, the freedom particles swept across the ground like a torrential downpour. Sensory ripples spread from each particle, beginning to map the space's contours.
The sensory readings showed that some kind of energy field enveloped this space, almost completely isolating it from the outside world. Only a sealed spatial gate remained-the entrance Di Nian Bully had opened.
Clearly, a very long time had passed.
The remnants of a defunct illumination torch array remained on the vaulted ceiling.
Occasionally, a few faint glimmers seeped from the array, like a dying firefly.
Below, everything had long since fallen into ruin.
Broken walls stood like gravestones. Many had collapsed into piles of rubble, while some barely retained their former outlines.
Toppled stone pillars lay everywhere, their broken surfaces covered in thick dust.
Fragments of all kinds littered the ground.
Clearly, the Duirizu civilization's kindling revival plan had ultimately failed.
They had failed to break free of the prison they had built for their own revival and ultimately perished after exhausting their resources.
Under Star Network's control, the freedom particles began a thorough search.
The particles drifted past a collapsed building.
Judging by the surviving structure, it appeared to be a smelting furnace.
The enormous furnace base remained, and traces of scorching heat lingered on its walls.
Large quantities of spirit ore residue and solidified metal ingots lay scattered beside it.
Next to the smelting furnace was a