"Are these materials transported over from the mainland?"
Russell asked Cold Water, who was well-informed.
He was one of the few people of his era who knew the common knowledge that "Sky Island did not have so many resources."
Cold Water nodded, "Yes. It is said that since twenty years ago, there have already been indications of resource depletion on the ground.
"But there's no other way. If output is reduced, it's simply impossible to sustain so many people... Prices would keep climbing, and it could even lead to unrest.
"So, they chose to continue extracting resources but also began researching ocean resources and geothermal energy. In recent years, it is said that research has made some significant breakthroughs... but time is still not enough, far from enough."
"...I really didn't know about this."
Xia felt a somewhat inexplicable guilt.
