136: With Su Yueyao's help, the Moonlight Serenity has miraculous effects.

The morning light filtered through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the floor of Lin Zhou's Quiet Room. Su Yueyao stood at the doorway, her moon-white skirt seeming to carry a layer of clear radiance, forming a marvelous contrast with the rising sun outside the window.

Lin Zhou stepped aside to let her into the room. A clear, distant fragrance, like a phantom orchid beneath the moon, drifted in with her, instantly calming his spirit which had become slightly agitated from long hours of rule deduction.

"Yue Yao, you said you could offer help?" Lin Zhou got straight to the point, his tone serious. He knew Su Yueyao was not someone who spoke carelessly; if she proactively mentioned it, she must have something to rely on.

Su Yueyao did not answer immediately. Her calm gaze swept over the Quiet Room, finally settling on Lin Zhou. Her eyes were clear, and deep within them, a phantom Moon Wheel seemed to rotate slowly, carrying a penetrating power that saw through to the essence.

"Among my peers, the Foundation of your Divine Domain is profound, and your path is unique—it is truly unparalleled," she said, her voice steady but hitting the core issue. "Especially that Fire of Civilization; though not yet ignited, its Concept is already manifest—vast, magnificent, and encompassing all things. But..."

She paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully: "It is too 'full,' Lin Zhou. The Hundred Schools of Thought are vast as the sea; the Way of Civilization carries ten thousand things. Trying to ignite the Divine Flame with this is like forcing a surging river into a mold waiting to be shaped. When the torrent of Power Of Faith strikes, that immense 'Concept' and the complex 'Thoughts,' without a 'Heart' that is sufficiently pure, tranquil, and possesses the power of inclusion and purification to govern and guide them, they can easily clash with each other, or even... backfire upon their master."

Lin Zhou's mind trembled slightly. Su Yueyao's words were not alarmist; they precisely pointed out the greatest hidden concern he had vaguely felt deep down but couldn't articulate clearly! Igniting the Divine Flame is essentially the 'self's' will governing Divinity and faith to complete a leap in life level. The Way of Civilization carried by his 'self' is too immense, and the corresponding Sea of Faith is bound to be complex (even after purification, stray thoughts still remain). It's like a highly skilled conductor facing a super orchestra that is too large, has too many types of instruments, and where some instruments are slightly out of tune; a moment of carelessness could lead to the collapse of the entire performance.

"You have seen the key," Lin Zhou admitted frankly. "I have chosen the opportune moment of the 'Seven Stars Aligning' to forge the strongest Foundation through celestial resonance. However, the internal stability risk during the Divine Flame ignition process remains the greatest variable. The scholars of Jixia Academy can help me optimize the Rule Network to 'withstand pressure,' but they cannot help me achieve complete 'tranquility' and 'pure thought'."

A trace of understanding flashed in Su Yueyao's eyes, and she nodded lightly: "Therefore, I am here. My Divine Domain inherits a trace of ancient legacy from the 'Moon God.' The Moonlight Radiance is cool and clear, illuminating the great world without bias; it can soothe the ripples of the Heart Lake, clarify stray thoughts in the Divine Soul, nourish all things, and harmonize Yin and Yang." She raised her slender hand, and a wisp of silver-white Divine Power, like smoke or mist, quietly appeared on her fingertip. The temperature in the room seemed to drop slightly, yet it wasn't cold, but a coolness that calmed the mind.

"One of the core characteristics of my Moonlight Divine Power is 'tranquility' and 'purity.' It may help you, at the crucial moment of igniting the Divine Flame, to calm the restlessness of the Sea of Faith, purify the last and most stubborn stray thoughts within it, and create a clearer 'Heart Lake' for your 'Civilization Will' to govern the whole situation."

Lin Zhou gazed intently at the wisp of Moonlight Divine Power. The Temple of Civilization deep within his Soul transmitted a slight fluctuation, carrying a sense of inquiry and acceptance. He could feel that this Moonlight Divine Power did not repel his fervent, all-encompassing Way of Civilization; instead, there was a wondrous, complementary feeling of Yin and Yang balancing each other.

"What do I need to pay?" Lin Zhou asked directly. Such crucial assistance was certainly not ordinary.

Su Yueyao shook her head slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile appearing on her cool face: "I have studied Ancient Huaxia Civilization for many years and deeply understand the weight and brilliance of the two characters 'Civilization.' Your path shows me a form of verification, and also a form of hope. This assistance, for me, is also a rare opportunity to closely observe and comprehend another high-level 'Dao' and 'Principle.' If I must insist on a price..." She paused, looking clearly at Lin Zhou, "If you succeed, and should I need your 'Civilization' perspective someday when I seek the True Meaning of the Moon, I hope you will not hesitate to assist me."

This was an agreement based on equality and future possibility, not an exchange of immediate interests. Lin Zhou looked deeply at Su Yueyao, solemnly cupping his hands: "If I achieve success, I will certainly not forget this!"

"Good." Su Yueyao said no more. "We should not delay. I need to enter the core area of your Divine Domain, gently permeate it with Moonlight Divine Power, and achieve an initial Fusion with your Rule Network to establish a Resonance Channel. When you ignite the Divine Flame, I can remotely draw forth a larger amount of Moonlight to provide deep assistance. This process requires you to completely drop your core defenses and trust me."

Completely dropping the core defenses meant exposing the most vulnerable and critical part of his Divine Domain to another Divine Power. This was an enormous risk. But Lin Zhou only remained silent for three seconds.

"I trust you," he said, his gaze open and honest. This was not only because of Su Yueyao's past character and current sincerity, but also because of the wave of acceptance and expectation transmitted by the Temple of Civilization.

Moonlight Radiance seemed to flow in Su Yueyao's eyes, and she nodded softly: "I will use the technique of 'Moon Descent' to project a wisp of Origin Divine Power into residence. The disturbance will be minimal and will not interfere with the normal operation of your Divine Domain. During this time, I can assist you in conducting a final Deep Purification Drill of the Stray Thoughts of Faith."

The two stopped speaking and sat down cross-legged, several meters apart. Lin Zhou closed his eyes, his consciousness sinking completely into his Divine Domain, simultaneously releasing the rule protection around the Temple of Civilization and the surrounding core area.

Su Yueyao also closed her eyes, forming an esoteric Magical Seal with her hands. The moon-white radiance around her body was contained, only the clear light on her brow becoming increasingly brilliant. A pure, condensed, and immaculate wave of Divine Power radiated from her, slowly and cautiously extending along the Mental Channel Lin Zhou had opened, spreading toward that vast and unfamiliar Divine Domain.

In the core of Lin Zhou's Divine Domain, above the Temple of Civilization.

The Sanctuary, which was originally calm and flowed with the radiance of the Hundred Schools of Thought, seemed to sense the external power—different in nature but without malice. The Sanctuary glowed faintly, and the Concept of "All Rivers Flowing to the Sea" quietly permeated the area.

The silver-white Moonlight Radiance, like the most gentle gauze curtain, slowly "flowed" in. It did not touch any specific buildings or Dependents, but instead spread directly above the Sea of Faith and the core area of the Sanctuary where the Rule Network was most concentrated.

Initially, the two were clearly distinct. The golden light of civilization was warm, active, and all-encompassing; the silver Moonlight Radiance was cool, tranquil, and crystal clear.

But soon, a change occurred.

The Moonlight Radiance, like the most patient comforter, gently covered the surface of the churning Sea of Faith. The gray and black "bubbles" that represented stray thoughts, which were originally restless, seemed to be covered by a layer of frost the moment they touched the Moonlight Radiance. Their restless amplitude noticeably weakened, and the chaotic thoughts within them seemed to be "cooled" and "calmed."

At the same time, the radiance of the Temple of Civilization seemed to be "stimulated" by this cool Moonlight Radiance. It did not become stronger, but rather more "condensed" and "ordered." The Civilization Radiance, which had been somewhat overly expansive and slightly mixed in its glow, began to spontaneously adjust its frequency under the reflection of the Moonlight Radiance, eliminating some unnecessary "rough edges," making the light purer and more stable.

More importantly, in Lin Zhou's conscious perception, his Will Core, which carried the Way of Civilization, felt an unprecedented sense of "clarity" and "tranquility" under the shroud of the cool Moonlight Radiance. The subtle emotional ripples arising from deduction, planning, expectation, and hidden worries were quietly smoothed away. When thinking about problems, his train of thought became clearer; when perceiving rules, the details were more distinct. It was as if a dust-covered treasure mirror had been gently wiped clean by the Moonlight Radiance.

[Initial Contact Feedback]:

Sea of Faith Surface Stray Thought Activity: -22% (Due to direct calming effect of Moonlight Radiance)

Temple of Civilization Radiance Purity / Stability: +8%

Dominator Consciousness Clarity / Tranquility: +15% (Subjective Assessment)

Divine Domain Core Rule Network Restlessness Index: -18%

“Unbelievable...” Lin Zhou marveled inwardly. And this was only preliminary contact, with Su Yueyao intentionally suppressing the intensity of her Divine Power! The Moonlight Divine Power's control over "stillness" and "purity" was exactly the "lubricant" and "stabilizer" he currently needed most.

Su Yueyao's clear, cool voice came through the established Faint Divinity link, carrying a hint of imperceptible surprise: "Your light of civilization... is more inclusive than I imagined. My Moonlight was not repelled; instead... it was accepted and transformed, becoming a supplementary part of the 'tranquility' and 'clarity' Concepts within your Rule Network? No, it's more than just supplementary; it seems to have... activated the side of 'Yin,' 'stillness,' and 'reserve' that was inherently contained within you."

What she referred to was precisely the aspect of the Way of Civilization characterized by "Yin and Yang harmony" and "proper balance." The Moonlight acted like a primer, awakening the traits within Civilization that belonged to "deep waters running still" and "virtue upholding all things."

"Continue, deepen the Fusion, and establish a stable channel," Lin Zhou replied, while actively guiding the Temple of Civilization to release a gentler signal of acceptance.

The Moonlight Veil suspended above the Sea of Power Of Faith began to rotate slowly, forming a miniature, tranquil silver vortex. At the center of the vortex, a strand of even purer Moonlight Divine Power, carrying Su Yueyao's Origin aura, extended like a spiritual snake, gently "touching" the Hundred Schools of Thought scroll painting on the dome of the Temple of Civilization.

In the instant of that touch—

“Ooom—!!!”

There was no violent explosion, no blinding flash of light. A deep, grand resonating sound, seemingly from the depths of time and the starry sky, echoed from deep within the Sanctuary!

The Temple of Civilization suddenly burst into brilliant light! But this time, the light was no longer a singular gold or the color of a specific school; instead, it transformed into countless fine, flowing pale gold patterns. These patterns contained the Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trust of the Confucian School; the Law, Technique, and Authority of the Legalist School; the Universal Love, Non-Aggression, and Valuing of the Worthy of the Mohist School; the Dao, Virtue, and Nature of the Daoist School; and the Strategy, Orthodoxy, Planning, and Decisiveness of the School of Military... the profound essence of the Hundred Schools of Thought was fully contained within.

Meanwhile, that strand of Su Yueyao's Origin Moonlight also seemed to be intensely attracted and stimulated, shining brightly in silver and transforming into countless lines of pure, cool silver light patterns.

In the next instant, a scene that profoundly shocked both Lin Zhou and Su Yueyao occurred!

The pale gold Civilization light patterns and the silver-white Moonlight light patterns did not annihilate or repel each other. Instead, like long-lost companions, they began to spontaneously and joyfully interweave, intertwine, and undergo Fusion!

The gold patterns and silver patterns permeated each other, existing within one another. The heat and vitality of the gold patterns were neutralized by the coolness and tranquility of the silver patterns; the coldness and aloofness of the silver patterns were permeated by the inclusivity and warmth of the gold patterns. The designs they interwove sometimes flowed harmoniously like the Taiji Yin and Yang Fish, sometimes appeared deep and magnificent like a stellar nebula vortex, and sometimes were as mysterious and unpredictable as ancient runes containing ultimate truth.

An unprecedented, harmonious, and powerful composite aura spread out from these interweaving patterns. It possessed both the gravitas and wisdom of Civilization, and the coolness and purity of the Moonlight; it had the vigorous vitality of pioneering advancement, and the tranquil power to soothe restlessness.

Under the shroud of this Fusion aura:

Sea of Power Of Faith: The activity of stray thoughts dropped again! Gray and black bubbles shrank and faded at a visible speed, and some were even directly "digested" and transformed by these strange Fusion patterns into purer Power Of Faith, slightly imbued with silver light. Faith purity instantly rose to 85.1%!

Temple of Civilization: The structure trembled slightly, as if undergoing a gentle baptism. The light became contained yet appeared deeper. The connection channel between the Sanctuary and the Divine Domain's Rule Network was "plated" with an outer membrane of interwoven silver and gold by these Fusion patterns, making it appear even more Tenacious and unobstructed. Sanctuary rule processing efficiency +12%, and synchronization rate with the Dominator's consciousness +18%.

Lin Zhou himself: He felt as if his Soul was soaking in a perfectly warm spring. All fatigue and anxiety vanished, and his will became unprecedentedly condensed and clear. Furthermore, the ten Divine Spark Stars shone more regularly and steadily under the illumination of this Fusion light, and the connection between them strengthened slightly. Estimated stability gain for the Divine Flame: no less than 10%!

Su Yueyao's voice came again, carrying obvious shock and a hint of... pleasant surprise? "This resonance... far exceeds expectations! My Moonlight can actually achieve such deep complementarity and sublimation with your Way of Civilization! Lin Zhou, the 'Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern' created by this Fusion has an effect on stabilizing the mind, purifying intent, and reconciling rule conflicts that is at least three times stronger than what I anticipated from the Moonlight alone! Moreover, it seems to be... solidifying into a temporary rule blessing for your Divine Domain core!"

Lin Zhou was also thrilled. He felt the unprecedented state of "harmonious stability" in the Divine Domain core, and the immense confidence emanating from the depths of his Soul regarding the imminent ignition process.

"Yue Yao, I have noted this favor," Lin Zhou said solemnly.

"Mutually beneficial," Su Yueyao's voice returned to its clear coolness, though a trace of warmth could be discerned upon closer listening. "I have left a strand of Origin Moonlight Imprint at the Fusion node and established a stable channel. When you ignite the Divine Flame, you only need to mentally activate this node, and I can remotely transmit stronger Moonlight Power to help stabilize the overall situation. Now, we can conduct a Deep Purification Drill to familiarize you with the process and accumulate a reserve of the 'Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern' for the formal ignition."

"Good!"

Over the following period (about one Divine Domain day), under Lin Zhou's guidance and Su Yueyao's assistance, the two cautiously began guiding the initially fused "Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern" to conduct a deeper purification "drill" on the Sea of Power Of Faith.

The process was not entirely smooth. Resistance was encountered when trying to purify some deep-seated stray thoughts related to the strong obsessions or fears of the believers. However, the "Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern" displayed astonishing inclusiveness and resolving power. It did not forcibly erase them; instead, it used the principles of Civilization for "guidance" and "explanation," and the Moonlight Power for "soothing" and "cooling," ultimately transforming most of these stubborn stray thoughts and temporarily sealing off a small portion.

[Deep Drill Results Summary]:

Final purity value of the Sea of Power Of Faith: 87.6% (an increase of approximately 5 percentage points, significant effect)

Accumulated reserve of 'Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern': Approximately enough to cover 15 minutes of high-intensity consumption in the core area.

Overall harmony of the Divine Domain Rule Network: Increased to 96% (a small but crucial improvement)

Estimated stability improvement for the Divine Flame ignition process: 12%-15% (based on model deduction)

Side effects/Consumption: Su Yueyao consumed approximately 3% of her Origin Divine Power and requires several days of rest to recover; Lin Zhou's Divine Domain showed no adverse reactions.

The drill concluded. The Moonlight Imprint left by Su Yueyao quietly faded deep within the Temple of Civilization, and the brilliant Silver-Gold Civilization Pattern slowly retracted, but the feeling of "stillness, stability, and clarity" in the Divine Domain core remained.

In the real world Quiet Room, the two opened their eyes almost simultaneously.

Su Yueyao's face was slightly pale, and her aura was somewhat weaker, but her eyes were still bright, even carrying a hint of satisfaction. Lin Zhou, however, was radiant; his entire spirit and vitality had been elevated, and the brilliance in his eyes was contained, revealing immense confidence.

"Thank you," Lin Zhou expressed his sincere gratitude again.

Su Yueyao shook her head gently and stood up: "The Dao we follow unexpectedly aligns; this is fate. Prepare well, Lin Zhou. On the day of the 'Seven Stars Aligning,' although I cannot be there personally (I need to draw stronger Moonlight within my own Divine Domain), I will certainly respond remotely. I look forward to... witnessing the birth of a True God who uses Civilization as fire."

Having finished speaking, she did not linger, turning and leaving, her moon-white figure merging into the light and shadow of the corridor.

Lin Zhou remained alone in the Quiet Room, savoring the marvelous feeling of the dual Divine Power Fusion he had just experienced, feeling the Divine Domain core in its unprecedented optimal state, and slowly clenching his fist.

The final piece of the puzzle was complete.

The Heart Lake is still, the Divine Domain is stable, the timing is set, and external aid is secured.

Everything is ready, all that is lacking is the East Wind.

That East Wind would be, twenty-two Divine Domain days later, under the illumination of the "Seven Stars Aligning," the culmination of billions of Power Of Faith, ten Divinitys, the essence of the Hundred Schools of Thought, the Stabilizing Power of Moonlight, and the entirety of Lin Zhou's will and ambition—

The Ultimate Leap!