16: Final Exams: The Trials of the Alien Astral Realm Begin! (Part 1)

The campaign to conquer the "Bone Chewer" God Domain ended in a complete victory for the Hundred Schools Temple. Under the suppression of the phantom [river of civilization] and the exquisite coordination of the expeditionary force, Bone Chewer—whose Origin was already damaged—couldn't even organize a decent counterattack. Under the concentrated fire of ballistas and the impact of [Vast Righteous Qi] guided by Elwin, his divine fire was extinguished. The core of his God Domain was plundered and absorbed by Lin Zhou.

[System Notification]: Successfully destroyed the deity "Bone Chewer" and his God Domain [Rotten Mire]!

[System Notification]: You have obtained a large amount of God Domain Origin; the God Domain area has expanded to 15 square kilometers! The Mirror Lake area has expanded simultaneously.

[System Notification]: You have obtained the special resource [Filthy Mud Core] (can be purified to extract energy or used to cultivate specific poison/undead-type followers; incompatible with current civilization, currently sealed).

[System Notification]: Your Godhead experience has significantly increased; Rank increased to LV 28! Divine fire is more refined, and the Divine Power limit has increased.

[System Notification]: The expeditionary force has gained a large amount of combat experience; average Rank increased by 2 levels. Hero Elven has reached LV 16, and Stonehammer has reached LV 24!

Digesting the spoils of war, integrating the newly acquired Origin, further educating the Merman followers... time passed quickly in the midst of fulfilling development. Once Lin Zhou had completely stabilized his Realm and sorted out the various affairs of the God Domain, an important moment arrived.

grade 12, first semester, the Final Exam!

On this day, the God Domain cores of all grade 12 demigod students received a solemn information stream from the Star Domain's highest educational main intelligence.

[General Notification]: Cloud City Third Deity High School, grade 12 first semester final exam, is about to begin!

[Exam Mode]: Collective consciousness projection, descending into a marked Alien Astral Plane.

[Exam Scene]: Small-scale Gray Dwarf Astral Plane (ID: GH-S-734).

[Exam Objectives]: Survival, exploration, conquest. Scoring will be based on comprehensive performance.

[Exam Duration]: Seven days of God Domain time (approximately seven hours of real time).

[Exam Rules]:

The candidate's consciousness will be projected into the astral plane, carrying an initial force of no more than 100 core followers (mixed types allowed). The God Domain body itself will not move.

Initial landing locations are random. Candidates may form alliances or engage in combat.

The use of single-use consumable cards of Epic quality or higher is prohibited. Direct summoning of deity-level power (Faint Divinity and above) is prohibited.

Scoring criteria include: survival duration, exploration range, resource collection, influence/conquest of local forces, defeating other candidates, and final comprehensive strength.

Death (total annihilation of followers or the dispersion of the consciousness projection) signifies the end of the exam, with results settled based on current performance.

[Teleportation Countdown]: 30 minutes.

"Gray Dwarf Astral Plane..." Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed. He knew this type of astral plane; usually, the gravity was slightly higher than standard, and mineral resources were abundant, but the environment was relatively harsh with insufficient light. Common native races were Gray Dwarves, Underground Gnomes, certain beast tribes adapted to the dark, and... possibly the undead.

This was an excellent opportunity for a practical test! It wasn't just a test of the followers' combat power, but also a test of the adaptability and development of the Hundred Schools' ideology in a strange and complex environment.

"I can only carry 100 followers..." Lin Zhou quickly began screening. He had to select the best of the best to form a balanced expeditionary team.

After careful consideration, he finalized the list:

[Final Exam Expedition Team] (100/100)

Commander-in-Chief: Hero Elven (LV 16 Wenxin Elf)

Core Advisor/Deputy Commander: Hero Bronzebeard Stonehammer (LV 24 Tiangong Dwarf) - His rich combat and forging experience would be crucial in a strange environment.

Heavy Infantry/Engineers:

Dwarf Rune Iron Guard *10 (Average LV 20, core defense and assault)

Tiangong Dwarf Engineers *5 (Average LV 18, responsible for equipment maintenance, temporary construction, and mineral identification)

Ranged/Reconnaissance/Mobile Units:

Elf Ranger *30 (Average LV 14, main ranged and reconnaissance)

Elf Ranger (Elite) *10 (Average LV 16, elite reconnaissance, sniping, and special operations)

Special Technical Units:

Lightforged Gnome Technician *2 (LV 19, responsible for energy equipment and technical support)

Logistics/Support/New Unit Testing:

Wenxin Elf Clerks *2 (LV 12, responsible for recording, information organization, and communication; high Intelligence/Wisdom attributes)

Lawful Merman Enforcers *10 (Average LV 10, New Unit! Formed from the most Law-abiding and strong-willed Mermen, equipped with simple bone spears and rune waist plates symbolizing the [Net of Law]. Traits: [Order Defender] (+10% damage to chaotic units), [Ruthless Enforcement] (100% efficiency in executing Orders, fearless of pain))

This team covered command, defense, ranged, reconnaissance, engineering, technology, logistics, and even new unit testing, making it a fully functional elite task force. The average Rank was as high as LV 15.5, equipped with excellent gear, and carrying a highly unified belief in the Hundred Schools' ideology.

The 30-minute preparation time passed in a flash.

The moment the countdown hit zero, a magnificent, irresistible force enveloped Lin Zhou's consciousness and his selected 100-man expedition team.

[Teleportation starting! Target: GH-S-734 Gray Dwarf Astral Plane!]

After a brief moment of dizziness and the sensation of spatial displacement, Lin Zhou's "vision" became clear once again.

He found himself in an "observer" perspective, floating in the air of a dark, oppressive world. Below him was the Hundred Schools expedition team that had just completed the teleportation, observing their surroundings with slight vigilance.

[Landing Location Confirmed]: Edge of the Graystone Mountains, near a relatively hidden abandoned mine entrance.

[Environmental Data Collection]:

Lighting: Extremely dark (similar to eternal twilight), relying on underground moss, bioluminescent fungi, and the faint glow of certain minerals. Ranged unit vision -30%.

Gravity: 1.5 times standard gravity. Movement speed -15%, stamina consumption +20%. Relatively small impact on heavy armor units like Dwarves.

Air: Turbid, rich in mineral dust and a faint scent of sulfur. Long-term exposure may lead to respiratory issues (greater impact on Elves).

Energy Concentration: Low, biased towards Earth and Dark attributes. Divine Power recovery rate -10%, non-related attribute Spell effects weakened.

Resource Perception: Abundant underground mineral resources (iron ore, copper ore, obsidian, etc.), sparse surface vegetation, water resources must be sought in underground rivers.

"What an oppressive world." Elwin frowned slightly as she adjusted to the heavy gravity and dim light; she could feel the nature power within her flowing somewhat sluggishly.

"Hahaha! This place isn't bad! The scent of stone is very strong!" Bronzebeard Stonehammer, on the other hand, seemed quite excited. The gravity made him feel more grounded, and he stomped firmly on the hard rock beneath his feet.

The Elves activated faint [Light Spells] or relied on their Elwin Darkvision to cautiously scout the surroundings. The Lawful Mermen gathered silently, their cold eyes scanning for any existence that might disrupt "Order."

Lin Zhou quickly analyzed the environmental data and transmitted information to Elwin and Bronzebeard through their conscious connection: "This environment has pros and cons for us. Dwarves have a clear advantage, while Elves need to overcome environmental impacts. The primary task is to establish an outpost, ensure survival, and then explore outwards."

"As you command, my god!" Elwin received the Order and immediately began directing.

"Engineers, check the structure of this abandoned mine and evaluate if it can serve as a temporary base."

"Ranger Squads 1 and 2, scout outwards in a fan shape within a range of five hundred meters. Mark resource points, water sources, and potential threats."

"Ranger team, take the high ground and establish sentry posts."

"Rune Iron Guards, perimeter guard. Lawful Mermen, assist the perimeter and maintain internal Order."

The team moved efficiently. The Tiangong Dwarf Engineers soon reported that the mine structure was largely stable and the internal space was considerable, though there were some collapses that needed clearing and reinforcement. The Rangers also brought back preliminary intelligence: a tributary of an underground river was nearby with decent water quality; several exposed iron ore veins were found; and... non-natural footprints were discovered.

"Report! Humanoid footprints found, stocky build, suspected Gray Dwarves. The tracks are fresh and lead deep into the mountains," an Elf Ranger reported.

Gray Dwarves! One of the major native powers in this astral plane. They were known for being stubborn, xenophobic, skilled at forging, and enslaving other races.

"Gray Dwarves..." Bronzebeard Stonehammer stroked his beard, a spark of competition flashing in his eyes. "I've heard they're good at smithing, but their brains are as hard as rocks."

Just then, a sharp whistle suddenly came from a distance! It was the alarm from a Ranger!

"Enemy attack! Northwest direction, large number of biological signatures detected! They're moving fast!"

Everyone instantly entered a combat state!

Lin Zhou's vision immediately pulled towards the northwest. In the dim light, a dark mass of figures was surging towards the mine like a tide! They emitted sharp hissing sounds and moved with startling speed!

[Encountering Native Bio-group]: Grotto Lizardmen (Quantity: approx. 80-100)

Average Rank: LV 12

Characteristics:

[Darkvision]: No impact from dim environments.

[Swift Crawl]: Ground movement speed +25%, skilled at climbing.

[Pack Hunting]: Attack desire and coordination increase with numerical advantage.

[Acidic Saliva]: Attacks carry minor acid poison damage, can corrode armor.

Units:

Lizardman Hunters (LV 10-14, 70% of total, using bone blades and tail strikes)

Lizardman Spearthrowers (LV 12-15, 20% of total, throwing bone javelins coated in acid)

Lizardman Shriekers (LV 14-16, 10% of total, can emit piercing shrieks for area fear/disruption)

They had clearly caught the scent of strange beings and viewed Lin Zhou's expedition team as intruders... or prey!

"Prepare to engage!" Elwin calmly ordered. "Rune Iron Guards, front line [Immovable as a Mountain]! Rangers, take the high ground on both sides of the mine entrance, free fire! Rangers, prioritize sniping the enemy Shriekers and Spearthrowers! Lawful Mermen, protect the flanks and prevent climbing sneak attacks!"

The expedition team instantly formed a defensive formation. The Dwarf Iron Guards blocked the mine entrance like boulders, their shields slamming heavily into the ground as runes flickered. The Elves were like death gods in the shadows, arrows notched and calmly aiming.

The vanguard of the Lizardman tide had already rushed within a hundred meters. The grating hissing sounds and the sound of scales rubbing against rock were clearly audible!

The first encounter was about to break out in this strange Gray Dwarf Astral Plane!