164: The final trial: the abyssal rift blocks the way.

The twenty-four-hour rest period in the “New Realm” Simulated Divine Domain vanished in a flash amidst frantic consolidation, communication, and anxiety.

Lin Zhou's territory made full use of the slight resource bonus gained from being ranked first in the first stage. With the assistance of Li Mo's Mechanical Goblins engineers and some pure Moonlight Materials provided by Su Yueyao (used to stabilize the Observation Runes), they successfully constructed the rewarded special building at the highest point of the central hills: the Star Gazing Platform (Incomplete).

This was an octagonal tower, about thirty meters high, constructed from grayish-white stone and some Energy-Conducting Metal. Its body was engraved with complex but incomplete Astronomical Charts and Energy Flow Runes. Although the blueprints were incomplete and its functions were limited, it still possessed basic capabilities:

[Star Gazing Platform (Incomplete) · Functions]

Observation Range: The territory and surrounding area within a radius of approximately fifty kilometers.

Core Functions:

Void Energy Flow Monitoring: Can clearly display the intensity distribution, flow trends, and possible gathering points of surrounding “Void Erosion,” and predict the approximate direction and intensity of the next wave of impact (accuracy rate about 70%).

Erosion Node Warning: Provides advance marking and warning for high-intensity erosion energy convergence points (i.e., locations where an “Erosion Fissure” might form or where Elite/Leader Units might appear).

Minor Research Inspiration: The faint Star Power and Rule Information Flow gathered at the top of the tower can grant researchers within it (such as Pseudo-Hero Spirit, Fire Hammer, etc.) a +15% chance of inspiration boost in studies related to runes, energy, and certain Laws.

Limitations: High energy consumption (requires continuous consumption of Spiritual Charcoal or Spirit Stones). The incomplete structure prevents the activation of some Advanced observation functions (such as Detecting Hidden Units or analyzing Deep-Level Rule Loopholes). Weak defense capability.

As soon as the Star Gazing Platform was activated, its monitoring interface clearly showed that several crimson “High-Energy Erosion Points” were rapidly converging and expanding about forty kilometers northeast of the territory, as well as in several other distant directions! These were the source of the “Low-Intensity Continuous Harassment Mode” indicated by the rules.

At the same time, Lin Zhou, Li Mo, and Su Yueyao shared limited information regarding the construction clues for the “Civilization Wonder” via an Encrypted Channel. The clues pointed to a Wonder named the “Civilization Stele,” which required collecting various special resources (including purified Void Crystals, specific Spiritual Plant Essence, highly condensed Order Runes, etc.) and meeting complex construction conditions (Territory Prosperity, specific Technology Rank, Kin Civilization Recognition, etc.). This was clearly a long-term goal, but it indicated the direction of development.

Just as Lin Zhou was preparing to use the Star Gazing Platform's warning to further adjust defense deployment and attempt to analyze possible methods for “Purifying Void Crystals” mentioned in the Wonder clues—

The perpetually dim, yellow sky of the “New Realm” darkened without warning.

It wasn't nightfall, but a deeper, more complete darkness, as if all light had been swallowed, spreading simultaneously from every corner of the firmament! Even the light on the Star Gazing Platform's monitoring interface suddenly dimmed!

Immediately afterward, an indescribable, Terrifying Pressure, surpassing the coldness and confusion of “Void Erosion”—more primal, more brutal, filled with endless destruction and the Desire for Depravity—slammed down upon the consciousness of all living beings in the entire “New Realm” like billions of mountains!

“Ugh—!” Countless Pioneers in the territory clutched their heads and collapsed in agony. Even with the Mental Stabilization Effect of the Net of Law and the Heart-Nature tempering provided by Confucian Teaching, they were unable to withstand this fear and revulsion that seemed to originate from the Soul Origin. Even Reserve Heroes like Pseudo-Hero Spirit and Fire Hammer turned pale and staggered.

Lin Zhou groaned, his Godhead shaking violently. The Fire of Civilization spontaneously burst into flames, dispelling the negative emotions invading his consciousness. He felt that the link between his Divine Kingdom (True) and this Simulated Divine Domain had become extremely unstable, as if it could be severed or polluted by this terrifying power at any moment!

“What is this?!” Li Mo's voice, a mix of shock and anger, rang out in the channel, interspersed with the grating noise of short-circuiting Mechanical Goblins.

Su Yueyao's clear, cold voice also carried unprecedented solemnity: “...The aura of the Abyss. But this is impossible, how could a College Entrance Examination venue...”

Before they could ponder further, a point of extremely ominous dark red light suddenly ignited in the center of the dark canopy covering the entire “New Realm”! It was like a hideous scar burned onto pure black cloth!

Then, that point of light violently tore open to both sides!

Sssslittt—!!!

A “Tearing Sound” that transcended mere acoustics, directly affecting the Rule and Divine Soul level, sounded out, chilling the Divine Souls!

The sky in the central region of the “New Realm” was forcibly ripped open, revealing a Gigantic Fissure hundreds of kilometers long and tens of kilometers wide, the horror of which was beyond description!

The edges of the fissure were not clean tears, but fleshy structures that constantly writhed, curled, and dripped viscous dark red “blood” (substantiated high-concentration Abyss Energy), like the wound of a living creature! Inside the fissure, instead of nothingness, was a surging, endless scene of Chaos composed of the deepest darkness, viscous blood plasma, twisted skeletons, wailing Souls, and unspeakable, bizarre light and shadow! Just one glance was enough to cause Mortal Creatures to suffer mental breakdown and Low-Rank Deities to see their Divine Flames flicker!

Even more terrifyingly, the fissure was violently spewing out dark red Devilish Qi, viscous and almost substantial! This Devilish Qi was completely different from the grayish-black mist of “Void Erosion”; it was more condensed, more filthy, and carried strong Corrosive Properties (to matter and energy), Mental Pollution properties, and the characteristic of inducing Malignant Mutation in life forms!

Wherever the Devilish Qi passed, the already barren land of the “New Realm” rapidly dissolved and collapsed as if doused with strong acid, turning into bubbling dark red mire! Sparse vegetation instantly withered, carbonized, and then twisted into bizarre monster forms covered in eyeballs or tentacles! Even the sparse, Free-Floating Energy in the space was polluted and assimilated, becoming part of the Devilish Qi!

Abyssal Fissure!

This was incomparable to the “Void Erosion” set up in the Simulated Divine Domain! This was a terrifying channel truly linked to the Negative Dimension of the Multiverse—the “Bottomless Abyss”! Even the projection of the smallest crack emitted an aura potent enough to make a True God tremble!

A grand, indifferent, yet now seemingly tinged with a subtle sense of urgency and killing intent, the Voice of Rules, overriding the roar of the fissure and the hiss of the Devilish Qi, once again resounded in the consciousness of all Examinees:

[Warning! Over-spec Unknown Dimensional Power detected invading the “New Realm” Core Rule Network!]

[Emergency Protocol Activated! Final Round Assessment Content Forcibly Changed!]

[College Entrance Examination Final Trial—“Abyssal Tide Survival Battle,” commences immediately!]

[Trial Content: All Examinees must defend their current “New Realm” territory core (Lords Hall/Divine Kingdom Projection Node) against periodic “Abyssal Demon Tide” impacts originating from the central Abyssal Fissure.]

[Total Demon Tide Waves: Twelve waves.]

[Demon Tide Characteristics: The intensity, composition, and special abilities of each wave will increase sequentially. Within the range covered by Devilish Qi, all non-Abyssal units will continuously suffer Corrosive Damage, Mental Pollution, and Attribute Suppression (estimated 10%-30%). Demon Tide Creatures have high resistance to conventional physical/energy attacks, and fear light, Law · Order, high-purity Positive Energy, and certain special Rule attacks.]

[Trial Objectives: Defend the core for as long as possible and kill as many Demon Tide Creatures as possible. The number of waves endured, total kills, damage dealt to the Abyssal Fissure, and special Anti-Demon Performance will collectively form the final score.]

[Death/Core Destruction Determination: The Examinee's consciousness will be forcibly ejected from the “New Realm,” deemed a trial failure, and the final College Entrance Examination score will be calculated based on previous performance.]

[Special Note: The Demon Tide is a projection of real Abyssal power (extremely diluted). Death means real Divine Soul damage (a Simulation Buffer Mechanism exists, but the pain and risk are real). Please give it your all.]

[The first wave of the Demon Tide will reach the borders of each Examinee's territory in thirty minutes (simulated time). Please prepare.]

Final Trial! Abyssal Demon Tide! Twelve waves of attack! Risk of real Divine Soul damage!

All Examinees, regardless of their previous Rank or strength, felt a chill shoot from their soles straight to their Crown of the Head! This was no longer an assessment, but war! It was a direct confrontation with the Abyssal power—the rumored dark side of the Universe, the Incarnation of Destruction! Even if it was just an extremely diluted projection, its danger far exceeded any previous round!

Lin Zhou stared intently at the continuously expanding Abyssal Fissure in the center, spewing destruction, and the dark red Devilish Qi frenzy surging outwards like a tsunami. His Godhead was giving frantic warnings, and the Fire of Civilization was fiercely pulsing. This was both instinctive repulsion and anger, and a trace of... the natural, archenemy-like hostility and Battle Intent toward “Chaos and Destruction” rooted in the Civilization Legacy!

“The Way of the Hundred Schools is born of Law · Order and grows through Civilization! How can it tolerate the Defilement of the Abyss!” Lin Zhou took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed all negative emotions, and his gaze turned sharp as a knife again. Fear was useless; only fighting to the death remained!

He immediately issued a series of commands via the Net of Law and the Communication Channel, his voice terrifyingly calm:

“The territory enters maximum Wartime Status! The Net of Law operates at full power, focusing on buffing the ‘Mental Protection’ and ‘Order Stabilization’ rules! Anyone showing signs of mutation due to Devilish Qi erosion must be immediately quarantined, and if necessary... dealt with according to Law!”

“Pseudo-Hero Spirit, take the students of the Elementary School and some Civil Staff into the reinforced chamber beneath the Lords Hall. Use the Confucian Classics you have learned to meditate and chant, maintaining a flicker of the Civilization Heart Fire!”

“Fire Hammer! Immediately cease all non-essential production! The workshop must fully transition to combat readiness! All Spiritual Energy Puppets must be charged to the 120% Overload Critical Point! Check and activate all Defensive Mechanisms (including the few Steam Ballistas supported by Li Mo)! The ‘spirit energy furnace’ enters Overclocked Mode, prioritizing supply to the Defense Arrays and the workshop!”

“Rock Shield! Assemble all Combat Personnel and distribute the best weapons and armor (though crude) in stock. Rely on existing Defensive Structures, use the Star Gazing Platform warning as guidance, and establish multi-layered Interception Positions! Execute the School of Military's ‘Immovable as a Mountain’ Hold-the-Line Order!”

“Jian! Monitor the entire territory, especially changes in Devilish Qi Concentration, fluctuations in personnel status, and Resource Consumption Rate! Report any anomalies immediately!”

“Li Mo, Su Yueyao, the Demon Tide is approaching, take care of yourselves. If neighboring coordination is possible, communicate promptly. Pay special attention to the Devilish Qi's Mental Pollution and Corrosive Properties.”

Command after command was efficiently relayed and executed under the blessing of the Net of Law. The territory began operating frantically, like a clockwork machine wound to its limit. Fear still existed, but under strict Law, clear orders, and the trust established through long-term Civilization: Education, Chaos was contained to the greatest extent possible.

Lin Zhou himself stepped out, hovering above the Lords Hall, directly facing the dark red skyline rolling in like a Blood-Colored Tsunami from the direction of the central fissure! He raised his hands, his Godhead operating at full speed. Although the load was immense, bringing tearing pain, he unhesitatingly began to draw upon his most core power.

The pale golden Fire of Civilization leaped out from his glabella. Though not scorching, it emitted the warm, resilient, and undefilable Light of Law · Order. The phantom images of the Hundred Schools' buildings—Jixia Academy, Temple of Law, Tiangong Workshop, Martial Temple—rotated and appeared behind him, interweaving into a Civilization Scroll that was incomplete yet indestructible.

He intended to use himself as the conduit and the territory as the core to open up a Domain belonging to Civilization amidst the world swept by the Abyssal Devilish Qi! To provide shelter for his Kin and buffs for the battle!

“Where my Dao resides, All Evil Shall Not Trespass!”

“Fire of Civilization, illuminate the Underworld!”

The pale golden radiance spread out centered on Lin Zhou, fusing with the pale blue light network of the Net of Law to form a Dual Domain with a radius of about five hundred meters! Within the Domain, the surging dark red Devilish Qi seemed to encounter an invisible barrier, being forcibly repelled and partially purified, with its concentration significantly reduced. The Pioneers within it also felt their mental suppression and fear lessen considerably, and the Attribute Suppression effect was offset by about 15%.

However, maintaining this Domain consumed an enormous amount of Divine Power, which Lin Zhou felt pouring out like floodwaters from an open sluice gate. He could not sustain it for long.

Thirty minutes passed in the blink of an eye.

On the horizon, the dark red “tide line” transformed into a real, boundless Frenzy of Demonic Creatures!

The first to come into view were tens of thousands of Abyssal Imps (LV5-LV10), resembling enlarged, rotting hyenas, drooling and with red lights glowing in their eyes. They moved extremely fast, letting out cacophonous screams, forming the first wave of the charge.

Following closely behind were the gigantic Abyssal Berserkers (LV15-LV25), whose skin resembled hardened lava and who wielded crude bone clubs and stone axes. Their strength was astonishing, and they were the main force for breaching defenses.

In the low sky, large numbers of Abyssal Bat Demons (LV12-LV20), resembling skinned bats yet capable of firing weak Corrosive Acid, circled.

Mixed within the Demon Tide were even more twisted, indescribable Composite Monsters, along with vaguely visible Elite units emitting a stronger aura.

The dark red Devilish Qi enveloped the entire Demon Tide like a viscous background, continuously eroding everything in its path. The ground rotted beneath their feet, and the air became hot and foul.

“They're here!” Rock Shield's roar sounded along the defense line. “Hold fast! Archers (Simple Hunting Bows), wait until they are in range! Puppet Troops, prepare to engage! Solid Wall Squad, raise shields!”

Lin Zhou stood in the center of the Domain, his gaze coldly fixed on the surging Demon Tide. The Fire of Civilization in his hand flickered slightly, as if yearning to incinerate the filth.

“The first wave, then...” he muttered to himself. “Let this Abyss taste the first roar of my Hundred Schools Civilization!”

The Final Trial, the Abyssal Tide, thus raised its Bloody Curtain!