172: Strategic alliances and alliances, elemental reinforcements

The words of the star map phantom Observer were like cold water dripping into a boiling oil pan, instantly shattering the tense atmosphere as Lin Zhou stood on full alert, prepared to face the Demigod demon.

"A choice?" Alarm bells rang in Lin Zhou's heart, but his expression remained unchanged as his sharp gaze met the seven existences suspended in the air, their auras deep and unfathomable. "At this time and place? With all due respect, Your Excellency Observer, an Abyssal Demigod is approaching, and my territory is in critical danger. Any 'choice' that cannot be immediately converted into survival assistance will be nothing more than extravagant empty talk."

His tone carried clear doubt and urgency, but it was also a test—probing the bottom line and true intentions of these so-called "Guardians of the Civilization Seed."

The star map phantom rippled slightly, and its peaceful voice seemed to carry a trace of faint approval: "Calm and pragmatic, very good. The 'choice' we offer is not a direct gift of power, as that would violate the essence of 'observation' and 'testing.' What we provide is a 'possibility,' a 'coordinate,' a... target you can attempt to 'persuade'."

Before the voice faded, seven points of faint light separated from the star map phantom. Six of them flew toward the other six elemental Observers, merging into their bodies. The last point flew lightly toward Lin Zhou, unfolding before him into a miniature, three-dimensional phantom of an energy map.

The map clearly marked parts of the current "New Realm" battlefield, with several points highlighted, emitting energy fluctuations similar to (though much weaker than) the six elemental Observers—emerald green (forest/nature), bright gold (metal), crimson (fire), earthy yellow (earth), icy blue (ice), and pale cyan (gale).

"These are fragment nodes of the 'Elemental Domain' remaining in this realm," the star map phantom explained. "During the formation of the 'New Realm,' it swallowed parts of broken elemental planes, forming these relatively independent neutral areas dominated by elemental creatures. They usually avoid the world and loathe the chaos and erosion of the Abyss."

Lin Zhou understood instantly: "You mean... let me go and communicate with the guardians in these elemental nodes myself to seek alliances or employment?"

"Exactly," the star map phantom confirmed. "The seven of us are projections of the Law Incarnations from the higher-level 'Elemental Domain,' drawn here by the resonance of the 'Civilization Seed' to observe. In principle, we do not directly interfere with the trials of this realm. However, sharing the coordinates of these neutral nodes with you and providing a basic 'introduction' (a trace of our aura attached to your body, allowing elemental creatures to recognize you and reducing initial hostility) is our limit. Whether you can persuade them and borrow reinforcements depends entirely on your own 'Diplomacy' skills and... what kind of price you can offer."

A price? Lin Zhou's thoughts raced. What he could offer now was nothing more than spoils of war (demon cores, some rare Materials), future promises (the possibility that the Order and prosperity brought by the spread of civilization might benefit elemental life), or... knowledge?

There was no time to think deeply because the vibrations of the Abyss Fissure reached a new peak! The pressure of that Demigod-level existence weighed down like a literal mountain, making everyone's hearts feel heavy. But unexpectedly, the first to step out of the fissure was not the anticipated Demigod itself, but seven slightly smaller (yet still ten meters tall) figures emitting powerful auras!

[Abyssal Giants (Elite Lord/LV35)] ×7:

Form: Humanoid form, skin is dark gray or deep brown, muscles knotted like granite, body surface covered in coarse Rock Armor and bone spikes. The head is proportionally small, but the eyes burn with a violent dark red fire. They hold massive, heavy weapons (great hammers, battle-axes, long-handled maces, etc.) that seem to be crudely polished from whole pieces of obsidian or some kind of Abyssal metal.

Core Attributes (Estimated):

Strength: 75-85

Physique: 80-90

Agility: 20-25

Spirit/Will: 30-35 (tending toward frenzy and chaos, but possessing basic tactical coordination abilities)

Health: Approximately 16,000-20,000 points

Special Abilities (Common):

[Earth Tremor]: Strikes the ground, causing area physical damage and a "Stun" effect (low probability) to the surroundings.

[Rock Armor]: Passively increases physical defense (+20 points) and some elemental resistances.

[Abyssal Brute Force]: Attacks ignore a portion of the target's block and parry effects (about 15%).

[Lord's Pressure (Weak)]: Aura, slightly weakens the morale and attributes of nearby enemy units (about 3%).

Individual Differences: The weapons and details of the seven giants vary slightly, possibly focusing on blunt strikes, slashing, or area attacks.

Threat Assessment: Individual strength far exceeds previous Corruptors, and with seven appearing simultaneously and possessing coordinated combat capabilities, they are enough to deal a devastating blow to the existing broken defense line! They are the vanguard or personal guards of that Demigod existence!

"The seventh wave... or rather, the vanguard of the Demigod's army." Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed. Seven LV35 Abyssal Giants, plus the remaining tens of thousands of Gargoyles in the sky (heavily damaged but still numerous), the remaining Corruptors and Berserk Demons on the ground, and the increasingly clear will of the Demigod itself in the fissure... the pressure was unprecedented!

"It seems your 'choice' must be made and acted upon immediately." The star map phantom's voice remained calm. "The shared coordinates have been given, and a trace of the 'Elemental Domain · Order Mark' has been attached to you, lasting for about fifteen minutes. During this time, when you contact the guardians of those neutral nodes, you will gain initial 'listening' status. As for how to persuade them... that is your task. Remember, elemental creatures, especially the children of the earth (earth elements), are relatively honest and orderly, but they are also the most stubborn, loathing empty talk and deception. Fire and metal children, on the other hand, might appreciate direct action and displays of strength more."

As the words fell, the figures of the seven Observers became even more illusory, as if they were truly going to become "spectators" and no longer provide any additional information or help.

Time was pressing! Lin Zhou's Godhead operated at an unprecedented speed, instantly analyzing the map provided by the star map phantom. Among the seven nodes, the one marked in earthy yellow (earth element) was relatively the closest and located in a hilly area on the flank of the territory that was easy to defend but hard to attack. Perhaps it could provide flank support or construct a second defense line when the giants charged frontally. Earth elements were honest, valued promises, and loathed the Abyss's erosion of the earth (which they viewed as part of their bodies)—these traits could be the Breakthrough point!

"Rock Shield! Fire Hammer! Qing Lin!" Lin Zhou's Divine Thought instantly connected the three core heroes. "Contract the defense line to the final three hundred meters! Rely on the Lords Hall and core building complexes to conduct tiered defense! At all costs, stall those seven giants and the remaining Demonic Tide! I need a bit of time!"

"Understood!" the three replied without hesitation. Despite the dire situation, Lin Zhou's various previous miraculous performances gave them a final shred of confidence.

"Li Mo! Can 'Taotie' still extract the purest, uncontaminated earth-attribute energy crystals? Or do we have high-purity earth element crystals, essence of the earth, or anything like that in our inventory?" Lin Zhou connected to Li Mo at the same time.

"Dominator! The energy inside 'Taotie' is chaotic, but it previously absorbed a large number of Gargoyles and earth-related demon remains. It can barely extract a few units of relatively pure 'Earth Pulse Crystal Fragments' (rare material) in an emergency. They contain pure earth-attribute energy and should be quite attractive to earth element creatures! There are also several [Intermediate Earth Element Core Crystals (Blue Quality)] from previous exploration harvests in the inventory!" Li Mo replied quickly.

"Prepare everything! Bring them to me immediately!" Lin Zhou ordered. Simultaneously, his figure began to blur as a consciousness projection containing part of his will and Divine Power traversed toward the node marked in earthy yellow at extreme speed, guided by the coordinates from the star map phantom! His true body remained in place, maintaining the core command and rule support of the territory and defense line.

consciousness projection travel (Divine Thought extension) is one of the basic abilities of a True God. It allows for rapid movement and interaction within the range of one's own divine domain or at anchored coordinate points. It is much faster than physical movement, but the strength and power carried by the projection are limited.

Almost in an instant, Lin Zhou's projection arrived at the marked hilly area. The environment here was completely different from the barrenness outside contaminated by Abyssal aura. The ground presented a healthy color with a slight topaz luster, and the air wafted with a steady, heavy scent of earth and stone. Several naturally formed rock towers and stone pillars were scattered about, constituting a primitive scene full of power.

The moment his projection appeared, the largest rock tower in front of him shook violently. The rocks on its surface squirmed and reorganized like living things, eventually forming a giant earth element guard eight meters tall, entirely composed of yellowish-brown rock, with a rugged but well-defined silhouette!

[Hill Stone Spirit Guard · Leader (Elite/LV40, Neutral)]:

Form: Rock giant, heavy body, short and powerful limbs, with only two crystalline eyes flickering with a steady yellow light on its head.

Attributes: Strength estimated 70+, Physique estimated 85+, extremely high defense, slow movement. It emits strong fluctuations of "Earth," "Stability," and "Order (Neutral)."

Status: Vigilant. Its yellow crystalline eyes locked onto Lin Zhou's projection. Especially after sensing the faint "Elemental Domain · Order Mark" on Lin Zhou, a trace of confusion was added to its vigilance, and it did not attack immediately.

Mental Transmission (heavy and slow, like rocks rubbing together): "A stranger... god's projection... with the mark of the Order Domain... why... intrude upon... the peaceful land... of the Stone Spirit Hills? The stench... of the Abyss... follows you!"

It's a success! Initial contact succeeded; the other party is willing to communicate rather than directly expel or attack! The "introduction" of the star map phantom played a key role.

Lin Zhou's projection nodded slightly, neither humble nor arrogant. He didn't immediately throw out conditions but instead used the School of Diplomacy's techniques of "Assessing the Situation" and "Gauging the Heart (Spirit)" to quickly analyze the other party's core demands and potential concerns.

"Respected leader of the Stone Spirit Guards," Lin Zhou's projection emitted a calm and clear mental wave, using the universal Divine Thought communication method. "I am the Human Race deity Lin Zhou, participating in trials here in the 'New Realm,' establishing a territory of Order, and spreading the Fire of Civilization. As you have sensed, the Abyssal Demonic Tide is raging. They are not only invading my home but are also frantically corroding and polluting this land—the very Foundation upon which you survive and protect."

He deliberately emphasized the point of "corroding the land," striking at the core concern of earth elemental beings. At the same time, he demonstrated his stance of "Order" and "Civilization" (opposing the chaotic Abyss) and pointed out that he was "protecting his territory" rather than being an invader.

The yellow light in the Stone Spirit Leader's eyes flickered, and a thought came through: "Abyss... corrosion... pain of the earth... we know. But... Stone Spirit Hills... protected by an ancient covenant... temporarily... safe. External conflicts... have nothing to do... with us. You... leave."

As expected, the typical attitude of a neutral force—minding one's own business. Unless core interests are touched, they are unwilling to get involved in trouble.

Lin Zhou had anticipated this and immediately threw out the second layer: "Temporary safety is not eternal. Your Excellency, you should be able to feel that this Abyssal invasion is extraordinary. In the central Abyss Fissure, a terrifying existence of the Demigod Rank has already awakened. Its power and ambition are by no means satisfied with merely destroying my small territory. When my fire of Order is extinguished, whose home will be the next 'land fragment' to be corroded and devoured? How long can the covenant's protection last before a true Abyssal Demigod?"

This is the "Vertical Alliance" tactic of "Explaining Interests and Harms," analyzing common threats to bind the other party's interests to his own. Lin Zhou observed the Stone Spirit Leader and found its body vibrating slightly, with ripples appearing on the surrounding rocky ground; clearly, these words had touched it. Elemental beings have direct thinking, with very strong premonitions of danger and instincts to protect their "home."

"Demigod... Abyss..." The Stone Spirit Leader's thoughts became grave. "What you... say... perhaps... makes sense. But... the Stone Spirit Race... is limited in number... leaving the hills... combat power weakens... getting involved in a god war... the price... is huge."

It wavered! But it was still worried about the cost and risk. At this time, the "Horizontal Alliance" tactic of "Promising Heavy Rewards" and "Displaying Strength and Sincerity" was needed.

"I understand your concerns." Lin Zhou's projection flipped his hand, and the phantoms of several items urgently sent over by Li Mo appeared in his palm—three [Intermediate Earth Element Core Crystals] emitting pure, gentle earth fluctuations, and several small but extremely high-purity [Earth Pulse Crystal Fragments] that seemed to contain the heartbeat of the earth.

"This is my sincerity," Lin Zhou said. "These pure earth essences can serve as a meeting gift, or be seen as a small compensation for any potential losses of Stone Spirit warriors. Furthermore, I promise that if the Stone Spirit Race lends a hand to resist the Abyss together, after the battle, I will give thirty percent of all unpolluted earth-attribute Materials and core crystals obtained from Abyssal monsters (especially those monsters that defile the land) to the Stone Spirit Hills to help you strengthen your home and nurture your descendants."

"Thirty percent... spoils of war..." The Stone Spirit Leader's gaze (yellow light) locked onto those earth essences, especially the [Earth Pulse Crystal Fragments]; these were rare tonics for them. The promise of sharing spoils also appeared practical and enticing.

"As for combat power," Lin Zhou continued to up the ante, his projection pointing toward the intense battlefield faintly visible in the distance, as well as the buildings within the territory like the [Jixia Academy] and [Temple of Law] that, though damaged, still stood tall and emitted the light of Order's rules. "My civilization excels at defeating the strong with the weak and overcoming chaos with Order. My subjects are resilient and unyielding. Stone Spirit warriors only need to coordinate with us, hold key nodes, and resist the charges of Abyssal Giants; there is no need to go deep alone. My divine spells and subjects will provide support and coordination for you."

He demonstrated his side's value—not simply begging for protection, but seeking a valuable ally for joint combat.

The Stone Spirit Leader fell silent for a few seconds. This might only be a moment in Earth time, but in the thinking of an elemental being, it was already a long weighing of options. Finally, the yellow light in its eyes stabilized, and a heavy thought came through:

"Deity of Order... Lin Zhou... your words... have power... your gifts... show sincerity... the Abyssal Demigod... is indeed a great enemy... a threat... to all children of the earth..."

"Stone Spirit Hills... can send... three hundred... [Hills Stone Spirit Guards (Common/LV30)]... to help you... resist the Abyssal Giants... but... only for... this battle... after the battle... you must... deliver... the earth essences and... spoils as agreed... and... must not request... the Stone Spirit Race... to participate in... subsequent... active attacks on the... Abyss Fissure..."

"If you... break your promise... or... intend to harm... the Stone Spirit Hills... the Stone Spirit Race... will view you as an enemy... the earth... will remember... your breach of faith."

It worked! Lin Zhou's heart settled, and he immediately responded: "I swear in the name of my divine fire and civilization that I will abide by the agreement! I will deliver the promised items immediately after the battle and will never request the Stone Spirit warriors to participate in any risky offensive beyond the agreement!"

"The oath... is established." The Stone Spirit Leader slowly raised its massive rock arm and pointed toward the depths of the hills. There, the earth churned, and rock bodies slightly smaller (about five meters tall) but equally stout and heavy rose from the ground, silently lining up. A full three hundred of them! Similar yellow lights flickered in their eyes, and their aura was steady and heavy.

【Reinforcement Agreement Reached!】

Reinforcement Type: Hills Stone Spirit Guards (Neutral · Earth Elemental Creature)

Quantity: 300 units

Average Rank: LV30

Core Attribute Tendencies: High Strength (45-55), Extremely High Physique (60-70), High Physical Defense (60+), High Earth Resistance, Slow Movement.

Special Abilities: [Earth Connection] (When standing on natural ground, Defense +10%, Health regeneration speed slightly increased), [Rock Body] (Immune to certain negative status effects like poison and bleeding, excellent resistance to pure physical attacks), [Shocking Slam] (Powerful single-target physical attack with a low probability of knockback or stun).

Combat Style: Excels at positional defense, extremely effective against heavy physical attack units.

Agreement Details:

Lin Zhou pays "advance sincerity payment": [Intermediate Earth Element Core Crystal] ×3, several [Earth Pulse Crystal Fragments].

The Stone Spirit Race sends 300 guards to assist Lin Zhou in defending the territory, primarily against Abyssal Giants and ground-based heavy units.

After the battle, Lin Zhou must pay "remuneration": 30% of all pure (not polluted by the Abyss) earth-attribute Materials/core crystals obtained in this battle.

The Stone Spirit Guards do not participate in active offensive operations against the Abyss Fissure.

Both parties must abide by the promise; otherwise, they will suffer the backlash of the oath (for a deity, this is the staining of divine fire and the collapse of reputation; for elemental beings, it is exclusion from their home and the decline of power).

Effective: Immediately!

"Stone Spirit warriors... follow me... set out!" The Stone Spirit Leader let out a low growl (vibrating thoughts), and the three hundred Stone Spirit Guards began moving toward the designated defensive positions on the flank of Lin Zhou's territory with heavy and orderly steps. Although they were not fast, every step made the earth tremble slightly, emitting a reassuring sense of power.

Lin Zhou's projection dissipated, and his consciousness returned to his body. A sharp light flashed in his eyes, and his Divine Thought instantly adjusted the defensive deployment: "Rock Shield! Three hundred earth Elemental Reinforcements are arriving from the direction of the flank hills! Immediately adjust the formation, construct a hybrid defensive position on the left flank (the direction the Stone Spirits are coming from) with the Stone Spirits as the front line and our shield guards and ranged units as support! Focus on dealing with the imminent charge of the Abyssal Giants! Fire Hammer, the crossbow array should prioritize the remaining Gargoyles in the air to prevent them from interfering with the flank positions!"

"Reinforcements?! Earth elementals?!" Rock Shield was both surprised and delighted, immediately executing the Order.

Within just one minute, the three hundred silent rock giants, like mobile fortresses, joined Lin Zhou's defensive line. They formed a rough but incredibly solid rock barrier at the outermost edge, their yellow-brown bodies complementing the dwarves' metal shields.

At that very moment, those seven Abyssal Giants let out a synchronized roar like a landslide, and with steps that made the earth tremble, they launched a frontal charge! Their target was aimed straight at the heart of Lin Zhou's territory!

Simultaneously, the remaining Gargoyles in the sky began to coordinate their dives, and the remaining Corruptors and Berserk Demons also surged up from the ground.

The general offensive of the seventh wave had begun!

But this time, Lin Zhou's defensive line had an extra, incredibly thick rock backbone from the earth!

"For Order! For our home! For... the land beneath our feet!" Lin Zhou's voice resounded across the battlefield, the Fire of Civilization burning fiercely above the divine domain, faintly resonating with the steady earth light emitted from those three hundred Stone Spirit Guards.

Maneuvering diplomatically to bring in reinforcements to resist powerful enemies. The Way of the Hundred Schools added another steady and heavy footnote. However, everyone knew that the true test—the Demigod deep within the fissure—had not yet truly appeared.