189: University Selection

The Divine Domain was stable, and the Foundation had been initially established. Time in the outside world quietly slipped toward mid-August amidst the lingering effects of the top scholar's halo and the undercurrents from various factions.

There was less than a month left before university started.

As both his Godhead and Divine Domain entered the right track of steady recovery, Lin Zhou's pace of life finally allowed him to spare some energy from full-time Cultivation and reconstruction to handle external affairs that could no longer be avoided—the most pressing of which was choosing a university.

In fact, from the moment the College Entrance Examination rankings were announced and the name of the top scholar resonated throughout the Star Domain, recruitment offers from the Human Race's top academies had been incessant, like a swarm of bees smelling nectar. It was only because Lin Zhou had been living in seclusion, focusing on healing and reconstruction, and because the official staff of the Star Sea Star Domain Department of Education had acted as a buffer and preliminary filter to some extent, that these disturbances did not directly drown him.

But what was meant to come would eventually arrive.

The first to pay a formal visit was not any of the nine major academies, but rather the [Star Sea War Zone Seventh Legion Special Recruitment Office], which had a military background.

The visitor was a middle-aged officer in a crisp military uniform with the Rank of colonel on his epaulettes. He had a capable temperament and eyes as sharp as an eagle's, carrying an aura of iron and blood from long-standing combat experience, yet his words and actions were quite polite. The conditions he brought were also extremely direct and generous:

"Student Lin Zhou, I represent the Star Sea War Zone Seventh Legion to sincerely invite you to join the military's special talent recruitment program." The officer's opening remarks lacked any small talk. "Based on your performance in the College Entrance Examination, especially your combat command, survival in adversity, and rule-confrontation abilities, we believe you have immense military potential."

"By joining the military, you can skip the regular university training and directly enter the 'Star General Training Camp,' enjoying resource quotas and security clearances equivalent to the Rank of major. You will receive the most top-tier and systematic training in military command and divine warfare, and have the opportunity to enter frontline Star Realms early for practical experience under the leadership of senior generals. By earning military merits, your promotion speed will far exceed that of the ordinary university System."

"The military can provide you with the most abundant race cultivation resources, the most complete war-oriented card library access, and the safest growth environment. More importantly," the officer leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice with an indisputable allure, "the military possesses the Human Race's most cutting-edge 'God Kingdom War Fortress' technology and many pieces of forbidden knowledge obtained from alien battlefields that are nearly impossible for outsiders to access. I'm sure you understand what this means for someone aspiring to climb to the supreme divine throne."

The conditions were indeed tempting, especially the "God Kingdom War Fortress" technology and forbidden knowledge, which held a fatal attraction for anyone aspiring to become a powerful deity. Furthermore, the military's level of resource investment and combat opportunities were beyond what typical academies could offer.

Lin Zhou listened quietly and did not immediately refuse, only asking, "Does joining the military mean I must completely obey military orders, and that my research direction and development path will be strictly limited?"

The officer nodded candidly. "Yes. The military Cultivates warriors, blades, and the Foundation for protecting the Human Race. Individual development must submit to the overall strategy and military needs. Your... uniqueness in thought might be regulated and guided to a certain extent in the Early Stages to ensure it complies with military applications and safety regulations."

Lin Zhou understood in his heart. The military path was a highly disciplined, goal-oriented shortcut, but it would also greatly limit his free exploration and development of the Hundred Schools of Thought. This was a fundamental conceptual conflict with his path of inheriting civilization and pursuing the contention of a Hundred Schools of Thought.

"I appreciate the military's high regard," Lin Zhou said tactfully but firmly, "but I believe that at this stage, a systematic academic Education and a freer environment for exploration might be more suitable for me."

The officer did not seem surprised by this answer. A trace of regret flashed in his eyes, but he did not press further. He simply left behind a detailed recruitment plan and a communication talisman engraved with a military emblem, stating that "the door is always open for you," before taking his leave decisively.

The military's visit seemed to kick off the formal recruitment process.

Over the next few days, Lin Zhou successively received admissions representatives from various top academies at home or held remote meetings in virtual conference rooms. Every institution showed a level of sincerity sufficient to drive ordinary geniuses mad.

The representative of [War God Academy] was a burly man with a voice like a booming bell, who was himself a war god of Faint Divinity. He advocated power and conquest, and the "War God Seed Program" he offered was extremely domineering: upon enrollment, he would enjoy core True Disciple treatment, be issued a legendary-grade war-oriented initial resource pack, and was promised a powerful Divine Power (Main God level) war deity within the academy to serve personally as his mentor. The condition was that during his time at school, he must major in war and conquest-related divine offices and prioritize completing conquest missions issued by the academy.

"Kid, those fancy thoughts of yours are all empty in the face of absolute power!" the War God representative spoke bluntly. "Come to us, and I guarantee I'll help you forge your God Kingdom into the strongest war machine! Might makes right!"

The representative of [Central Divine Academy] was an elegant elder wearing a classical priest's robe. He represented the Human Race's oldest and most orthodox divine inheritance System. The "Holy Inheritor" status he offered focused on the purity of the Foundation and the solemnity of the divine office. It included not only countless classical divine arts, rituals, and pantheon construction knowledge, but also access to high-level knowledge such as the Human Race's core faith management and Star Realm governance. The condition was the need to sign a strict inheritance contract, where thought and divine office development must fit within the "orthodox" framework. He evaluated Lin Zhou's Hundred Schools of Thought System as having "unknown potential and coexisting risks," suggesting he "selectively incorporate it into the orthodox System and abandon the miscellaneous parts."

"Little friend Lin Zhou, civilization is important, but an unordered civilization is like a wildfire that will eventually consume itself," the elder said earnestly. "My Central Divine Academy can help you organize and refine it, removing the dross and keeping the essence, guiding your potential toward the most bright and upright divine path."

The representative from [Penglai Immortal Sect] was a handsome young man with an immortal air, standing on a green jade gourd; he was a sword immortal. They followed a path combining classical immortal cultivation with the divine path, emphasizing personal transcendence and comprehension of heaven and earth. The "True Disciple" status offered promised access to the Sect's secret immortal Cultivation Techniques (which could complement the divine path), cultivation rights in blessed lands, and various legacies in Alchemy, Artifact Refining, and Formations. The condition was a requirement for sufficient belonging and contribution to the Sect, and there was a certain conversion threshold between the immortal cultivation System and Lin Zhou's existing race System.

"Junior Brother Lin, I see that your Divine Domain has an air of natural harmony, which coincides with my Daoist philosophy. Why not cast aside mundane disturbances and pursue that realm of carefree longevity and becoming one with the Dao?" The sword immortal Senior Brother smiled freely, his words striking the core.

In addition, top academies with their own characteristics like [Myriad Beast Star Palace], [Elemental Tower], and [Mechanical Sanctuary] also sent invitations with generous terms, each corresponding to different race development directions and power Systems.

Every institution's conditions were heart-stirring, and all came with corresponding restrictions or requirements.

Lin Zhou patiently listened, analyzed, and compared. He had his own internal scale.

His core advantage and the root of his development lay in the [Temple of Civilization] and [Hundred Schools of Thought]. Any choice must take the deep exploration, propagation, development, and System perfection of the Hundred Schools of Thought as the primary criterion. Only then would conventional factors like resources, safety, mentors, and future prospects be considered.

The pure martial force route of the War God Academy would clearly stifle the diversity of thought. The "orthodox" framework of the Central Divine Academy would be difficult to accommodate the "unorthodoxy" of the hundred schools. Although the transcendent path of the Penglai Immortal Sect partially aligned with Daoism, it was difficult to cover all the other schools, and risks existed in the conversion of the immortal cultivation System. Other academies specializing in a single field similarly had compatibility issues.

His gaze finally fell upon [Xinghai University], which had not yet formally visited but had sent multiple greetings through official channels and scheduled a formal meeting time.

Xinghai University, one of the nine supreme academies of the Human Race, was not the oldest nor the strongest in any single field, but its greatest characteristic was "inclusivity" and "academic freedom."

It is located at the core of the Star Sea Star Domain, serving as a frontier for the Human Race to explore the sea of stars and pioneer the unknown. Its campus culture is open, encouraging innovation and cross-disciplinary research, and it holds great tolerance and research interest for various emerging, non-traditional, and even controversial paths of deity development. Historically, many great figures who founded entirely new divine Systems or power Systems have emerged from here.

More importantly, Xinghai University houses several top-tier institutions related to civilization research, such as the 'Ancient Civilization Research Institute' and the 'Multiverse Cultural Comparison Center.' Its library contains countless lost classics and relics from various Star Domains, eras, and even alien civilizations. This undoubtedly holds an irreplaceable attraction for Lin Zhou's in-depth research and development of the Hundred Schools of Thought.

The meeting was arranged in a quiet liaison office established by Xinghai University in Cloud City.

The admissions representative sent by Xinghai University was an intellectual woman who appeared to be in her thirties, wearing a well-fitted deep blue scholar's robe and silver-rimmed glasses. she introduced herself as Professor Zhou, a specially appointed professor of the Xinghai University Admissions Committee. Her godhead Rank was not apparent, but her temperament was warm and her eyes wise, giving off a feeling of being as refreshing as a spring breeze yet unfathomable.

Without piling up boastful conditions, Professor Zhou simply smiled and invited Lin Zhou to sit, personally pouring him a cup of light tea before getting straight to the point:

“Student Lin Zhou, we have been following you for a long time. From the initial uniqueness of the ideological System you showed in the high school league to your performance in the College Entrance Examination trials where you applied it to the extreme, especially that final attack containing the embryonic form of the 'principles of civilization'... several old fossils from Xinghai University's 'Ancient Civilization Research Institute' were so excited they didn't close their eyes for days.”

Her tone was calm, yet it carried a sense of sincere appreciation and importance.

“What Xinghai University can provide you with is, first and foremost, a platform.” Professor Zhou adjusted her glasses. “A platform that allows you to freely explore, practice, and perfect your 'Hundred Schools of Thought' System without being subjected to groundless questioning, restrictions, or forced 'corrections.' One of the university's core tenets is 'Truth has no forbidden zones, exploration has no boundaries.' As long as your research does not violate the basic ethics and safety bottom lines of the Human Race and does not actively harm others, the university will provide you with the maximum degree of academic freedom.”

“Secondly, resources.” She handed over a smooth Jade Slip. “This is a draft of the 'Prodigy' training agreement tailored for you. You can take a look first.”

Lin Zhou's Divine Thought sank into the Jade Slip.

【Xinghai University 'Prodigy' Training Agreement (Draft) - To be awarded to: Lin Zhou】

Resource Allocation: Upon enrollment, enjoy the highest level of 'Prodigy' resource quotas, including but not limited to:

Annual Basic faith crystals: 50 million units (exchangeable for other resources).

Usage rights for an exclusive Advanced Cultivate Secret Realm (time flow rate 1:10, Spiritual Qi concentration starting at 300%) for 360 days a year.

“Star Sea Vault” Grade-A Permissions (can exchange for rare-grade and below cards, resources, and knowledge, enjoying a 30% discount).

Exclusive Divine Domain expansion and reinforcement consultant team (composed of at least Faint Divinity experts).

One opportunity per semester to obtain clues for “Mythic-grade resources/cards” (requires completion of corresponding assessments or tasks).

Mentor Configuration: Can choose one primary mentor (Domain of choice, the university will make every effort to coordinate), and automatically obtain the status of visiting researcher at several related institutions such as the 'Ancient Civilization Research Institute' and the 'Multiverse Divine System Research Department,' with the ability to consult experts there at any time.

Learning Freedom: Core courses can be adjusted or exempted upon application based on personal circumstances; enjoy a high degree of freedom in course selection, with the ability to take elective courses from any college or System of interest; support for independently establishing research topics and applying for special funds.

Development Support: The university supports students in establishing and developing their own clubs, research groups, or preparatory divine Systems within the school. For the establishment and development of the 'Hundred Schools Society,' the university will provide convenience and protection in terms of venues, basic resources, and external exchanges.

Safety Guarantee: During the period at school, the university will provide safety protection equivalent to the level of a core professor (including Divine Domain safety monitoring, prevention of malicious intrusion, crisis rescue, etc.). After graduation, if willing to stay at the school or cooperate with Human Race officials, there will be corresponding arrangements.

Obligations: Must maintain certain academic grades and research output (standards are reasonable); must abide by basic university rules and regulations; within one's capacity, respond to non-mandatory university calls (such as academic exchanges, specific tasks, etc., with corresponding remuneration).

There was no mandatory direction for development, no requirement to abandon or modify his own System; instead, they offered extremely generous promises regarding resources, freedom, safety, and most importantly, an 'academic environment' that perfectly suited Lin Zhou's needs!

Particularly the 'support for independently establishing research topics,' 'support for establishing the Hundred Schools Society,' and the visiting researcher status at the 'Ancient Civilization Research Institute' directly hit Lin Zhou's core demands.

“We understand that your Divine Domain was severely damaged during the trials, especially regarding your godhead.” Professor Zhou added after Lin Zhou finished reading, “The university's 'Godhead Repair and Reinforcement Research Institute' can provide you with professional consultation and auxiliary plans. Additionally, Student Su Yueyao has also confirmed her choice of Xinghai University; her research into ancient huaxia civilization might form a beneficial complement to yours.”

Su Yueyao also chose Xinghai University? This wasn't surprising. Her message 'See you in the Star Sea' had already hinted at this.

Lin Zhou looked up at Professor Zhou: “Can Xinghai University really tolerate a non-traditional or even somewhat 'deviant' development path like mine to this extent? Aren't you worried about things getting out of control or causing controversy?”

Professor Zhou smiled, a smile carrying the confidence and poise of a top-tier institution: “Student Lin Zhou, one of the reasons for Xinghai University's existence is to explore those 'non-traditional' and 'deviant' possibilities. Out of control? We have comprehensive evaluation and safeguard mechanisms. Controversy? At Xinghai University, valuable controversy has always been a driving force for progress, not an obstacle.”

“As for your Hundred Schools of Thought...” Her gaze was profound, “What we see is not a simple combat technique or a method for raising followers, but a potential, complete 'civilization paradigm' with infinite possibilities for growth. The university is willing to invest in such a possibility and is also willing to bear the risks that come with its exploration. This is the magnanimity of Xinghai University.”

Having reached this point, Lin Zhou no longer had any hesitation in his heart.

Other academies might be able to give him more specialized improvement in certain aspects, or more direct force or power, but only Xinghai University could give him the freedom of thought, space for exploration, and the fertile soil for civilization research that he needed most.

“I choose Xinghai University.” Lin Zhou's voice was clear and firm.

A sincere smile blossomed on Professor Zhou's face as she extended her hand: “Welcome to Xinghai University, Student Lin Zhou. I believe your arrival will surely bring a new atmosphere to the Star Sea. The formal admission letter and agreement will be delivered within three days. Regarding pre-enrollment preparations, suggestions for mentor selection, and the permissions for those ancient book materials you're interested in... we can discuss those in detail later.”

With the choice settled, a heavy stone in his heart also dropped.

After seeing off Professor Zhou, Lin Zhou returned to his room and began to reply to the rejection letters from other academies one by one, his wording polite but firm.

When the last rejection message was sent, his personal terminal vibrated, and he received a new message from Su Yueyao, still concise:

“Chosen?”

“Star Sea.”

“Mhm. Mentor recommendation: Professor Qu Moyuan from the Ancient Civilization Research Institute. Materials sent.”

Lin Zhou clicked on the attached material link, and information about that Professor Qu Moyuan came into view—an eccentric Genius obsessed with studying lost civilizations, who traveled through the ruins of the various astral realms year-round, and was simultaneously known in the academic world for being 'unorthodox' and 'profoundly knowledgeable.' His godhead Rank was unknown, but his permissions were extremely high.

“It seems university life won't be boring.” The corners of Lin Zhou's mouth curled up slightly.

He looked out the window, where the afterglow of the setting sun dyed the horizon a gorgeous golden-red.