193: First Test of Talent

The weight and warning brought by the opening ceremony did not immediately vanish as the crowd dispersed. Instead, like a pebble thrown into a heart's lake, it sent ripples through the minds of every freshman, quietly transforming into more concrete actions and pressure over the following days.

Xinghai University's teaching and management model was completely different from high school. Aside from fixed basic theoretical courses (such as "The Ontology of Godhood Essence," "Faith Mechanics," "Astral Geography and Civilization Overview," etc.) that required attendance according to the schedule, a large amount of time was left for students to arrange themselves. How to utilize the school's resources to rapidly enhance oneself and the strength of one's Divine Domain became the most realistic problem facing every freshman.

And resources within Xinghai University also followed a principle of "competitive acquisition"—the more precious and helpful a resource was for the development of a Divine Domain, the more it tended to require competition, missions, and contributions to obtain.

On the fifth day after enrollment, the "Public Resource Zone" for all freshmen officially opened.

This area was located in the buffer zone between the freshman living area and the various functional land blocks. It was a planned, relatively safe area where rule suppression was weaker, allowing freshmen to conduct limited Divine Domain follower projections and actual combat. Dozens of resource points of various sizes were distributed within, including small mineral veins (such as Spirit Jade Mines and Refined Iron Mines), medicinal fields (planted with basic spiritual plants), element enrichment points, and even some low-risk small Secret Realm entrances. The output, quality, and scale of the resource points varied, and the competition for them was naturally the most intense.

Early in the morning, Lin Zhou had just finished a brief discussion with Li Mo regarding the "Compatibility Model of Runes and Mechanical Energy Circuits" (Li Mo had already entered a state of a fanatical researcher, wishing he could spend 24 hours a day on technical problems) when his personal terminal received a detailed notification and map from the school System regarding the opening of the Public Resource Zone.

The notification clearly stated the rules:

Resource points adopt the principle of "first discovered, first challenged, first occupied," but temporary mining rights must be obtained by "defending the ring" or "completing specific trials of the resource point."

The term for temporary mining rights is usually between 7 to 30 natural days. After expiration, the resource point refreshes and must be contested again.

During the contest, follower battles are permitted, but direct intervention by the deity's physical body is prohibited (monitored by formation arrays). Lethal attacks are forbidden (protection mechanisms are in place, though serious injuries are inevitable), and the use of cards or one-time items exceeding the specified Rank is prohibited.

Each freshman can occupy a maximum of three resource points at the same time.

Resource point mining requires the student to arrange their own follower labor or use automated equipment (self-provided); the school does not provide assistance.

"The Public Resource Zone... is finally open!" Li Mo's eyes lit up as he temporarily looked up from his blueprints. "Boss, let's go check it out! My Goblins urgently need a batch of [Fire Copper Ore] to upgrade the boiler's pressure-resistant layer! Also, the spores of [Fluorescent Mushrooms] are a great raw material for low-temperature lubricants!"

Lin Zhou nodded. His Divine Domain reconstruction work also had a high demand for various basic resources. After fusing the world stone fragment, the potential of his Divine Domain had increased, but turning that potential into actual area and strength required a massive investment of resources. Although the resource pack from the top scholar reward was bountiful, he couldn't just sit back and deplete his reserves. The Public Resource Zone was an important channel for obtaining stable supplementary resources.

He already had a target in mind. According to the map markings and previously gathered information, a [Small Spirit Jade Mine] located on the edge of the "Emerald Rift" had a stable output (daily production of about 50 units of standard Spirit Stones) and medium quality. Most importantly, the gentle Spiritual Qi contained in Spirit Jade was very suitable for repairing and powering the core buildings of the Divine Domain, especially for buildings requiring a peaceful environment like the [Jixia Academy] and the [Imperial Hospital], as well as for the daily Cultivation of mage/support followers like the Literary Heart Elves and Medical Apprentices.

"Let's go to the 'Emerald Rift' first," Lin Zhou said.

The two left the dormitory and took the star-rail car to the entrance of the Public Resource Zone. Along the way, they could see many freshmen in groups of three or five, heading in the same direction with expressions of excitement or nervousness. The air was thick with an atmosphere of eagerness.

The entrance to the Public Resource Zone was a massive, shimmering spatial portal. Stepping through the portal, the scene before them changed instantly.

It looked like a miniature, stitched-together area of diverse terrain. There were hills, valleys, small patches of forest, streams, and even a small hot spring area emitting steam. Energy fluctuations of various attributes mixed together, appearing somewhat chaotic but full of vitality. Simple signs or fences had already been erected in many places, indicating they were occupied, and various strange followers (Goblins, Kobolds, Werewolves, elemental creatures, etc.) could be seen working or patrolling within.

"There sure are a lot of people..." Li Mo pushed up his glasses, somewhat amazed.

Lin Zhou did not linger. Following the map's guidance, he walked straight toward the "Emerald Rift." The rift was located in the northeast corner of the resource zone. Both sides were steep rock walls covered in strange fluorescent moss, with a shallow stream at the bottom of the valley. The Spirit Jade mineral vein was located near the western rock wall.

Before they even got close, they could hear the noise and the sound of weapons clashing coming from ahead.

On a relatively flat gravel beach where the Spirit Jade mineral vein was located, two groups of people had already gathered. Or rather, two groups of followers were facing off.

On one side were about fifty [Forest Trolls]. They were tall, with grayish-green skin, wearing crude leather armor, and holding rough wooden clubs or stone axes. They bared their fangs and emitted low growls, with an average Rank between LV18 and LV22. The leader was exceptionally strong, holding a large club studded with iron nails, at approximately LV24, likely a small chieftain. The Trolls emitted a faint stench and an Aura of chaos; their eyes were fierce but slightly dull.

The freshman controlling this group of Trolls was a red-haired youth dressed luxuriously but with an arrogant expression. He stood with his arms crossed on a nearby rock, a disdainful sneer on his lips. Beside him were two other freshmen who seemed like lackeys; their Divine Domains appeared to be Kobolds and Goblins, with few followers and even weaker strength.

On the other side was a group of about thirty [Centaur Hunters] with relatively better equipment. Their lower bodies were sturdy horse bodies, while their upper bodies were humanoid torsos, holding longbows or throwing spears. Their average Rank was around LV20, with the leading Centaur Archer at LV23, possessing sharp eyes. The freshman controlling them was a dark-skinned, athletic youth whose face looked quite troubled, seemingly negotiating something with the red-haired youth.

"...This Spirit Jade Mine was first discovered by our 'Breath of the Prairie' squad! According to the rules, we should be the first to attempt the challenge!" the dark-skinned youth argued forcefully.

"Rules?" The red-haired youth sneered. "Rules are made for the weak. My Troll warriors are already in position. Either you get lost yourselves, or you get beaten down by my Trolls and then get lost. It's that simple."

Clearly, this was a typical case of the strong bullying the weak, attempting to forcibly seize the mining rights. Although the dark-skinned youth and his Centaurs arrived first, their numbers and individual strength were inferior to the opponent's Trolls. Furthermore, Trolls were thick-skinned and had a certain resistance to ranged attacks, so the Centaurs' advantage with bows was not significant.

Some freshmen were already watching from the sidelines, pointing and whispering, but no one stepped forward to intervene. The brutal competition of the Public Resource Zone had begun from day one.

Lin Zhou's gaze swept over the outcropping of the mineral vein emitting a faint spiritual light, then looked at the two opposing sides, making a calculation in his mind. He did not like bullying behavior, and he truly needed this Spirit Jade Mine.

"Li Mo, wait for me here," Lin Zhou said to Li Mo, who was beside him, eagerly wanting to pull out some strange device. Then, he stepped forward.

His appearance immediately caught the attention of both opposing sides and the onlookers. Especially his ordinary standard-issue robe representing the General Academy, which looked exceptionally plain compared to the many freshmen around him wearing clothes with Family crests or special effects.

"Another one trying to pick up scraps?" The red-haired youth glanced sideways at Lin Zhou, his tone contemptuous. "If you don't want to get beaten, beat it."

Lin Zhou ignored him and looked directly at the dark-skinned youth: "What is the trial for this mineral vein?"

The dark-skinned youth was stunned for a moment and subconsciously replied, "De... defend the mineral vein core, resisting three waves of 'Fluorescent Lizards' emerging from the shadows of the rift. Ten in each wave, average Rank LV18..."

This was a common "Guardian Trial" model for resource points, testing the defensive and sustained combat capabilities of the occupier's followers.

Lin Zhou nodded and turned to the red-haired youth: "Since the first discoverer has the right to challenge first, let them complete the trial first. If they fail, it won't be too late for you to challenge."

"Who the hell do you think you are? You think you're qualified to tell me what to do?" The red-haired youth's face darkened. "I'm taking this mine now. If anyone's not happy about it, ask my Trolls if they agree!"

He was clearly impatient and waved his hand: "Go! Drive those Centaurs away! If anyone dares to block you, beat them too!"

The fifty Forest Trolls let out earth-shaking roars, brandishing their weapons and charging toward the Centaur line like a gray tide! They seemed clumsy, but their charge was not slow, and the ground trembled slightly.

The dark-skinned youth's expression changed, and he gritted his teeth, ordering the Centaur Hunters to draw their bows: "Fire! Stop them!"

Sparse arrows shot toward the Trolls. Most were blocked by their thick skin and crude wooden shields; only a few caused minor injuries, which instead further enraged these boorish creatures.

It looked like the Troll group was about to crush the Centaur formation.

At that moment, Lin Zhou moved.

He did not summon a massive follower legion, nor did he even reveal much Divine Power fluctuation. He simply gave a light wave of his hand.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

Ten deep-blue figures, looking as if they were cast from steel, suddenly appeared in front of the Centaur line, perfectly blocking the Trolls' charge path!

These figures were roughly two meters tall, their entire bodies covered in deep-blue scales with a cold metallic sheen. Their bodies were slender yet powerful, holding standard-issue, cold-gleaming refined steel tridents, with ropes and short blades hanging at their waists. Their heads were streamlined, with fish-like gill slits and cold, heartless vertical pupils. They were none other than the members of the Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad!

Unlike ordinary mermen, these Law Fishmen did not show the slightest sluggishness even when out of the water. Instead, they possessed a vigor and composure akin to terrestrial predators. The moment they appeared, a cold, harsh, and unquestionable Aura of "Order" permeated the air, causing the charging Trolls to subconsciously feel a trace of hesitation and discomfort.

"Mermen? Trash from the water dares to come ashore?" The red-haired youth was stunned for a moment before sneering, "Crush them for me!"

The Trolls roared and charged once again.

Facing Trolls that were several times their number and acting aggressively, the ten Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad members did not panic in the slightest. They quickly formed a simple triangular assault formation, led by the adjudicator Iron Face (LV32).

"Trespassing in a Forbidden Ground and attacking maintainers of Order violates Articles 3 and 7 of the 'Divine Domain Temporary Public Security Management Regulations'." Iron Face's voice, sounding like cold metal grinding, was transmitted through Divine Thought and rang clearly in the consciousness of every vassal present. "According to the Law, you shall be evicted!"

As the words fell, the ten fishmen moved simultaneously!

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, and their speed was astonishing! Their deep blue figures were like arrows released from a bow, proactively meeting the torrent of Trolls!

[Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad Member (Elite) Average Attributes (Combat State)]:

Rank: LV30

Strength: 28 (Far exceeding humans of the same Rank, slightly inferior to Trolls of the same Rank, but sufficient to contend when combined with technique)

Agility: 32 (Swift movement on land, even more so in water)

Physique: 30 (Scaly armor provides excellent protection, resilient vitality)

Spirit: 25 (Influenced by Legalist thought, firm will, resistant to mental influence)

Talents/Skills:

Body of Order (Passive): Discipline +100%, resistance to chaos and fear effects +50%.

Law Enforcement (Active): +15% attack power and +10% defense penetration against "illegal" units (defined by the deity or meeting specific judgment conditions).

Trident Mastery (LV4): Proficient in using the trident for thrusting, lifting, sweeping, and parrying; attack speed +20%.

Synergized Combat (Passive): When cooperating with fellow squad members, attack and defense efficiency is increased by an additional 5%.

Amphibious: Capable of breathing and moving at high speeds underwater, with no reduction in movement speed on land.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The steel tridents turned into streaks of lethal cold light, precisely piercing the Trolls' joints, wrists, ankles, and other vulnerable spots, or skillfully parrying heavy club strikes. The fishmen did not compete with the Trolls in raw strength; instead, they fully utilized their agility advantage and superb combat techniques, weaving through the Troll crowd like swimming fish. Every strike was accompanied by a Troll's pained howl and the loss of their weapon.

Iron Face was even more ferocious. With a powerful horizontal sweep of his trident, he directly knocked away the large club of the LV24 Troll leader charging at the front. Then, the trident's tip, like a venomous snake's tongue, struck his chest with lightning speed! The Troll leader hastily blocked with his arm, but the sharp blade pierced through his scales (Trolls have weak regenerative abilities, but their defense is not strong), and blood flowed freely!

In just over ten seconds of contact, the seven or eight Trolls at the front were already staggering, heavily injured. The Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad, however, maintained its formation, blocking the Trolls' impact as steadily as a reef!

"How is this possible?!" The disdain on the red-haired youth's face instantly froze, replaced by shock. Although his Trolls weren't top-tier vassals, they were thick-skinned and strong. How could they be easily blocked and even counter-injured by fishmen who were far fewer in number?

The watching freshmen also let out low gasps of surprise.

"Those fishmen... their movements are so fast! Their coordination is so seamless!"

"Their Rank doesn't seem low! I feel like they're a notch stronger than the Trolls!"

"Looking at their equipment and discipline, they are definitely not wild fishmen! These are core combat vassals that have been meticulously cultivated!"

"Who is that freshman? From the Comprehensive College? I haven't seen him before..."

The dark-skinned youth and his Centaurs were even more dumbfounded, their relief at surviving mingling with shock at the fishmen's combat power.

The red-haired youth's face flushed red, feeling he had lost face, and he roared, "Useless! All together! Surround and kill them!"

The remaining Trolls, under their leader's howling, attempted to flank from both sides.

However, Lin Zhou's command had already been transmitted to Iron Face through Divine Thought.

"End this quickly. Show the majesty of the Legalist School."

A cold light flashed in Iron Face's eyes as he raised his trident high: "Form up! 'Net of Law' advance!"

The ten Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad members quickly changed their formation, shifting from a triangular assault to a tight circular defensive formation with their tridents pointing outward. Simultaneously, a faint, almost invisible green halo rose from their bodies—this was a weak manifestation of the Legalist 'Net of Law' (restricted by divinity, it could not be fully deployed). Although its range was tiny and its power greatly reduced, it was enough to exert a slight suppression and interference effect on the approaching Trolls judged as "chaotic and disorderly."

As the Trolls entered the range of this pale green halo, they suddenly felt their bodies grow heavy and their movements sluggish. An inexplicable, absurd sense of panic—as if they had done something wrong—arose in their hearts.

The fishmen seized the opportunity. The formation began to slowly rotate counter-clockwise like a capstan, their tridents acting like lethal flower petals constantly opening and closing. Every thrust was precise and deadly. Wherever the formation passed, Trolls collapsed one after another with wretched screams, losing their combat capability.

It was a completely one-sided crushing victory!

In less than three minutes, out of the fifty Forest Trolls, except for a few who saw things going south and fled, the rest lay on the ground groaning. Although they weren't dead (due to the school's protection mechanism), they wouldn't be able to fight again anytime soon. The LV24 leader was given special attention by Iron Face; with several more bloody holes in his body, he lay on the ground on the verge of death.

The ten Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad members, aside from a few scratches and bruises, remained in perfect formation with steady breathing, as if they had just completed a routine daily training session.

The scene was silent.

The red-haired youth's face was pale as he pointed at Lin Zhou, his finger trembling: "You... you..."

Lin Zhou didn't even look at him, instead saying to the dark-skinned youth, "You can begin the ore vein trial now. Do you need help?"

The dark-skinned youth snapped out of it and shook his head quickly, "No, no need! Thank you for your help, Senior! This mine... we probably can't hold it. If Senior needs it, please take it!" He was self-aware; after witnessing the strength of the Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad, he knew his team had no right to compete with Lin Zhou. Moreover, Lin Zhou had essentially rescued them.

Lin Zhou was not polite and nodded. He had come here specifically for this Spirit Jade Mine.

He walked to the outcrop of the ore vein and placed his hand on a protruding Spirit Jade Raw Stone that emitted a warm white light. Instantly, the ore vein trial was activated. From the shadows of the rift, thirty lizards covered in fluorescent moss, about the size of wild dogs, swarmed out. Their Ranks were between LV16 and LV20.

There was no need for Lin Zhou to give another command. Iron Face left half of the fishmen to maintain vigilance (primarily against the red-haired youth doing something out of shame and anger) and personally led the other five members into the pack of Fluorescent Lizards like tigers among sheep. The efficient slaughter played out again; three waves of lizards were cleared in less than ten minutes, leaving the core of the ore vein unharmed.

【System Prompt】: Congratulations, you have successfully completed the "Emerald Rift · Small Spirit Jade Mine" guard trial and obtained the temporary mining rights for this ore vein (30 days). Please arrange for your vassals to conduct mining. Daily base output: 50 units of standard Spirit Stones (may fluctuate slightly due to mining technology and vassal capabilities).

The mining rights were secured.

Lin Zhou recalled the Lawful Merman Enforcement Squad. The ten deep blue figures vanished silently, as if they had never appeared.

He glanced at the dumbstruck red-haired youth and his two lackeys, then at the surrounding freshmen with their various expressions. Without saying more, he turned to Li Mo, who was still excitedly recording combat data, and said, "Let's go, let's check out the next place."

It wasn't until the figures of Lin Zhou and Li Mo disappeared at the other end of the rift that the crowd of onlookers erupted into discussion.

"Holy crap! Who was that? So fierce!"

"Ten against fifty! A total victory! What breed are those fishmen? They're way too strong!"

"I think his name is Lin Zhou? From the Comprehensive College... wait, Lin Zhou? Could it be that top scholar from the College Entrance Examination?!"

"It's him! I remember now! Hundred Schools Divine Domain! There's a type of Law Fishmen in there! I didn't know they were this powerful!"

"No wonder... a top scholar is a top scholar. A starved camel is still bigger than a horse. Even if his Divine Domain is damaged, it's not something we can compare to."

"That Liu Mang (the red-haired youth) kicked a steel plate this time. Haha, serves him right!"

Listening to the surrounding discussions, the red-haired youth Liu Mang's face turned from red to white. Finally, he glared fiercely in the direction Lin Zhou had left and slunk away with his lackeys and the surviving Trolls. He had truly lost face this time.

In the distance, as Lin Zhou walked, he checked the mining permissions for the Spirit Jade Mine he had just acquired, calculating how to integrate it with the [Psionic-Steam Hybrid Power Furnace] within his Divine Domain to improve energy utilization efficiency.

Li Mo, on the other hand, chattered excitedly beside him: "Boss! Your fishmen were too cool! I've recorded the data! Their average attributes are at least 30% stronger than my Goblin Engineers! And that discipline and coordination... it's as precise as a machine! Is this the power of Legalist thought? Can you instill some into my Goblins too? Not much, just that 'Absolute Obedience' effect would do! It would stop them from constantly altering my blueprints and adding random ingredients without permission..."

Listening to him, the corner of Lin Zhou's mouth curved imperceptibly.

This first minor show of strength at Xinghai University had gone even more smoothly than he had anticipated. But this was only the beginning. Competition in the Public Resource Zones would only grow more intense. And the establishment of the Hundred Schools Society needed to be put on the agenda as soon as possible.

Strength is the foundation for earning respect and acquiring resources. After today, the name "Hundred Schools Lin Zhou" would likely begin to spread among the freshmen.