228: New student rewards include high-level cards.

Xinghai University, [Advanced Rule Healing Chamber].

This was not a ward in the traditional sense, but an independent demi-plane meticulously designed and inscribed with countless extremely complex spatial Talismans and time-slowing arrays. At the core of the plane, a pool of Chaotic Spiritual Fluid, barely three meters in diameter, flowed silently. The pool water displayed a chaotic hue between liquid and gas, containing highly purified and gently processed primal Order energy and rule repair factors. A strange fragrance that calmed the mind permeated the air, and the time flow was fixed at an optimal repair ratio of 1:100 (one hundred days inside the healing chamber equals one day outside).

Lin Zhou was soaked in the pool water, his eyes slightly closed, his consciousness half-awake. Three days had passed in the outside world since that earth-shattering battle with the Chief Student Xuanyuan Hong, but in this healing chamber, it had been a long three hundred days of nourishment.

The healing Opportunity specially approved by the headmaster was of immeasurable value. The rule repair factors in the pool were like the most meticulous craftsmen, using painstaking effort to slowly soak and mend the deep-seated cracks and hidden wounds on his Godhead caused by extreme overclocking and rule collision. The gentle Order energy in the Chaotic Spiritual Fluid slowly replenished his nearly exhausted Divine Power pool and subtly strengthened his Godhead's carrying capacity and sensitivity to 'Order' and 'Law'.

During these three hundred days, he was not completely asleep. Most of the time, his consciousness was deep within his Divine Domain, resonating with the Temple of Civilization, sorting through the insights and lessons brought by that battle.

【Lin Zhou's Current Status (Healing Day 300 / Outside Day 3)】

Godhead Rank: LV150 (Not increased, but stability and potential Foundation have been consolidated).

Godhead Damage Repair Progress: Approximately 92%. The most fatal cracks and rule conflict points have basically been mended. A few remaining subtle 'lines' require more time and painstaking effort or specific opportunities to be completely eliminated, but they no longer affect normal operation and light loads. Overall Godhead resilience increased by about 15%.

Divine Power Reserves: Recovered to 88% (Chaotic Spiritual Fluid is continuously replenishing; full recovery is expected to take another 50 days of healing time).

Divine Fire Status: Burning steadily, the color transforming from pale gold to a more solid burnished gold. The Fire of Civilization characteristics are more pronounced, and Divine Power conversion efficiency has slightly increased.

Temple of Civilization / River:

Sanctuary: The main structure is stable. After this battle, the temple body seemed to have absorbed a trace of the 'brand' of rule confrontation, making the material appear more ancient and heavy. Its ability to carry and harmonize the Hundred Schools of Thought has been enhanced.

River Projection: Re-manifested. Although not as boiling and surging as during the battle, it flows more smoothly and solidly. The historical fragments and intellectual essence surfacing in the river are clearer. Due to burning civilization points to resist powerful authority, the river seems to have undergone a 'tempering,' making its symbolic meaning of 'Civilization Resilience' and 'Spirit of Resistance' more prominent.

civilization points: Because all were burned for combat, they are currently at 0. However, the Sanctuary reported that due to the combat performance and the headmaster's praise, which triggered wider 'thought ripples' (a craze for discussion and research of the Hundred Schools of Thought on campus), civilization points are naturally recovering at a slow but steady pace (currently about 350 points/day).

Divine Domain Overview:

Area: Stable at 85 square kilometers.

Core Building Repair:

[Jixia Academy]: Main structure 85% repaired, 'Eternal Teacher' aura restored to 70% of its original effect (Comprehension +70%). Full recovery requires more resources and time.

[Temple of Law]: Rule-level pollution 90% cleared, building 80% repaired, [Net of Law] basic functions restored, strength at approximately 75% of the original.

[Tiangong Workshop], [Eight Trigrams Furnace], etc.: Basically repaired, functions restored.

Divine Race Status: Generally finished resting. Under the healing chamber's time flow and combat experience feedback, their average level increased by 1-2 levels (Literary Heart Elves / Tiangong Dwarves / Law Fishmen average level reached LV32-34). Hero units recovered well; Gongsun Li, Xuan Zhenzi, and others made slight progress.

Comprehensive Evaluation: Godhead hidden dangers basically eliminated, status recovered to over 85% of Peak period, and the Foundation is more solid. Combat power is slightly affected by incomplete core building restoration and lack of civilization points, but future development potential has been strengthened.

The healing period expired, and Lin Zhou's consciousness slowly woke from the deep state of nourishment. He opened his eyes, the divine light within them restrained, yet deeper and steadier than before, as if carrying all the weight and insights of that hard battle and long repair.

As he stood up, the pool water receded automatically, leaving no trace. The space of the healing chamber fluctuated, sending him back to the main campus of Xinghai University, to his personal dormitory meditation room.

As soon as he returned, the notification sounds of his personal terminal rang one after another. The most prominent were two reward distribution notices from the school's official System.

[Freshman Cup Fourth Place Team Reward Distribution] (Note: Because the Lin Zhou & Qin Qing duo performed far beyond expectations in the 'Chief Challenge' semifinals, although they did not officially enter the top three, after comprehensive evaluation by the judging panel and the school, they are awarded the fourth-place prize with additional resources appended.)

Reward List:

High-grade Terrain Card: [Spirit Spring (Epic · Purple)] x1.

High-grade Biological Card: [Griffin Cliff (Rare · Blue)] x1.

Basic Resource Pack: Includes faith crystals (10 million units), and several basic mineral/wood/stone resource cards (Green).

Special Addition: For persisting the longest and showing the most Breakthrough performance in the 'Chief Challenge', an additional 500 Credits are awarded (already included in the headmaster's total reward amount).

['Chief Challenge' Special Excellence Performance Award Distribution] (Personally approved by the headmaster)

Reward List:

[Spring of Time Echoes] extra entry permissions: x3. (Already issued to personal account)

Browsing permission for the Library 'Forbidden Books Area' seventh floor and below: Activated. (Requires registration at the library)

Credit Reward: 1000 points (Already credited to account).

[Advanced Rule Healing Chamber] usage eligibility coordination complete: Already used.

Lin Zhou's gaze first fell on those two high-grade cards. These were exactly what he needed right now—resources that could directly enhance his Divine Domain's heritage and compensate for its shortcomings.

With a thought, the detailed information of the two cards was displayed in front of him in the form of holographic projections.

[Card Name]: Spirit Spring (Epic · Purple)

Type: Terrain/Resource Card.

Quality: Epic (Purple).

Source: Freshman Cup Tournament Reward (Standard Output).

Effects:

Terrain Shaping: After Fusion, it can generate a [Spirit Spring] and a surrounding [Spirit Spring Wetland] landscape of about 500 square meters at a designated location in the Divine Domain. The spring water is clear and rich in gentle Innate Water Spirit Qi and Order energy.

Resource Output:

Spirit Water: Stable daily output of 100 units of pure Spirit Water. Spirit Water can be consumed directly to quickly recover the stamina and minor injuries of Divine Races; it can be used for irrigation to accelerate the growth of Spiritual Plants (effect +50%); it can serve as an auxiliary material or medium for certain high-grade potions, Talismans, and alchemical products.

Spiritual Qi Dissipation: Within the range of the Spirit Spring and its wetlands, the natural environment's Spiritual Qi concentration increases by 30%. Divine Races staying in this environment long-term will gain slight but continuous improvements in cultivation speed, physical growth, and natural affinity.

Rule Influence (Slight): The Spirit Spring carries a trace of 'purity' and 'nourishment' rule tendencies, helping to purify slight negative energy deposits within the Divine Domain and slightly boosting the 'tranquility' and 'health' status of Divine Races within its range.

Potential Developability: The Spirit Spring is of extremely high quality. If relevant skills (such as Advanced Alchemy, Runes, Formations) are acquired later, deep development can be attempted (such as refining 'Spirit Spring Essence' or constructing a 'Spirit Gathering Formation Core').

Fusion Requirements: True God Rank (Lin Zhou qualifies); the Divine Domain must have basic water-element rule carrying capacity (the Hundred Schools Divine Domain possesses basic Five Elements balance concepts, qualifying).

Estimated Fusion Consumption (for Lin Zhou's current state): Approximately 150-200 units of Divine Power; requires 1-2 days (Divine Domain time) for rule adaptation and terrain generation.

[Card Name]: Griffin Cliff (Rare · Blue)

Type: Biological/Lair Card.

Quality: Rare (Blue).

Source: Freshman Cup Tournament Reward (Standard Output).

Effects:

Lair Generation: After Fusion, a [Griffin Cliff] lair can be generated at a designated suitable location (usually a steep cliff or high Peak) within the Divine Domain. The lair can naturally attract and breed wild Griffins.

Biological Introduction:

Initial Griffin Group: After successful card Fusion, immediately obtain an initial wild Griffin group, including:

Adult Griffins: Approximately 30-40, average level LV28-32.

Juvenile Griffins: Approximately 10-15, currently growing.

Griffin King (Elite/Pseudo-Hero): 1, level LV35-38, possesses strong leadership and combat power.

Griffin Attribute Template (Adult):

Race: Magical Beast (Storm Affinity).

Size: Large, wingspan can reach 8-10 meters.

Core Attribute Tendencies: Strength (45-55), Agility (60-70), Constitution (40-50), Perception (35-45). Spirit and Intelligence are low.

Traits/Talents:

Robust Flight: Excellent load-bearing and long-distance flight capabilities.

Raptor Instinct: Excellent aerial vision and hunting instinct.

Storm Resistance: Possesses certain resistance to wind and lightning damage.

Claw Tear: Strong physical attack capability.

Skills: Dive Attack, Gale Strike, Deterrent Screech (Weak Mental Shock).

Domestication and Armament:

This ethnic group is initially in a wild neutral state and must be converted into usable combat power through domestication, contracts, or special means (such as Druid Spells or specific ideological indoctrination).

Once successfully domesticated, Griffins can serve as excellent aerial mounts (capable of carrying 1-2 light units), aerial scouts, and rapid assault forces. One can attempt to equip them with specialized saddles, armor, or even ranged weapons (requires corresponding technology).

Ethnic Group Development: Under suitable environments, the Griffin group will slowly reproduce naturally (at a slower speed). Growth and expansion can also be accelerated by investing resources, optimizing the environment, or using specific cards.

Fusion Requirements: True God Rank. The Divine Domain must have a mountainous or high cliff environment suitable for Griffin survival (can be modified), and the Divine Domain rules must not exclude this type of Magical Beast.

Estimated Fusion Consumption: Approximately 100-150 units of Divine Power, requiring 2-3 days (Divine Domain time) for nest generation and ethnic group adaptability adjustment.

"Spirit Spring... Griffin Cliff..." Lin Zhou's fingertips lightly tapped the virtual image, a thoughtful light flashing in his eyes. "The Spirit Spring can improve the overall environmental quality and resource diversity of the Divine Domain, especially beneficial for the cultivation of Elves and Daoist units, and can also serve as a raw material source for Advanced production. Griffin Cliff can fill one of the biggest current shortcomings of my Divine Domain—the lack of reliable, organized aerial forces."

He previously had a few Griffins (from early rewards), but they were scarce and lacked a System, primarily used for scouting and hero mounts. This group of thirty to forty adult Griffins, if successfully domesticated, will be a non-negligible aerial combat force, crucial for mobile support, striking enemy rear lines, or competing for air superiority.

"Moreover, domesticating Griffins... perhaps I can try combining the disciplined training of the 'School of Military' with the mechanical assistance of the 'School of Mo'? Or even let the Literary Heart Elves try to communicate through natural affinity?" Lin Zhou's thoughts were already active, starting to plan the optimal Fusion locations and subsequent development plans for the two cards.

Just as he was preparing to return to his Divine Domain to start fusing the cards, the dormitory's access control prompt sounded softly, showing the visitor's information—Su Yueyao.

Lin Zhou was slightly startled and then opened the door.

Su Yueyao was still in a simple moon-white long dress, her black hair like a waterfall, her temperament cold and clear like the moon. But Lin Zhou could feel that the Moonlight Divine Power swirling around her seemed more condensed and harmonious, and the light of wisdom in her eyes had become deeper. Clearly, she had also made progress during this time.

"Congratulations on returning safely." Su Yueyao's voice was clear, with a trace of hard-to-detect concern. "The Principal spoke highly of you."

"Just luck. My Foundation was heavily damaged, thanks to the school's Advanced Rule Healing Chamber." Lin Zhou stepped aside to invite her in, and the two sat opposite each other at the tea table in the meditation room.

Su Yueyao's gaze swept over Lin Zhou, and she nodded slightly: "Your complexion has stabilized, and your divine light is contained within. It seems you've recovered well. Faster than I imagined." She paused, took out a palm-sized, entirely translucent white jade box from her sleeve that emitted a warm moonlight and cold chill, and gently pushed it in front of Lin Zhou.

"This is?" Lin Zhou could feel the extremely pure and special energy contained within the jade box.

"[Moonlight Divine Crystal (Fragment)]." Su Yueyao said calmly. "A specialty of my Family's Legacy, the Moon God Divine Domain, it contains pure Moonlight Origin and Taiyin rule fragments. It has miraculous effects on nourishing the Divine Soul, stabilizing the Godhead, and purifying rule Impurities. Especially... for Godheads that carry mental and conceptual powers like the 'Fire of Civilization', it has an additional nourishing resonance effect. Your Godhead was damaged; although it has been healed, there might still be subtle hidden dangers. This item may help you eradicate them faster."

Lin Zhou's heart stirred. The value of this "Moonlight Divine Crystal" was likely no less than the healing chamber qualification rewarded by the Principal, especially since it was particularly compatible with his Fire of Civilization. Su Yueyao's gift was very heavy.

"Classmate Su, this item is too precious..." Lin Zhou pondered.

"Accept it." Su Yueyao interrupted him, a hint of undeniable persistence flashing in her eyes. "Your battle with Xuanyuan Hong and the 'principles of civilization' you demonstrated touched me deeply. My Moon God Dao, though originating from ancient Legacy, also needs to keep pace with the times and absorb the essence of different 'principles'. This Divine Crystal is both a congratulatory gift and... 'tuition'." The corners of her mouth curled into an extremely faint but stunning arc. "In the future, I will inevitably have to ask you for guidance on the essence of the Hundred Schools of Thought, especially the expositions on 'Order', 'Nature', 'Yin', and 'Stillness'."

Having said this, Lin Zhou no longer declined and solemnly took the jade box: "Thank you. I will certainly teach the knowledge of the Hundred Schools without reservation and study them together with you."

After putting away the jade box, Lin Zhou shared the information of the two cards he had just obtained with Su Yueyao and asked for Fusion suggestions. Su Yueyao was clearly more experienced than Lin Zhou in Divine Domain management and resource utilization.

"The Spirit Spring is best placed near a Divine Domain Spiritual Vein node or a Forest Elves settlement area to maximize its nourishing effect. Looking at your Divine Domain map, the 'Qing Lin Valley' in the southeast has gentle ley lines and abundant water and wood Qi, making it a good choice," Su Yueyao advised. "As for Griffin Cliff... on a branch of the 'Iron Spine Mountains' on the west side of your Divine Domain, there is a steep cliff facing the plain. The terrain is treacherous, the view is broad, and there is a slight enrichment of Wind Elementals nearby, which is perfect for Griffin nesting and takeoff. As for domestication..." She thought for a moment, "Perhaps I can have a Druid Elder from my clan who is proficient in natural communication and beast taming project a wisp of intent to help. Combined with your methods, it should yield twice the result with half the effort."

Lin Zhou was overjoyed; this suggestion was very pertinent and practical. The two talked for a long time about Divine Domain development, rule understanding, and a detailed review of that battle. Many of Su Yueyao's insights gave Lin Zhou a sense of sudden enlightenment. Unknowingly, the window was already filled with starlight.

After seeing Su Yueyao off, Lin Zhou did not delay and immediately returned to his Divine Domain.

He first went to Qing Lin Valley, selected an open area near the Elven village surrounded by a stream, and took out the [Spirit Spring (Purple)] card.

"Fusion!"

Divine Power surged, and the card turned into a soft purple stream of light, merging into the earth beneath his feet. Suddenly, the ley lines shook slightly, and a cool, moist breath spread out. The ground sank silently, and clear spring water gurgled out, quickly forming a spring eye about three meters in diameter. The spring water was crystal clear, emitting a faint spiritual light. Around the spring eye, various water-loving spiritual flowers and plants grew rapidly on the moist soil, and a vibrant Spirit Spring wetland naturally took shape. The Spiritual Qi concentration in the air significantly increased, and nearby Elves gathered curiously, uttering cries of pleasant surprise.

Feeling the Divine Domain environmental benefits brought by the successful Fusion of the Spirit Spring, Lin Zhou nodded in satisfaction. Next, he went to the cliff in the Iron Spine Mountains on the west side.

He took out the [Griffin Cliff (Blue)] card and fused it again.

Blue light merged into the steep rock wall, the cliff emitted a low rumble, and the structure began to undergo subtle changes. Some natural caves were enlarged and connected, forming nesting platforms suitable for large birds of prey. Moments later, loud and majestic eagle cries came from the cliff! Dozens of giant shadows flew out from the newly generated nests, circling above the cliff! They had the bodies and claws of lions, and the heads, wings, and sharp eyes of eagles—they were Griffins! The leader was exceptionally robust, with a wingspan of over ten meters and a majestic golden mane on its neck—it was the Griffin King!

This group of Griffins looked at the Divine Domain below and the newly appeared deity (Lin Zhou) with curiosity and vigilance. They didn't show aggression for the time being but maintained a wild distance.

"The first step is complete." Lin Zhou looked at the circling Griffin flock, already having a preliminary domestication plan in mind. "Next is how to make these beasts of the sky a part of the Hundred Schools Divine Domain."

He calculated that domesticating Griffins could become a new research topic for the Tian Gong Institute (School of Mo), Literary Heart Elves (Confucianism/Natural Affinity), and even the School of Military's training. This would not only provide aerial power but also promote collaboration between different schools' followers.

Having fused two important cards, Lin Zhou felt the Foundation of his Divine Domain had truly strengthened. He returned to the front of the Temple of Civilization, looking at the river of civilization that was flowing quietly and seemed to have grown slightly stronger, rubbing the Moonlight Divine Crystal jade box given by Su Yueyao in his hand.

"Resources, allies, recognition of the path... I have them all." Lin Zhou looked out beyond the Divine Domain at the vast and boundless Xinghai University and the further Universe filled with unknowns and challenges. "The Freshman Cup is over, but the real journey has perhaps just begun."

"Next, I should make good use of the remaining two [Spring of Time Echoes] permissions and the library's restricted area permissions... to thoroughly repair my Foundation, conduct in-depth research, and prepare fully for the next stage of the 'Barrier Erosion' practical class and future broader Astral Realm adventures."

The lights of the Hundred Schools Temple burned quietly and steadily in this Divine Domain belonging to Lin Zhou, illuminating the path ahead.