241: Rejection and recurrence, the path to reconciliation is long and arduous.

The night in Green Vine Forest was completely different from the day.

The hustle and bustle of the day—the clanging of Ore mining, the steady hum of the conversion altar, the whispered discussions of Water Sprites around the simple book stall, the heavy footsteps of the patrol—gradually subsided as the last rays of daylight faded. In their place, the faint but vibrant chirping of insects from deep within the forest resumed, along with the rustling of night wind through new leaves. The overly pure, lingering scent of Order from the purification in the air was also tempered by the natural fragrance of night dew and soil, becoming soft and layered.

At the edge of the smooth, mirror-like Glazed Pit in the territory's core area, several simple rune lamps, temporarily crafted by the Tiangong Dwarves and powered by astral crystal fragments, emitted a soft white light, illuminating Lin Zhou's crude stone hut. The hut was small and simply furnished, with only a stone bed, a stone table, and a few cushions. But at this moment, the interior was filled with a more solid, more Origin-like radiance.

Lin Zhou sat cross-legged on the stone bed, his eyes slightly closed, his breathing long and steady. Floating in the air half a meter in front of him were two objects.

One was two overlapping cards emitting a faint blue starlight—[astral crystal (green)]. These were the results of the territory's stable operation over the past two days, one per day, each containing 20 units of pure astral crystal energy. The cards had a warm texture and stable energy, typical 'unowned' resource cards highly compatible with the rules of Lin Zhou's divine domain (after being tempered by the Fire of Civilization, leaning toward Order and civilization development). As long as Lin Zhou wished, he could integrate them into his divine domain at any time, providing continuous energy supply and spatial stability.

But Lin Zhou's attention was entirely focused on the other object.

It was an irregular crystal about the size of a fist, its entire body a turbid dark purple, covered with twisting, writhing patterns, with a faint pulsing at its center. Inside the crystal, faint gray-black energy streams, full of 'emptiness' and 'termination,' were vaguely visible, like imprisoned venomous snakes constantly trying to impact the crystal walls, yet trapped by some residual binding force. It floated quietly there, emitting an aura that instinctively evoked disgust, rejection, and even a faint sense of dread. It formed a stark contrast with the gentle astral crystal card beside it.

This was precisely the 'remnant' discovered at the deepest point while purifying the bottom of the Glazed Pit by the cleanup team led by Gongsun Li, from deep within the destroyed nest core debris—[Parasitic Core (Damaged)].

At that time, this core was buried under a large amount of purified ash and twisted metal debris, its dark purple surface and internal gray-black energy clashing with the pure glazed surroundings, like a stain on white paper. Gongsun Li immediately sensed its abnormality, temporarily restrained it with the power of Law, did not rashly touch it, and quickly reported it.

After personally inspecting it, Lin Zhou confirmed that although this [Parasitic Core] had lost most of its activity and threat due to the nest's destruction and the core imprint being completely purified by [Civilization · Enlightenment · Spear of Evil-Slaying], its material itself and the residual trace of 'Nihility' pollution energy within still contained distorted rule information belonging to the 'Void Sect,' vastly different from conventional Universe rules.

More importantly, under the Universe rules' tendency for 'cardification,' this core had spontaneously condensed into an unformed, unstable 'Card Embryo'! With sufficient Divine Power injected for guidance and shaping, it could be transformed into a genuine card with some special effect!

This was undoubtedly an unexpected discovery, possibly a kind of 'spoils of war.' Typically, cards obtained from conquered enemies or special environments often possess unique abilities or rare Materials. But this [Parasitic Core]... its Origin and nature forced Lin Zhou to be extremely cautious.

'Attempt preliminary rule analysis and risk assessment,' Lin Zhou instructed the Temple of Civilization at that time.

[Temple of Civilization command received... beginning analysis of target 'Parasitic Core (Damaged)'...]

[Analyzing... detecting high-intensity 'Nihility' rule pollution residue (weak but of high essence)... detecting 'flesh-machine' forced symbiosis rule fragments... detecting 'Soul forced Fusion' rule imprint...]

[Rule tendency judgment: extremely chaotic, unnatural, anti-civilization, leaning toward 'Annihilation' and 'termination.']

[Compatibility assessment with host's 'civilization' path core rules: extremely low, fundamental conflict exists.]

[Preliminary risk assessment: if forcibly fused, will trigger severe 'Civilization Rejection Reaction,' estimated rejection rate ≥ 80%. High probability of causing severe weakening of card effects, rule conflicts leading to divine domain/divine kingdom instability, and even risk of 'Nihility' pollution reversely eroding the divine spark.]

[Sanctuary suggestion: abandon Fusion, thoroughly purify and destroy with the Fire of Civilization.]

A rejection rate of over 80%! This was much stronger than the rejection encountered when fusing the [Water Elemental Core] before! That time was mainly due to the element attribute's 'incompatibility' with the civilization environment, but this time, it was a conflict of fundamental paths and core rules! It was the opposition between 'civilization development, Order inheritance' and 'all things returning to the void, denying existence'!

However, Lin Zhou did not immediately choose destruction.

'Thorough destruction is safe, but it also means giving up the precious opportunity to study the rule traits of the 'Void Sect,' understand the essence of its threat, and even potentially find targeted countermeasures in the future,' Lin Zhou pondered. 'Moreover, this core's material itself is special, a product of the forced Fusion of 'Nihility' rules with some unknown biological and mechanical technology. Perhaps... after thorough purification and rule harmonization, it could be transformed into something useful for us? Even if only as a one-time research sample or special Material?'

Risk and opportunity coexisted.

Lin Zhou ultimately decided to attempt Fusion—of course, not by recklessly throwing it into his divine domain. He would use his most fundamental power, [river of civilization], to forcibly 'flush' and 'harmonize' this highly rejecting Card Embryo, trying to reduce its rejection rate, purify its pollution, and see if it could be 'tamed' or transformed into something usable.

This was both a test of his own civilization power and an in-depth exploration of the 'Void Sect' residue.

At this moment, he was mobilizing the Divine Power and Divine Thought he had recently recovered, preparing to begin this first attempt.

'Sanctuary, bring up the [river of civilization] harmonization function interface, lock onto target 'Parasitic Core (Damaged),'' Lin Zhou silently recited in his mind.

[Command confirmed. river of civilization phantom mobilizing...]

Current river of civilization status:

Integrity: 12.5% (slight fluctuations due to Spear of Evil-Slaying consumption and recent dissemination)

Activity: medium

Available civilization points: 7,850 points (sustained growth from recent territory Order establishment, thought dissemination, stable resource output)

Target analysis (updated):

Item: Parasitic Core (Damaged) - Card Embryo

Estimated quality: rare (blue) [unstable due to damage and pollution]

Core rule conflict: 'Nihility/Termination' vs 'Civilization/Inheritance'

Current rejection rate assessment: 82% (slight fluctuations)

Pollution residue level: low (but high essence)

river of civilization flushing harmonization plan:

Mode: targeted precise flushing (aimed at core rule conflict points and pollution sources)

Consumption: 100 civilization points/minute (base) + additional Divine Power to maintain guidance (approx. 50 points/minute)

Estimated effects:

During the flushing process, it will continuously wear down the 'Nihility' rule residue, purifying the pollution energy.

Simultaneously, using concepts such as 'inheritance,' 'Order,' 'development,' and 'inclusiveness' contained in the river of civilization, attempt to cover, transform, or at least 'isolate' its conflicting rules.

Estimated rejection rate reduction speed: slower in the initial stage, approx. 3-5% reduction per day (speed may change as rejection rate decreases and pollution is purified).

Preliminary harmonization goal: reduce rejection rate to below 30%, reaching the critical point of 'can attempt Fusion but with discounted effects.'

Complete harmonization/purification goal: reduce rejection rate to below 10%, and thoroughly purify the 'Nihility' pollution, allowing the rule conflict to basically subside, transforming it into a relatively stable, usable card (effects and nature may change).

Warning: the flushing process may trigger risks such as backlash from the target's residual will or temporary intensification of rule conflicts, requiring continuous monitoring.

"Only decreasing by 3-5% daily... From 82% to below 30%, even if everything goes smoothly, it will take at least ten to fifteen days. To drop below 10%, it might take nearly a month." Lin Zhou looked at the estimated data, understanding in his heart. This was indeed a long and difficult road. Although the river of civilization was powerful, facing such an inherently opposing high-intensity rejection, it could only slowly wear it down like water dripping through stone.

"But this is precisely the meaning of 'harmonization'." Lin Zhou's gaze was firm. "If one cannot tolerate and transform the 'toxins' within alien rules, extracting their potentially beneficial components, how can it be called 'the sea embraces all rivers'? If one destroys and discards them at the first sign of rejection, how is it different from giving up eating for fear of choking? The resilience of civilization lies not only in resisting impact but also in the ability to digest, absorb, and even turn 'stubborn stones' into 'cornerstones'."

"Let's begin."

Lin Zhou concentrated his will. Deep within his divine core, the illusory yet vast projection of the river of civilization was carefully guided by him, drawing out a wisp. This wisp of the river's phantom left the divine domain, crossed space, and silently appeared in the stone hut, encircling the dark purple [Parasitic Core].

In an instant, an anomaly occurred!

The core, which had been quietly floating and emitting a foul aura, seemed to sense the arrival of a natural enemy. It suddenly trembled violently! The dark purple patterns on its surface writhed frantically, and the gray-black "void" energy at its center, like an enraged venomous snake, abruptly swelled, attempting to break through the crystal walls! A residual will impact, cold, hollow, carrying a strong sense of negation and finality, mixed with chaotic rule fragments, spread out in all directions!

The temperature in the stone hut seemed to plummet, and the glow of the rune lamps dimmed slightly. The air became thick, filled with a nauseating sense of decay and despair.

"Hmph!" Lin Zhou snorted coldly, having long been prepared. The pure white Fire of Civilization around him naturally rose, forming a thin halo that isolated the negative impact. Simultaneously, he controlled the wisp of the river of civilization phantom, flowing it over unhurriedly.

The river phantom appeared gentle but contained the heavy accumulation of history and the undeniable truth of civilization. The river water (phantom) touched the [Parasitic Core].

"Sizzle—!!!"

Like cold water dripping into boiling oil, or sunlight shining into an ice cave! An intense reaction erupted instantly!

On the surface of the dark purple crystal, the writhing patterns, upon contact with the river phantom, seemed to be washed away and smoothed by an invisible force! The gray-black void energy emitted a silent scream, and under the illumination of the civilization's light, like shadows exposed to the scorching sun, rapidly melted and retreated!

However, the most stubborn remnant deep within the core, representing the essence of the "void" rule (though mostly purified by the Spear of Evil-Slaying), displayed astonishing tenacity. It no longer confronted head-on but clung like a bone-deep ulcer, firmly "biting" into the core structure of the crystal. It continuously emitted a distorted rule field, stubbornly resisting the river of civilization's flushing, even attempting to reverse-contaminate and erode the civilization thoughts flowing within the river phantom!

Lin Zhou could clearly feel that the flushing power of the river of civilization, as if encountering the greasiest, toughest grime, progressed extremely slowly. Every " flushing" of a trace of void rule residue required far more civilization points and mental effort than estimated. The rejection rate of 82%, after the initial intense reaction, dropped at a frustratingly slow pace.

[civilization points Consumed: 105 points (1 minute)]

[Target Rejection Rate Change: 81.9% → 81.8% (decrease of 0.1%)]

[Pollution Purification Progress: 0.1%]

[Warning: Rule conflict point resistance is strong, consumption increased.]

"Indeed difficult..." Fine beads of sweat appeared on Lin Zhou's forehead. This was not just an energy Consumption but a tug-of-war at the level of will and rules. He needed to constantly maintain the precise flushing of the river of civilization, ensuring sufficient force to wear down the "void" residue while carefully avoiding excessive force that could cause the core structure to completely collapse (which would truly leave only destruction). He also had to resist the mental interference from the residual will.

Time passed minute by minute.

Ten minutes later, 1050 civilization points were consumed, and the rejection rate dropped from 81.9% to 81.2%, a mere decrease of 0.7%. Purification progress: 1%.

Half an hour later, 3150 points were consumed, and the rejection rate dropped to 80.5%, a decrease of 1.4%. Purification progress: 3%.

At this rate, not to mention a daily decrease of 3-5%, even 2% would be a struggle! And the consumption was enormous!

Lin Zhou had to pause the flushing. In just half an hour, over 3000 civilization points were consumed (equivalent to several days of previous accumulation), 150 points of Divine Power were used, his mind was fatigued, yet the effect was minimal.

He opened his eyes, looking at the dark purple core in the air, which seemed slightly dimmer but still emitted a stubborn rejection aura, his brow furrowed tightly.

"Underestimated the tenacity of the 'void' rule... and underestimated the consumption of the river of civilization in 'precise purification' and 'rule coverage'." Lin Zhou reflected. "This hard Consumption approach is too inefficient and costly. The strategy must be adjusted."

He recalled when fusing the [Water Elemental Core] before, the river of civilization's flushing, though slow, had a relatively obvious effect because it was mainly an attribute conflict. This time, it was an essence conflict.

"Perhaps... mere ' flushing' is insufficient. It needs to combine 'guidance' and 'replacement'?" Lin Zhou pondered. "Use more proactive civilization concepts to 'fill' the rule blank left after purification? Or, combine Legalism's 'definition', Confucianism's 'education', and Daoism's 'transformation'?"

An idea gradually took shape.

"Perhaps, while flushing, some basic, positive civilization rule concepts (such as 'Order', 'growth', 'connection') could be actively 'inscribed' or 'guided into' the purified areas of the core in the form of runes or thoughts, gradually replacing its original distorted rule structure? Like rebuilding a house on ruins, not just clearing the ruins."

But this required more precise operate, a higher understanding of civilization, and... possibly more civilization points to construct those "rule concept seeds".

He needed to study the structure of this core more deeply and further deduce the feasibility of this "active replacement" plan. This was likely not something that could be completed in a short time.

Lin Zhou temporarily stored the [Parasitic Core], using the Fire of Civilization to form a small Seal Barrier to isolate it. He walked out of the stone hut; the cool night breeze soothed his somewhat Anxiety mood.

Looking up at the starry sky, the sky of this miniature astral realm was exceptionally clear, the stars as if washed. In the distance, the [law stele] emitted a faint, reassuring golden light in the night. From the direction of the water source, the faint whispers of Water Sprites' nighttime conversations could be heard.

The territory was getting on track, and the spark of civilization was quietly spreading. But this remnant from the "Void Sect" was like a thorn, reminding him of the hardships ahead and the Strange and difficult to deal with nature of the enemy's rules.

"The path of harmonization is obstructed and long..." Lin Zhou murmured to himself. "But since this path has been chosen, there is no reason to retreat. If 0.7% can be reduced today, perhaps 0.8% can be reduced tomorrow. Accumulated over time, water drips through stone. The advancement of civilization is inherently a process of constantly facing the heterogeneous, understanding it, and ultimately either tolerating, transforming, or overcoming it."

He turned back to the stone hut. Instead of continuing to forcefully flushing the core, he settled his mind and began using the [Civilization Deduction] function (newly unlocked) of the Temple of Civilization, combining the subtle rule information obtained from today's flushing, to attempt deducing a more efficient "rule replacement" harmonization plan. Simultaneously, he started sorting out recent gains and planning the next steps of development.

Although many civilization points had been consumed, the territory's daily production, the spread of ideas, and the stabilization of Order were all bringing new growth. Divine Power was steadily recovering. Within the divine domain, after this period of precipitation and the trace amounts energy Feedback from the Green Vine Forest (including those two Not yet fused astral crystal cards), it was also steadily developing.

Temporary setbacks were for more solid progress ahead. Although the rejection was high and harmonization was slow, this unique path of civilization was destined to face and overcome these challenges.

The night was still long, but for an explorer, every step forward meant being one step closer to the goal. Lin Zhou immersed himself in deeper contemplation of rules and civilization. Outside the window, the rune lamp cast his shadow, long and firm.