242: At the end of freshman year, the data in the Divine Realm made a great leap forward.

Morning light pierced through the newly grown, somewhat sparse canopy of the Green Vine Forest, casting dappled shadows on the ground covered with fallen leaves and glistening dewdrops. The air was a mix of the fragrance of soil, the freshness of new plants, and the rhythmic, faint hum emanating from the distant [Resource Conversion Altar]. This land, once shrouded in filth and despair, had, in just over twenty days, transformed into a place brimming with a completely different kind of vitality, one of Order and hope.

Lin Zhou stood on the newly built, simple watchtower at the edge of the Glazed Pit, overlooking the territory that was beginning to take shape below.

The number of workshop sheds in the core area had increased to five. Besides the conversion altar, new additions included facilities for preliminary Ore sorting, tool maintenance, and a simple resting hut for the slave laborers to take turns. Eighteen Parasitic Beast slave laborers worked under the watchful eyes of Dwarf overseers, moving like clockwork mechanisms following a set process, their efficiency steady. The [law stele] emitted a faint golden halo under the morning sun, its radiating waves of Order now subtly covering nearly half of the core area, imperceptibly influencing every living being there.

By the water source, that crude "book pavilion" had become a daily destination for the Water Sprites. Seven or eight of the most enthusiastic Water Sprite youths, encouraged by Elia, had even begun trying to use sharpened charcoal to copy simple characters from selected passages of *the analects* onto smooth stone slabs or tree bark. The look in their eyes was no longer just apprehension towards the new environment; it now held more of a longing for knowledge and a glimmer of thoughtful contemplation. Lin Zhou could sense that the Wisdom attributes of these few Water Sprites had, over the past twenty-plus days, shown a slight average increase of 0.5 to 1 point. Though the increase was minimal, the trend was clear, and their control over natural magic also seemed to have gained an indescribable sense of "orderliness." The spark of civilization was quietly igniting within these pure hearts.

Gongsun Li's figure appeared in the workshop area, giving instructions to a Dwarf squad leader responsible for supervision, his expression stern and meticulous. Xuan Zhenzi, meanwhile, sat cross-legged on a bluish stone near the water source, facing the morning sun in meditation. The Daoist Aura around him subtly blended with the natural Spiritual Qi of this newborn land, promoting further environmental recovery and harmony.

Everything was progressing steadily in a positive direction. Territory control had slowly increased from the initial 15% to 22%. The daily production of one [astral crystal (green)] resource card remained stable, with twenty-three cards already accumulated, lying quietly in the runic safe beside the altar like a steadily growing precious reserve. The extraction of that micro vein was expected to continue for over a month before a new Ore deposit would need to be found or deeper exploration conducted.

As for that stubborn [Parasitic Core (Damaged)], after several attempts using different strategies of "river of civilization flushing + Rule Concept Guidance," its rejection level had finally, with great difficulty, dropped from 82% to 79%. The process was frustratingly slow, consuming over ten thousand civilization points with minuscule results. Lin Zhou had no choice but to temporarily classify it as a "long-term project," conducting concentrated, short flushing attempts only every few days, no longer seeking a quick solution but treating it as a "whetstone" to hone his own understanding and ability to reconcile "heterogeneous rules."

"Lord." Gongsun Li finished his instructions and ascended the watchtower, bowing in salute. "The morning patrol is complete. All is normal. The new batch of Ore has been sent to the altar. Today's resource card is expected to be produced in the afternoon. The Water Sprites, including Sophia and others, have requested an increase in 'morning recitation' time and hope for more explanations regarding 'propriety' and 'trustworthiness.'"

"Granted." Lin Zhou nodded. "Appropriately increase the time. The content of the explanations can be decided through discussion between Elia and Master Xuan Zhenzi, ensuring a gradual progression. Additionally, the section in the slave labor management regulations regarding 'rewards for exceeding labor quotas' can be refined appropriately, clearly specifying the extra food or rest time corresponding to different levels of overwork. The Law values clarity; rewards value credibility."

"I understand, subordinate. I will handle it immediately." A flash of comprehension passed through Gongsun Li's eyes as he accepted the Order and departed. He was increasingly discovering that Legalist methods weren't solely about harshness. In this early construction phase, a clear, fair, and credible System of rewards and punishments often stimulated efficiency (even that of slave laborers) and stabilized morale more effectively than mere deterrence.

At that moment, Lin Zhou's mind stirred, sensing a specific Divine Power fluctuation transmitted from the distant direction of Xinghai University through his student identity badge—the end-of-academic-year announcement and an urgent recall notice.

"The time has come..." Lin Zhou gazed towards the horizon, his eyes profound. Unconsciously, a full academic year (calculated by Prime Material Plane time) had passed since he entered Xinghai University and began his freshman year. This short year, however, felt longer, more fulfilling, and more transformative than any period in his past.

He turned and instructed Elia, who was standing by his side, and Xuan Zhenzi, who had just finished his meditation and approached, "Gongsun Li will have full authority over the territory temporarily. You two assist him. Maintain operations according to the established plan, focusing on ensuring stable resource output and basic Order. If any extraordinary events occur, report immediately through the faith link."

"Yes, Lord/My Lord." The two responded respectfully.

Lin Zhou then conveyed the message of his imminent return to school via the mental link to Zhao Hao, who was patrolling the territory's edge with his dragon, and Wang Meng, who was directing the Dwarves in finishing the defensive works. The two quickly returned.

"We're going back already? Feels like we haven't spent enough time in this damn place!" Wang Meng smacked his lips, somewhat reluctant, but then looked at his still-injured but increasingly composed Behemoths and Dwarf Warriors and grinned. "But that fight was exhilarating, and we took territory. Worth it!"

Zhao Hao was more concerned with practical gains. "Lin Zhou, how do you plan to handle those crystal cards? Take them back for Fusion?"

"Naturally." Lin Zhou nodded. "With matters here concluded, we should return to submit our academic year tasks and receive our evaluations and rewards. The Green Vine Forest will retain a basic defense and operational framework. We can monitor it periodically via remote link. In the future, this will be our first outpost for outward expansion."

Without further delay, Lin Zhou collected the accumulated twenty-three [astral crystal (green)] cards, checked the stability of the territory core imprint once more, and then activated the return teleportation authority within his student badge.

A gentle silver light pillar descended from the sky, enveloping Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, and the core followers they needed to bring (excluding the severely injured and necessary Stay personnel). Space rippled, and the next moment, their figures vanished from the Green Vine Forest.

Xinghai University, Teleportation Plaza.

The familiar, dense, mist-like Aura of Divine Power washed over them, mingled with the chaotic yet vibrant rule-essence emanating from countless deity students, various followers, and the many Spectacle buildings across the campus. The plaza teemed with people and deities, various oddly-shaped followers trailing behind their masters, creating a bustling and busy scene. However, compared to when Lin Zhou first enrolled, the atmosphere in the plaza now held a noticeably heavier sense of urgency and tension.

Many students hurried by, faces showing weariness or deep thought. Conversations among them often involved terms like "frontlines," "Insectoid Race," "erosion progress," "resource shortages," and so on. The air was thick with a sense of impending major conflict and that time was of the essence.

As Lin Zhou and the other two stepped out of the teleportation array, a campus Law Spirit (a low-intelligence rule construct responsible for guidance) immediately approached to direct them towards their respective colleges' academic year evaluation halls.

"Seems like everyone had a tough semester," Zhao Hao remarked in a low voice, observing the surrounding atmosphere.

"The Dean said at the start of the term that the situation wasn't optimistic," Wang Meng rumbled. "While we were fighting for our lives over there, things here probably weren't idle either."

Lin Zhou nodded silently. The pressure from the Astral Battlefield, Chaos Erosion, the shadow of the Void Sect... these were being tangibly transmitted to every corner of the campus. Following the Law Spirit's guidance, he headed towards the School of Literature and Law.

School of Literature and Law, Academic Year Evaluation Hall.

This was a magnificent hall-like structure with vast interior space and a high, suspended dome painted with murals depicting countless civilizational epics and symbols of Law. At this moment, the hall was filled with many freshmen from the School of Literature and Law. Grouped by class and tutor, they stepped forward one by one to submit their "Divine Domain Data Core" (a special crystal that records key development data of a divine Domain), representing their semester's achievements, to the professors Responsible for evaluation, and Accept brief inquiries.

Lin Zhou's arrival caused a noticeable stir. Many eyes Focus on him, filled with curiosity, scrutiny, admiration, and even a trace of Imperceptible jealousy.

"Look, it's Lin Zhou! The founder of the Hundred Schools Society!"

"I heard he took on a purge mission and directly conquered a micro astral realm as territory?"

"Really? A freshman with private territory? Is this year's Freshman Cup champion that formidable?"

"More than that! Haven't you seen the analysis posts on the campus forum? His 'Civilization Divine Domain' path is incredibly unorthodox; his combat power assessments keep getting revised upwards..."

Whispers spread through the crowd. Lin Zhou's expression remained calm, seemingly oblivious to the surrounding gazes. He walked directly to the evaluation desk where his tutor—the old professor who had taken a liking to him and researched ancient civilizations—was stationed.

"Student Lin Zhou, you've arrived." The old professor adjusted his glasses, a warm smile appearing on his face, his eyes holding Undisguised praise. "I have preliminarily reviewed your performance report in the mission System. An S-grade evaluation, independently purifying and Initial control a polluted micro astral realm... Exceptionally outstanding, one could even say... astonishing." He deliberately lowered his voice on the last two words, but several nearby students still vaguely heard them, prompting another wave of low exclamations.

You flatter me, Mentor. It was just luck, and I relied on my teammates' help as well," Lin Zhou said modestly, simultaneously presenting his "Divine Domain Data Core" with both hands. It was a pale golden crystal about the size of a palm, completely translucent, with countless tiny points of light flowing within it.

The old professor took the crystal and slotted it into a recess on the evaluation platform. Immediately, a clear light screen unfolded on the platform, beginning to rapidly scroll through and summarize all the key data from Lin Zhou's divine Domain development over the past academic year (especially this semester). This data was certified by the divine domain core's rules and could not be falsified.

The old professor, along with several teaching assistants assisting with the evaluation nearby, focused their gazes on the light screen. As the data appeared line by line, their expressions gradually shifted from appreciation to surprise, and finally to gravity and disbelief.

【Student: Lin Zhou (ID: Star Sea - Grammar - 1147th Session - No.1)】

【Academic Year: Freshman (Full Year)】

【Core Divine Domain Evaluation】:

Divine Domain Name: Hundred Schools Divine Kingdom (Nascent)

Divine Domain Area: 80.3 square kilometers (Compared to start of academic year: 50 sq km, growth rate 60.6%)

Composition: Initial divine Domain natural expansion + Fusion of special resource/terrain cards + conversion of Green Vine Forest's lawful land (approx. 5 sq km).

Divine Domain Environment: Highly ordered, principles of civilization initially manifested, Spiritual Qi concentration: Medium-High (influenced by 【Spiritual Spring】 and Astral Crystal feedback).

Core Vassal Races:

Literary Heart Elves: Population ≈ 1800, Average Level LV32, Hero Unit: Elia (LV38, High Priestess, Talents 【Subtle Influence】, 【Light of Edification】).

Tiangong Dwarves: Population ≈ 1200, Average Level LV30, Hero Unit: Grum Anvil (LV35, Rune Master, Talents 【Supernatural Craftsmanship】, 【Precise Construction】).

Law Fishmen: Population ≈ 900, Average Level LV29, Hero Unit: Currently vacant (original hero perished, new hero gestating).

Subsidiary/Newborn Units: Native Water Sprites of Green Vine Forest (23, undergoing assimilation), Semi-converted Parasitic Beast slave laborers (18, labor battalion).

Vassal Race Average Level: LV30.3 (Surpassing the Elite threshold).

Divine Domain Wonders/Core Structures:

【Jixia Academy】(Elementary): Edification efficiency +45%, Vassal wisdom growth +20%.

【Temple of Law】(Elementary): Order level +30%, Law skill effect +25%.

【Tiangong Workshop】(Intermediate): Research/Construction speed +150% (Mohist thought + Li Mo's technical Fusion).

Several secondary functional structures: 【Altar of Shennong】, 【Imperial Hospital】, 【Taoist Temple】, etc.

Total Cards Fused: 25 (Compared to start of academic year: 10).

Classification: Resource Cards (Green/Blue) x 12, Terrain Cards (Green/Blue) x 6, Race Cards (Green) x 4, Special Cards (Blue/Purple) x 3 (including 【world stone fragment (Purple)】).

Deity Personal Data:

Divine Rank Level: LV150 (Peak of Faint Divinity, touching the threshold of Lesser Divinity).

Divine Power Reserve Upper Limit: 18,000 points (due to Divine Rank increase and divine Domain expansion).

Current Divine Power: Approximately 15,200/18,000 points (continuously recovering).

Divine Power Recovery Rate: Approximately 120 points/hour (influenced by divine Domain environment, believer quality, territory feedback).

Divinity Units: 30 units condensed (three times the requirement for igniting the Divine Spark, with higher quality due to tempering by the Fire of Civilization).

Divine Domains: 【Education】(Elementary), 【Law】(Elementary) have initially formed outlines, their rule influence beginning to manifest.

Temple of Civilization: Completeness 12.7%, 【Civilization Deduction】 function unlocked.

Special Achievements/Territories:

Successfully eroded and initially gained control over personal Astral Territory 【Green Vine Forest】 (Micro-sized, 5.2 sq km, Order-aligned, rich in Astral Crystal Vein).

Pioneered and practiced the "Hundred Schools of Thought" divine Domain development System, performed excellently in the Freshman Cup and academy missions, tactical thinking selected for textbook case studies.

Established and developed the "Hundred Schools Society", membership exceeding three hundred, becoming a representative freshman society.

Comprehensive Potential Assessment: SSS (Exceptional)

Academic Year Mission Assessment: S (Outstanding)

Recommended Overall Academic Year Grade: Special Excellence (Highest Rank)

The data on the light screen finally settled. A brief, dead silence fell around the entire evaluation platform. Only the heavy breathing of the professors and assistants, and the faint noise from other distant platforms, could be heard.

80 square kilometers of divine Domain! LV150 Divine Rank! 25 fused cards! Personal Astral Territory! Initial divine Domain outlines!

Was this truly the height a freshman could reach in just one academic year? Especially the divine Domain area and Divine Rank level, which already surpassed many sophomores, even some ordinary juniors! Not to mention the unique "Civilization Divine Domain" System and the actual controlled territory!

The old professor took several deep breaths before barely calming his surging emotions. His gaze towards Lin Zhou was filled with complex feelings—approval, astonishment, expectation, and also a trace of worry (a tall tree catches the wind).

"Student Lin Zhou..." the old professor's voice was somewhat hoarse, but quickly regained its usual gentleness and rigor, "your academic year performance... is impeccable. The data is authentic and valid, the results far exceed expectations. After deliberation by the Academy Evaluation Committee, your overall grade for this academic year is—Special Excellence!"

"Whoa—!" Despite some anticipation, when the words "Special Excellence" were formally announced by the professor, suppressed exclamations still erupted around them. Special Excellence! Xinghai University's highest academic year grade! Often not seen for years! This meant supreme honor, and also... unbelievable resource allocation!

"As a recipient of the Special Excellence grade, you will automatically receive the following rewards and privileges:" the old professor continued announcing, his voice amplified by a sound-enhancing array throughout the hall, drawing more attention.

"1. Next academic year (Sophomore) basic resource quota increased to 200% (double)!"

"2. Granted 'Star Sea Treasury' (Academy) Level 3 exchange privileges (equivalent to outstanding graduate students)!"

"3. Granted one free consultation and assisted design opportunity for custom Epic (Purple) or lower-grade cards (provided by the Academy's Card Master)!"

"4. Granted 'Void Realm Library' deep reading privileges (time-limited: three months)!"

"5. Personal divine Domain connection priority to the campus 'High-Level Energy Network' upgraded to A-Rank!"

Each announced reward elicited gasps. Double resource quota! Level 3 Treasury privileges! Free Epic card design! Deep reading privileges! A-Rank energy network priority! Any one of these rewards would be enough to make ordinary students envious, yet they were all concentrated on one person!

"Furthermore," the old professor looked at Lin Zhou, adding meaningfully, "due to your outstanding performance in missions related to countering 'Void Sect' contamination, and the special potential you displayed, the Headmaster's Office has specially approved an additional reward for you: 【Civilization Harmonizing Stone (Small)】 x 2. This item can significantly reduce rejection reactions when fusing alien civilization cards. Use it well."

【Civilization Harmonizing Stone】! This was precisely what Lin Zhou urgently needed right now! Whether dealing with that stubborn 【Parasitic Core】 or other alien civilization cards he might obtain in the future, it would be of great use! This extra reward from the Headmaster was truly timely aid, also showing the close attention and support from the academy's higher-ups.

"This student thanks the Academy, the Headmaster, and the Mentor for their cultivation!" Lin Zhou bowed, saluting solemnly. These rewards, especially the double resource quota and the Civilization Harmonizing Stones, were crucial for his next phase of development.

The old professor handed Lin Zhou the golden badge representing the Special Excellence grade, the reward list voucher, and the two 【Civilization Harmonizing Stones】 emitting a gentle white light. Patting his shoulder, he said quietly, "Child, the road ahead is brilliant, yet also thorny. Maintain integrity in conduct, keep clarity in heart. Your path is unique. I hope you... conduct yourself well, and walk further, for humanity, and for this Fire of Civilization."

"This student will remember!" Lin Zhou responded solemnly.

As he turned to leave the evaluation hall, he was met with even more complex and inscrutable gazes. Admiration, envy, respect, curiosity, scrutiny... His freshman year concluded in a way no one had anticipated, with a glorious finale.

Zhao Hao and Wang Meng had also completed their evaluations (both received "Excellent" grades with good rewards) and came over.

"Special Excellence! Double resources! Lin Zhou, you've really become a star now!" Zhao Hao punched Lin Zhou's shoulder, genuinely happy for him, with a touch of envy.

"Haha, following Brother Lin really pays off! Can our society apply for more activity funding and territory next semester?" Wang Meng thought more practically.

Lin Zhou smiled, his gaze sweeping over the familiar and unfamiliar faces in the hall, finally looking out beyond the hall at the vast, boundless campus and starry sky symbolizing infinite possibilities.

Freshman year had ended.

His divine Domain had achieved a great leap in data.

But all this was merely a beginning.

Double resources, higher privileges, Civilization Harmonizing Stones... a new starting point was already laid at his feet. And ahead lay an even more magnificent, and inevitably more perilous, Star Sea journey. He tightened his grip on the badge and harmonizing stones in his hand, his eyes gleaming with a firm and serene light.

The flame of civilization would surely spread across the plains.