252: The battle for college supremacy begins at the start of sophomore year.

September at Xinghai University was filled with an aura similar to previous years, yet subtly different.

In Starlight Square, the towering xinghai dome spectacle breathed cosmic energy as always, evenly sprinkling dense Spiritual Qi into every corner of the campus. The student deities seen everywhere mostly had subtle changes left over from summer practice or battlefield internships—some had sharper gazes, some had steadier auras, and some carried a trace of fatigue or vicissitude that had not yet fully faded.

Lin Zhou walked on the main road leading to the School of Literature and Law, his pace neither hurried nor slow.

Compared to when he left, his changes were undoubtedly significant. His height seemed to have increased slightly, and his figure appeared even more upright under his Body Integration black silver-trimmed robe. His face remained handsome and clear, but his brow held less of the academic greenness and more of the composure that comes after experiencing events. Most striking were those eyes, dark and deep; when light occasionally flickered through them, they seemed to reflect a surging river of civilization that carried wisdom and time. The LV201 Lesser Divinity fluctuations were perfectly restrained by him, but that sense of presence caused fellow students and even some upperclassmen passing by to subconsciously cast scrutinizing or curious glances.

The bloody battles on the summer front lines, the Breakthrough of his godhead, the military merit awards, the attention of the military... all this did not make him appear ostentatious; instead, he was like refined iron repeatedly forged by a heavy hammer, with all Impurities removed and his brilliance contained within.

While his consciousness browsed the new semester announcements and course schedules popping up on the campus network, he also organized his own status.

Personal Panel (Simplified):

Deity: Lin Zhou

Godhead Rank: LV201 (Initial Stage Lesser Divinity)

Divine Power Limit: 27,000

Divine Fire Conversion Efficiency: 1.2 Divine Power / 10,000 Faith

Priesthood: 【Education (Embryonic)】, 【Law (Embryonic)】

civilization points: 38,750 points

Military Merit: 0 (Already exchanged), holding 【First-Class Combat Merit Medal】, 【Special Contribution Allowance Medal】

divine domain core Data:

Name: Hundred Schools Divine Kingdom

Area: 85 square kilometers (Recovered and slightly expanded after the war)

Rule Completeness: Approximately 55% (Steadily improving)

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves: 1,320 units existing, average Rank LV33.5, Hero 【Elia】 LV39 (Mastered 【Civilization's Healing】)

Tiangong Dwarves: 910 units existing, average Rank LV34.5, Hero 【Grum Anvil】 LV37 (Injuries healed, forging skills refined)

Law Fishmen: 750 units existing, average Rank LV32.5, Hero 【Seth】 LV36 (【Judgment】 skill strengthened)

New Follower Branch (Converted Prisoners of War):

Naturalized Orcs (Grom's Tribe): 320 units, average Rank LV28, Faith Status: Pan-believer → Devout Believer (Slowly increasing), Hero 【Grom Benevolence】 LV32 (Initially accepted School of Agriculture and School of Medicine thoughts).

Core Buildings/Spectacles:

【Jixia Academy】 (Lightly damaged, now repaired): Enlightenment efficiency +100%, follower wisdom growth +15%.

【Temple of Law】 (Moderately damaged, under repair, 85% complete): Net of Law range and intensity -10% (Under repair).

【Tiangong Workshop】 (Intact): Research and development efficiency +200%, construction speed +300%, new 【Frontline Emergency Modification】 technology database.

【Imperial Hospital】, 【Hundred Herb Garden】, 【Martial Temple】, 【General Appointing Platform】, etc., are all operating well.

New: 【Steel Bastion (Under Construction)】—Located at the junction of the divine domain core area and the periphery, forming a triangular defense node with the Tiangong Workshop and Temple of Law. Current construction progress is 30%, already providing a weak aura of +5% durability for defensive buildings within a 2-kilometer radius.

river of civilization: The phantom has become more solid, its flow covering about 1/3 of the divine domain, continuously and slowly increasing the divine domain's rule-carrying capacity and follower Comprehension Ability.

"Although the casualties on the front line were not small, the surviving followers have undergone tempering, and their average Rank and combat literacy have significantly improved. The Naturalized Orcs have also initially stabilized, providing a new source of faith and labor. The construction of the Steel Bastion will take time, but once completed, the divine domain's defense will reach a new level," Lin Zhou evaluated internally. "The accumulation of civilization points is acceptable; they can be used to unlock deeper classics or prepare for the further materialization of the river of civilization."

What he was currently most concerned about was the campus-wide notice that had just popped up in bold red—"Notice on Holding the 49th 'College Hegemony Competition' of Xinghai University and Selecting Recommended Teams for the 'Galactic Intercollegiate League'".

The notice explained in detail that this year's College Hegemony Competition would officially start in the second week after the beginning of the semester, aiming to test the practical combat level of students from all colleges and select excellent teams to represent Xinghai University in the higher-level Galactic Intercollegiate League. The competition format had undergone a major reform: individual competitions were canceled, and a five-person team battle mode was fully adopted!

Team battles would simulate more complex astral conflict environments, testing not only individual strength but also emphasizing team coordination, tactical command, and multi-divine domain cooperative combat capabilities. The competition would take place in a specialized 【Simulated Astral Battlefield】, using a combination of a point system and an elimination system.

The rewards were also exceptionally generous: in addition to regular credits, resource cards, and contribution point rewards, the most eye-catching was that the champion and runner-up teams would obtain a one-month exploration qualification for the 【Ancient Joint Secret Realm · Broken Royal Court】!

Although the introduction of the 【Broken Royal Court】 in the notice attachment was brief, it was enough to make the hearts of all students aspiring to improve race.

【Broken Royal Court】

Type: Large Ancient Joint Secret Realm (Formed by composite divine domain fragments left behind or fallen from multiple deities with medium or higher Divine Power)

Danger Level: Grade A (Requires teamwork; the risk of entering alone is extremely high)

Known Outputs: High-purity divinity crystal fragments, lost civilization technology or magic relics, resource cards/terrain cards of Rare quality or higher, clues to ancient deity Legacies (extremely low probability).

Exploration Restrictions: Only open once a year, allowing a maximum of two teams (no more than five people per team) to enter each time, with an exploration time not exceeding thirty days.

Remarks: The internal rules of the Secret Realm are chaotic, the space-time structure is unstable, and there are unknown dangers and opportunities. It is recommended that teams have complementary divine domain types and strong adaptability and survival skills.

"Joint Secret Realm... Broken Royal Court..." Lin Zhou's eyes narrowed slightly. A Secret Realm of this level was worth far more than ordinary blessed lands. Not only could one obtain precious resources, but one could also greatly exercise the team's practical coordination skills in such a complex and dangerous environment. For him, who aimed for a higher stage (the All-Universe Tournament), this was an excellent training ground and resource acquisition site.

And to obtain this qualification, one must form a team based on the college and fight their way through the College Hegemony Competition, at least winning the runner-up spot!

The School of Literature and Law... among the various colleges of Xinghai University, had never been known for its combat strength. History, literature, theology, art, Law, diplomacy... these majors trained researchers of civilization, managers, and the makers and maintainers of rules, rather than pure war deities. In previous College Hegemony Competitions, the best result of the School of Literature and Law was only the top sixteen, usually stopping at the top thirty-two or earlier.

"But this time, it's different." A faint, barely perceptible curve appeared at the corner of Lin Zhou's mouth. He was confident and had to change this situation.

The notice required each college to first select or designate a participating team internally, with each college limited to registering one main team and one substitute team. The registration deadline is this Friday.

Time was tight.

Lin Zhou quickened his pace toward the School of Literature and Law building. He needed to immediately understand the college's arrangements and begin forming his own team.

The main building of the School of Literature and Law, the 【Tower of Wisdom】, was a magnificent structure that blended classical stone structures with modern energy circuits. As soon as Lin Zhou stepped into the hall, he saw many people gathered in front of the announcement screen, discussing animatedly.

"Five-person team battle? This... how is our School of Literature and Law supposed to form a team?"

"Yeah, the powerful ones in our college are all research-oriented or support-oriented; there aren't many who are strong in frontal combat."

"In previous individual competitions, we could still rely on one or two top students to hold the fort, but team battles... they require complementary coordination. We have an Innate disadvantage."

"I heard that over at the War College and the College of Science and Engineering, they've already started breaking in their teams, and they even have specialized tactical coaches."

"It's over. I'm afraid we'll be out in the first round this time..."

The atmosphere was somewhat low. This was not surprising; the atmosphere of the School of Literature and Law was naturally more academic. Suddenly facing a reform in the competition format that emphasized team combat, it was inevitable to feel at a loss.

"Lin Zhou!" a familiar voice called out.

Lin Zhou turned and saw Zhao Hao and Wang Meng walking over together. Zhao Hao was wearing a flashy dark-red dragon-scale patterned robe, his aura thicker than last semester. He clearly had gains over the break and was likely not far from a Breakthrough to Lesser Divinity. Wang Meng was in simple leather hunting gear, his muscles bulging, carrying an untamed wild aura, and his gaze was sharper than before. It seemed the slaughter on the front lines had been of no small help to him.

"Old Lin, you're finally back!" Zhao Hao approached, lowering his voice, excitement on his face. "Did you see the notice? Team competition! Secret Realm qualification! You in?"

Wang Meng also nodded heavily, saying in a muffled voice: "Brother Lin, I'm with you. Behemoths need a suitable battlefield and command."

Their attitude was expected. Zhao Hao was a die-hard supporter, while Wang Meng admired the strong and was convinced of Lin Zhou's ability. These two, one being a powerful aerial assault and firepower point (Dragon), the other a ground heavy-duty front line and formation-breaking core (Behemoth), were indispensable parts of the team.

"Of course we're in," Lin Zhou smiled. "But we're still short on people. We need at least two more reliable teammates."

"That kid Li Mo definitely can't escape!" Zhao Hao immediately said. "His Mechanical Goblins are top-notch at logistics, setting traps, and cracking mechanisms. They'll definitely be useful in team battles! It's just that he's a bit weak in direct confrontation."

Lin Zhou nodded. Li Mo's support and research abilities were crucial, especially when exploring Secret Realms. "Li Mo counts as one. One more... preferably someone good at control, rule interference, or long-range precision strikes." He thought of Qin Qing. Her Judgment Angel was very strong in field control and rule confrontation, but Qin Qing had finished her internship early and left. He wasn't sure if she'd return to school or be willing to join.

"Control?" Wang Meng scratched his head. "In our college... there aren't many who play control. The Arts Branch has people doing musical charm or scroll sealing, but we're not familiar with them. The Law Department has a few with Judgment Angels or Word of Law, but..."

Before he could finish, a cold, pleasant female voice with a hint of complex emotion came from nearby:

"If you need a field control and rule support, perhaps I can try."

The three turned their heads and saw Qin Qing standing not far away at some unknown time. She was still in a plain white priest's robe, with golden Judgment Angel patterns faintly visible on the collar and cuffs. Her temperament was as cold as the moon, but when those deep blue eyes looked at Lin Zhou, there was less of the previous scrutiny and distance, and more inquiry and... recognition?

"Qin Qing? You're back?" Lin Zhou was a bit surprised.

"Family business is handled," Qin Qing explained briefly, her gaze sweeping over Zhao Hao and Wang Meng before landing on Lin Zhou. "I heard about the summer frontline. At the Peak of Faint Divinity, commanding in a crisis, uniting reinforcements, repelling Zerg elites, and earning first-class military merit... Your 'Legalist' thoughts don't seem to be just armchair strategy on the battlefield."

Her tone was flat, but the meaning was clear: she recognized the ability Lin Zhou showed in actual combat, especially the application of Legalist thought. For Qin Qing, who always advocated Order and effectiveness, this was undoubtedly the greatest affirmation.

"Just luck. Classmate Qin overpraises me," Lin Zhou said modestly, but his heart stirred. Qin Qing took the initiative to join? This was an unexpected joy. Her Judgment Angel legion had a great advantage in field control, purification, and rule confrontation (especially against chaotic and evil alignments), which was exactly what the team needed.

"It's not overpraising." Qin Qing shook her head, her eyes serious. "I studied some of the battle reports you brought back (non-classified parts), especially your strategy when using the 'Net of Law' to define Order and uniting reinforcements. That wasn't just power, but understanding and application of rules. This has commonalities with the 'Order' I pursue. And..." She paused, "My father looked at your information and some brief descriptions of 'Legalist' thought. He believes... your path might have reference value for some of the current legal systems of the Human Race. He suggested I communicate with you more."

Qin Qing's father? Lin Zhou remembered Qin Qing's background seemed not simple; her Family had quite some influence in the Judicial Divine System. Was this... some kind of recognition from "insiders"?

"Welcome aboard." Lin Zhou no longer hesitated and reached out his hand. "Our team just happens to need a companion who wields 'Order' and 'Judgment'."

Qin Qing looked at Lin Zhou's outstretched hand, hesitated slightly, then also reached out her fair hand and gave it a light squeeze. The touch was slightly cool but firm. "I will do my best. But the team's command and tactics need to be clear."

"Of course." Lin Zhou nodded. "We'll confirm the core members first, then discuss tactics. Currently, the preliminary lineup is: Me (Command, All-rounder/Rules), Zhao Hao (Assault/Aerial), Wang Meng (Frontline/Breakthrough), Li Mo (Support/Engineering), and you (Control/Rule Support). How about it?"

Zhao Hao and Wang Meng naturally had no objection. Qin Qing also nodded slightly: "The configuration is reasonable. But as for Classmate Li Mo..."

"I'll go find him!" Zhao Hao volunteered. "That kid must be tinkering with his new junk in the lab!"

"Wait." Lin Zhou stopped him. "Let's go to the Dean's office first. According to the process, we need the college's official recommendation and registration. Also, regarding the team competition, the college might be able to provide some support, such as intelligence, tactical analysis, or even limited resource allocation."

A moment later, in the office of the Dean of the School of Literature and Law.

The Dean was a middle-aged deity who looked gentle and elegant, wearing crystal glasses. His godhead was unfathomable; he was said to be an authority on ancient divine system history. After hearing Lin Zhou's purpose and the preliminary team composition, his gaze behind the glasses carried scrutiny and a hint of gratification.

"Classmate Lin Zhou, Classmate Zhao Hao, Classmate Wang Meng... and Classmate Qin Qing." The Dean spoke slowly. "This combination of yours is quite unexpected. Especially you, Lin Zhou, the college has already received the military's commendation for your performance on the frontline this summer. We are proud of you."

He paused, his fingers lightly tapping the desk: "The College Hegemony Competition changing to a team battle is a huge challenge for our School of Literature and Law. In the past, we lacked systematic training for combat deities, and students mostly focused on research and management. I'm very happy that you can take the initiative to step forward and build a team that looks... well, quite distinctive."

"But," the Dean's tone shifted, his expression becoming serious, "courage and a preliminary combination are not enough. The War College, College of Science and Engineering, Elemental College, and even the Life College all have mature combat team training models. Their students start team coordination training and divine domain complementarity research from their freshman year. You, however, are a temporary assembly. Tacit understanding, tactics, and divine domain linking rules all need to be established and honed in a very short time."

"More importantly, other colleges won't go easy on you just because you're from the School of Literature and Law. On the contrary, they will see you as 'soft persimmons,' good targets for scoring and building confidence. In the first round, you might encounter an ambush from a strong team."

Lin Zhou's face was calm: "Dean, we understand the difficulties. But it's precisely because it's difficult that it's more challenging and meaningful. We aren't unprepared. I have some team command experience from the summer, and Classmates Zhao Hao and Wang Meng have also experienced actual combat. Classmate Qin Qing has a deep understanding of rules. Classmate Li Mo's support ability is unique. We will mesh as quickly as possible and formulate targeted tactics."

The Dean looked at Lin Zhou's steady and confident eyes, then at the eager Zhao Hao, the steady Wang Meng, and the calm Qin Qing beside him, and finally nodded: "Good. The college will fully support you. I will specially grant you access to the college's highest-level [Tactical Deduction Room], and contact several professors who have researched actual combat command and divine domain coordination to provide you with short-term special training guidance. Additionally, in the college treasury, there are some auxiliary cards or resources suitable for team combat that can be allocated to you as appropriate to help you quickly form combat effectiveness."

"Thank you, Dean!" Lin Zhou and the others thanked him in unison. This level of support was even greater than expected.

"Go on." The Dean waved his hand, his eyes filled with expectation. "Let the other colleges see that our School of Literature and Law trains not just scholars and judges, but also... Civilization Commanders who can traverse the battlefield."

Leaving the Dean's office, Zhao Hao pumped his fist excitedly: "Great! With the college's support, we have more confidence! I'll go drag Li Mo over right now!"

Lin Zhou nodded, his gaze looking toward the huge floating platform faintly visible in the distant sky, used for simulating astral battlefields.

The five-member team, its prototype was set.

Ahead was the College Hegemony Competition surrounded by strong enemies, the ticket to the precious Secret Realm, and even more, the touchstone to verify the power of the 'Way of Civilization' in team collaboration and larger-scale conflicts.

The journey of the second year was right beneath their feet.

He glanced at the teammates beside him, then thought of the steel bastions being built in his divine domain, and the surging waves of wisdom in the river of civilization.

"Then, let's begin."