306: Chapter 241: Exchanging Divinity, First Extraction of Rules

In a small conference room within the high-ranking officer lounge at the frontline base, the atmosphere was somewhat heavy, yet it also carried an irrepressible sense of excitement.

Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, Li Mo, Wang Meng, and Qin Qing sat around a square metal table.

Spread out on the table were several merit confirmation letters, recently and officially issued by the base's logistics department, stamped with the seal of the Seventh Legion's Quartermaster Department.

The letters clearly listed the final merit points for each team member from this battle, which were slightly higher than what Wang Meng had previously estimated; evidently, the subsequent battle assessment and the bonus calculations for repelling the demigod had been more precise.

Lin Zhou: 5250 points

Zhao Hao: 2680 points

Wang Meng: 2150 points

Li Mo: 1820 points (his mechanical devices and data analysis contributions during the defense and reconnaissance were re-evaluated)

Qin Qing: 1750 points

Team Total: 13650 points

They were still 1350 points short of the 15000 points required for the coveted [Divinity Extraction Device].

This number was neither large nor small.

For an individual, it might require completing one or two more dangerous missions to save up enough, but for a team, it seemed within reach, yet separated by a distance that required a choice.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on Lin Zhou, occasionally glancing at the merit exchange list projected by Li Mo hovering in the center of the conference table, where the [Divinity Extraction Device] entry, emitting a purple luster, was so eye-catching.

Lin Zhou tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over his teammates.

Zhao Hao's face showed longing, but his brows were slightly furrowed, clearly weighing the options.

Wang Meng scratched his hair, looking somewhat irritated.

Li Mo adjusted his “air glasses,” staring at the technical parameter specifications below the device, his eyes burning with fervor.

Qin Qing remained as expressionless as always, but the subtle movements of her fingertips tracing patterns on the table revealed the turmoil in her heart.

“Everyone is clear on the situation,” Lin Zhou began, his voice steady. “The value of this device needs no elaboration from me. It holds strategic significance for the future improvement of each of us and for the leap in the team's overall strength. However, the 1350-point deficit is a reality. Our individual merit points correspond to resources we each urgently need.”

He paused, then continued, “I have two proposals. First, we exchange for what we each urgently need, and shelve this device for now, discussing it again when we have enough merit points later. Second, we try to pool our resources to cover the deficit and prioritize exchanging for the device. Choosing the second option means someone might have to temporarily give up or postpone exchanging for items they have their eyes on.”

Silence fell for a moment.

Zhao Hao was the first to break the silence. He smacked his lips, his face showing a pained yet determined expression. “Damn it, nothing ventured, nothing gained! I originally wanted to exchange for that [Dragon Soul Crystal Cluster (Rare)] to refine the Bloodline of my Little Red (his Red Dragon), which costs 2200 points. But compared to divinity... it's not even close! Lin Zhou, I'll put in 1000 points! But it's agreed: once the device is exchanged, if there are any divinity Materials suitable for the Dragon Clan in the future, priority must be given to helping my Little Red extract them!”

Lin Zhou looked at him and nodded. “Agreed. The device belongs to the team; we can draw up a simple contract regarding usage rights and the distribution of future output.”

Wang Meng slapped the table. “I'm not as generous as Zhao Hao. I originally wanted to exchange for a [Titan Strength Potion Recipe (Incomplete)] to give my big guys a boost, which costs 1500 points. But I'll put in 500 points! Consider it an investment! If there's any divinity in the future that can make Behemoths smarter, remember to save some for me!” He laughed after saying it; Behemoths becoming smarter? That thought was a bit absurd.

Li Mo rubbed his forehead. “I need a large amount of rare metals and psionic crystals to upgrade my research workshop and mechanism core, which would take about 1200 points... However, if I can study this legendary device firsthand...” Data streams flashed in his eyes, as if he were performing complex calculations of pros and cons. “I'll put in 300 points! But I require initial research access to the device and access to some non-core data! I must be present to record the entire process for the first three uses after the exchange!”

Qin Qing's cold voice rang out. “I need to exchange for the [Seal of Order (Rare)] to perfect the Judgment Angel's Law armaments, which requires 800 points. For the deficit, I will contribute 200 points. Conditions: The device must be used in an environment of absolute Order and safety, and any divinity extracted that involves ‘chaotic’ or ‘evil’ tendencies must undergo a legal purification process before it can be considered for use or storage.”

Lin Zhou quickly calculated in his mind: 1000 + 500 + 300 + 200 = 2000 points. This exceeded the 1350-point deficit, but this way, the sacrifices made by everyone would be greater.

“Thank you,” Lin Zhou said sincerely, looking at his four teammates. “The deficit is 1350 points; I should have covered the bulk of it. How about this: I will contribute 4850 points out of my current 5250, Zhao Hao will contribute 1000 out of his 2680, Wang Meng will contribute 500 out of his 2150, Li Mo will contribute 300 out of his 1820, and Qin Qing will contribute 200 out of her 1750. Total: 4850 + 1000 + 500 + 300 + 200 = 6850 points. The device costs 15000 points, leaving an 8150-point deficit...”

He looked at Zhao Hao and Wang Meng. “Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, your remaining merit points (Zhao Hao 1680, Wang Meng 1650) add up to 3330, which is still far from 8150. However, when I killed that Shaman Chieftain earlier, besides the [Ancestral Essence], I also captured his damaged [Ancestral Staff (Epic · Damaged)]. Although the core gem is cracked and the staff body is damaged, the Materials themselves and the lingering traces of rules are very valuable. The base's quartermaster department gave a recycling valuation of 3000 merit points, or I could choose to keep it as material. I choose to recycle it to obtain 3000 merit points.”

“Additionally,” Lin Zhou projected several items from his personal space, “some high-value Materials captured on the battlefield, including 50 units of [Blood-patterned Steel Ingots], 20 liters of [Berserker Potion Stock Solution], and 5 [Complete Berserker Totems (Excellent)]. I don't urgently need these, so I can package them and sell them to the base shop or trade with other officers who need them. It is estimated that they can fetch 1500-2000 merit points. I'll take the median of 1750 points.”

“Finally, I have some scattered merit point balances from before, about 100 points.”

He looked at everyone. “3000 (staff recycling) + 1750 (Materials sale) + 100 (scattered) = 4850 points. Added to the 6850 points we five pooled together, that's a total of 11700 points. We are still 3300 points short of 15000.”

This number caused everyone's brows to furrow again. 3300 points was not a small amount for them, having just experienced a major battle and exhausted almost all their merit points.

Just as the atmosphere became somewhat gloomy, the conference room door was knocked. A young officer wearing a crisp military uniform, with shoulder insignia indicating the Rank of Captain, walked in, holding a sealed letter.

“Second Lieutenant Lin Zhou, and all members of the ‘Fledgling Eagle Project’ Third Team.” The officer saluted, his expression serious yet carrying a hint of admiration. “By Order of the Seventh Legion Command, I am delivering the additional rewards and commendation for the defense of Watchtower No. 7 in the ‘KT-73 Star Field’.”

Everyone stood up quickly.

The officer opened the letter and read: “In view of the fact that the ‘Fledgling Eagle Project’ Third Team successfully held their position for three days during the ‘KT-73 Star Field’ defense battle, routed the enemy's effective forces, and successfully injured (repelled) the enemy demigod-Rank commander Skullcrusher Mogrosh, having made outstanding contributions to stabilizing the frontline of this Star Domain and performing excellently, far exceeding expectations. The Command has decided: First, award the team the collective ‘Second-Class Battle Hero Medal’ (Virtual) and record it in the archives. Second, award the team additional merit points: 4000 points. (In accordance with Article 7, Chapter 3 of the ‘Special Reward Regulations for Outstanding Wartime Performance’.) Third, team member Lin Zhou, whose individual performance was particularly outstanding, is awarded additional individual merit points: 1000 points, and is recorded for one personal Third-Class Merit. The merit points have been transferred to your accounts in real-time; please check.”

After reading, the officer handed a copy of the commendation to Lin Zhou, saluted again, and left.

The conference room was quiet for a few seconds, then erupted into low cheers!

“4000 points! Plus the 1000 points added to Lin Zhou personally, that's 5000 points!” Wang Meng's eyes widened. “Now it's completely enough! No, it's more than enough!”

Zhao Hao also breathed a sigh of relief and grinned. Li Mo and Qin Qing also wore expressions of relief.

Lin Zhou immediately checked his tactical tablet; sure enough, his personal merit points had increased from 5250 to 6250! The team's total merit points had become 18650!

“Then, the final plan,” Lin Zhou said decisively. “I will contribute 5000 points out of my current 6250, Zhao Hao will contribute 1000, Wang Meng 500, Li Mo 300, and Qin Qing 200. Totaling 7000 points. I will use the 3000 points from the Ancestral Staff recycling, plus the estimated 1750 points from material sales, plus the 100 scattered points, plus the portion of the 5000 points added by the Command that belongs to me personally... well, counting the approximately 800 points I should get after the team's 4000-point addition is distributed (roughly estimated by contribution ratio), that's a total of about 8650 points. Combining them, 7000 + 8650 = 15650 points, enough to exchange for the device, and with 650 points remaining as backup resources for the first startup (such as energy crystals).”

He looked at his teammates. “This way, the actual merit points spent by everyone are less than initially expected, and Zhao Hao, Wang Meng, Li Mo, and Qin Qing, each of you will still have quite a few merit points left to exchange for the items you originally urgently needed. The ownership of the device will be considered team property, and regarding the usage rules and distribution of output, we'll proceed according to our earlier agreement, add details, and sign a Soul contract. How about that?”

“Agreed!” “No problem!” “Should have done this sooner!” “Acceptable.”

The proposal passed unanimously. All five were decisive people, so they immediately connected with their Divine Thought, and under the dual guarantee of the Temple of Civilization (Lin Zhou provided the contract framework and witnessed it) and the military notary System (for record-keeping), they signed a Soul contract with clear rights and responsibilities.

The contract clarified the joint ownership of the device, Lin Zhou's responsibilities as the primary operator and custodian, the supervision and research rights of the other four, and the priority Order for future extraction output (first satisfying the device's operational and research needs, followed by distribution based on contribution and need).

With the formalities completed, Lin Zhou did not hesitate any longer and immediately submitted an exchange application to the base's quartermaster System via his tactical tablet.

[Application for Exchange: Divinity Extraction Device (Epic) · Standard Model. Merit Points Consumed: 15000 points.]

[Identity verification passed... Deducting merit points... (Lin Zhou account - 5000, Zhao Hao - 1000, Wang Meng - 500, Li Mo - 300, Qin Qing - 200, Lin Zhou exclusive resource exchange quota - 8000)... Deduction successful.]

[Item being issued... Please proceed to the No. 3 Advanced Armory to collect with your voucher.]

The process was smoother than imagined, with no delays and no additional questioning. Perhaps their battle achievements this time were dazzling enough, or perhaps this device, while precious, was not entirely unique to the vast military System.

The No. 3 Advanced Armory is located in the deep underground of the base, heavily guarded, and requires multiple levels of authorization verification.

Led by an expressionless quartermaster, Lin Zhou passed through several heavy alloy gates and energy barriers, finally seeing his long-desired goal in an isolated storage room filled with stabilization runes and isolation force fields.

It was not as massive or menacing as he had imagined.

The whole structure was cylindrical, about two meters tall and 1.5 meters in diameter, made entirely of a matte, dark silver metal, with its surface engraved with extremely complex, slightly flowing deep blue rune circuits.

On the side of the cylinder was an openable observation window (made of high-strength transparent crystal). Its internal structure was precise, with an adjustable, suspended energy focusing chamber in the center, surrounded by multiple layers of rule filtration nets, material decomposition field generators, Soul fluctuation stabilizers, and most importantly—the divinity condensation core.

The bottom of the device was connected to thick energy pipeline interfaces and rule anchoring bases.

It stood quietly in the center of the storage room, not emitting any powerful energy fluctuations, yet it gave people an incredibly precise, dangerous, and tempting feeling.

[Item: Divinity Extraction Device · Standard Model (Epic)]

Model: Military Standard Seventh Generation (Simplified Version).

Status: Brand New, Not Activated.

Core Function: Safely (relatively) extract and strip pure [Divinity] from high-energy substances containing rule fragments, Soul crystals, remains of fallen deities, and specific natural wonders.

Working Principle: Decompose raw material substances/energy/Soul structures through multiple rule fields, strip away Impurities and chaotic thoughts, and manifest and condense the rule fragments (Divinity) contained within under an absolutely controlled environment.

Extraction Efficiency: Depends on raw material quality, Divinity concentration, and operator level. The standard theoretical extraction rate is between 5% - 30% (i.e., if the raw material contains 10 units of Divinity, it may extract 0.5 - 3 units).

There is a risk of failure (raw material destroyed, no gain) and a very small probability of malignant accidents (rule backlash, Divinity contamination).

Energy Consumption: Extremely high. Each startup requires at least 1000 units of standard faith crystal or equivalent high-purity energy, with additional consumption during the extraction process based on the raw material's resistance level.

Usage Requirements: The operator must be at least a Lesser Divinity, possess strong rule perception and control capabilities, and it is recommended to operate in a Divine Kingdom or an absolutely safe, rule-stable environment.

Additional Notes: This device is a simplified version and cannot process core Divinity left behind by existences above Divine-Grade (such as a complete Divine Spark), and has limited processing capabilities for highly contaminated, chaotic, or self-aware Divinity sources, increasing risk.

The quartermaster completed the handover procedures, left behind a thick operation manual and precautions, and then left.

Lin Zhou carefully put this heavy device into the specially prepared storage card with a stable internal space (exchanged with the remaining 650 merit points for [Advanced Stable Storage Card (Blue)]).

He did not immediately return to the squad's station, but instead used his "Fledgling Eagle Project" authorization to apply for the use of an isolation quiet room provided by the base, specifically for Advanced experiments or dangerous operations.

The quiet room was located deeper in the base, with walls and floors made of energy-absorbing and insulating Materials, built-in multiple stabilization barriers, and the rent was expensive (consuming merit points by the hour), but for safety, it was worth it.

Inside the quiet room, Lin Zhou took out the device, followed the manual's guidance to anchor it to the rule node in the center of the quiet room, and connected the temporary high-purity energy line rented from the base (faith crystal supply).

The runes on the surface of the device lit up one by one, emitting a low hum, and entered standby mode.

Next, it was time to choose the raw material for the first extraction. He had two eligible candidates on hand:

[Ancestral Essence (Epic)]: Pure Soul crystal, containing rule fragments of ancestors (leaning towards Orc Battle Intent, Shaman primitive natural power). High quality, relatively stable, but the Divinity inclination might be quite specific.

[Damaged Shaman Totem Pillar (Rare)]: One of the relatively complete Shaman totems collected from the battlefield. Contains chaotic ancestor worship and natural power rules, may have residual Shaman thoughts and battlefield killing aura, not pure enough, but the quantity might be larger (multiple totems), and the Divinity inclination might be more complex.

After weighing the options, Lin Zhou decided to use the [Ancestral Essence] for the first attempt. Reason: High quality, stable state, easier to control, and can serve as a "standard sample" to test the device's performance and familiarize himself with the operation process. Although the inclination is specific, it is perfect for verifying the "conversion" function of the Temple of Civilization.

He placed the crystal-clear, pale purple [Ancestral Essence] into the device's energy focusing chamber and closed the observation window. He took a deep breath and connected his Divine Thought to the device's operation core.

A complex control interface appeared before his eyes, with countless parameters scrolling. He needed to set the decomposition intensity, filtration level, condensation threshold, stability field strength... Each item was related to the success and efficiency of the extraction. He calmed his mind and, combining the guidance of the operation manual with his own understanding of the rules, began to adjust cautiously.

[Starting Divinity Extraction Program...]

[Raw material detected: High-purity Soul crystal (Epic), containing rule fragments (Ancestral/Battle Intent/Primitive Nature), estimated Divinity content: 1.2 - 1.8 units.]

[Decomposition field starting... Energy input: 200 units of faith crystal/minute...]

[Rule filtration net activated... Soul fluctuation stabilizer running...]

[Starting to strip away Impurities and redundant Soul information...]

Through the observation window, one could see the [Ancestral Essence] slowly rotating in the invisible force field, emitting a soft purple light. Inside the device, the deep blue runes seemed to come alive, flowing out wisps of light, wrapping around the essence, and beginning to strip and parse it layer by layer. It seemed as if fine dust was being peeled off the surface of the essence; those were useless Soul Impurities and chaotic information, which were captured, decomposed, and discharged by the filtration net. The main body of the essence gradually became more transparent, and the light became more concentrated.

This process was slow and precise, allowing for no impatience. Lin Zhou was fully focused, monitoring every piece of data. Energy consumption continued, and in the quiet room, there was only the low running sound of the device and his own steady breathing.

Time passed bit by bit. One hour... three hours... six hours...

The energy consumption had already exceeded 5000 units of faith crystal (the rented energy line was continuously deducting fees). The volume of the essence had shrunk by about one-third, and the light had condensed to the core, forming an extremely tiny, yet pale purple light spot that emitted heart-palpitating rule fluctuations.

[Core rule fragment has manifested... Starting condensation program...]

[Warning: Weak primitive intention resistance detected (Ancestral residual Battle Intent)... Starting purification subroutine...]

[Consuming additional energy... Purifying...]

Two more hours passed. That pale purple light spot completely stabilized, no longer having any trace of distracting thought fluctuations, pure as the most perfect amethyst, with only the most essential rule meanings of "Ancestral", "Legacy", and "Soul tenacity" flowing within it.

[Condensation complete!]

[Obtained: Divinity (Ancestral) 1 unit]

[Raw material loss: Ancestral Essence (Epic) completely consumed.]

[Extraction efficiency this time: approx. 83.3% (calculated based on the estimated median of 1.2 units). Evaluation: Excellent.]

[Total energy consumption: 7200 units of standard faith crystal.]

The device's energy focusing chamber opened, and a crystal only the size of a grain of rice, yet heavy as a thousand jun, emitting a pure purple halo, slowly flew out and landed in the special container Lin Zhou had prepared. The container was made of [Forbidden Divine Stone], which can effectively seal Divinity and prevent it from dissipating or being contaminated.

Lin Zhou carefully picked up the container, feeling the cold and heavy rule aura coming from the [Divinity (Ancestral)] inside. Success! The first extraction, although the consumption was huge, resulted in one unit of relatively pure Divinity! The efficiency also reached a respectable 83.3%!

Almost at the same time, the Temple of Civilization sent a clear prompt:

[Foreign Divinity detected: Divinity (Ancestral).]

[This Divinity inclines towards 'Soul Legacy', 'Bloodline tenacity', and 'primitive worship', which exists partially compatible with the host's core Way of Civilization (inclusive, rational Order, human development), but the core inclination differs significantly.]

[Whether to start the 'Fire of Civilization' conversion program?]

[Conversion consumption: 10000 civilization points.]

[Conversion goal: Strip and retain the universal rule essence such as 'Legacy' and 'tenacity' from this unit of Divinity, remove narrow inclinations such as 'primitive worship' and 'Bloodline shackles', and integrate it into the principle of civilization to convert it into [Divinity (Civilization)] that is more suitable for the host. Conversion success rate: 95% (because the Divinity is pure and the host's Fire of Civilization has initially grown).]

[Estimated Divinity effect after conversion: Can be used to improve Divine-Grade, slightly enhance the divine office [Education] (Legacy), [Law] (Order tenacity) related Domains, or be used to strengthen the Soul potential and civilization identity of the kin.]

10000 civilization points! Lin Zhou glanced at his remaining civilization points: 52340 points. Consuming 10000 points, he would still have 42340 points left. This consumption could not be said to be small, almost equivalent to half the consumption of manifesting the semi-substantial river of civilization before. But the benefits of conversion were obvious—converting a piece of Divinity with a specific inclination, which might not be completely compatible with his own path, into a general Divinity that is completely compatible with his own Way of Civilization, its value far exceeded the saved civilization points, and far exceeded the biased improvement that might be brought about by directly absorbing this [Divinity (Ancestral)].

With almost no hesitation, Lin Zhou silently thought: "Confirm conversion! Consume 10000 civilization points!"

In an instant, he felt the Temple of Civilization deep within his Divine-Grade vibrate violently, and that bit of eternally burning Fire of Civilization split off a wisp, crossed the Void Realm, and threw itself into the [Forbidden Divine Stone] container in his hand. The pale golden flame gently wrapped around the purple divinity crystal.

"Sss..."

A subtle sound, as if ice and snow were melting or metal was being forged, rang out on the Soul level. The purple crystal slowly rotated in the Fire of Civilization, and its color began to change. Some of the dark patterns representing narrow Bloodline worship and primitive ignorance were burned, stripped away, and dissipated into blue smoke. The bright purple radiance representing "Legacy", "memory", "tenacity", and "ethnic continuation" was retained, tempered, and gradually dyed with a layer of pale golden civilization luster.

This process was not fast and required time. The conversion of the Fire of Civilization was essentially the combing and reshaping of rules.

Lin Zhou carefully put away the container, looked at the [Divinity Extraction Device] that was still humming in the quiet room, waiting for the next instruction, and looked at the several [Damaged Shaman Totem Pillar (Rare)] stored on the side.

"The first step is a success." He whispered to himself, a satisfied smile appearing on his tired face. With this experience, handling those totem pillars would be more certain. And the [Divinity (Civilization)] after the conversion was completed would be a solid step for him to move towards a higher level.

Exchanging Divinity, the first extraction, obtaining rules from the infinitesimal. The paving of Way of Civilization requires not only the dissemination of ideas but also the accumulation of real power. And today, he held the first key brick.