324: Chapter 259: The Academy Expands, and an Inter-Grade Alliance Takes Shape

The headquarters of the Hundred Schools Society was located in the northeast corner of Xinghai University's Divine Domain Management Area, within an independent courtyard with a simple yet grand appearance specially approved by the university. Hanging over the courtyard door was a plaque personally inscribed by Lin Zhou (using Divine Thought)—"Haina Courtyard," meaning "The sea admits all rivers, for its capacity is great."

In the past, although this was the place where core members of the society exchanged ideas, discussed the Dao, and handled affairs, it only involved about a hundred people and seemed somewhat quiet. Today, however, the inside and outside of Haina Courtyard were bustling with people, and divine light was faintly visible. From the courtyard entrance to the small square outside, two long lines of people had formed. One consisted of ordinary members applying to join the society, mostly freshmen and sophomores, their Faces filled with curiosity, excitement, and nervousness. The other line was shorter, but the individuals possessed a noticeably more steady and sharp aura; they were elites from the junior and senior years, and even a few graduate students, who had come to apply for the newly established "Four Halls" or to seek deep cooperation.

The main hall of the courtyard had been temporarily set up as a reception and assessment area. Outstanding members of the Literary Heart Elves and Law Fishmen (average Rank LV33 or higher) were temporarily reassigned by Lin Zhou to assist with registration, preliminary screening, and guidance. Dressed in modified clothing with ancient Chinese elements, they behaved with decorum and spoke clearly. The wisdom and sense of Order they displayed made many applicants marvel inwardly—were these really just followers? They seemed more refined than many mediocre deities!

On a light screen to one side of the hall, the "Announcement for the Establishment and Recruitment of the Hundred Schools Society's Four Halls" was displayed on a loop:

[War Hall]

Hall Master: Zhao Hao (Acting, dragon divine domain, Junior)

Core Functions: Specifically responsible for external warfare, expansion, defense, and tactical research. Integrating the combat-oriented divine Domain forces within the society, researching and practicing the "Chess of Civilization" tactical system centered on the School of Military's ideology and fused with the tactics of other schools.

Recruitment Requirements: Average follower Rank ≥ LV30, possessing at least one organized elite unit (over a thousand members), Divine Rank ≥ LV120 (True God), passing a practical combat simulation assessment and an ideological compatibility evaluation.

Initial Benefits: Priority in obtaining resources through the exchange of internal society contribution points; eligibility to participate in War Hall's internal tactical seminars and audit high-level warfare courses; opportunities to participate in coordinated drills personally guided by Senior Lin Zhou.

[Research Hall]

Hall Master: Li Mo (Mechanical Goblins divine Domain, Junior)

Core Functions: Specifically responsible for divine Domain technology research and development, rule analysis, card optimization, and the manufacturing of special creations (mechanisms, Medicinal Pills, Talismans, etc.). Integrating the School of Mohism's "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature," the School of Taoism's "Alchemy and Artifact Refining," and the School of Agriculture's "Cultivation and Optimization" ideologies to drive the society's overall technological strength.

Recruitment Requirements: Possessing outstanding expertise or research results in a specific technical field (such as forging, Alchemy, runes, spiritual plants, rule programming, etc.), with the divine Domain having relevant R&D buildings (such as blacksmith shops, Alchemy labs, rune workshops, etc.), and passing a technical defense and practical assessment.

Initial Benefits: Access to the Research Hall's internal technical database (including some non-core Hundred Schools technical principles provided by Li Mo and Lin Zhou); the right to use Research Hall's public laboratories and equipment; research results can be converted into society contribution points.

[Administration Hall]

Hall Master: Qin Qing (judgment angel divine domain, Junior)

Core Functions: Specifically responsible for the society's internal management, the formulation and Execution of Laws, the operation of the contribution system, member assessment and incentives, and the popularization of ideological Education. Based on the School of Legalism's "Names and Realities, Rewards and Punishments" and the School of Confucianism's "Enlightenment and Assessment," establishing an efficient, fair, and orderly internal governance system for the society.

Recruitment Requirements: Possessing strong management skills or Law-related divine office/talents, with followers leaning toward lawful, management, or judgment attributes, and passing situational simulation management and adjudication assessments.

Initial Benefits: Participating in the formulation of core society rules; gaining experience in managing large organizations; Administration Hall contributions are deeply tied to the society's overall development, with clear promotion paths.

[External Hall]

Hall Master: Chu Tiange (Persuader divine Domain, Senior, joined)

Core Functions: Specifically responsible for external relations, diplomacy, intelligence gathering, commercial cooperation, and image promotion. Utilizing the School of Diplomacy's "Vertical and Horizontal Alliances," the School of Miscellaneous's "Drawing from All Sources," and the School of Names' "Eloquence and Logic" ideologies to expand the society's external network and resource channels.

Recruitment Requirements: Possessing excellent communication skills, intelligence intuition, or business acumen, with followers suitable for diplomacy, espionage, trade, etc., and passing simulated diplomatic situation assessments and background checks.

Initial Benefits: Access to a broader network of people and information resources; diplomatic achievements can be directly exchanged for high contribution points; representing the society in external activities to enhance personal reputation.

Below the announcement was a striking note: The Hall Masters of the Four Halls have a high degree of autonomy over their respective halls but must comply with the society's supreme charter (formulated by Lin Zhou and core members) and are responsible to President Lin Zhou. The society has established a "Council Hall," composed of Lin Zhou, the Four Hall Masters, and a few core members, to decide on major society matters.

This announcement was like a giant stone thrown into the center of a lake, stirring up a thousand waves at Xinghai University. This was no longer an ordinary student club recruitment; it was clearly the prototype of a quasi-power with a clear organizational structure, distinct functional divisions, long-term development plans, and a strong core leader! Especially the establishment of the "Four Halls," which covered almost all key aspects required for the development of a deity's power: military force, technology, internal affairs, and diplomacy.

"What a grand move! Is Lin Zhou trying to turn the Hundred Schools Society into a cross-grade elite Alliance?"

"War Hall for offense, Research Hall for construction, Administration Hall for governance, and External Hall for relations... What a complete structure! This line of thinking isn't like a student club at all; it's more like the early setup of a small divine system or guild!"

"Zhao Hao, Li Mo, Qin Qing... they're all the best of the junior year. Especially Qin Qing, she's a powerful department head of the Student Union, yet she's actually willing to serve under Lin Zhou as the Administration Hall Master..."

"External Hall Master Chu Tiange! I know him! A legendary figure in the senior year. His divine Domain is the rare [Persuader], and his followers are [Silver-tongued Spirits] and [Contract Devils]. It's said he once relied on his silver tongue to help several large families mediate resource disputes in the Astral Realm, with first-rate diplomatic skills! Even he has joined?"

"Lin Zhou has so much Face... No, it's the appeal of the 'civilization warlord' and 'Chess of Civilization' that's too great! Following him has a future!"

"Look, among those senior students lining up over there, several are tough characters in the top fifty of their respective college rankings..."

In the back courtyard of Haina Courtyard, in a quieter meeting hall, Lin Zhou, Zhao Hao, Li Mo, Qin Qing, and a new Face were sitting around a quaint round table.

This new Face was the External Hall Master, Chu Tiange. He looked to be about twenty-three or twenty-four years old, with a handsome Face and a smile that habitually hung on the corners of his mouth, making people feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze, yet his eyes were refined and sharp. He wore a sophisticated, well-tailored light green robe and played with a smooth white jade thumb ring. His temperament was free and easy, possessing both a scholarly air and the worldly wisdom of someone experienced in human affairs.

"It is truly the society's good fortune that Senior Chu could join us." Lin Zhou personally poured a cup of clear tea for Chu Tiange (a divine Domain specialty, brewed from the secondary leaves of the enlightenment tea tree, with a slight mind-calming effect). "The External Hall is newly founded and has many things to be done. From now on, I will have to rely on you, Senior."

Chu Tiange took the teacup with both hands, his smile becoming a bit more sincere. "President Lin is too polite. The name 'civilization warlord' is like thunder to my ears, and the 'Chess of Civilization' that Dean Lu personally appraised is something I have long aspired to. It is my honor to participate in such a pioneering undertaking. I dare not say much else, but within and outside Xinghai University, and even among the several universities, chambers of commerce, and intelligence organizations in the Milky Way Galaxy that I frequently deal with, I still have some Face. I will certainly open up a path for the society."

His voice was not loud, but it carried a natural sense of rhythm that made people believe him. He had clearly cultivated some kind of ability or divine art related to speech.

"Haha, Old Chu, don't be so humble!" Zhao Hao slapped Chu Tiange's shoulder boisterously (the latter's smile remained unchanged, and his body shifted imperceptibly to dissipate most of the force). "Who doesn't know the capabilities of the 'Smiling Fox'? With you pulling strings outside, our War Hall's future Astral Realm expansion, logistics, and intelligence will be secure!"

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

Li Mo pushed up his glasses (Mechanical Goblins precision), and a stream of data flashed across his lenses: "Senior Chu, according to my analysis of the data from the past twenty-seven diplomatic and commercial cases you led or participated in, your success rate is 89.3%, and the average benefit secured for the client exceeded the expected value by 18.5%. The efficiency is very high. After the External Hall is established, I hope to establish a stable intelligence exchange channel, especially regarding information on new technologies, rare resource cards, and special rule ruins."

Qin Qing was, as always, cold and rigorous: "Senior Chu, welcome. I have already drafted the society's articles of association, which involve sections on external activity norms, benefit distribution, confidentiality clauses, etc. Please be sure to read them in detail and provide your feedback later. As the society's external window, the External Hall's behavior must strictly comply with the articles of association to avoid giving others a handle against us."

Facing his colleagues with vastly different styles, Chu Tiange handled it with ease. He responded to Zhao Hao's "enthusiasm" with a helpless yet cordial smile, nodded to Li Mo's data-driven communication to indicate he would cooperate in establishing the channel, and expressed with a serious look that he would carefully study and abide by Qin Qing's requirements regarding the articles of association.

Lin Zhou took all of this in, nodding inwardly. Zhao Hao was brave and aggressive, suitable for expansion; Li Mo was focused on research, serving as the technical cornerstone; Qin Qing was strict with Law, acting as the pillar of Order; and this Chu Tiange was adept at social maneuvering, making him the best candidate for developing the external environment. The four had complementary personalities and abilities; if they could be integrated well, the skeleton of the Hundred Schools Society would truly be established.

"Alright, the introductions end here." Lin Zhou tapped the table lightly to draw everyone's attention back. "The preparation of the Four Halls is a top priority, but it must not affect normal studies and personal Cultivation. Recruitment should prioritize quality over quantity; the primary consideration is ideological compatibility and character, followed by strength or expertise. The specific assessment standards for each hall should be drafted by each of you and reported to the Administration Hall for filing."

"Additionally, the preliminary plan for the society's contribution system is also ready." Lin Zhou pulled up a light screen. "Contribution points will be the only 'currency' circulated within the society, which can be used to exchange for items in the society's public resource library (including but not limited to some of my shallow analyses of the Hundred Schools classics, special technical blueprints, recipes for low-Rank Medicinal Pill and Talisman, and shared resource cards that may be obtained in the future), apply for exclusive services from each hall (such as guards from the War Hall, customization from the Research Hall, intelligence from the External Hall, etc.), and promote to internal positions within the society."

"Ways to obtain contribution points include: completing tasks released by the society, donating valuable items or knowledge to the society's public library, serving in various halls and achieving performance, participating in collective society activities and receiving evaluations, etc. The specific exchange ratios and task releases will be led by the Administration Hall, in conjunction with the other halls to refine."

Everyone nodded one after another. This system was not complicated, but it was valuable because it was clear, and it was supported by the high-value exchange items provided by the core, Lin Zhou.

Just then, a Wenxin Elf Priest (LV40) responsible for reception in the front hall sent a message via Divine Thought: "President, a senior student in her fourth year is applying to join the Research Hall. She brought... something that Hall Master Li Mo might be very interested in, and she hopes to present it in person."

Li Mo immediately looked up, his eyes behind his lenses brightened: "What is it?"

The Elf Priest replied: "She said it is a copy of a preliminary analysis report on the [Damaged Ancient Titan Core (Energy Type)], along with three possible reverse engineering ideas she proposed. Her divine Domain is [Energy Construct]."

Li Mo stood up instantly: "Energy Construct! Ancient Titan core! Quickly invite her to the side hall! No, I will go personally!" As he spoke, he was about to walk out.

Lin Zhou laughed: "Li Mo, be steady. Since she is here, let's see her together. If she is truly talented, it is exactly what the Research Hall needs."

Soon, a girl dressed in simple research attire, with a neat high ponytail and the unique focus of a research fanatic in her expression, was led in. Seeing the people around the round table, especially Lin Zhou, a flash of excitement crossed her eyes, but it quickly calmed down, and she bowed gracefully: "Fourth year, Energy Construct divine Domain, Xia Qing. Greetings, President Lin, Hall Masters. This is my 'letter of recommendation'." As she spoke, she handed over an information storage crystal.

Li Mo almost "grabbed" it, inserted it into his portable reader, and instantly, an expression of extreme excitement and obsession appeared on his Face: "Wonderful! The third idea... combining energy rune topology and the introduction of Chaos variables... Bold! But logically it is actually feasible... This data model... is too precise!"

Lin Zhou looked at Xia Qing: "Senior Xia is interested in the Titan core?"

Xia Qing nodded, her eyes burning: "Yes. For my construct followers, the core driving problem has always been energy conversion efficiency and stability. The energy core technology of the ancient Titan is said to have reached a certain extreme of physical rules. If it can be parsed or even replicated a little bit, it would be a qualitative leap for my divine Domain. I am willing to contribute all related research data and future achievements in exchange for joining the Research Hall, to share the society's research resources, especially... Hall Master Li Mo, and the possibility of 'thought-driven technology' that President Lin might possess, which is different from existing technology trees." Her final gaze was cast eagerly at Lin Zhou.

Lin Zhou and Li Mo looked at each other, and Li Mo nodded vigorously. Lin Zhou understood in his heart that this Xia Qing was a true research talent with clear goals, exactly the backbone the Research Hall needed.

"Welcome to the Research Hall, Senior Xia." Lin Zhou smiled and nodded, "Hall Master Li Mo will discuss the specific Rank and resource permissions with you in detail."

A bright smile finally appeared on Xia Qing's Face, and she bowed solemnly again.

This small episode was like a microcosm. As the recruitment for the Four Halls progressed, more and more hidden talents among the senior students were attracted. Some were good at special operations and applied for the War Hall; some were proficient in internal administration or Law judgment and applied for the Administration Hall; some had families in business or had special intelligence channels and applied for the External Hall; and there were even researchers like Xia Qing who had deep accumulation in a niche field and applied for the Research Hall...

Haina Academy was truly moving towards the direction of "embracing all rivers".

In the evening, the recruitment temporarily came to an end. Preliminary statistics showed that more than six hundred valid applications were received today, including nearly a hundred elite applicants in their third and fourth years. After preliminary screening and subsequent assessments, it is expected that about two hundred people will be absorbed into the Four Halls or as general backbones of the society, not counting the larger number of lower-grade reserve members.

Chu Tiange had already taken the list of the first batch of candidates who passed the preliminary review of the External Hall and began to plan the first external liaison activity—establishing preliminary communication channels with several large commercial societies and intelligence organizations within Xinghai University.

Zhao Hao was rubbing his hands, starting to screen the members of the first core team of the War Hall, and planning a small-scale "team-building activity"—going to the public virtual battlefield to find a soft persimmon to squeeze, and by the way, practicing the basic formation of "Civilization Chess" he had just learned.

Li Mo and Xia Qing had already dived into the temporarily set up Research Hall laboratory, discussing the Titan core report intensely.

Qin Qing brought several students who had just joined the Administration Hall and were equally known for their rigor, and began to refine the contribution system and management articles of association item by item.

Lin Zhou walked out of Haina Academy alone, looking at the setting sun on the horizon and the dots of divine light lighting up all over the academy, representing different styles of divine Domain.

The Hundred Schools Society was no longer just an experimental field for him to spread his thoughts and verify his concepts, nor was it just a hobby club for a small circle. From today on, it became a cross-grade Alliance with clear goals, a complete structure, and elite students from all grades, a fledgling force condensed under the banner of his "Way of Civilization".

This was not only the expansion of the society, but also another leap in his own influence and recognition of his path.

"Gathering sand into a tower, collecting fur to make a coat..." Lin Zhou muttered to himself, his eyes reflecting the afterglow of the setting sun, and also reflecting the increasingly brilliant waves in the river of civilization.

On his personal panel, the divine office [Education] vibrated slightly, seemingly becoming a bit more solid. And a new, vague concept of authority, as if between [Law] and [Education], began to quietly gestate—that might be the power of "organization", "Legacy", and "community".

Xinghai University was just the starting point. And this newly formed Alliance would be the first ship sailing to a broader world.