336: Chapter 271: The Key to the Third Battle – The Convergence of Confucianism and Legalism to Establish New Rules

The news of Lin Zhou's narrow victory over Michael using the Taoist 'Natural' Dao, bringing the overall score to a 1:1 tie, was like a ladle of ice water poured into a boiling oil pan. It triggered a chain reaction throughout the Pantheon Arena and even the viewing network. Countless spectators, who were previously intimidated by the might of the Divine Rule and thought the Galactic Royal Academy would easily crush their opponents, now had to re-examine this team from Xinghai University, especially the man known as the 'civilization warlord,' Lin Zhou.

"Using nature to encompass the divine... it can actually weaken the suppression of the Divine Rule? This Lin Zhou's application and understanding of rules has reached an inconceivable level!"

"That is Taoist thought! I've checked ancient texts; it's an important philosophical school in ancient Huaxia Civilization! I didn't expect it to manifest rule power in such a way!"

"His Highness Michael was careless! The opponent caught a loophole in the rules!"

"No, it wasn't a loophole. It was Lin Zhou using a grander 'Dao' to cover the 'Divine.' This is a contest on the level of ideology. It seems this final is not just a competition of strength, but a collision of ideas!"

On the Xinghai University platform, the atmosphere did not completely relax despite the victory. After Lin Zhou returned, he immediately sat cross-legged to meditate and recover his heavily consumed Divine Power and spirit. The Taoist True Cultivator legion was almost entirely lost and could not fight again in the short term. More importantly, Michael would never trip over the same stone twice; next time, he would certainly have targeted countermeasures.

"The third drawing of lots is crucial," Vice Dean Wang Zhenyue said with a solemn expression. "If we can take another round, we'll reach match point and gain a psychological advantage. But Michael won't sit idly by; the overall strength of the Galactic Royal Academy is still above ours."

Su Yueyao looked at Lin Zhou, who was meditating with his eyes closed. A hint of worry flashed in her cool eyes, but it was mostly trust. She whispered to the group, "The core of Lin Zhou's tactic just now was using a higher-dimensional 'Dao' to encompass the 'Divine.' But Michael's Divine Rule is deeply rooted. Next time, he might take more extreme measures, such as shrinking the Divine Domain to increase its purity, or using deeper powers of judgment."

Qin Qing nodded. "The Taoist natural Dao wins through surprise and the use of the environment. Now that the opponent is on guard, the effect will be diminished. We need a new approach."

Wang Meng scratched his head. "Then what should we use? If my Behemoths go up, I'm afraid they'll be insta-killed by Divine Judgment again..."

Zhou Yan also frowned. "The attribute conflict for my Lava Titans is even more obvious."

Just then, Lin Zhou slowly opened his eyes. Although they showed fatigue, the light of wisdom remained bright. "Taoist nature broke his 'uniqueness' and has already yielded results. Next, we must shake his 'Foundation.'"

"Shake his Foundation?" Everyone looked at him.

"The Foundation of the Divine Rule lies in a set of preset, unquestionable 'standards' and 'definition rights,'" Lin Zhou said calmly. "He uses these standards to define 'Divine' and 'heresy,' applying rewards and punishments. What we must do is not to prove that we meet his standards, nor to use a higher 'Dao' to encompass it, but to—establish our own 'standards' and 'definition rights' on this battlefield. Use our 'Ritual and Law' to define what is 'good' and what is 'holy'!"

"Confucianism and Legalism Fusion?" Qin Qing's eyes lit up.

"Exactly," Lin Zhou nodded. "Confucianism emphasizes 'Ritual,' clarifies 'Benevolence and Righteousness,' and determines 'Status'; Legalism emphasizes 'Law,' speaks of 'Names and Realities,' and establishes 'Rules.' The combination of the two is 'Ritual and Law'—a System of behavioral norms and value judgments based on realistic social Order and moral ethics. We will use 'Ritual and Law' to establish new rules here: anyone in this realm who harbors good intentions, performs acts of benevolence and righteousness, abides by their duties, and benefits the harmonious coexistence of civilizations, regardless of Origin, faith, or form, can receive recognition as 'good,' and even the title of 'holy'!"

"This..." Wang Meng found it a bit complicated. "Boss, will this work? Will those birdmen listen to us?"

"It's not about making them listen, but using our rules to cover and modify the local basic rules of this battlefield!" A sharp glint flashed in Lin Zhou's eyes. "As long as our 'Ritual and Law' rules are strong enough to gain temporary recognition from this battlefield (the Pantheon Arena), then within the area covered by these rules, his 'Divine' standard will no longer be the only one. Our standards of 'good' and 'holy' will run parallel to it, even... replace it!"

Su Yueyao understood Lin Zhou's meaning and said softly, "You want to open a 'Domain of Rites and Laws' on the battlefield, forcibly defining new value standards to divide and disintegrate the Angel Legion's absolute faith in the 'Unique Divine'? The risk is high; this requires consuming a massive amount of rule power and might even trigger a backlash from the arena's rules."

"It's worth a try." Lin Zhou looked at the light screen, where preparations for the third draw were underway. "If successful, we won't just win this round; we can fundamentally shake the Foundation of Michael's path."

As if fate had heard his determination, the host's voice rang out again in the center of the arena: "The third match of the finals, the draw begins!"

The light screen vortex spun.

A small ball popped out.

Xinghai University: Code Name 'Civilization' (Lin Zhou)

Galactic Royal Academy: Code Name 'Holy Radiance' (Michael St. Augustus)

"The third match! It's them again!" the host shouted. "Another showdown between 'Civilization' and 'Divine'! Map selection in progress... Selection complete: [Valley of Judgment]!"

A solemn and peculiar terrain appeared on the light screen: two rows of towering grey rock walls formed a wide canyon, with massive, ancient reliefs of scales and Law codes carved upon them. The canyon floor was flat as if meticulously groomed, and several giant crystals resembling eyes floated in the sky, emitting a faint, heart-palpitating aura of judgment. Map characteristics: The environment is filled with 'Order Resonance' (skill effects for the Lawful alignment +15%, skill consumption for the Chaotic alignment +20%), and there is a 'Scales of Justice' area (units entering this area will undergo a brief rule inspection with unknown results). The terrain is relatively simple, suitable for frontal legion confrontations and rule collisions.

This map seemed naturally suited for confrontations involving 'Rules' and 'Judgment'! It might provide a bonus to Michael's Divine Judgment rule, but it also provided an excellent 'stage' for the new 'Ritual and Law' rules Lin Zhou wanted to establish!

"Three matches in a row? This luck..." Wang Meng was stunned.

"No, this is exactly the opportunity," Lin Zhou took a deep breath, Battle Intent burning in his eyes. "On the battlefield most suited for 'Judgment' and 'Order,' we will use our 'Ritual and Law' to challenge his 'Divine'! Everyone, wait for me!"

He walked toward the teleportation light pillar again, his steps firm. Facing a powerful enemy like Michael in high-intensity combat repeatedly was a massive test for both Divine Power and spirit, but he had no way back.

Su Yueyao watched his back, her lips moving slightly, but in the end, she only sent a soft transmission: "Be careful. Moonlight can help stabilize your mind."

Lin Zhou paused slightly. He didn't look back but simply gave a slight nod before his figure vanished into the light.

[Valley of Judgment], the match begins!

The Divine Kingdoms of both sides unfolded at the ends of the canyon.

Michael's Angelic Divine Court descended for the third time. The Holy Light was as brilliant as ever, but upon close observation, one could see that the range of the Divine Rule Domain had shrunk by about a third compared to the previous match. However, the purity and intensity of the Holy Light within the Domain had significantly increased, like refined gold, emitting an even more suffocating sense of pressure. The Formation of the Angel Legion was also tighter, with two Archangels guarding the throne on either side, their eyes cold as iron. Clearly, Michael had learned from the previous match and adopted a strategy of 'concentrating the essence to enhance confrontation,' striving to avoid being permeated and diluted by rules like 'Nature' again.

"The same trick won't work twice," Michael's voice came through the Holy Light, carrying a cold killing intent. "In the Valley of Judgment, the Divine Judgment will be manifested most justly! Your jumbled thoughts will expose their internal contradictions and vanity under the absolute light of the Divine!"

Lin Zhou did not respond; he simply unfolded his Divine Kingdom with all his might. This time, within the river of civilization, the tributaries of Confucianism and Legalism were simultaneously activated, merged, and fused! Within the waves, scenes of Confucius teaching, Mencius debating, Xunzi encouraging learning, Shang Yang moving the pole, and Han Fei writing books emerged. A composite aura that emphasized both moral Enlightenment and legal rules began to spread. Within the Divine Kingdom, a special legion was mobilized to the front—this was the [Diplomatic Mission of Ritual and Law], composed of scholars from the Literary Heart Elves who specialized in Law and senior judges from the Law Fishmen, jointly commanded by the hero units Great Confucian Alvin (LV55) and Chief Justice Ao Qin (LV52, a newly promoted Law Murloc hero)! They wore special battle robes that combined the characteristics of Confucian robes and legal official attire, holding Law codes and rulers, with faint golden (Confucian) and cyan (Legalist) intertwined light swirling around them.

"Form the array, establish the rules!" Lin Zhou commanded via Divine Thought.

Alvin and Ao Qin took the Order and led the [Diplomatic Mission of Ritual and Law] to quickly take positions at the front of the Divine Kingdom, forming a massive Formation that embodied the imagery of 'square and circle' rules. The two stood at the eye of the Formation and chanted in unison, their voices amplified by the Formation to echo through the canyon:

"Heaven and earth have constants, the human world has principles! Ritual defines status, Law stops disputes!"

"Today, in this valley, I establish the rules of my Rites and Laws: All who harbor kind thoughts, act in accordance with benevolence and righteousness, fulfill their duties, and benefit all living beings—regardless of race or belief—shall be recognized as 'Good' in this realm and enjoy the honor of 'Saintly'!"

"Now that this rule is established, let all spirits bear witness! With the Fire of Civilization as my pledge and the wisdom of the Hundred Schools as my testimony!"

Following their proclamation, the Divine Power in Lin Zhou's Godhead poured out frantically. The power of the Confucian and Legalist branches within the river of civilization was extracted and combined with the 'Order Resonance' trait inherent to the Valley of Judgment. It transformed into an invisible yet incredibly heavy force of rule-making, like an invisible giant brush, beginning to forcibly write and engrave new terms onto the rule-base of this canyon!

This was neither an attack nor a defense, but legislation and definition at the level of rules! The goal was to establish a parallel 'Value Evaluation System' defined by Lin Zhou outside of Michael's Divine Rule Domain (or rather, penetrating its edges)!

"Arrogance! How dare you establish false rules and desecrate the Divine!" Michael roared in anger. He felt the arrogant attempt to build a new rule System, which was more direct and provocative than the 'Natural Infiltration' of the previous match! He immediately activated his Divine Rule Domain, which, like a moving Kingdom of Light, crushed toward Lin Zhou's Divine Kingdom. Simultaneously, he commanded: "Divine Judgment, lock onto those blasphemers who dare to establish Laws! Purify them!"

The brilliant Holy Light and the golden light of judgment flared up again, aimed directly at Alvin and Ao Qin, who were presiding over the Formation!

However, just as the golden light of Divine Judgment was about to be unleashed, and at the very moment Michael's Divine Rule Domain collided violently with the edge of the 'Domain of Rites and Laws' Lin Zhou was constructing—

A sudden change occurred!

The entire Valley of Judgment seemed to vibrate slightly! The reliefs of scales and Law codes on the canyon walls lit up with a faint glow simultaneously! The crystals in the sky, resembling Eyes of Judgment, also cast their light toward Lin Zhou's Divine Kingdom!

"Rule resonance detected... Attempt to construct a new rule System consistent with the core of 'Order', 'Regulation', and 'Justice' detected... Based on the inherent characteristics of the 'Valley of Judgment' and the basic rules of the Pantheon Arena... Limited recognition and empowerment are temporarily granted!" A grand, mechanical voice of rules echoed in the consciousness of all deities, as if emanating from the canyon itself!

This was the map's characteristics resonating with Lin Zhou's 'Rites and Laws'! On this land that already emphasized 'Order' and 'Judgment', Lin Zhou's System of 'Rites and Laws', based on real-world Order and moral ethics, actually gained the 'favor' of the environment!

In an instant, with the Formation where Alvin and Ao Qin were located as the core, the outline of a Domain of Rites and Laws—interwoven with pale gold and blue-black, carrying phantoms of solemn Law codes and benevolent Enlightenment—forcibly coalesced! Although its range was small, only covering a few hundred meters in front of Lin Zhou's Divine Kingdom, its rule strength became exceptionally stable due to the temporary empowerment from the map!

When the golden light of Michael's Divine Judgment shot into the edge of this newly formed Domain of Rites and Laws, it once again encountered powerful obstruction! Not only that, the new rule information contained within the Domain of Rites and Laws—'all who are good may be called saintly'—began to reverse-penetrate and erode the approaching Divine Rule Domain like a virus through the cracks of the rule collision!

Michael's expression changed. He felt his Divine Rule being challenged and redefined at its edges by another 'Rule of Order'! The opponent was using a different set of 'Good and Evil' and 'Saintly and Mundane' standards to override and confuse his own!

"Domain of Rites and Laws, Rule Override—those recognized as good in this realm may be called saintly!" Lin Zhou seized this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, frantically injecting his remaining Divine Power and civilization points to push the newly established rule forward like a tsunami, especially toward the Angel Warriors who were charging at the front and had already stepped into the range of the Domain of Rites and Laws!

The power of the new rule swept over these angels.

On some of the Angel Warriors (those of lower Rank, with relatively weak wills, or those who harbored subtle doubts about 'Absolute Divinity'), a very clear Huaxia character composed of pale gold light began to emerge inside the halos on their foreheads that symbolized their divine status—【 good】 (Good)!

This character for 'Good' was not carved, but was a rule mark naturally generated by the new rules based on these angels' past behaviors (such as protection, sacrifice, and obedience, which were viewed as 'good') and the 'identification' produced upon contact with the new rules! It did not replace the original divine brand but coexisted with it, as if announcing: This unit also meets the standard of 'Good' as defined by the Domain of Rites and Laws!

The moment the golden 'Good' character appeared, the divine light on these Angel Warriors showed obvious disorder and fluctuation! Their link with Michael's Divine Rule seemed to have a 'heterogeneous' node inserted, becoming no longer so pure and absolute! Their hostility and desire to attack Lin Zhou's dependents actually showed a brief but real decline! Some angels even stopped their charge, a look of confusion in their eyes, as if wondering: What is the relationship between the 'Divinity' they had always believed in and the 'Goodness' they now felt recognized by another set of rules?

"No!!! What are you doing?! That is the deception of a false god! Hold fast to the Divine!" Michael was both shocked and furious; he could feel his control over these angels weakening! Even more terrifying was that the golden 'Good' character was slowly absorbing and converting the power of the Divine Rule to maintain its own existence! This was practically 'undermining the Foundation' of his rules!

"Now is the time! All forces, assault!" How could Lin Zhou miss this perfect tactical opportunity while the Angel Legion was in chaos and internal rule-strife? He immediately commanded all available forces in his Divine Kingdom—the Behemoth Squad, the Tiangong Mechanics, the Literary Heart Elves, the Law Fishmen—as well as the Diplomatic Mission of Ritual and Law that had just performed a great service but was heavily exhausted, to launch a full-scale counterattack!

The target was directed straight at those Angel Warriors who were confused and had the golden 'Good' character on their foreheads! These units currently had greatly reduced defense and fighting will, making them the perfect Breakthrough point!

The battle situation underwent a decisive shift the moment the rules were successfully modified and some angels 'defected'! Lin Zhou's allied forces were like a hot knife through butter, quickly tearing through the Angel Legion's defensive lines and surging toward the core of Michael's Divine Kingdom!

Michael desperately mobilized his Divine Power, trying to dispel the golden 'Good' characters and stabilize his army, even resorting to using the Origin power of the Divine Throne for wide-range purification. But under the continuous interference of the Domain of Rites and Laws and the internal chaos, his efforts were half as effective for twice the work.

Forty minutes later.

One of Michael's core auxiliary buildings, the Divine Prayer Hall, was captured, and the rules of his Divine Kingdom showed severe instability.

"The third match is over! Winner: Xinghai University, 'Civilization' (Lin Zhou)!" the System judgment rang out.

2:1! Xinghai University has taken the lead and reached match point!

When Lin Zhou's figure reappeared on the platform, his face was even paler than before, and his body even swayed slightly; clearly, the continuous high-intensity rule confrontation had taken a massive toll. But in his eyes, the fire of victory was burning.

"Boss!" Wang Meng and the others excitedly surrounded him.

Su Yueyao stepped forward immediately, channeling a stream of pure Moonlight Divine Power into Lin Zhou's body to help him stabilize his Divine Soul. Her movements were natural and concerned, and deep in her cool eyes, there was profound emotion. For two consecutive matches, Lin Zhou had used two completely different ideological weapons to forcibly snatch two points from the overbearing Michael! This was not just a manifestation of strength, but a victory of wisdom and path.

"Establishing rules through Rites and Laws... the golden character for Good..." Qin Qing murmured to herself, her eyes sparkling with light, "Using our own rules to define good, evil, and divinity... This is the true battle of Order!"

Vice Dean Wang Zhenyue also showed an unprecedentedly excited expression. He patted Lin Zhou's shoulder hard (controlling his strength this time): "Good! Beautifully done! Two wins in a row! In the next match, as long as we stay steady, we can create history!"

On the Xinghai University platform, morale was high.

Meanwhile, the Galactic Royal Academy platform was deathly silent. Michael St. Augustus, this proud royal descendant and wielder of Divine Rules, had a face so dark it looked like it could drip water. Being defeated twice in a row on the rule level by the same person using different methods was an unprecedented disgrace for him, and a severe challenge to the path he held.

He looked up, his golden eyes piercing through the void to lock onto Lin Zhou. The killing intent and coldness in that gaze were almost tangible.

"The noise of civilization..." Michael whispered to himself, his voice audible only to him, "must be completely purified."

The finals had reached the most critical moment. Holding the match point, Xinghai University was only one step away from the ticket to the Ancient Battlefield. But everyone knew that the upcoming battle would surely be even more brutal.