352: Chapter 287: His Fame Spreads Far and Wide, No One Dares to Provoke the Rising Star of the Star Sea

Xinghai University, Virtual Universe Network, Milky Way Youth Deity Exchange Forum.

A post with some blurry combat footage (recorded by other bystanders at risk from a distance, the image shaky and incomplete, but the key information was shocking enough) and detailed text descriptions was like a meteorite thrown into a calm lake, instantly detonating the entire forum and spreading to the broader information network at an alarming speed!

Title: [Ancient Battlefield Shock! Lin Zhou of Xinghai University, at the Third Star Domain transit station ‘Shadow Corridor’, faced three enemies alone, killed the Shadow Snake organization’s Mid-Tier Divine Power assassin ‘Youying’ in three strikes, heavily injured the Milky Way Imperial branch member Allen Starlight and the War God Academy remnant ‘Rock Fiend’, and retreated unscathed!]

The content briefly described the entire process of Lin Zhou's squad being intercepted by three forces after teleporting out of the Ancient Battlefield and their counter-kill from a desperate situation in the ‘Shadow Corridor.’ It focused on the materialized river of civilization, the inconceivable rule suppression and Domain coverage, and finally, the fleeting appearance of the God King Phantom that made the Mid-Tier Divine Power assassin fall instantly!

Although the footage was blurry and the sound noisy, the brilliant river of civilization spanning the battlefield, the majestic power of rules that dimmed the starlight and solidified lava, and the silhouette of the God King whose mere phantom made one's Soul tremble, were all like the sharpest engraving knives, deeply etched into the minds of every viewer!

The replies below the post exceeded 100,000 within just a few minutes and were still refreshing at a terrifying speed!

"Holy crap! Is this for real?! Lin Zhou? That new generation from Star Sea who won the Academy League MVP? He can take down a Mid-Tier Divine Power now? And a Shadow Snake ace at that?!"

"The river of civilization manifesting as a physical entity... is this something a Lesser Divinity can do? My uncle, a Mid-Tier Divine Power in our Family, doesn't even have this ability!"

"God King Phantom! Although it's blurry, that aura can't be faked! He definitely touched upon God King-level power or Legacy! No wonder his strength skyrocketed!"

"I know Allen Starlight; he's a standout among the younger generation of the Imperial branch, said to have hopes of reaching the main line. He was actually heavily injured and couldn't even fight back?"

"Rock Fiend is a veteran powerhouse of the War God Academy, at the Peak of Lesser Divinity, with a fierce reputation for his Molten God Domain. He was actually suppressed by the environment and besieged by traps until he was heavily injured and near death..."

"‘Youying’ of the Shadow Snake! That's a ruthless person who has completed seven successful assassinations of Mid-Tier Divine Powers! Just gone like that? In one strike?!"

"Xinghai University is going Heaven-Defying! How many veteran powerhouses can one Lin Zhou match?"

"civilization warlord... I've heard this nickname before. Looking at it now, it's well-deserved! This isn't just a Warlord; this is clearly a War God seed!"

"Look! The military account forwarded it! And liked it!"

"Not just the military! The Universe Civilization Research Institute, the Milky Way Council Youth Committee... many official and major power accounts are following it!"

"Latest news! Allen Starlight was urgently recalled by the Imperial Family, supposedly to reflect in isolation! The small force Rock Fiend belongs to publicly declared that his actions were personal and unrelated to the organization! There's no movement from Shadow Snake yet, but for such an organization to suffer such a big loss..."

"Where is Lin Zhou now? Does anyone know?"

Boiling! The entire forum, and even the entire circle of forces in the Milky Way Galaxy following the younger generation, completely boiled over because of this battle!

Lin Zhou's name smashed into the center of attention of all forces with an unprecedentedly powerful posture. The words ‘civilization warlord’ were no longer a playful nickname within Xinghai University, but became a formal title that resounded throughout the younger generation of the Milky Way Galaxy, even drawing side glances from many veteran powerhouses!

Many forces that originally didn't care much about Xinghai University, the Hundred Schools Society, or Lin Zhou himself began to urgently retrieve all data about him to re-evaluate his potential and threat. Those forces that were already following or had interacted with Lin Zhou (whether friendly or hostile) reacted even more violently.

Summary of preliminary reactions from various forces (based on forum intelligence and leaks from some internal channels):

Xinghai University Officials: An emergency meeting of the highest management; the President personally ordered Lin Zhou's security level to be raised to the highest (equivalent to a Vice President), and resource allocation permissions were opened up significantly. The Hundred Schools Society was officially confirmed as a university-level key support club, enjoying an independent base, special funds, and priority for certain Secret Realm explorations.

Milky Way Empire Imperial Family (Central): Ambiguous attitude. On one hand, they expressed dissatisfaction with Allen Starlight's foolish behavior (acting without authorization and kicking a steel plate) and punished him; on the other hand, some high-level officials developed a strong interest in the ‘Civilization’ power Lin Zhou displayed, and there is internal debate over whether to contact and recruit him.

War God Academy (Remnants and Allies): Mournful, publicly cutting ties with Rock Fiend. Privately, their fear and resentment toward Lin Zhou reached a Peak, but they are currently unable to organize effective retaliation in the short term.

Shadow Snake Organization: Silent. But there are rumors in the dark world that they have raised the bounty on Lin Zhou to an astronomical figure and marked him as a ‘High-Risk Priority Elimination Target,’ while adding a note: ‘Unless a God King or multiple powerful Divine Powers are involved in the kill, taking the contract is not recommended.’

Other top academies (such as Honghuang Academy, Eternal Divine Court, etc.): Highly valuing him, placing Lin Zhou at the top of the ‘Most Wary Opponents in this Year's Cosmic Academy Hegemony Tournament’ list, and starting targeted research on the weaknesses and countermeasures of ‘Way of Civilization.’

Human Race Military: The most positive and active reaction. Several high-ranking military generals publicly or semi-publicly expressed their appreciation for Lin Zhou.

Universe Civilization Research Institute: Several titan-level academicians specializing in ancient and diverse civilizations jointly issued an invitation, hoping to have an ‘academic exchange’ with Lin Zhou.

Various Families, conglomerates, and small-to-medium divine Systems in the Milky Way Galaxy: Differing attitudes, but generally listing Lin Zhou as a target ‘not to be easily antagonized’ and ‘possessing great potential that needs to be befriended or watched warily.’

Third Star Domain transit station, Xinghai University exclusive safe house.

This is a fortress-like building located in the core area of the space station, with an independent life support System, high-intensity energy barriers, and an emergency teleportation array directly connected to the university headquarters. The safe house was fully equipped and comfortable, but at this moment, it was filled with the stillness after a great battle and a faint sadness.

The remaining twenty-odd members of Lin Zhou's squad finally got a thorough rest. The most severely injured members had been sent to medical pods for deep repair. The others, after taking special potions provided by the academy, were recovering in quiet rooms.

Lin Zhou himself sat in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the main hall of the safe house, looking out at the busy spaceport and the vast river of stars. He held a cup of Spirit-Soothing Tea, prepared by the safe house's intelligent butler to help stabilize the Godhead, and gazed calmly into the distance.

Su Yueyao and Qin Qing sat opposite him, also silent. Su Yueyao toyed with a crystal flowing with moonlight, while Qin Qing lightly wiped the Law longsword in her hand, the blade reflecting her cold face.

The atmosphere in the hall was somewhat heavy. Despite achieving a brilliant victory and gaining incredible improvements, the loss of Wang Meng, Zhou Yan, and dozens of other team members who remained in the Ancient Battlefield forever was an indelible pain.

"Their families... the academy and the military will provide compensation." Qin Qing broke the silence, her voice a bit dry. "Wang Meng was of the Wang Family's main line, and Zhou Yan's Family also has Foundations in the military. Their sacrifice... their Families will be proud of them." Even so, a flash of pain crossed her eyes. Comrades-in-arms who fought side-by-side, separated by life and death in an instant—this feeling was not something a few simple words of comfort could soothe.

Su Yueyao sighed softly, her moonlight-like eyes looking at Lin Zhou: "What... are your plans next? This matter has become too big; I'm afraid you're already at the center of the storm. There will only be more overt and covert attacks."

Lin Zhou took a sip of the Spirit-Soothing Tea, the warm liquid sliding down his throat with a strange, peaceful power. He set down the cup, his eyes becoming firm and deep.

"Since the waves have risen, there is no avoiding them; one can only ride the wind and waves," he said slowly. "A portion of the debt for Wang Meng and Zhou Yan's deaths has been settled, but the root cause has not been removed. The War God Academy, Shadow Snake, and those greedy eyes hiding in the shadows... they won't give up just because of one failure. And we also need to become stronger."

He looked at Su Yueyao and Qin Qing: "In this trip to the Ancient Battlefield, we lost a lot, but what we gained are the keys and cornerstones to a higher level. I need time to digest what I've gained, further integrate the power of my Divine Kingdom, and deepen my understanding of Way of Civilization. As for the society, we need to take advantage of the momentum to recruit true talents and expand our influence."

"As for the covetousness and hostility from the outside world..." A cold arc curved at the corner of Lin Zhou's mouth. "Then let them come. It's the perfect opportunity to use them to temper my Dao and validate my path. It seems the effect of killing the chicken to warn the monkey was quite good."

These words were not arrogant. Through the high-level information receiving terminal built into the safe house, he had already seen the explosive fermentation of public opinion outside, as well as the wary, shocked, and reassessing attitudes of various factions. That battle had established his prestige and served as a deterrent! At least in the short term, without sufficient certainty and the drive of massive interests, no faction would dare to easily make a move against him.

Qin Qing nodded, her fighting spirit reignited. "As for the society, I will work with the remaining core members to reorganize as soon as possible, learning from the lessons of this battlefield and adjusting our training and mission modes. Now that your security level has increased, the resources the society can mobilize will also be greater."

Su Yueyao also said softly, "The Yuehua lineage has some advantages in intelligence and purification. Perhaps... we can strengthen our cooperation." She didn't say it explicitly, but her meaning was clear: the Su Family, or rather she personally, would stand more firmly by Lin Zhou's side.

Lin Zhou felt a slight warmth in his heart and was about to say something.

Just then, the safe house's main control AI issued a soft prompt: "Detected an encrypted faster-than-light communication request from the 'Human Race Interstellar Expeditionary Force General Staff Headquarters.' Permission level: General. Accompanied by a physical transmission coordinate lock. Do you wish to receive it?"

The military? General Staff Headquarters? General-level communication?

The three of them looked at each other, seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. The military's reaction was this fast?

"Receive it," Lin Zhou said in a deep voice.

In the center of the main hall, a soft but stable holographic projection beam descended. Within the beam, the phantom of a middle-aged man appeared, dressed in a crisp military uniform with three stars on his epaulets (General), with a resolute face and eyes as sharp as a hawk's. Even as a mere projection, he naturally exuded an aura of a battle-hardened veteran, cold and murderous. His divinity fluctuations were subtle yet as vast as the sea—at least an existence at the level of a high-tier divine power!

"Colonel Lin Zhou," the middle-aged General spoke, his voice steady and powerful, carrying an unquestionable authority, yet his tone was quite peaceful, even holding a hint of admiration. "I am the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Expeditionary Force General Staff Headquarters, Yang Zhenjiang."

"General Yang." Lin Zhou stood up and saluted neither humbly nor arrogantly. Su Yueyao and Qin Qing also stood up solemnly.

"No need for formalities." Yang Zhenjiang's phantom waved a hand, his gaze sweeping over Lin Zhou like something physical, as if trying to see through him. "The Staff Headquarters is already aware of your performance in the Ancient Battlefield, especially the counterattack at the transfer station. As a Lesser Divinity, you killed a Mid-Tier Divine Power Shadow Snake assassin across Ranks, heavily dealt with the royal playboy and the remnants of the War God Academy, showcasing the prestige of our military academy students and strengthening the momentum of the Human Race's younger generation. Well done!"

He was not stingy with his words of praise.

"The General overpraises me. It was just Luck, and an opportunity bought with the lives of my companions," Lin Zhou responded calmly.

The admiration in Yang Zhenjiang's eyes grew stronger. "Neither arrogant nor impetuous, and not forgetting your comrades. Very good." He changed the subject. "This incident has a significant impact. The Royal Family has its own rules for handling matters. Shadow Snake are just rats in the gutter, nothing to fear, but you must be wary of their secret retaliation. As for the lingering resentment of the War God Academy, the military and academy higher-ups will deal with them."

He paused, his tone becoming more solemn. "In view of your outstanding contributions in the Ancient Battlefield (exploration, discovery of civilization legacies, and acquisition of key information) as well as the formidable strength and potential you have displayed, after deliberation by the General Staff Headquarters and approval by the Marshal, you are hereby officially awarded the—[Special Class War Merit Medal]!"

As his voice fell, the space in front of Lin Zhou rippled, and a palm-sized, ancient and heavy-looking metal box appeared. It was dark gold, with a relief of a galaxy and a sword crossed on the front, surrounded by olive branches and gears (symbolizing military force amidst peace and development).

The box opened automatically, revealing a medal lying quietly on a black velvet cushion inside.

The medal was star-shaped, its main body a deep dark gold. In the center was a miniature nebula gemstone that seemed to rotate slowly, emitting a soft and mysterious luster. The edges of the medal were inscribed with fine, shimmering runes—the Human Race's highest level of merit certification and protection arrays.

[Special Class War Merit Medal (Unique Binding · Lin Zhou)]

Quality: Mythical (Gold) · Special Honor/Functional Item

Granting Authority： Terran Interstellar Expeditionary Force General Staff

Reason for Award: For obtaining key civilization Legacy information in the Ancient Battlefield and demonstrating exceptional combat power and the character of the Human Race.

Effects:

Identity Symbol: Within the territory of the Human Race, the wearer enjoys certain ceremonial and access privileges (non-command) equivalent to a Brigadier General (temporary). They can access parts of the military's non-top-secret databases and apply for a certain level of escort or resource support (subject to review).

Luck Augmentation: Slightly increases the wearer's Luck attribute, making it easier to obtain positive feedback and opportunities in Human Race-related matters.

Military Protection: Automatically records attacker information and reports it to the military. Malicious attacks on the wearer will be regarded as a provocation to the military's honor, potentially leading to military investigation and accountability.

Merit Exchange: Contains 10,000 Special Class Merit Points (non-tradable), which can be exchanged for corresponding resources within the military System (including but not limited to rare cards, divinity crystals, Advanced Secret Realm access, technological blueprints, guidance from the strong, etc.).

Growth Resonance: The medal will slightly absorb the wearer's dissipated beliefs and Luck of kingship, justice, and protection, slowly nurturing itself. There is a very low probability of an unknown positive transformation as the wearer grows.

Remarks: One of the highest-level honor medals of the Human Race military. The conditions for awarding it are extremely strict, granted only to those who have achieved world-shaking merits or displayed Heaven-Defying potential. In the last hundred years, the number of times it has been awarded to the younger generation can be counted on one hand.

Looking at this medal and its description, even with Lin Zhou's Heart-Nature, he couldn't help but be moved. This was not just an honor, but real privileges, resources, and a layer of protection from the military's top brass! Its value, in some sense, was not even inferior to an ordinary Mythical-grade piece of equipment!

Su Yueyao and Qin Qing also showed expressions of shock. Coming from extraordinary backgrounds, they naturally knew the weight of this medal!

"Thank you, General, and thank you to the military for your favor!" Lin Zhou solemnly took the medal box and pinned it to his chest. The moment the medal touched his body, it automatically attached itself, adjusting to the most suitable position, and emitted a gentle wave of energy, creating a subtle resonance with his own Divine Power and Fire of Civilization.

Yang Zhenjiang nodded, a very faint smile appearing on his serious face. "This is what you deserve. Use it well. The military looks forward to you winning more glory for the Human Race in the future 'All-Universe Academy Championship' and on broader battlefields."

His gaze swept over Su Yueyao and Qin Qing. "Little Yue Yao of the Su Family, and the Qin girl, you two are also not bad. Assist Lin Zhou well; the future belongs to you young people."

"Yes, General!" Su Yueyao and Qin Qing responded solemnly.

"The communication ends here. Lin Zhou, rest well. See you at the competition." After Yang Zhenjiang's phantom finished speaking, it slowly dissipated.

The holographic projection turned off, and silence returned to the main hall, leaving only the [Special Class War Merit Medal] on Lin Zhou's chest, emitting a faint, reassuring, and mysterious luster.

"Special Class War Merit..." Qin Qing looked at the medal with a complex gaze. "The military really went all out to win you over this time."

"It's recognition, and also an investment," Su Yueyao saw through it more clearly. "Your potential and the 'Way of Civilization' you walk might be one of the future directions that the military, and even the Human Race's top brass, value."

Lin Zhou stroked the medal on his chest, feeling the heavy recognition and expectation within it, and slowly exhaled.

He knew that from this moment on, he was no longer just an exceptionally talented academy Genius, but had truly entered the field of vision of the Human Race's top-tier powers, carrying more expectations and responsibilities.

A far-reaching reputation is a halo, but also a shackle.

Being someone no one dares to provoke is a deterrent, but it also means even greater challenges are coming.

But he was fearless.

Way of Civilization should be all-encompassing, yet also hack through thorns and brambles.

His gaze turned once again to the endless galaxy outside the window, his eyes clear and firm.

"Rest for a day. Then, we go back to the academy."

"The era belonging to the 'civilization warlord' and the Hundred Schools Society has only just begun."