355: Chapter 290: Team Special Training, the Hundred Schools Battle Formation Finally Takes Shape

The morning bell of Xinghai University echoed leisurely in the virtual starry sky, marking the beginning of a new day.

The Discussion Square of the Hundred Schools Palace was no longer the scene of yesterday's boisterous gathering; in its place was an orderly bustle and a sense of solemnity. Over two thousand academy members stood in neat ranks according to their respective halls and the preliminary groups assigned the previous day. The (simulated) morning light fell upon their moon-white robes, reflecting a solemn halo.

On the high platform stood Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, Qin Qing, Li Mo, and Zhao Hao side by side. After a night of rest and reorganization, everyone was full of energy with sharp gazes, having completely entered a state of battle readiness.

"First day of special training, the objective—" Lin Zhou's gaze swept across the field, his voice clear and powerful, "is to preliminarily master the core essentials of the 'Hundred Schools Battle Array' and complete the first collaborative drill of the five-person basic formation!"

The concept of the "Hundred Schools Battle Array" had already taken embryonic form when Lin Zhou fused the Hundred Schools of Thought and his Divine Kingdom first began to take shape. However, systematizing it, digitizing it, and promoting it to the level of team combat was the core task of this preparation. This was not merely a stacking of skills, but a resonance of thoughts and a unification of rules.

After yesterday's meeting, Li Mo's 'Tian Gong Institute' and Zhao Hao's 'Military Strategy Manor' had worked through the night to build a specialized 'Battle Array Martial Arts Arena' within the [Myriad Heavens Battlefield Simulation System] provided by the university. At this moment, the entrance light gate of the martial arts arena had opened on one side of the square, emitting a deep blue glow.

"Before this," Lin Zhou turned to the crowd below the stage, "we must clarify the foundation of the battle array. What is the 'Hundred Schools Battle Array'?"

With a slight thought, the space behind him rippled, and the phantom of the river of civilization flowed out, in which the waves representing the School of Confucianism, the School of Law, the School of Military, and the School of Mohism were particularly bright.

"It is not a simple matter of positioning and skill sequencing," Lin Zhou said slowly, his voice carrying a strange rhythm as if he were expounding on the Great Dao. "It uses thought as the link and rules as the framework to melt the power of different individuals into the collective power of civilization!"

"Confucianism is the Soul—it settles the mind's will, clarifies principles, and gathers morale. Within the battle array, one must hold 'Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, and Trust' in their heart, knowing why they fight. Only then can morale be like a rainbow and will be like iron, unaffected by external evils, with clear wisdom and the ability to adapt to changes without losing composure. When the soul is settled, the array will not disperse!"

In the river of civilization, the wave representing Confucianism rose, transforming into a faint white scholarly Qi that permeated the area, calming the mind and clearing the thoughts.

"The School of Law is the Bone—it establishes rules, enforces discipline, and strengthens Execution. In the operation of the battle array, Orders must be followed and prohibitions respected without the slightest error. Offensive and defensive transitions, each person performing their duties, allows for no confusion or selfishness. When the Law is strict, the array will not be chaotic, and power can be gathered at a single point!"

The wave of the School of Law transformed into pale gold legal runes, interlacing in the air into a rigorous grid, emitting an indisputable sense of Order.

"The School of Military is the Form—it performs transformations, masters the unorthodox and the orthodox, and excels at adaptation. A battle array is like water, having no constant shape. It achieves victory based on the enemy, sets ambushes based on the terrain, and changes according to the timing. It advances like a prairie fire, retreats like the concealment of a mountain forest, attacks like a thunderbolt, and defends like an immovable rock. When the form changes, the array becomes unpredictable, making it hard for the enemy to grasp!"

The wave of the School of Military surged, evolving into infinite phantom sand tables where mountains, rivers, terrain, and enemy-ally formations changed in an instant.

"The School of Mohism is the Tool—it specializes in craftsmanship, excels at creation, and solidifies the foundation. The utility of a battle array needs tools to be manifest. Protective armor, offensive Sharp Weapons, defensive fortifications, mechanical assistance, energy supply... all must strive for perfection and be capable of adapting to local conditions during battle, being created or modified on the fly. When the tools are sharp, the array is strong and keen, enduring without fail!"

In the wave of the School of Mohism, countless exquisite mechanical creations and forging flames emerged, displaying the powerful force of pragmatism and creation.

"With all four present, they complement each other; none can be missing," Lin Zhou summarized. "Soul, Bone, Form, and Tool together constitute the 'Spirit', 'Body', 'Utility', and 'Foundation' of the battle array. Next, everyone will receive the 'Hundred Schools Battle Array: Basic Resonance Guidance Technique' and 'Preliminary Explanation of Five-Person Basic Formation Positioning and Responsibilities' jointly formulated by the Tian Gong Institute and the Military Strategy Manor via your personal terminals."

As soon as he finished speaking, the personal terminals of everyone present lit up simultaneously. A massive stream of information, including text, graphics, dynamic demonstrations, and energy operation route maps, flooded into their minds. These were preliminary practical plans deduced by Li Mo and the others based on the core concepts proposed by Lin Zhou, combined with a large number of data models.

"I will give you one hour to understand, memorize, and preliminarily attempt to simulate the operation in your Divine Sense. After that, enter the 'Battle Array Martial Arts Arena' according to your groups for real-world collaborative testing!" Lin Zhou ordered.

The square fell silent instantly, leaving only the subtle mental fluctuations of everyone closing their eyes to concentrate and digest the information. With over two thousand people entering a state of deep learning simultaneously, the scene was truly magnificent.

Lin Zhou and the others were no exception; as the core, they needed to understand and optimize this System even more deeply.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye.

"Time's up!" Zhao Hao shouted, his voice like a great bell, waking everyone from their immersed state. "Reserve Squads one through ten, follow me into Martial Arts Arena Number One! The rest of you, continue to observe and learn while waiting for your rotation!"

The ten squads called upon (five people per squad), totaling fifty people, immediately stepped forward. With expressions of tension and excitement, they followed Zhao Hao through that blue light gate.

Inside the martial arts arena was a vast and boundless pure white space, the floor paved with specialized energy-sensing Materials. The space could simulate any environment or enemy as needed. At this moment, to test basic coordination, the environment was set to a simple plain.

Li Mo's voice rang out through the arena's broadcast System: "All squads pay attention. First, we will conduct the 'Basic Resonance' test. Following the Guidance Technique, attempt to establish a shallow-level link of thought and Divine Power with your teammates. There's no need to pursue strength; the focus is on stability and synchronization rate. The System will display the average synchronization rate for each squad in real-time."

The fifty people quickly spread out, gathering in their squad units. They closed their eyes and concentrated, attempting to operate the 'Basic Resonance Guidance Technique.' Gradually, faint lights of various colors (representing individual Divine Power attributes) began to emanate from each squad member, attempting to converge and harmonize at the center.

Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, and the others, as well as the academy members observing through the light screen outside, could all see the real-time data:

[Squad One, Average Synchronization Rate: 12%... 15%... Violent fluctuations...]

[Squad Two, Average Synchronization Rate: 8%... 11%... 10%... Unstable...]

...

[Squad Ten, Average Synchronization Rate: 5%... 7%... Connection failed...]

It was a painful sight.

Most squads couldn't even achieve the most basic stable resonance. Problems like Divine Power conflicts, distracting thoughts, and inconsistent rhythms were everywhere. Several team members even turned pale due to the Divine Power backlash from forcing the link.

"Stop!" Zhao Hao frowned. "Resonance isn't about brute force! Feel your teammates' presence and understand the essence of 'seeking common ground while preserving differences' in the Guidance Technique! Where is your Confucian thought? 'Harmony without uniformity'! Where is the discipline of the School of Law? Execution! Did you throw it all to the dogs? Again!"

Outside the field, many academy members looked troubled, realizing that this battle array was far from as simple as they had imagined.

Lin Zhou, however, was not surprised. Unifying thoughts and coordinating power were inherently the most difficult tasks. He looked at Su Yueyao and Qin Qing beside him: "Yue Yao, Qin Qing, Li Mo, Zhao Hao—the five of us will also form a team to give a demonstration."

The five nodded to each other and stepped into an open area in the field.

Without needing to say much, the five stood in a pentagon that seemed loose but contained hidden mysteries. Lin Zhou was in the center slightly forward, Su Yueyao and Qin Qing were on the left and right flanks, and Li Mo and Zhao Hao were at the two rear corners.

"Begin," Lin Zhou said softly.

The five operated the Guidance Technique simultaneously, but unlike the awkwardness and struggle of the other squads—

Lin Zhou took the lead, the phantom of the river of civilization rippling slightly behind him. A gentle and inclusive civilized glow spread out, actively guiding and harmonizing the different attributes of Divine Power and will coming from four different directions.

Under the inclusion of this civilized glow, Su Yueyao's cold moonlight was no longer aloof. Instead, it was like moonlight falling on a clear spring, softly merging and bringing a rhythm of clarity and purification.

When Qin Qing's solemn golden light of Law encountered the civilized glow, it was as if a legal code had found its most just interpreter. It became stable and full of authority, turning into an invisible constraint and supporting framework.

Under the "understanding" and "acceptance" of the civilized glow, Li Mo's agile and ever-changing Mohist/Mechanical hybrid Divine Power (appearing as a pale blue data stream) became orderly, turning into the most precise "parts" supply and logical support in the battle array's operation.

Under the "education" and "guidance" of the civilized glow, Zhao Hao's blazing and explosive Dragon Divine Power (dark red) lost some of its madness and gained a bit of controllable majesty. Like a tamed prehistoric beast, it became the sharpest of fangs.

Under the overall coordination of Lin Zhou's Way of Civilization, the five distinct types of power did not merge by force. Instead, like five-colored silk threads, they were woven by a pair of clever hands into a harmonious painting! They were independent of each other, yet closely connected and complementary!

[Demonstration Team (Lin Zhou's Squad), Average Synchronization Rate: 45%... 60%... 75%... 89%!]

[Warning: High concentration of rule coordination detected! Preliminarily judged as a 'Thought Resonance' phenomenon!]

[Battle Array Basic Effect Trigger Estimate: All attributes increased by approximately 15%-20%, skill linkage efficiency increased by approximately 25%-30%.]

The data jumping onto the light screen left the entire field in dead silence!

An 89% synchronization rate! And those triggered basic battle array effects! And this was just a preliminary, shallow-level resonance!

Lin Zhou felt the power flowing within him, faintly connected to the other four yet as easy to use as his own limbs, and he understood. This verified his hypothesis: the core of the Hundred Schools Battle Array lay in the recognition of "thought" and the inclusion of the "path." As the wielder of Way of Civilization, he was naturally the best array core and harmonizer.

"Do you see?" Lin Zhou withdrew his power, and the strange phenomena on the five people slowly subsided. "It is not about forcing uniformity, but about seeking common ground while preserving differences, with each showing their strengths. Under the guidance of a common 'Dao' (principles of civilization), we achieve a harmonious resonance. The 'Harmony' of Confucianism and the 'Order' of the School of Law—this is exactly what they mean. Now, each squad continue practicing, focusing on experiencing the combination of 'seeking common ground while preserving differences' and 'Execution'!"

With a demonstration as a guide, the remaining nine teams (the first team having temporarily withdrawn due to severe backlash) seemed to find their direction. Though still stumbling during their next attempts, their synchronization rates began a slow but steady climb, laboriously rising from single digits to the teens and twenties.

The first day of special training was spent in this tedious yet vital "Basic Resonance" practice. People constantly withdrew to rest due to excessive mental exhaustion or Divine Power conflicts, but new teams immediately stepped up to fill the gaps. The entire Hundred Schools Palace was permeated with an atmosphere of devoted research and overcoming formidable challenges.

Night, the core meeting room of the Academy.

Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, Qin Qing, Li Mo, and Zhao Hao gathered once more, with today's training data displayed before them via holographic projection.

"Synchronization rates are generally low and extremely unstable." Qin Qing pointed at the charts. "Most people's understanding of 'Ideological Resonance' remains literal. Individualism, conflicting power attributes, and a lack of trust are the three main causes."

"The Guidance Techniques need optimization." Li Mo pushed up his glasses, data streams flickering in his eyes. "Specifically for members with different Divine Power attributes and personality traits, there should be different guidance focuses and connection threshold settings. I've already had the AI at the Tian Gong Institute begin the analysis."

"Actual combat coordination is a complete blank." Zhao Hao scratched his head. "What's the use of just standing there resonating? We need to move, we need simulated combat!"

Su Yueyao added, "I've reviewed some members' psychological evaluations and background profiles. Building trust takes time and shared experiences. Perhaps we can arrange some low-risk team missions that require close collaboration."

Lin Zhou listened quietly, his finger tapping lightly on the table. After a moment, he spoke: "Li Mo, speed up the Guidance Technique optimization; I want to see version 1.5 within three days. Zhao Hao, starting tomorrow afternoon, conduct the simplest five-person formation movement, turning, and offense-defense transition drills under low synchronization conditions. Don't aim for finesse yet; just aim for 'not being messy.' Qin Qing, develop a trust-building and team-forging plan to integrate into daily training. Yue Yao, continue monitoring external intelligence while keeping an eye out for talents within the society who are particularly skilled at 'mediation' or 'leadership.'"

He paused, a flash of determination in his eyes. "As for the five of us, we need to push the battle formation into actual combat as soon as possible. Starting tomorrow, we will set aside two hours every day to enter the Advanced Simulation Battlefield for high-intensity combat drills. We must find a replicable, efficiently formed path for the Hundred Schools Battle Array for the entire society!"

Everyone responded with solemn compliance.

In the following days, the Hundred Schools Palace entered a high-speed rhythm of special training.

During the day, five-person teams could be seen everywhere in the plaza and various training rooms, either resonating with closed eyes or clumsily practicing basic formation changes, accompanied by Zhao Hao's occasional roars and the optimization patches continuously issued by Li Mo's team.

At night, Lin Zhou's group of five entered the fully immersive Advanced Simulation Battlefield. Facing various System-generated enemies of increasing intensity—from LV350 elite squads to LV450 gatekeeper bosses—they continuously honed, adjusted, and deepened the "Hundred Schools Battle Array" belonging to the five of them through life-and-death struggles.

Lin Zhou's Team Battle Formation Honing Progress (Example):

Day 3: Initially formed the combat formation "Civilization Spearhead" (Lin Zhou as the tip, Su and Qin guarding the wings, Li and Zhao as the base). Able to maintain 70% synchronization while moving, successfully defeating an LV380 mechanical patrol. Formation effects: All attributes +22%, skill linkage +35%.

Day 7: Comprehended the preliminary "Ideological Resonance Skill"—[Civilization Glow · Morale] (Confucianism + Legalism): Lin Zhou and Qin Qing linked up to release a wide-range morale boost and rule-stabilization aura, resisting a powerful mental shockwave.

Day 15: Formation can perform basic transitions (Spearhead to Circular, then to Goose-wing). Synchronization rate stabilized above 80%. Facing an LV420 Undead Lich Lord, successfully executed "Mohist Tool · Evil-Breaking Repeating Crossbow" (Li Mo provided the tech, Zhao Hao executed, Su Yueyao added purification, Qin Qing defined the rules, and Lin Zhou coordinated) to severely wound it.

Day 30: The Hundred Schools Battle Array (Five-Person Basic Version) was declared initially complete!

On this day, in an asteroid belt of the simulated battlefield, Lin Zhou's team encountered a System-simulated "Starry Sky Marauder" mixed fleet with an overall rating of LV460 (including warships, mechs, and espers).

Without any hesitation, the five of them instantly deployed their formation.

Lin Zhou commanded from the center, the phantom of the river of civilization enveloping the team, anchoring the entire formation with his soul.

Su Yueyao's moonlight spread like gauze, covering all directions, purifying abnormalities, and providing precise long-range snipes and early warnings.

Qin Qing's Net of Law spread invisibly, defining battlefield rules, reinforcing their own defenses, and weakening key enemy units.

Several temporarily deployed miniature rune turrets and repair drones appeared behind Li Mo, providing fire support and battlefield engineering assistance.

Zhao Hao transformed into his half-dragon form, carrying the surging power enhanced by the battle formation. As the sharpest spearhead, he charged directly into the core of the enemy ranks!

The entire combat process was as smooth as flowing water, with the five of them coordinating flawlessly and transitions between offense and defense occurring naturally. The Soul of Confucianism gave them clear goals and firm will; the Bone of Legalism ensured strict discipline and a tight formation; the Form of the Military made their tactics flexible and adaptable; and the Tools of Mohism provided ample firepower and solid support.

When the final marauder flagship turned into fragments under the washing of the river of civilization and the combined strike of Zhao Hao's Dragon Breath, the System notification sounded:

[Battle Ended. Rating: SS (Perfect Synergy).]

[Hundred Schools Battle Array (Five-Person Basic Version) data solidification complete!]

Core Effects:

All-Attribute Increase: +25% to +30% (fluctuates based on synchronization and the strength of the formation core).

Skill Linkage Effect Improvement: +45% to +50% (greatly enhances the power of combined strikes and the success rate of special effects).

Rule Resistance Increase: Resistance to chaos, mental control, Domain suppression, and other effects increased by 30%.

Energy Sharing and Recovery: Energy sharing within a small range, Qi/Stamina recovery speed +20%.

Special Effects (Developable based on the formation core and member traits):

[Civilization Glow]: Area-of-effect morale, Comprehension Ability, and rule stability buffs.

[Legal Territory]: Temporarily strengthens friendly rules while weakening specific enemy rule effects.

[Tian Gong Creation]: Rapid construction of temporary defensive fortifications or special offensive machinery.

[Point of the Spear]: Significantly increases the power and armor-piercing capability of the next focused fire attack.

Formations: Four solidified types—Spearhead, Square, Goose-wing, and Wedge—capable of seamless transition.

Synergy Requirement: High. Requires long-term joint training and Ideological Resonance.

Looking at this weighty data report and the exhilarating experience during combat, even Lin Zhou couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. After a month of effort and pouring his heart into it, this battle formation exclusive to The Way of the Hundred Schools had finally turned from a concept into reality!

"It's done!" Zhao Hao reverted to human form and laughed heartily, slapping Li Mo's shoulder (making the latter stumble). "Old Li, those rune turrets you guys made are really something! Combined with Old Qin's rule definitions, one shot and that cruiser's shield was like paper!"

Li Mo straightened his glasses and wore a rare, excited smile. "It's because everyone's resonance was on point, reducing energy transmission loss to a minimum so the rune efficiency could be this high. Plus, Senior Sister Su's moonlight purification effectively eliminated enemy energy interference."

The corners of Su Yueyao's mouth curled slightly, her cool eyes holding a hint of warmth. Qin Qing nodded steadily, the Law sword in her hand humming softly as if also rejoicing at the formation's completion.

Lin Zhou felt the battle formation power still faintly connected and slowly calming within him, his heart full of confidence. This was only the five-person basic version; in the future, it could be expanded to seven, ten, or even larger legion-scale formations! Moreover, as members deepened their understanding of the Hundred Schools of Thought, the battle formation's effects would inevitably have massive room for growth.

"Compile this data report and training insights into 'Hundred Schools Battle Array: Five-Person Basic Chapter (Version 1.0)' and distribute it to all preparatory teams as the training outline for the next stage," Lin Zhou instructed Li Mo. "At the same time, begin developing preliminary models for seven and ten-person formation changes."

"Understood!" Li Mo was full of drive.

Walking out of the martial arena and into the Academy plaza, the simulated sunset's afterglow painted the entire complex in gold and red. On the plaza, many teams were still training hard. Though their progress varied, their focus and persistence were worlds apart from a month ago.

Seeing the five of them emerge, especially sensing the lingering, unified, and awe-inspiring Battle Intent emanating from them, many members stopped their actions and cast looks of reverence and expectation.

Lin Zhou stood at the edge of the high platform, looking down at his classmates whose robes were soaked in sweat but whose eyes were bright, and spoke loudly:

"Everyone, the foundation of the Hundred Schools Battle Array is complete!"

"This is not the achievement of one person, but the fruit of us following Way of Civilization together and honing ourselves with one heart!"

"The road ahead is still difficult, but the foundation is solid! I hope you all will hold this formation, forge this heart, and advance hand in hand!"

"When the day comes on the Universe's stage, the light of our Hundred Schools Battle Array will surely make the stars pale in comparison!"

"Victory is certain!!" Below the stage, mountain-shaking cheers rang out through the Academy once more, piercing the clouds!

This time, the shouting was less frenzied and held much more unshakable determination and conviction!

The team's special training had finally taken its most solid step. The Hundred Schools Battle Array, this Sharp Weapon forged from thought and power, had already been unsheathed, revealing its initial edge!