368: Chapter 303: Encountering the Primordial World, Innate Spiritual Energy Displays Miraculous Power

The days of silent development are always short-lived.

Ever since Lin Zhou and the others entered the "Second-Level Combat Readiness" state, the Floating Archipelago had been like a precise and low-profile machine, operating efficiently in a balance of repair and vigilance. The repair project led by Li Mo was fully completed, and the defense System was even more perfect and solid than before the War, with targeted reinforcements added to defend against rule-level raids and infiltration.

At the same time, according to the "Silent Development Phase Two" plan, several elite mixed exploration teams, led by experienced hero units, quietly left the island, probing deeper into the Stardust Mist Sea like tentacles. Their goals were clear: to find resource points that had not been marked by the main forces, were of moderate value, and had relatively weak defenses, or to find isolated opponents of similar strength, performing "meticulous cultivation" style point accumulation and combat training.

Seven days passed (external time), and the results were remarkable. Three small "Spirit Marrow Veins," one valley rich in "Serenity Crystal Flowers," and even a miniature ruin containing traces of ancient Alchemy were successfully explored and marked, bringing a steady supply of resources and a small number of points (totaling about 450 points) to the base. During this period, they encountered two wandering teams of average strength and defeated them at a small cost, further accumulating combat experience and points (an increase of about 200 points).

Xinghai University's points steadily rose to 3685.8, and their ranking quietly climbed from 98th to 92nd. This rate of ascent was not particularly conspicuous in today's fiercely competitive top hundred zone, but it was enough to prove that they were not a flash in the pan, but were growing steadily and consistently.

On this day, the fourth exploration team, led by the new hero unit [Gale Blademaster · Qingye (LV57, converted Wenxin Elf Sword Cultivator)], sent back an unusual piece of information.

"Captain, we have discovered a medium-sized resource point in the 'Weiyang-Bingqi' area (about eight standard star sectors from the base). Preliminary detection shows its primary output is 'Eternal Light Crystal' shards, a rare material with dual Light and Time attributes. It has an excellent amplification effect on lunar, holy, and prophetic powers, with an estimated total value exceeding 800 points!" Qingye's clear and slightly excited voice came through the encrypted Divine Thought channel, accompanied by a rough energy distribution map and environmental scan data.

"Eternal Light Crystal?" Lin Zhou's heart stirred as he sat in the Star Gazing Platform. This material would be of great benefit to Su Yueyao's Moon God Divine Domain and might even help her further purify her lunar radiance to impact a higher level. More importantly, its value was enough to tempt any team in the top hundred; it was a strategic resource worth fighting for.

"What is the guard situation?" Lin Zhou asked calmly.

"The resource point is located within a cluster of shattered 'Floating Islands of Light,' with a large number of LV40-LV45 light elemental creatures and a few Radiant Gargoyles patrolling the perimeter. The energy reaction in the core area is strong, suspected to have an LV50+ Light Element Lord or a special guardian mechanism. Clearing these guards is expected to require a medium-sized elite force and take about two to three standard hours," Qingye reported quickly. "Additionally, no traces of other participating teams have been found, but the energy fluctuations in this area are relatively prominent, so we cannot rule out the possibility that it has already been remotely detected by other teams."

Opportunity and risk coexisted. High value, strong guards, and a location that was not absolutely hidden.

Lin Zhou thought for a moment and made a decision: "Qingye, have the team maintain hidden surveillance and do not act rashly. I will lead a team there immediately. Qin Qing, Zhao Hao, you stay and guard the base, increasing vigilance. Yue Yao, Li Mo, come with me. Also, pick a hundred elites (including thirty Elf Sword Cultivators, thirty Tiangong Dwarf Array Breakers, twenty Lawful Merman Enforcers, and twenty auxiliary units of various types), to be led by the hero units [Mountain King · Bronzebeard (LV59)] and [Great Scholar Wenyuan (LV58)]. Depart immediately!"

The Order was executed swiftly. Ten minutes later, a shuttle-shaped vessel camouflaged with Mohist technology, looking like an ordinary condensation of stardust, quietly left the Floating Archipelago, speeding toward the "Weiyang-Bingqi" area with Lin Zhou, Su Yueyao, Li Mo, and the hundred elites on board.

Su Yueyao stood silently at the bow, her moon-white divine robe fluttering without wind, her cold gaze fixed on the distance, with lunar radiance faintly flowing in her eyes. The Eternal Light Crystal were indeed attractive to her, but she was more concerned about the risks this operation might bring. "Lin Zhou, I always feel a bit uneasy. For a resource point of such high value, the surroundings seem far too 'clean'."

Li Mo, who was operating various detection instruments in the cabin, nodded upon hearing this: "Data analysis shows anomalies. The activity patterns of the light elemental creatures are somewhat rigid, as if they are being constrained or guided by a higher-priority power. Furthermore, the structure of the Floating Islands of Light... seems to show traces of artificial adjustment; some energy nodes are far too 'regular'."

Lin Zhou's expression remained calm: "Since we're here, let's take things as they come. Just stay alert. If there really is an ambush, we'll just fight our way out."

After sailing for about one and a half standard hours, the vessel arrived at the edge of the target area.

What came into view was a magnificent yet shattered scene. Dozens of floating islands of varying sizes, composed entirely of translucent luminous crystals, hung quietly in the Stardust Mist Sea. These islands emitted a soft and constant milky-white light, illuminating the surrounding mist. Between the islands, there were thin energy rainbow bridges flowing with light particles. On the islands, one could see strange plants resembling crystal trees, as well as various roaming elemental creatures composed of pure light energy—light orbs, light blades, Radiant Gargoyles, and more. On the tallest crystal floating island in the core area, the light was particularly intense, and one could faintly see buried within it some magnificent, pigeon-egg-sized crystal shards—those were the "Eternal Light Crystal"!

However, Lin Zhou and the others' gaze was not entirely captured by this magnificent sight. Their attention was immediately seized by something hovering at the edge of the other side of the Floating Islands of Light!

It was not a massive Divine Kingdom projection or a War fortress, but a... extremely ancient-looking Azure Jade Flying Vessel!

The flying vessel was about thirty meters long, with a simple and smooth design, devoid of any redundant decorations or obvious weapon Systems. The hull seemed to be carved from a single piece of warm azure jade, with mysterious cloud patterns naturally flowing on its surface. The vessel sat there quietly, yet it seemed to merge with the surrounding space, light, and even the underlying rules, emitting an ancient, vast, and lofty aura that felt somewhat... out of place with this Stardust Mist Sea and even the entire simulated environment of the "Endless Star Sea."

Even more striking was that, centered around that Azure Jade Flying Vessel, the space for several kilometers around was permeated with a layer of faint, almost imperceptible pale purple mist! This mist was not stardust, nor was it ordinary energy dissipation; it seemed to flow slowly as if it possessed life. Wherever it passed, even those violent light elemental creatures became exceptionally "docile," as if cowed by a higher being. In the area covered by this pale purple mist, the light appeared softer and purer, yet the activity of the free energy particles in the air had clearly increased by a level!

"That is..." Su Yueyao's pupils constricted slightly, and her lunar radiance instinctively rippled, seemingly resisting the invisible "high-status" pressure brought by that pale purple mist.

"Innate Spiritual Qi!" Li Mo's detection instruments emitted a sharp and short alarm. The energy readings jumping on the light screen were incredibly high, and the purity indicators far exceeded any known Spiritual Qi sample records in the database! "The purity cannot be fully analyzed! The energy activity is over 300% of standard Spiritual Qi! It exerts a slight rule-level rejection and suppression on non-adaptive units! This... this should be the signature energy of the Honghuang Academy—Innate Spiritual Qi!"

Honghuang Academy!

Ranked number one!

That monster academy inherited from the Primordial Great World, possessing "Innate Spiritual Qi" and fragments of "Heavenly Dao Authority"!

Lin Zhou's heart sank slightly. As expected, a high-value resource point could not go unnoticed. He just hadn't expected that the first one they would run into would be the top-tier existence. Moreover, the other party seemed to have arrived first and had already staked out a portion of the area with Innate Spiritual Qi, as if... waiting?

"They've discovered us," Lin Zhou said in a deep voice. Almost as soon as his words fell, light and shadow shifted on that Azure Jade Flying Vessel, and three figures appeared silently at the bow.

The person in the center was a young man dressed in a moon-white Daoist robe and wearing a bamboo crown. His face was handsome and his temperament was ethereal. As his eyes opened and closed, it seemed as if galaxies were flowing within them. His entire aura merged perfectly with the Innate Spiritual Qi, as if he were a part of it. His divine fluctuations were obscure and profound; the feeling he gave Lin Zhou was actually not inferior to the previous Octavius, and was even more restrained and dangerous. His estimated Divine Rank was at least LV520 or higher.

On the left was a young girl dressed in crimson martial attire with her ponytail tied high. Her features were full of heroic spirit, and a faint, scorching heat lingered around her, carrying a wild and desolate flavor. Her eyes curiously sized up Lin Zhou's camouflaged vessel.

On the right was a woman in a blue robe enveloped in a faint water mist; her temperament was gentle and serene, like a deep pool, yet Lin Zhou could sense a water-element power within her that was vastly different from the crimson-clad girl's but equally majestic.

The commonality between the three was that their auras carried a unique 'Innate' charm, fundamentally different from the divinity formed through Acquired cultivation, as it was much closer to the Universe's Origin.

The lead youth in Daoist robes swept his calm gaze across Lin Zhou's vessel, seemingly piercing through the outer layers of camouflage to land directly on Lin Zhou. His voice was clear and melodious, carrying a natural detachment and indifference: "Xinghai University, Lin Zhou? You have recently risen to fame, defeating the strong while weak to step into the top hundred. I did not expect to meet you here."

The opponent actually called out his name and academy directly! Clearly, the Honghuang Academy's previous 'interest' was no lie; they had even collected quite detailed intelligence.

With a thought, Lin Zhou withdrew part of the vessel's camouflage, allowing it to reveal the general silhouette of Xinghai University. At the same time, he slowly released his own aura to faintly contend with the other's Innate Spiritual Qi field. "Fellow Daoist of Honghuang Academy, a pleasure to meet you. May I ask how to address you?"

"Under the Jade Void Palace, Qing Weizi," the youth in Daoist robes calmly announced his title without introducing his companions. "The 'Eternal Light Fragments' here are of some small use to our Primordial cultivation. Do you of Xinghai University intend to contend with us?"

His words were calm but carried an unquestionable confidence. It was as if in his eyes, this 'dark horse' of Xinghai University was still not enough to be compared with Honghuang Academy. Contending for resources? It was merely going through the motions; knowing when to retreat was the wise move.

Before Lin Zhou could speak, Zhao Hao's fiery voice (via long-range communication) almost burst out before being suppressed by Lin Zhou. Su Yueyao's brow also furrowed slightly, displeased by Qing Weizi's natural air of superiority.

"Treasures of heaven and earth belong to those destined for them. Since we have met, we shall each rely on our own abilities," Lin Zhou responded neither humbly nor haughtily. "Since you have demarcated the area with Innate Spiritual Qi, Fellow Daoist, do you intend to establish a forbidden zone and monopolize this place?"

Qing Weizi shook his head slightly. "Innate Spiritual Qi is naturally released by us Primordial Cultivators, not an intentional land grab. However..." He shifted the conversation, his gaze sweeping over the battle-ready elite subordinates behind Lin Zhou, "The Innate Spiritual Qi environment is special. Those without Primordial Bloodlines or the corresponding Cultivation Techniques may feel discomfort within it. Fellow Daoist Lin's subordinates... seem to have already been affected."

Lin Zhou's heart jolted, and he immediately sensed the state of his subordinates. Indeed!

Those subordinates standing on the vessel's deck, exposed to the edge of the faint purple Innate Spiritual Qi, were still in perfect formation, but their auras were clearly not as harmonious and free as they were in their own Divine Kingdom or an ordinary environment!

Literary Heart Elves: Their originally active and nimble natural and Mental Energy had become somewhat 'sluggish,' as if separated by an invisible membrane. Spell model construction speed slowed down, Mental Energy consumption increased, and even the fluctuations of [Words as Law (Weak)] dimmed. The estimated Spell power and effect dropped by about 20-30%!

Tiangong Dwarves: The dark gold luster of the [Texture of Force] flowing on their bodies became dull. The sense of power remained, but the close connection with the earth and tools weakened, as if their strength had lost its 'root' and become somewhat superficial. The estimated power rating and armor-piercing effect of physical attacks dropped by 15-20%.

Law Fishmen: The range of their sense of Order was compressed, and the extension of Law power was faintly repelled by some 'high-tier' rule, reducing Execution efficiency.

Even the hero units Bronzebeard and Wen Yuan frowned slightly, clearly feeling the suppression of the environment.

In contrast, the three including Qing Weizi, as well as several figures faintly visible in the flying boat behind them (likely their subordinates or Protectors), were like fish in water in the Innate Spiritual Qi environment. Their auras were more harmonious and full, faintly resonating with the surrounding heaven and earth! According to Li Mo's emergency calculations, in this environment, the Spell power, energy recovery speed, and rule affinity of Primordial subordinates generally increased by 40%-50%! With one side weakening and the other strengthening, the gap was drastically widened!

This was the overbearing nature of Innate Spiritual Qi! It was not just a higher level of energy, but the creation and monopoly of a rule-based environment! Within its Domain, the Primordial System received massive buffs, while foreign Systems were comprehensively suppressed! This was a crushing defeat in energy hierarchy and superiority at the rule level!

Su Yueyao's moonlight was also affected. Although the essence of her moonlight was extremely high and not in complete conflict with Innate Spiritual Qi—even sharing a faint, profound common Origin—their paths were different after all. Furthermore, the opponent held the home-field advantage. The deployment of her moonlight felt a hint of obstruction, and the purification and healing effects were expected to decline.

Qing Weizi took in every subtle change in Lin Zhou's subordinates, his expression remaining indifferent. "Fellow Daoist Lin has seen it for himself. It is not that my Primordial side is overbearing, but simply the nature of the environment. If you insist on contending, we shall naturally accompany you. However, blades and swords have no eyes; it would be a pity if these rare subordinates of yours were harmed."

These words sounded like an attempt to persuade him to withdraw, but in reality, they carried a faint warning and the 'pity' of a 'superior.'

Inside the vessel, the atmosphere was heavy. Li Mo rapidly calculated the real-time combat power comparison of both sides at their current positions, and the results were not optimistic: under the suppression of Innate Spiritual Qi, their side's comprehensive combat power was estimated to be only 65%-70% of normal, while the opponent's was 140%-150%! This didn't even account for the stronger methods and deeper foundations the opponent might be hiding. Fighting head-on, the chance of winning was extremely low, and losses would inevitably be heavy.

Su Yueyao looked at Lin Zhou, her beautiful eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of unwillingness. Li Mo also waited for instructions.

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment. He clearly recognized the massive advantage brought by 'Innate Spiritual Qi' and understood why Honghuang Academy could consistently hold the top Rank. This gap in energy hierarchy was indeed difficult to bridge with simple tactics or numbers.

But to retreat just like that? To hand over the precious Eternal Light Crystal that would be of great benefit to Yue Yao? More importantly, to be intimidated without a fight upon the first encounter with Primordial would be a blow to their morale and future Dao Heart. Way of Civilization emphasized rising to challenges and learning and growing through collisions.

His gaze swept across the floating islands of light shrouded in faint purple Qi, then across Qing Weizi's calm yet subtly proud face, as he quickly weighed his options.

"Fellow Daoist Qing Weizi," Lin Zhou spoke slowly, his voice steady, "Innate Spiritual Qi is indeed miraculous and has opened my eyes. However, the Great Dao has three thousand paths, each unique. Since we have met today by destiny, why not... change the method and have a small demonstration?"

Qing Weizi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Oh? How does Fellow Daoist Lin wish to demonstrate?"

Lin Zhou pointed toward the core area of the floating light islands below. "We shall each send a small team. Without relying on the full projection of our Divine Kingdoms, and using only a small number of elite subordinates paired with hero units, we will enter the core area. With the goal of seizing the 'Eternal Light Crystal,' we will conduct a small-scale 'spar.' This will determine both the victor and the allocation of resources. In this way, we can avoid unnecessary mass casualties while also allowing you to see if my Xinghai University has anything else to offer besides its ranking."

He proposed this plan as both a probe and a delay. He wanted to observe the specific combat methods of Primordial subordinates under Innate Spiritual Qi at close range while buying time for Li Mo to analyze more data on Innate Spiritual Qi and find possible weaknesses or countermeasures. Furthermore, in a small-scale battle, even if they lost, the losses would be controllable.

Qing Weizi pondered for a moment, exchanged a look with the crimson-clad girl and the blue-robed woman beside him, and then nodded slightly. "Very well. We shall do as Fellow Daoist Lin suggests. One team will decide the outcome; the winner takes seventy percent of the crystals here, and the loser takes thirty percent, to show fairness. How about it?"

"Agreed," Lin Zhou nodded in consent. Seventy percent versus thirty percent was a significant gap, but it was better than returning empty-handed or engaging in a bloody battle. This could be considered a 'dignified' way for top academies to compete.

"In the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, we shall meet at the core to settle this with our teams," Qing Weizi said. His figure, along with his companions, faded away atop the Green Jade Flying Boat.

Inside the vessel, Lin Zhou quickly issued Orders: "Li Mo, put all effort into analyzing the Innate Spiritual Qi data, especially its interaction patterns with ordinary Spiritual Qi and our various energy Systems! Yue Yao, you will be the core of our combat team, with Bronzebeard and Wen Yuan assisting. Additionally, select ten of the most elite Elf Sword Cultivators, ten Tiangong Dwarf Armor-breakers, five Lawful Merman Enforcers, and five support units to form a thirty-person elite squad! Everyone, begin adapting to the Innate Spiritual Qi environment immediately, even if it's just the edge, and find ways to reduce the suppression!"

"Yes!"

Time was tight, and everyone from Xinghai University immediately sprang into action. Meanwhile, on the Green Jade Flying Boat opposite them, fluctuations of Spiritual Qi and the low chanting of some ancient language could be faintly heard.

The first direct contact with Honghuang Academy began in the form of a small-scale spar. The miraculous nature of Innate Spiritual Qi had already shown its might. Lin Zhou's Way of Civilization would face its first true 'collision' test under this high-tier rule suppression.