422: Chapter 357: Tied for Champion, Fame Spreads Across the Universe and Civilization

The lingering echoes of the award ceremony did not dissipate in the Void Realm for a long time.

The golden trophy felt heavy in Lin Zhou's hands, not because of its physical weight, but because of what it carried—the first All-Universe champion in the three-thousand-year history of Xinghai University. No, it was a joint champion. But in this Universe, no one would remember the word "joint"; they would only remember that Xinghai University had won.

Tied for first place with Honghuang Academy.

Lin Zhou stood on the podium, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below. Billions of viewers watched him through the live broadcast, and countless media lenses were focused on his face. His expression was calm, without ecstasy or agitation, only a faint sense of relief. It was finally over. This long journey, which he had been preparing for since his freshman year and had lasted four years, had finally come to an end.

[Xinghai University Team · Final Data]

- Matches Played: 12

- Wins: 11 (1 Draw)

- Enemy Followers Slain: Approx. 1.2 million

- Enemy Divine Kingdom Structures Destroyed: Approx. 800

- Lin Zhou's Personal Points: 187,500 (Highest in the tournament)

- Lin Zhou's MVP Vote Rate: 98.5%

- Total civilization points Gained: Approx. 5 million points

He looked at Pan Qian beside him. The captain of Honghuang Academy was also holding a trophy, his expression equally calm. Their eyes met in the Void Realm, devoid of hostility or resentment, containing only an indescribable mutual understanding.

Pan Qian spoke in a soft voice that only Lin Zhou could hear: "Lin Zhou, after today, the whole Universe will know of your Way of Civilization."

Lin Zhou nodded slightly: "Your Innate Dao will also be studied by more people."

"Perhaps." Pan Qian paused. "But I know that from today on, the word 'Civilization' is no longer just your Dao."

He looked toward the stage, where countless young deities were watching them, their eyes full of aspiration.

"It will become the Dao for many people."

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"That's enough."

Pan Qian gave him a deep look, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something, but he swallowed it back. That look was complex—there was admiration, relief, and a hint of... envy.

He envied Lin Zhou, not because Lin Zhou had won, but because Lin Zhou had found his own Dao and remained unwavering. Meanwhile, he was still on the road.

"Until we meet again." Pan Qian finally said only those four words.

"Until we meet again." Lin Zhou nodded.

Pan Qian turned and walked down the podium. His back was still straight, but his steps were much lighter than when he arrived. He knew he was not alone. Behind him were countless family members—those ordinary people waiting for him in the Hall of Humanity.

Lin Zhou watched him leave, then also turned and walked down the podium.

Qin Qing came forward, her eyes shimmering with tears: "Captain, we won."

"Yes." Lin Zhou smiled. "We won."

Wang Meng rushed over and gave Lin Zhou a big hug: "Captain! We're the damn champions!"

Zhao Hao also walked over and patted Lin Zhou's shoulder. He didn't speak, but his eyes were filled with respect. Li Mo's projection floated steadily nearby, his electronic voice carrying a rare hint of excitement: "Captain, our civilization points have increased by 5 million. We can unlock the third level of the Sanctuary now."

Su Yueyao's Moonlight Projection floated to Lin Zhou's side and whispered: "You've worked hard."

Lin Zhou looked at her, a warm current rising in his heart: "You've worked hard too."

The projection smiled slightly, turned into specks of moonlight, and returned to her main body.

After the award ceremony ended, Lin Zhou returned to the preparation space alone.

He sat on the edge of the bed in the medical pod, holding the trophy in his hand but not looking at it. His gaze fell on the light screen on the ceiling, which was looping highlights from the match—the Civilization Pillar supporting the heavens, the manifestation of the Hall of Humanity, Pan Qian's tears, the two of them shaking hands...

[All-Universe Civilization Popularity Rankings · Real-time Data]

- Keyword "Way of Civilization": Search volume surged by 1,000%

- Keyword "Lin Zhou": Search volume surged by 800%

- Keyword "Xinghai University": Search volume surged by 600%

- Related Video Views: Over 10 billion

- Number of Discussion Posts: Over 10 million

The four words "Way of Civilization" spread throughout the entire Universe in just a few hours.

Countless young deities began to study the Hundred Schools of Thought. Sales of classics like the analects, tao te ching, and Han Feizi skyrocketed, with copies becoming hard to find in major bookstores. Admission inquiries for Xinghai University surged, and applicants for the Hundred Schools Society formed long queues. Even the Cosmic Council sent a congratulatory telegram, calling Lin Zhou's "Way of Civilization" a "new direction for human civilization."

But Lin Zhou knew this was only the beginning.

The spread of Way of Civilization required time, patience, and the efforts of generation after generation. He was merely a pathfinder; the actual road needed to be walked by those who followed.

He closed his eyes, and his consciousness sank into the Divine Kingdom core.

In the Temple of Civilization, the water level of the river of civilization had risen back to 50%, and the civilization fragments within the water were clearer and richer than before. The phantom images of those ordinary people—farmers, craftsmen, soldiers, mothers, children—still swam in the river, silent and invisible, yet omnipresent.

The Pillar stood in the center of the Sanctuary, its height having stabilized at 50,000 kilometers. Countless names flickered on the pillar's body—not the names of heroes or ancient sages, but the names of everyone. Each name represented a person who had once lived, loved, and worked hard. Every name was glowing.

[Civilization Pillar · Status]

- Height: 50,000 kilometers

- Names Recorded: Approx. 1 billion (Continuously growing)

- Pillar Stability: 85%

- New Trait: [Civilization Resonance] — When someone realizes that "Civilization is People," the pillar will resonate with them, increasing their Dao Heart stability.

Lin Zhou walked to the front of the pillar, raised his hand, and gently touched its surface.

The pillar's body was warm, like a human's body temperature.

"Civilization is People," he murmured.

The pillar vibrated, and a new name emerged on its surface—not someone else's, but his own.

"Lin Zhou."

Two characters, not large, yet clearly visible.

The moment the name appeared, Lin Zhou felt a warm current pour into his heart. It wasn't power, but rather—belonging. He had been recorded, he was remembered, and he had been accepted by civilization. He was no longer just a "spreader"; he was also a part of civilization.

[Lin Zhou · Status Update]

- Dao Heart stability: 95% → 98%

- Civilization Affinity: +20%

- New Ability: [Civilization Record] — Can perceive the "civilization imprint" of everyone within range and understand their contributions to civilization.

He withdrew his hand, turned, and walked out of the Sanctuary.

His consciousness returned, and Lin Zhou opened his eyes.

The lights of the medical pod were bright and warm. Qin Qing was still sitting nearby, watching him.

"Captain, you just had your eyes closed for a long time again."

"I was thinking about things." Lin Zhou sat up. "How is the situation outside?"

"It's gone crazy." Qin Qing gave a bitter smile. "The whole Universe is discussing Way of Civilization. Xinghai University's official website crashed from the traffic, and the queue for Hundred Schools Society applicants stretches into next month. Even the Cosmic Council sent an invitation, hoping you'll give a speech."

"A speech?"

"Yes. The topic is 'The Future of Way of Civilization'."

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Alright. I'll go."

Qin Qing was stunned for a moment: "You're really going?"

"Yes." Lin Zhou stood up and walked to the light screen. "Way of Civilization needs to be spread. A speech at the Council is the best opportunity."

"But your injuries..."

"It's no problem." Lin Zhou moved his shoulders. "My godhead integrity has recovered to 70%, and the river of civilization water level is back to 50%. In a few more days, I'll be fully healed."

Qin Qing looked at him, her eyes full of complexity.

"Captain, you've changed a lot."

"Have I?"

"You have. Before, you only wanted to win. Now, what you're thinking about is... Legacy."

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Perhaps."

He looked at the light screen, where the faces of countless young deities were visible, all of them looking at him with aspiration.

"They are the future of civilization."

Three days later.

The Cosmic Council Hall was packed to capacity.

Representatives from various races across the Universe gathered together, waiting for Lin Zhou's speech.

This was the first time in the history of the Cosmic Council that a student who had just graduated was invited to give a speech. But no one felt it was inappropriate because this person had just won the All-Universe Academy Championship and had caused "Way of Civilization" to spread throughout the entire Universe.

Lin Zhou stood on the podium. Behind him was a giant light screen displaying two characters—Civilization.

His gaze swept over the audience and saw many familiar faces—Pan Qian, Elios, Raphael, Norn... They were all there, sitting in the front row, waiting quietly.

"Everyone," Lin Zhou began, his voice not loud but clearly reaching every corner of the hall, "today, I want to talk to you about what civilization is."

The audience was silent.

"Someone asked me, what is Way of Civilization? Is it thought? Is it rules? Is it power?"

He shook his head.

"It is none of those."

He raised his hand, and a wisp of transparent flame emerged in his palm.

"Civilization is People."

The flame burned in his palm, warm and steady.

"It is every person who has lived, loved, and worked hard."

"It is the farmer, the craftsman, the soldier, the mother, and the child."

"It is you, and it is me."

In the audience, someone began to weep.

Not out of sadness, but out of—emotion.

Because they understood.

"Way of Civilization does not require you to be a hero, it does not require you to possess power, and it does not require you to perform earth-shattering feats."

"It only requires you to—live, to love, and to work hard."

"Because your existence itself is civilization."

The flame went out.

Lin Zhou bowed.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

It was not polite applause, but heartfelt, uncontrollable applause that rose like a tide.

Pan Qian sat in the front row, clapping, his eyes shining.

Elios also clapped, a smile appearing on his cold face for the first time.

Raphael clapped, Holy Light shining behind him, yet no longer blinding.

Norn clapped, the shadows of the Void Realm receding beneath his feet.

Lin Zhou stood on the podium, looking at those faces that were once enemies but were now Fellow Daoists, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

"From today on, Way of Civilization is no longer my Dao alone."

He walked down the podium.

Behind him, the applause continued.

Before him was a new journey.

After the speech ended, Lin Zhou was surrounded by countless people.

There were media reporters, young deities, and representatives of various races. Their questions were varied, but the core was only one: how to learn Way of Civilization?

Lin Zhou patiently answered every question until Qin Qing squeezed in and pulled him away.

"Captain, if you don't leave now, don't even think about resting today."

Lin Zhou smiled wryly: "Alright, alright."

The two walked out of the Council Hall into the brilliant starry sky.

Lin Zhou looked up at the stars and remained silent for a long time.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?" Qin Qing asked.

"I'm thinking about those who haven't found their 'Dao' yet."

"Them?"

"Yes." Lin Zhou pointed at the starry sky. "The Universe is so big and there are so many civilizations; there must still be many people who are lost, searching, and waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"Waiting for someone to tell them—your existence itself is the meaning."

Qin Qing was silent for a moment, then whispered: "Captain, you're becoming more and more like a lamp."

"A lamp?"

"Yes. Lighting the way for others while also warming yourself."

Lin Zhou was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

"Perhaps."

He turned and walked into the distance.

Qin Qing followed.

The shadows of the two stretched long under the starlight.

Behind them, the lights of the Council Hall remained bright.

Before them was the infinite starry sky.

[Cosmic Council · Speech Record]

- Theme: Civilization is People

- Viewers: Approx. 100 billion (Live + Replay)

- Discussion Popularity: SSS-grade

- Influence: A "Civilization Fever" sweeps across the entire Universe

- New Civilization Walkers: Approx. 1 million

From today on, Way of Civilization was no longer just Lin Zhou's Dao alone.

It became the Dao for countless people.

It became the new direction for this Universe.

And Lin Zhou was merely a pathfinder.

The actual road needed to be walked by those who followed.

But he believed that the followers were already on their way.