425: Chapter 360: Graduation Imminent, Military Special Recruitment Order Arrives

The rift in the Chaos Star Domain slowly closed behind Lin Zhou.

That gate leading to the previous Universe fragment returned to nothingness, as if it had never existed. But Lin Zhou knew it was still there, waiting for the next fated person. As for him, he had brought back enough—the The Transcendent's bamboo slips, the Fire of Civilization from the previous Universe, and the truth about the Return to Ruins.

He suspended himself in the Void Realm, looking toward where the rift had disappeared, remaining silent for a long time.

The entry mark within his Godhead had dimmed, leaving only a final wisp of light before completely dissipating. This meant his time allowed in the Chaos Star Domain had been exhausted. Ten years inside, one year outside; he had crossed the boundaries of two Universes and brought back the Legacy of an era.

[Chaos Star Domain · Return Summary]

- Time Spent: Ten years inside, one year outside

- Explored Area: Approximately 300,000 square kilometers

- Ruins Discovered: 17 locations

- Items Obtained:

1. The Transcendent Bamboo Slips × 3 volumes

2. Fire of Civilization from the Previous Universe (Fused)

3. Return to Ruins Research Notes (Fragmented)

4. Civilization Legacy Method (Fragmented)

5. chaos crystals × 500

- Godhead Rank: LV720 → LV780 (Breakthrough to High-Stage Mid-Tier Divine Power)

- river of civilization Water Level: 80% → 95%

- Civilization Pillar Height: 50,000 km → 70,000 km

"Captain!"

From a distance, Qin Qing's voice reached him. She was flying toward him at full speed, bringing Wang Meng, Zhao Hao, Li Mo, and Su Yueyao. Every face carried uncontrollable excitement and the relief of a narrow escape.

It had been a year.

For a whole year, there had been no word from Lin Zhou. The flow of time inside the Chaos Star Domain differed from the outside, but the duration of the entry mark was calculated based on external time. One year was the limit he could stay. If he exceeded it, he would be trapped forever in that chaotic, rule-inverted world.

"You're finally back!" Qin Qing rushed over and grabbed Lin Zhou's arm, her grip so tight it was as if she feared he would disappear again. Her eyes were red; she had clearly cried more than once.

"I said I would come back," Lin Zhou smiled.

Wang Meng rushed up and punched Lin Zhou's chest: "Captain, you damn well scared the life out of us!"

Zhao Hao stood to the side; though he didn't speak, the light in his eyes betrayed his emotions. Li Mo's projection flickered, his electronic voice carrying a rare tremor: "Welcome back."

Su Yueyao's Moonlight projection floated before Lin Zhou and said softly, "The jade pendant, you didn't use it."

"Because I didn't need to." Lin Zhou took the jade pendant from his robe and handed it back to her. "I've kept your Moonlight Power this whole time."

Su Yueyao looked at the jade pendant, remained silent for a moment, and then smiled slightly: "Keep it. Maybe it will be useful later."

Lin Zhou nodded and put the jade pendant away again.

Qin Qing calmed her emotions and asked, "What happened inside the Chaos Star Domain?"

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "I found ruins of the previous Universe and the Legacy of the The Transcendent."

He briefly recounted his experiences in the Chaos Star Domain. From the Ruined Academy to the The Transcendent's bamboo slips, from the Fusion of the Fire of Civilization to the truth of the Return to Ruins. As the others listened, their expressions grew increasingly solemn.

"The Return to Ruins... will it really come?" Wang Meng's voice was a bit dry.

"It will," Lin Zhou nodded. "But not now. The The Transcendent transformed himself into a barrier to buy us time. This time might be tens of thousands of years, or hundreds of millions of years. But, it will eventually come."

"Then what can we do?" Zhao Hao asked.

"Prepare," Lin Zhou said. "Research the Return to Ruins and find countermeasures. The The Transcendent failed because he was only one person. But we have the entire Universe, the myriad races, and civilization. As long as we stand united, we might just find a new path."

The group fell silent.

This news was too heavy.

"Alright, let's head back first," Lin Zhou broke the silence. "I need rest, and you all need time to digest this information."

Everyone nodded and returned to Xinghai University together.

Xinghai University, Principal's Office.

The old principal sat behind his desk, looking at Lin Zhou with eyes full of gratification.

"One year in the Chaos Star Domain, and you've changed a lot."

"Have I?" Lin Zhou sat opposite him and picked up a teacup.

"Stronger, and more composed," the old principal said. "Moreover, there's something more in your eyes."

"What?"

"A sense of mission."

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

"Perhaps."

The old principal took three documents from a drawer and placed them on the table.

"Your graduation is imminent. These three special recruitment orders are for you."

Lin Zhou took the documents and opened them.

The first was from the military.

[Human Expeditionary Force · Special Recruitment Order]

- Awarded to: Lin Zhou (Senior Student, Xinghai University)

- Rank: Colonel (Direct Appointment)

- Position: Commander of the Civilization Guardian Legion (Independent Command Authority)

- Complement: 5,000 personnel (Self-recruitment allowed)

- Signatory: Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force · Marshal

- Note: This special recruitment order is of the highest level, effective immediately without assessment.

"Colonel?" Lin Zhou was somewhat surprised. "I haven't even graduated, and I'm being given Colonel directly?"

"Your achievements are more than enough for this Rank," the old principal said. "Champion of the All-Universe Academy Championship, MVP, and the pioneer of Way of Civilization. The military values you highly and hopes you will join the Expeditionary Force to serve the Human Race."

Lin Zhou did not answer and opened the second document.

The second was from the Universe Civilization Research Institute.

[Universe Civilization Research Institute · Special Recruitment Order]

- Awarded to: Lin Zhou (Senior Student, Xinghai University)

- Title: Chief Researcher (Special Appointment)

- Research Focus: The Origin and Development of Way of Civilization

- Benefits: Independent laboratory + research team + unlimited resources

- Signatory: Director of the Research Institute · Chief Academician

- Note: This special recruitment order is a lifetime appointment, available for start at any time.

"Chief Researcher?" Lin Zhou shook his head. "I'm only twenty-two."

"Age is not an issue," the old principal said. "Your Way of Civilization is the research direction the Universe Civilization Research Institute is most interested in. They hope you can join them to explore the essence of civilization together."

Lin Zhou remained silent and opened the third document.

The third was from Xinghai University.

[Xinghai University · Special Recruitment Order]

- Awarded to: Lin Zhou (Senior Student, Xinghai University)

- Position: Vice-Principal (In charge of Civilization Research)

- Term: Indefinite

- Benefits: Independent office building + dedicated research team + Lifetime Professor title

- Signatory: Principal of Xinghai University

- Note: This special recruitment order is the highest honor, effective immediately.

"Vice-Principal?" Lin Zhou gave a bitter smile. "Principal, you think too highly of me."

"It's not about thinking highly of you," the old principal shook his head. "It's recognition. Your Way of Civilization has already changed Xinghai University. The Hundred Schools Society, the Civilization Pillar, the Hall of Humanity... these are all your contributions. You deserve this position."

Lin Zhou fell silent.

Three special recruitment orders, three directions.

The military represented power. The Research Institute represented knowledge. Xinghai University represented Legacy.

He needed to choose.

"Can I choose all of them?" Lin Zhou asked.

The old principal was stunned for a moment, then laughed.

"Theoretically, no. But, you can negotiate with the three parties; perhaps a compromise can be found."

Lin Zhou nodded and put away the three orders.

"I will consider it."

"No rush," the old principal said. "The graduation ceremony is in three days. You can take your time to think."

Lin Zhou stood up, preparing to leave.

"Lin Zhou," the old principal called out to him.

Lin Zhou turned back.

"Whichever path you choose, Xinghai University will always be your home."

Lin Zhou smiled.

"Thank you."

Walking out of the principal's office, Qin Qing was waiting outside the door.

"Three special recruitment orders?" she asked.

"Yes," Lin Zhou nodded. "Military, Research Institute, Xinghai University."

"Which one will you choose?"

"I don't know," Lin Zhou shook his head. "I need time to consider."

Qin Qing looked at him, was silent for a moment, and then said: "I've looked into the military side. The Civilization Guardian Legion is a newly established legion, specifically set up for your Way of Civilization. The commander has independent command authority and can recruit members freely, without being restricted by the military's regular establishment."

"Sounds good."

"But, military missions are dangerous. You might be sent to the front lines to fight against the Zerg, the Abyss, and Void creatures."

"I know."

"The Research Institute side is relatively safe. But research results aren't necessarily applied. Moreover, the institute's bureaucracy is complex; you might have to spend a lot of time on administrative affairs."

"What about Xinghai University?"

"Safest and most free. However, the role of Vice-Principal involves more administrative work, so there might not be time for research."

Lin Zhou fell silent.

"Do you have an answer?" Qin Qing asked.

"Not yet," Lin Zhou shook his head. "But, I'm leaning toward the military."

"Why?"

"Because Way of Civilization needs to be tested in practice. The Research Institute and the university are both too comfortable. The front line is the best testing ground."

Qin Qing looked at him, her eyes filled with complexity.

"I guessed as much."

"Do you support me?"

"I don't," Qin Qing shook her head. "But, I will go with you."

Lin Zhou was momentarily stunned, then smiled.

"Thank you."

The graduation ceremony was held in the central plaza of Xinghai University.

Tens of thousands gathered, with representatives from various races assembled.

Lin Zhou stood on the award platform, wearing academic robes and holding his graduation certificate. Behind him were Qin Qing, Wang Meng, Zhao Hao, Li Mo, Su Yueyao, and a thousand core members of the Hundred Schools Society.

The principal stood on the stage, reading the graduation address.

"Today is the most important day since the founding of Xinghai University."

"Because among the students graduating today, there is one who has changed Xinghai University, changed the Human Race, and even changed the entire Universe."

He looked toward Lin Zhou.

"Lin Zhou, come up."

Lin Zhou walked onto the podium.

The principal took a medal from a nearby tray; it was golden, shining brilliantly under the sunlight.

On the medal, two words were engraved—Civilization.

[Civilization Pioneer Medal · Xinghai University's Highest Honor]

- Awarded to: Lin Zhou

- Reason for Award: Creating Way of Civilization, leading the Human Race in a new direction, and winning the All-Universe Championship for Xinghai University.

- History: First time awarded in the three thousand years since the school's founding.

"Lin Zhou, this is Xinghai University's highest honor—the Civilization Pioneer Medal. In three thousand years, no one has ever received it. Today, it is yours."

The principal pinned the medal to Lin Zhou's chest.

Below the stage, thunderous applause erupted.

Looking at the medal on his chest, a warm current surged through Lin Zhou's heart.

"Thank you, Principal."

"Don't thank me," the principal shook his head. "This is what you deserve."

He stepped back, yielding the podium to Lin Zhou.

Lin Zhou stood on the podium, looking at the thousands of people below, and was silent for a moment.

"Everyone, today, I graduate."

"Four years, from Lesser Divinity to Mid-Tier Divine Power, from a small society to the Hundred Schools Society, from being unknown to becoming the All-Universe Champion."

"In these four years, I have learned a lot."

"But the most important thing is not power, nor honor, but—Civilization."

"What is civilization?"

"Civilization is every single person."

"It is you, and it is me."

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

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

"Way of Civilization does not require you to be heroes, does not require you to possess power, and does not require you to perform earth-shattering deeds."

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

"Because your existence itself is civilization."

In the audience, some people began to shed tears.

"Today, I graduate. But Way of Civilization will not graduate."

"I will continue to walk this path, no matter what lies ahead."

"I hope you too can find your own Dao."

He bowed.

Below, the applause was thunderous.

As Lin Zhou stepped down from the podium, Qin Qing came to meet him.

"Captain, you spoke so well."

"It's not that I spoke well," Lin Zhou shook his head. "It's that civilization itself is very good."

After the graduation ceremony ended, Lin Zhou went alone to the back mountain of Xinghai University.

There stood a stone monument engraved with the names of everyone who had contributed to civilization since the school's founding.

Lin Zhou stood before the monument for a long time.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?" Qin Qing's voice came from behind him.

"I'm thinking about when my name will be engraved on here."

"It could be now," Qin Qing said. "Your contributions are enough."

"No," Lin Zhou shook his head. "Wait until I have truly made a contribution to civilization, then engrave it."

"You already have."

"Not enough."

Lin Zhou turned and looked at Qin Qing.

"I've decided to go to the military."

Qin Qing was silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

"Good. I'll go with you."