426: Chapter 361: Choosing the Military, Sharpening One's Edge in the Chaotic Starfield

The warmth of the graduation ceremony had not yet faded as Lin Zhou stood alone for a long time before the stone tablet on the back mountain of Xinghai University.

The setting sun stretched his shadow long, casting it upon the stone tablets etched with names. Some of those names he was already familiar with—sages from the three thousand years since the school's founding, heroes who sacrificed themselves on the battlefield, and scholars who made outstanding contributions to civilization. Behind every name was a piece of history, a cornerstone of civilization.

“Captain, have you really decided?” Qin Qing's voice came from behind him, carrying a trace of an imperceptible tremor.

Lin Zhou did not turn around, only nodding slightly.

“I've decided. I'm going to the military.”

“Why?” Qin Qing walked to his side, looking at his profile. “Both the Research Institute and Xinghai University would allow you to better spread Way of Civilization. Why choose the most dangerous path of all?”

Lin Zhou was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: “Because Way of Civilization needs to be ignited in the darkest places.”

He turned around and looked at Qin Qing.

“The Chaos Star Domain, the front-line battlefields, the Zerg Abyss... those are the places where civilization most needs to be illuminated. The Research Institute and the university are too comfortable. Towering trees do not grow in comfortable places.”

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

“I know I can't talk you out of it.”

“Then don't try,” Lin Zhou smiled. “Walk the last stretch with me.”

“The last stretch?”

“The last stretch at Xinghai University.”

Qin Qing was stunned for a moment, then she smiled.

“Alright.”

That night, the headquarters of the Hundred Schools Society was brightly lit.

A thousand members of the society gathered together to hold a farewell banquet for the core members who were about to graduate and leave the school.

Lin Zhou stood in the center of the hall, looking at the familiar faces—there were old members who had followed him since his freshman year, comrades-in-arms who had fought alongside him in the championship, and former rivals who had been moved by Way of Civilization. Every face reminded him of the past.

“Everyone,” Lin Zhou raised his wine glass, “it's been four years. From the initial three people to the current three thousand. The fact that the Hundred Schools Society has reached this point today is not my credit alone.”

He looked at Qin Qing: “It was Qin Qing who used the Net of Law to establish Law · Order for the society.”

He looked at Wang Meng: “It was Wang Meng who used the Behemoth's claws to win respect for the society.”

He looked at Zhao Hao: “It was Zhao Hao who used the Dragon's wings to open up the sky for the society.”

He looked at Li Mo: “It was Li Mo who used mechanical ingenuity to create miracles for the society.”

He looked at Su Yueyao: “It was Su Yueyao who used the clear glow of Moonlight Power to light the path ahead for the society.”

Finally, he looked at everyone present: “It was you, every single one of you, who used your convictions to hold up the sky for the Hundred Schools Society.”

“This glass is a toast to you.”

He drained it in one gulp.

Below the stage, thunderous applause erupted, and many people's eyes turned red.

Qin Qing walked to Lin Zhou's side and said in a low voice, “Captain, Zhao Hao and Li Mo have something to say to you.”

Lin Zhou nodded and walked toward the corner.

Zhao Hao leaned against the wall, holding a glass of wine with a complex expression. Seeing Lin Zhou approach, he straightened up, remained silent for a moment, and then spoke: “Captain, I'm not going to the military.”

Lin Zhou wasn't surprised: “Returning to your Family?”

“Yeah.” Zhao Hao nodded. “My father is getting old, and the Family needs me. Besides, my Dragon Legion also needs a stable rear base. The military front lines aren't suitable for me.”

“I understand.” Lin Zhou reached out his hand. “No matter where you are, we are comrades-in-arms.”

Zhao Hao took his hand and shook it firmly.

“Captain, take care.”

“You too.”

Zhao Hao let go of his hand and turned to leave. After a few steps, he looked back: “Captain, if there's ever a day you need the help of the Dragon Clan, come find me anytime.”

“I will.”

Zhao Hao nodded and disappeared into the crowd.

Li Mo's projection drifted over, his electronic voice carrying a hint of reluctance: “Captain, I can't go to the military either.”

“The Research Institute?”

“Correct.” Li Mo nodded. “The Universe Civilization Research Institute needs someone who understands mechanics, civilization, and the Hundred Schools of Thought to study the 'combination of civilization and technology.' I am the most suitable candidate.”

“You are indeed the most suitable.” Lin Zhou smiled. “Li Mo, your Mechanical Goblins understand 'creation' better than anyone. The Research Institute needs you, and Way of Civilization needs you too.”

“But, I wanted to go to the front lines with the Captain even more.” Li Mo's voice carried a slight tremor.

“The front lines need warriors, and the rear needs wise men.” Lin Zhou shook his head. “Your battlefield is not in the Chaos Star Domain, but in the laboratory.”

Li Mo was silent for a moment, then raised his hand. A fist-sized device composed of precision metal and talismans emerged in his palm.

The device was spherical, its surface flowing with a faint golden light. Within the light, one could faintly see countless tiny characters flowing—those were the essence of the Hundred Schools of Thought, compressed into talismans and etched onto every part of the device.

[civilization resonator · Epic Grade Device]

- Developer: Li Mo

- Principle: Converts the power of 'resonance' from the Hundred Schools of Thought into a quantifiable energy field

- Effects:

1. All civilization followers within range: All attributes +20%

2. All civilization followers within range: Skill synergy effects +30%

3. All civilization followers within range: Damage to Chaos and Evil alignments +50%

4. Can resonate with the river of civilization, expanding the river's coverage range (+50%)

- Coverage Range: Ten kilometers in diameter

- Consumption: 100 Divine Power per minute (can be automatically replenished by the river of civilization)

- Durability: 100% (Repairable)

“This is...” Lin Zhou's eyes widened.

“A civilization resonator,” Li Mo said. “I've researched this for three years. Ever since you first used the 'Hundred Schools Battle Array' in the Freshman Cup, I began conceptualizing it. It can amplify the 'resonance' effect of Way of Civilization, allowing every follower to feel each other's existence and the power of civilization.”

He handed the device to Lin Zhou.

“Captain, take it with you. In the Chaos Star Domain, it will protect you.”

Lin Zhou held the warm device, a warm current welling up in his heart.

“Li Mo, thank you.”

“No need for thanks.” Li Mo's projection flickered. “Captain, your Way of Civilization is the greatest path I have ever seen. It is my honor to be able to do something for you.”

His projection slowly dissipated.

“There are still things to do at the Research Institute, so I'll be going now. Captain, take care.”

“Take care.”

Li Mo's projection vanished completely.

Lin Zhou held the civilization resonator and remained silent for a long time.

Qin Qing walked over: “Captain, are you crying?”

“No.” Lin Zhou wiped the corners of his eyes. “Just got some sand in my eye.”

Qin Qing didn't expose him, only saying softly: “Parting is for the sake of a better reunion.”

“Perhaps.”

After the farewell banquet ended, Lin Zhou returned to his dormitory alone.

He sat on the edge of the bed, holding the civilization resonator and looking at the starry sky outside the window.

Four years.

From that initial Divine Realm on the brink of collapse to Way of Civilization that now shook the Universe.

He had come a long way, but there was still a longer road ahead.

“Captain, not asleep yet?” Qin Qing's voice came from outside the door.

“Come in.”

Qin Qing pushed the door open and entered, holding a package in her hand.

“What's this?” Lin Zhou asked.

“For you.” Qin Qing placed the package on the table. “Some things for the road.”

Lin Zhou opened the package.

Inside were several vials of godhead repair fluid, a stack of Chaos Resistance Talismans, a Moonlight Jade Pendant (Su Yueyao's), a handwritten copy of 'Insights on The Way of Civilization' (in Qin Qing's handwriting), and a letter.

“A letter?” Lin Zhou picked up the envelope.

“Wait until you're on your way to read it.” Qin Qing turned around. “Get some rest early. You have to report to the military tomorrow.”

She quickly walked out of the room and closed the door.

Lin Zhou looked at the envelope in his hand, was silent for a moment, and then put it away.

Tomorrow would be a new journey.

He lay down and closed his eyes.

In his dreams, the rifts of the Chaos Star Domain were waiting for him.

The next morning, at the Xinghai University teleportation platform.

Lin Zhou, Wang Meng, and Qin Qing stood on the teleportation platform, behind them were the members of the Hundred Schools Society who had come to see them off.

Zhao Hao stood at the very front, with three Elders of the Dragon Clan behind him. Today he wore the formal attire of his Family, the golden dragon patterns shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.

“Captain, take care.” Zhao Hao reached out his hand.

Lin Zhou took it: “Take care.”

The two looked at each other, a thousand words left unsaid.

Su Yueyao's moonlight projection drifted in front of Lin Zhou and handed him a jade pendant: “This is my Life Jade Pendant. It contains thirty percent of my Moonlight Power. In an emergency, crush it to release a 'Lunar Guardian' that can block an attack of the Mid-Tier Divine Power level.”

Lin Zhou took the jade pendant and solemnly placed it into the core of his Divine Kingdom.

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks.” Su Yueyao's projection smiled slightly. “When you return, we'll research ancient texts together again.”

“Alright.”

Li Mo's projection drifted from afar, holding a box in his hand.

“Captain, this is the [civilization resonator · Portable Version] I stayed up all night to make. Its volume is only one-tenth of the original, and the coverage range is reduced to one kilometer, but the consumption is also lowered to ten Divine Power per minute. It's suitable for use in the Chaos Star Domain.”

Lin Zhou took the box and opened it.

Inside was a fingernail-sized, silver-white talisman, its surface flowing with a faint golden light.

[civilization resonator · Portable Version (Rare Grade)]

- Coverage Range: One kilometer in diameter

- Effects: Allies' all attributes +10%, skill synergy +15%

- Consumption: 10 Divine Power per minute

- Durability: 100%

"Enough." Lin Zhou pressed the talisman to his chest. The talisman merged into his Divine Kingdom, resonating with the river of civilization.

"Captain, you must come back alive." Li Mo's voice wavered with emotion.

"I will."

The teleportation platform began to glow; the transfer was about to begin.

Lin Zhou looked down at the stage at those familiar faces—Zhao Hao, Su Yueyao, Li Mo, and countless members of the Hundred Schools Society. In their eyes, there were blessings, reluctance to part, and anticipation.

"Everyone, until we meet again."

A flash of light erupted, and the figures of Lin Zhou, Wang Meng, and Qin Qing vanished from the teleportation platform.

Below the stage, some people began to weep.

Zhao Hao stood where he was, staring at the empty teleportation platform, silent for a long time.

"Captain, take care."

He turned and left with the Dragon Clan Elders.

Su Yueyao's moonlight projection slowly dissipated.

Li Mo's projection also returned to nothingness.

The members of the Hundred Schools Society gradually dispersed.

The teleportation platform was empty.

Only the wind continued to blow.

Human Expeditionary Force Headquarters, Seventh War Zone.

This was a giant fortress suspended in the Void Realm, stitched together from dozens of Divine Kingdoms. The fortress walls were thousands of feet high, their surfaces flowing with countless defensive talismans that could withstand attacks of the high-tier divine power level. Within the fortress, a million-strong divine army was stationed, coming from various Star Domains and races of the Human Race.

Lin Zhou, Wang Meng, and Qin Qing stepped out of the teleportation array and were immediately shocked by the sight before them.

"Is this... the Expeditionary Force Headquarters?" Wang Meng's eyes widened.

"The Seventh War Zone, the front line between the Human Race and the Chaos Star Domain." Qin Qing pulled up the data. "Thirty legions are stationed here, with a total force of about 1.2 million. The supreme commander is the Marshal, at the Peak of high-tier divine power, LV4800."

Lin Zhou said nothing, his gaze sweeping across the fortress.

He saw a massive barracks in the distance, from which the thunderous sounds of training echoed. Beside the barracks was an armory filled with all kinds of Divine Artifacts and War machinery. Further away was the medical area, where countless wounded were groaning in pain.

The air was filled with a faint scent of blood and the aura of Chaos energy.

"This is the front line," Lin Zhou murmured.

"Lin Zhou!" a booming voice called out from the distance.

The three turned to see a burly, bearded middle-aged man striding toward them. He wore a general's uniform, with three gold stars embroidered on his epaulets—a Lieutenant General.

[Lieutenant General General Rex]

- Godhood Rank: LV1200 (Early-Stage high-tier divine power)

- Position: Deputy Commander of the Seventh War Zone

- Divine Domain: Thunder Divine Kingdom

- Affiliated Race: Thunder Titans

"You're Lin Zhou?" General Rex walked up to Lin Zhou, looking him up and down. "You're younger than I imagined."

"General," Lin Zhou saluted.

General Rex waved his hand. "No need for formalities. The Marshal is waiting for you. Follow me."

The three followed General Rex through the fortress to the core command building.

The building was a hundred stories high, cast from a special alloy that could withstand Mid-Tier Divine Power level attacks. The top floor was the Marshal's office.

General Rex knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A voice, aged yet powerful, came from inside.

General Rex pushed open the door, motioned for Lin Zhou to enter, and then waited outside with Wang Meng and Qin Qing.

Lin Zhou walked into the office.

The office wasn't large and was simply furnished. A desk, a few chairs, and a star map hanging on the wall. Behind the desk sat a white-haired old man.

The old man wore a Marshal's uniform, with five gold stars on his epaulets—the Marshal. His face was covered in wrinkles, but his eyes were as sharp as an eagle's. Around him flowed the aura of Time and Order, a pressure only found at the Peak of high-tier divine power.

[Marshal General Zhao Wuji]

- Godhood Rank: LV4800 (Peak high-tier divine power)

- Position: Commander-in-Chief of the Human Expeditionary Force

- Divine Domain: Order Divine Kingdom

- Affiliated Race: Order Guards

"Lin Zhou, sit." The Marshal pointed to the chair opposite him.

Lin Zhou sat down.

The Marshal looked at him, silent for a moment, before speaking. "Your Way of Civilization—I've seen it. Very interesting."

"The Marshal overpraises me."

"It's not overpraise." The Marshal shook his head. "All-Universe Academy Championship champion, MVP, creator of Way of Civilization. Your resume is much stronger than mine was at your age."

He paused and took a document out of a drawer.

"I've already signed your special recruitment Order. Rank of Colonel, independent legion establishment, five thousand men, self-recruitment allowed."

"Thank you, Marshal."

"No need for thanks." The Marshal pushed the document toward him. "This is what you deserve. However, I have conditions."

"What conditions?"

"Your Civilization Guardian Legion must serve on the front line for at least three years. Within those three years, you cannot apply for transfer, you cannot refuse dangerous missions, and you cannot evade combat for any reason."

Lin Zhou did not hesitate. "I accept."

"Good." The Marshal nodded. "Your legion will be stationed at the 'Iron Wall' Fortress in the Seventh War Zone. That is the absolute front line of the Chaos Star Domain, where we fight Chaos Beasts and Void creatures year-round. The danger level is three times that of other War zones."

"I know."

"You choose your own deputies. However, you must find your own way to secure supplies and equipment for the legion. The military only provides a basic quota."

"Understood."

The Marshal stood up and walked to the window, looking at the starry sky outside.

"Lin Zhou, do you know why I'm putting you on the front line?"

"Because the front line is the best place to test Way of Civilization."

The Marshal turned back to look at him, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.

"Correct. Your Way of Civilization needs to be ignited in the darkest places. If you can gain a foothold in the Chaos Star Domain, your Dao will spread throughout the entire Universe."

"I will."

"Good." The Marshal turned and took a token from the drawer, handing it to Lin Zhou. "This is your Legion Commander token. From today on, you are a Colonel Legion Commander of the Human Expeditionary Force."

Lin Zhou took the token.

The token was dark gold, with two characters engraved on it—Civilization.

[Civilization Guardian Legion · Legion Commander Token]

- Holder: Lin Zhou

- Rank: Colonel

- Establishment: 5,000 men

- Authority: Independent command, self-recruitment of members allowed

- Supply Quota: Basic (must be supplemented independently)

"Go." The Marshal waved his hand. "Your legion is waiting for you at the 'Iron Wall' Fortress."

Lin Zhou stood up and saluted.

"Yes, sir."

He turned and walked out of the office.

General Rex was waiting outside.

"Finished talking?"

"We're finished."

"Good, I'll take you to the 'Iron Wall' Fortress."

The three followed General Rex out of the command building and boarded a military shuttle.

The shuttle took off and headed deep into the Void Realm.

Through the porthole, Lin Zhou saw the edge of the Chaos Star Domain.

There was a massive rift stretching across the Void Realm, several light-years long. Endless Chaos energy gushed from the rift, staining the surrounding starry sky a grayish-white.

Floating in front of the rift was a fortress.

The fortress wasn't large, only a tenth the size of the command building. However, its walls were a hundred feet thick, their surfaces covered in battle scars—claw marks from Chaos Beasts, corrosion from Void creatures, and burns from Divine Power.

This was the "Iron Wall" Fortress.

The absolute front line of the Chaos Star Domain.

The shuttle landed on the fortress's landing pad.

Lin Zhou stepped out of the hatch and immediately felt the erosion of Chaos energy.

[Chaos Energy · Erosion]

- Concentration: Extremely High (50 times that of the outside world)

- Erosion Rate: Godhood Integrity -0.5% per hour

- Countermeasures: Deploy Divine Kingdom projection or use Chaos Resistance Talismans.

Lin Zhou deployed his Divine Kingdom projection. A pale gold light enveloped his body, and the erosion rate dropped to 0.1% per hour.

"Captain, it's so desolate here." Wang Meng looked around.

The fortress was empty, with only a few patrolling soldiers.

"This is the front line; most people have fallen in battle." Qin Qing pulled up the data. "Iron Wall Fortress, full establishment of five thousand men, current actual strength... one thousand two hundred. The rest have been killed in action."

Wang Meng fell silent.

Lin Zhou didn't speak; he just walked toward the command tower in the center of the fortress.

The command tower wasn't tall, only five stories. The top floor was the Legion Commander's office.

Lin Zhou pushed open the door.

The office was covered in dust. Clearly, no one had been here for a long time.

He walked to the window and looked at the Chaos rift in the distance.

Within the rift, Chaos energy churned. Occasionally, a Chaos Beast would rush out, only to be shot down by the fortress's defensive turrets.

"This is my battlefield," Lin Zhou murmured.

He turned to look at Wang Meng and Qin Qing.

"Wang Meng, from today on, you are the Vanguard Commander of the Civilization Guardian Legion."

"Yes, sir!" Wang Meng saluted.

"Qin Qing, you are the Military Judge Advocate."

"Yes, sir!" Qin Qing saluted.

"Now, our mission: recruit members, replenish equipment, and familiarize ourselves with the battlefield."

"Once we're ready, we will enter the Chaos Star Domain."

"There, we will test Way of Civilization."

Wang Meng and Qin Qing looked at each other and nodded simultaneously.

"Yes, sir!"

Lin Zhou looked out the window. Within the Chaos rift, it seemed as if something was watching him.

It wasn't hostility, but—anticipation.

"Chaos Star Domain, here I come."