5: The dwarves join the fray, revolutionizing the divine realm! (Part 2)

As Lin Zhou's consciousness returned to the Divine Realm, he immediately felt a surging creative vitality. The projection of the [Heavenly Workshop] made the 'Ingenuity' rules throughout the Divine Realm exceptionally active. Under Elwin's leadership, the Literary Heart Elves were working in full swing to improve various tools. However, when he turned his attention to the clue about [the lost sound of the forging hammer] in the Divine Realm log, a sense of urgency welled up within him.

[Grey Rock Trail], Astral Turbulence Zone, Astral Goblins... these terms all pointed to one piece of information: danger. But the opportunity was equally massive. Dwarf Miners, a race famous for forging and Tenacity, were exactly the most needed puzzle piece in his current Divine Realm architecture. With them, Mohist thought could truly take root, and the Divine Realm's technology and industry would welcome a qualitative leap.

"I must head there as soon as possible!" Lin Zhou made up his mind. But before that, he needed to make thorough preparations.

He first checked the current core data of the Divine Realm:

[Divine Realm Interface]

Divine Realm Name: Unnamed (Rapid Development)

Divine Realm Size: 3.5 square kilometers

Divine Realm Environment: Orderly Forest (Habitability: 55/100)

Core Followers: Literary Heart Elves (LV 5-6)

Quantity: 102

Average Attributes: Strength 5-6, Agility 12-13, Constitution 6, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 10, Charisma 17

Faith Level: shallow believer (majority), Pious Believer (minority)

Status: [Creative Enthusiasm], [Firm Faith]

Traits: [Elegant Lv1], [Tenacity Lv1], [Ingenuity Lv1]

Daily Faith Output: 80 units

Available Faith Reserves: 50 units (recent construction consumption was huge)

Divine Power: 0

Divine Realm Buildings: [Jixia Academy (Projection)], [Heavenly Workshop (Projection)], [Small Mineral Vein], [water-powered bellows], [Junior Smelting Yard]

Fused Cards: 0/10

His strength had improved, but facing unknown astral exploration, especially potential battles, it still seemed thin. The elves excelled at guerrilla warfare and ranged attacks but lacked the ability for frontal assaults and sustained combat.

"Elwin." Lin Zhou sent down a divine oracle. "my god, your loyal servant listens to your holy decree." Elwin responded immediately; her level had risen to LV 7, and her aura was more composed.

"Assemble the most elite warriors and equip them with the best gear. We are about to conduct an expedition; the goal is to bring new companions and power to the Divine Realm." Lin Zhou selectively passed the information regarding the [Grey Rock Trail] and the dwarf clues to her. "The enemies may be greedy goblins, and the environment is full of unknown dangers. Caution and strength must be balanced."

"According to your will!" A look of determination flashed in Elwin's eyes. She immediately selected fifty Elwin warriors from the tribe who had reached LV 6, had the best mastery of [Vast Righteous Qi], and were the most agile. Meanwhile, she directed the tribespeople to work day and night, utilizing the bonuses of the [Heavenly Workshop] to craft the finest equipment for this expeditionary force:

Weapons: Iron- fetal Bow (Attack +8), All-Metal Armor-Piercing Arrows (Attack +5, with slight armor penetration).

Armor: Reinforced Leather Armor Inlaid with Iron Plates (Defense +5).

Special Equipment: Each person is equipped with three [Explosive Mechanical Arrowheads] (Mohist products, generates a small-range fire impact upon collision, damage 30-50).

Hero Equipment: Elwin receives a [Mechanical Repeating Crossbow] (can fire three shots in succession, each shot attack power 15-20).

In addition, Lin Zhou consumed his remaining 50 units of faith reserves and advanced the output of the next few days to specifically craft three foldable, easy-to-carry [light mechanical ballista] as heavy assault and suppression firepower.

[light mechanical ballista] (War Machine/Green Excellent)

Attack Power: 60-90 (Effective against medium-sized units and above)

Range: 200 meters

Features: Can be quickly disassembled and assembled, requires 2 people to operate.

Note: Contains Mohist Mechanical Arts; precision and reliability far exceed the [Simple Ballista].

Preparations proceeded intensely. During this time, Lin Zhou's consciousness entered the [Temple of Civilization] again, reviewing the unlocking progress of [Mohist] thought (2%) and related skills.

The passive effect of [The Exploitation of the Works of Nature] had already manifested, significantly increasing the R&D and construction speeds within the Divine Realm. [Basic Mechanical Arts] provided the theoretical foundation for manufacturing various mechanical creations. He tried to integrate more concepts like "Non-Aggression" (defensive mechanisms) and "Frugality" (efficient material utilization) into the development of the Divine Realm. The elves accepted these well and deepened their understanding through practice in the [Heavenly Workshop].

Finally, the expeditionary force was ready.

[Expeditionary Legion]:

Hero: Elwin (LV 7) - Status: [Divine Blessing] (All attributes +5%), equipped with [Mechanical Repeating Crossbow].

Wenxin Elf Elites * 50 (LV 6)

Average Attributes: Strength 6, Agility 13, Constitution 6, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 10, Charisma 17

Equipment: Iron- fetal Bow, Armor-Piercing Arrows, Reinforced Leather Armor, Explosive Mechanical Arrowheads * 3.

Status: [Divine Blessing] (Morale +10%), [Filled with Righteous Qi], [Well-Equipped].

Support: light mechanical ballista * 3.

Lin Zhou separated a wisp of his primary consciousness and attached it to Elwin, leading this hope-bearing expeditionary force. Following the safe navigation map provided by the school, he activated the temporary passage between the Divine Realm and the coordinates of the [Grey Rock Trail]... After passing through a brief and kaleidoscopic spatial tunnel, the scene before them suddenly opened up, yet it was fraught with crisis.

This was a shattered star field where countless rock fragments of various sizes floated in the void, forming a winding and twisting "trail." Colorful but lethal energy turbulence flowed between the rocks like rivers, and occasionally, the shadows of bizarre void creatures flashed by. In the distance, crude shacks built with scrap metal and stones could be seen on some rocks; those were the nests of the [Astral Goblins].

"Maintain concealment and proceed according to the navigation map's guidance." Elwin ordered in a low voice. The elves used the floating rocks as cover, nimbly weaving through them while avoiding energy turbulence and goblin patrols.

Guided by the clues, they gradually delved into the heart of the trail. Finally, on an exceptionally large, dark-red meteorite covered in impact craters, they heard it—a dull and rhythmic "thump... thump..." sound, as if a giant hammer were striking an anvil, carrying far in the silent starry sky.

"The sound of the forging hammer!" Elwin's spirits lifted.

They approached quietly and found a large natural cave on the shaded side of the meteorite; the sound was coming from inside. At the cave entrance, there were actually over a dozen Astral Goblins wearing mismatched leather armor and holding rusted swords and crude crossbow bolts on patrol! These goblins were short, green-skinned, with pointed ears and eyes full of cunning and greed.

[Astral Goblin Patrolman] (LV 8-10)

Quantity: 15

Average Attributes: Strength 9, Agility 11, Constitution 8, Intelligence 6, Wisdom 4, Charisma 3

Equipment: Rusted Swords (Attack +3), Shabby Crossbow Bolts (Attack +4), Mismatched Leather Armor (Defense +2)

Traits: [Bully the Weak and Fear the Strong], [Greedy by Nature].

"It seems these goblins have imprisoned the dwarves inside." Elwin instantly judged the situation. "A frontal assault on the entrance will alert the enemy and might endanger the dwarves. We need to eliminate them silently."

She observed the environment and pointed to a protruding, crack-filled boulder above the cave.

"First and Second Squads, take the high ground, set up the ballistae, and aim at the cave entrance." "Third Squad, follow me around to the side. Use explosive arrowheads to create chaos and draw attention." "Wait for my signal, and we strike simultaneously!"

The elves followed Orders, their movements swift as the wind. Soon, three ballistae were silently set up on the high ground, their arrowheads glinting with a cold light. Elwin led fifteen elves, using the shadows of the rocks to flank the patrol.

"Fire!"

At Elwin's command, she fired the first explosive arrowhead!

Boom! Firelight exploded in the middle of the goblin patrol. Two goblins were blown away on the spot, and the others immediately fell into a panic!

"Enemy attack! It's those long-ears!" the goblin squad leader shrieked.

Just as they were panicking and turning their attention toward the explosion, the three ballistae on the high ground emitted a deadly hum!

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—! Three thick ballista bolts shot down like lightning, accurately hitting three goblins trying to draw their crossbows to return fire, pinning them firmly to the ground!

"For my god! Purify these filths!" Elwin held her repeating crossbow high and led the flanking squad out. The [Vast Righteous Qi] domain instantly expanded, and a faint golden glow enveloped the remaining goblins!

The moment the goblins were suppressed by the domain, their attributes dropping and falling into chaos, the elves' arrows fell like a storm! Arrows imbued with faint righteous qi dealt considerable damage to the goblins!

The battle was almost a one-sided slaughter. In less than three minutes, the fifteen goblin patrolmen were wiped out, while the elves suffered zero casualties!

"Quickly clear the battlefield and stay alert for the cave interior!" Elwin ordered, charging into the cave first herself.

The interior of the cave was deeper than imagined. Along the way, one could see crude excavation marks and scattered ore. As they went deeper, the sound of forging grew louder, mixed with the shouting and whipping of goblins.

Finally, they reached a massive cavern. In the center of the cavern was a crude furnace and anvil. Twenty to thirty ragged, filthy, but muscular dwarves were in shackles, numbly forging crude metal parts under the lash of some Goblin Overseers (LV 12 Goblin Overseer, 3 total). In the corner of the cavern, some mined ores were piled up.

"It's the dwarves!" Elwin felt a surge of joy.

"Who's there?!" The Goblin Overseers discovered the intruders and sounded a sharp alarm.

"Rescue them!" Elwin didn't hesitate, unloading a burst from her repeating crossbow at a Goblin Overseer! The other elves also opened fire, focusing their attention on those three overseers.

Battle broke out again. The Goblin Overseers were stronger than the patrolmen, but under the elves' precision shooting and the suppression of the ballistae, they soon fell as well.

Freed from the overseers' control, the dwarves were stunned for a moment before a massive commotion erupted. An exceptionally burly old dwarf (LV 15) with his beard braided stepped forward. Although he was in shackles, his eyes were as sharp as unpolished diamonds. He looked warily at Elwin and the elves:

"Who are you? Why are you helping us? Do you also want to enslave our Bronzebeard Clan?" His voice sounded like rocks grinding together.

Elwin put away her weapon and signaled the elves to lower their guard. She used [Subtle Influence], making her voice full of sincerity and the power of Order: "We are messengers following the divine oracle of the God of Wisdom and Order. my god pities your skills being tarnished and your enslavement, and has specifically commanded us to come and rescue you, and invite you to an orderly land where there is no oppression and you can freely display your forging talents."

She pointed outside: "The goblins who enslaved you have been cleared. Whether to choose to stay in this shattered land or embrace a new Order and future is for you to decide."

The old dwarf Bronzebeard Stonehammer (he gave his name) looked into Elwin's clear eyes and felt the unique, reassuring aura about her. He then looked at his tribesmen behind him who yearned for freedom. After a long silence, he finally forcibly snapped the shackles symbolizing slavery on his body and knelt on one knee:

"The Bronzebeard Clan thanks you and the deity behind you for saving our lives! We are tired of fighting and slavery! If that orderly land is truly as you say, the Bronzebeard Clan is willing to serve!"

[System Prompt]: Successfully rescued and recruited a dwarf clan—the Bronzebeard Clan! [System Prompt]: Obtained Race Card [Dwarf Miner (Bronzebeard Clan)]!

[Dwarf Miner (Bronzebeard Clan)] (Race Card/Excellent-Green) - Fusible

Quantity: 28 (Adults)

Average Level: LV 10-15

Average Attributes: Strength 16-18, Agility 6-7, Constitution 17-19, Intelligence 8, Wisdom 7, Charisma 9

Traits:

[Forging Master]: Forging speed +50%, forging quality +1 level.

[Mineral Vein Affinity]: Mining efficiency +100%, chance to discover rare mineral veins.

[Rock Toughness]: Earth resistance +20%, physical defense +10%.

Faith Status: Neutral (Grateful, to be observed)

Special: Hero Unit - Bronzebeard Stonehammer (LV 15, Dwarf Warrior/Blacksmith).

A full harvest!

Lin Zhou's consciousness returned to the Divine Realm and immediately began the fusion.

When the twenty-eight Dwarf Miners appeared in the Divine Realm and felt that dense aura of Order, saw the well-organized elves, and especially that [Tiangong Workshop] radiating the light of creation, their originally somewhat apprehensive hearts instantly settled, and an amazing brilliance erupted in their eyes!

"This... this is the paradise of forging!" Bronzebeard Stonehammer stroked the projected pillars of the Tiangong Workshop, his beard trembling with excitement.

Lin Zhou took the opportunity to pass the Mohist concepts of "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature," "Frugality," and "Creation" to them. These concepts perfectly matched the dwarves' innate love for forging and their spirit of striving for excellence!

The dwarves accepted the essence of Mohist thought entirely without any rejection and immediately threw themselves into the fiery production and construction! They took over the mineral veins and smelting yards, and efficiency instantly soared! With the addition of the [Tiangong Workshop] and Mohist thought, they began to craft fine-grade equipment with higher quality and faint attributes of "Sturdiness" and "Sharpness"!

The [Divine Realm Interface] underwent an earth-shaking change:

Divine Realm Name: Unnamed (Home of Elves and Dwarves)

Divine Realm Size: 4.0 square kilometers (Fused new followers, rules expanded)

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves * 102 (LV 5-7) - Focused on Wisdom, Agility, Ranged, and Education.

Tiangong Dwarves * 28 (LV 10-15) - Focused on Constitution, Strength, Forging, and Mining.

Divine Realm Architecture: A complementary pattern of "Elves for Culture, Dwarves for Industry" has initially formed.

Daily Faith Output: 120 units (New dwarves provide stable faith)

Productivity: Iron ore daily processing capacity increased to 600 units, can stably produce [Fine] quality ironware.

Looking at the elves and dwarves living in harmony and playing to their respective strengths in the Divine Realm, and feeling the increasingly heavy and vibrant rules, Lin Zhou knew that his Divine Realm had completed a crucial architectural revolution.

The foundation is set, just waiting for the wind to rise.