6: The power of Legalism lies in establishing laws to punish the wicked! (Part 1)

The addition of the dwarf clan was like injecting a more powerful fuel into the high-speed engine of the Divine Domain. The dwarves of the Bronzebeard clan devoted themselves to the work of the Tiangong Workshop and the ore veins with an almost pilgrim-like mindset. The Mohist concepts of "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature," "Frugality," and "Creation" merged perfectly with their devout faith in forging, bursting forth with astonishing productivity.

Under the management of the dwarven Great Masters, the daily processing capacity of iron ore soared, and fine-quality ironware began to be produced in batches. The Literary Heart Elves were able to re-equip themselves with better iron-backed bows and armor-piercing arrows, and even the key parts of their leather armor were inlaid with steel plates meticulously forged by the dwarves. More practical tools and defensive facilities utilizing principles such as levers, pulleys, and gears began to appear within the Divine Domain, and its overall appearance changed with each passing day.

The Divine Domain Interface reflected this vigorous development in real-time:

Domain Name: Unnamed (Rapid Development)

Domain Size: 4.0 square kilometers

Domain Environment: Orderly Forest (Habitability: 60/100)

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves * 102 (LV 5-7)

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

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

Tiangong Dwarves * 28 (LV 10-15)

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

Traits: [Forging Master], [Ore Vein Affinity], [Rock Toughness]

Daily Faith Output: 150 units (Dwarves provide stable faith, and efficiency has increased)

Available Faith Reserve: 300 units (Continuing to accumulate)

Divine Power: 0

Domain Buildings: [Jixia Academy], [Tiangong Workshop], [Temple of Law (Unbuilt)], [Small Ore Vein (Operating Efficiently)], [water-powered bellows (Improved)], [Elementary Smeltery (Upgrading)]... Productivity: Daily iron ore processing capacity of 800 units, stable output of [Fine] quality ironware, and research on [Excellent] quality has begun.

The Temple of Civilization Interface was also updated simultaneously:

Civilization Level: Dawn of Enlightenment (150/10000)

civilization points: 800

Unlocked Thoughts:

[Confucianism] (First Glimpse) - Unlock progress 5%.

[Mohism] (First Glimpse) - Unlock progress 5%.

Technical Context: Synergistic effect between [Mohism] and [Confucianism] enhanced (Research speed extra +15%).

However, beneath this scene of prosperity, Lin Zhou, relying on the high-dimensional perception granted by the Temple of Civilization, keenly sensed a ripple of disharmony.

Southeast corner of the Divine Domain, the berry bush area.

The elf Aila, responsible for today's gathering, was having a dispute with the elf Luna, who was responsible for counting the stock.

“Luna, I counted repeatedly; there should be 150 berries today. Why are there only 142 in the inventory?” Aila’s brow was furrowed, her tone carrying dissatisfaction.

Luna’s eyes flickered, and she forced herself to remain calm. “You must have miscounted, or they were lost along the way. Aila, we are both children of god; how can you slander my innocence out of thin air?”

“It’s not out of thin air! When the newly cast arrowheads were distributed the day before yesterday, the numbers didn't match either! Everyone is talking about it in private!” Aila argued her case.

The surrounding elves were drawn over, whispering among themselves. Though the crack in trust was small, it had cast a stone into the pure lake of faith.

Almost at the same time, in the ore vein area.

A young Tiangong Dwarf apprentice secretly stuffed a small piece of the highest quality refined iron he had processed into his leather pouch, planning to forge a handier dagger for himself in private. He thought his movements were concealed, but he didn't know that all of this had fallen into the eyes of another old dwarf. The old dwarf shook his head and sighed, but did not say anything.

Lin Zhou's consciousness watched all of this coldly.

He saw the faint gray stray thoughts representing "greed" and "opportunism" at the root of Luna’s faith thread.

He saw the small desire for "private ownership" in the dwarven apprentice's heart that surpassed the rules of "public ownership."

He saw the subtle dissatisfaction and potential injustice quietly breeding because of vague resource allocation and unclear scales of reward and punishment.

“When the granaries are full, the people know propriety; when food and clothing are sufficient, they know honor and disgrace,” Lin Zhou recited in his heart, but there was a sentence after that, “...When a state has much wealth, those from afar will come; when the land is opened up, the people will stay; when the granaries are full, the prisons are empty. However, without Laws and regulations, evil will arise.”

Relying solely on the moral self-awareness formed by Confucian education was already insufficient as resources became increasingly abundant and the composition of the ethnic groups became more complex! Morality is a high benchmark, but not everyone can always reach it. Without clear bottom lines and punishments, opportunism and selfish desires will breed.

This was the greatest hidden danger lurking under the current rapid development of his Divine Domain! It was also the Bottleneck restricting its progress to a higher level!

The school's concerns were not unfounded. A Divine Domain with chaotic internal management and no Laws to follow, even if it were powerful for a time, would eventually collapse due to internal friction.

“It is time...” Lin Zhou's consciousness turned toward the Temple of Civilization. On the interface, the option for [Legalism] was flashing with a cold and majestic light, like a sword of Law waiting to be unsheathed.

“Unlock [Legalism]!”

“Consumed 100 civilization points, successfully unlocked [Legalism] (First Glimpse).”

“Obtained partial content infusion of the core Legalist classics, the Han Feizi and the Book of Lord Shang.”

“Obtained the initial miracle building blueprint—[Temple of Law (Projection)]!”

“Unlocked core Legalist skills: [Net of Law], [No Exemption from Punishment]!”

A flood of information that was cold, solemn, and emphasized absolute rules and clear rewards and punishments poured in! It was the supreme concept of "the Law does not favor the noble, the ink-line does not bend for the crooked," and "punishment for faults does not avoid high officials, rewards for goodness do not neglect the common man"! It was the ruling wisdom of "settling disputes by defining rights" and "eliminating punishment through punishment"! This power was completely different from the gentle education of Confucianism and the practical creation of Mohism; it was full of unquestionable majesty and iron-bloodedness!

At the same time, a blueprint of a temple phantom with a completely different style unfolded in his heart—the [Temple of Law]! It was based on obsidian (phantom) and used white jade (phantom) for its pillars. Its overall lines were rigid and cold, exuding an aura of justice and sternness that inspired awe!

Build it! Immediately! Now!

Lin Zhou did not hesitate in the slightest. The Power Of Faith consumed for this construction was unprecedentedly massive, as high as 1000 units! It almost exhausted his recent accumulation, but he believed it concerned the Foundation of the Divine Domain and was completely worth it!

When that towering and majestic [Temple of Law (Projection)] stood in the center of the Divine Domain, forming a triangle with the [Jixia Academy] and the [Tiangong Workshop], the rules of the entire Divine Domain seemed to be injected with a steel backbone! An invisible, cold force of Order spread out from the temple, sweeping through every corner!

[Temple of Law (Projection)] (Miracle Building)

Effects:

Discipline and execution power of followers within range increased to 100%.

Automatically records major events occurring within the Divine Domain that touch the bottom line of the rules.

Divine Domain Laws can be established, promulgated, and interpreted here; the effects of Laws are enhanced under this empowerment.

Slightly increases insight into behaviors such as "lies," "deception," and "betrayal."

Trait: [Manifest Justice] - Significantly reduces the chance of internal crimes and betrayals. For convicted crimes, the punishment effect is enhanced.

Immediately after, Lin Zhou deeply imprinted the two core skills of Legalism into the basic rules of the Divine Domain.

[Net of Law] (Passive/Domain Skill): Forms an invisible Domain of Law within the Divine Domain. Within the Domain, the actions of all units (including allies and entering enemies) will be constrained and judged by the Law. Current Rank (Novice): The Domain covers the entire Divine Domain, producing a suppression effect (all attributes -8%) on those who violate the Law, and making them appear like a bright fire in the night to the perception of Law enforcers.

[No Exemption from Punishment] (Active/Judgment Skill): Can be activated against a specific target, ignoring their status and position, applying corresponding punishment based on their "crime." The higher the level of mastery, the more complex the crimes that can be judged, and the more precise and severe the punishment. Current punishments that can be applied: temporary attribute deprivation, resource deprivation, forced labor, and faith purification (for minor faith pollution).

The temple is built, the rules must be established! Justice must be manifest!

Lin Zhou's consciousness sat high above the [Temple of Law], like a supreme legislator and judge. He channeled the power of the temple, and a grand divine oracle, accompanied by the complete unfolding of the [Net of Law], resounded in the deepest part of the Souls of every citizen of the Divine Domain like Nine Heavens thunder:

“My people!”

“Order is the Foundation of civilization, and Law is the ruler of Order!”

“Education guides people toward goodness, while Law settles disputes and punishes evil while promoting good!”

“Now, before the Temple of Law, I establish the ‘Initial Laws of the Divine Domain.’ I hope you will abide by them. Violators—will be punished without leniency!”

The power of the divine oracle, mixed with the majesty of the Law, caused all elves and dwarves to be deeply shaken. They involuntarily stopped their actions and listened solemnly.

“Article 1 of the ‘Initial Laws of the Divine Domain’: Within the Divine Domain, all beings are equal! All my people, whether they arrived early or late, whether elf or dwarf, have no privileges before the Law! Those who abide by the Law are protected by it; those who violate the Law must be punished!”

“Article 2: The resources and wealth of the Divine Domain are all public property! All output is distributed according to regulations! Those who hide, steal, embezzle, or waste public resources will, depending on the circumstances, be deprived of what they obtained and punished with hard labor!”

“Article 3: Be honest and trustworthy, and help each other! Those who frame, slander, or betray their comrades will be treated as having rebelled against their faith. For light offenses, they will be punished with labor; for severe ones... they will be expelled and exiled!”

“The Law has been established. I hope you will be prudent! Be warned!”

The divine oracle fell, the light of the [Net of Law] flickered slightly and became completely stable. A clear sense of "rules" permeated the hearts of every living being. They understood that from this moment on, there was a clear and insurmountable red line within the Divine Domain.

Confucian education gave them moral guidance and the warmth of goodness, while Legalist Law defined the bottom line of behavior and brought the guarantee of safety and justice. The two did not conflict; instead, they complemented each other, jointly building a more stable civilizational Order!

Almost the instant the Net of Law stabilized, the "truth" of the two previous disputes clearly surfaced at the level of the rules.

Elwin, as a hero unit, was the first to feel the additional "Law enforcement" responsibility in her authority. Her face was solemn as she walked up to the elf Luna, who was slumped on the ground, her face ashen. Her voice was cold and just, containing the power of the Law:

“Luna! Under the Net of Law, your actions of hiding berries and repeatedly embezzling public resources have nowhere to hide! The evidence is conclusive. According to Article 2 of the ‘Initial Laws of the Divine Domain,’ do you plead guilty?”

Under the dual suppression of the miracle building and the Domain skill, Luna's psychological defense completely collapsed. She wept bitterly and prostrated herself on the ground: “I plead guilty! I plead guilty! It was my momentary greed that blinded my mind and betrayed my god's trust and Aila's labor...”

On the other side, Bronzebeard Stonehammer also had a dark face as he grabbed the dwarven apprentice who had tried to hide the refined iron and shouted gruffly, “You disgraceful thing! my god granted us a place to live and fair and selfless rules, yet you dare to commit such petty theft! According to the Law, what should be your crime?!”

The dwarven apprentice trembled all over, repeatedly begging for mercy.

The judgment was carried out in full view of everyone.

Elwin, according to the Law, sentenced Luna to five days of hard labor, responsible for cleaning the dirtiest and most tiring slag, and deducted three of her resource distribution shares.

Bronzebeard Stonehammer, according to dwarven customs and the spirit of the Law, sentenced the apprentice to double his quota of work and prohibited him from touching high-quality Materials for a month.

The judgment was handed down, and the [Temple of Law] flashed with a faint light again. The invisible power of the rules marked their crimes and punishments. The gray stray thoughts on them dissipated under the purification of the rules, and their faith became pure again, yet full of remorse and awe for the Law.

All the elves and dwarves who witnessed this scene developed the most direct understanding and awe for this newborn Law. A more solid and orderly feeling arose spontaneously.

[System Prompt]: Successfully established and executed the Divine Domain Laws! [Legalism] thought has been practiced, unlock progress increased to 3%!

[System Prompt]: Your followers deeply understand the importance of "rules" and "Order." Discipline is constant at 100%, and execution efficiency is 100%!

[System Prompt]: The internal hidden dangers of [Greed Breeding] and [Unfair Distribution] in the Divine Domain have been cleared! The stability of the Divine Domain has significantly increased! Faith purity has slightly increased!

[System Prompt]: Detected a deep synergistic effect between [Confucianism] education and [Legalism] decrees, forming a "Simultaneous Governance by Rites and Law" System! Divine Domain rule resistance increased, resistance to external mental pollution increased!

The Divine Domain interface updated accordingly:

Domain Status: Highly Stable (Internal conflicts eliminated, Order is well-maintained)

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves - New Trait: [Lawful Lv1] - Immune to low-level fear, confusion, charm, and other mental control effects.

Tiangong Dwarves - New Trait: [Abide by Law] - Follow rules, production efficiency extra +5%.

Domain Buildings: Added [Temple of Law (Projection)].

Special Rules: Established the ‘Initial Laws of the Divine Domain,’ [Net of Law] full coverage.

Lin Zhou felt the changes in the Divine Domain with satisfaction. That feeling of having everything under control, with clear rules and appropriate rewards and punishments, was far beyond what he had before. The integration of Legalist thought was like installing a precise navigation System and brakes for the rapidly developing Divine Domain, allowing it to sail more steadily toward the distance.

He could vaguely perceive that the school's invisible, scrutinizing gaze quietly receded after the Net of Law unfolded and the judgment was fairly executed, replaced by a sense of tacit approval and even recognition.

However, just as Lin Zhou thought the internal reorganization was over and he could fully prepare for the next step, the [Temple of Law] suddenly transmitted a faint but clear warning wave to him—this wave did not come from within the Divine Domain, but from... outside? Was it faintly related to the dwarven clue from the [Grey Rock Trail]?