66: Su Yueyao's visit reveals the iceberg of the Moon Goddess's realm (Part 1)

Winter had passed, and the breath of spring quietly permeated the [Hundred Schools Temple] Divine Domain. Having fused with the [Source of the Dragon Vein], the Divine Domain became increasingly vibrant. Under the nourishment of the Dragon Vein Spiritual Qi, the new leaves of the tree of life in the core area were as translucent as emeralds. The natural Spiritual Qi they emitted blended with the pale golden Dragon Vein Purple Qi, shrouding the Divine Domain in a thin layer of spiritual mist in the early morning.

Aiwen, a young Wenxin Elf girl, was one of Hero Elven's many students, Rank LV11, with a Wisdom attribute of 18. As usual, she arrived at the square in front of the [Jixia Academy] at dawn and bowed devoutly to the newly erected [Monument of Civilization (Miniature Projection)], which emitted a warm white light. Although this projection was far inferior to the actual monument under construction, it still contained a trace of power to suppress Luck and inspire wisdom. It was something Lin Zhou had spent considerable resources to condense in advance, aiming to constantly influence his followers.

Light and shadow flowed upon the monument, where one could vaguely see scenes of Script Elves holding scrolls and reciting, Tiangong Dwarves forging Divine Artifacts, and Law Fishmen wielding staves in Judgment. It recorded every bit of the Divine Domain's development, especially that epic battle at the end of the last semester—the expedition to another world to crusade against the Lich. Every time she gazed at the monument, Aiwen could feel the Vast Righteous Qi within her body stir, and her faith in her lord, Lin Zhou, grew even firmer.

"To learn and at due times to practice what one has learned, is that not a pleasure..." Aiwen softly recited the opening of "the analects," feeling the principles of Order and wisdom contained within the lines. She could feel that after the battles in the other world and the nourishment of the dragon vein, her understanding of the classics had deepened, and her Rank-up speed had increased significantly. Her gaze swept over the growing number of her kin on the square, the more intense sounds of hammering from the direction of the Tiangong Workshop, and the Law Fishmen patrol squads passing by with rhythmic, powerful steps. Her heart was filled with peace and pride. This was the land of civilization under her lord's protection—orderly and full of life.

High above the Divine Domain, Lin Zhou looked down upon his kingdom. After resting during the winter break and undergoing restoration in the [spirit nurturing pool], his Godhead was as good as new, even more translucent and sturdy. His Divine Power reserves were stable at 6,200 points, and his control over the Fire of Civilization had deepened slightly.

Divine Domain Panel:

Area: 23 square kilometers (slowly expanding).

Environment: Spiritual Qi Concentration "High" (Core Area "Extreme"). Follower growth rate +80%, resource regeneration +150%.

Core Followers:

Literary Heart Elves: Population 1,250, Average Rank LV16. Core Attribute "Wisdom" (Average 22). Traits "Elegant", "Comprehension Ability".

Tiangong Dwarves: Population 900, Average Rank LV15. Core Attributes "Strength" (Average 20), "Physique" (Average 21). Traits "Ingenuity", "Tenacity".

Law Fishmen: Population 800, Average Rank LV14. Core Attribute "Willpower" (Average 20). Traits "Lawful", "Iron Law".

Hero Units:

Elwin (Wenxin Elf): LV23. Strength 15, Agility 18, Physique 17, Intelligence 35, Wisdom 33, Spirit 30. Equipment [vastness scarf]. Skills [Subtle Influence], [Enlightening All Sentient Beings], [Song of Righteousness] (Newly comprehended).

Bronzebeard (Tiangong Dwarf): LV21. Strength 38, Agility 16, Physique 40, Intelligence 20, Wisdom 18, Spirit 22. Skills [Divine Craftsmanship], [Heart of the Furnace].

Snik (Law Fishman): LV19. Strength 16, Agility 19, Physique 18, Intelligence 29, Wisdom 25, Spirit 28. Skills [Judgment], [Execution], [Net of Law] (Synergy).

Miracle Buildings:

[Jixia Academy] (Enlightenment +100%, Comprehension +20%)

[Tiangong Workshop] (Research/Construction +200%)

[Temple of Law] (Order Degree 100%, Internal Friction Zeroed)

[ashen furnace] (Fire Element Growth +50%, Advanced Metal Output)

[Imperial Hospital] (Recovery +50%, Resistance +30%)

[Altar of Shennong] (Food Output +300%)

[Hall of Heroes (Under Construction)] (Progress 35%)

[Monument of Civilization (Miniature Projection)] (Luck slightly increased, Civilization Cohesion +10%)

The development of the Divine Domain had entered the fast lane, but Lin Zhou did not relax. At the start of the second semester of grade 12, the focus of his studies began to shift towards more profound Divine Domain War Studies, Astral Geography, and high-level card applications. At the same time, news of the [Star Domain High School League] was officially announced, with only one month left until the school's internal selection trials. This meant he had to integrate his forces as quickly as possible to further enhance his high-end combat power.

Just as he was planning how to use his available resources to accelerate the construction of the [Hall of Heroes] and equip himself and his heroes with better gear, a cold yet soft ripple of Divine Power touched his Divine Domain's barrier.

This Divine Power... cold and pure, carrying the nobility and tranquility of moonlight, was vastly different from his Fire of Civilization. Yet, it held no ill intent; instead, it had a tentative, probing feel.

It was Su Yueyao.

With a thought, Lin Zhou opened an entrance permission. At the edge of the Divine Domain, a moon-white bridge of light appeared out of thin air, spanning the Void Realm. Su Yueyao's figure quietly appeared on the bridge, walking with graceful steps like a Fairy under the moon. In an instant, she arrived near the core area of Lin Zhou's Divine Domain.

She was still dressed in a simple and Elegant white dress, her black hair flowing like a waterfall and her eyes like autumn waters. A faint moonlight divine glow flowed around her, making her appear even more refined and transcendent. She curiously observed Lin Zhou's Divine Domain, a flash of undisguised surprise crossing her beautiful eyes.

The rich Spiritual Qi, the perfect Order, the harmonious coexistence of different races—especially the faint dragon vein aura in the core area and the heavy cultural resonance emitted by the [Monument of Civilization Projection]—all felt novel to her. This was different from any Divine Domain she had ever seen; it had less savage conquest and more civilizational accumulation.

"Student Lin Zhou, excuse my sudden visit." Su Yueyao's voice flowed like moonlight, cold and pleasant to the ear. "Perceiving that your Divine Domain's aura is now stable and robust, it seems your injuries are no longer a concern. I've come specifically to congratulate you."

"Classmate Su, you're too kind. Please." Lin Zhou smiled slightly. With a thought, two chairs condensed from pure Spiritual Qi and a stone table appeared under the tree of life. Several cups of Spiritual Tea, picked and roasted by Literary Heart Elves, appeared on the table, steam curling upward. The tea's fragrance blended with the surrounding scent of plants and the Dragon Vein Purple Qi, refreshing the heart and mind.

Su Yueyao sat down gracefully, her gaze sweeping over Elwin, who was leading young children in recitation in front of the [Jixia Academy], and the rhythmic roar of forging from the direction of the Tiangong Workshop. The appreciation in her eyes grew stronger. "Student Lin's Divine Domain is indeed unique. Such Order and harmony are things Yue Yao has only seen once in her life."

"The Hundred Schools of Thought aim to enlighten the people and stabilize Order; this is the Foundation of civilization," Lin Zhou explained, while also observing Su Yueyao. He could feel that her aura was deeper and more restrained than at the end of the semester. Obviously, she hadn't slackened at all during the winter break, and her strength had improved significantly.

"Civilization... Foundation, is it?" Su Yueyao said thoughtfully, taking a small sip of the Spiritual Tea, a trace of reminiscence flashing in her eyes. "To be honest with Student Lin, I have been deeply interested in Ancient Huaxia Culture since I was a child, and my family also collects many related ancient Incomplete Manuals. However, as time passed, too many legacies were severed, making it difficult to see the full picture. Observing Student Lin's Divine Domain and seeing how those thoughts, which only exist in old stacks of paper, can be manifested with Divine Power and operated to such an extent is truly amazing."

She paused and looked at Lin Zhou, her gaze clear and serious. "Especially at the end of the semester, when the physicians under your command developed an antidote to save all living beings, the 'Benevolent Heart and Art' they upheld, along with that Law Network containing the power of Order, gave me a sense of... inexplicable familiarity and closeness."

Lin Zhou's heart stirred slightly, knowing she was extending an olive branch and trying to probe the depths of his "family heritage." Naturally, he wouldn't reveal the existence of the Temple of Civilization. He simply followed the topic, saying, "The wisdom of the sages is broad and profound. I have only scratched the surface, using it to stabilize my Divine Domain. That Classmate Su also researches Ancient Huaxia Culture is indeed beyond my expectations."

Su Yueyao nodded slightly and didn't delve deeper, instead saying, "My visit today is firstly to congratulate you, and secondly..." She hesitated slightly, as if making a decision. "I want to have an exchange with Student Lin. Not a divine battle, but a demonstration and verification of our Divine Domain characteristics. I observe that your Divine Domain is perfectly ordered, and your Fire of Civilization contains creation and protection. Meanwhile, my Moon God Divine Domain focuses on tranquility, purification, and protection. Perhaps there are things we can learn from each other."

A demonstration and exchange of Divine Domain characteristics? Among gods, this was a step further in trust than a divine battle, meaning one was willing to let the other glimpse part of their own Foundation. Su Yueyao's move undoubtedly expressed great sincerity.

After a brief thought, Lin Zhou nodded in agreement. "It is exactly what I would wish for, though I dared not ask. Classmate Su, please."

Hearing this, Su Yueyao's lips curved slightly, revealing a faint but soul-stirring smile. She reached out her slender, jade-like hand, Moonlight Divine Power condensing at her fingertip as she lightly tapped the void.

In an instant, with her fingertip as the center, a hazy phantom began to spread like a reflection in water, slowly presenting a strange scene within Lin Zhou's Divine Domain. This was not a true descent of a Divine Domain, but a high-level projection technique, sufficient to allow one to see the general landscape of her Divine Domain.

It was a world bathed in eternal moonlight. There was no sun in the sky, only a bright, clear moon (not a real celestial body, but a manifestation of the divine kingdom's rules), shedding clear light that illuminated the land like day, yet with a dreamlike silvery-white hue.

The first thing that came into view was a boundless [Laurel Forest]. Tall laurel trees stretched out their silvery-white branches and leaves, emitting a cold, faint fragrance. Beneath the trees dwelt an Elegant species—the [Moon Elves].

These Moon Elves were slender with pointed ears, their skin so fair it was almost transparent, and their hair mostly silver or light purple. Dressed in light veils, they strolled and played in the Laurel Forest, or prayed to the bright moon. Their aura shared the same source as Su Yueyao's—cold and pure.

Core Followers: Moon Elves

Population (Estimated): Approximately 2,000.

Average Rank: LV17.

Core Attributes: "Wisdom" (Average 20), "Spirit" (Average 22).

Traits: "Moonlight Affinity", "Tranquility", "Purification".

Common Unit Types:

Moon God Priests: Holding crescent staves, skilled in healing, purification, and moonlight shields. Skills [Moonlight Healing], [Rain of Tranquility].

Moonlight Sentinels: Agile, using bows and arrows condensed from moonlight; arrows carry frost and mana-breaking effects. Skills [Moon Shadow Shuttle], [Frost Bolt].

Miracle Buildings:

[Moon Temple]: Located in the center of the Laurel Forest, made entirely of moon-white jade. It is the core where Moon Elves pray and Moonlight Divine Power converges. Effect: Greatly increases the recovery speed of Moonlight Divine Power, enhances all moonlight-type Spell effects. Friendly units within range gain the [Moon's Protection] status (Defense +20%, Spirit Resistance +30%).

[Wangshu Terrace]: A towering observatory that seems to communicate directly with the moon in the sky. Effect: Accelerates Divine Power accumulation, provides slight danger precognition, and can guide enhanced moonlight for ultra-long-range strikes or large-scale purification.

[Jade Rabbit Herb Garden]: A spiritual plant garden shrouded in moonlight, growing various herbs that emit moonlight aura, tended by cute elementals in the shape of jade rabbits. Effect: Produces special medicinal materials like [Moonlight Grass] and [Laurel Seeds], which can be used to refine Advanced potions.

Environmental Characteristics:

Eternal Moonlit Night: A rule-based environment. Under the moonlight, Moon Elves gain +15% to all attributes, while enemy units are easily affected by the "Tranquility" effect (lowered aggression).

Moonlight Pervasion: The environment is filled with active moonlight energy. Non-dark and non-Chaos units within it receive a slight increase in injury and Divine Power recovery speed.

Clear Glow of the Vast Cold: Possesses powerful purification properties, providing continuous suppression and purification effects against evil units such as undead, demons, and Chaos.

Su Yueyao's Divine Domain covered an area of about 25 square kilometers, slightly larger than Lin Zhou's. Its rule completeness was extremely high, clearly having been managed exceptionally well. The entire Divine Domain gave off a sense of tranquility, holiness, and inviolability, while also hiding lethal intent (Moonlight Sentinels and Wangshu Terrace).

"What a wonderful moonlight pure land," Lin Zhou praised sincerely. Whether in terms of follower potential, building functions, or environmental rules, Su Yueyao's Divine Domain was top-tier and perfectly aligned with the development direction of the Moon God priesthood.

"Student Lin overpraises me," Su Yueyao responded softly, her gaze still fixed on Lin Zhou's Divine Domain, especially the miniature dragon vein and the Monument of Civilization projection. "Compared to Student Lin's civilizational atmosphere, which contains infinite possibilities, Yue Yao's Divine Domain is merely a peaceful corner after all."

Just then, an anomaly occurred.

Perhaps because of the close-range projection contact between the rules of the two Divine Domains, deep within the core of Lin Zhou's Divine Domain, that faint but high-essence [Fire of Civilization] seemed to be pulled by some pure, feminine power and flickered slightly.

And in the phantom of the Moon God Divine Domain projected by Su Yueyao, that high-hanging bright moon also seemed to sense something, and its clear glow suddenly became a few degrees brighter!

"This is..." Su Yueyao's brows furrowed slightly as she felt the subtle fluctuations in her Divine Domain's rules, appearing somewhat surprised.

Lin Zhou's heart also stirred as he noticed the abnormality in his own Fire of Civilization. Between the two, there seemed to be an extremely weak but truly existing... resonance?