68: Civilization Points: Unlocking Development Opportunities for Farmers (Part 1)

As spring deepened and the days warmed, the [Hundred Schools Temple] Divine Domain flourished under the nourishment of the Dragon Vein. On the Dragon Vein Mountain Range in the core area, purple spiritual mist swirled around the pale gold mountainside. After that low moan, the mountain seemed to rise slightly higher, and the Dragon Might Domain it emitted kept low-level monsters away from the borders. At the foot of the mountain, the tiny balanced force field formed by the [breath of xirang] and [moonlight dragon scale] operated stably, acting like a natural core for gathering Qi and transformation, continuously feeding back into the Dragon Vein and the earth.

Old farmer Barton, an ordinary human believer who was only Rank LV5 (introduced through the early Fusion of a [Refugee Card]), was busy with his grandson on a ridge not far from the Dragon Vein. This land was originally just ordinary black soil within the Divine Domain, but since the Dragon Vein took shape, especially after those two divine objects landed, Barton felt as if the soil beneath his feet had "come alive," filled with an indescribable vitality.

“Grandpa, look at these ears of rice! They're so heavy, there's so much more than last year!” the young grandson shouted excitedly, pointing at the plump grains in the field that shimmered with a faint spiritual light. These rice seeds were [low-grade spirit grain] distributed by the agricultural officials of the [Altar of Shennong], said to contain a trace of Spiritual Qi.

A gratified smile appeared on Barton's wrinkled face as he grabbed a handful of soil, feeling its moist and fertile texture. “Yes, thanks to our Lord's blessing, this land is getting more and more fertile. I heard these are all miracles sent down by our Lord. The Dragon Vein in the mountains, that glowing divine soil, and the scales—they are all protecting us.” He looked up toward the sky of the Divine Domain. Although he couldn't see Lin Zhou's figure, his gaze was filled with pure piety. For bottom-tier believers like them, favorable weather and a bountiful harvest were a deity's greatest grace.

However, Lin Zhou, looking down at the overall situation from high above the Divine Domain, saw hidden dangers that Barton could not perceive.

On the Divine Domain panel, the population had already surpassed the 3,500 mark and was still growing. The three core vassal races—the Literary Heart Elves, Tiangong Dwarves, and Law Fishmen—were breeding smoothly. Combined with the early human refugees and some small dependent tribes, the Divine Domain was a picture of prosperity. But with that came a sharp spike in the demand for food.

The Fertile Soil Art from the [Altar of Shennong] and the nourishment of the Dragon Vein had indeed increased food production several-fold, and ordinary [low-grade spirit grain] could meet basic needs. But Lin Zhou's ambition went beyond this. He didn't want just enough to eat; he wanted all his vassal races to have stronger Physiques and faster growth rates! This required higher quality food, and even [Spiritual Plants] that could directly increase attributes and assist in Cultivation!

Current major crops in the Divine Domain:

low-grade spirit grain: Yields 800 jin per mu, contains trace Spiritual Qi, can satisfy hunger, long-term consumption slightly enhances Physique (weak effect).

wenxin tea tree (Elves exclusive): Produces [Wenxin Tea Leaves]. Drinking it temporarily increases Intelligence by 1-2 points and accelerates the recovery of Vast Righteous Qi.

Blaze Wheat (Dwarf preference): Cold-resistant, highly satiating, can be used to brew strong liquor to boost Dwarf morale.

Moonlight Moss (Fishmen cultivation): Underwater crop, a vital food source for the Fishmen race.

These crops would provide increasingly limited support when facing potentially harsher wars and the need for faster vassal Rank increases in the future. In particular, he planned to focus on training a group of elite vassals next semester to prepare for the [Star Domain High School League]. The existing food System could not provide enough energy and nutrition to support high-intensity training and rapid advancement.

“Food is the Foundation of civilization and the lifeblood of war. To make the Divine Domain strong, this base must first be solidified.” Lin Zhou realized this in his heart. This problem had nearly reached a Bottleneck relying solely on the existing [Altar of Shennong] and Dragon Vein nourishment. He needed a more systematic and fundamental solution.

His consciousness sank into the depths of his Sea of Consciousness, where the grand, ancient [Temple of Chinese Civilization]—flowing with the phantom of the river of civilization—floated quietly. Ever since he received an SSS+ evaluation in the final exam and successfully spread the Hundred Schools of Thought to solve the undead plague, the civilization points he had earned had reached a staggering number—12,500 points!

It was time to use this precious resource.

His consciousness focused on the outer perimeter of the Sanctuary, on those areas shrouded in mist that represented the locked thoughts of the Hundred Schools. Soon, he locked onto a target—that area emitted the fragrance of soil and the aura of a bountiful harvest of the five grains, symbolizing cultivation and reaping.

“Unlock, School of Agrarianism Thought!”

Following Lin Zhou's mental command, his 12,500 civilization points instantly dropped by 3,000! Like a floodgate opening, they poured into that misty area.

“Hum——”

The Sanctuary vibrated slightly, and the mist churned violently before receding like a tide, revealing the phantom of a new hall. This hall was not as Elegant as the [Jixia Academy], nor as solemn as the [Temple of Law], and certainly not as precise as the [Tiangong Workshop]. It was filled with a simple, heavy, and vibrant aura. Phantoms seemed to be farming in front of the hall, observing the growth and decay of plants, and tasting the flavors of a hundred herbs.

A vast stream of information instantly flooded Lin Zhou's mind; it was the core essence of the School of Agriculture!

The "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica," "Fan Shengzhi Shu," "Qimin Yaoshu"... countless pieces of knowledge regarding farming, soil, water conservancy, seed selection, farming seasons, and animal husbandry, as well as the deeper Dao of harmony between heaven and earth—"Follow the seasons of heaven, measure the advantages of the earth, then use less effort to achieve more success"—and the livelihood Foundation concept that "Food is the fundamental of the people," were all thoroughly integrated!

This was not just agricultural technology; it was a "Great Dao of the Foundation" concerning the survival of civilization!

Unlocked Thought: School of Agriculture

Core Essence: Follow the seasons of heaven, measure the advantages of the earth, emphasize cultivation, and solidify the Foundation.

Main Effects:

Fertile Soil Art (Advanced): Greatly enhances the soil fertility and Spiritual Qi affinity of the Divine Domain's land, with effects far exceeding ordinary divine arts. Can upgrade ordinary land into [experimental spirit field] and spirit fields into [Blessed Land].

Adaptation to Local Conditions: Ignores most harsh environments in the Divine Domain (deserts, saline-alkali, ice plains), allowing them to be transformed into fertile fields suitable for farming while retaining some regional characteristics to Cultivate special crops.

Bountiful Harvest of Five Grains: Passive effect. The yield of all food crops in the Divine Domain is increased by 150% (stacks with Altar of Shennong and Dragon Vein effects!), and the maturity cycle is shortened by 30%.

Seed Selection and Breeding: Can actively intervene to accelerate the survival of the fittest among crops, cultivating higher quality seeds, with a very low probability of guiding crops to produce beneficial mutations and advance into higher-level spiritual plants.

Famine and Plague (Strategic Skill): Can be cast on hostile Divine Domains to make their land barren and cause plagues to run rampant, significantly weakening their war potential and vassal status (requires a large amount of Divine Power and civilization points).

Associated Priesthood Potential: [Agriculture], [Abundance], [State].

Unlocked Buildings: [School of Agriculture Study Hall], [experimental spirit field], [Altar of Five Grains].

Unlocked Special Unit: Scholar of Agriculture (can be converted from vassals with relevant talents).

The majestic knowledge settled and was absorbed into Lin Zhou's consciousness. He opened his eyes, and it was as if waves of rice and the growth and decay of plants were rolling within his pupils. He had a brand-new understanding of the Divine Domain's land and crops. With a thought, the more profound and mysterious [Agrarian Fertile Soil Art] was already clear to him.

“This method is the Righteous Path!”

Without the slightest hesitation, he immediately began to act.

First was the construction of the corresponding miracle buildings. He chose a plain in the Divine Domain near the Dragon Vein with abundant water sources as his base.

“Construct, [School of Agriculture Study Hall]!”

The remaining civilization points were reduced by another 1,000, while a large amount of wood and stone stored in the Divine Domain rapidly gathered under the guidance of Divine Power. A simple building made primarily of logs and bluestone rose from the ground. It had no ornate decorations but blended perfectly with its surroundings, filled with the aura of life and labor. Several neat [experimental spirit field] were automatically opened up around the study hall, and the soil became visibly dark and fertile to the naked eye.

Building Card: School of Agriculture Study Hall

Type: Miracle Building / Knowledge / Production

Quality: Epic

Effects:

Agrarian Legacy: Can train "Scholar of Agriculture" units, impart Agrarian essence, and improve the overall agricultural technology level of the Divine Domain.

Tech R&D: Accelerates seed selection, development of new farm tools, and research into special crop cultivation techniques.

Spirit Field Buff: Within the range of the study hall, the growth speed of crops in [experimental spirit field] is +100%, and the mutation chance is slightly increased.

Abundance Aura: Slightly increases the yield of all farmlands (+10%) in the Divine Domain (not directly under the study hall).

Immediately after, Lin Zhou turned his gaze toward several Literary Heart Elves and human farmers who had shown high affinity for plants while working at the [Altar of Shennong]. A divine oracle descended, guiding them into the newly built [School of Agriculture Study Hall].

A soft and vibrant green light lit up in the study hall, enveloping the chosen vassals. Their attribute panels began to change, and their classes shifted from ordinary "Farmers" or "Elf Gardeners" to the special "Scholar of Agriculture"!

New Unit: Scholar of Agriculture

Basic Requirements: Intelligence 15+, possesses Nature Affinity or related talents.

Abilities:

Farming Mastery: Can efficiently manage large areas of farmland, increasing the yield of their jurisdiction.

Seed Identification: Can keenly discover crop individuals with potential for selection and breeding.

Simple Fertile Soil: Can cast a weakened version of the Fertile Soil Art to slowly improve the land.

Pest and Disease Control: Can identify and handle most crop diseases and pests.

Potential: Can be promoted to "Great Master of Agrarianism," mastering more powerful Agrarian divine arts and even breeding entirely new species.

The leader, an elderly human named "Ji" (formerly a LV6 Farmer, now converted to a LV10 Scholar of Agriculture, Intelligence 20, Specialty [Plant Communication]), felt the vast knowledge flooding his mind and an unprecedentedly clear perception of the land and crops. He was so moved that tears streamed down his face as he bowed toward the sky: “Thank you, my Lord, for granting this Sacred Path! This old man will do his absolute best to ensure that my Lord's Divine Domain never suffers from the worry of famine again!”

With the preparations complete, Lin Zhou took a deep breath. Floating high above the Divine Domain, he mobilized the Agrarian Divine Power he had just comprehended, mixed it with his own Fire of Civilization and Dragon Vein Spiritual Qi, and began to cast a broader and more powerful—

“Hundred Schools Divine Art · Fertile Soil Under Heaven!”

This time, it was no longer the scattered, local nourishment from before. With the [School of Agriculture Study Hall] and the Dragon Vein as the core, a majestic, vibrant emerald green halo spread rapidly like a ripple, sweeping across the entire Divine Domain!

Wherever the halo passed, the land of the Divine Domain emitted a joyful hum. The already fertile black soil became even deeper in color, even shimmering with a faint spiritual light. In some barren corners, the soil structure improved rapidly, becoming loose and fertile. All the crops in the fields, whether low-grade spirit grain, wenxin tea trees, or Blaze Wheat, became more lush and green at a visible rate. The ears of rice and wheat became fuller and heavier, and the Spiritual Qi contained within the plants increased significantly!

[Divine Domain Environment Update]:

Land Quality: Generally upgraded to 'Fertile' level, with some areas (such as experimental spirit fields and around the Dragon Vein) reaching 'Spirit Field' level.

Total Food Production: +150% (Agrarian effect)! After stacking with original buffs, total production has increased to approximately 600% of the initial state!

Crop Quality: The Spiritual Qi contained in all crops has increased. The basic enhancement effects on vassal Physique, Strength, and Spirit from long-term consumption have doubled!

New Resource Type: [experimental spirit field] (can accelerate research and cultivation of special crops).

Old farmer Barton watched the changes in his field in stunned silence. The rice seemed to have been injected with life force; the stalks were thicker, and the grains were almost heavy enough to bend the branches. The aroma of rice it emitted made his whole body feel comfortable. “A miracle! This is a true miracle!” He pulled his grandson to bow again, and the thread of faith instantly doubled in thickness, reaching the level of a Devout Believer!

With just one divine art, the entire agricultural Foundation of the Divine Domain had undergone a world-shaking change! The food crisis had completely become a thing of the past! Moreover, this laid a solid Foundation for cultivating high-tier spiritual plants in the future!