69: Civilization Points: Unlocking Development Opportunities for Farmers (Part 2)

The effects of the Fertile Soil Technique were immediate, and the Divine Domain was filled with the sight of a promising harvest. However, Lin Zhou knew that this was only the beginning. The power of the School of Agriculture was far more than just increasing yields.

He ordered the Scholars of Agriculture, led by "Ji," to immediately get to work. Their primary task was to utilize the capabilities of the [experimental spirit field] and [Elite Seed Selection] to optimize the existing [low-grade spirit grain].

Under the dual catalysis of the School of Agriculture's Divine Power and the Dragon Vein's Spiritual Qi, the growth cycle of crops in the [experimental spirit field] was compressed to an astonishing degree. Day and night, the Scholars of Agriculture observed, recorded, and selected, screening out individuals with sturdier stalks, fuller grains, and richer Spiritual Qi for focused cultivation and hybridization.

At the same time, Lin Zhou invested his remaining civilization points (about 8,500 points) to accelerate this process and guide the direction of beneficial mutations.

In just a few days (Divine Domain time), after consuming 2,000 civilization points and a large amount of Divine Power, the results of the first stage became apparent!

The [low-grade spirit grain] successfully advanced to—[white jade spirit rice]!

Crop Card: white jade spirit rice

Type: Spiritual Plant/Food

Quality: Excellent (Green)

Effects:

Yield of 600 catties per mu (Yield is slightly lower than low-grade spirit grain, but the quality is worlds apart).

Contains pure Spiritual Qi; long-term consumption can steadily increase Physique attributes by 1-3 points (with an upper limit) and slightly accelerate Divine Power recovery (weak effect on Demigods and above).

Easy to absorb and highly satiating, it is a high-quality basic ration for elite followers and soldiers.

Planting Requirements: Requires 'Fertile' grade land or higher; requires care from Scholars of Agriculture or followers who have mastered basic farming techniques.

When the first batch of [white jade spirit rice] was cooked, the fragrant aroma and crystal-clear grains earned praise from every follower who tasted it. Especially for the Tiangong Dwarf warriors and Law Fishmen patrol teams currently in training, they could clearly feel that after eating this spirit rice, their stamina recovered faster and their training results improved!

The consolidation of the food Foundation brought immediate results. On the Divine Domain panel, the bonus to the average growth speed of followers had an implicit increase of 5% due to the improvement in food quality! This meant that the leveling efficiency of all followers had been enhanced!

And this was just the tip of the iceberg of the School of Agriculture's power being initially displayed.

Lin Zhou turned his gaze toward other crops. Under the nourishment of the Scholars of Agriculture and Dragon Vein Spiritual Qi, the leaves of the [wenxin tea tree] became greener, with golden literary Qi seemingly flowing through the veins; it was expected that the next season's tea would be even more effective. The fire-element energy contained in the grains of [Blaze Wheat] became purer, making the brewed [Blaze Wine] more potent, capable of briefly increasing a Dwarf's Strength attribute by 2 points.

To Lin Zhou's surprise, under the influence of the [Suitability to Local Conditions] trait, even some lands originally unsuitable for farming began to brim with life. In a high-temperature area near the [ashen furnace], through the modification of Agrarian Divine Power, they successfully grew [Red Crystal Chili], which absorbs fire-element Spiritual Qi; eating it can temporarily boost fire resistance. Meanwhile, in the lake area where the Law Fishmen lived, a new aquatic crop, [Clear Heart Lotus], was cultivated, whose lotus seeds have the effect of clearing the heart and brightening the eyes.

The integration of the School of Agriculture's ideology was like injecting a booster shot into the rapidly developing Divine Domain. It not only solved the pressing issue of food quality but also greatly enriched the Divine Domain's material resources, providing a solid material guarantee for the comprehensive development of the followers.

The changes in the Divine Domain naturally caught the attention of his allies.

Zhao Hao once again sent a noisy communication: "Old Lin! What's the situation on your end? My Wyverns have been restless these past few days, always looking toward your Divine Domain. Did your Dragon Vein upgrade again? Also, why do I feel like that 'earthy' smell... uh, I mean that vibrant scent of life, has gotten even stronger in your domain?"

Lin Zhou simply explained that he had unlocked a new "Legacy" focused on agricultural development.

Zhao Hao marveled at the news: "Farming? Hey, your path is getting wilder and wilder. But it seems to be working well! If my big-bellied guys (referring to his Half-Orc followers) could have this kind of delicious spirit rice, they'd probably work even harder. How about it, can you sell me some in the future?"

“Sure, we can trade for rare Ores or your local specialty, [Dragon Blood Grass].” Lin Zhou naturally wouldn't miss a trading opportunity; exchanging surplus food for scarce resources was a standard practice in civilizational development.

“Deal!” Zhao Hao agreed readily.

Su Yueyao's perception was more delicate. Her Moon God Divine Domain and Lin Zhou's Divine Domain seemed to have established a subtle connection due to their previous resonance. She could feel that the heavy, carrying aura of "Earth" in Lin Zhou's domain had become richer and more active, echoing her "Taiyin" power. This even benefited the [Jade Rabbit Medicine Garden] in her domain, as the growth rate of several Moonlight-system Spiritual Plants that were originally growing slowly actually increased by a fraction.

She sent a brief message, her tone carrying appreciation: "Classmate Lin's Divine Domain Foundation is becoming increasingly solid. Agriculture is the Foundation of the state; this saying is indeed true."

Lin Zhou replied: "Classmate Su flatters me; it's just a small gain. Your Moonlight nourishment also benefits my domain."

The exchange between the two was brief, yet there was a sort of unspoken understanding. This complementarity of Divine Power attributes was subtly deepening their connection.

With the internal Foundation solidified and external relations smoothed and strengthened, Lin Zhou began to invest more energy into enhancing his combat power.

The construction of the [Hall of Heroes] had reached 65% completion under continuous resource investment. A portion of [soul-calming wood] had been purchased through the Zhao family's channels, and [Faith Crystals] were also condensing at an accelerated rate.

At the same time, utilizing the ample food and resources, he began to implement an "Elite Training Program."

From the three core follower races, he selected individuals with excellent Aptitude and Ranks above LV15 to form the [Elite Training Camp]. They were guided by Hero Elven, Bronzebeard, and Snik, respectively, undergoing higher-intensity combat, skill training, and cultural studies. Their meal standards were fully upgraded, primarily supplied with [white jade spirit rice] and attribute-specific Spiritual Plant foods, along with basic potions like [Body Strengthening Soup] and [Spirit Focusing Powder] developed by the [Imperial Hospital] based on new medicinal ingredients.

Elite Training Camp (Initial Phase):

Wenxin Elf Spellcaster Group (50 people): Average Rank LV17, focusing on the application of Vast Righteous Qi, group buff Spells, and mental protection. Goal: Master the joint casting technique [Aura of Righteousness Barrier].

Tiangong Dwarf Breachers (50 people): Average Rank LV16, equipped with the latest forged [Rune War Armor] (Defense +15) and [Armor-Piercing War Hammer] (Attack +10, ignores partial armor). Goal: Master the [Earth-Shaking Strike] formation.

Law Fishman Adjudication Squad (50 people): Average Rank LV15, equipped with special [Law Chains] (Binding +5, +10 damage to evil units). Goal: Collaboratively deploy a small-scale [Net of Law] to imprison powerful enemies.

The consumption of these elite units was enormous, as they ate several times more food resources than ordinary followers daily. However, their growth speed was also visible to the naked eye. Without the agricultural revolution brought by the School of Agriculture's ideology, merely supporting this elite force would have placed a massive burden on the Divine Domain.

Now, Lin Zhou could invest resources without any worries, rapidly forging his own sharp-edged force!

Time flew by during this productive development. Studies in the second semester of grade 12 became even more intense, with courses on Astral exploration, high-level divine war command, and card combination optimization following one after another. Lin Zhou absorbed knowledge hungrily, cross-referencing it with his own Hundred Schools of Thought system, often experiencing moments of sudden enlightenment.

His Divine Power grew steadily, approaching 6,500 points. His mastery over the Fire of Civilization, the Dragon Vein, and the newly acquired power of the School of Agriculture became increasingly proficient. Supported by the School of Agriculture, the Divine Domain had truly achieved "full granaries," providing the most solid guarantee for his next step of "sharp weaponry."

Standing at the peak of the Divine Domain, looking down at the thriving scene below: the fragrance of rice fields, the roar of workshops, the chanting in schools, the drilling in barracks, the low hum of the Dragon Vein, and the Resting Soil and Moon Scales shining together... Lin Zhou's heart was filled with confidence.

The school selection trials were less than half a month away.

The stage of the Star Domain League was waiting ahead.

His path of the Hundred Schools of Thought civilization was moving forward steadily with an unstoppable momentum!