77: The second semester brings new challenges (Part 2)

The first round of the intra-school selection tournament concluded, and the second semester of the senior year officially got on track. The courses became more in-depth and practical, especially those regarding Divine Domain Warfare, advanced card application, and basic knowledge of the Star Domain, which benefited Lin Zhou immensely.

He combined his experience from the melee with the course knowledge to optimize his tactical system. At the same time, he began working on converting the resources of his Divine Domain into immediate combat power.

First was the utilization of the output from the 【Altar of Shennong】 and the 【Five-Colored Spirit Fields】. Under the guidance of the School of Agriculture scholar "Ji," the first batch of Spirit Plants with practical combat value began to be produced in bulk.

Geng Metal Sword Orchid: The leaves were processed by the Tiangong Dwarves into a one-time consumable, the 【Geng Metal Sword Qi Talisman】. Once activated, it can release a Sword Qi attack equivalent to a full-strength strike from a Rank 15 Elf Ranger. Although it has limited threat to high-end combat power, it is sufficient to deal with ordinary soldiers or to disrupt spellcasting. It is prioritized for distribution to the Legalist Enforcer and Literary Heart Elves.

Flame Gourd: These were made into 【Fire Bomb】. When thrown, they create a small-area flame explosion with a burning effect. They are carried by the Tiangong Dwarves Breaker to compensate for the lack of area-of-effect damage.

Blue Water Lotus: The seeds were refined by the Imperial Hospital into 【Underwater Breathing Potion】, allowing non-merman followers to possess underwater combat capabilities for a certain period, greatly increasing tactical flexibility.

Wenxin Enlightenment Tea: The enhanced tea leaves are regularly supplied to the Literary Heart Elves spellcasting group and the elite training camp to accelerate their Mental Energy and skill Cultivate.

Secondly, there was further investment in the elite training camp. Lin Zhou used part of the harvested 【White Jade Spirit Rice】 and Spirit Plant crops, through Zhao Hao's channels, to exchange for a batch of rare 【Star-Patterned Steel】 and 【Dragon Blood Grass】. The 【Star-Patterned Steel】 was used by Bronzebeard to further strengthen the equipment of the Dwarf Breakers, while the 【Dragon Blood Grass】 was prepared by the Imperial Hospital with other medicinal herbs to brew 【Dragon Blood Body-Forging Soup】, which was used for elite units to soak in, slightly increasing their strength and Physique limits.

These investments were highly effective. By the time the arena tournament drawing ceremony began, the average Rank of the elite units under Lin Zhou had increased by another 1, and their equipment and auxiliary items had also been upgraded, leading to a significant increase in their strength.

The rules of the arena tournament are simple: the top 100 contestants determine their opponents through a draw, and it is a single-elimination format until the top ten are decided. The matches take place in a specialized 【Duel Divine Domain】, where the rules are more comprehensive, simulating real divine wars as much as possible. It allows the use of most cards and items (which must be reported in advance), but ensures that both sides' Divine Domain area and initial Divine Power are at the same level, putting more emphasis on the deity's own command, the quality of followers, and tactical coordination.

The draw results came out, and Lin Zhou's first-round opponent was a student named Sun Yu, whose Divine Domain contained 【Storm Harpies】.

"Storm Harpies? Skilled in aerial strikes and storm Spells..." Lin Zhou immediately retrieved relevant information in his mind and began to formulate a targeted strategy. The opponent's followers had extremely high mobility and possessed air superiority, which posed a significant challenge to his ground forces.

The match day arrived quickly. The huge circular spectator stands were filled with students and teachers, and in the center was a massive light screen projecting the scene of the 【Duel Divine Domain】.

The consciousness of Lin Zhou and Sun Yu descended to opposite ends of the Duel Divine Domain. This was a terrain with sparse trees and hills, with a relatively open view of the sky.

Duel Divine Domain Environment: Standard plains and hills, area 10 square kilometers (simulated). Initial Divine Power for both sides: 5000 points. Maximum summonable followers: 300 units (can include heroes).

"Match start!"

As the referee gave the Order, Sun Yu launched the attack first! Hundreds of screeching Storm Harpies took to the air! These harpies had the heads and torsos of women, feather-covered wings, and sharp claws, with Ranks between LV14 and LV17. They brandished their sharp claws, whipping up small 【Wind Blades】 and swooping toward Lin Zhou's position like a green storm!

Enemy Unit: Storm Harpy. Rank: LV14 - LV17. Attributes: Strength 13-16, Agility 25-28, Physique 12-15, Intelligence 10, Wisdom 9, Mental Energy 14-16. Traits: 【Flying Unit】, 【Storm Affinity】 (Wind-type Spell effect +20%), 【Sharp Vision】, 【Screeching Distraction】 (Emits harsh screeches to interfere with enemy spellcasting). Hero Unit: Sun Yu (Simulated). Rank: LV20. Attributes: Strength 18, Agility 30, Physique 16, Intelligence 15, Wisdom 12, Mental Energy 20. Skills: 【Summon Storm】, 【Harpy Scream】, 【Dive Strike】.

Facing the sky-covering aerial assault, Lin Zhou remained completely calm.

"Elwin, Aura of Righteousness Barrier, focus defense on the air! Bronzebeard, Dwarves spread out, find cover, and counterattack with crossbows and throwing axes! Snik, Enforcers assemble, prepare the Net of Law, target—the enemy hero!"

The golden 【Aura of Righteousness Barrier】 rose again, but this time the main protection was against the aerial Wind Blade attacks. The dense Wind Blades struck the barrier, creating a continuous popping sound; the barrier fluctuated violently but managed to hold.

The Tiangong Dwarves hid behind rocks and trees, countering with specially made 【Armor-Piercing Crossbow Bolts】 and throwing axes enchanted with the 【Heavy】 rune. Although the harpies had very high agility, they were densely packed, and many were still shot down by crossbow bolts or struck by throwing axes.

Seeing this, Sun Yu immediately cast 【Harpy Scream】! The harsh screeching swept across the entire field; the Literary Heart Elves' chanting suddenly stuttered, the light of the 【Aura of Righteousness Barrier】 dimmed slightly, and the accuracy of the Dwarves' shooting dropped significantly.

"Now! Dive Strike!" Sun Yu seized the opportunity and ordered the main force of harpies to dive, their sharp claws aimed directly at the Dwarves and Literary Heart Elves on the ground!

However, the moment the harpies entered their low-altitude dive trajectory, a flash of light appeared in Lin Zhou's eyes.

"Now! Snik!"

"Net of Law: Air Prohibition!" Snik and dozens of Enforcer adjudicators exerted their power simultaneously! A more solid and wider-reaching golden giant net appeared out of thin air beneath the harpies' dive path! The net flashed with runes of "Flight Prohibition" and "Order Suppression"!

The harpies in their dive state could not change direction in time; it was like hitting an invisible wall. They were all caught and entangled by the 【Net of Law】! Their flight ability was temporarily stripped, and they fell from the sky like dumplings!

"How is that possible?! What skill is this?!" Sun Yu was shocked and horrified; he had never seen such a strange ability that could directly prohibit flight!

"Dwarves, charge! Crush them!" Bronzebeard roared, leading the Dwarf Breakers out from behind cover, charging toward the harpies who were dazed and had temporarily lost their flight ability! The 【Armor-Piercing Warhammers】 were absolutely devastating against these aerial units that had lost their mobility!

"Literary Heart Elves, Song of Righteousness: Evil Suppression!" Elwin also steadied his mind, leading the Elves to chant a louder Song of Righteousness, focusing the sound waves on the trapped harpies, causing them continuous Mental Energy damage and purification effects.

Sun Yu tried to rescue them, but Lin Zhou had already prepared for it. Elwin diverted a portion of the Aura of Righteousness Barrier to block his path, and Bronzebeard also dispatched a team of Dwarves to intercept his hero unit.

The battlefield became one-sided. The Storm Harpies, having lost their air superiority and mobility, were completely unable to match the Dwarf Breakers and Legalist Enforcers in ground combat, not to mention the continuous purification from the Literary Heart Elves.

In less than ten minutes, Sun Yu's followers were wiped out, and his hero was also restrained by Snik using the 【Spell-Sealing Chains】. He smiled bitterly and voluntarily conceded.

"First round, Lin Zhou wins!"

Applause erupted from the spectator stands. Lin Zhou's targeted tactics, especially the unexpected move of 【Net of Law: Air Prohibition】, left a deep impression on everyone.

"Well done!" Zhao Hao cheered loudly from below. Su Yueyao also nodded slightly; clearly, Lin Zhou's performance had exceeded her expectations.

Lin Zhou exited the Duel Divine Domain calmly. The first-round victory was expected, but he knew that as he progressed, the opponents would get stronger. He needed to go further to obtain more resources to cope with the potential death threats in the real Divine Domain and to strive for higher honors for his school and himself in the Star Domain League.

New challenges have fully unfolded. And he will surely cut through the thorns and forge ahead!