81: Yuncheng Team: Rival Teammate Joins (Part 2)

In the core area of the Divine Realm, beside the Dragon Vein Mountain Range.

Lin Zhou's main body hovered in mid-air, looking down at the death passage with a solemn expression. The passage, which was originally quite stable under the Seal of the [Dharma Barrier], was now emitting an extremely subtle yet heart-palpitating fluctuation. The space at the passage entrance was constantly twisting like water ripples, and wisps of death aura, purer and colder than before, seeped out, even causing the [Evil-Cleansing Light Lotus] at the edge of the barrier to slightly curl its petals.

"My Lord, the existence on the other side of the passage seems to be trying to forcibly expand the passage, or... transmit some kind of message." Snik stood outside the barrier, a hint of vigilance in his cold eyes. He could feel that the will of death coming from the other side was clearer and... hungrier than before.

Lin Zhou tried to probe his Divine Sense in again. This time, what he felt was no longer a simple obstruction, but a malicious, cold power that tried to devour his Divine Sense! He immediately cut off the connection, his face turning slightly pale.

"There is indeed an intelligent existence on the other side, and... it's very strong," Lin Zhou said in a deep voice. Just a tentative contact across the passage made him feel considerable pressure. The level of the existence on the other side was likely far beyond that of the previous Lich Salazar.

"Do we need to reinforce the Seal? Or... take the initiative to attack?" The phantom of Hero Granite Bronzebeard appeared nearby, his Battle Intent surging.

Lin Zhou shook his head: "Don't act rashly for now. The passage is still unstable, and the other side cannot cross easily. The priority is the Star Domain League. Snik, triple the manpower, activate the warning mechanism of the [Hall of Heroes], and if there are any drastic changes in the passage, notify me immediately through the faith link."

"As you command!" Snik took the order and left.

Lin Zhou looked at the constantly twisting passage, his heart filled with deeper worry. This was like a time bomb that could explode at any moment. He had to improve his strength as quickly as possible, both for the league and to deal with this potential massive threat... The next day, the long-awaited Star Domain High School League officially opened!

The opening ceremony was held in the virtual Universe network. Countless pillars of light rose from various inhabited planets, representing the thousands of high schools participating. In the grand virtual venue, flags fluttered and the crowd was bustling.

The members of Yuncheng No. 1 High School wore uniform team school uniforms and stood in their designated area with high spirits. Lin Zhou, as the captain, stood at the front of the team with a calm expression and firm gaze. Lei Huang, Yan Li, Stone Breaking Heaven, Zhao Hao, and Su Yueyao followed closely behind, while Zhou Feng and other substitutes stood slightly behind them.

"Old Lin, I'm a bit nervous, this scene is way too big!" Zhao Hao leaned toward Lin Zhou and whispered. Although he tried his best to hide it, his slightly trembling hands still betrayed his feelings.

"Keep a level head," Lin Zhou said calmly. "Just play out what we've trained."

Su Yueyao closed her eyes to rest, a faint Moonlight Power circulating around her, seemingly adjusting her state. Lei Huang clenched his fists, Battle Intent burning in his eyes. Yan Li curiously observed the teams from other schools, while Stone Breaking Heaven was as steady as a mountain.

After the opening ceremony, the group stage officially kicked off! Yuncheng No. 1 High School's first match was scheduled for the second day against—Hurricane Academy!

Returning to the temporary base arranged by the school, Lin Zhou immediately gathered all team members for the final tactical deployment.

"Hurricane Academy focuses mainly on Wind Elemental creatures and various flying kin. Their characteristics are high mobility and high evasion, and they are good at kite tactics and aerial assaults." Lin Zhou pulled up Hurricane Academy's data, and the light screen displayed images and data of various Wind Elementals, Thunderbirds, Wyverns, Griffins, and other units.

Primary Opponent: Hurricane Academy

Common Troop Types:

Wind Elemental (LV15-LV18): 50% physical damage immunity, high magic resistance, skills [Wind Blade], [Tornado].

Thunderbird (LV16-LV19): Flying unit, skills [Lightning Javelin], [Storm Summoning].

Wyvern (LV14-LV17): Flying unit, skills [Venom Spit], [Dive].

Griffin Rider (LV15-LV18): Flying unit, skills [Heroic Charge], [Armor-Piercing Attack].

Tactical Style: Use mobility to pull the formation apart, prioritize eliminating ground-based ranged and casting units, and wear down the opponent through continuous harassment.

"Our counter-strategy is—defend and counter-attack, compress their space!" Lin Zhou pointed to the simulated sand table, "Stone Breaking Heaven, your Mountain Giant will be the core. After the start, quickly seize this [Highland Resource Point] located in the center of the map, and use it as the core to build a defensive position."

"Lei Huang, deploy your Thunder Giant on both sides of the Mountain Giant to clear approaching aerial units and provide area-of-effect lightning deterrence."

"Su Yueyao, the Moon Elf troops will be in the center of the position, prioritizing healing and dispelling, while Moonlight Sentinels will be responsible for sniping the most threatening Thunderbirds and Griffin Riders."

"Zhao Hao, your Red Dragon should not charge out recklessly. As a strategic reserve, it will mainly be responsible for intercepting the opponent's flying units attempting to flank from behind, and providing crucial aerial suppression when we launch a counter-attack."

"Yan Li, your Blazing Phoenix will be responsible for guerrilla warfare. Use your speed advantage to clear the opponent's isolated scouting units and harass their backline casting Wind Elementals."

"And I," Lin Zhou looked at his own kin's phantom, "will be responsible for reinforcing the entire position's defense, controlling the field, and tactical command. The Literary Heart Elves' [Aura of Righteousness Barrier] will cover the main areas, the Legalist Enforcer's [Net of Law] will restrict the mobility of the opponent's key units, and the Tiangong Dwarves will be ready at all times to repair fortifications and provide fire support."

"Our goal is not to compete with them in mobility, but to drag them into the positional warfare rhythm we are good at. Use our defensive advantage and area control to consume their effective forces, and then seize the opportunity to crush them in one fell swoop!"

The detailed tactical arrangement greatly reassured the team members. Facing an opponent like Hurricane Academy, a clear and definite tactical mindset was crucial.

"Does everyone understand their task?"

"Understood!" everyone responded in unison.

"Good, get a good rest tonight and build up your strength. Tomorrow, let's take the opening win!"

...The next day, the competition venue was packed. Yuncheng No. 1 High School vs. Hurricane Academy!

The team members from both sides entered the simulation pods, and their consciousness descended onto the designated competition field—[Broken Canyon]. This was a canyon terrain with complex elevation differences and multiple passages, with certain restrictions on aerial visibility. The central highland was a strategic point that must be fought for.

"Match start!"

With the System prompt, the Divine Realms of both sides descended at the two ends of the canyon!

Hurricane Academy lived up to its reputation, showing amazing mobility right from the start. A large number of Wind Elementals, Thunderbirds, and Wyverns took to the air, pouncing toward the center of the map like a green storm, trying to seize the initiative.

On the side of Yuncheng No. 1 High School, they strictly followed Lin Zhou's tactical deployment. Stone Breaking Heaven's Mountain Giant took heavy steps, rushing toward the central highland at the fastest speed and immediately activating [Earth Bulwark], a khaki-colored light shield enveloping the highland. Lei Huang's Thunder Giant followed closely behind, surrounded by lightning. Su Yueyao's Moon Elves and Lin Zhou's Hundred Schools Kin quickly deployed their formation on the highland.

Hurricane Academy's vanguard tried to use their speed advantage to bypass the Mountain Giant and attack the backline directly, but they crashed headlong into the [Aura of Righteousness Barrier] held up by the Literary Heart Elves and the [Net of Law] laid out by the Legalist Enforcers! The flying units, their speed suddenly dropping, immediately became sitting ducks for the Moonlight Sentinels and the Thunder Giant's lightning!

"Don't charge blindly! Disperse! Pull their formation apart!" the captain of Hurricane Academy hurriedly changed tactics.

The Wind Elementals began to release [Tornado] on the periphery, trying to disrupt Yuncheng No. 1 High School's formation. Thunderbirds threw [Lightning Javelins] from high altitude.

"Elwin, concentrate the Aura of Righteousness Barrier to defend overhead! Snik, focus the Net of Law on those Wind Elementals channeling the tornadoes! Su Yueyao, dispel the whirlwind effects within the formation!" Lin Zhou commanded calmly.

The golden barrier blocked most of the Lightning Javelins, the chains of Law forcibly interrupted the casting of several Wind Elementals, and the Moonlight Power dispelled the whirlwinds. Yuncheng No. 1 High School's position was as solid as a rock.

Hurricane Academy's several tentative attacks all returned without success, and they instead lost quite a lot of troops. They began to become restless.

"Now is the time!" A sharp glint flashed in Lin Zhou's eyes, "Lei Huang, Wrath of Thunder, cover that cluster of Thunderbirds on the left! Zhao Hao, Red Dragon attack, intercept the group of Wyverns trying to flank from the right canyon! Yan Li, Phoenix harass their backline Wind Elementals! All forces, advance, compress their space!"

The long-brewing counter-attack finally began!