82: First victory achieved, the fusion of Confucianism and Legalism demonstrates its power (Part 1)

Lin Zhou's counterattack Order was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly shattering the battlefield's stalemate!

“Wrath of Thunder!” Lei Huang had long been prepared. Upon hearing the Order, he immediately erupted with his strongest Divine Power! He raised his warhammer, channeling the Nine Heavens Thunder Fiend. Suddenly, violent thunderclouds gathered above the Yuncheng No. 1 High School position, and purple lightning as thick as a child's arm poured down like a rainstorm, accurately covering the flock of Thunderbirds on the left that were attempting to regroup for a new round of attacks!

Skill Effect: [Wrath of Thunder] — Summons a thunderstorm to conduct continuous lightning strikes on a designated area, dealing massive lightning damage to enemies within range and applying a [Paralysis] effect (movement speed and attack speed reduced by 30%). Damage to flying units is increased by 50%!

In an instant, thunderous light flashed and wails echoed everywhere! Over a dozen LV17-LV19 Thunderbirds were electrocuted into charcoal amidst the violent lightning, vanishing as data fragments. The remaining Thunderbirds were also plagued by the [Paralysis] effect, their formation falling into chaos.

Almost simultaneously, dragon roars and the shrieks of Wyverns echoed from the canyon on the right! Zhao Hao's Red Dragon dove down like a crimson meteor, its Dragon Breath spewing out and instantly engulfing the squad of Wyverns attempting a flanking maneuver! The scorching Dragon Breath already dealt significant damage to flying units, and combined with the intimidation of the Dragon Might, this Wyvern squad suffered heavy losses instantly and fled in panic.

“Beautifully done!” Zhao Hao roared excitedly as the Red Dragon performed an elegant circle in the air, continuing to intimidate that sector of the airspace.

Meanwhile, Yan Li's Blazing Phoenix acted like a dancing fire spirit. With its extremely high mobility, it bypassed the main battlefield and pounced directly on the Wind Elementals in the Hurricane Academy's backline who were channeling [Tornado]! The skill [Phoenix Dance of the Nine Heavens] was activated; the Phoenix transformed into a flaming cyclone, weaving through the group of Wind Elementals. The scorching flames clashed with the essence of the Wind Elementals, dealing massive damage and successfully interrupting their spellcasting.

On the main battlefield, having lost their flank cover and backline support, the main force of Hurricane Academy was suddenly exposed to the spearhead of Yuncheng No. 1 High School!

“Mountain Giants, advance! Thunder Giants, cover the flanks! Moon Elves, follow up with healing! Legalist Enforcers, use Net of Law to restrict the movement of the Wind Elementals ahead! Literary Heart Elves, move the Aura of Righteousness Barrier forward to cover us!” Lin Zhou's commands were like a torrential rain, yet perfectly organized.

Stone Breaking Heaven's Mountain Giants were like mobile fortresses, taking strides that made the canyon tremble as they began to advance! The glow of the Earth Bulwark constantly enveloped the vanguard. Lei Huang's Thunder Giants followed closely on both sides of the Mountain Giants, continuously hurling lightning-flickering warhammers to clear out stray Wind Elementals and Gryphon Riders trying to approach.

Su Yueyao's Moon God Priests cast soft moonlight, accurately healing the damage taken by the front-line units and dispelling occasional negative statuses. The Moonlight Sentinels were like the calmest hunters, their arrows specifically targeting enemy units attempting to cast spells or those with low health.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhou's Hundred Schools Kin played a crucial role in this advance!

The Literary Heart Elves' [Aura of Righteousness Barrier] was like a massive golden shield that moved with the army's progress, effectively blocking most of the wind blades and stray lightning attacks coming from the front.

Under Snik's command, the Legalist Enforcers continuously threw out [Net of Law]. Any Wind Elementals or Gryphon Riders trying to use their speed to flank or retreat were instantly slowed down once entangled by the golden chains of Order, and were then focused down by the Thunder Giants' hammers or the Moonlight Sentinels' arrows.

Although the Tiangong Dwarves did not directly participate in the front-line charge, they followed closely behind. Using the Materials they carried, they quickly built simple [Dwarf Fortifications] (temporarily increasing defense by 10%) at key narrow passes, further consolidating the advancing line.

Tactical System Effect: [Legalism and Confucianism Integration] — The Orderly Righteousness of the Literary Heart Elves resonates with the Law power of the Legalist Enforcers. Friendly units within range deal 10% more damage to units of 'Chaos', 'Evil', and 'Disorder' alignments, and the duration of control skills is slightly increased.

Under this steady and methodical advancing tactic, the mobility advantage that Hurricane Academy was famous for was completely suppressed! Once their Wind Elementals and flying units entered the control range of the Yuncheng No. 1 High School formation, they were hit with various restrictions and focused fire, making it impossible to execute their kite-and-run tactics.

The captain of Hurricane Academy had sweat on his forehead. He tried to command his troops to retreat and pull back the distance. But how could Lin Zhou give him that chance?

“All units, charge! Target: the enemy's Divine Realm Core!” Lin Zhou seized the moment the opponent's formation began to loosen and issued the Order for the general offensive!

“For my Lord! Crush them!” Bronzebeard roared, leading the Tiangong Dwarf Breachers in a charge. They were like an iron torrent, slamming hard into the Wind Elemental ranks that were trying to retreat! Their [Armor-Piercing Warhammers] were remarkably effective against these elemental creatures!

Lei Huang's Thunder Giants also erupted with their final lightning power, as [Summon Thunderstorm] descended once more, covering Hurricane Academy's backline area!

Zhao Hao's Red Dragon and Yan Li's Phoenix also launched fatal strikes from the flanks and rear!

The defeat was like a mountain collapsing! Under the multi-unit, all-around three-dimensional strike from Yuncheng No. 1 High School, Hurricane Academy's defensive line completely crumbled. Their Divine Realm Core was exposed to the spearhead and was quickly destroyed.

[Match Ended! Winner: Yuncheng No. 1 High School!]

When the System prompt sounded, the entire Yuncheng No. 1 High School viewing area erupted in deafening cheers!

“We won! We won!”

“That was spectacular! Perfect team coordination!”

“That Lin Zhou commanded so well! He basically had Hurricane Academy figured out completely!”

The team members' consciousness returned as they stepped out of the simulation pods, met by the enthusiastic applause of their teammates and teachers.

Zhao Hao threw an arm around Lin Zhou's shoulder and shouted excitedly, “Old Lin! You're awesome! Fighting in a team with you is so satisfying! We hit exactly where you pointed!”

Lei Huang also walked over. Although he didn't say anything, the last trace of doubt in his eyes as he looked at Lin Zhou had completely vanished, replaced by recognition. In the battle just now, Lin Zhou's command was indeed impeccable.

Su Yueyao gave Lin Zhou a slight nod, a hint of approval in her cool eyes. Yan Li and Stone Breaking Heaven both showed smiles as well.

Even Zhou Feng, who was a substitute, looked at Lin Zhou surrounded by everyone with a complex expression. Finally, he let out a soft breath, seemingly truly beginning to integrate into this collective.

Winning the first battle, and in such a convincing manner through team coordination and tactical suppression, greatly boosted the morale of the Yuncheng No. 1 High School representative team!

However, Lin Zhou did not let the victory go to his head. He knew this was only the beginning. Stronger opponents were waiting for them in the group stage, especially—Shadow Academy.

Just as they were immersed in the joy of victory, another anomaly occurred within Lin Zhou's main Divine Realm!