9: Farmers fertilize their fields, finally resolving the food crisis! (Part 2)

Within the Divine Domain, golden grains waved in the breeze, and tuber crops accumulated full energy beneath the fertile soil. The granaries refilled at a speed visible to the naked eye. The trace of worry about food that had originally lingered in the hearts of the elves and dwarves completely vanished, replaced by infinite confidence in the future and deep awe for the god's great power.

The successful practice of [School of Agriculture] thought not only solved the immediate survival problem but also made the Divine Domain's rule System thicker and more harmonious. Vibrant farmlands, orderly workshops, solemn and majestic temples, and academies where wisdom flowed complemented each other, together constructing a stable and vital prototype of civilization.

Grain is sufficient, weapons are sharp, and morale is high!

Lin Zhou no longer hesitated and immediately issued the Order for the expedition.

Based on the markings of the [Grey Rock Trail Goblin Stronghold Star Map], he chose the "Rusty Gear" stronghold—the largest, most seemingly fortified, but also potentially most resource-rich—as the first target. He wanted more than just a victory; he wanted to use this battle to completely deter surrounding small-timers and obtain enough resources to lay the Foundation for the Divine Domain's next leap.

The expeditionary force quickly assembled:

[Lin Zhou Expeditionary Legion]:

Commander-in-Chief: Hero Elven (LV 8)

Melee Main Attack/Breaching: Hero Bronzebeard Stonehammer (LV 16) leading Dwarf Breachers * 15 (LV 12-15)

Equipment: Steel-clad Heavy Shield (Defense +15), Heavy Runic Battle-axe (Attack +20, slight armor penetration), Reinforced Chainmail with Inlaid Steel Plates (Defense +12).

States: [Rock Toughness], [Observing the Law], [High Morale].

Ranged Suppression/Skirmishing: Elf Rangers * 40 (LV 6-7)

Equipment: Reinforced Iron-core Bow (Attack +10), Armor-piercing Arrows/Explosive Mechanical Arrowheads (mixed loadout), Elf Light Armor (Defense +5, Agility +1).

States: [Vast Righteous Qi Filling], [Elegant], [Ingenuity], [High Morale].

Engineering Support/Firepower Platform: Elf/Dwarf Mixed Crew * 10 (LV 5-10)

Equipment: Toolkits, defensive mechanisms.

Responsible for: Operating [light mechanical ballista] * 3, erecting temporary defensive fortifications, and laying mechanical traps.

Logistics: Handled by the remaining clansmen in the Divine Domain, delivering small amounts of emergency supplies (mainly arrows, mechanical spare parts, and medical supplies) remotely through a stable faith channel.

This time, Lin Zhou attached more of his split consciousness to Elwin, preparing to personally command this crucial first astral battle.

The expeditionary force arrived directly on a huge floating rock outside the "Rusty Gear" stronghold through a stable spatial channel.

Looking out, this goblin stronghold was indeed quite large. It was built on a massive, irregularly shaped meteorite, with crude walls made of rough metal plates and sharp wooden stakes, where goblin sentries could be seen patrolling back and forth. In the center of the stronghold were several crude furnaces and sheds emitting black smoke, with the faint sounds of clanging hammers and goblin clamor. A flag with a distorted gear pattern painted on tattered red cloth fluttered feebly at the highest point of the stronghold.

[Rusty Gear Stronghold Garrison] (Estimated):

Goblin Sentries/Minions: approx. 80-100 (LV 8-12)

Goblin Spearmen/Crossbowmen: approx. 30 (LV 9-11)

Goblin Engineers: approx. 10 (LV 10-13, potentially operating crude catapults or explosives)

Goblin Overseers/Minibosses: approx. 5 (LV 14-16)

Suspected Leader: 1 (LV 18+, aura located in the largest central shed)

Defense: Crude wooden walls clad in iron sheets, a few watchtowers, possible traps.

"The enemy has superior numbers and the advantage of terrain," Elwin analyzed calmly. "A direct assault would surely cause heavy casualties. As my god teaches, The highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy's plans."

Bronzebeard Stonehammer rubbed the handle of his battle-axe. Although his Battle Intent was high, he also nodded in agreement: "I'll follow your command! These green-skinned runts' walls don't look sturdy at all!"

Through Elwin, Lin Zhou transmitted a tactic containing the School of Military's concept of "Displaying Forms to Move the Enemy."

Elwin understood immediately and ordered:

"Engineering team, find a suitable position, set up the ballistae, and aim at the stronghold gate and the suspected workshop area."

"Ranger squads one and two, disperse to the stronghold's flanks. Use the rocks for cover and conduct harassing fire to draw the enemy's attention and create chaos."

"Clan Chief Bronzebeard, lead the Breachers and approach the weakest point of the stronghold wall (determined by the star map and observation) covertly. Wait for the signal and prepare to breach the wall!"

"The rest of you, follow me to provide central support."

The tactics were swiftly executed.

Soon, three ballistae were silently set up on a distant high point. The Elf Rangers on both sides began "calling names" with precise cold arrows on the goblin sentries on the walls and the crossbowmen in the watchtowers. The attached [Vast Righteous Qi] made these arrows significantly effective against the goblins, often taking them out of the fight with a single shot.

The goblin stronghold was instantly thrown into a panic!

"Enemy attack! It's those long-ears!"

"Over there! Shoot them dead!"

Goblin bolts and spears began to return fire toward the flanks, but the elves dodged nimbly using the terrain, suffering minimal casualties. The goblins' attention was successfully drawn to the two wings.

Just then, Elwin saw the opportunity and commanded: "Ballistae, focus fire—on the gate!"

Whirr—Swoosh!

Three thick ballista bolts, with a scream that tore through the air, traced three fatal arcs and slammed hard into that stronghold gate nailed together from scrap metal!

Boom! Crack!

Wood chips mixed with rusted iron fragments flew everywhere! The gate, which was never sturdy to begin with, instantly deformed and shattered under the concentrated bombardment of the ballistae, revealing a massive gap!

"What happened? The gate!"

"They have big stuff too!"

The goblin command became even more chaotic.

Almost at the same time the gate was broken, Bronzebeard Stonehammer, who had already sneaked to the weak point on the other side of the wall, let out a heaven-shaking war cry: "Dwarf brothers, follow me—Break!"

Fifteen Dwarf Breachers simultaneously activated [Rock Toughness], their bodies glowing with an earthy yellow light. Like fifteen humanoid tanks, shoulder to shoulder, they launched a fearless charge against that seemingly thick section of the wall! The heavy battle-axes in their hands shone with runic light!

"Boom!!!"

A duller, more impactful loud bang than the ballista hitting the gate echoed!

Under the combined strike of the dwarves, which concentrated all their strength and traits, that section of the wall collapsed like a cracker hit by a giant hammer, revealing a breach wider than the gap in the gate!

"Second target, workshop area! Suppression fire!" Elwin calmly commanded the ballistae to adjust targets while leading the elves of the central army to pour a rain of arrows into the gate gap, preventing the goblins from blocking it.

The sudden two-sided strike threw the goblins into complete chaos. They didn't know whether to defend the gate or block the breach in the wall.

"Now is the time! All troops, charge!" Elwin raised her repeating crossbow and led the charge. The pale gold [Vast Righteous Qi] Domain fully expanded with her as the center, enveloping the interior of the stronghold! All goblins within the Domain felt their attributes suppressed and felt an instinctive revulsion!

"For my god! For Order!" the elves shouted, pouring in through the gate gap.

"For the glory of Bronzebeard! Crush them!" the dwarves roared, charging out from the wall breach like an iron torrent, instantly crushing the defensive line the goblins had hastily organized.

The battle reached a fever pitch. The goblins still had the advantage in numbers and home-field advantage, but under the Divine Domain Expeditionary Force's excellent equipment, strict discipline, powerful traits, and the suppression of the rule Domain, their resistance appeared disorganized and weak.

Bronzebeard Stonehammer was like a war god descended to earth. With his LV 16 Rank and fine runic battle-axe, almost no goblin was his match for a single round. He specifically sought out those goblin minibosses and overseers to cut down.

Elwin was like an Elwin dancer on the battlefield. [Subtle Influence] encouraged her allies from time to time, her repeating crossbow precisely cleared threats, and the [Vast Righteous Qi] Domain continuously weakened the enemy.

Finally, when Bronzebeard Stonehammer split open the door of the central workshop with one axe blow and cut down the LV 18 Goblin Warlord Boss—who was trying to beg for mercy with coins and gems—the remaining goblin resistance in the stronghold completely collapsed, scattering into the astral turbulence.

The battle ended! The "Rusty Gear" stronghold had changed hands!

[System Notification]: Successfully captured the astral goblin stronghold "Rusty Gear"! Obtained a glorious victory!

[System Notification]: Expeditionary force Rank increased! Elwin promoted to LV 9! Bronzebeard Stonehammer promoted to LV 17! A large number of clansmen soldiers upgraded!

[System Notification]: Your prestige has spread in the [Grey Rock Trail] region. The attitude of surrounding forces toward you has changed to [Wary] or [Awe]!

The next task was to clear out the remaining enemies and tally the spoils.

The harvest was far beyond expectations!

Mineral Resources: In the stronghold's warehouse and mines, a large amount of mined [Astral Iron Ore] (of better quality than Divine Domain iron ore), [Rough Energy Crystals], and [a small amount of Mithril Scraps] were found! These resources were enough to take the Divine Domain's forging level to a new height.

Wealth: Captured various coins, gems, and precious metals accumulated by the goblins through years of looting. Although disorganized, they were of great value.

Technical Data: In the warlord boss's secret room, some blueprints recorded by goblin engineers were found, regarding crude explosives, catapults, and even a damaged [Goblin Flamethrower]! Although crude and full of risks, there was no lack of imaginative ideas that might inspire Mohist Mechanical Arts.

Special Discovery: In the deepest part of the stronghold, a small, heavily guarded cage was found, containing three dying... [Lightforged Gnomes]! They seemed to be technical personnel captured by the goblins.

[Lightforged Gnome Technician] * 3 (LV 15-18)

Status: Weak, Imprisoned.

Traits: [Engineering Genius], [Light Energy Affinity], [Precision Operation].

Note: They possess a technology tree different from Mohist Mechanical Arts, leaning toward energy and precision machinery. Saving and recruiting them may bring unexpected gains.

Lin Zhou immediately ordered their treatment. Under the elves' natural Spells and the food and water provided by the dwarves, the three Lightforged Gnomes quickly recovered some life. They tearfully expressed their willingness to pledge loyalty to the god who saved their lives.

Besides them, dozens of laborers of other races enslaved by the goblins were also rescued. Most of them chose to follow the expeditionary force back to the Divine Domain of Order.

Loaded with rich spoils of war and new companions, the expeditionary force returned in triumph.

This proactive strike not only completely resolved the goblin threat and captured a large amount of urgently needed resources but also unexpectedly gained Gnome talents with special technology. Furthermore, it greatly tempered the army and verified the powerful combat effectiveness of the "Etiquette and Law Simultaneous, Hundred Schools Synergy" Divine Domain System.

After this battle, the Foundation of the Divine Domain became more solid than ever. A virtuous cycle had formed: sufficient food guaranteed the Foundation of development, excellent equipment improved military strength, strong military strength opened up more resources, and rich resources fed back into the Divine Domain's overall development... Lin Zhou knew that his Divine Domain had passed the initial difficult accumulation phase and was about to enter a period of rapid development and explosion. And the [Grey Rock Trail] was perhaps just a starting point.