325: Chapter 260: Inter-School League, Starsea vs. War God Academy

Xinghai University, Central Holy Light Arena.

This was a grand semi-virtual, semi-physical building, large enough to accommodate tens of thousands of Divine Thoughts watching simultaneously. Its core was an independent sub-space, reinforced through multiple layers and anchored by rules, specifically used for high-specification deity battles, especially important inter-academy and even cross-Star Domain competitions.

At this moment, the arena was already shimmering with Holy Light, and every seat was taken. There were not only teachers and students from Xinghai University itself, but also spectators from other famous academies in the Milky Way and even some factions who had connected through special channels. The air was thick with excitement, anticipation, and a faint scent of gunpowder.

On the giant light screen suspended in the center of the arena, the emblems of the two academies—Xinghai University's pattern of the Tree of Wisdom surrounded by a vast sea of stars, and War God Academy's sharp logo of crossed battle-axes and a shield—were slowly rotating. Below them, a striking tournament title was displayed:

【The 97th Milky Way Top Academies Exchange Tournament — Xinghai University vs. War God Academy · Junior Year Category】

【Core Format: Best of Five · Astral Conquest Battle】

【Winner's Reward: Limited Quota for 'Ancient Battlefield (Outer Layer)' Exploration Rights (10 Standard Days)】

The words "Ancient Battlefield" were like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirring up stormy waves in the hearts of all who knew what they meant. In the spectator stands, low discussions converged into a buzzing background noise.

"Exploration rights for the Ancient Battlefield! The last time it was opened was twenty years ago, right?"

"Legend has it that it's one of the final ruins of the ancient war of the gods, where God King-level existences fell! Rules are shattered, and time and space are chaotic, but because of that, it has birthed countless inconceivable treasures and Opportunities!"

"I heard that if you pick up a random Godhead fragment inside, it could be a remnant of Mid-Tier Divine Power or above! If you're lucky, you might even find Divine Kingdom wreckage or lost Innate artifacts..."

"No wonder War God Academy is so aggressive this time. I heard their dean personally led the team here, swearing to wash away their shame! After all, in the past three tournaments, Star Sea won twice in the junior year category."

"It's hard to say this year. War God Academy has produced a few ruthless characters this time, especially that 'Berserker.' It's said his Godhead Rank is already close to the Peak of Lesser Divinity, and his followers are the rare [Abyssal Behemoth Variant], with explosive combat power."

"Star Sea isn't weak either. There's Goddess Su, and the newly risen 'civilization warlord' Lin Zhou! Even Dean Lu praised his tactics."

"No matter how good the tactics are, it depends on absolute strength. An Astral Conquest Battle isn't a duel; it tests the comprehensive strength of the Divine Kingdom, the followers' assault capabilities, and rule confrontation!"

Amidst the discussions, in the exclusive rest area on one side of the arena, Xinghai University's competing team had already finished assembling.

Leading them was a senior vice-dean from the War College, Wang Zhenyue, the [God of Crag Rock] who possessed Mid-Tier Divine Power (LV750) and was known for his defense and steadiness. Behind him stood five junior students about to head into battle.

In the first seat was Su Yueyao. Today, she had changed into a set of moon-white martial attire convenient for movement, with her black hair tied up, adding a touch of heroic spirit. A cold lunar glow faintly flowed around her, and her Aura was deep and quiet; she was already at the middle stage of Lesser Divinity (around LV380). The phantom projection of her divine domain [Moon Palace] loomed behind her, emitting a coldness and nobility that commanded respect.

In the second seat was Lin Zhou. He was still in simple dark clothing, with black hair and black eyes, his expression calm. Only upon close observation could one discover a faint glimmer of civilization flowing deep within his pupils. His Godhead Rank was LV435, at the high stage of Lesser Divinity. No conspicuous Divine Kingdom phantom appeared behind him, only a faint, almost non-existent Aura of the river of civilization that seemed to pierce through time and space, giving off a profound and unfathomable feeling.

In the third seat was Wang Meng. He was as sturdy as a mountain, his Battle Intent soaring, and the wild Aura of a Behemoth almost burst from his body. Godhead LV410, middle stage of Lesser Divinity. In his Divine Kingdom phantom, the roars of countless Behemoth Giant Beasts were faintly audible.

In the fourth seat was Qin Qing. Dressed in the black-and-gold-trimmed attire of an enforcer, her face was cold and serious. The phantom wings of a Judgment Angel were retracted behind her, radiating the majesty of absolute Order and Law. Godhead LV395, at the Peak of the initial stage of Lesser Divinity.

In the fifth seat was a boy named Zhou Yan. His divine domain was the [Lava Titan], also an old-school combat-oriented divine domain. Godhead LV400, he had a steady personality and excelled in frontal assaults and terrain modification.

This was a lineup that could be called luxurious, gathering several of the top Geniuses of Xinghai University's junior class. Especially Su Yueyao and Lin Zhou—one with a mysterious background and infinite potential, the other with eccentric tactics and a growing reputation—formed a powerful complement to each other.

Vice-Dean Wang Zhenyue's gaze swept over the five of them, and he said solemnly, "The rules are clear. For the Astral Conquest Battle, the map used is a randomly selected 'unclaimed astral fragment' that has undergone rule adjustments and has not been fully 'civilization-eroded.' Its area is roughly equivalent to a standard star System. Both sides will each choose an initial node to deploy their Divine Kingdom and then push toward the 'Star Core Control Tower' in the center. Occupying and stabilizing the control tower for more than six hours, or completely destroying all of the opponent's Divine Kingdom nodes, results in a single-match victory."

"This is not just a battle of followers or deities; it's a comprehensive contest of Divine Kingdom rule erosion speed, resource collection and utilization, and tactical mobility and layout. War God Academy is known for being brave and aggressive, specializing in strong attacks. Their followers often have extremely strong individual combat power, and their Divine Kingdoms also lean toward offensive buildings and rules. You must fight steadily and play to our strengths—Su Yueyao's lunar rule control and purification, Lin Zhou's civilization System's adaptation to complex environments and rule infiltration, Wang Meng and Qin Qing's frontal assault and Order buffs, and Zhou Yan's terrain utilization. Remember, this is a team battle!"

The five of them nodded in unison, their expressions solemn.

Just then, from the other side of the arena in War God Academy's rest area, a violent Divine Thought, unmasking its Battle Intent and provocation, swept over like a hurricane, crashing directly into Star Sea's protective barrier and causing a ripple.

"You little Star Sea brats! Wash your necks and wait! This time, we're going to smash your Divine Kingdoms one by one and crush all your followers! The Ancient Battlefield slots are ours, War God Academy's!"

Accompanying this arrogant voice was a blood-red pillar of light rising into the sky. Within the pillar, the phantoms of countless hideous giant beasts could be faintly seen roaring at the heavens, their tyrannical Aura making one's heart tremble.

It was precisely the first seat of War God Academy's current class, Lei Huang, nicknamed 'Berserker'! His Godhead Rank had impressively reached LV460, the Peak of Lesser Divinity! His divine office was very likely something like [Frenzy] or [Destruction].

Wang Meng's eyes widened, and he was about to shout back when Lin Zhou lightly pressed down on his shoulder.

Su Yueyao's brow furrowed slightly, and the cold lunar glow rippled gently, silently neutralizing the malicious afterwaves of that Divine Thought.

Lin Zhou looked up, his gaze calmly passing through the barrier to look at the arrogant blood-red figure opposite them, as well as the other four War God Academy contestants behind him, who also had fierce Auras and unfriendly eyes. His eyes held no anger or fear, only a calm that pierced through to the essence of things.

"Just barking, no need to pay attention," Lin Zhou said faintly. "We'll see the truth on the battlefield."

Vice-Dean Wang Zhenyue snorted coldly, and a rule power as heavy as a mountain spread out, blocking all the subsequent provocative Divine Thoughts. He said solemnly, "Save your spirit and prepare for the draw."

Soon, the organizers (composed of high-level officials from both schools and representatives from the Galactic Education Alliance) announced the specific schedule and drawing rules.

It was a best-of-five, but not in a fixed Order. Both sides would submit a list of five contestants and their general divine domain types (public information). Before each match, the System would randomly draw a battle map and temporarily draw lots to decide the contestant (randomly selecting one person from each side's five-person list). This meant that in addition to team collaboration strategies, each contestant needed to have strong independent combat and adaptation abilities, because you wouldn't know which map you'd get or which opponent you'd face.

This undoubtedly increased the variables and spectatorship of the competition, while also placing higher demands on the contestants' comprehensive quality.

After the lists were submitted, the light screen displayed the basic information:

Xinghai University:

Su Yueyao (Moon Divine Domain: Control/Purification/Mystery)

Lin Zhou (Civilization Divine Domain: All-rounder/Rules/Tactics)

Wang Meng (Behemoth Divine Domain: Strong Attack/Tank)

Qin Qing (judgment angel divine domain: Order/Judgment/Support)

Zhou Yan (Lava Titan Divine Domain: Assault/Terrain)

War God Academy:

Lei Huang (Berserker Divine Domain: Strong Attack/Frenzy/Destruction)

Iron Curtain (Iron Golem Divine Domain: Defense/Advancement)

Shadow Killer (Shadow Assassin Divine Domain: Assassination/Infiltration)

Bewitching Heart (Succubus Queen Divine Domain: Control/Charm/Chaos)

Zai E (Plague Walker Divine Domain: Damage over Time/Debuff/Environmental Modification)

As soon as the list came out, there was another uproar in the audience.

"War God Academy's lineup... is extreme enough! It's all offensive and niche paths!"

"Lei Huang's Berserker, Iron Curtain's Iron Torrent, Shadow Killer's unpredictability, Bewitching Heart's mental pollution, Zai E's disgusting attrition... If they manage to coordinate, Star Sea will be in big trouble."

"Star Sea's side looks more balanced. Su Yueyao and Lin Zhou are both variables, especially Lin Zhou's Civilization Divine Domain—to this day, no one has figured out its full depths."

"Look at the draw! If Lin Zhou faces Lei Huang in the first match, that'll be a good show!"

Under countless gazes, the draw for the first match began.

On the giant light screen, ten small balls (representing the five contestants from each side) spun rapidly in a virtual vortex.

A moment later, two balls popped out and zoomed in.

Xinghai University: Qin Qing (judgment angel divine domain)

War God Academy: Bewitching Heart (Succubus Queen Divine Domain)

"First match: Orderly Judgment vs. Chaotic Charm!" the announcer's voice rang out. "Drawing map... Drawing complete: 【Lost Garden】!"

The map information appeared on the light screen: an astral fragment shrouded in thick, dreamlike mist with exceptionally lush vegetation. Map Characteristics: Vision severely obstructed (Divine Thought perception range -70%), the environment is filled with 'Enchanting Pollen' (staying for a long time will gradually stack 'Chaos' and 'Desire' negative statuses, reducing discipline and judgment), and there is a large amount of complex terrain for hiding.

This map was practically tailor-made for Bewitching Heart's divine domain! The mist and pollen greatly enhanced her charm and stealth abilities, while severely limiting the performance of followers like Judgment Angels, who required clear vision and stable formations.

In the spectator stands, a burst of cheers and whistles erupted from the War God Academy side. Lei Huang laughed even more wildly: "Luck is also a part of strength! Bewitching Heart, give that cold angel a good lesson on what 'passion' means!"

On Star Sea's side, the faces of Wang Meng and the others changed slightly. Qin Qing, however, remained expressionless, though her gaze grew a few degrees colder. The phantom angel wings behind her spread slightly, and a Holy Light tried to dispel the discomfort brought about by the map information.

Su Yueyao looked at Qin Qing and said softly, "Be careful. Her core ability is likely mental erosion and summoning a sea of succubi. Maintain the purity of the Net of Law, and use defense as offense."

Qin Qing nodded. "I understand. Under the Law, all evils shall be banished." Her voice had a metallic ring to it, full of firm conviction.

Lin Zhou pondered for a moment, then walked to Qin Qing's side and whispered a few words via Divine Thought. Hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Qin Qing's cold eyes, and she then nodded, saying in a low voice, "I will try."

Vice-Dean Wang Zhenyue patted Qin Qing's shoulder. "Just do your best; this map is unfavorable for us. Focus on protecting the Divine Kingdom core; stalling for time is also a tactic."

Qin Qing took a deep breath, nodded to everyone, and stepped toward the teleportation pillar. Her cold figure gradually disappeared into the light, heading to the independent competition sub-space.

The first match officially began amidst a slightly unfavorable start.

In the spectator stands, Lin Zhou's gaze did not remain entirely on the battle screen that was about to begin. He looked toward the War God Academy rest area opposite them, at that still-arrogant blood-red figure and the other four opponents with different Auras and unfriendly eyes beside him.

"Berserker Lei Huang... Iron Golem Iron Curtain... Shadow Assassin Shadow Killer... Plague Walker Zai E..." Lin Zhou calculated silently in his heart. "Extremist configurations, pursuing the pinnacle of attack, defense, assassination, control, and attrition... a typical 'Spear and Shield' aggressive tactical System. They must have a set of rapid linkages to amplify their respective advantages."

"And us..." He looked at Su Yueyao, Wang Meng, and Zhou Yan beside him, and various thoughts from the river of civilization flashed through his mind. "We have the purification and control of the lunar glow, the tearing of the Behemoth and the earth-shaking of the Titan, and the inclusiveness and flexibility of civilization... The key is how to string them together into a chain to counter extremism with a System."

His gaze finally fell on the words "Ancient Battlefield" at the top of the light screen.

The place where a God King fell... full of Opportunities and dangers.

There, perhaps, was the nourishment to let Way of Civilization grow faster, and also the touchstone to verify whether this path could lead to higher places.

This battle was not only for the academy's honor but also for that ticket to a higher stage.

"A game of civilization..." Deep in Lin Zhou's eyes, a faint light flickered, as if he had already begun to simulate countless possibilities of clashing with those "extreme" opponents in his mind.

In the center of the arena, a giant 3D projection had already unfolded, showing Qin Qing's angel Divine Kingdom radiating cold Holy Light in the 【Lost Garden】, facing off from a distance against the succubus Divine Kingdom that was quietly spreading pinkish-purple mist full of temptation and chaos.

The great war was on the verge of breaking out. And this best-of-five Astral Conquest Battle also officially raised its cruel and brilliant curtain.