Chapter 20: Roots After the Storm
The village smelled of damp soil and crushed leaves. Green Mist Village had survived, but scars of the battle remained—splintered homes, cracked wells, and fields torn apart by crimson threads. Yet, for all the destruction, not a single villager had died.
The Seedbuds stood in silence, their golden eyes half-closed, returning to their dormant guardianship. But the new golden Seedbud, still glowing faintly from its awakening, remained by Li Yuan's side. Its bark bore deep cuts, sap leaking like blood, but it didn't move away.
The villagers gathered quietly, torn between fear and reverence. For many, this was the closest they had ever come to witnessing the true might of the Farmer-God.
Aftermath: The Farmer Walks Among His Soil
Li Yuan moved through the ruins slowly, inspecting each damaged corner as if he were checking his crops after a storm. His long white hair fell gently over his shoulders, his golden eyes soft as he crouched to run his fingers through the broken soil.
Everywhere he touched, tiny sprouts emerged, filling cracked earth with green. Not because he was showing off—but because he couldn't stop himself from planting, even now.
"You really are just a farmer, aren't you…" Granny Xue murmured, watching him with misty eyes. She leaned on her cane, standing unshaken despite the chaos.
"A farmer who fights gods," she added with a wry smile.
Li Yuan glanced at her briefly, smiling faintly.
"I'm a farmer because I fight gods. Someone has to plant after their storms."
Granny Xue chuckled softly, her wrinkles deepening.
"You talk like my late husband. Always planting, even when the rains drowned half the fields."
Mei Lin and Budder
Meanwhile, Mei Lin crouched beside the new golden Seedbud—Budder. Her small hands rested on its wooden knee, tracing the cracks in its bark.
"Does it hurt?" she asked, tilting her head.
The Seedbud tilted its head the same way, golden eyes flickering. Its mental voice came softly, curious but still childlike:
"Hurt…? No. We… grow from cuts. Like trees."
Mei Lin's eyes widened with excitement.
"You can talk more now! Does that mean you're… alive, like us?"
The Seedbud tilted its head again, thinking for a moment before answering:
"Alive… enough to protect."
She grinned brightly.
"Then I'll help you! I'll make you flower crowns so you don't look scary to everyone else."
Budder didn't respond, but a single leaf fluttered from its shoulder and landed gently in her palm, as if approving.
Ashborne's Watch
Far away, at the edge of a cliff overlooking the recovering village, Ashborne stood with his arms crossed, watching quietly. His soot-colored robes fluttered in the soft evening breeze.
He had felt the clash between Li Yuan and The Harrower—the ripples of godhood breaking through the Farmer's calm soil.
He knelt, running his fingers through the dirt, and a tiny sprout emerged under his touch. He stared at it for a long moment.
"You're forcing even me to plant again," he muttered, half-bitter, half-amused. His amber eyes flickered with conflict.
"And that's why they're afraid of you, old friend. You plant in places we only burn."
For the first time, Ashborne's lips curved into a faint smile.
But then his expression hardened.
"The Harrower won't leave you alone next time. And I… may not be able to, either."
A Quiet Farewell
By evening, Li Yuan gathered the villagers near the central well, where a new crescent-hoe-shaped flower had bloomed. He stood tall, his white hair glowing faintly under the lantern light.
"I'll be leaving for a while," he said, voice calm but carrying weight. "The relics aren't finished calling me yet."
Gasps filled the crowd, though none dared stop him.
Granny Xue stepped forward, frowning.
"We've survived because of you, boy. You think we'll be fine just because of those wooden guards?"
Li Yuan smiled faintly, looking at the Seedbuds lined along the borders.
"The soil's stronger than you think. And so are you."
Granny Xue huffed, but her expression softened.
"Fine. But when you come back, I expect tea."
"I'll bring new seeds for your garden," he promised.
A Farmer's Promise
Before leaving, Li Yuan knelt near Budder, placing a hand on its wooden chest.
"You're different. You're learning."
The Seedbud tilted its head, glowing softly.
"Will you… come back?"
Li Yuan's golden eyes softened.
"As long as this soil is alive, I'll return. Protect them until then."
Budder nodded stiffly, almost like a soldier saluting.
Mei Lin ran forward, handing Li Yuan a tiny pouch.
"I packed dried fruits for you! You better not fight on an empty stomach."
Li Yuan smiled gently, tying the pouch to his belt.
"Thank you. Farmers eat well before planting."
The Journey Begins
At dawn, Li Yuan stood at the village gate, Rootsplit Hoe slung across his back, white hair glowing in the early sun. The villagers stood silently behind him, some bowing, some watching with quiet hope.
With one last glance, he stepped onto the dirt road leading into the misty hills.
The Seeds of Fate
Far ahead, the road wound toward ancient ruins where the third relic was rumored to be hidden. But the air already felt heavier, as if the world itself was preparing for him.
In the distance, threads of crimson light pulsed faintly in the clouds.
And somewhere beyond the hills, The Harrower stood waiting, his crimson blade in hand, whispering to himself:
"Grow fast, Farmer. Because next time, I won't just prune your garden—I'll burn the roots."
Li Yuan walked steadily, unshaken, his golden eyes reflecting quiet resolve.
"Then I'll just plant again."
End of Chapter 20