Chapter 22: The Bloom That Heals, The Storm That Hunts
The journey back to Green Mist Village was quiet, but not peaceful. Li Yuan could feel it in the soil beneath his feet—tiny vibrations running through the roots, whispers of danger rippling across the land. The Harrower's interference had awakened something bigger.
Still, he walked calmly, the Seed of Buried Sun glowing faintly in his palm.
Returning to His Soil
The villagers cheered softly as Li Yuan appeared at the village gate, his long white hair catching the soft evening light. Budder was the first to move, stepping forward from its post, golden eyes brightening.
Mei Lin dashed toward him, holding a bundle of fresh herbs.
"You're back! Did you fight more big scary people? Did you win?"
Li Yuan smiled faintly, crouching to meet her gaze.
"I didn't fight to win, I fought to keep planting."
She tilted her head, confused but grinning anyway.
Granny Xue approached slowly, leaning on her cane, eyes sharp as ever.
"You brought something back, didn't you? I can feel it in my old bones."
Li Yuan opened his palm, revealing the Seed of Buried Sun. Its glow cast warm, golden light across their faces, calming everyone nearby.
The Healing Bloom
Li Yuan moved to the central well, planting the seed gently into the soil. The ground trembled softly, not with destruction but with life.
Golden roots spread instantly, weaving beneath the cracked paths. Tiny flowers sprouted, opening their petals in slow, deliberate motions. Each bloom released soft glowing spores that floated through the air like fireflies.
Villagers gasped as the spores touched their skin—cuts healed, bruises faded, and even Granny Xue's arthritic pain seemed to vanish as she straightened slowly.
"It… heals," she whispered, eyes glistening.
Budder tilted its head, placing one wooden hand on a sprout. The plant responded, curling gently around its arm.
"Protect… and heal. Better than just fighting," Budder murmured, almost proudly.
Mei Lin giggled, wrapping her arms around Budder's leg.
"You're going to be everyone's favorite now!"
Li Yuan nodded approvingly.
"This village will grow stronger than any wall or sword could ever make it."
For a brief, fragile moment, there was peace.
But peace never lasted long for him.
Ashborne's Warning
As the villagers celebrated, Ashborne stood in the shadows beyond the Seedbud line, watching quietly. His amber eyes softened at the sight of the blooming soil.
But his expression soon hardened. He stepped forward just enough for Li Yuan to notice him.
Li Yuan glanced up, calm as always.
"You're not here just to admire the flowers."
Ashborne's voice was low, almost reluctant.
"They're coming for you now. Not just The Harrower—others too. You've stirred old roots that should've stayed buried."
Li Yuan dusted soil from his hands.
"Then I'll plant wherever I go. Let them come."
Ashborne's jaw tightened.
"Don't be foolish. These aren't simple watchers or corrupted trials. Some of them… served under you, before you decided to be a farmer. And they still remember your real name."
The air grew heavier at those words. Even Budder seemed to sense the shift, its golden eyes narrowing.
Li Yuan's golden gaze met Ashborne's.
"If they remember, then they'll also know why I stopped being him."
Ashborne looked at him for a long moment, then turned to leave, his voice faint.
"I can only hold them back for so long. Don't make me choose sides when they arrive."
The First Sign of the Hunt
That night, while the villagers slept, the wind shifted strangely. The lantern trees flickered, their leaves curling inward as if bracing for something.
Budder stood motionless at its post, golden eyes closed—until it felt it.
A soft crunch of soil.
Its eyes snapped open, glowing brighter. Roots stirred beneath the ground.
From the mist beyond the Seedbud barrier, three figures stepped forward, cloaked in dark fabric embroidered with ancient runes. Their faces were hidden, but their presence carried the weight of killing intent.
The leader spoke, voice low and smooth.
"Xiao Tianmie… or should we still call you Li Yuan? You've been playing farmer long enough."
Budder raised its arm, roots bursting from the soil around it. Its voice rumbled, echoing through the quiet night:
"The farmer is not for you."
The cloaked figure chuckled.
"We're not here for the farmer. We're here to drag the god out of him."
Li Yuan Steps Out
Li Yuan walked out of his house calmly, barefoot, his simple farmer's coat fluttering in the night breeze. His golden eyes were calm, almost serene, as he looked at the intruders.
"The soil here isn't for war. Leave, or you won't like how I plant tonight."
The cloaked leader tilted his head, amused.
"Still pretending to be gentle? Let's see how long that lasts."
The three figures moved in unison, drawing weapons—one with twin crescent blades, one with a chained sickle, and the leader with nothing but a single wooden staff glowing faintly red.
Budder stepped forward, but Li Yuan raised a hand, stopping it.
"Stay. Protect the soil."
The Seedbud hesitated, its golden eyes dimming reluctantly.
Li Yuan picked up his Rootsplit Hoe slowly, planting its tip into the ground.
"If you insist on cutting, then I'll plant deeper."
The air shifted, heavy and charged. The fight had only just begun.
End of Chapter 22