The sun in the barren realm hung pale and distant, but the eastern section of Tian Yuan's land was already beginning to change. The Purging Trees swayed gently, their glowing leaves filtering the stale air into fresh, clean breaths.
Tian Yuan stood by the divine manor, his golden eyes calm as he surveyed the land. The animals grazed nearby, while the Blazetail Phoenix perched lazily on a tree branch, preening its feathers.
The System chimed in his head with a cheerful ding.
> [New Mission Generated!]
[Mission: Plant Spirit Rice Fields]
Description: Cultivate spirit rice fields to stabilize qi circulation in the southern sector. Requires water channels and precise planting techniques.
Reward: +2% realm purification, Spirit Rice Seeds x100, potential realm expansion bonus.
Bonus Chance: Nearby animals may undergo accelerated evolution due to increased life essence.
Tian Yuan picked up his hoe, tilting his head slightly.
"Rice fields, huh?"
The System giggled.
> "Yep! And don't think it's easy. Spirit rice is picky—it needs fresh water channels, proper spacing, and constant qi flow. Luckily, you're the best farmer in existence, so no pressure, Boss."
Tian Yuan's lips curved ever so slightly.
"Then let's start."
---
The Land Preparation
The southern area of the realm was still dry, cracked like broken pottery. Tian Yuan knelt, touching the ground with his palm. A soft golden light spread through his fingers, sinking into the soil.
The Azureback Ox rumbled, stepping closer. Its massive hooves glowed faintly as it stomped the ground, compressing and smoothing the soil into flat terraces.
The System whistled.
> "Oh-ho! Look at Mr. Ox helping out. Teamwork makes the dream work, right Boss?"
Tian Yuan gave a slight nod, focusing on guiding qi through the ground. The Verdant Serpent slithered nearby, releasing a thin stream of emerald energy into the soil, enriching it with spiritual vitality.
Meanwhile, the Obsidian Tortoise slowly lowered its body into the southern corner, glowing inscriptions spreading outward. A faint barrier shimmered over the field, keeping out any lingering corruption.
The Blazetail Phoenix circled overhead, its wings releasing soft, warm droplets of condensed qi—artificial rain—moistening the land.
Within minutes, the dry, lifeless soil softened, turning fertile.
The System whined dramatically.
> "Boss, you make this look so easy. If other gods tried this, they'd probably blow up the whole field."
Tian Yuan simply replied,
"You can't rush life."
---
Water Channels
The System then projected a glowing map.
> "Next step—water channels. Spirit rice needs moving water for proper qi flow. You'll need to dig trenches and guide the qi streams yourself. Don't worry, I'll handle calculations."
Tian Yuan nodded, swinging his hoe.
Each strike was precise, creating perfectly aligned trenches. Golden light seeped into the ground, forming channels that soon filled with shimmering water—condensed qi drawn from the air by the Phoenix's mist.
The small animals, curious, gathered near the channels. A silver-furred rabbit hopped close, sniffing the glowing water. The System gasped.
> "Uh-oh, Boss… looks like someone's about to evolve again."
---
Signs of Change
The rabbit dipped its nose into the water, and its fur began to glow faintly. Its silver coat shimmered with streaks of pale blue, and tiny sparks of qi crackled around its body. It shook itself, clearly startled, but Tian Yuan placed a calm hand on its head.
"Grow slowly. No need to rush."
The rabbit blinked, as if understanding, and hopped back to the other animals.
The System snorted.
> "Boss, you talk to animals like they're people."
Tian Yuan's golden eyes reflected the growing field.
"Everything that lives deserves respect."
---
Planting the Spirit Rice
Finally, Tian Yuan opened his hand as the System materialized glowing white seeds.
> [You have received: Spirit Rice Seeds x100.]
He crouched, planting each seed with careful precision, spacing them evenly. The Phoenix's mist rained lightly, the Ox stomped gently to press the soil, and the Serpent hummed low, infusing life qi into the seedlings.
One by one, tiny sprouts broke the surface, glowing faintly with soft blue light.
The System announced happily:
> [Realm Purification: +2%.]
[Current Purification: 3%.]
[Bonus Unlocked: Realm Expansion Potential Increased by 1%.]
---
The First Harvest Dream
As Tian Yuan stood, brushing soil from his hands, the System spoke softer than usual.
> "Boss… you're really turning this dead land into a paradise. Give it a few years, and even gods will fight to get in here."
Tian Yuan didn't answer immediately. He stared at the shimmering sprouts, his voice quiet, almost like a promise.
"This place isn't for them. It's for life itself."
The System muttered, almost embarrassed.
> "...You're gonna make me tear up, Boss. Ugh, fine, I'll generate a new mission tomorrow. But don't blame me if it's harder than this one!"
The divine beasts settled around the growing field, almost protectively, as the sun dipped lower in the barren realm. The air felt different now—lighter, carrying the faint scent of life.
(END OF CHAPTER)