The barren realm was slowly changing. The Purging Trees in the east and the Spirit Rice Fields in the south shimmered softly, breathing life into the once-dead land. Each breeze carried faint traces of qi now, though it was still far from a paradise.
Tian Yuan stood on a small rocky rise, arms crossed loosely as he observed the growing life. His golden eyes reflected the soft light of the rice fields.
The System's cheerful voice broke the silence.
> [Ding! New Mission Generated!]
[Mission: Prepare a Divine Herb Garden]
Description: Select a fertile ground, cleanse it completely, and enrich it with spiritual soil to grow divine herbs later. This stage only focuses on preparation.
Reward: Soil Purification +1%, Herb Seed Pack unlocked for next mission, chance of random beast evolution.
Tian Yuan picked up his hoe, his tone calm.
"Show me the location."
A glowing map appeared in his mind, marking the dry western slope.
The System chuckled.
> "Oof, tough spot. That place is rock solid, Boss. But hey, you're a farmer-god. This is what you do, right?"
---
Breaking the Western Ground
The western slope was a patch of jagged rocks and cracked soil, its air heavier than the rest. Tian Yuan crouched, pressing his palm to the earth. A faint golden light sank into the ground, softening it little by little.
The Azureback Ox stomped forward, massive hooves glowing as it smashed boulders into dust, clearing space for rows of soil.
The Verdant Serpent slithered over, releasing faint green mist that seeped into the cracks, enriching the hardened ground.
The Blazetail Phoenix, perched nearby, preened lazily but eventually spread its wings, letting small embers fall like glowing fireflies that burned away the lingering corruption.
The System whistled.
> "Boss, you've got these guys working like a proper farm crew. Maybe we should get uniforms for them."
Tian Yuan ignored the remark, focusing on slowly loosening the land with his hoe, row by row.
---
The Spirit Flow Formation
After an hour, the soil had softened, but qi still refused to gather. Tian Yuan looked up slightly.
"Obsidian."
The Obsidian Tortoise rumbled forward, its ancient shell glowing faintly. Golden inscriptions shimmered as it lowered itself to the ground, releasing a stabilizing aura that made the qi flow more naturally through the air.
The System beeped.
> "Perfect! Now the soil can finally breathe. You're literally turning dead rock into a garden. Respect."
Tian Yuan simply kept working, hands steady as he carved neat rows into the ground.
---
Signs of Change
As they worked, a small brown squirrel-like animal scampered near the rice fields, sniffing the new soil. Suddenly, its fur shimmered faintly, golden streaks spreading across its back.
The System gasped.
> "Another evolution?! Boss, your realm is turning ordinary animals divine just by existing here."
Tian Yuan glanced briefly at the glowing squirrel, his expression calm.
"The land changes, life changes with it."
The squirrel squeaked proudly and darted off.
---
Preparation Complete
By sunset, the western slope looked nothing like before. Rows of soft, fertile soil lined the slope, ready for planting. A faint herbal fragrance hung in the air, though no seeds had been planted yet.
The System announced:
> [Mission Complete!]
[Realm Purification +1%. Current Purification: 4%.]
[Unlocked: Divine Herb Seed Pack for next mission.]
The System's tone softened.
> "Boss, you really are building a new world here. One seed at a time."
Tian Yuan stood, brushing dirt from his hands, his gaze steady on the prepared soil.
"Then tomorrow, we plant."
The divine beasts settled nearby, the air now carrying a soft warmth that hadn't existed before.
(END IF CHAPTER)