The western slope no longer looked barren. Rows of freshly softened soil stretched across it, ready for life to take root. The evening sun in the barren realm cast long shadows, but faint golden mist already lingered in the air—a sign the land was awakening.
Tian Yuan knelt at the first row, his hoe resting at his side. His golden eyes scanned the soil with quiet focus.
The System's cheerful chime echoed.
> [New Mission Generated!]
[Mission: Plant the Divine Herb Garden]
Description: Cultivate divine medicinal herbs to stabilize qi flow and speed purification. Each herb requires precise planting to avoid qi rejection.
Reward: +3% realm purification, 1 Humanoid Puppet (Butler Class), increased chance of beast evolution.
The System's tone shifted to mock-serious.
> "Boss, this isn't just throwing seeds into dirt. Get this wrong, and the herbs will explode… literally."
Tian Yuan's expression didn't change.
"Show me the seeds."
---
Planting Begins
A soft light shimmered as the System materialized twenty glowing pouches.
> [You have received: Divine Herb Seeds x20.]
Each seed pulsed with its own rhythm: some green with a soft herbal scent, others glowing blue or golden.
The Azureback Ox moved closer, lowering its massive head as if watching intently. The Verdant Serpent curled around the rows, its emerald energy seeping into the soil to prepare for growth. The Blazetail Phoenix hovered nearby, scattering gentle sparks to keep the air warm.
Tian Yuan crouched, pressing the first seed into the soil with slow, careful movements, his golden qi flowing into it.
The System whispered like a sports commentator.
> "Look at that precision! Boss, you're farming like you're painting a masterpiece."
Tian Yuan ignored it, continuing row by row, each seed placed perfectly. A soft glow spread as the soil pulsed, accepting the herbs.
The Obsidian Tortoise rumbled from the edge of the slope, lowering itself to release stabilizing qi inscriptions across the ground.
---
The Garden Awakens
Within moments, the first sprouts broke the surface—tiny, glowing herbs of green, blue, and gold. A faint fragrance spread through the air, light and refreshing.
The System beeped excitedly.
> [Mission Complete!]
[Realm Purification: +3%. Current Purification: 7%.]
The barren land around the slope felt different—warmer, lighter, almost humming with life.
The System gasped dramatically.
> "Boss! We're almost at ten percent purification already. At this rate, you're gonna have gods sniffing around your realm in no time."
Tian Yuan stood slowly, his voice calm.
"No one enters without permission."
---
The First Humanoid Puppet
A soft golden flash appeared beside him as the System announced:
> [Reward Unlocked: Humanoid Puppet – Butler Class.]
The light condensed into a tall, refined figure. He had silver hair tied neatly back, golden eyes that reflected faint divine light, and wore simple but elegant robes.
The puppet bowed gracefully.
> "Greetings, Master. I am designated as Jin. I shall oversee the tending of your realm's herbs."
The System snickered.
> "Oh-ho! Finally, someone polite. Now I don't have to nag you about watering schedules."
Tian Yuan gave Jin a steady glance.
"Tend to the herbs daily. Ensure they grow without disruption."
Jin bowed deeper.
> "As you command, Master."
---
Signs of Evolution
The Silver Fang Wolf, who had been watching quietly, suddenly trembled. Its silver fur shimmered, streaks of faint gold spreading along its limbs. Its posture shifted, its forelegs stretching unnaturally, and for a brief moment it stood partially upright before dropping back down.
The System almost squealed.
> "Boss! The Wolf is evolving faster than expected—it's trying to go humanoid already!"
Tian Yuan crouched, placing a calm hand on the Wolf's head.
"No need to rush. Grow at your pace."
The Wolf licked his hand once, almost affectionately, before lying down near the herbs.
---
The Realm Breathes
By the time the barren sun dipped behind the horizon, the western slope had transformed. Rows of glowing herbs swayed gently, their faint fragrance mixing with the clean qi of the rice fields and Purging Trees.
The once-dead land now pulsed with quiet life, like a heart beginning to beat again.
The System sighed almost dreamily.
> "Boss… you're turning this wasteland into a true paradise. If the gods ever see this, they'll lose their minds."
Tian Yuan glanced over the glowing herbs, his voice low, resolute.
"This land isn't for them. It's for life."
The divine beasts rested nearby as Jin quietly tended to the herbs, the night settling with an unusual peace.
(END OF CHAPTER)