The morning sun rose over Jalpura like a molten coin, casting long, golden shadows across the soil that had witnessed a battle only hours ago. Han stood at the edge of his field, his body aching but his spirit burning brighter than ever. The intruders were gone, but the aftermath of using the Spirit-Trap was visible everywhere.
The ground where the golden light had pulsed was no longer ordinary brown earth. It was shimmering with a faint, iridescent glow. But that wasn't the most shocking part.
"Host, look at the Jute section," the System whispered, its voice sounding unusually satisfied.
Han walked toward the northern patch. Yesterday, the jute stalks were barely knee-high, struggling against the heat. Today, they stood nearly seven feet tall, their fibers thick and glistening like spun silk. In a single night, the energy from the battle—the raw, earthen power Han had channeled—had accelerated their growth by months.
"This... this is impossible," Han breathed, running his hand along a stalk. The plant felt warm to the touch, vibrating with a low frequency that resonated with his own heartbeat.
[Notification: Mutation Successful!]
[Crop Type: Spirit-Infused Jute (Grade 1)]
[Market Value: 500% higher than standard crops.]
Han's heart hammered against his ribs. Five hundred percent? This single patch of jute could pay off his family's debts and still leave enough to renovate the entire farmhouse. But he knew that with great wealth came even greater danger. Master Lin's men had failed last night, but the sight of these golden stalks would bring the greedy landlord himself to his doorstep.
"System," Han said, his eyes narrowing. "How do I hide this? If anyone sees this from the road, it's over."
"Activating 'Mist of the Humble Farmer'," the System replied. "A temporary illusion will cover the field. To the outside world, these will look like ordinary, half-dead crops. But you, Host, must harvest them before the next full moon."
Han nodded, but before he could start working, a familiar voice called out from the path.
Han! Are you alright? I heard shouting last night!"
It was Master Lin's youngest nephew, a boy named Wei who was different from the rest of his cruel family. He looked worried, his eyes scanning the fence Han had repaired in the dark.
Han stepped out of the 'Spirit-Mist', wiping sweat from his forehead. "Just some wild dogs, Wei. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Wei looked at Han, then at the field. Through the illusion, he saw only dry soil and stunted plants. "My uncle is furious, Han. The men he sent... they came back broken. They said the earth itself attacked them. Uncle Lin thinks you are hiding a secret weapon."
"I am just a farmer, Wei," Han said calmly, though he felt the weight of his iron shovel in his hand. "The only weapon I have is my hard work."
Wei sighed, stepping closer. "Be careful. He's reaching out to the Black Stone Syndicate. Those aren't just thugs; they are rogue cultivators. They don't care about land—they care about Spirit Stones."
Han's blood ran cold. Cultivators? He had heard legends of people who could shatter mountains with a palm strike. If Master Lin was involving them, his shovel wouldn't be enough.
"I understand. Thank you for the warning, Wei," Han said, watching the boy hurry away.
As soon as Wei vanished, Han turned back to his glowing crops. "System, I need to get stronger. Fast. If cultivators are coming, I can't just be a farmer who knows a few tricks."
[New Quest Unlocked: The First Refinement!]
[Task: Consume the 'Heart-Seed' of the Spirit Jute to awaken your Internal Core.]
[Reward: Rank 1 Cultivation—Earthen Realm.]
Han didn't hesitate. He walked to the center of the golden patch and found the tallest stalk. At its very top sat a single seed pod, glowing with a deep emerald light. He plucked it, the energy tingle-ling through his nerves.
He sat cross-legged on the soil, the same soil that had protected him last night. He broke the pod and swallowed the seed.
Instantly, a fire erupted in his stomach. It wasn't the pain of a burn, but the rush of a thousand suns. His veins felt like they were being filled with liquid gold. The ground beneath him began to crack, and a whirlwind of dust and spirit energy swirled around him, shielding him from view.
Deep within his mind, he saw an image—a vast, endless field of celestial crops, and a figure standing at the center with a golden scythe.
"The Eternal Harvester," the figure whispered. "Does not just reap grain. He reaps the destiny of the world."
The energy exploded outward, flattening the grass for ten meters. When the dust settled, Han stood up. He felt light, as if gravity had lost its hold on him. He could hear the sap flowing inside the trees; he could feel the moisture deep in the underground aquifers.
He clenched his fist, and a shockwave of pure earthen energy rippled through the air.
✨ SUPPORT THE HARVEST ✨
🔥 THE BATTLE: Han has evolved! Do you think he can defeat a real Cultivator with just his shovel? Leave a Comment!
💎 STRENGTH: Your Power Stones are the seeds of Han's growth. Cast them now!
📚 COLLECTION: We have reached a major milestone! Hit [+ Add to Collection] to stay for the next arc: The Syndicate's Arrival!