The Nineteenth Seed

"What are you?" Zhenfeng asked with a mocking tone, the corners of his lips quirking upward. "A god?" He let out a short laugh before continuing in a sardonic drawl, "Trying to conjure water from air using a water monster egg? Genius."

Jianyu remained silent, pretending to focus on his hands as he dug into the soil with a hoe. He had no intention of revealing Eden's Core to anyone. Deep down, he too felt that the item was some kind of cheat—something unfair in a world where survival of the fittest is the genre of everyone's everyday life.

"People were right," Zhenfeng muttered, slumping onto a large rock with his arms crossed. "All scientists are insane."

"If you can't help, at least keep quiet," Jianyu snapped without pausing his work.

A few survivors began wandering into the garden area, curious about what Jianyu and Zhenfeng were doing. Jianyu ignored them, unwilling to explain. He wasn't entirely sure if his plan would work anyway.

Fortunately, Qi Qi and Chengxin, two survivors are far more helpful than Zhenfeng, took charge of the others. Qi Qi directed people to wash up at the water source, while Chengxin gathered materials to make eating mats. This way, they wouldn't have to keep passing around the same cup during meals.

"You should go help them," Jianyu said to Zhenfeng, giving him a flat look. "Better than just sitting here as a useless commentator."

"And what if a monster shows up again? Are you planning to sit here waiting for death?" Zhenfeng retorted lazily, his eyes drifting to a patch of turnips growing remarkably well in one corner of the garden. The leaves were unnaturally green, their stems sturdy—far too excellent for ordinary turnips.

"I'm an adult. I can handle myself," Jianyu replied, carefully placing the water monster egg into the hole he'd just dug.

Zhenfeng snorted, his gaze still fixed on the plants. "Says the guy who almost got killed by a baby cow yesterday."

"That was an accident, okay?" Jianyu shot him a glare, his voice rising slightly. Zhenfeng didn't bother to look up.

Zhenfeng chuckled softly. "Which is why I'm here—to make sure there aren't any more accidents."

"And what happens if the survivor group gets attacked, huh?" Jianyu turned to him sharply, his tone growing more irritated.

Zhenfeng shrugged nonchalantly. "Qi Qi and Chengxin are there, right? Honestly, I trust their combat skills more than yours."

Jianyu let out a long sigh. The more he spoke with Zhenfeng, the faster his stress levels climbed. Without another word, he focused on covering the hole with soil, burying the water monster egg as carefully as if it were a priceless treasure—which, in a way, it is.

In Jianyu's current life, there were two things that consistently tested his patience: Eden's Core and Zhenfeng. And somehow, both always managed to pile more weight onto his shoulders.

Once the egg was buried, Jianyu took a deep breath and spoke in his mind. "System."

A cold, mechanical voice immediately echoed in his head. "Yes, Player Jianyu? How may I assist you?"

"I've buried the water core here. I want to activate the water source using 1,000 points, like you said."

"Noted, Player Jianyu. Deduction of 1,000 points initiated. Activation of water core in progress. Current total points: 0 points."

Jianyu exhaled softly, staring at the patch of soil before him. Moments ago, he had felt rich, holding thousands of points at his disposal. Now, he is broke again. Human life truly could never afford arrogance.

But before he could dwell too long on his own misfortune, a soft rumbling sound followed. Gentle yet full of promise, it came from the ground he had just covered. Jianyu took a step back, his breath hitching.

The earth began to crack—not in harsh, jagged lines typical of dryness, but in delicate patterns reminiscent of blooming flowers. Thin fissures spread outward, followed by a surge of clear water shooting into the air. The torchlight from the cavern walls reflected off the water droplets, creating a prism of glimmering rainbows.

Within seconds, the water didn't just spray—it began to flow, carving a natural path as it meandered forward. Jianyu watched, rooted in place, as the soil surrounding the water source transformed. It softened and receded, forming a large, perfect basin, as if it had always been waiting for the water to arrive.

The pool began to fill, its water so crystal-clear that Jianyu could see the bottom, which shimmered as if lined with fine crystals. Small streams branched out from the pool's edges, winding around the garden like silver snakes.

Life seemed to ripple outward in waves—not only across the soil but through the air as well. A gentle breeze drifted in through cracks in the cavern ceiling, carrying the fresh scent of wet earth and newly flowing water.

Jianyu stood motionless, his chest tight with emotion. It wasn't just the miracle he had just witnessed. It was the warmth spreading within him—a feeling he had nearly forgotten: hope.

Zhenfeng, who had been gaping in shock, stood up and brushed the dirt off his pants. "You know," he said in a casual tone, "I didn't actually think you could pull that off. I was right—only crazy people can make this kind of thing happen."

Jianyu merely shrugged, letting the flowing water speak for itself.

Congrats, Player Jianyu. You have succeeded in making a new water source. Now, every crops that you have doesn't have to be watered anymore as the water system has already been built.

System Warning: Turnips are ready to harvest.

System Warning: Turnips are ready to harvest.

System Warning: Turnips are ready to harvest.

"Alright, alright," Jianyu muttered to the system, brushing off his lingering fatigue. "I'll harvest them now."

Zhenfeng, who had been crouched near the new water source, was momentarily mesmerized by its crystalline clarity. He scooped a handful of water into his palm, letting the cool liquid spill between his fingers before splashing it on his face. The freshness was amazing. Curious, he took a small sip, his brows lifting in mild surprise at its pure, almost sweet taste.

His moment of awe was abruptly cut short when Jianyu's voice cut through the air, sharp and demanding. "Zhenfeng, help me harvest the turnips!" Jianyu was already on his feet, gesturing impatiently towards the lush green patches that filled up the other side of the garden.