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Gu Hong wakes up in a fantasy world with a Hearthstone system, granting him the power to summon legendary heroes like Anduin, Jaina, and Rexxar. But when his plans for conquest hit a snag, he stumbles upon an unexpected truth: this system isn’t just for combat—it’s a game-changer for farming!
Agriculture? Druids who accelerate crop growth.
Commerce? Mushroom Brewers, Trogg Beastmasters, and enterprising merchants.
Crafting? Swordsmiths, Armorers, and even Drakonid blacksmiths.
Magic gear? Alchemists, Enchanters, Jewelcrafters, and Scribes at your service.
Culture? A romance novel-savvy bookseller to spice things up.
He finally realizes: farming is the ultimate strategy to unlock the Hearthstone system’s true potential.

Lord of Farming in Hearthstone

In addition to his companions, Sean's inventory still held x5 Experience Potions, x1 Dragon Scale Amulet, and x1 Dwarven Flask.

A few days prior, he'd planned to save the potions for non-upgradable common companions—Windsor's level couldn't exceed his, and both were currently Level 16 (Black Iron Upper Rank). Using potions to boost Windsor to Level 20 (Bronze Rank) would leave him stagnant until Sean reached Level 21, which felt wasteful. But with Matthew's departure, Thorn Ridge's grinding yielded half the EXP of the Elven Forest's outskirts. Four potions could push Windsor to Bronze Rank, letting them return to the forest safely—if danger struck, the fifth potion could spike him to Level 30 (Silver Rank) for emergency defense.

In the forest, Sean activated the potions on Windsor's profile. Four golden beams slammed into the warrior, igniting a primal roar from him. As a former general, Windsor quickly mastered the surging power.

"Better than ever." Windsor snapped his fingers, bronze qi forming a scaled glove over his hand. "Bronze Rank Battle Qi Armor—both offense and defense get a massive boost."

"Perfect. We'll hunt the Elven Forest outskirts tomorrow." Sean judged the time by the sunlight—around 5 PM. "Let's head back."

On the road to Riverside, the new companions transformed: the Dwarven Marksman and Secret Keeper altered minor features like hair and eye color, the dwarf elongating slightly; the Flame Imp and Voidwalker became twin boys—one sharp-eyed, the other blank-faced, like brothers.

Sean discussed territory plans with Anduin as the group reached the town gate. A nervous, cute girl approached—Olga's daughter, whose name escaped him.

"Hello, little one. What can I do for you? And how did you know I'd be here?" he asked gently.

"M-My lord," she stammered, "I'm Sophia, Olga's daughter. Father enters the Elven Forest tomorrow and sent me for the resource list. Mr. Henry told me to wait here." Her voice faded to a whisper.

Sean assumed her nerves came from his lordly aura, ruffling her hair kindly. "Tell your father I'll send the list tonight."

Sophia blushed furiously, fleeing at Bronze Rank speed. Sean watched her go, lost in thought.

Windsor, observing Sophia's every reaction, smirked. A mercenary's daughter and a lord—an interesting dynamic.

"Thinking about something, My Lord?" he asked.

Sean's tone turned serious. "A Middle Bronze warrior can run this fast. If a higher-ranked enemy tries a surprise attack, even the Voidwalker might not react. I'll need your protection, Windsor."

Windsor simply nodded, amused by the shift from playful to pragmatic.

At the castle, Butler Henry eyed the companions. "Who are they, My Lord?"

"Friends from the capital, here to help. Prepare a feast and rooms for them tonight."

Henry's eyes lit on the Secret Keeper's staff—even the late Viscount Lake had no mages, not even Black Iron Rank. Lord Sean's connections must be vast, he thought, hurrying to prepare dinner.

The group dispersed—Anduin to town affairs, Sean to his new companions. The day's events had left him with one certainty: in a world of rising threats, even a lord's "interludes" held the weight of survival.

Chapter 73: An Interlude at the Town Gate