Farming Games are All About Grinding

After eating the Mist Fruit, Xiao Lai's complexion improved a bit as he comfortably sprawled on Han Qiwu's shoulder.

Not even sparing a glance at Xiao Dian.

Han Qiwu chuckled. He thought of Snow Armor's earlier suggestion—since this isn't a combat scenario, maybe next time he could bring the Little Prince here. Who knows, the Prince might even chop down some trees.

Although the Cassia Wood Axe can only be used for cutting Cassia Trees, the Sparkling Moon Iron Axe could be given to the Little Prince instead.

Cough, cough, when does the commander personally need to enter the battlefield?

Excluding Li Yunlong.

After finishing up with the patch of birch trees, Han Qiwu continued moving forward.

Not long after, a faint sound of opening and closing came from a corner on the right, accompanied by soft swallowing noises.

"Mist Flower?" Han Qiwu grabbed his axe and ran over, following the sound to locate a Mist Flower. He wasn't sure if it was because he hadn't seen one in a while, but this Mist Flower seemed a little different from what he'd encountered before.

Better mark it first!

[Mist Flower 12 successfully marked]

Wait, what does Mist Flower 12 mean?

A bad feeling crept over Han Qiwu.

With just three minutes left until the top of the hour, he decided to first feed some Mist Worms to the Mist Flower to scatter the mist around it.

Soon enough, the three minutes were up, and the malfunctioning compass spun around like a tiny top.

Whirring sounds followed.

[Map refreshed]

Han Qiwu eagerly checked the map.

On the map, the only marker for Mist Flowers was the one next to him.

"Alright then." Han Qiwu shook his head—it seemed numbered Mist Flowers could only mark the specific plant corresponding to their current identifier.

Fortunately, the map showed a clear cobblestone path and a nearby entrance willow's location—very convenient for retreat if needed. With those landmarks visible, he could explore without worry!

As the surrounding mist dissipated, Han Qiwu glanced around briefly before leading his two companions toward the largest stretch of forest visible.

Upon closer inspection, he discovered it was actually a cluster of about ten loquat trees.

Golden loquats hung high in the branches, looking incredibly appetizing. Though not many in number, each fruit was exceptionally large and round.

Feeling parched, Han Qiwu quickly crouched down slightly, then launched himself upward like a spring onion sprouting, jumping four to five meters high. He reached out and grabbed two plump, system-marked loquats.

[Loquat]

[Stamina +70]

[Health +80]

[Effect—Cool Down: Loquats reduce heat and soothe the throat, alleviating irritation]

[Note: Loquat seeds are toxic, do not consume]

After glancing at the attributes, Han Qiwu tossed the loquats to Xiao Dian without hesitation.

"Thanks for your hard work, have a taste." Han Qiwu said gently.

Xiao Dian: "????? You're clearly worried they might be sour!"

Faced with food within reach, Xiao Dian didn't resist. Bowing its head, it began pecking at the fruit, taking a few bites before dramatically pulling a face like it was the sourest thing ever.

It fell backward with legs stiffly stretched out in theatrical exaggeration.

Han Qiwu nodded knowingly—if Xiao Dian was putting so much effort into acting, then clearly these loquats must taste pretty great.

With renewed vigor, he jumped up again, plucking four large loquats, peeling one and savoring it carefully.

Perhaps because of the unpolluted environment, the sweetness of these loquats was unusually high—they tasted cool and refreshing, with plenty of juicy flesh and small pits. The flavor was just perfect.

"Here, try some." Han Qiwu fed two loquats to Xiao Lai before setting him down, then repeatedly jumped up, plucking every ripe loquat from the cluster of trees.

As for the unripe ones, he decided to mark them and return later to collect them.

These trees, he would leave untouched.

Better to keep them around for fruit harvesting.

Time to hunt for other trees.

The time spent on logging always seemed to fly by—before he knew it, two hours had passed.

Han Qiwu had already explored half of the area left of the cobblestone path, amassing an impressive 460 units of wood in his storage space.

A record-breaking haul.

Beyond the wood, he'd also managed to gather 16 Mist Fruits, planning to bring them back in the evening for his other pets to taste.

"The number of Mist Worms is about right; the Mist Butterflies should be emerging soon too." Han Qiwu muttered, cautiously scanning the surroundings as he continued cutting trees. "This time, we shouldn't rush to kill the Mist Butterflies—not until they've had the chance to call for reinforcements."

A family should stick together, after all.

Ten minutes later, Xiao Dian effortlessly electrocuted a Mist Worm.

[Excessive Mist Worm deaths have triggered the emergence of Mist Butterflies seeking revenge!]

[This scene is now a combat scenario]

"Xiao Lai, when you see a Mist Butterfly, spray some mist to weaken it. Xiao Dian, once the Mist Butterfly is weakened, zap it quickly to force it out of the mist-covered zone."

"Chirp chirp."

"Pfft."

With the battle strategy clarified, everything became straightforward.

This time, the Mist Butterfly that appeared was one level higher than the last, with noticeably larger wings.

Of course, that also meant it would be affected by mist damage over a wider area.

Within moments, the Mist Butterfly's wings were riddled with wounds, leaving it writhing helplessly on the ground after Xiao Dian's attack.

"Whoosh whoosh."

The Mist Butterfly began calling for reinforcements.

Or perhaps it was calling for its parent.

Maybe it was even thinking, "Does this guy not fear my allies?"

Han Qiwu smiled brightly, waiting patiently nearby as the Mist Butterfly cried out until it was out of energy.

Seconds later, a swarm of Mist Butterflies came pouring in from all directions.

They filled the sky.

Not that sunlight could pierce the Mist Forest anyway.

Unhurried, Han Qiwu retrieved three torches, arranging them in a triangular formation, then produced his Frost Sling loaded with explosive snowballs.

"Which direction should I hit first?"

Xiao Dian offered a brief moment of silence for the Mist Butterflies.

They were formidable, indeed.

But alas, against a bomb-tossing cheat like Han Qiwu, even the largest wings proved futile.

"Xiao Dian, go lure them all to this direction. If you can save me one explosive fruit, I'll give you three Mist Fruits as a reward." Han Qiwu said as he fastened a protective mask over Xiao Dian's beak.

"Chirp chirp chirp chirp!" Xiao Dian negotiated enthusiastically—it knew Han Qiwu's reasoning. He was clearly saving the Mist Fruits to bring home for the others to enjoy.

It was the first to taste Mist Fruits, and though it couldn't compare to Xiao Lai's skill mastery, it couldn't let the pets at home outshine it either!

That would be too humiliating!

"Four fruits." Han Qiwu counter-offered, guessing Xiao Dian's thoughts.

Xiao Dian nodded. Deal!

Motivated, Xiao Dian flew at breakneck speed, draped in a glowing electric net that completely repelled the phosphorus powder around it.

"Boom boom boom boom."

The net occasionally emitted small explosions while repelling the powder, resembling a scene straight out of an action movie.

The visual effects were striking.

Three minutes later, all the Mist Butterflies were successfully drawn to one direction. Han Qiwu gripped the sling tightly, releasing the explosive snowball with a swift motion.

"Boom!"

Just like that, the battle was finished.