Farming Games are All About Grinding

At that moment, the Dragon-Blood Carp's body dimmed and it spat out a plume of blood mist, instantly escaping the area near the float.

Not only that, Han Qiwu was surprised to see that even the total length of the fishing game progress bar had increased slightly, about two extra seconds of distance.

"What, it's just brute force dragging?"

"There's even a skill effect like this?"

Although the Dragon-Blood Carp's movement speed also slowed after spitting out blood mist, Han Qiwu had no skills left to use, which greatly increased the difficulty of fishing.

Luckily, Han Qiwu was experienced. After maneuvering for seven to eight minutes, he finally fished it out.

Thank goodness he had equipped the spinning float; otherwise, there was a real chance it would have gotten away!

This little creature's really clever!

[Congratulations on catching a rare, breedable fish in Mist Forest: Dragon-Blood Carp]

[Dragon-Blood Carp (Common Quality)]

[Stamina +500]

[Health +300]

[Special Effect - Dragon Blood: The Dragon-Blood Carp contains a trace of dragon blood, which can greatly enhance the quality of a river when released into it]

[Output: Dragon-Blood Carp Spawn]

[Note: Dragon-Blood Carp are not easily born, and their dream is to leap over the Dragon Gate]

"It even has dragon blood in it? Should I try it out? Make some carp soup?" Han Qiwu stared at the Dragon-Blood Carp in his storage slot, visibly tempted.

This thing would definitely be hugely nourishing if eaten.

Ahem.

Just kidding! If I get hungry, wouldn't snacking on some Dragon-Blood Carp spawn be better?

We're farmers, not pillagers draining the pond dry here.

Stowing away the Dragon-Blood Carp, Han Qiwu was just about to try catching a couple more when he suddenly noticed that all the fish in the lake had disappeared.

Not a single one could be found.

Even using bait to lure them yielded no bites from the fish.

"The fish here really feel like they've turned into spirits," Han Qiwu muttered helplessly, packing up his equipment.

He could only try coming back another time.

Just then, a faint pink smoke began drifting over from the other side of the lake.

The smoke seemed light and ephemeral, but it moved surprisingly fast, nearing Han Qiwu almost instantaneously.

"So it's coming from over there, huh." Han Qiwu grabbed his pet and dashed toward the nearest cobblestone path.

Once he reached the cobblestone path, he quickly switched into flip-flops and started sprinting in long strides.

Thankfully, he spotted it quickly this time. Han Qiwu only spent five raspberries before dashing out.

"Whew! Someday I'll figure out the source of this pink mist," Han Qiwu said, glancing back before cycling away.

The trip to Mist Forest this time was quite fruitful, whether in terms of lumber or other special items.

Time to head to the fish pond!

Before going to Master Shuzi's place, Han Qiwu felt a bit hungry and located a restaurant selling spicy noodle soup. He ordered two bowls of rice and six pieces of fatty intestine, happily enjoying his meal.

Since his physical fitness had improved, his appetite had grown noticeably larger. Eating meat and noodles together, he looked absolutely ravenous.

Just seeing how much he enjoyed his meal, the noodle shop owner generously gifted him another two pieces of fatty intestine.

If it weren't for the fact that the owner had a son, he might've come over to make inquiries about matchmaking.

After filling up and quenching his thirst, Han Qiwu was just about to mount his bike when he looked up and spotted Grandpa Chen milling rice. He hurriedly cycled over to give the old man a ride and detoured to drop him off at home.

"Sorry to trouble you, how's the sandbag training coming along?" Grandpa Chen asked cheerfully.

Han Qiwu scratched his head with slight embarrassment. He'd had a lot on his plate recently and hadn't been able to practice much with the sandbags.

Seeing Han Qiwu's awkward expression, Grandpa Chen chuckled and patted his muscles. "Make sure to train with the sandbags when you get the chance. Someday, when you can carry all the sandbags and run ten kilometers in one breath, I'll teach you another trick."

Hearing Grandpa Chen's words, Han Qiwu's eyes lit up. He had already experienced the benefits of strength-enhancing techniques.

Looks like he'd need to set aside time for sandbag training.

"Alright, I'll make sure to practice when I get home." Han Qiwu smiled and replied. After bidding Grandpa Chen farewell, he mounted his bike and rode off toward the blacksmith shop.

The blacksmith shop was as smoky as ever today. Before Han Qiwu could even step inside, he heard the clanging sounds of forging ringing out.

As soon as Han Qiwu stepped inside, Master Shuzi's voice called out from the inner room: "The item's on the counter, grab it yourself. I'm busy over here."

Han Qiwu picked up the fish pond core, walked around to the counter, lifted the curtain, and asked, "Need any help?"

"Not for now. Come back in four days if you want to help," Master Shuzi replied hurriedly.

"Alright then." Seeing his response, Han Qiwu didn't insist. He left the blacksmith shop.

Even as he cycled away, questions lingered in his mind.

"I wonder what Master Shuzi's working on. Could it be that this forging project will take three or four days to finish?"

Oh well, if I can't figure it out, I'll just wait until the day after tomorrow to find out.

Who knows, maybe I'll even snag some leftover scraps.

Back home, Han Qiwu eagerly placed the fish pond core on the ground, quickly creating his fifth fish pond.

He couldn't even be bothered to name this new pond, since it would soon transform into a self-sustaining surface river anyway.

Walking over to his storage box, Han Qiwu carefully took out the water dragon faucet.

[Current number of fish ponds in range: 4, condition not met]

Glancing at the faucet's range, Han Qiwu calmly stepped a few paces forward.

[Current number of fish ponds in range: 5, condition met. Surface self-sustaining river will now form]

A line of water-blue system text flashed across the screen. The faucet in Han Qiwu's hand suddenly lifted into the air, floating over the fish ponds.

A few seconds later, a powerful suction force radiated from the faucet, pulling all the water, fish, algae, and even pebbles from the five ponds into its vortex. These materials quickly condensed behind the faucet, forming a vibrant, multi-colored water dragon.

"Roar!"

A dragon-like cry echoed as the faucet seemed to come alive, guiding the water dragon around the farm's outermost perimeter to carve out a wide riverbank. The displaced soil rose up to form natural embankments.

One lap, two laps, ten laps, twenty laps.

The water dragon moved faster and faster, until suddenly, the faucet halted, causing the dragon to stop within the riverbank.

"Boom!"

In the next moment, the water dragon disintegrated, transforming into the expansive Hospital River. The faucet quietly sank to the riverbed, just as Han Qiwu had suspected, constantly emitting a steady stream of crystal-clear water from its dragon mouth spout.

Within the river, the fish from the earlier ponds appeared to embrace their new home without any sign of discomfort, swiftly settling into zones based on their types and preferences.

The larger-scaled swordfish fry swam the most frenetically, grateful to finally have space to frolic!

The algae and ancient kelp adapted quickly as well, swiftly occupying patches of water at both ends of the river, competing zealously to expand their territory and provide feed for the fish.

[Surface self-sustaining river successfully constructed]

"So majestic." Han Qiwu nodded in satisfaction.