Chapter 27: The First SSS-Rank Player

[Host, there’s a ridiculously handsome man outside staring at you. Is your springtime finally here~?]

Thanks to the influx of new residents in Earth Village and the constant stream of feedback energy from their hard work, the previously empty energy core had risen by a foot. The main system was in an exceptionally good mood, so much so that it started joking around with Yun Qimu.

But Yun Qimu, who was pacing around the courtyard testing her newly increased strength and agility, suddenly froze in her tracks, a cold sweat breaking out on her back.

Even though she was still weak and her mental power was limited due to her frail body, she had always kept her guard up out of habit.

Yet the man the main system mentioned had managed to appear outside the courtyard without her noticing at all. That was a huge problem.

She turned her head, and when she saw the man standing outside the fence—his features sharp and cold, his eyes calm and indifferent as they looked at her—her suspicions were confirmed.

He was definitely dangerous!

Mo Xie looked at the frail but strikingly sharp young lady in the courtyard, a flicker of surprise showing in his ink-black eyes.

A noble young lady like this shouldn’t be anywhere near an infected zone, let alone on this exile planet.

And what was with this place that looked like a pure land amidst the chaos?

An illusion?

The two of them stood their ground, locked in a silent standoff, neither making the first move.

Sensing the tension, the main system wisely shut up, staying as quiet as a mouse—until a string of footsteps sounded from outside.

“Big Sis, Qimu-jie, I’m back to get some cucumbers!”

Zhuzhu’s sweet, crisp little voice called out, getting closer and closer.

A bead of cold sweat slid down Yun Qimu’s forehead. Her chilly expression changed instantly as she whipped her head toward Zhuzhu and shouted anxiously, “Zhuzhu, don’t come over! Run!”

“Huh?”

Zhuzhu, already trotting up to the gate, tilted her little head, her fair face full of confusion. She obediently slowed down, but her tiny three-heads-tall body couldn’t stop in time and bumped right into a hard, black wooden post.

Mo Xie was momentarily startled and reached out to help her, but a slender, fair hand beat him to it.

Yun Qimu strode over in a few quick steps, grabbed Zhuzhu’s arm, and pulled her behind her, her eyes still wary as she stared at the imposing, coldly handsome man before her.

Zhuzhu clung to Yun Qimu’s pants, poking her head out from behind and blinking her big eyes curiously at Mo Xie. Then she looked up at Yun Qimu. “Qimu-jie, who is he? Is he an uncle coming to join Earth Village?”

Yun Qimu pressed her lips together, her delicate brows knitting in hesitation, unsure how to answer.

But across from her, Mo Xie, upon seeing the little girl, instinctively withdrew his intimidating aura. His cold, expressionless face seemed to soften a little.

He tilted his head to glance at the signboard nearby, then nodded seriously, his deep voice calm as he answered, “Yes, I want to join Earth Village.”

The main system’s eyes lit up instantly. Before Yun Qimu could react, it sent out an invitation.

[Ding-dong—Welcome Mo Xie to Earth Village.]

[Player Mo Xie, please create a username.]

A flicker of surprise crossed Mo Xie’s dark, unfathomable eyes. This voice actually sounded in his mind, and what was with the blue-glowing dialogue box floating in midair?

He was certain there was no projection equipment around.

And it even called him by name. He’d kept a low profile on the exile planet these past years—hardly anyone could recognize him.

So was the one controlling all this the frail yet sharp, full-of-contradictions noble lady before him?

[Please create a username.]

Mo Xie paused, lowering his gaze to hide the complex emotions in his eyes. His deep voice was a bit hoarse as he replied, “Mo Xie.”

[Ding—Congratulations, player Mo Xie, on creating your account “Mo Xie.” As the first SSS-rank player to join Earth Village, the system will reward you with a Lucky Gift Pack.]

[Ding-dong—Congratulations, player Mo Xie, you have received a Lucky Gift Pack. Would you like to open it now?]

Mo Xie’s eyes darkened slightly, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “Open it.”

[Ding-dong—Congratulations, player Mo Xie, you have received one bottle of Plant Growth Solution. It has been placed in your inventory. Please check it in time.]

Mo Xie’s pupils dilated slightly. He pursed his lips and opened the control panel, easily finding the player information interface.

Player: Mo Xie

Age: 48

Mental Power: A (Severe mental instability detected. The system recommends a bottle of Mental Stabilizer! One bottle to cure insomnia and restore you to your peak. Become the most dazzling star on the exile planet again! Come on, come on, you won’t regret it—Mental Stabilizer, you deserve it~)

Awakened Ability: Dark (SSS-rank)

Strength: 100

Agility: 100

Vitality: 50/1000 (Severe dark element poisoning, body heavily damaged. Poor child, we recommend a round of Light Potion for your health, and a Holy Potion for a full recovery.)

Five Senses: (Vision: 10; Smell: 10; Hearing: 10; Taste: 2; Touch: 3)

Skill Cards: 0

Weapons: 0

Inventory: 1/10

Mo Xie ignored the stuff about Mental Stabilizers and Holy Potions. With a thought, a round-bellied glass bottle filled with emerald-green liquid appeared in his hand.

So this was the Plant Growth Solution?

A glimmer of excitement flashed in his dark eyes. Then, without another word, he strode confidently into Earth Village, military boots thudding, not waiting for an invitation.

He looked down at the moist black soil beneath his feet, his gaze deepening. As Yun Qimu frowned in displeasure, the man simply squatted down and started digging.

Yes, actually digging.

In his left hand was a small, white, flower-patterned pot, just a bit bigger than his palm, with delicate blue flowers painted on it. In his right, a tiny shovel. He busily scooped up soil, not even caring that his imposing black cloak was dragging in the dirt.

He was, in short, completely unconcerned with appearances.

Yun Qimu watched his actions, slowly letting down her guard—then her mouth began to twitch.

She watched as the man carefully filled the little pot with black soil, patted it flat, and poked a small hole in the center with his finger.

Then, with utmost care and reverence—gentler than if he were handling his own child—he took out a pitch-black seed from his pocket, pinched it between two fingers, placed it in the little hole, and gently covered it with soil.

Finally, he opened the round-bellied glass bottle and poured every last drop of the emerald-green plant solution into the pot, not wasting a single drop."