A huge thanks to Green KiTea. Thanks for always supporting this story since it was first uploaded. Enjoy the bonus chapters!

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

SSR synthesized!!

Jian Xingyi stared at the synthesis console in disbelief.

Is there really some mystical bonus to Shanhai?

Is it that magical? Just saying “borrow some luck” actually worked?

But whether it was truly borrowed luck or just a coincidence of probability, he had obtained his SSR plant!!!

Waaah…

This is amazing!!

Jian Xingyi tremblingly clicked the golden light on the synthesis machine.

Time to… reveal the luck!

【Congratulations! Player 【Xinghe】 has obtained the SSR Seed—Frozen Pea Shooter!】

Jian Xingyi’s eyes widened.

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Frozen Pea Shooter boasts ultra-high firing speed and attack power. It’s frozen peas not only damage zombies but also freeze them in place for 10 seconds if the initial hit fails to kill.

Jian Xingyi immediately thought of the Vanguard.

This thing counters—exactly the Vanguard that had been such a headache for them?

This is a great find!

Jian Xingyi was utterly satisfied.

This is the joy of SSR!

【Congratulations to player 【Xinghe】 for unlocking the SSR Encyclopaedia via first-time Synthesis. Achieved 【Forced Melon Still Tastes Sweet】, earning 6666 dawn coins, 2 Business Exchange Vouchers, and 2 Combat Exchange Vouchers!】

When Jian Xingyi unlocked the recipe album before, he got tons of rewards. Who knew unlocking this album would bring so many to? There are rewards for reaching certain quantities, and getting your first SSR is also rewarded!

But it seems you need the synthesis machine to get this achievement. All I can say is… it kinda makes up for his non-SSR.

“…” Jian Xingyi felt conflicted. It was true that even a forced melon could taste sweet. But with these rewards, his already brightening mood grew even happier.

Who cares!

Even if it was a reward for the unlucky, it was seriously tempting!!

Among the resources available for exchange with Operation Vouchers, the most cost-effective by far were farm plots. With Jian Xingyi’s current high farm plot level and quantity, he could directly exchange for two B-grade plots.

After the exchange, his household now possessed 15 farm plots: 4 A-grade and 11 B-grade.

This was an unexpected windfall Jian Xingyi hadn’t anticipated.

As for the Combat Exchange Voucher… Jian Xingyi had been debating whether to upgrade his current A-grade pistol to S-grade or directly exchange it for a rifle. But after experiencing several zombie waves, he realized rifles held an overwhelming advantage over pistols. Thus, he decided to prioritize rifle over upgrading.

He had already obtained an A-grade rifle muzzle from the Blazing Wilderness Guild and an A-grade grip from Grapevine Peak. Using this Combat Exchange Voucher, he successfully acquired two more A-grade attachments.

This meant he was now just one final attachment away from completing his rifle!

Jian Xingyi happily stowed his accessories away. Glancing at his mailbox, he discovered the system rewards weren’t finished yet.

【Congratulations! Player 【Xinghe】 has unlocked the SSR Compendium for the first time. After experiencing one synthesis failure, you’ve achieved the 【Diligence Overcomes Deficiency】 accomplishment and unlocked the 【Seed Extraction】 privilege! Unlimited extraction, unlimited synthesis—even the diligent bird gets its worm!】

Jian Xingyi: “…”

Holy crap?!

This so-called Seed Extraction permission… Could it be exactly what he was thinking???

If so, then this failure was incredibly cost-effective!

Jian Xingyi tried taking out the Frozen Pea Shooter and activating its skill on the living specimen.

【Extraction Successful, Absorbed 【Essence】 x50】

【Extraction Successful, Obtained 【Frozen Pea Shooter】 Seed x10】

It really works…!

Jian Xingyi’s mindset shifted from initial failure and mental breakdown to gratitude for the setback, even praising the failure itself.

Failure is the mother of success!

After all, SSRs are great, but there was only one. One Frozen Pea Shooter against a whole horde of Vanguards was manageable, but what if the system ramped up the difficulty and deployed Vanguards at every gate?

Jian Xingyi had been fretting over how to gather more SSRs to defend against tonight and tomorrow night. Especially tomorrow night—the fifth day, which also marked the boss battle.

If I’m not mistaken, the 【General】 the system mentioned will appear on the final night, right?

But until now, no one knew what form this so-called General would take or what skills it possessed. It felt like opening a blind box, facing the terror of the unknown.

Back when everyone hadn’t entered the game yet, the zombie tide events weren’t as difficult or flashy as they are now. There weren’t even any giants.

But now, at least if an SSR was summoned, its quantity could be increased!

Jian Xingyi breathed a sigh of relief.

He glanced at his inventory. After the Mushroom Clan’s failure, one of the SR plant types had been consumed, leaving him temporarily short of ten. He was also one Pea short.

For the remaining ones… he’d either have to wait for public channel messages, or craft or synthesize them himself.

Jian Xingyi didn’t forget to message Shanhai.

Xinghe: 【Thanks for your good luck! It really worked!】

Shanhai: 【You’re welcome】

Truthfully, Shanhai had always felt this necklace was more for looks than anything else—at least, he hadn’t experienced any tangible benefits.

Shanhai wondered why Jian Xingyi suddenly seemed luckier—either a coincidence or the power of positive thinking. Rather than unfounded luck, Shanhai believed more in the law of attraction, which was why he hoped to lift Jian Xingyi’s spirits.

Xinghe: 【Big shot, I’ll repay you properly when I get the chance!】

Shanhai: 【No problem】

Jian Xingyi was deeply touched.

Xinghe: 【You’re such a great guy!】

Jian Xingyi squeezed the koi jade, feeling its cool touch, and happily planted frozen pea seeds across all four A-grade plots.

Suddenly, Jian Xingyi realized—did that mean…

He pulled out every plant from the Plants vs. Zombies series and clicked on each one.

【Harvest successful. Absorbed 【Essence】 x20】

【Harvest successful. Absorbed 【Essence】 x5】

【Harvest successful. Absorbed 【Essence】 x12】

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

R-tier plants yielded less essence, but SR plants provided a decent amount. Plus, Jian Xingyi had a substantial number of plants in his inventory. So he harvested a huge pile of essence points. Glancing at his stats, he was shocked to see it had already reached 470!

Just 30 more points, and he could upgrade another plot of land!

Jian Xingyi waited contentedly for his frozen peas and potted sprouts to mature.

By the time he finished tending to these, rested, and ate dinner, the fourth day’s zombie tide was nearly upon them.

【Attention Dawnbreaker V2.0 players: Zombie Tide Carnival – Day Four will commence at a system time!】

This time, the gate was bustling with more than just Jian Xingyi, Cola, and Firelight— Heiye and Baizhou couples and Haihai were also present, making it far livelier than previous days.

However, everyone who arrived tended to be more mature and reserved, so after exchanging greetings, no one felt the need to make small talk.

At this moment, everyone was inspecting their weapons and fortifications, adjusting their readiness as they awaited the zombie tide’s onset.

Ever since Jian Xingyi pulled that SSR, he’d grown particularly fond of the koi necklace around his neck.

Unlike Shanhai, he believed this necklace held real power.

After all, it was an item the server’s top player had obtained from a high-difficulty dungeon. It had even been close to the player for a while—it carried the player’s good fortune!

So now, just before the battle began, Jian Xingyi quietly slipped his hand under his shirt and gave the little koi a gentle squeeze.

【Attention Dawnbreaker V2.0 Players: Zombie Tide Carnival – Day Four commences in half a system cycle!】

Before long, the fourth day’s zombie tide… began!

The others had initially thought the top player was here just to cover their backs, dragging them along as a precaution.

But their minds changed quickly.

Holy crap, the main gate was a whole different ballgame compared to the side entrances!!

The difficulty was leagues above the side routes!

Just like last night, two Giants appeared immediately, followed swiftly by Vanguards and Rifters.

But unlike last night… the numbers of Vanguards and Rifters had doubled.

Firelight led the group to block the Ground Breakers, while Cola took everyone to take down the charging Giants and Vanguards. Jian Xingyi summoned his lone Frost Pea Shooter to fire at the main gate, slowing down many Vanguards and buying the team more time.

But with only one pea shooter, even its rapid fire couldn’t keep up against the overwhelming number of Vanguards. Moreover, the plant lacked intelligence and couldn’t automatically target enemies, sometimes firing at ordinary zombies instead.

Thus, both barricades were destroyed by the Vanguards.

【Good evening, Dawnbreaker players! The battle intensifies as we enter Day Four. The 【General】 senses your resolve and will unleash all Vanguards!】

Jian Xingyi froze.

This meant the other three side gates would also face Vanguard assaults!

He wondered if everyone had enough strength to handle this…

Jian Xingyi thought to himself. As expected, the fourth day’s difficulty was greater than the previous days. He found the main gate particularly taxing.

Without these items and the help of the veterans, this would be truly difficult…

“BOOM—!”

Take now, for instance. These giants kept coming one after another, giving no respite whatsoever.

The remaining two barriers were also destroyed.

Jian Xingyi watched with dread. Without the barriers, the sea of corpses could pour straight through the guild gates.

Fortunately, before that happened, everyone successfully ended the corpse tide.

After the tide ended, the other side gates also concluded.

This night was similar to last night, only the difficulty was doubled, and the side gates now included Vanguards.

Everyone gathered at the office. Heiye immediately grew anxious, confirming the situation with each team leader.

Lone Wolf scratched his head. “Um… All the barriers are destroyed. We were caught off guard facing the Vanguards.”

Feiyi said, “Same here. There were also many Giants this time. We couldn’t hold them back.”

Akita: “Um… Am I slightly better off? I still have one left.”

Jian Xingyi paused.

Fortunately, the guild currently held 1.02 million. If they could hold out a bit longer, the amount might even increase. Even though he now had not a single drop of pesticide or accelerator left, making it impossible to sell crops, he still had the sprouts in the pot to fall back on.

Jian Xingyi said, “It’s not a big problem.”

After discussing the fence, Heiye paused and quietly asked behind everyone’s backs, “What’s the personnel situation?”

This time, he hadn’t been observing from the watchtower and knew nothing about the other three gates, making him extremely anxious.

The captains briefed him on the situation.

“Huh…?”

After confirming the status, Heiye stared blankly at everyone, his voice trembling. “Everyone…”

Jian Xingyi froze, his heart racing.

What was happening?

Could it be…

But unexpectedly, Heiye’s expression shifted. He shouted, “No casualties!!! Family, many were injured tonight, but no one died!! Everyone, you guys are incredible!!“

Holy crap?!

Everyone froze for a moment, then erupted in cheers.

”Ahhh, thank you, Captain! Thank you, everyone!“

”Xinghe, you’re amazing!! You successfully carried us all!”

“Waaah, this is amazing… I’m so lucky! I must have done a ton of good deeds in real life to be in the same guild as Xinghe!”

Jian Xingyi was also stunned.

No one died tonight either!

How incredibly rare that was during this zombie tide! Not dying was victory itself!

Even those on Grapevine Peak heard the news and were surprised.

“But we can’t let our guard down,” Heiye said seriously. “Tomorrow night is the main event. We saw the Vanguard tonight. If the 【General】 shows up, or brings some new species… we need to be extra careful.”

Jian Xingyi looked around. Though no one had died, many were seriously injured.

“You’re right,” Lone Wolf nodded. “We faced few vanguards tonight, but tomorrow might be different.”

“And many are injured. Look closely—while no one died, several are too badly hurt to fight tomorrow,” Feiyi shook his head. “The situation isn’t entirely optimistic.”

No deaths tonight didn’t mean none tomorrow.

The four days leading up to the boss battle had already drained everyone’s physical and mental reserves. Now, most carried minor injuries, while five or six were gravely wounded. Seven or eight would be unable to continue fighting after tonight.

The game store sold unlimited healing potions—like the ones Jian Xingyi had used on Huoshen’s stomach earlier, or the ones that restored Sisi completely after she was drenched in lava.

But there was a catch: they couldn’t be stacked.

Medicine had a buffer period. If used continuously beyond the limit, it would cease to work.

In other words, the human body had its own threshold.

Now, on the fourth day, stacking was no longer possible.

After discussing countermeasures, Heiye ordered everyone to return for rest immediately, shortening training to just three hours before the final battle.

Now, replenishing energy is everyone’s top priority!

Jian Xingyi pondered this and agreed. He planned to sleep soundly tonight to recharge his strength, no longer waking every two hours.

After all, fate cannot be altered!

This time, he would try extending the duration to see if it yielded any results.

After that night, more gray IDs scrolled across the public channel.

【Player 【XX】 account terminated, permanently offline】

【Player 【XX】 account terminated, permanently offline】

The Corpse Tide Assessment raged on.

The previous Level 20 trial offered alternative paths and escape routes, yet still claimed a small number of lives. Now, in just four short days, it was being presented as a straightforward challenge.

After waking up, Jian Xingyi received two private messages.

One was from Shanhai, the other from a stranger.

Both offered to provide the SR plant species that Jian Xingyi lacked.

Jian Xingyi thought to himself: Apparently, not many players across the server have obtained SR plants, or perhaps not everyone is willing to part with theirs.

For instance, this stranger also inquired about raising the price.

As always, Shanhai offered his without charging a penny.

Jian Xingyi considered it reasonable that Shanhai wouldn’t charge. Grapevine Peak’s combat approach was entirely different from theirs.

They only accepted T1 players—out of the entire server’s 11 max-powered players, three were under their banner.

The strength of Grapevine Peak’s players had elevated this already challenging zombie tide to terrifying new heights. Honestly, whether it was the cannons designed for the server-wide guild average difficulty or Jian Xingyi’s fancy gadgets, they were merely icing on the cake for these players.

To win… their only option now is to pour vast sums into upgrading their own armor and weapons. After all, top players’ gear is in a league of its own compared to ordinary players—both in performance and firepower, it’s built with mountains of gold and silver.

So Shanhai couldn’t care less about these SRs.

But then again, if Shanhai didn’t care about these things, why would he be planting them?

Xinghe: 【Big shot, can I ask you a question?】

Shanhai: 【Hmm】

Xinghe: 【Why did you plant these seeds?】

Silence hung for a moment.

Shanhai: 【Just for fun】

Xinghe: 【Oh…】

Makes sense.

Well, that’s nice. Having a hobby to cultivate at a time like this…

Jian Xingyi examined the stranger’s and Shanhai’s plants—both belonged to the pea family, perfectly filling his collection gaps.

Since they served the same purpose, Jian Xingyi politely declined the stranger’s offer and accepted Shanhai’s free plants.

Now his pea family was complete once more!

Jian Xingyi tapped the synthesizer lightly.

—Come back to life, my SSR!!

【Guaranteed Synthesis】 in progress, 10%, 20%…

Jian Xingyi waited patiently, his heartbeat quickening with each progress bar tick.

One more try!

【Guaranteed Synthesis】 loading complete

【Guaranteed Synthesis】 failed

Jian Xingyi: “…”

Jian Xingyi sighed helplessly.

Alright then, he understood. He was just too unlucky. So even the guaranteed slot could be defeated by that remaining 25%.

But looking on the bright side, maybe this probability was just his shift system?

This time he gained nothing, but next time he would!

Jian Xingyi took a deep breath, rallying his spirits.

After tending to the sprouts in the basin, harvesting the Frozen Pea Shooter he’d planted last night, and replanting it, Jian Xingyi left home to repair the fence.

Initially, everyone worried about zombies appearing outside of zombie waves. When Jian Xingyi went to repair fences before, he’d bring along Lone Wolf and Haihai for reassurance. But now that it was confirmed zombies only arrived during zombie waves alongside the alarm, Jian Xingyi ventured out alone.

Only the fence at Akita’s place had survived this time, meaning Jian Xingyi needed 1.5 million credits for repairs.

He already had 1.02 million, and with today’s sales of Pot Sprouts, he now had 1.62 million.

Perfectly enough.

Jian Xingyi breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, it matched exactly. After repairs, he’d even have 120,000 credits left.

He currently had no items, and the shop’s inventory was still buffering. Aside from the potted sprouts, he couldn’t conjure any more money.

But now, only half a day remained until the final battle.

Jian Xingyi repaired each gate one by one. At the main gate, he encountered Cola and Firelight.

The two sat by the gate, each holding a small cup as they gazed into the distance.

“Hey,” Cola raised his cup, a carefree grin spreading across his face. “Fancy a drink, little brother?”

Jian Xingyi froze.

Huh? Alcohol?

He sat down beside them, craning his neck to peer curiously at the liquid in Cola’s cup.

Jian Xingyi had a voracious interest in all things edible and drinkable.

Cola couldn’t help but laugh and sigh at Jian Xingyi. “Sneaking around like that, you look just like my cat when it wants to drink from my water cup.”

Firelight asked curiously, “You used to have a cat?”

“Yeah,” Cola replied. “Shanhai loved dogs, I loved cats, but the Guild President was scared of both. Our favorite prank was tossing our furry friends into the Guild President’s room.”

Firelight shook his head.

Jian Xingyi looked at Cola, who was suddenly reminiscing, with some confusion.

“Ah, we should cherish things while we can.” Cola took a sip of wine. “Who knew it would all end so suddenly that night?”

Jian Xingyi had a rough idea of what had happened.

“Dawen… Is he okay?”

“He’s dead,” Firelight shook his head. “During the fourth day’s zombie tide, Nana took Da Wen’s place on the front lines and got infected. When Dawen found out, he killed himself. Nana took the red spider lily and was ultimately saved. “

Jian Xingyi was still a bit dazed.

It was probably hard to imagine that even people from Grapevine Peak could get infected.

But in reality, over these four days, facing such a monstrous zombie tide, Grapevine Peak had only lost one member in strict terms—an extraordinary feat.

Having endured this trial, Grapevine Peak’s members had leveled up significantly and undergone a thoroughly invigorating forge. They would emerge only stronger and more unshakable, truly cementing their status as the premier guild.

This wasn’t just true for Grapevine Peak; surely the other guilds were no different.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

Cola chuckled, “This wine was one of Shanhai’s random rewards from the Thousand Bells Snow Mountain raid. He doesn’t drink, so Dawen—who’s practically a wine-obsessed maniac—and I snatched it. We planned to share it after the zombie tide ended. Since Dawen can’t have any now, we’ll just enjoy it ourselves.”

Jian Xingyi noticed the Firelight and the wet patches on the floor beside Cola. Someone must have poured wine onto the ground as an offering.

But this is a game. No one knows what happens after death, so whether souls exist or if Da Wen can ever drink again—who knows?

After all, offerings are never meant to comfort the dead, but the living.

Jian Xingyi asked, “Is Nana okay?”

“Hard to say if she’s okay. This is an apocalyptic game—what else can you expect?” Cola shrugged. “But she did ask me to pass on her blessings to you. She hopes you and Long Live for a Hundred Years have a smooth final battle tonight.”

Jian Xingyi froze.

“Then thank her for me…”

“No problem!” Cola poured a glass for Jian Xingyi. “Here, here’s to the witness—just to piss off Dawen.”

Cola declared, “To Long Live for a Hundred Years and Grapevine Peak having a smooth night! Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

“Cheers!”

The strong liquor hit him, warming his entire body as a fiery heat spread through his throat and stomach.

Jian Xingyi frowned, a sudden thought striking him. His synthesizer didn’t have a recipe for alcohol, but he could brew it himself—after all, he had rice and fruit. If he listed alcoholic beverages for sale in the marketplace, would they sell well?

After all…

Jian Xingyi watched the two of them, somewhat lost in thought.

Sometimes it’s necessary.

━━ 🐈‍⬛ ━━

After completing his mission and returning home, Jian Xingyi was still somewhat lost in thought.

Dawen was dead, and their guild had suffered heavy casualties.

Tonight was the final battle, the conclusion to this zombie tide.

Everything… was about to end.

Though Grapevine Peak’s difficulty was inhuman, Jian Xingyi sensed from Cola and Firelight’s demeanor that, despite the challenge and potential sacrifices, they held confidence and resolve for clearing this zombie tide.

But Long Live for a Hundred Years… no one knew the outcome.

Jian Xingyi took a deep breath.

They would win.

Jian Xingyi headed to the fields to gather a batch of Pot Buds, happily securing a stack of Luck.

He then activated the Synthesis Machine.

Huh…?

Jian Xingyi was somewhat surprised—his synthesis actually produced a new type of mushroom!

Indeed… Luck can’t be forced, but synthesis is always by your side!

Non-Lucky players and the Synthesis Machine—locked in!

With this, his mushroom family was complete.

Jian Xingyi took a deep breath. Now came the heart-pounding moment of synthesizing an SSR.

After a moment’s thought, Jian Xingyi decided to remove his Koi Necklace and place it on the Synthesis Machine.

Gods, protect me. Fire God, protect me. Dawnbreaker, protect me…

Jian Xingyi reverently clicked the synthesis button, his fingers trembling slightly.

【Guaranteed Synthesis】 in progress, 10%, 20%…

【Guaranteed Synthesis】 successful! Player 【Xinghe】 obtained an ultra-rare SSR-grade plant!

Jian Xingyi stared at the golden glow emanating from the plant inside the synthesizer, then froze.

Wait…

Did he just… obtain an insanely powerful SSR?

This plant wasn’t exactly world-ending, even quite understated, but it could turn the tide of battle.

Folks, this time… we’re seriously lucky.