Siheyuan, integrating everything, cultivating the city

Then, seeds. He remembered the market at the corner of the alley, where some people occasionally sold seeds. Although there were not many, he could always find some basic varieties. As for fertilizer, perhaps he could solve it through the compost in the yard.

Everything seemed simple, but every step was full of challenges and uncertainties. However, he quietly developed a determination, even a little urgency, in his heart. He wanted to do something, to change the status quo, and farming seemed to be the only option he could do.

Walking to the back of the yard, Li Xiangqian squatted down, reached out and grabbed a handful of dry soil, rubbing his fingertips against the cold and hard soil. He closed his eyes, and his mind flashed back to the time when he used to farm in his hometown. At that time, he and his parents worked on the land, planting vegetables and harvesting grain. Although he was still young at that time, he always felt that in those days, every piece of land and every seed could bring hope and a little courage to survive.

But now, everything has changed. The soil has become barren, and the land is no longer a scene of abundant harvest. Li Xiangqian sighed deeply, and suddenly hesitated, with a deeper question in his mind - can he really do it?

"Farming..." Li Xiangqian repeated the word in a low voice, as if to encourage himself. It was still freezing cold outside, and the scene in the yard was still desolate. However, this piece of land, although barren, still had traces of life. As long as he worked hard, he could reawaken the dormant power of this land. At least, he should try.

He stood up and looked around, intending to find some tools. At this moment, he suddenly heard footsteps in the distance. He turned around and saw a group of people coming from the alley. They were some neighbors, and there was not much expression on their faces. They still looked busy and silent.

"Li Xiangqian, what are you doing?" A middle-aged man came over with a puzzled look in his eyes. Li Xiangqian recognized him. His name was Chen Dazhi. He used to be one of the most diligent farmers in the yard, but as food became increasingly scarce, Chen Dazhi began to look worried.

Li Xiangqian did not answer immediately, but pointed to the empty space in front of him and said, "I was thinking, maybe I can plant something to at least reduce the burden on everyone."

"Farming?" Chen Dazhi was stunned, seemingly not believing Li Xiangqian's suggestion. He looked around, a complicated look flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled bitterly: "Do you think this land can still be used to grow things? The soil is no longer good."

"I know." Li Xiangqian nodded, but a force of persistence surged in his heart, "But it's better than doing nothing."

Chen Dazhi looked at him silently, and seemed a little shaken. He was silent for a moment, and whispered: "Do you want to try? Okay, I'll help you find some tools, but..." He looked at the other people in the courtyard, "These people may not have the energy to farm anymore."

Li Xiangqian's heart was moved slightly. He lowered his head and clenched his fists. "I know, but I have to try. I can't let everyone go on like this."

Chen Dazhi looked at Li Xiangqian with a complicated expression on his face. Finally, he nodded and said, "Okay, wait a minute. I'll find the tools and maybe I can get some seeds from the market, but this is a difficult path and you need to be patient."

Li Xiangqian smiled slightly, "I know, I have patience."

Li Xiangqian stood there, his decision almost firm. Farming, this idea seemed to be the only thing that could give him a glimmer of hope. Chen Dazhi in front of him also nodded and agreed to help. Although there was a hint of uneasiness and doubt in his tone, he was an honest man after all, and agreeing to help was better than refusing directly.

However, just as Li Xiangqian was about to express his gratitude to Chen Dazhi, the air around him suddenly became strange. The sense of oppression, like an invisible air current, silently enveloped him and Chen Dazhi. Li Xiangqian subconsciously turned his head, and the scene in front of him stunned him for a moment.

At the alley not far away, several figures quietly appeared in sight. Their steps were slow and steady, and there was no expression on their faces. Especially the one walking in front, who was tall, with a cold smile on his face, and his eyes were so deep that they seemed to be able to penetrate everything. His smile did not seem friendly, but made Li Xiangqian's heart jump suddenly. That look, like a beast on the hunt, revealed an unfathomable danger.

Li Xiangqian's heart suddenly accelerated, and he could almost hear the sound of his blood rushing. He took a step back unconsciously, sweat oozing out of his palms, and cold sweat pierced his skin like needles. The uneasiness spread from the bottom of his heart, as if some hidden threat was quietly approaching.

"That...that is..." Before Li Xiangqian could finish his words, Chen Dazhi had already noticed the change in the situation. He turned his head to look at the alley entrance, and his expression instantly became solemn.

"They... are coming." Chen Dazhi lowered his voice very low, as if he was afraid of attracting those people's attention.

Li Xiangqian did not immediately understand what he said until he noticed the people were getting closer and closer, and finally realized that they were not simple people. He watched them walk in without saying a word, and suddenly a series of vague memories flashed in his mind - he seemed to have seen these people somewhere before, although he didn't pay much attention to them at the time, but now thinking back to their eyes, he felt an inexplicable fear in his heart.

He quickly recalled that they were a small gang outside the courtyard. They rarely appeared in the courtyard, but they always intervened in everyone's life in some unclear way. Their existence seemed like some invisible threat, oppressing everyone in the courtyard at all times. Although Li Xiangqian didn't know much about their specific situation, he knew that they were not easy to mess with.

These people had no obvious weapons in their hands, but each of them had an extremely cold look in their eyes and a steady pace, as if they could see everything around them clearly. Li Xiangqian's heart beat faster unconsciously, and he felt an indescribable oppression.

"Don't panic," Chen Dazhi whispered, a little nervous, "Their purpose of coming here should not be just for food."

Li Xiangqian's heart sank, and he glanced around nervously. He knew that these people were not just seeking food, and their purpose might be far more than that. Just as Chen Dazhi said, these people had a disturbing aura, and it seemed that they were not here just to survive, but had a deeper purpose behind them.