A Mortal’s Immortal Gourd
Chapter 57: Locusts

Ergouzi should have known better than to place too much hope in government officials. 

The medicinal pill that was supposed to be his reward disappeared the moment it reached the county magistrate's hands.

Fortunately, Sima Yi invited his uncle to negotiate with the magistrate. 

In the end, Ergouzi voluntarily gave up the pill and sincerely begged the magistrate to exchange it for two barren mountains. 

The magistrate hadn't wanted the pill initially, but seeing Ergouzi's sincere devotion, he reluctantly accepted it. 

Naturally, Ergouzi had to express profuse gratitude. 

Others couldn't help but praise the magistrate's benevolence, saying he cared for his people like his own children!

These two barren mountains were located behind Shekou Mountain - part of a range spanning over ten miles that all belonged to the magistrate. 

The magistrate owned many similar properties. 

Adjacent to Shekou Mountain, these two mountains were much larger and flatter in terrain. 

But compared to a cultivator's medicinal pill, such barren land was practically worthless. 

Still, this was the best possible outcome. 

At least he obtained two mountains - he'd previously wanted to emulate the Ding Family Village leader but lacked land for his plans.

Sima Yi handed Ergouzi an official deed stamped with the government seal. 

"Planning to reclaim wasteland for farming?"

"Yes. With so many refugees idle, might as well have them clear the land for me."

"First we'll cultivate the land at the mountain's base - such a large area lying fallow is such a waste..."

Ergouzi grew increasingly animated as he explained his plans, his eyes shining brightly. 

"I also want to build a large reservoir at the summit to collect rainwater, then construct ponds..."

"I'll transform those barren mountains into fertile fields..."

As a child, he'd dreamed of owning land - now he finally had two entire mountains to develop. 

And with abundant labor available just for food, these people might avoid selling their children.

Sima Yi observed Ergouzi's flushed excitement - in all their years of acquaintance, he'd never seen him so passionate. 

"Here's sixty taels of refined silver. When you visit the market, buy every slave available - men and women alike."

"All of them?" 

Sima Yi took the bag of refined silver, seeking confirmation. 

The county market sold many slaves daily.

"Yes, every single one!" 

"Don't leave any for those human traffickers." 

Ergouzi spoke with firm determination. 

"Understood. I'll spare no effort." 

As a local insider, Sima Yi had noticed increasing Blood Marrow Pills in the black market. 

He could guess the fate of those sold people, but lacked the means to intervene alone. 

Now he'd finally found a kindred spirit. 

"Use any leftover silver to buy grain from the black market." 

After New Year's, grain prices had skyrocketed to eight taels per bushel. 

Their partnership proved highly effective. 

Within days, Sima Yi had cleared the market of all slaves marked with straw tags - over two hundred starving individuals. 

He also purchased two hundred bushels of grain. 

They housed these people in temporary thatched shelters on the wasteland. 

Overwhelmed by tasks, Ergouzi invited Huang Laocai to assist with management. 

In subsequent weeks, Sima Yi used Ergouzi's funds to procure iron tools and farming implements. 

He continued buying every available slave, yet Blood Marrow Pills still flooded the black market. 

This left Sima Yi feeling powerless against overwhelming circumstances - no individual effort could change such tides. 

One could only do their best and leave the rest to fate. 

Ergouzi spent recent months cultivating on his mountain. 

With Sima Yi handling county affairs and Huang Laocai managing the land, he had little to worry about. 

After expelling the corpse poison, his long-suppressed cultivation surged rapidly. 

He'd likely reach Qi Refinement fifth layer soon. 

Years of cultivation had finally covered Shekou Mountain's summit with iron thorns. 

Last year's Moon Crescent Spirit Rice now sprouted ears, nearing its first harvest. 

Other crops like ginseng and Solomon's seal grew normally. 

The oldest ginseng plants, untouched for forty years, approached his century-old spiritual herb goal in six more years. 

Recently, locusts had become increasingly problematic, often swarming Shekou Mountain. 

Some formed massive clouds that stripped vegetation bare - especially concerning during this drought when his lush mountain attracted them. 

Fortunately, his geese proved invaluable protectors. 

Though primarily herbivores, his mutated white geese developed carnivorous tastes, feasting on locust swarms. 

Their strong territorial instincts made them perfect guards. 

One day after watering crops, Ergouzi noticed an unusually large locust swarm approaching. 

His geese took flight immediately, engaging in aerial combat. 

Today's swarm was exceptionally large. 

The sky filled with fluttering wings as locust limbs rained down - mixed strangely with white feathers. 

This was unusual - his geese could normally match trained martial artists. 

Spotting several oversized locusts attacking a goose, Ergouzi retrieved his bow and arrows. 

As an aspiring martial examinee, archery was fundamental. 

But his novice skills proved inadequate against the fast-moving insects. 

Drawing his three-stone bow to full draw, he released - missing the locust but nicking a goose's leg. 

"Gwaaak! Gwaaak!" 

The injured goose protested loudly below. 

Given their dignified nature, it probably wasn't cursing. 

Blushing furiously, Ergouzi put away his bow, realizing he endangered his geese more than the locusts. 

The battle lasted two hours before ending with most locusts dead or fled, leaving the ground littered with casualties. 

Over a dozen geese were injured, especially the arrow-nicked one that nearly died. 

Ergouzi rewarded each goose with a Peiyuan Gutben Pill, giving two to the arrow victim as apology. 

The medicine quickly restored the geese, who gathered proudly, stretching their necks in triumphant honks. 

Meanwhile, Ergouzi collected locusts in baskets and sacks - too many for the geese alone. 

He sorted choice specimens for himself, planning to grind the rest into flour as nutritious supplement. 

This protein-rich food rivaled rice in value - especially now with grain prices over ten times higher and official granaries reportedly emptied through black market sales.