Chapter 80: New Bamboo Shoots
To the Ba-snake clan, the Ba-snake pigs were like a hot potato.
Now that Ying Kongtu was willing to take them in, they practically wanted to beat gongs and drums as they sent this batch of pigs away.
Ba Yi quickly drew up a contract. After asking staff from the Special Management Bureau to witness it, he handed all eighty-three pigs over to Ying Kongtu.
“All the Ba-snake pigs are here. Quite a few still haven’t had time to be castrated. You can castrate them after you get back, but remember to leave breeding pigs.”
“I’ve found trucks for you. You can contact the drivers directly. Their transport fees aren’t expensive.”
“I might go sleep after this. If you can’t contact me, you can contact the Special Management Bureau. They can find my other clan members. But I usually won’t sleep too deeply, so try contacting me directly first.”
It was rare for Ba Yi to say so much in one breath. He looked as if he wanted to finish talking as quickly as possible and send off his guests.
Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan could only say goodbye to him.
The eighty-three Ba-snake pigs came in all sizes. They contacted three trucks in total before finally loading all the pigs.
Fortunately, the small city where the Ba-snake clan lived was not far from Changchuan County. The trucks could transport the pigs there in a few hours.
This batch of pigs was quite rare, so Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan specially got into the trucks and returned to Changchuan County with them.
On the way, they thanked Sonam Tsering again and also informed Xing Chang.
After Xing Chang received the news, he held Dart and stood by the roadside, waiting for them to bring the pigs over.
“Meow-ao—” The moment Dart saw Ying Kongtu on the truck, it twisted excitedly in Xing Chang’s arms, struggling to get down.
Xing Chang could not hold it anymore and had no choice but to run forward behind it. “Kongtu, Brother Wen, you’re back?”
“We’re back.” Ying Kongtu smiled. “How have things been these two days?”
“Very smooth!” Xing Chang stood beside the truck and looked up as he asked, “Are we sending the pigs to Bihai Mountain first? Xian Niao and the others are already waiting on the mountain to herd the pigs.”
Ying Kongtu said, “Xian Niao is really reliable! Yes, let’s go to Bihai Mountain first.”
“I guessed you’d send the pigs to Bihai Mountain first too. There’s a road there, so it’s the most convenient place for the trucks to drive up.” Xing Chang said, “Should I go with you now?”
“Sure. Sorry for the trouble.”
After exchanging a few words with Xing Chang, Ying Kongtu continued directing things and asked the drivers to drive to Bihai Mountain.
The other two trucks followed behind toward Bihai Mountain as well.
Once they arrived at Bihai Mountain, the drivers saw that there was not even a pigpen on the mountain and grew worried. “You’re just letting the pigs down directly? Won’t they run all over the place? It’ll probably be hard to herd them back later.”
Ying Kongtu said, “It’s fine. We’ve arranged for family members to block both sides. Even if they run around, they won’t get far.”
Only then did the drivers walk over doubtfully, open the tailgates, and help them drive the pigs down.
The Ba-snake pigs were all little black pigs. The largest weighed over two hundred jin, while the smallest weighed only a little over ten jin. When they jumped onto the ground, they were like lively little black beans.
No matter their size, the Ba-snake pigs were all very agile. As soon as they landed on the ground, they immediately moved their four hooves and ran in all directions.
If Xian Niao had not brought the furry ones to wait in every direction and block them, this group of Ba-snake pigs might really have run away.
The drivers also saw the Ba-snake pigs running off, and their expressions looked even more worried.
Ying Kongtu smiled at the drivers. “It’s really fine.”
As he spoke, he and Wen Zhongshan went to direct the drivers of the two trucks behind to let the Ba-snake pigs down.
After the drivers did as told, they also looked curiously up the mountain.
Once all the pigs were down, Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan finished counting them and settled the transport fees with the drivers.
The three drivers turned around one after another and drove away.
Xing Chang had parked the motorcycle by the roadside to avoid the trucks. After the drivers left, he rushed over with Dart tucked in his arms.
Xing Chang shouted, “How is it? Where did the pigs run off to?”
“They’re just ahead. No rush.”
Before Ying Kongtu’s words had even fallen, the pigs that had already run ahead actually turned around and ran back.
At the same time, the figures of Tiaozhu, Xian Niao, Jingwei, and Shuangzhong appeared from four directions, driving the pig herd together in an encircling formation.
“Beautifully done!” Ying Kongtu praised. “Drive the pigs to the shrine first and register them.”
Tiaozhu answered loudly, “Meow-ao!”
There was also a shrine on Bihai Mountain. As Ying Kongtu’s divine power strengthened, registering the pig herd at this shrine would also work very well.
Tiaozhu and the others changed direction again and drove the pig herd toward the shrine.
Among them, Tiaozhu ran at the very front, Xian Niao brought up the rear, while Jingwei and Shuangzhong pressed in from both sides.
Under the furry ones’ command, the pig herd gradually formed a long line.
Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan went to the shrine and signaled for the furry ones to drive the Ba-snake pigs over.
For every Ba-snake pig that came, Ying Kongtu pressed it down and had it leave a hoofprint in front of the shrine.
The Ba-snake pigs lined up, and in a short while, they were all done.
After the pigs were registered, their expressions and cries gradually changed from frightened to relaxed.
“Tiaozhu, take them to Qingfang Mountain first.” Ying Kongtu called. “We’ll come over shortly.”
Many of the tree species on Bihai Mountain had only sprouted this year and could not withstand the Ba-snake pigs’ gnawing.
As one of the first mountain forests Ying Kongtu had reclaimed, Qingfang Mountain had many berries and wild vegetables. Herding the Ba-snake pigs there to graze would not damage the mountain forest, and they would not lack food either.
Tiaozhu said, “Meow-ao!”
Xian Niao said, “Awoo.”
Since they had agreed, there would be no problem.
Ying Kongtu breathed a sigh of relief and gestured for them to go over first.
Xing Chang stood to the side. He had originally wanted to come over and help, but in the end, there was no need for him to intervene at all. Even Dart broke free from his arms, raised its tail, and ran off after Xian Niao.
Xing Chang watched the furry ones drive the pigs toward Qingfang Mountain. “Do you still need to use the shrine to register pigs now?”
“Not really, but using the shrine saves more effort.” Ying Kongtu sensed the information from the pig herd and said, “After all, there are eighty-three pigs.”
Xing Chang said, “That’s true. Speaking of which, the Ba-snake clan actually has pigs they bred themselves. That’s amazing…”
The three chatted as they headed toward Qingfang Mountain.
Now that Ying Kongtu’s divine power had grown stronger, and the Ba-snake pigs had all been registered, there was no need for physical fences. He only needed to restrict the pigs’ range of activity.
Aside from some small saplings, nothing else had been planted on Qingfang Mountain. Keeping the Ba-snake pigs here should not cause any major problems.
When food was abundant, the pig herd would definitely prioritize eating all kinds of berries, wild vegetables, and nuts. They would not touch bitter yet nutritious saplings.
Ying Kongtu said, “After the wild fruits and vegetables on Qingfang Mountain are almost eaten, we’ll drive the pig herd to Baogu Mountain or Xiwu Mountain and rotate the grazing. Their food supply will definitely be sufficient.”
“Conveniently, we can also spread the fertilizer evenly over Baogu Mountain and Xiwu Mountain,” Wen Zhongshan said. “That way, there won’t be too much pig manure on Qingfang Mountain, which could easily burn the seedlings.”
Ying Kongtu could not help laughing. “You’re right.”
Xing Chang sighed from the side. “This creates a cycle. The plants are eaten by the pigs, and the pig manure promotes plant growth. Once the whole cycle forms, every link can be used, and it won’t pollute the environment.”
Ying Kongtu said, “Exactly. When the time comes, we’ll pay attention and see whether the Ba-snake pigs encroach on the living space of other animals. If there’s no problem, then it should basically be fine.”
Raising rough-fed Ba-snake pigs on a mountain god’s mountain was simply a perfect plan.
Over the next few days, Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan went to check on the Ba-snake pigs every day.
The Ba-snake pigs liked Qingfang Mountain’s environment very much. Perhaps because there was divine power on the mountain, they felt quite comfortable.
Their condition was also excellent. They were lively and healthy, running back and forth through the forest, brimming with vitality.
Since this group of pigs had adapted well, Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan no longer watched them so closely.
In any case, the Ba-snake pigs had already been registered, so they could not get lost.
Unexpectedly, because of this brief negligence, two days later, Ying Kongtu suddenly felt that something was wrong.
Seeing him stiffen, Wen Zhongshan asked, “What’s wrong?”
“The Ba-snake pigs’ condition seems a little off.”
“Did something happen?”
“It’s not as serious as an accident.” Ying Kongtu thought for a moment and said, “Their state just feels a little strange.”
“Let’s go up and take a look.”
The two rode the motorcycle to the foot of Qingfang Mountain. After parking it by the roadside, they went up the mountain to check.
Ying Kongtu pointed the way. “Over there. They’ve all gathered over there.”
“What’s over there?” Wen Zhongshan recalled. “Why would they suddenly go there?”
“The bamboo grove.” Ying Kongtu suddenly reacted. “They might have gone into the bamboo grove to eat bamboo shoots.”
Most of the bamboo on Qingfang Mountain was wild bamboo.
Now that summer had arrived, the bamboo shoots were growing large and plentiful, and the flesh of the shoots had also become sweeter and fresher.
Ying Kongtu had guessed that the Ba-snake pigs would gnaw on bamboo shoots.
However, bamboo shoots had thick husks on the outside. They probably would not gnaw too many, so he had not paid much attention.
Now that all the Ba-snake pigs had rushed into the bamboo grove, the bamboo shoots here had probably been eaten clean by them.
Ying Kongtu guessed that they had likely eaten too many bamboo shoots and shoot husks and were having a little trouble digesting them, which was why he had sensed something unusual.
The two walked into the bamboo grove. From far away, they saw the Ba-snake pigs lying beneath the bamboo.
These Ba-snake pigs were lying in groups here and there, enjoying the shade in the bamboo grove.
“Wait.” Ying Kongtu’s eyes were sharp, and he suddenly said, “Have some of the bamboo stalks been pushed over?”
“Yes. Some bamboo has also been dug up.”
Ying Kongtu was puzzled. “Are the Ba-snake pigs that destructive?”
Only after they reached the bamboo grove did they discover that the Ba-snake pigs had not dug up the bamboo itself, but had rooted up the underground bamboo rhizomes.
They had followed the bamboo rhizomes to search for bamboo shoots to eat, which was why they had turned the bamboo grove into such a mess.
Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan walked around the bamboo grove and discovered that the Ba-snake pigs had practically dug through every inch of the place.
Who knew where they had gotten so much energy!
Ying Kongtu nearly cracked apart. He casually scooped up a piglet, held it up, stared at it, and asked, “Are you pandas?! How can you eat bamboo shoots until not a single one is left? You even dug out the bamboo shoots that hadn’t broken through the soil yet!”
The piglet grunted twice and began struggling in his hands.
Its strength was so great that Ying Kongtu was caught off guard and almost failed to hold it steady. “Good grief, you’re lively.”
Wen Zhongshan scooped up another piglet, held it, and weighed it. “Five days. They’ve gained at least three jin.”
Ying Kongtu weighed his too. “They really have. You’re pigs! No, that’s right, you are pigs.”
“They can be castrated now.” Ying Kongtu held up the pig and felt dizzy. “After losing their balls, hopefully they won’t be so naughty.”
The Ba-snakes were busy sleeping, and most of this batch of Ba-snake pigs were piglets, so they had not been castrated at all.
When Ba Yi entrusted this batch of piglets to them, he had specifically emphasized that they might need to castrate the piglets as soon as possible. Otherwise, once they grew up, the meat would have a rather strong boar taint.
Ying Kongtu had thought that the Ba-snake pigs had just arrived and needed to adapt to the environment. If their resistance was low, they might easily get sick, so he had not planned to castrate them yet.
Now it seemed that this matter had to be put on the schedule. Otherwise, their destructive power was truly too astonishing.
Faced with the mess across the entire bamboo grove, the two of them easily made a decision.
However, neither of them knew how to castrate pigs.
Ba-snake pigs were also somewhat dangerous to ordinary people.
In the end, Ying Kongtu specially invited someone from the Special Management Bureau who knew how to castrate pigs to make a work trip. Only then did they finally deal with this group of fellows.
The Special Management Bureau had raised Ba-snake pigs before, and the previous batch of Ba-snake pigs had also been castrated by this master.
After helping them deal with the Ba-snake pigs, the master sighed emotionally. “You’re raising the Ba-snake pigs really well. At a glance, they’re different from the ones raised by the Special Management Bureau.”
Ying Kongtu said, “We haven’t raised them for many days either. It’s mainly thanks to the Ba-snakes.”
The master waved his hand. “No, that’s not it. You have abundant divine power here, and the environment is good too. Once the Ba-snake pigs arrived here, they grew like bamboo shoots after the rain, shooting up rapidly. Even if it’s only been a few days, their overall spirit is completely different.”
Ying Kongtu thought to himself, thanks for the reminder. Later, he would have to restrict the Ba-snake pigs’ range of activity and not let them ruin the bamboo grove again.
Otherwise, after some time, if they wanted to do some bamboo weaving, they might not even be able to find usable bamboo.
After the Ba-snake pigs were castrated, they were listless for a few days, but they soon recovered.
The few breeding pigs remained quite energetic, but without most of the pigs cooperating in mischief, their destructive power was limited.
After Ying Kongtu forbade them from going into the bamboo grove, they settled down a lot. They rooted around the mountain eating other wild vegetables and fruits and basically no longer damaged the forest environment.
Seeing this, Ying Kongtu breathed a sigh of relief.
That day, Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan went to the bamboo grove, planning to drag out the bamboo that had been rooted up by the Ba-snake pigs.
The uprooted bamboo had basically withered. After drying in the bamboo grove for several days, it was now withered yellow.
Ying Kongtu did not really like messy, disordered bamboo groves, so he thought of dragging the bamboo out first, then cutting down some of the bamboo that grew too densely. It would be a good chance to tidy up the bamboo grove.
Just as they entered the bamboo grove, Ying Kongtu felt the vibrant vitality inside it.
When he looked closely, he discovered that many new bamboo shoots had grown out of the soil that the pigs had loosened before.
Perhaps because the Ba-snake pigs had excreted in the bamboo grove, their manure and urine had provided enough fertility to the bamboo grove. This new round of bamboo shoots had grown extremely plump and tender.
Ying Kongtu crouched down to inspect them. “They’re at least twice as large as the previous bamboo shoots!”
“They’re really good. They’re growing faster, but they look even more tender.”
“I think so too!” Ying Kongtu cut at the roots of the bamboo shoots with a knife and dug them out in a few moves. “They’ve grown so well.”
The freshly dug bamboo shoots were plump and tender, their bases snowy white and carrying a unique texture.
Ying Kongtu had not seen such good bamboo shoots in a long time.
They dug up a few more.
The bamboo shoots had all grown along the newly sprouted bamboo rhizomes. They pushed out from the loose soil and waited quietly in the bamboo grove.
If Ying Kongtu and Wen Zhongshan had not come today, they would have seized the opportunity and quickly grown into bamboo.
Now, they could only become a delicacy on their family’s table.
Ying Kongtu patrolled the bamboo grove. “The Ba-snake pigs’ fighting power is too astonishing. After rooting through the bamboo grove once, it’s like they loosened the soil once.”
“They also fertilized it once.”
“Right! After fertilizing it, they even turned the soil over and basically buried the fertilizer in the soil, allowing it to release slowly.” Ying Kongtu looked at the bamboo around them and murmured, “I suddenly feel like I’ve discovered a new use for Ba-snake pigs.”
“In the future, wherever the soil needs loosening, we drive them there?”
“Wherever fertilizer is needed, we drive them there too.” Ying Kongtu inspected carefully. “The fertilizer they produce is a bit richer than ordinary fertilizer. It probably counts as a small version of Ba-snake fertilizer.”
“As Ba-snake pigs, in a certain sense, the fertilizer they produce really is Ba-snake fertilizer.”
The two looked at each other, their eyes full of emotion.
Ying Kongtu said, “Thinking about it this way, we really made a huge profit by taking over this batch of Ba-snake pigs.”
“It’s mainly because we had laid a good foundation through our previous dealings with the Ba-snake clan. That’s why they were willing to let us raise the pigs.”
“That’s true. When this batch of pigs is raised well and it’s time to divide the pigs with them, I guarantee I’ll give them the best batch.” Ying Kongtu thought for a moment, then added, “When the time comes to return the breeding pigs to them, we’ll also choose good ones to return.”
Wen Zhongshan said, “There are no bad pigs among the ones we raise.”
“That’s not necessarily true. We’ll work hard.” Ying Kongtu pulled Wen Zhongshan along. “Come on, let’s hurry up and finish clearing the bamboo, then bring the bamboo shoots home to taste them.”
Author’s Note:
Shuangzhong used to get very jealous over Ying Kongtu too.
After Ying Kongtu discovered this, he deliberately touched other little eagles and did not wash his hands, then went home to let Shuangzhong smell it and listened to Shuangzhong chase after him on its long legs while crying “Kiken, kiken.”
After repeating this several times, Shuangzhong discovered Ying Kongtu’s wicked sense of humor and never got jealous over him again.
The mountain god was not worth it.
Kiki.
