Chapter 52: Pierced the Flying Squirrel Nest

Chen Wuji discovered that these Flying Squirrels' droppings actually vary from individual to individual.

The tree hollow he first found gave him a huge surprise, but the next two or three nests were not so promising.

In one hollow he only scooped out a handful of Spirit Fat Rice, less than two taels.

At this rate, turning today's windfall into profit seems rather difficult.

After stashing the Spirit Fat Rice, Chen Wuji watched the clumsy, cute Flying Squirrels darting among the treetops and suddenly felt like catching these critters to raise.

If it works, it could become a long‑term livelihood.

Flying Squirrels look no different from regular squirrels, except for a few tiny wing‑like flaps, so artificial breeding should pose no problem; their diet would simply be a bit more dried fruit and the like.

"Let's try!" Chen Wuji thought briefly and decided to go for it.

He tore off a few larger leaves and poured the freshly gathered Five Spirit Fat onto them.

Then he cut several sticks and vines, using a thick stick as a handle, looping thin sticks into a ring, sandwiching his clothing inside, and fastening it with vines.

Fortunately he was wearing the already tattered outfit he put on for the mountain today, so even if it got ruined he wouldn't mind too much.

Otherwise, if he failed to catch a Flying Squirrel and ruined a piece of clothing, Chen Wuji would be devastated.

He fashioned a simple net bag, and Chen Wuji grinned as he looked at the three Flying Squirrels leaping among the treetops—two adults and a juvenile, the latter having darted out when Chen Wuji was scooping the hollow.

The youngsters seemed to have a home‑loving streak; seeing Chen Wuji, a human, brazenly handling their nest, they frantically darted and jumped among the treetops, squeak‑squeaking nonstop, refusing to leave.

Although Chen Wuji couldn't understand them, they were probably hurling quite harsh curses.

"Come, don't resist, obediently follow me home! From now on you won't have to figure out food, drink, or waste yourself; I'll take care of everything, just enjoy your blessings," Chen Wuji raised the net bag and stepped forward cautiously.

"It's a good thing, trust me, I'm the most sincere person, I will never deceive you."

Chen Wuji whispered his coaxing, not knowing if it worked, but it was just to pass the time.

Targeting the squeak‑squeaking critter among the treetops, Chen Wuji suddenly slammed the net bag down.

Unsurprisingly, that creature escaped.

Among the treetops, their movements were more agile than Chen Wuji's net bag.

"What are you running from? I'm taking you to bliss," Chen Wuji abandoned his stealth, began swinging wildly, trying to anticipate the Flying Squirrel's moves.

But it was truly difficult.

That critter not only darts fast, it can also fly.

The tangled branches overhead greatly hampered Chen Wuji.

More than half an hour passed; Chen Wuji hadn't caught a single Flying Squirrel, but he inadvertently discovered two more hollows, marked them simply, and kept chasing the squirrels.

"I still don't believe it; I'm a respectable thinker, I should be able to handle you little things. Wait while I rest; if I don't bring you back today, Laborers won't be named Chen," Chen Wuji, exhausted, leaned on the net bag and rested in place.

When he rested, the Flying Squirrels also rested.

The two plump ones huddled together, apparently sharing their impressions of teasing Chen Wuji.

And they were perched on a treetop only two or three meters from Chen Wuji.

That infuriated Chen Wuji greatly.

The Flying Squirrels had even learned the skill of sarcasm.

"Come down!" Chen Wuji thrust out the net bag; the moment he saw the two Flying Squirrels about to dart down, his net swung in a loop, turning upward instead of downward.

Got it!

Chen Wuji was excited.

He had seriously aimed for so long without success, yet a casual try netted two at once—this is beyond reason.

Chen Wuji quickly retracted the net, tucked the pole under his armpit, and with both hands reached into the bag to snatch the two squeak‑squeaking Flying Squirrels.

"Run, keep running, and still mock me! If you weren't of any use, based on your recent behavior I'd still arrange a nice roasted Flying Squirrel for you," Chen Wuji muttered angrily, quickly tying the two little critters with rope.

But seeing the result after tying them, he couldn't help but laugh.

This was a classic case of a little horse pulling a big cart.

The Flying Squirrels were tiny, the rope thick, looking terribly awkward.

Chen Wuji split the other end of the rope into four strands and re‑tied the two small ones.

It looked much better now.

After confirming they wouldn't slip free—so his half‑hour effort wouldn't be wasted—Chen Wuji resumed climbing, needing to scoop out the hollow he had just seen.

These hollows were in relatively hidden spots, visible only from certain angles; missing them might mean never finding them again.

These two hollows were actually decent, yielding Chen Wuji nearly two jin of Flying Squirrel Dung in total, though some at the bottom was damp, moldy, and the smell was rather pungent.

After all that hustle, Chen Wuji was both tired and hungry; glancing at the sun, it was clearly past noon.

To have energy for the afternoon climb, Chen Wuji built a fire, skinned the rabbit he caught that morning, and roasted it on the spot.

The two Flying Squirrels tied to the tree trunk, watching Chen Wuji's deft movements, shrank into a ball, silent.

While the rabbit roasted, Chen Wuji wandered around nearby.

He wanted to see if there were any more hollows.

He examined carefully, circling each tree to avoid missing any.

That thoroughness actually yielded a discovery.

He not only found a hollow but also spotted a Flying Squirrel.

It wasn't high—just half a head taller than him, within arm's reach.

When the Flying Squirrel poked its head from the opening, Chen Wuji acted instantly, covering the hole and thrusting his hand inside.

The little Flying Squirrel squeaked and tried to resist, but couldn't escape Chen Wuji's palm.

A further feel inside the hollow revealed a thick layer of Five Spirit Fat.

Chen Wuji's mouth stretched into a grin from excitement.

This Flying Squirrel was good—a fine mouse, giving him no trouble at all.

"I remember your kindness; from now on I'll feed you better!" Chen Wuji laughed as he patted the flying squirrel's fluffy head—no need to say, this guy is truly adorable.

He ran to the fire, tied up the flying squirrel, then grabbed a net bag and hurried back, scooping out all the Five Spirit Fat from the tree hollow, cleaning it spotless.

Hefting it in his hand, it definitely weighed over a catty.

Five Spirit Fat is light, and dried Spirit Fat Rice is even lighter.

But when this stuff mixes with urine it becomes Spirit Fat Lump, which is a different weight altogether.

According to later prices, the heavier it is, the more valuable—Spirit Fat Lump costs almost twice as much as Spirit Fat Rice.

Who knows whether people in the Dayu Dynasty prefer Spirit Fat Rice or Spirit Fat Lump.