Stone Village had been poor for eight generations, and Chen Shitou was poorer still. His parents died when he was young, and he lived in a crumbling earthen house, scraping by on firewood and medicinal herbs. Everyone in the village said he was cursed, destined to outlive his family and die alone.
Other people cultivated with techniques, pills, and instruction from masters. Chen Shitou cultivated by farming.
He channeled spiritual energy into the ley lines, turning barren hills into fertile fields, bringing clear springs to a dwindling river and sweet rainwater to dry wells. Other people harvested one basket per season; he harvested ten. His chickens and ducks were stronger than oxen, and the fruit he grew smelled sweet for miles. Stone Village went from the poorest village for a hundred miles around to a treasure trove that everyone envied.
