Jian Yunchuan and the others widened the mountain cave, carving openings at intervals to insert torches.
Once lit, the entire cave became bright. Yu Su inspected it and was satisfied.
"Organize the mountain path; in three days, we'll start salt production," he announced.
Villagers cheered, eager to begin salt production at last!
They quickly organized the mountain path. Jian Yunchuan and the earth-element cultivators adjusted the road structure, creating a flat, sturdy surface covered with stones—a wide stone mountain road.
"Fengcheng's roads were spacious, but not this smooth," Jian Yunchuan marveled. Pride filled him; he had crafted this himself.
"Father, your abilities will surpass this," Yu Su remarked.
Jian Yunchuan, confident, eagerly offered to do more work, reveling in the achievement and the connection with earth spirit energy.
Hearing Jian Yunchuan's enthusiasm, Yu Su assigned him the task of opening a road to the original Hedong Village. After establishing the salt field, expanding Yu Village would follow.
"Alright, leave it to me," Jian Yunchuan said.
Upon learning Jian Yunchuan's task, Yu Meng and Yu Shanzhi expressed their desire to work with him. The trio formed a road-opening team with high spirits.
Crossing the river was made convenient with a sturdy vine bridge.
Looking at the river below, Yu Meng marveled at the magical vine bridge, strengthened recently by Yu Su. Wooden stakes and thorns in the water deterred any threat from bone fish.
"Yu Su is at Qi Refinement Seventh Layer now," they discussed.
Jian Yunchuan, hearing praise for his son, beamed with pride.
*"Yu Su, is this the type of iron pot you mentioned?"*
Hearing this, Yu Su was pleasantly surprised. The iron pot was brought from Iron Casting Village, and now that they could easily reach it from Hedong Village, plans for a trade expedition to Iron Casting Village began to form.
However, Yu Su emphasized caution, aware of potential conflicts. For now, the focus remained on salt production.
"Okay, bring the remaining two pots over," Yu Su said.
He Qiang quickly had someone fetch the pots. Once brought, Yu Su, using information provided by the All-Element Elf, set up a stove and explained the steps and details of boiling salt spring to others.
After a while, Lu Yan and his team arrived, joining in the salt production.
Yu Su asked, "Is everything on your side done?"
Lu Yan nodded, "Later, go take a look; if there's anything else, we can add it."
Yu Su acknowledged, and he instructed Lu Yan to surround the area with pointed wooden walls to prevent wild beasts and arranged patrols for swift response.
Seeing others adept at salt production, Yu Su inspected the sturdy wooden walls with Lu Yan.
Lu Yan's work was reliable; the walls were even more robust than Yu Village's, with no quality issues.
Later, Yu Su and Lu Yan cleared an area within the wooden walls, drove wooden stakes into the ground, and began constructing thatched huts for the villagers working in the salt field.
Yu Su built one for himself too, intending to stay here temporarily. Since he could quickly return to the village, he didn't mind sleeping here for a while.
With control over Wood Spirit becoming more proficient, Yu Su effortlessly wove the huts, ensuring they were waterproof and windproof.
In spring, with abundant rainfall, the raised huts had sturdy wooden floors covered with dry straw and soft fur.
Reed curtains hung at the entrance, providing warmth when closed, and wooden doors could be shut at night to ward off the chill.
When the first batch of salt was sun-dried and boiled, everyone gathered, excited.
"The salt is so fine, much better than Salt Village's!"
"We made this ourselves?"
"Hahaha, can't believe it; let me pinch you."
"Ouch!"
With the first batch, everything else proceeded smoothly, and the villagers' enthusiasm increased.
Especially He Qiang's group, eager to impress Yu Su, worked hard and efficiently.
Yu Su enjoyed this positive competitive atmosphere and rewarded each participating villager with salt based on their contribution. Outstanding contributions would earn a share in future salt sales.
Explaining the concept of profit sharing, initially unclear to many, Yu Su's encouragement ignited excitement, envisioning countless small profits coming their way.
After praising everyone, Yu Su called He Qiang.
"Yu Su, sir," He Qiang respectfully greeted.
"I plan to visit Iron Casting Village, scout the route for the trade caravan. Draw a map of the route to Iron Casting Village," Yu Su instructed.
He Qiang was surprised, "Are you going now?"
Yu Su nodded.
He Qiang offered to accompany him due to safety concerns on the road. Yu Su declined, emphasizing it was just a reconnaissance, and he preferred not to attract attention.
"If someone troubles you, mention my name. I've dealt with them before, and we have some rapport," He Qiang suggested, feeling a bit self-conscious afterward.
Thanking him, Yu Su assured him that he would mention He Qiang's name if needed.
Yu Su entrusted the salt field's security to Yu Yong and Yu Wu, instructing them to call for help toward Lu Shen Mountain if facing insurmountable issues.
They assured him and took the responsibility seriously.
Afterward, Yu Su went to Lu Shen Mountain, leaving Qing Ze in charge of the salt field.
After greeting Qing Ze, Yu Su jokingly said, "I'll tell you stories when I return."
Qing Ze, accustomed to being bothered by him, casually nodded, indicating he should leave quickly and not be a nuisance.
After saying goodbye to Qing Ze, Yu Su returned to the village with Lu Yan.
By now, Jian Yunchuan and others had opened a smooth road on the east bank of the river and were preparing to discuss the village's expansion. They noticed Yu Su returning.
"Father," Yu Su greeted, handing over a fat sheep he had casually caught to Xin Dong, instructing him to slaughter and bring it later.
Xin Dong nodded and had someone take the sheep for processing.
These slaves had returned after participating in mountain clearing and salt field construction. Initially, they thought Yu Su didn't trust them, but after Yu Su explained and entrusted them with protecting the village, they understood.
Knowing their good performance led to Yu Su trusting them, they actively joined the patrol team, going out daily to defend the village.