Before Lu Yan and the others returned, Yu Su had a warehouse built. Now, these things could be stored in the warehouse, and future village expenses, rewards, and so on would be provided from the warehouse.
Yu Su roughly organized everything, categorizing and registering them all in two copies—one handed over to the village chief for safekeeping and the other kept in his hands.
This way, everyone had a clear understanding.
Next was to reward based on merits. In the battle with Salt Village, the one who killed the most enemies received the highest rewards.
Several usually low-key individuals, due to their outstanding military achievements this time, suddenly received substantial rewards, and they were overjoyed. Others couldn't help but envy them, but since it was earned by their abilities in killing enemies, there was nothing to say even if jealous. They could only silently make up their minds to perform better next time and receive such a significant reward.
...
After resolving this matter, the main focus of the entire village shifted to cultivation.
Ten days later, the main areas on the east bank of the river were mostly cultivated. Yu Su arranged spirit-gathering formations in each major area. Although they lacked spirit stones as support, the effect was still better than having no spirit-gathering formation at all.
There were crisscrossing channels between each area, ensuring sufficient water resources to cover the entire region.
Water was drawn from the river, and Yu Su built a waterwheel by the river to bring the water to the east bank.
When the waterwheel first brought water up, everyone lined up foolishly to collect water, laughing like idiots with smiles plastered on their faces.
"It's really river water!"
"It tastes the same as the water we usually drink."
"This waterwheel is truly magical; I've never seen anything like it in my life."
"Go!" An elderly man in the village tapped with his cane, "If you haven't seen it, it's nothing. Even I, who have lived for so long, have never seen it. This is something Lord Yu Su bestowed upon us, a gift from the gods."
Children even queued up to jump into the ditch and play in the water. They reluctantly came out only after being stopped by the adults.
"I feel like this thing is more powerful than me," Yu Feng also said. His bit of water elemental power couldn't continuously bring up this much water.
Others teased him, living not as well as a waterwheel.
After everyone had their fill of play, Yu Su announced the upcoming seeding tasks.
At this time, it was a bit late for seeding, and they could only choose crops suitable for planting in this season.
The seeds were carefully selected by him, so the harvest shouldn't be too bad.
The main staple was rice, and a considerable part of the area was dedicated to rice cultivation.
Another part was hemp.
A narrow strip of land near the shore was used for growing vegetables. Various vegetables suitable for the season were sown, and they would see if they could grow successfully.
Although there were all-purpose elves to help, Yu Su was also doing these things for the first time. He felt that it would be good if there was a bit of harvest for the first time. The requirements were not too high; he could slowly explore.
Anyway, the basic equipment was all available. If one didn't work, they could switch to another.Yu Su's mindset is good, and others are even happier. Whatever Yu Su says goes.
...
These matters have kept them busy for a month. Afterward, it's time for the expansion and renovation of Yu Village.
According to Yu Su's plan, they are reorganizing, separating each functional area, ensuring well-ventilated housing with improved hygiene conditions.
Drainage systems and clear road planning are essential, but it will take about a year or more to complete everything. Yu Su is not in a hurry; they'll take it step by step.
After some time, people from Zhutie Village arrive.
They bring the forged iron goods, including iron pots and farming tools, along with the weapons from the second order.
To transport all these items, quite a few people from Zhutie Village come along. As they enter Yu Village, they stand dumbfounded, unable to believe their eyes at the vast fertile fields and waterwheels. They almost think they've entered the wrong place.
"Craftsman God above, what is that?"
"It can actually bring water up!"
"This is more magical than our iron tools..."
As Zhutie Village stands there in shock, their presence catches the attention of the patrol team.
Someone approaches and asks them about their purpose.
Zhutie Village's head, Tieying, introduces himself, "I am Tieying, the village chief of Zhutie Village. We've come to deliver iron goods to Yucun. It's an arrangement with Yusuo."
The patrol team leader, Yuhai, knowing that Zhutie Village would be delivering iron goods, relaxes upon hearing this, "So, you're the village chief of Zhutie Village. My apologies for not recognizing you earlier. Lord Yusuo mentioned that you would come. Please follow me; I'll take you into the village."
Tieying signals his team to follow and hurries after.
On the way, they see many people working in the fields. Each person wears a calm and satisfied expression, holding the iron tools crafted by Zhutie Village, working efficiently.
Even though they knew the purpose of those farming tools, witnessing it in action leaves them in awe.
During their journey, someone can't resist their curiosity and asks about the waterwheel.
Yuhai replies with a smile, "That is a waterwheel. It can bring water from the river to irrigate the entire fertile land. It was created by Lord Yusuo."
As expected, it's Yusuo's idea again.
Tieying's eyes gleam, "Can we go and take a look?"
Yuhai nods, "Certainly."
The group from Zhutie Village walks over, gathering around the waterwheel, studying it. Although they are skilled blacksmiths, they can still appreciate the ingenuity.
"Utilizing the force of the river's flow to drive the waterwheel, then channeling the water into the ditch. This idea is truly amazing."
"I wonder if we can forge an iron waterwheel."
"Silly, iron is so heavy. How would water flow push it?"
When Yusuo gets wind of this, he comes out with his people. He sees them still studying the waterwheel and only leaves when Yuhai reminds them that Yusuo is coming.
"Lord Yusuo." Zhutie Village's people warmly greet him, and the first thing they talk about is the waterwheel, "The waterwheel you crafted is amazing!"
Yusuo smiles, "I just made it. The true inventor is someone else."
"Who is it?"
"Some very talented individuals. I don't know their specific names; only Lord Mountain God knows."
"Oh."
"Come, follow me into the village."
Leading Zhutie Village's people, Yusuo walks past the third renovated wooden bridge, reaching the entrance of Yucun.
The overall expansion of Yucun has begun. It's bustling with people everywhere.
Yusuo says, "The iron tools you brought are just in time. Sharp tools can improve our efficiency."
Among the batch of iron tools sent by Zhutie Village are some urgently made tools, sent by Yusuo's order through the Snow Wolf. The Snow Wolf is fast, making the round trip much quicker than a person.
"Hahaha, when you sent the Snow Wolf to deliver the message, we were quite startled. If we didn't know it was your wolf, we wouldn't have dared to let it approach." Tieying says.
Yusuo says, "Recently, I formed a contract with a male eagle. Its speed is faster than the Snow Wolf. Next time, I'll let it accompany a trade caravan, familiarize itself with the route, and then it can deliver messages for you in the future."
Tieying is somewhat disbelieving until he sees the proud male eagle standing on a wooden pole, surveying its territory. Only then does he believe.
"Yusuo, you are really amazing. Even commanding a male eagle." Tieying admires.
He feels that Yusuo's abilities are very practical. This type of magical power is much more potent than the Grand Sorcerer in Fengcheng.
Yusuo thinks, what is the male eagle? He also has a divine bird.
It's just that this bird is still a ball of fluff, and he has to attend to it every day like he's serving his ancestors.
...
The iron tools brought by Zhutie Village are quickly distributed. With the handy tools, the people of Yucun are like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, and the construction speed increases several times over.
Tieying and his group don't even want the money for the later batch of iron tools. They just want to stay and watch.
"We've never seen this method of building houses. The houses built are large and bright, even better than my village chief's house. Can we learn from it?" Tieying boldly asks.
Yusuo doesn't refuse. This thing will spread sooner or later, and Zhutie Village's learning won't make much of a difference. Moreover, there are still many places to use in Zhutie Village, and there's no worry about not getting benefits from them.
As a result, for a long time to come, Zhutie Village will be "freely" forging iron tools for them.
While Zhutie Village stays to learn, they also serve as free labor for a while. Their enthusiastic attitude makes some slaves feel panicked, afraid that their work will be snatched away.
"These people from Zhutie Village are too hateful. They keep snatching our work."
"If this continues, we won't have any work left. What if Lord Yusuo thinks we're not working and decides to sell us off?"
"I don't want to be sold off. We need to figure out a way to snatch the work back."
After some private discussions among the slaves, every time they see Zhutie Village's people coming, they quickly divide the work, not giving Zhutie Village a chance to intervene.
Zhutie Village's people scratch their heads and can only go to other places where help is needed.
This situation doesn't last too long. Tieying and his group still have their own village to take care of, so they propose to say goodbye. However, before leaving, they extend an invitation to Yusuo.
"A ritual to honor the gods?" Yusuo is surprised.
Tieying nods, "Yes, next month is our village's ritual to honor the Craftsman God.
It's the grandest event in our village every year. Aside from close friends, we don't usually invite others."
Since Tieying has said so, Yusuo naturally won't refuse.
It happens that he is also curious about how this ritual is conducted.
After agreeing with Tieying, Yusuo sees them off from the boundaries of Yucun. When he returns, he seeks out the village chief. He flips through the memories of the original owner and finds that there is also a god-worshipping activity in Yucun. Every summer, the villagers collectively hike to the Deer God Mountain and kneel to the Mountain God.
The village chief says, "We used to get by with just kneeling. This time, I thought about making it grand. After all, the Mountain God has taught us so much, making life in Yucun better and better. We need to give something in return."
Although many things were done by Yusuo in the name of the Mountain God, Qingze has indeed been blessing Yucun. It's only appropriate to have a grand celebration, but Yusuo doesn't know if Qingze likes the hustle and bustle. After thinking for a moment, he says, "I'll ask Lord Mountain God for his opinion when I go to Deer God Mountain the day after tomorrow."