Chapter 758, Planning

Translator: Silavin

 

This clearing was considerably larger than he had imagined. When Warriors described it initially, he had only formed a vague concept.

 

After all, this era lacked methods for describing unknown vastness. They could only compare sizes relative to the Tribe.

 

This clearing’s approximate area equaled over a dozen basketball courts back on Earth. It was an exceptionally large clearing.

 

Having such expansive clearings within the forest was genuinely rare. Moreover, looking around, only scattered individual trees were visible.

 

These few trees would not affect using this land as farmland. In fact, they would add visual interest.

 

“Shaman, cultivating here will definitely require considerable time, won’t it?” Yu Ying asked, slightly winded from running.

 

However, Yu Ying genuinely wanted this place transformed into farmland. Then they could observe verdant crops spreading across it.

 

She thoroughly enjoyed working amongst crops, especially watching them reach harvest.

 

“If relying solely on manual labour, it would definitely take considerable time. However, haven’t you forgotten our Tribe’s most diligent cattle?” Su Bai smiled.

 

Those cattle had not ploughed fields for some time. The Tribe’s farmlands were limited and did not constantly require tilling.

 

Cattle were only needed initially, when land trampled repeatedly by many people became extremely hard. Then, cattle were needed to loosen the soil. After that initial loosening, they were rarely required subsequently.

 

“Should we transport those cattle here by hot air balloon? That seems like it would take several trips…” Yu Ying said, glancing back at their balloon.

 

Those hot air balloons were not very large. One balloon could only carry four or five people. The larger balloons were being used by Yan Hua and others. Another two remained at the Sea Fish Tribe.

 

The Flame Dragon Tribe’s remaining hot air balloons were all small ones. No new ones had been constructed.

 

“Transporting cattle by hot air balloon might not be practical. We’ll have them walk through the forest,” Su Bai said.

 

The remaining hot air balloons were small. One balloon could only carry one cow, but then no people could board.

 

Without people helping supervise the cattle, putting them alone on balloons was impossible.

 

“That works, though it would take half a day. After ploughing, they’d need to sleep near the forest afterwards.”

 

Yu Ying blinked her pink eyes, continuing. “But, this would require many Warriors to guard these cattle. Otherwise, Ferocious Beasts or normal carnivores would devour them.”

 

“First, have people clear a wider path. Afterwards, people can depart in the morning, arrive by noon, and return before dusk.” Su Bai instructed.

 

He was unwilling to do unnecessary work. Not to mention the current cattle numbers, within a few hours they could finish this entire clearing.

 

No need to spend a night in the forest. That would waste far too much manpower.

 

“Yes, I’ve memorised it.” Yu Ying nodded.

 

Beyond preparing the Yong’an Building’s three daily meals, Yu Ying needed time to teach the children, plus managing farmland matters.

 

“After returning, I’ll give you a farmland planning diagram. Then, you’ll have everyone translate this plan into an actual layout of the land.” Su Bai added.

 

He wanted to personally inspect this to understand the clearing’s precise layout. Only then could he determine how to plan the clearing’s development. They couldn’t just plant things randomly, after all.

 

“Shaman, what do you want planted in this clearing?” Yu Ying asked curiously.

 

This clearing was simply too large. They could plant many things: several times more than what was currently outside the Tribe.

 

“I intend to designate this clearing as wheat fields. Wheat will become our staple food,” Su Bai explained.

 

He would gradually transition the Tribe’s people towards eating wheat. Daily meat consumption was definitely unrealistic.

 

Leaving aside meat’s scarcity, even when obtained, storage time was limited. Only wheat could serve as the primary grain. Therefore, wheat required mass cultivation. The Tribe’s population was substantial. This clearing could perfectly satisfy everyone’s needs.

 

“Planting wheat? I think that’s a great plan.” Yu Ying agreed, nodding repeatedly.

 

She had initially thought they would plant many vegetables. That would make management quite difficult. Wheat cultivation was different. Management wouldn’t be particularly difficult, nor would it require especially many people.

 

“Have you trained them in wheat cultivation techniques?” Su Bai asked while walking.

 

Although wheat cultivation was somewhat simpler than other crops, it still required considerable effort.

 

“I’ve already taught them. This clearing is very spacious, so they can all work here together,” Yu Ying nodded.

 

“Begin tomorrow. Don’t delay further. With some time remaining before the rainy season arrives, see if we can harvest two or three cycles before then.” Su Bai instructed.

 

He glanced down at fallen leaves and various insects below. These could all serve as nutrients.

 

This land was obviously quite fertile. No need for preliminary composting. That saved a considerable amount of time.

 

“Understood. I’ll start arranging this matter after returning. Shaman, where will those people live, though?” Yu Ying asked curiously.

 

Yu Ying was thinking that if people were eventually assigned to manage farmland here, they would definitely need accommodation nearby.

 

Otherwise, at night, who knew what Ferocious Beasts or wild beasts might pass through this clearing? The painstakingly cultivated crops would be destroyed.

 

Therefore, people must be assigned to watch over it. Since they were watching, they definitely needed accommodation, correct?

 

“Build a wooden fence surrounding this clearing’s perimeter. Additionally, hang pungent plants that can drive away all those wild beasts. When they see these wooden fences, they won’t easily approach.” Su Bai arranged.

 

“I understand. This way, they can return to the Tribe after finishing work.” Yu Ying softly said.

 

“Beyond that, assign one or two Totem Warriors and Warrior Trainees to accompany them, preventing dangers during travel,” Su Bai added.

 

“Understood. I’ll discuss this with the Chieftain.” Yu Ying’s clear voice responded.

 

“Good. Let’s observe a bit longer, then return. Time to draw more diagrams.” Su Bai said softly.

 

Yu Ying swished her pink fox tail. Her soft voice responded. “Alright, Shaman.”

 

They observed the clearing for quite some time, arranged various matters, then departed via hot air balloon.