Section 006: Selection

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After observing for a while outside, Li Zhan, Ruoyan, and Zheng Jun stepped into the water mill for a closer look.

There, a massive wooden gear, about a meter in diameter, had replaced the original large stone fixed to the waterwheel’s transverse shaft. This primary gear transmitted the waterwheel’s rotational power outward. From the main gear extended several driven gears, splitting into two routes—one powering the pestle, which rhythmically pounded up and down to hull the sorghum, and another turning the millstone, grinding the hulled sorghum into flour.

Thanks to these automatic mechanisms, the two farmers’ work was now much easier. One watched over the pestle, cutting its power every ten-odd minutes to collect the hulled sorghum and refill the stone bucket with new grain. The other attended the millstone, pouring sorghum into the wooden hopper and collecting the flour in bags placed beneath the millstone, carrying them away once filled.

Just as Li Zhan had anticipated, the mill’s operations were now not only less laborious but also significantly more efficient.

Under Wang Hui’s guidance, the two farmers had become thoroughly familiar with the new machines; Wang Hui’s only task now was to supervise, guarding against any mishaps.

Noticing Li Zhan entering, Wang Hui quickly approached and said,

“Chief, if there’s anything here that needs improvement, please let me know, and I’ll make changes right away.”

Li Zhan nodded with a smile. “I’ve seen everything—your design is excellent, even more thorough than I’d originally envisioned.”

Wang Hui smiled sheepishly. “You flatter me, Chief.”

Li Zhan glanced at Wang Hui’s research skill—Intermediate Research, 67%.

Passing by Wang Hui, Li Zhan scooped up some sorghum flour from beneath the millstone, rubbing it between thumb and forefinger. The consistency was good—finer than what could be achieved by hand.

Turning back to Wang Hui, Li Zhan said, “Wang Hui, starting tomorrow, join the loom development team. With two craftsmen working together, progress will be much faster.”

“Yes, sir!” Wang Hui replied.

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After spending a while in the mill and chatting with the two farmers—who couldn’t say enough about how wonderful the new machines were, never having dreamed mill work could be so easy—Li Zhan left for the lumberyard. There, he left Zheng Jun to keep records of the high-performing lumberjacks for future rewards, while he and Ruoyan returned to the center of the settlement and made their way to the barracks.

On the barracks wall hung a circular straw target, with ten wooden javelins stacked on the ground below. Whenever he had free time, Li Zhan would practice his throwing skills here, and today was no exception.

Carrying the ten javelins to a spot fifty meters from the target, Li Zhan set them down, picked one up, gathered his strength, and glanced at his throwing proficiency—47%. He hurled the javelin forward with all his might; it traced a graceful arc through the air and landed with a “thud!” at the edge of the target.

Previously, before handing over the next javelin, Ruoyan would have surely teased Li Zhan, deflating his pride. But not today—she silently handed him the javelin without a word.

Li Zhan’s performance was poor—none of the ten javelins hit the bullseye, and two even missed the target entirely.

His mind was clearly elsewhere.

He had often imagined how much nicer things would be if Ruoyan were less mischievous, but now that she was quiet, Li Zhan felt unsettled.

Humans are such strange creatures.

With the mood soured, Li Zhan had no desire to continue training. Seeing the sun setting, he thought it best to check the forum for replies. He’d need to settle the dye matter before heading to Danyang tomorrow morning.

After a few instructions to Ruoyan, Li Zhan logged off. Over time, Ruoyan had become more familiar with the game, and Li Zhan now felt comfortable entrusting her with minor tribal affairs during his absences.

Once offline, Li Zhan didn’t immediately check the forum. He first loaded all his dirty clothes and sheets into the automatic washer, then hurried to shower. Since entering the game, he’d neglected his personal hygiene; if this went on, he feared he’d soon be infested with lice.

After his shower, he changed into clean clothes. The laundry was finished and dried; he hung it out on the balcony, then filled a bowl with instant noodles and brought it to the computer desk as he opened the game’s forum.

He went straight to the “Supply and Demand” section and immediately spotted his own purchase request at the top, marked with a flashing red “Hot” label. There were over seven hundred replies.

Who knew what kind of chaos lay within? After his recent experience with “friends,” Li Zhan had grown cautious.

And rightly so, as it turned out.

Opening the thread, the replies unfolded as follows:

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Second floor: “First!”
Third floor: “Second!”
Fourth floor: “System notice: This user’s speech has been blocked. Please keep your language civil.”
Fifth floor: “Just passing by!”
Sixth floor: “Passing by in style~ I float and I sway, a clueless wild grass~”
Seventh floor: “Hello everyone, I’m the thread starter’s alternate account. I’ve started a new novel on Qidian called ‘Musings from My Pocket,’ ID: 4557863215. I beg you all to vote for me and add it to your favorites—top one hundred get one hundred premium sashimi each. Thank you!”
Eighth floor: “Really?”
Ninth floor: “OP, why are you buying dye?”
Tenth floor: “=== Reply to 7th floor—You idiot, if you dare scam me, tell me your tribe and I’ll wipe you out! (bomb + skull emoji)”
...

Li Zhan numbly flipped through five pages before players began seriously discussing dyes. At first, most were hesitant to name a price, but once one player set a rate, others quickly followed, offering lower and lower prices for fear of losing the sale. The offers dropped from twenty-five premium sashimi per dye down to just five.

Noodles in mouth, eyes glued to the screen, Li Zhan carefully read each reply, gleaning every detail to better understand dyes, scrutinizing quality and price, and skipping over offers from distant corners of the world.

After more than two hours, he had reviewed all the worthwhile posts. Rubbing his temples to soothe his tired eyes, he checked the three replies he’d copied—all from tribes near Danyang, with prices and quality that satisfied him.

Setting the empty bowl aside, Li Zhan began typing. Thanks to the unique design of “Empire Ascendant,” players could communicate with in-game tribes from the official website.

Li Zhan was determined to negotiate with the three tribal chiefs and decide which one would become his supplier.