Chapter 313: Shoddy Construction Work

Su Bai looked at the short cement road section and shook his head, saying, “None of this meets my standards.”

The cement road that had been created was full of potholes – forget transporting goods, even walking would be quite difficult. One slight careless step and he could trip on the uneven surface, falling face-first onto the protruding stones. It could lead to the person being disfigured…

The two hundred people were stunned. They thought they did a good job. They scratched their heads and asked with uncertainty, “Shaman, what did we do wrong? We followed your instructions.”

“This is different from the walls of the cement houses, where you can leave things uneven. First, when laying down the crushed stones, you need to spread them evenly before pouring the cement on top. That’s how you prevent potholes.”

Su Bai pointed at a particularly large depression, saying, “Look there. With such a big hole, how is anyone supposed to walk on it?”

The two hundred people all looked at that spot, imagining the scene of someone falling, and awkwardly scratched their heads.

“When pouring cement, the crushed stones must be laid very evenly. That’s how we can prevent the road from being full of holes.”

Su Bai had a dire expression as he continued, “Also, you need to use more cement, and spread it more evenly.”

The reason the road was so uneven was mainly because they had not used enough cement and had not physically spread it evenly.

Even if the first layer of crushed stones was not perfectly even, using enough cement could still make the road relatively flat.

“We understand. But Shaman, what should we do about this section?” someone asked, pointing at the already paved road.

“For the deeper depressions, first add some stones, then pour more cement on top. Not just the depressions – the entire section needs more cement.” Su Bai provided the solution.

That section was truly awful. They were treating cement as if it was a precious material. They were completely reluctant to use more, pouring tiny amounts at a time, like goat droppings.

“We understand…” The two hundred people said in unison, and began working again.

Some added more crushed stones to the depressions, while others added more cement.

Half an hour later, the previously potholed section had been filled in.

It looked somewhat proper now, though still not completely even. Overall, passable.

“That’s right, just like this. Pave the entire road this way up to the end. Don’t be stingy with the cement – I want the road to meet certain standards.” Su Bai solemnly said.

He did not want this road to be shoddy construction work. If they were going to do it, it had to be done right.

Even in a Primitive Tribe, a solid foundation was necessary for better future development. Moreover, the main road was most important as all future transport and foot traffic would use it, so quality control was essential.

“Shaman, but it still looks a bit uneven on top,” Sha Lan worriedly said.

“Don’t worry, there’s still the next step, which will make the road smooth and more even.” Su Bai said gently.

“Alright.” Sha Lan responded with anticipation.

“Create another section. If it meets my standards, I’ll teach you the next step.” Su Bai said seriously.

“Yes, Shaman,” the two hundred people responded.

*Clang clang clang…*

*Swish swish swish…*

Half an hour later, they had paved another section of road, longer than the first, a full five meters.

With more people, the work went faster through division of labor.

This section was indeed better than the first, as they had learned from experience and worked more carefully.

“Very good, you’ve grasped the basic technique. Now, listen to how to do the next step.” Su Bai said.

“Yes!” The two hundred people responded in unison.

Su Bai had someone bring a large wooden board with a thick pole attached to its middle.

The board’s top was at 90 degrees and was five meters wide, perfectly matching the road’s width.

Holding the pole, he solemnly said, “This step is very important – it determines how aesthetically pleasing the road will be, so watch carefully.”

“Yes.” The two hundred people dared not be careless after hearing this, all gathering in front to watch the demonstration.

Su Bai stood at one edge of the road and placed the wooden board at the front of the freshly poured cement.

He dragged the board, sliding it at a 90-degree angle across the road surface.

Wherever the board passed, the road became very even and smooth.

Since the crushed stones were in the bottom layer with cement on top, sliding the board over it created a smooth surface.

“When doing this step, you must apply even force – not too heavy, not too light, Else, the road’s foundation will be affected.” Su Bai explained.

He slid the board for quite a distance, his expression unchanged.

Logically, such a large board with a pole, when dragged across cement while maintaining consistent speed and controlling force, should be tiring. However, Su Bai showed no signs of fatigue. He was not even breathing heavily. He looked completely calm as if holding a small stick.

Yu Ying watched in amazement, never imagining the Shaman’s Stamina would be so good – despite not being a Warrior, he handled such a heavy object without a change in his expression. Furthermore, this was him not using any Shaman Technique, making it even more impressive.

Sha Lan was not surprised, having witnessed the Shaman’s Stamina at the Hunting Ground. Back then, she had worried whether he would have Stamina issues or if the journey would take much longer.

However, these worries proved unnecessary. His Stamina was not only excellent but better than anyone else’s. It was even better than the Hunting Team Leader. After such a long journey, he was only slightly out of breath. Meanwhile, others were gasping for air, some even collapsed on the ground.

So, when Su Bai dragged such a large board around with ease, she was not surprised.

“We understand.” The two hundred people said in unison.

They had learned their lesson. Who knew roads could be made to such standards? Such a smooth road must be comfortable to walk on.

“Show me how you would do it.” Su Bai handed them the board.

“Yes!” The two hundred people took the board.

[noscript][/noscript]