The First Mineral Deposit - Salt Mine

"The best location is near a water source for irrigation, and the surrounding land, nourished by the stream, will be easier to develop."

Looking at the palm-sized area, Velin had only three places to choose from.

One of them was located about seven kilometers north of the Boulder Tribe, where a stream converged to form a pool. It covered over 1,500 mu, equivalent to about one square kilometer, which was sufficient for initial water needs.

The other two locations were not as geographically advantageous as this one.

"This is the place. Take people to scout it this afternoon and decide on the site."

As for the surrounding Goblin tribes, they were no longer a threat. It was even possible that these green-skinned monsters had already begun migrating.

As noon approached, a Knight reported the discovery of a salt mine.

After lunch, Velin, accompanied by several Knights, headed to the location of the salt mine.

On a low hill, several Serf soldiers stood guard at the entrance of a cave, gnawing on black bread and discussing excitedly.

"Yesterday on the battlefield, I killed two Goblins. Coupled with the discovery of this salt mine, I'll definitely be able to shed my Serf status and become a free citizen."

"Alas, I wasn't as lucky. Even with the merit of discovering the salt mine, I only got two. I wonder when the next battle will be."

"Don't be discouraged. The Master is opening up territory, so there will definitely be many battles. Perhaps tomorrow we can go with the Knights to wipe out the surrounding Goblin tribes."

"I hope so. Once I'm no longer a Serf, I will definitely... Quick, look, it's the Master."

One Serf soldier, mid-sentence, saw figures appearing in the distance and shouted.

As Velin approached, a Serf stepped forward to hold his Red Phosphorus Horse. The other two immediately reported, "Master, this is the salt mine. There's no danger inside."

"Well done, keep up the good work."

Velin dismounted and encouraged the three Serfs before entering the cave with Belder.

After walking for over a hundred meters, a cave spanning more than a hundred square meters appeared before them. The surrounding walls were entirely made of salt ore.

He walked forward and used his Battle Qi to sense. Within his range of perception, it was all salt ore, and all of high purity. With only preliminary refinement, it could be sold as medium-quality salt.

As for the surface salt ore with more harmful impurities, it only accounted for a small portion.

"The reserves of this salt mine are not small; it's a pleasant surprise."

Belder, somewhat skeptical, also performed a scan. His expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly said, "My Lord, this is a treasure trove. We must guard it strictly. I suggest using those utterly wicked Bandit Slaves for mining, and stationing troops outside for defense."

"That's exactly what I was thinking. However, in the initial stages, it's not advisable to mine extensively, lest we attract unwanted attention and trouble." Velin said, stroking his chin.

"My Lord is wise."

Soon, the two left the cave, found a large rock, and sealed the entrance. They would send people to mine it after successfully establishing a settlement.

With time to spare, Velin took Belder and a few others to explore the pool ten kilometers away, preparing to finalize the location for the initial settlement.

After more than ten minutes, they arrived at a wide lake. Some animals were drinking water not far away.

The beautiful scenery brought a sense of relaxation to those who had arrived.

"Belder, it's a beautiful place, isn't it?" Velin turned to look at Belder, whose face showed little change, and smiled genuinely.

"My Lord, it is indeed beautiful. The land is fertile and easy to irrigate. There's also a slope in the distance, which is easy to defend and difficult to attack, suitable for building a castle. This place is also close to the salt mine, allowing for timely support."

"Perhaps you're not referring to the same thing I am, but it doesn't matter." Velin shrugged helplessly.

"Let's go take a look around. This place might be our home for a long time to come." Velin said to the Knights behind him, then rode his horse towards the distant slope.

Belder saw this and quietly led his men to follow.

After more than two hours, Velin circled the lake, recording his general ideas on paper, such as where to build a castle, where to cultivate farmland, where to set up a military camp, or even where to place waste disposal to avoid polluting the lake water.

Although the lake water here was flowing and had self-purification effects, Velin did not want to drink lake water containing waste.

Seeing that the sky was getting late, Velin ended his exploration trip and led his men back to the Boulder Tribe, preparing for the final preparations before development.

News of the destruction of the Boulder Tribe and the six surrounding tribes spread with the surviving Goblins.

As Velin had expected, the first thing the leaders of the remaining Goblin tribes did upon receiving the news was not to resist, but to prepare to migrate, leaving this place and heading further west.

This was how they had come for over a hundred years, and now they were merely repeating past events.

They would rather fight for territory with Gnolls and Kobolds than confront human pioneers.

When fighting against other races, defeat could still lead to slavery and a lingering existence.

However, confronting human pioneers meant the annihilation of their race upon defeat. There had been too many such examples over the past hundred years, etching this memory into the very bones of the Goblins in the Gray Mang Wasteland.

In the following days, migrating Goblins could be seen everywhere in the border areas of Toxik.

Thousands of green-skinned monsters moved by night and rested by day, leaving this barren land they had inhabited for over thirty years.

Some Goblin tribes from other regions, upon hearing the news of the reappearance of human pioneers, prepared to migrate with their entire families, leaving the area.

They were unsure if this was a signal for another large-scale human expansion, and it was better to leave early.

Thus, Velin, through his own efforts, forced hundreds of Goblin tribes and tens of thousands of Goblins in the border regions of the Yellow Stone area to migrate.

This action was a veritable feast for the monster tribes deeper within, as they could gain a large number of slave tribes, thereby increasing their own tribe's combat power and food reserves.

However, all of this was irrelevant to Velin.

What he needed to do now was to establish the first village, the first farmland, the first castle, expand his territory, complete the assessment four years later, be promoted to Baron, and become a true noble in this world.

Upon returning to the Boulder Tribe, after discussions among everyone, mainly Velin speaking and others nodding, with occasional input from Belder, a meeting was held.

Lying on the carpet, looking at the planned construction blueprints, he felt exhausted.

This meeting made Velin yearn even more for an internal affairs talent.

A group of Knights whose heads were filled with muscle made him feel stressed.