Section 79: Yearning for Life and Death
Once again arriving at the clearing, Zhenjin discovered that Cang Xu had already started a fire.
The flames burned at the bottom of the kiln.
The kiln had been built and was now enduring the trial by fire. The moisture within was being evaporated; the heat caused the clay to undergo some degree of transformation, becoming dry and hard, and more stable.
Upon seeing Zhenjin, Cang Xu said, "If the kiln doesn't crack after burning, it's a success, and we can rely on it to fire pottery vessels."
"If it does crack, we'll have to make it anew. However, this possibility is not that great."
As he spoke, Cang Xu began making pottery vessels.
First, he cleaned the mud, removing bits of broken grass, small stones, or earthworms, and then he continuously kneaded and slapped the clay to even out its texture.
Afterward, he took a portion of the clay and fashioned a plate with his palms and fingers.
The edges of the plate curled upwards vertically.