Yu Su and Liu Yan left quietly. Although some people wondered why they didn't return that night, no one suspected that they had ventured into the Black Flame Valley of Salt Village.
Moreover, by the next noon, they rejoined the team, and many didn't even realize they had disappeared for a night, eliminating any suspicion.
Yu Su advised Yu Feng and the others not to disclose their visit to the Black Flame Valley. They hadn't even informed the village chief, causing them to worry all night. Seeing them return safely now, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Observing the excited expressions on Yu Feng and the others, Yu Su gestured discreetly, "Don't ask now. Pack your things; we're heading back to the village today."
Yu Feng and the others sensed something and immediately nodded.
Returning to the village was a prearranged plan. Yu Su informed the village chief, who ordered everyone to pack and return.
As people from other villages had also been leaving the exchange market these days, Yu Village's departure at this time didn't attract much attention. No one thought much about it.
The departure of the team went smoothly, carrying exchanged goods and slaves back, step by step leaving the range of Salt Village.
"Brother Yu Su, what happened?" It wasn't until they were out of Salt Village's range that Yu Meng and the others dared to ask.
Yu Su whispered, "The mountain deity of Salt Village was killed by two Flame Birds. We happened to arrive when it occurred."
Yu Meng and the others took a sharp breath. The mountain deity of Salt Village was dead?
Oh God, if the people of Salt Village knew this news, it would surely drive them crazy!
"Remember not to reveal our visit to the Black Flame Valley. Otherwise, it will cause trouble," Yu Su instructed them.
Yu Meng and the others understood the severity of the situation and immediately promised not to disclose anything.
*
The timely departure of Yu Village was the right decision. Salt Village discovered the death of the Winged Serpent the next day.
Although the scene suggested that the Winged Serpent perished in a fight with two Flame Birds, its Wyrm's Core was missing. The nest and the valley showed signs of being searched, indicating that someone had entered the valley ahead of them and took everything valuable.
Salt Village was in rage, vowing to find the one who offended the mountain deity and exact revenge.
At this moment, Yu Village's team had already left Salt Village's vicinity. While Salt Village's guards were conducting a thorough search, they were unaffected.
The team traveled for several days. With the help of six robust slaves, they returned to the Black Bear Valley faster than when they left.
Upon seeing Black Bear Valley, the village chief couldn't conceal his excitement. He hadn't forgotten Yu Su's revelation about the salt spring in the valley. This information had occupied his mind for days, making it difficult for him to sleep.
"Ao hou—"
As they entered the mountain hollow of Black Bear Valley, the roar of the Black Bear King echoed through the trees. The nervous slaves, unaware of the situation, thought Yu Village's people would be equally uneasy. To their surprise, the members of Yu Village wore calm expressions, seemingly oblivious to the impending danger.
Slave captain Xin Dong couldn't help but advise Yu Su, "There's a wild beast in the forest ahead; let's take a detour."
Xin Ya also looked at Yu Su.
Yu Su calmly replied, "It's fine, don't worry. Just keep walking inside."
Xin Dong and the others exchanged glances, thinking that Yu Su might be unaware of the danger posed by a wild beast. If they bumped into the creature in the forest, it would be troublesome!
Xin Dong wanted to advise again but was interrupted by Yu Meng, who glared at him, saying, "Just walk if you want to. Being scared by a bear's roar."
Yu Meng wore an expression of disdain, seemingly forgetting that he too was once scared by the roar of the Black Bear King.
Seeing that the people of Yu Village continued calmly into the depths of the valley, Xin Dong and the others had no choice but to follow. However, Xin Dong secretly instructed the other slaves to be cautious and, if the situation seemed wrong, to take up weapons and resist.
As the team continued deeper into the valley, Xin Dong and the others became highly nervous.
Especially when they heard the giant footsteps approaching, they gripped the spears tightly, preparing to resist.
At this moment, Yu Su, walking at the front of the group, whistled.
A colossal black bear, as tall as a small hill, walked out of the woods. When Xin Dong and the others saw it, they were shocked.
"Oh God, it's the Barbaric Bear King!"
"Run!"
Xin Dong tightly held the spear, pushed Xin Ya toward the other slaves, and ran to Yu Su's side, ready to protect him. Yu Su had treated them kindly, and now he was their master; they had to ensure his safety.
However, just as Xin Dong approached, Yu Su unexpectedly walked toward the Black Bear King and reached out to pat its head.
The Black Bear King, which should have attacked people, lowered its head, allowing Yu Su to pat it.
There was no scene of bloodshed; the contrast was too great. Xin Dong and the others were completely astonished.