After settling in Chinan's residence, the school held a welcome banquet for him.
The next day, he took office and earnestly taught the students reading and writing.
Yusu intentionally listened for a while, and when he saw that Chinan was indeed teaching seriously, he left the school. He was busy with important matters, as the cotton planted in the southern wilderness was ready for harvest.
Upon hearing about cotton picking, Xinya and others curiously followed, wanting to know why these white cotton balls were better than hemp.
"Lord Yusu, the hemp bags are ready."
Xinya and a group of people stood in front of the cotton field, each holding a large hemp bag.
Yusu nodded, "Let's begin. When picking, pay attention to the techniques I told you."
Xinya patted his chest, "Don't worry, we remember."
"Good, let's start."
With Yusu's command, Xinya loudly shouted, "Brothers and sisters, let's get to work!"
Everyone responded in unison, entering the cotton field with hemp bags in hand, starting to pick.
Yusu also took a hemp bag and entered the cotton field.
For him, it was his first time actually picking cotton. Despite having comprehensive elf video tutorials, he felt he was adept. However, seeing Xinya and others quickly picking cotton, he felt he was slower.
Fortunately, Xinya and others didn't see it as an issue. They considered it a blessing that Yusu, a witch doctor, was working with them and didn't suspect anything.
This relieved Yusu, and while they were busy, he quietly cleaned a cotton ball with many broken leaves using a dust removal spell before putting it in the hemp bag.
"Let me do it."
Yusu was startled by the sudden voice and saw it was Luyan. Only then did he relax.
"When did you come?"
"At the moment you were quietly using the dust removal spell on the cotton."
"..."
Luyan's eyes carried a smile as he took the hemp bag from Yusu and efficiently picked the cotton.
Yusu, surprised by Luyan's agility, asked, "Have you done this before?"
"No."
"Then why are you so skilled, as if you've done it many times?"
"Just learned."
Yusu was speechless; Luyan was unexpectedly clever.
Luyan's movements were swift, and soon they filled their hemp bags.
Yusu, watching Luyan's dexterous fingers maneuver through the cotton buds, found it oddly relaxing.
After a while, their bags were full.
Yusu took a look around and realized they were ahead of others. Xinya's group was still at the other end of the cotton field.
"So fast," Yusu looked at Luyan, "You're really good."
Luyan sensed admiration in Yusu's eyes, feeling subtly pleased.
...
In the following days, Yusu was occupied with cotton-related tasks. They worked in the cotton workshop alongside Xinya and others.
People from the village gathered to watch, eager to see how the cotton would be transformed into clothes.
Yusu said, "It won't be so fast. The cotton needs to be dried, seeds removed, then the cotton popped, spun into threads, and woven into clothes—many steps."
The cotton workshop was ready, equipped with necessary tools.
Though they couldn't replicate advanced weaving techniques from the future, traditional methods sufficed.
People, instead of being disappointed, grew more curious about the process, eager to see if the new cotton clothes were truly better than hemp.
...
During Yusu and Luyan's busy period, Yumang, with a group, visited Yusu.
"Brother Yusu, a batch of salt from the salt lake's salt field has arrived. Do you want to inspect it?"
Yusu nodded, delegated his ongoing tasks to Xinya's group, and went with Yumang to the village square. Several carts were laden with salt.
"I've discussed with Yuye. This batch can be sent to Sanhe Village for sale. The batch from the Source Witch Tribe can wait until they finish making the requested harness before sending it together," Yumang suggested.
"You still want to go to Sanhe Village?" Yusu asked.
Yumang nodded, "We should be back before the snow."
Yusu glanced at Yuye and Hecai; they eagerly awaited his decision.
After a moment of contemplation, Yusu said, "Alright, go. But..."
He looked at Yumang, "As agreed with others last time, let someone else lead this time."
Yumang wailed. He thought Yusu had forgotten about this matter, only to realize that he couldn't join the caravan again.
Other people were happy, and they had long wanted to go east.
Excluding Yusuo and Luyan, there were twelve cultivators in the village with a cultivation level of Qi Refinement fifth level or above. Except for Yumang, Yuye, and Hecai, there were nine left. They drew lots, and whoever drew it would go.
Jian Yunchuan also joined the fun.
"One chance, no one is allowed to renege."
"Begin."
The nine drew lots, and surprisingly, Jian Yunchuan drew it.
Jian Yunchuan laughed heartily, "Looks like luck is on my side."
Others looked disappointed, envyingly staring at the piece of paper in his hand, regretting why they didn't choose the piece Jian Yunchuan had.
"Dad!" Yuzhou ran over, looking up at him expectantly. "Can I go with you?"
Jian Yunchuan hesitated, "You're still young."
Yuzhou said, "But last time, didn't you say boys should see the world more? I want to see the world."
Yuzhou had grown a bit taller during this period, and he had been diligent in both cultivation and studying. He had already opened one meridian and was in the process of opening the second.
Jian Yunchuan, looking at his youngest son's expectant eyes, couldn't help but waver. However, he didn't dare to agree directly; instead, he looked at Yusuo. "Su'er..."
Yusuo had a serious expression.
Seeing his older brother like this, Yuzhou sensed trouble and quickly ran to Yusuo, hugging him. He pitifully pleaded, "Brother, let me go. I promise not to cause trouble for Dad and the caravan."
Yusuo said, "You still have to study and do homework every day. If you go, who will supervise you to complete your tasks?"
Yuzhou clenched his teeth to go with determination. "I'll bring my homework!"
Yusuo said, "The east plain is not very safe. What if you encounter danger?"
Yuzhou said, "I can handle bad people. I can already knock down a wild boar."
Jian Yunchuan coughed lightly, "Su'er, how about letting him go with me? You've let him cultivate, and he can't always stay hidden in the village."
Yuye added, "Lord Yusuo, rest assured. We'll take good care of Yuzhou."
Hecai said, "Yes, if anything happens, we'll prioritize protecting Yuzhou."
Yusuo looked at Yuzhou without saying anything.
Yuzhou looked at his brother, realizing it wasn't good. He quickly ran to Yusuo and hugged him, looking towards Luyan for help with pleading eyes.
Luyan spoke, "I'll let the Desert Leopard King accompany them."
The Desert Leopard King was a third-tier demonic beast, close to the Foundation Building stage. With it accompanying the caravan, there would be an additional layer of security. If they encountered danger, it could also be of assistance.
"Brother, just agree," Yuzhou looked at Yusuo with pitiful eyes.
After a moment, Yusuo sighed, pinching Yuzhou's nose, "Alright, stop looking pitiful. Since you want to go, put away that pitiful look. Dangerous enemies won't spare you just because you look pitiful."