After dealing with the wolf demon, Yu Su and Lu Yan found a parchment in the wolf king's cave. Yu Su recognized it as Xiong Li's dark notes, but the interpretation and actions of the wolf demon differed from Xiong Li's. The commonality was the harm inflicted on ordinary people.
"It's the work of another evil god," Yu Su remarked. He decided to take the parchment back to show Qing Ze.
Lu Yan asked, "What about this place?"
"Burn it," Yu Su replied. After burning the wolf demon's lair, they searched the vicinity but found no other demon tribes and returned to the salt lake salt field.
People who had escaped from the forest approached, expressing a desire to join Yu Village. Yu Su considered their request but wanted to observe them for a while before accepting.
"Yu Village can temporarily take you in and provide work. Your entry depends on your performance," Yu Su told them. He summoned Yu Feng to handle their integration.
The events concerning the wolf demon tribe had shocked the villagers, and there were no objections to settling the newcomers in the western wilderness. However, plans to expand trade routes were temporarily halted.
"If we don't go north, we can't sell the salt we've stockpiled."
"What should we do?"
The two salt fields brought significant income to Yu Village, creating a dilemma.
Originally, everyone anticipated an additional caravan heading north this year to sell salt, grains, and various products from the village. However, it suddenly came to a halt, leaving everyone somewhat disappointed.
Yu Su remained calm, "There are numerous villages on the eastern plains. Our caravan has only visited a few so far. There are many villages we haven't contacted yet, so there's no worry about selling salt."
Yu Ye added, "Last year, we only followed one route. To the north and south of the eastern plains, there are many villages in need of salt and grains. They will trade with our caravan."
Indeed, without the northern trade route, there were still plenty of villages to trade with in the east. The initial disappointment vanished, replaced by renewed anticipation.
"Lord Yu Su, is the roster for the second caravan confirmed?"
Asking this, everyone eagerly looked at Yu Su.
Understanding their excitement, Yu Su said, "Let He Cai be the leader of this second caravan. Transfer a few members from the original caravan to guide the new ones. The selection of members for the vacancies in the first caravan and the needed members for the second caravan will be handled by Yu Ye and He Cai. After selection, the list will be submitted to the Elder Council for approval."
Yu Ye and He Cai were thrilled. Yu Su entrusted them with the responsibility, affirming their capabilities.
"Lord Yu Su, rest assured, we will carefully select the team members."
With a nod from Yu Su, the eager gazes shifted to Yu Ye and He Cai.
After the council meeting, the seven elders of the Elder Council gathered.
"Why did Lord Yu Su suddenly entrust us with the caravan? Perhaps there's another consideration?"
"Regardless, now that it's in our hands, we can't afford to make mistakes."
"Right, we can't let Lord Yu Su think the Elder Council can't handle this responsibility."
After discussion, the elders decided to rigorously oversee the selection of caravan members to show results to Yu Su.
"It's decided. I'll personally supervise the member selection."
"I'll go oversee the training of the new batch of wild horses and select suitable teams."
The elders were enthusiastic.
Learning about their active preparations, Yu Su was asked by Lu Yan, "Are you testing them by handing over the caravan?"
"Partly. I stated from the beginning that the caravan falls under the jurisdiction of the Elder Council. Sooner or later, they had to take over," replied Yu Su.
Observing Yu Su's nonchalant demeanor, Lu Yan found it intriguing.
"Isn't leading the caravan a lucrative opportunity? Don't you regret it?"
"Why regret? I can have fewer responsibilities. Besides, is there anything in Yu Village that I want to manage but can't?" Yu Su replied mysteriously.
Smiling, Lu Yan agreed.
...
Five days later, the selection of the second caravan's members concluded. The list was submitted to the Elder Council.
Village Chief Yu Kun carefully examined the list and didn't find anyone from Hongshan Village. He sighed inwardly; his wife wanted him to help Hong Ming and the others, but how could he assist when they couldn't even make it through the initial selection?
That night, Yu Kun's wife asked about the list.
"How is it? Any of our folks from my hometown selected?"
"No, they didn't even make it past the initial selection," Yu Kun replied.
His wife looked disappointed. Although she understood the difference in training between Hongshan Village and Yu Village's seasoned warriors, people always had their own desires. She just wanted to help Hong Ming and the others stabilize in Yu Village as soon as possible.
"How about I talk to Yu Ye and ask him to add one more person?" she suggested.
Yu Kun frowned, "What are you going to do? What will Yu Ye think?"
"What can I think? I just hope Hong Ming and the others can get by in Yu Village," she said.