Chapter 785, A Difficult Decision

Translator: Silavin

 

Su Bai watched Yu Ying’s departing figure, turned around, and walked back to his position to begin the day’s work.

 

There were far too many matters requiring attention, so he had to follow up on certain affairs each day.

 

“The matters concerning the farmland should be resolved in a few days. Calculating based on the time before the rainy season arrives, we should be able to harvest three times,” Su Bai continued muttering to himself.

 

He kept his head lowered while calculating the timeline. Because they had reduced the frequency of hunting expeditions, they had to compensate through agricultural production.

 

Therefore, he had to ensure the farmland’s yield remained stable to adequately supply food and drink for the entire Tribe’s population.

 

“If we plant everything as wheat, then these three wheat harvests should allow us to endure until the snow season ends. Besides, the cellar currently stores a ton of grain reserves,” Su Bai’s index finger tapped rhythmically against the table surface as he contemplated.

 

The decision to reduce hunting expeditions represented an enormous challenge for the Flame Dragon Tribe.

 

After all, every Tribe in the Primitive Era depended on hunting for survival, with only a handful of Tribes possessing markets.

 

Because the Flame Dragon Tribe now possessed the Central Market, combined with their newly developed farmland operations, they could not only receive meat supplies from various Tribes, but also achieve self-sufficiency in grain and vegetable production.

 

This was precisely why Su Bai had decided to reduce hunting frequency. Originally, he had considered eliminating hunting expeditions entirely.

 

However, doing so would eliminate their source of materials for crafting Shaman Bone Tablets, as well as opportunities to encounter novel fruits and plants.

 

Although people at the Central Market constantly brought Ferocious Beast Bones for trade, the quality of those materials varied a lot.

 

The Shaman Bone Tablets produced from such materials would inevitably lack consistent quality. To maintain the quality standards of Shaman Bone Tablets, hunting expeditions were still necessary in the end.

 

This approach would also prevent the Warriors from forgetting their original duties and the skills they possessed.

 

“The Central Market currently provides substantial quantities of dried meat each day. We can allocate this dried meat to the labourers, which will also maintain the freshness of those supplies.”

 

Su Bai pursed his lips, continuing, “Also, the food stored in the cellar can be preserved for extended periods.”

 

The cellar’s environmental conditions and temperature allowed stored food to remain preserved somewhat longer.

 

“No. I’ve decided. I need to eliminate the Tribe’s hunting expeditions entirely.” Su Bai thought, frowning.

 

*Tap tap…*

 

His fingers continued their measured percussion against the wooden table, producing crisp, rhythmic sounds.

 

“This way, we can deploy the Warriors to locations where they’re more urgently needed,” Su Bai muttered.

 

Because hunting expeditions required numerous personnel deployed to distant locations, the Tribe often struggled to reassign them for other tasks when necessary.

 

Similar to the recent forest farmland construction project, the Tribe couldn’t immediately deploy sufficient Totem Warriors to protect those farmers.

 

If hostile forces invaded during such moments, the Flame Dragon Tribe would lack proper capacity for defence.

 

“But, abolishing the hunting system entirely would likely provoke a lot of resistance from the Warriors,” Su Bai contemplated this difficulty.

 

After all, it was a long-established custom. Sudden changes would naturally encounter rejection.

 

Even as the Flame Dragon Tribe’s Shaman, if he did not align with the Tribe’s customs, those Warriors would display a ton of resistance.

 

“Rather than persuading them individually, I should talk to the Chieftain first. If he is on my side, he could help convince them.” Su Bai nodded with satisfaction at this thought.

 

He believed Yan Jiao would most likely support his position, considering this benefited everyone.

 

Hunting expeditions to the Hunting Ground were not safe. They were all high-risk missions.

 

The Hunting Ground contained numerous formidable Ferocious Beasts. Many times, a single miscalculation resulted in death.

 

“But he’s also extremely traditional. If I suddenly propose this, will he also find it unacceptable?” Su Bai found himself in a dilemma.

 

He shook his head helplessly, picked up a cup of tea, and began contemplating slowly. His primary concern was that the Chieftain would refuse this proposal.

 

If the Flame Dragon Tribe’s Chieftain disapproved, convincing the Warriors would become a lot more difficult.

 

“I need to list out the benefits for him to examine first. The Tribesmen must understand that abolishing this system will only benefit us.” Su Bai’s black eyes suddenly became resolute.

 

He retrieved paper and pen, beginning to organize his thoughts. He had to comprehensively list every benefit.

 

“Abolishing hunting expeditions prevents the Warriors from constant exposure to danger. Abolishing the hunting system provides Warriors with more time for alternative activities…”

 

Su Bai continued writing with head bowed, muttering continuously, “Furthermore, we do not need to be concerned about their skills. We won’t allow them to forget their hunting skills…”

 

He spent a full half hour before setting down the quill pen. Examining the Wolf Tail Grass Paper covered with densely written characters brought considerable satisfaction.

 

He planned to summon the Chieftain shortly to thoroughly discuss this matter.

 

*Knock knock knock…*

 

Just as this thought occurred, knocking sounded. The voice outside belonged to Yan Jiao.

 

“Come in.” Su Bai said.

 

*Creak!*

*Step step step…*

 

Yan Jiao pushed open the door and entered, his red eyes fixed directly on Su Bai.

 

His posture remained upright as he respectfully stated, “Shaman, our Warriors are preparing another hunting expedition. They need the Shaman to do the blessing ceremony.”

 

“Your timing is perfect. I need to talk to you about this.” Su Bai set down his teacup.

 

Yan Jiao froze. Following the gesture, he seated himself on the stool, asking with confusion, “Shaman, talk about what?”

 

He sensed the atmosphere had suddenly transformed, an inexplicable tension emerging.

 

“The Warriors no longer need to go on hunting expeditions. I intend to permanently stop all Warrior hunting expeditions to the Hunting Ground.” Su Bai pronounced each word deliberately.

 

He intentionally slowed his speech rate to ensure comprehension.

 

“What? Shaman, are you serious?” Yan Jiao abruptly stood up.

 

His expression registered nothing but shock.

 

“Yes, I am. From now on, Warriors will not go on hunting expeditions.” Su Bai repeated.

 

Yan Jiao required time to process this information. After considerable delay, he seated himself again, asking, “Shaman, why?”

 

He could not comprehend it. The Shaman’s demeanour also suggested this was not a joke, and he held paper covered with writing.

 

Of course, those characters were incomprehensible to him.