Pan Yun looked around the room and told Tao Yanbai to light the fireplace. "Just covering ourselves with quilts is still too cold."
She took out two gold ingots and handed them to Zhao Shizhu. "Tomorrow, take Miao Zhen and the others to the market. Buy whatever needs replenishing—beds, tables, chairs, benches, clothing, food. Stock up on more firewood and charcoal too."
Pan Yun looked at Hu Ning and handed him a bag of gold ingots. "This is for you to screen and recruit people with. I'll give you three days. Bring back anyone trustworthy. Tomorrow, I have something to show you."
Zhao Shizhu and Hu Ning respectfully accepted.
After the two withdrew, Pan Yun waved at Miao Zhen and the other two. The three of them also dispersed to sleep.
Pan Little Black crouched nearby and watched for a while before turning to follow Miao He, muttering inwardly, It's too cold. This doesn't suit a cat's natural way of life. I'm going to sleep too.
Pan Yun did not stop him. She walked into the courtyard, swept her gaze around, then leaped onto the top of the courtyard wall and sat cross-legged to meditate.
The temperature continued to drop. Pan Yun circulated her power to keep the chill outside, while continuously running her cultivation technique to sense the spiritual energy of this world.
Not long after the first snowflake drifted down, soft footsteps sounded in the street.
Pan Yun opened her eyes and looked down. Three petty thieves were sneaking past beneath her. After reaching the main gate and pressing their ears to it, they began fiddling with the lock.
To her surprise, the three actually got it open. They carefully pushed the gate apart and entered the courtyard. Just as they were about to head toward the building,