Cao Xing's heart stirred. There were still three days left in the Newbie Protection Period, which should be enough for him to reach level 10.
Liu Muxue asked softly, "A-Xing, will it snow tonight?"
Cao Xing nodded. "Yes, it will snow. But it's fine as long as it isn't a blizzard."
"With our territory's current facilities, we can weather it."
Liu Muxue nodded gently.
Then, Cao Xing led her to push open the doors of the Lord's Hut.
Outside, the Polar People and the newly joined residents had long been waiting there.
When they saw Cao Xing emerge, they said in unison, "Good health to you, my lord!"
"Good morning, my lord. Please assign us today's work!"
The residents were brimming with enthusiasm. Before this, they had all lived lives where they barely had enough to eat.
On their very first day in Cao Xing's territory, they had already seen its prospects for development.
Thus, they treasured this opportunity all the more.
Cao Xing nodded. "Today, continue the work I assigned yesterday."
"Gather more resources and upgrade the campfire and the Lord's Hut."
"Let us build a more prosperous territory together!"
The residents immediately replied respectfully, "As you command, my lord."
"May we give everything for the territory's development!"
They scattered and began the day's work.
At this moment, Xia Yanni and Tong Chuchu stood quietly nearby, each holding a thick set of clothes.
Once they saw Cao Xing finish assigning work, Xia Yanni cautiously walked over and said, "M-my lord, the clothes are finished."
As a modern person, she still seemed unaccustomed to using such a form of address.
Cao Xing nodded. "You've worked hard."
"It was nothing..." Xia Yanni replied softly.
Then, she and Tong Chuchu handed the sewn wolfskin coats to Cao Xing and Liu Muxue respectively.
Obtained Wolfskin Coat (White) x1, obtained Wolfskin Hat (White) x1
These two pieces of clothing had no additional attributes, but they were highly effective at keeping out the cold.
After putting on the warm clothing, the two of them instantly felt the world's bitter cold shut out.
Seeing the dark circles beneath Xia Yanni's eyes, Cao Xing knew that she must have stayed up late last night.
So, Cao Xing took out two pieces of bear meat and a bottle of milk and handed them to Xia Yanni.
After taking them, Xia Yanni's eyes filled with intense surprise.
"M-my lord, can you really give such precious meat and milk to me?"
Cao Xing nodded. "Chuchu is still young. Give her something nourishing."
Xia Yanni's eyes immediately reddened slightly.
She took Tong Chuchu's hand and nodded solemnly. "Thank you, thank you..."
Tong Chuchu happily hugged the milk and said with delight, "Thank you, big brother."
After arranging the work, Cao Xing called Assam over as well.
"Assam, when you went out yesterday, did you discover anything else besides rescuing Big Flower and the others?"
Assam replied respectfully, "Yes, my lord. Following your instructions, I drew a map of the surrounding area."
"However, I have not finished exploring it yet, so the map is incomplete."
Cao Xing was immediately delighted. "It's fine even if it isn't finished. Let me see it first."
Assam nodded, then took a yellowed sheet of parchment from the Frost Wolf's back and handed it to Cao Xing.
A system prompt appeared.
Obtained Incomplete Map x1
Cao Xing saw that the map recorded Assam's route.
Liu Muxue also leaned close to Cao Xing, looking at the map with curiosity in her eyes.
However, when she saw the crude, simplistic drawings on the parchment, she immediately burst into laughter.
Several resource points were marked on it.
For example, a tree represented a place with timber resources.
A little chicken represented a place where wild beasts could be found.
A stone represented a place with mineral resources.
Fortunately, Cao Xing's comprehension was excellent. Otherwise, he truly would not have understood what it meant.
A hint of embarrassment appeared on Assam's resolute face. He scratched his head and said, "I... I never learned how to draw, so I could only depict it simply."
Liu Muxue comforted him, "It's fine. As long as we can understand it."
Assam nodded gratefully. "Thank you, beautiful and kind second lord."
At this moment, Cao Xing pointed at a pitch-black cave entrance near the territory and asked, "Assam, what is this?"
Assam replied sheepishly, "My lord, that is a mine."
"However, it has already been occupied by a group of Mole People. I heard the roar of machinery nearby."
The roar of machinery?
Cao Xing's eyes lit up.
That meant there were likely some technological creations inside that mine.
Cao Xing asked, "Assam, how strong are those Mole People?"
Assam shook his head. "My lord, I did not go inside to investigate."
"However, Mole People are subterranean creatures. Most of them are around the first tier in strength, though second- or third-tier Mole People may occasionally appear."
After hearing this, Cao Xing already had an idea.
The mine was about six kilometers from the territory, making the round trip roughly two hours.
Thus, Cao Xing nodded. "Good. Then today's objective will be to explore this Mole People mine."
"We'll try to raise both Muxue's and my levels."
Assam bowed respectfully. "I await your orders at any time, esteemed lord."
Andrew's gaze was filled with devotion, and he too was ready for battle.
However, before setting out, Cao Xing still had something to do.
He needed to use that recruitment scroll and strengthen his team.
Cao Xing took a scroll from his backpack.
Phantom Assassin Recruitment Scroll (Blue): Use this scroll to summon a Phantom Assassin with the elite strength of level 20.
Without a doubt, this would be the strongest creature Cao Xing had recruited so far.
"Recruit?"
Cao Xing directly chose yes.
The scene before him flickered.
This time, what appeared before Cao Xing was not a six-pointed star.
Instead, it was a mass of black mist.
The black mist rapidly expanded, engulfing the entire camp within seconds.
Cao Xing could vaguely see a figure moving within it.
No aura leaked from that figure, yet it gave Cao Xing wave after wave of deadly danger.
The next moment, the mist dispersed.
Before Cao Xing stood a woman wearing a black cloak and tight black leather armor.
The outfit accentuated the perfect curves of her figure.
A jet-black helmet covered most of her face, revealing only her slightly red lips against her blue skin.
She slowly spoke. "Shadow Sanctuary needs protecting. That is why I have come."
"Phantom Assassin Sarah Blade Dance, reporting for duty!"
Before you continue