"Hey, even though there's no sword at my house, we've got money."
The two young disciples boasted and chatted while tidying up, cleaning away dust and cobwebs, sketching charms and symbols around the Bright Hall, and setting up formations. Most importantly, while it was still daylight, they made repairs, ensuring no light could leak in through the eaves, doors, and windows. Finally, they took out a small alchemy furnace to refine medicinal pills, releasing strands of spiritual energy, and began meditating in the shrine, nibbling on dry rations, waiting patiently for Senior Brother Song to return.
The first night was cloudy and silent; the second night brought rain but remained uneventful. On the third night, the thin moon hung in the sky, casting bright light, and the villagers increased in number.
