Startled Realization of a Perilous Situation, Heart Sinks Cold; Rushing Dust, Urgent Report, Dare Not Delay

This conjecture grew ever clearer in Hulü's mind, but the questions that came with it surged like a tide, churning his thoughts into turmoil.

He stared fixedly at the Qin banners fluttering in the direction of Sand Fox Post, shock and wariness roiling in his eyes. Only after a long while did he suppress his turbulent thoughts and mutter in a low voice, "Whether that is truly the case can only be determined after I verify it myself."

He lay concealed in the shadows of a dark sand dune, his body pressed to the ground as he slowly backed away. Every step fell soundlessly upon the soft sand, like a lone wolf retreating after hunting in the night.

After cautiously withdrawing to the area where the scout unit was hidden, he raised a hand and signaled for silence and relocation. The black-robed group immediately understood. Shielded by the dusk and blowing sand, they melded into the deep night once more. The faint clopping of their cloth-wrapped hooves was swallowed by the desert wind as they sped toward Donghu territory.

After riding more than ten li from Sand Fox Post and confirming that they were beyond the Qin Army's patrol range, Hulü slowed his horse and gave the scouts beside him a quiet warning. His tone carried an unprecedented gravity. "This infiltration is fraught with extreme danger. The strength of this Qin Army likely surpasses anything we imagined—so terrifying that it is impossible to gauge.

"So long as we make the slightest mistake, our entire party may be buried here, without even a chance to send word back."

His gaze swept over every scout, his eyes sharp as blades as he repeatedly emphasized, "Therefore, every one of you must be careful—careful beyond careful!

"Do not make the slightest unnecessary sound. Do