It was already late at night when Dai Mubai finished meditating.
He rose and stretched his neck and shoulders, his joints giving a few soft cracks. Then he lifted the tent flap and stepped outside, intending to walk around the camp and check on the night sentries.
The night breeze carried the fresh scent of mountain vegetation against his face. Dai Mubai strolled along the paths between the tents, and the soldiers on watch saluted as he passed.
As he reached the eastern side of the camp, a figure descended from the sky and bowed to report.
"Your Highness."
It was one of the Speed Clan scouts under Bai He.
"What is it?"
"While patrolling high above the camp perimeter as ordered, I spotted faint flickers of fire about five kilometers to the northwest. It was too far away to make out the details."
Dai Mubai frowned slightly.
Who would be out in this wilderness in the middle of the night? Had the Heaven Dou Empire's army arrived?
"Understood. Keep watch, and don't alert anyone else. I'll take a look."
"Yes!" The scout darted back into the sky to resume his patrol.
Dai Mubai activated Martial Soul Possession and spread his wings, soaring over the camp and speeding northwest.
Five li of mountain terrain took him only moments to cross. After passing two low ridges, he picked up faint fluctuations of soul power and the sound of wolves howling ahead.
Dai Mubai suppressed his aura and silently climbed a high slope, crouching to look down.
A fierce battle was underway in a clearing at the foot of the opposite mountain.
Beneath the moonlight, a golden figure was locked in combat with a pack of Wolf Bandits.
He was a little too far away to make out the person's features, but