Morning arrived quietly over the northern mountains. A thin layer of mist drifted through the forest, covering the cold ground like a soft white blanket.
The Silver Leopard camp was already awake and busy. Soldiers sharpened their weapons, cooks prepared a hot breakfast, and patrol teams gathered near the main gate to wait for their daily orders.
Wei Xiang stepped out of his warm tent, fastening a protective leather guard around his right wrist. One of the younger soldiers hurried over to him immediately.
"Commander Wei," the soldier called out.
Wei Xiang looked up from his wrist. "What is it?"
"The morning patrol is fully ready, sir."
Wei Xiang nodded. "Let's go."
Before he could take another step, Wang's deep voice stopped him from behind. "Wei Xiang."
The young commander turned around quickly. "Patriarch."
Wang walked over slowly, his hands behind his back. "I will go with you on the patrol today."
