The team moved steadily along the valley, keeping their spacing and watching the ground carefully. The valley here was wider again, with short grass and scattered bushes. The stream ran nearby, and sunlight made it easy to see the terrain, though it also exposed them more.
Han Yi kept glancing ahead.
"…Open ground… stay alert."
Mu Chen held his staff ready, eyes sweeping the edges.
"…Keep scanning. Step carefully."
Yue stayed close to Ling, watching both the path and the sides.
"…Almost to the next tree line. Let's move together."
Lei Feng pointed out small dips and stones.
"…Careful footing. Step by step."
Step by step, they crossed the open stretch. Birds flew away at their approach, and the stream provided a quiet background sound. Each step was deliberate, alert but steady.
As they neared the next line of trees, Ling slowed the group.
"Trees ahead will give shade and cover. Move carefully. Step by step, together."
