Noah and Li Xuan moved through the dense forest, the moonlight filtering through the canopy, casting a cold sheen on them. They maintained a synchronized silence, tension thick in the air. A slight noise ahead made Noah instinctively grip his sword tighter.
"There's movement up ahead," Li Xuan whispered, his voice tinged with unease.
Noah nodded, signaling for Li Xuan to follow. As they approached cautiously, a hidden camp came into view, with several warriors from the Fifteen Halls on alert patrol.
"We need to scout first, understand the enemy's strength," Li Xuan suggested.
Noah agreed, and they crawled forward, minimizing any noise. Noah keenly sensed the surroundings, trying to estimate the number and position of the enemies.
"Two patrols on the left, three on the right. It doesn't seem like many," Noah whispered.
"We can launch a scattered assault to reduce their alertness," Li Xuan proposed.