The first rays of dawn spread across the northern frontier.
A cold wind swept through the mountain pass, carrying with it the smell of damp earth and steel.
Hidden among the rocks, thousands of Imperial soldiers remained perfectly still.
Not a single voice could be heard.
General Zhao stood at the highest ridge, his eyes fixed on the narrow valley below.
A scout hurried toward him before dropping to one knee.
"General."
"The enemy has entered the valley."
General Zhao nodded.
"How many?"
"Nearly five thousand soldiers."
"And their formation?"
"They are advancing confidently. They have not discovered our positions."
A faint smile appeared on the General's face.
"Excellent."
He slowly drew his sword.
"Pass the order."
"No one attacks until my signal."
The officers immediately rode away.
Within moments, every hidden unit received the command.
The valley became deathly silent once again.
---
The Enemy's Confidence
Below, the invading commander laughed loudly.
