I stood where everyone could see me, my gaze moving across the villagers as I measured their condition, their numbers, and the space ahead of us, because if we were going to move efficiently, then every step had to be planned.
"We are not moving the way we did before," I said, my voice calm but firm enough to hold their attention. "From now on, we move with order."
The murmurs died down.
Everyone listened.
I continued without pause.
"The strongest men will take the front," I said as I looked toward Zhang Lei and the others. "You will clear the path and watch for danger ahead. Nothing approaches without you knowing first."
Zhang Lei nodded immediately.
"Yes, Master."
"Chen Guo," I continued, "you stay close to the front as well, but your focus will be on the sides. Do not let anything come near from the bushes."
"Understood."
I shifted my gaze.
"Wang Bao. Li Shan. You will take the rear. No one gets left behind, and nothing follows us without being noticed."
