After 10 p.m., Ancient Pond Mountain was shrouded in darkness, the moonlight casting a mottled glow through sparse clouds onto the winding paths between the trees, the surrounding area so quiet that only the occasional sounds of insects chirping, birds calling, and the rustle of feet on dry leaves could be heard.
Hundreds of uniformed, armed police officers were proceeding cautiously, from different directions, through the woods toward their target, the cold metal of their weapons reflecting sharp gleams of light in the night. As they drew closer to the den of thieves, their footsteps became even lighter.
After moving forward like this for another fifteen minutes, Aoyama Xiu Xin spotted a flicker of firelight ahead. He immediately gestured, signaling everyone to take cover on the spot.
