The inner courtyard was silent.
The anticipated crossbow lineups, combined shooting, and booby-trap ambushes did not appear; the vast courtyard was empty.
"Strange..."
The group exchanged glances, becoming increasingly cautious.
"Everyone, be careful. Don't separate!"
The four cautiously explored, feeling a bit anxious but refrained from acting rashly.
Normally, upon a sudden attack, Wang Dezhai and the other top members would surely be in the rear courtyard, protecting the elderly, women, and children as they retreated, with those outside buying them time.
Zhao Donglai and his group rushed into the inner courtyard precisely to intercept Wang Dezhai and others to prevent them from escaping.
However, the outer courtyard was brightly lit, while the inner courtyard was dark, with only sparse starlight scattered.
"Something feels off..."
Zhao Donglai and his group searched the inner courtyard, feeling a trace of unease.
