The two slid down from the eaves, silently pried open the window lattice, and slipped inside.
Zhang Shun darted to Widow Zhang's side. Carefully, he helped her sit up and checked her breathing. It was faint, but she was still alive.
He hurriedly took out the waterskin and medicine he carried with him, then called softly, "Jia'er, it's me. I'm Zhang Shun."
The woman hazily opened her eyes. When she saw Zhang Shun, disbelief flashed in them, then large tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks. Her lips moved, but no sound came out.
Lin Qing quickly examined the other women.
Two of them had been tortured to death. Their bodies were already cold.
The killing intent in his heart grew stronger. He helped the two other women who still had a breath in them sit up and whispered, "Don't make a sound. We're here to get you out."
The two women understood and nodded in panic.
However, just as they were preparing to leave with them,
a sudden commotion of footsteps and shouts rose outside the courtyard.
"There are intruders!"
"Quick, catch them!"
Clearly, they had still been discovered.
"We've been spotted. Move!"
Zhang Shun growled, hoisting Widow Zhang onto his back.
Lin Qing also supported one of the weakened women with each hand.
"Bang!"
Someone kicked the door open from outside.
Seven or eight guards armed with steel swords and clubs surged inside, blocking their way.
At their head was a lean, muscular man with keen eyes and slightly bulging temples. He was clearly a Tendon Opening martial artist as well.
"You've got some nerve, sneaking into Pan Family Manor at night! Seize them!"
The guard captain shouted sharply.
"Fight our way out!"
Zhang Shun showed no fear. He hitched Widow Zhang higher on his back, his