He walked to the middle of the bridge and stopped about thirty feet from Tang Lan and Wang Qiuer. His gaze swiftly swept over them, lingering briefly on Tang Lan in particular. Deep in his eyes flashed a nearly imperceptible trace of surprise and understanding—
Though Tang Lan had concealed his aura exceptionally well, Ding Huo possessed keen enough eyes to see the steady, mountain-like bearing left by battle. He was clearly no ordinary man.
"Haha, you two truly are trustworthy. You arrived right on time."
Ding Huo spoke first, his hearty laughter shattering the silence of the night, as though the conflict at the tavern during the day and this secret meeting on the bridge at midnight were nothing more than ordinary social calls.
"When we parted in haste during the day, we had no chance to speak at length. Nor did I see through your true identity, Brother. This poor Daoist truly has poor eyesight. Shameful, shameful."
Tang Lan returned the salute with cupped hands, his tone calm.
"You are too courteous, Daoist. Thank you for speaking up to warn us during the day. Though the two of us had our own plans, we accept your goodwill."
His words were neither servile nor overbearing. They thanked the man for his actions during the day while making it clear that he was not someone in need of Protection.
The smile in Ding Huo's eyes deepened, and he waved a hand.
"Not at all, not at all. This poor Daoist was merely being nosy. Brother, your divine might is hidden within. You even scared off a vicious man like Crimson Tiger with ease. My little tricks must have made you laugh."
His tone shifted as he asked casually, "On my way here, I saw Soul Power light shooting into the