The night was deep.
In Blackwater Ridge, a figure slipped silently into a grove and walked slowly to an old tree with a patch of bark stripped away. He stood there quietly. It was none other than Fu Qingyang, commander of Windrise Stronghold's Demon Hunting Team.
Fu Qingyang stood beneath the old tree for about half an incense stick's time. Suddenly, a dark figure hurtled over and stopped before the tree.
The newcomer was an old man with a black beard, dressed in blue, his back slightly hunched.
"You're late."
Fu Qingyang gave the old man an indifferent glance and spoke softly.
The old man looked apologetic. "Something came up and delayed me a little."
Fu Qingyang chuckled. "Fu Zhongli, since we're partners now, you don't need to be so wary.
"You arrived before me but only showed yourself now. Clearly, you're still on your guard against me."
The old man was Fu Zhongli, Azure Sun Stronghold's foremost expert more than a decade ago.
Though his concealment had been exposed, Fu Zhongli showed no embarrassment. He smiled faintly. "This is Windrise Stronghold's territory, after all. Naturally, I have to be careful."
Fu Qingyang raised his eyelids slightly. "There are two Blazing Fire Lizards in total. With the two of us working together, taking them down shouldn't be much of a problem."
Fu Zhongli asked, "Is the intelligence accurate?"
Fu Qingyang nodded. "One of my subordinates led a group scouting Blackwater Ridge for several days. They've already mapped out the precise movements of both Blazing Fire Lizards.
"I visited those places myself just now and did indeed find signs of their activity."
Fu Zhongli added, "Haven't you noticed something strange about the appearance of these two Blazing Fire Lizards?"
Fu Qingyang said quietly, "Let's hear it."
Fu Zhongli raised his voice