Chapter 77: A Wise Way to Live

“President Ye?” Uncle Biao gazed at Ning Xiu’s back and inquired.

“His strength is beyond question.” Ye Gang nodded slightly.

With Ye Gang’s confirmation, Uncle Biao could hardly contain his joy; after all, with another master among them, their journey was that much safer. He hurried after Ning Xiu.

Once Uncle Biao had left, Ye Gang finally extended his right hand, which he’d kept hidden behind his back. His palm was swollen and red.

Soon after, the cargo ship hoisted its sails and set out.

Onboard, the small merchants were anxious, but thankfully, the voyage proceeded without incident.

Night quietly descended.

Early spring evenings still carried a chill. The first meal aboard was served in the cabin, with everyone seated at separate tables.

Though this small commercial venture was incomparable to the great magnates, the ship’s amenities were quite complete. Besides the crew, there was even a chef dedicated to preparing meals.

Soon, a variety of dishes were brought to the tables by the crew.

Ning Xiu was seated with Uncle Biao, whose temples were flecked with white.

At the main table sat three figures from the martial world, evidently acquainted with one another.

They spoke loudly, recounting tales of life-and-death struggles and bloody exploits, as if desperate to let everyone know they were revered heroes of the martial world.

Their stories were full of bravado, and Ning Xiu found them amusing—perfect entertainment to accompany his meal.

Uncle Biao glanced at Ning Xiu, thinking he was displeased with the seating, and explained, “Those three are known in the martial world as the Dragon, Tiger, and Leopard Brothers. Each is a master of high rank. They’re here only as a favor to our president, and naturally, their fee isn’t cheap.”

Ning Xiu nodded in agreement. “Masters command high prices.”

“That’s right.” Uncle Biao chuckled awkwardly.

As the brothers continued, they began discussing the recent Red Immortal Fruit incident at Pine Wind Ridge, their tales vivid and lively. Ning Xiu felt a twinge of concern—not for fear of being recognized, but because keeping a low profile would bring fewer complications.

Yet the three never once looked at anyone else directly. More fish and meat dishes arrived, and they rolled up their sleeves, grabbed the wine jugs, and began eating and drinking with gusto.

But even food and wine couldn’t silence them; after a few cups, their boasting grew even more extravagant.

Zhang Long slapped his chest, exuding heroic spirit. He laughed loudly, “Second Brother, do you remember when we met the ‘Four Bandits of Plum Ridge’?”

Zhang Hu replied, “How could I forget? We were passing through Plum Ridge, saw those bandits robbing a merchant. You couldn’t stand it, stepped in to stop them, and they didn’t give us any respect at all. They threatened, ‘If you meddle again, you’ll lose your heads.’”

“Haha, I remember too!” Zhang Bao chimed in. “But before their blades could even swing, your sword had pierced their throats.”

“Exactly. I still recall their disbelief as they died. Besides Iron Sword Li Tiexin of the Four Grandmasters, who in Lingnan’s martial world rivals our eldest brother’s swordsmanship?”

Ning Xiu couldn’t help but admire their skill at boasting.

At the height of their merriment, they raised their cups in laughter.

Suddenly, a deafening boom echoed from afar, abruptly halting their laughter.

“There’s a ship on fire ahead!” Someone rushed in from outside the cabin, shouting.

Ning Xiu flashed out of the cabin instantly.

He looked up to see a cargo ship in the distance ablaze, flames leaping skyward. The river wind only fed the fire, painting the surroundings in a crimson glow.

The others followed outside, faces grimly illuminated by the firelight.

The three brothers, having eaten their fill, rubbed their eyes and finally sobered up as they stared at the inferno.

“There’s someone still on board! A child!” someone shouted.

“President Ye, should we mount a rescue?” someone asked.

Ye Gang glanced at the three brothers. Their eyes avoided his, unwilling to meet his gaze.

As an old hand in the martial world, Ye Gang knew exactly what that meant. The brothers had no intention of getting involved. After all, it wasn’t their ship.

Stay out of trouble, and you’ll live longer.

Every seasoned veteran knew this truth.

Ye Gang turned back towards the burning ship, sighing deeply. Everyone has their fate; theirs was simply unfortunate.

Just then, he heard a faint crack.

Following the sound, Ye Gang was left stunned.

With Ning Xiu’s keen eyesight, he could see everything happening on the other ship.

He heard women screaming, children crying, men fighting desperately to resist.

Ning Xiu was no saint, nor did he consider himself a good man. Having lived again to this age, he knew that minding one’s own business was the smart way to live. Those who meddled were fools—but he preferred fools to shrewd men.

Ning Xiu stepped onto the deck; a sharp crack rang out as a plank split in two and flew into his hands.

With a casual toss, he sent the two planks flying, each landing nearly fifty or sixty meters apart.

Ning Xiu let out a clear whistle and soared into the air.

In a single leap, he crossed fifty or sixty meters. As he was about to land, his right foot lightly touched the plank, launching him forward again. Twice in succession, he spanned more than a hundred meters, landing gracefully on the burning ship.

His figure, ethereal as an immortal, left the Dragon, Tiger, and Leopard Brothers utterly stunned. Such extraordinary agility!

As he landed, a wave of heat assaulted him, carrying the stench of blood and roasted flesh—an unbearable odor.

“Ha! That girl was a real treat. Thought we’d bring her back for some fun, but she dashed herself against the wall,” one of the river pirates laughed, emerging from the cabin with loot in hand.

“Alright, that’s enough. Grab the goods and get ready to leave. The fire’s getting out of control,” a pirate shouted, tossing aside a bottle of fire oil.

But as he turned, he suddenly saw a face—a ghastly visage.

In the firelight, it appeared terrifying and ferocious.