Chapter 49: All or Nothing

On the river, aboard an official pirate-hunting vessel, screams of agony echoed one after another.

“Iron Butcher, how dare you defy the authorities? You’ll never meet a good end.”

Though his voice was fierce, the fear in the constable’s eyes was unmistakable as he stared at Iron Butcher, who stood there like a human fortress. This time, the county of Qinghe had mobilized its soldiers to sweep the river bandits. They had expected, as always, to go through the motions, but Iron Butcher had acted out of character, slaughtering the officials and soldiers outright—an act of sheer audacity.

At these words, Iron Butcher’s rugged face remained utterly impassive.

“Your only fault was coming at the wrong time.”

With a single motion, Iron Butcher reached out and crushed the constable’s skull. Witnessing this, the bandits at his side erupted into cheers. In the past, they would have dodged and hidden from the authorities, but now, being able to butcher them like livestock brought a savage delight to their hearts.

At that moment, a hawk swooped down from the distance. Spotting Iron Butcher, it dove sharply and landed upon him.

“News?” he asked.

Catching the hawk, Iron Butcher immediately took the message tube from its leg.

“As expected. After waiting so long, there’s finally a result.”

A sharp gleam flashed in his eyes as he read the message.

“So Jiang Wang still hasn’t appeared. It seems he really doesn’t take my authority seriously.”

Crushing the letter in his hand, Iron Butcher’s expression grew cold at the thought of Jiang Chen. Ordinarily, he was not harsh with his subordinates, but at critical moments, he brooked no defiance.

“Jia Yi, since Jiang Wang hasn’t acted this time, Zhou Quan alone may not suffice. You will lead the Black Guard yourself. Go with Zhou Quan and intercept that ship for me.”

His voice was low and commanding as he issued his orders.

Though from a collateral branch of the Gao family, Iron Butcher had read many books, acquiring knowledge beyond the reach of ordinary folk. Because of this, in addition to his public bandit gang, he had secretly raised a force known as the Black Guard.

The Black Guard were all under his control through secret drugs, and their potential was forcefully drawn out with Tiger-Leopard Pills, expediting their growth. Those who survived the process were all formidable. Though there were only six, each was a second-rate expert, fearless of pain or death, their fighting power extraordinary. Their leader, Jia Yi, was already a first-rate master.

His methods were possible only thanks to his past as a drug slave and the secret book he had stolen from Death Valley, which detailed many esoteric medicines and the means to create such a force.

Upon hearing the order, the middle-aged man who had always been at Iron Butcher’s side bowed stiffly in acknowledgment. His appearance was unremarkable, his face wooden and expressionless—not quite living, more like a puppet.

“The surviving heir of the An clan is the son of their head—a prodigy. The Heart-Refining Stone is most likely in his possession, but he must have other powerful methods as well, for the An clan once had a Qi-cultivating cultivator overseeing them.”

“Originally, I wanted Zhou Quan and Jiang Chen to test the waters. Now that Jiang Wang defies me, sending the Black Guard is just as well. So long as I obtain the Heart-Refining Stone, nothing else matters.”

Watching Jia Yi depart, Iron Butcher’s heart was filled with resolve. He had long since set foot on a path of no return; all that remained was to stake everything on this gamble.

“Burn this ship. Let it serve as a warning to the authorities to keep quiet for a while.”

Returning to his own vessel, Iron Butcher ordered coldly.

A short while later, flames roared skyward as the official pirate-hunting ship was set ablaze. Thick smoke billowed, visible even from a great distance.

“Let’s go.”

Having confirmed the ship’s fate, Iron Butcher turned and entered the cabin. He knew well the consequences of his actions, but he no longer cared; all he needed was to buy a little time. If he could break through, new hope would arise from this desperate plight.

If he failed, death was certain. Rather than wasting away in obscurity, it was better to die in a blaze of glory.

While Iron Butcher tightened his net, Golden Sands Valley remained calm. All proceeded in meticulous order.

“My lack of movement must have already reached Iron Butcher. Yet he does nothing. Clearly, there is something on that ship he values above all else.”

Savoring his tea, his gaze drifting toward the Qingyuan River, Jiang Chen mused quietly.

Iron Butcher seemed outwardly gentle, but was in truth overbearing and intolerant of defiance. Ordinarily, he would have acted by now; his current silence was most uncharacteristic.

“Master, I wish to go to the river. Iron Butcher’s concern suggests there is something unusual about that ship.”

Bowing as he refilled Jiang Chen’s cup, Wang Yuan voiced his desire. At some point, he had ceased calling Jiang Chen the Third Chief and Iron Butcher the Chief, addressing them more directly.

Jiang Chen looked at him in mild surprise.

“There must be significant danger aboard, otherwise Iron Butcher would act himself, not send Zhou Quan and me.”

Jiang Chen pointed out the perils, his interest piqued.

“Danger and opportunity go hand in hand. If Iron Butcher values what’s on that ship so highly, it must be extraordinary. We needn’t seize it, but to remain completely ignorant would be too passive.”

Aware of the risks, Wang Yuan remained unmoved.

Seeing this, Jiang Chen could not help but reflect: the fewer chips a man has, the more fiercely he will strive and gamble, for without risk, there is nothing left for him. He himself had done much the same in his past life—during the apocalypse, he had risked his life for mere scraps of food. The reason he did not go himself this time was not because he failed to see the opportunity, but simply because it was unnecessary.

“Master, my strength is limited. Alone, I fear I’ll gain nothing. I hope you’ll allow Master Rat to accompany me.”

Noting that Jiang Chen had not refused outright, Wang Yuan made another request. He was willing to take risks, but not to throw his life away.

Hearing this, Rat Tianjiao, who had been gnawing on a roast chicken, froze. He looked blankly at Wang Yuan, then, realizing his intent, began to bare his teeth and make faces. Good heavens, what a fellow—using even a little rat as a pawn! He was no human, but Wang Yuan was surely a dog.