The bone was bright red, shaped like a hook, palm-sized, and glittered with a strange light. Upon examining it closely, one would see that the surface had a complex set of natural markings on it. The markings seemed to absorb spirit power from the surroundings automatically, causing wind to swirl around Zhang San’s palm as he held it out.

“An immortal bone from a winged fish?” the Captain said, taking another bite of pear. “Put that thing in your dharmaboat spell formation and it’ll provide a big boost to your speed. Not bad at all!” Squatting down next to Zhang San, he smiled, nudged him with his shoulder and continued, “What are you being so generous for today, you little punk?”

“How else could I welcome Junior Brother Xu Qing?” Zhang San answered innocently.

Xu Qing didn’t accept the gift, but instead looked at the Captain for an indication of what to do. He had the feeling that Zhang San wasn’t doing this for Xu Qing himself, but rather, for the Captain.

Seeing Xu Qing’s reaction, the Captain smiled. “Take it. He’s giving it to you in the hopes that you won’t come around here arresting people very often.”

Hearing this, Xu Qing turned back to Zhang San, who looked back with his silly smile.

Xu Qing nodded, took the fish bone and examined it curiously, then put it in his sack.

Then, imitating the Captain, he squatted down, though he kept a bit of distance between himself and the other two. [1]

Seeing this, Zhang San’s smile widened.

“Anything...