Li Ping'an sat at the bow, practicing the breathing method of the Turtle Breath Technique.
The flying sword Fine Rain had spent many days in the Sword-Nurturing Gourd. Besides growing sharper,
it had also faintly gained a trace of sentience and a little more vitality.
Even when he was unconscious, Fine Rain could leave its sheath on its own to protect him if danger arose.
A few days earlier, a seagull had flown past.
It seemed to want to leave a dropping on Li Ping'an.
But before it could fall, the flying sword Fine Rain had shot it into the sea with a single strike.
Li Ping'an flicked a finger, and the flying sword trembled, as though light were spilling from its blade.
It let out a ringing cry that echoed along the edge of the sea.
The flying sword traced a curve in midair.
Then it plunged into the water and flicked out a fish.
Li Ping'an reached out and caught the fish squarely in his hand.
It was quite a large fish, weighing over twenty jin.
"We'll make fish soup tonight," Li Ping'an said with a smile.
From a wealthy young master who had only to open his mouth for clothes and stretch out his hands for food,
he had abruptly become a destitute wanderer. This was no small blow to Zhou Youcai.
But he adapted quickly and soon adjusted.
Wen Tao remained just as he had been, practicing his boxing day after day.
He often faced off against Li Ping'an while standing on the surface of the sea.
At first, however, Li Ping'an had to concentrate on his footing to keep himself from falling into the water,
while also dealing with Wen Tao.
This left Li Ping'an suddenly tumbling into the sea from time to time.
But