The Enigmatic Siblings

A series of deafening explosions rang out, followed by a string of hand grenades blasting apart, their shockwaves carrying the heart-wrenching screams of agony. The immense body of the giant ape crashed to the ground amidst a cloud of smoke, its flesh mangled and burned, yet still smoking as its terrifying eyes fixedly glared at Ronald and the others, already dead beyond recovery.

As the thick smoke began to dissipate, the crew on the ship stared in awe at the creature. The giant ape's body, blackened and torn, was an ominous sight—its large form was now sinking slowly into the water.

Ronald's eyes gleamed. "Get it up! That's a fortune right there!"

Although the monster's exact rank was unclear, it was undoubtedly a rare and powerful beast. Whatever its rank, catching it was a major find, and he was certain it could fetch a hefty sum once they hauled it in.

The ship was equipped with salvage gear, and Ronald began directing Jack and the others to start the retrieval process. But before he could focus, a sudden gust of wind swept past him. He blinked, and before he knew it, two young figures in white had appeared at the ship's bow, startling him.

With a sharp gasp, Ronald instantly called out, "Quick! Get—"

"Hold, my friend," one of the young men in white raised his hand, his voice calm. "There is no need for haste. We've been chasing this water ape for some time. We meant no harm."

Ronald froze, blinking at the two of them in surprise.

The one who spoke was a striking young man in white robes, his handsome features framed by a gentle smile. The other, a younger figure, was slightly shorter, with delicate features and long, flowing hair, dressed in similar white robes. His gaze was cool and distant, and although he wore a cap that concealed part of his face, it was clear he was no ordinary person.

Ronald raised an eyebrow. This is a girl disguised as a boy? he thought. Her beauty couldn't be hidden, even under the disguise, with her ethereal, almost otherworldly aura shining through. Impressive...

"And you two are...?" Ronald asked, his tone skeptical.

The young man in white chuckled, clasping his hands together in a respectful salute. "We are wandering scholars, traveling on our studies. We encountered this water ape terrorizing the area and, after a brief struggle, unfortunately allowed it to escape. It was a stroke of fortune that you, my friend, stepped in and ended its rampage."

"Wandering scholars?" Ronald rolled his eyes. Wandering scholars who can fight a water ape and appear on deck like a gust of wind? He doubted their story but said nothing further. If they didn't want to reveal their identity, he wasn't going to press the matter.

With a slight bow, he asked, "Then, if I may, what rank would you say this giant ape was?"

The young man replied with a smile, "This is a Cloud Cang Water Ape Beast, likely at the ninth level of Body Refinement. It is a vicious creature, known for wreaking havoc on countless lives."

"Ninth level of Body Refinement?" Ronald's eyes widened. He quickly turned to look at the ape's body hanging at the ship's stern and then back at the smiling scholar. His throat dry, he swallowed nervously.

After a moment, he composed himself and said, "Since the beast has already been vanquished, there's no need to keep you here any longer. I'll make sure this body is burned once we land, in honor of all the lives it's taken."

The two scholars were momentarily silent. The younger one in disguise shot him a glance, while the young man in white laughed heartily.

"You have a kind heart, my friend," he said. "However, burning this beast's corpse so casually would be a waste. Though it died by your hand, we did deal some damage to it ourselves before it met its end. Perhaps we could split it, if you're willing?"

Ronald's interest piqued. "Split it? I'm listening—how do you propose we divide it?"

The young man smiled. "The beast's magic crystal would be useful to both of us. How about we take that, and you can keep the rest of the body?"

Ronald paused, contemplating. The crystal would likely fetch a higher price, and its uses were more versatile. After a brief hesitation, he finally nodded, "Fine, that sounds fair."

The scholar's smile widened slightly, and the younger one, still silent, looked on with an unreadable expression.