Xu Ningbing's Favorability Turns Positive

Xu Ningbing's face could no longer conceal her excitement.

She had loved sports—or rather, competition—since childhood.

She had always dreamed of becoming a martial artist, especially after witnessing Xu Mu helping Xu Shou achieve that status.

The envy burned inside her.

Xu Mu had given her a list of rare spiritual herbs, and she had been searching for them relentlessly.

In just a few days, she had already spent millions, yet she hadn’t even caught a glimpse of those treasures.

Xu Mu observed Xu Ningbing’s expression and continued, "Ah, what a dilemma. If only Ye Tong had your temperament."

"Wh-what do you mean?" Xu Ningbing feigned indifference.

"I’m a rational person. I know who treats me well and who’s closer to me. You and Ye Tong are the two women dearest to me, but if I had to choose… well, I think you already know the answer."

Xu Mu leaned back on the sofa, glancing at Xu Ningbing.

She nodded slightly. Of course, she knew.

Even just a few days ago, she had still looked down on Xu Mu.

Since childhood, her younger brother had been unruly, the epitome of a spoiled rich kid.

She had never given him a kind look.

But Ye Tong was different—gentle and tender, the polar opposite of Xu Ningbing.

It was obvious whom Xu Mu preferred.

"So, you’ve chosen Ye Tong?" Xu Ningbing asked.

"Exactly. She’s my first choice. But her gentle nature worries me—even if she became a martial artist, I wouldn’t trust her in a fight."

Xu Mu gazed at Xu Ningbing. "Now that we’re returning to Yang City, we might be targeted by hidden clans. Who in the Xu family is most at risk?"

"Father, you… and me," Xu Ningbing mused.

"Sis, you should rank above me. So, this life-saving pill I risked everything to obtain—it’s yours."

Xu Mu pulled out a red plastic bag from his pocket, revealing a black medicinal pill inside.

[Affection +15]

Tiny black characters appeared above Xu Ningbing’s head.

Xu Mu noted this inwardly—his elder sister had never given him such a significant boost in affection before.

"Xiao Mu…"

A warmth surged in Xu Ningbing’s chest, her eyes stinging slightly.

She had always been mature for her age. Though only a year older than Xu Mu, she had practically raised him as a child.

Before the age of six or seven, Xu Mu had been her shadow.

Xu Ningbing had endured his tantrums without retaliation, even giving him the best of everything.

Even then, she had sensed their parents’ favoritism toward him.

But as they grew older, Xu Mu’s insufferable personality became more pronounced.

Eventually, Xu Ningbing concluded that he was beyond redemption.

From that point on, she despised him.

If he hit her, she hit back.

If he insulted her, she hit back anyway.

With time, her disdain even morphed into hatred—hatred for his incompetence, for tarnishing the Xu family’s name. That resentment had lingered until now.

But after Xu Mu’s recent revelation—that he had been deliberately holding back all these years—her perspective shifted.

Not only that, but he had also mastered music, medicine, combat, and painting.

Only then did she realize her younger brother was truly a genius in disguise.

"Name your conditions," Xu Ningbing said, inhaling deeply and averting her gaze in slight embarrassment. "This time… I’ll keep my word. Whatever you ask."

[Affection +5]

Xu Mu studied her expression. Was she actually… shy?

Last time, she had promised to smile at him but failed to deliver.

Recalling the childhood memories of the original "villain" Xu Mu, he chuckled. "No conditions. I just want to relive a childhood moment."

"What do you mean?" Xu Ningbing asked.

"Remember how I used to nap on your lap as a kid? I’d like to do that again."

Xu Ningbing froze momentarily before nodding.

She moved to the edge of the sofa. "Fine. Come here."

Xu Mu lay down, resting his head on her thighs. As she adjusted her posture, his vision darkened abruptly—completely obscured.

Among the people Xu Mu knew, only Xu Ningbing, Mu Qingying, and Li Yun could achieve this effect.

"Alright, scram!" Xu Ningbing shoved him away, standing up. "As your elder sister, I can beat you, and Father wouldn’t say a word!"

"But you’re not—" Xu Mu caught himself.

The truth about Xu Ningbing being adopted could wait.

"I’m not what?" she demanded coldly.

"You promised to let me relive childhood. That wasn’t even a minute."

Xu Mu pouted. "Three more minutes."

"Next time."

Xu Ningbing sat back down, offering an empty promise.

Xu Mu reclined on the sofa, resigning himself to an anticlimactic end.

Once it was over, he handed her the pill.

Then, using his Divine Eye, he checked Xu Ningbing’s stats.

Name: Xu Ningbing

Identity: CEO of Xu Corporation, Female Lead of The Dragon King’s Descent

Affection: 27

Fate Level: 10 (Max 10)

Xu Mu was stunned. Her affection for him had actually turned positive.

No wonder she had allowed him to rest on her lap—something she’d never permitted before.

He expanded the details to review her full attributes.

Strength: 32

Speed: 32

Endurance: 37

Defense: 25

Xu Mu nodded in approval. Xu Ningbing was impressive.

Xu Shou’s stats had been high due to concealment, but according to the original plot, Xu Ningbing had started from scratch.

As an infant, she had been adopted by Xu Shou.

For over twenty years, she had never trained in martial arts. Only with the Dragon King’s help did she become a martial artist—and from there, her progress skyrocketed.

"Take it," Xu Mu urged.

"Alright."

Xu Ningbing swallowed the pill in one gulp.

Simultaneously, Xu Mu channeled his Fate Energy to enhance her strength.

His current Fate Energy was 195. He spent 18 points to boost her strength to 50.

Then, black text appeared before his eyes.

[Detecting target’s physical limits. Attributes have reached peak human capacity.]

[Unlocking cultivation talent panel.]

Name: Xu Ningbing

Identity: CEO of Xu Corporation, Female Lead of The Dragon King’s Descent

Affection: 27

Fate Level: 10 (Max 10)

Xu Mu checked the expanded details, and new information appeared.

Realm: Early Mingjin Stage

Physique: 30

Spirit: 30

Xu Mu was astonished. Xu Ningbing’s spirit stat was remarkably high.

He remembered his own spirit stat at the Early Mingjin Stage had been only 10.

After consuming the pill, Xu Ningbing could feel the changes in her body.

Then, she sensed a barrier shattering within her.

Clenching her fist, she now perceived the flow of energy inside her.

She walked to a standing sandbag and threw a punch.

Boom!

Her fist pierced through the sandbag like a blade, leaving her stunned for several seconds.

"Xu Mu, thank you."

Xu Ningbing turned her head and gave Xu Mu a faint smile.

This time, it wasn't forced.