Brother, love you

Xu Mu originally intended to reveal the truth directly, but after a moment of hesitation, he decided to play along first to gauge Dai Xingluo’s reaction.

“That’s right, I killed him.”

“Dai Dongyang wasn’t weak, but compared to you, brother, he was nothing.”

Hearing this, Dai Xingluo nodded lightly and poured another cup of tea.

Xu Mu glanced up at her. “You don’t hate me?”

“I’m thrilled—why would I hate you, brother?”

Dai Xingluo pinched the teacup between two fingers and took a delicate sip. “If we’re comparing the three sons of the Dai family, Dai Xiao is actually the least detestable.”

Back when she lived with the Dai family, the second and third sons had shown exceptional talent from a young age.

The family favored them, while Dai Xiao, the eldest, was often bullied.

At the time, Dai Xiao and Dai Xingluo often played together—both outcasts, bonded by shared hardship.

That was why, when Dai Xiao later sought her out, she agreed to accompany him.

Had it been Dai Dongyang, she would’ve been lucky not to attack him on sight.

“I see. That puts my mind at ease. Truth is, I didn’t kill him—just slapped him.”

Xu Mu chuckled.

“Then why lie to me?”

Dai Xingluo asked coolly.

“I wanted to see your reaction—whether you’d side with him or me.”

Xu Mu downed his tea in one gulp.

“Of course, I’m on your side.”

Dai Xingluo blinked at him. “Any reward for that?”

Without hesitation, Xu Mu pulled out another Qi Sea Pill and placed it on the table.

“Holy shit!”

The exclamation didn’t come from Dai Xingluo but from Li Zizai, who was standing nearby.

He was utterly dumbfounded. A seventh-grade pill, and Xu Mu had just handed out three like they were candy.

If it weren’t for Dai Xingluo’s presence, he might’ve been tempted to rob Xu Mu right then and there.

“Take one every three days. See if it helps you break through.”

Xu Mu stood up. “I’ve got something even better. Want it?”

Dai Xingluo’s pupils trembled. “Better than a Qi Sea Pill? Brother, what are you planning?”

“Come with me.”

Xu Mu turned and walked outside. The Earth-grade technique was too valuable—he didn’t want Li Zizai catching wind of it.

Dai Xingluo nodded, popping one Qi Sea Pill into her mouth and pocketing the other two before hurrying after Xu Mu, linking arms with him.

Xu Mu narrowed his eyes, savoring the sensation against his skin. He couldn’t help but compare—Xu Ningbing had done the same earlier.

Dai Xingluo’s figure was slightly less impressive, but still undeniably top-tier.

Emperor-grade, without a doubt.

Xu Mu sighed inwardly. Whoever invented this classification system knew what they were doing—just the thought was exhilarating.

“Brother, what’s this treasure you mentioned?”

Dai Xingluo swung his arm playfully.

“If I give it to you, you’ll owe me at least a year of service.”

Xu Mu shot her a sidelong glance.

“So… whatever you ask of me for the next year, I have to obey?”

Dai Xingluo suddenly lowered her head, feigning shyness. “Brother, you’re so naughty.”

“Cut the act. I’m serious.”

Xu Mu steeled himself and pulled his arm free. “First, answer me—are you part of any organization?”

His Divine Eye had already revealed that Dai Xingluo was an outer disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, yet she’d never seemed to visit the sect.

“Brother, do you want the truth?”

Dai Xingluo met his gaze.

“Obviously.”

“A senior once took me to a sect—the Heavenly Sword Sect.”

She explained, “Technically, I’m still an outer disciple.”

“A sect? Then why are you always here?”

Xu Mu frowned.

“I made enemies there. Someone influential in the inner sect swore I’d never set foot inside.”

Dai Xingluo shrugged. “I learned everything the outer sect could teach, so I left.”

“You didn’t formally quit?”

“Right. That’s why I’m technically still an outer disciple.”

She nodded.

“Honest enough.”

Xu Mu turned and headed for the antique market’s exit.

“Honest? How do you know I’m not lying, brother?”

Dai Xingluo followed with a smirk.

“Lucky guess.”

Xu Mu reached his car, opened the door, and retrieved the Phoenix Flame Sword manual—a dark-red metal plaque—from his storage space before shutting the door again.

“Brother, what is it? So mysterious.”

Dai Xingluo hurried over. When she saw the plaque, she immediately recognized it as a cultivation manual.

“If word of this gets out, blood will be spilled.”

Xu Mu handed it to her. “Even Li Zizai at your shop wouldn’t resist the temptation to steal it.”

Dai Xingluo’s expression turned grave as she took the plaque. A phoenix emblem adorned its surface, but no text. Unless…

Her breath hitched.

She channeled a wisp of qi into it, and the plaque glowed faintly.

Instantly, images flooded her mind, forcing her back a step.

Her eyes widened. “An Earth-grade technique—Phoenix Flame Sword!”

“What do you think?”

Xu Mu asked.

“Brother, where did you get this? This is a legendary lost technique of our sect! Why do you have it?”

She was stunned.

“Do you want it or not?”

Xu Mu was surprised too—he hadn’t known it belonged to the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Yes! Absolutely!”

Dai Xingluo clutched the plaque, her gaze burning with newfound intensity.

Xu Mu was willing to share an Earth-grade technique with her. Was this his way of confessing?

Come to think of it, even women who married into sects or hidden clans rarely gained access to such powerful techniques.

[Affection +30]

“Keep it secret. No one can know.”

Xu Mu looked at her. “Rumors say an ancient ruin has surfaced in Jiangbei. Train hard—I’ll need your help when the time comes.”

“Understood, brother.”

Dai Xingluo nodded solemnly. As a former sect disciple, she knew exactly how precious an Earth-grade technique was.

“I’m off.”

Xu Mu got into his car, planning to track down Miao He and check on the Third Boss of the Forsaken Love Gang.

Dai Xingluo hugged the plaque, her eyes curving into crescents as she waved at the driver’s seat. “Brother, love you~”

Xu Mu waved back and drove off.

“If you ever betray me, I’ll kill you.”

Her smile didn’t fade. “No—I’ll give you one chance. I’ll just slaughter every woman you love first.”

…