Bu Shiyi offered a poetic smile. "Of course. But it's still a bit early. Let's go in the afternoon."
"Oh…" Bu Lige nodded, though a subtle hint of dread flashed across his face.
What followed was a grueling session of sword practice.
According to Bu Shiyi, since he had spent ten thousand spirit crystals to purchase Chixiao, it would be an utter waste to let such a divine weapon gather dust.
Naturally, with Bu Lige's current level of swordsmanship, he was nowhere near worthy of wielding it properly.
And so—special training was necessary.
Bu Lige immediately regretted buying Chixiao.
Deep down, he even suspected that Bu Shiyi was using this as an excuse to punish him. But… he had no proof.
What's the worst that could happen? he thought bitterly.
Sure enough, the more beautiful a woman, the more unreliable her words. At that moment, Bu Lige gained a profound understanding of that timeless truth.
While he was swinging his sword under Bu Shiyi's stern gaze, several maids from the residence approached with hushed urgency.
They hesitated upon noticing him, then quickly pulled Bu Shiyi aside, whispering something in her ear.
Bu Lige stood frozen, mid-swing.
Huh? Why the secrecy? Am I really that scary?
Bu Shiyi, for her part, was equally confused—until she heard the maids' explanation.
Then her eyes lit up, and she could barely hold back her laughter.
This… this is how they see my little brother?
...
"Sister, what's so funny?"
When Bu Shiyi returned, her face still carried traces of mirth, and Bu Lige gave her a suspicious look.
Cough. "Nothing," she replied, quickly masking her expression with a serious tone. "Keep practicing."
Bu Lige narrowed his eyes.
Something was definitely off.
But since she didn't want to explain, he didn't push. He'd find out eventually… probably.
Afternoon. Southern Marquis' Residence.
Bu Lige was still immersed in sword training, sweat clinging to his brows.
Bu Shiyi had already left for the Origin Mall.
He had actually forgotten to mention the World Tree leaves to her.
A mischievous smile crept across his face.
Maybe he was just feeling wicked—but the thought of her discovering that the potted plant in Origin Mall was actually a World Tree… that reaction would be priceless.
Just imagining her expression made him swing with renewed enthusiasm.
Then, a teasing voice broke the moment.
"Well, well. Since when did Bu Lige have time for serious sword training?"
Bu Lige didn't need to look.
He knew that voice—Jiang Shengjun.
Ever since the Origin Mall had opened in Nine Stars City, Jiang Shengjun had become one of his regular sparring partners… and occasional verbal punching bag.
Jiang had long since given up any romantic notions toward Bu Shiyi. Even the tutors of Soaring Cloud Academy revered her talent. A son of the Left Minister like him? He knew his place.
And compared to most commoners, Jiang's status was indeed high.
But in the Origin Mall?
He was just another bottom-feeder.
"Why can't I train?" Bu Lige shot back, puffing his chest a little.
At the same time, red flames curled around Chixiao, the blade glowing brightly in the afternoon sun.
Jiang Shengjun's eyes widened. "Whoa—this spiritual weapon... that's no ordinary blade, is it? Where'd you get it?"
"Of course it's not ordinary!" Bu Lige declared proudly. "Chixiao is a heavenly weapon! You think I'd use some cheap knockoff?"
"A heavenly weapon? Are you serious?" Jiang Shengjun looked dumbfounded.
Even a Fatebound Ascension cultivator would struggle to control such a treasure. It was practically a universal truth across the Azure Continent.
No wonder Jiang was stunned.