Meng Wanyue tugged on Xiao Ran, but Xiao Ran didn't budge.
"Sister Ran…"
"Wanyue, let me think it over carefully."
Xiao Ran didn't spell out the truth: Wanyue's time with Ye Chen had been too short—she didn't really know his temper.
If Ye Chen learned she defected to Xu Mu, both she and Xu Mu would face his wrath.
As things stand, neither Xu Mu nor the Xu family is a match for Ye Chen.
Even if she does switch sides, it can't be now.
That said, a rift already exists between her and Ye Chen. From now on, she probably won't be willing to die for him anymore.
She's human; she needs positive returns. After doing so much for Ye Chen, he never truly held her in his heart.
Even a token lie to spare her feelings—had he done that, Xiao Ran wouldn't be thinking like this.
"Alright," Meng Wanyue nodded. Some things have to be taken step by step.
—
Fang Chu watched Liang Yi and her master leave.
He didn't know who the two really were, but the easiest way to get closer was a shared goal.
He first thanked the black-robed person for saving him, then said Xu Mu was his enemy—he couldn't wait for Xu Mu to die.
He'd hoped to build rapport on that common ground, but he suddenly realized Liang Yi's hatred for Xu Mu didn't seem that deep.
Taking a deep breath, he prepared to drive off. Xu Mu was now a sect disciple; taking him down wouldn't be easy.
Since his cultivation had recovered, it was time to befriend people from sects or hidden clans.
"Hello, are you Fang Chu?"
A black-robed man approached from a distance, his voice sounding like a man in his fifties.
"I am. Who are you?"
"Our lady would like to invite you over," the man said, pointing to a woman far off.
Following the gesture, Fang Chu's eyes lit up.
Wow—she was stunning. Long dress, a tachi at her waist, and an ethereal, refined aura.
It was Shingū Fuka.
Fang Chu smiled. "What does your lady want with me? To thank me for finding the exit?"
"Probably," the black-robed man chuckled.
Suddenly, a dagger flashed from under his robe—
and stabbed toward the back of Fang Chu's neck.
Sensing killing intent, Fang Chu slipped aside.
Swish!
His clothes tore open with a slash. His arm tingled—he'd been nicked.
If he hadn't reacted, he'd be done for.
"Who are you? Look clearly—I'm Fang Chu, not Xu Mu!"
He drew the dagger he'd found in the ruins and shouted.
"I'm here to kill Fang Chu!"
The black-robed man lunged again.
Fang Chu snorted coldly and met him blade-to-blade.
Clang, clang, clang!
After several exchanges at the foot of the mountain, the attacker found his dagger full of chips, on the verge of snapping.
He hesitated, then fled into the distance.
Fang Chu didn't give chase. His expression turned grave. Other than Xu Mu, he hadn't offended anyone.
Why did this person want him dead?
"Could it be an enemy of the Fang family?" he muttered. His clan had been annihilated; only he had escaped.
Since the assassin specifically named him, maybe they wanted to eradicate the last sprout.
He took a deep breath. Time to keep a low profile—and find some capable allies.
—
Xu Mu had already returned home. While Ye Tong cooked dinner and Ye Yu went to visit Feng Yue, he took the chance to study the technique in his mind.
He probed that cluster of energy and tried to open it with his mental force.
Bang!
Suddenly, the power burst, and scenes flashed through his mind.
A current began to circulate automatically through his body, as if demonstrating.
"Heaven-Grade technique—Demon's Aegis."
Information about the technique surfaced on its own:
Using qi to stimulate the metal element in the body to temper the physique—besides tanking powerful attacks, it can rebound a portion of the damage.
Xu Mu's eyes shone with delight.
As expected of a Heaven-Grade technique—domineering indeed.
If word got out that this ancient ruin held a Heaven-Grade art, a bloodbath would follow.
But the technique had fallen into his hands.
This move paired almost perfectly with Starshift (damage transfer).
Use both at once and he could both rebound and transfer damage—useful whether one-on-one or against many.
The only issue: he still had to cultivate it—troublesome.
He stood from the sofa and, following the earlier demonstration, circulated the technique.
He felt qi surging chaotically through his body.
Hum!
A transparent golden sheen spread over his skin like armor—
but it exploded and vanished moments later.
"As expected of a Heaven-Grade art—tricky to control. But I think I've got the knack."
He tried again. The golden translucence surfaced and this time held for over ten seconds before fading.
"Honey, dinner's ready—call Ye Yu," Ye Tong poked her head from the kitchen, smiling.
Xu Mu picked up his phone but didn't dial yet. He walked to the kitchen.
"About today with Jiang Huihui—what do you really think?"
"I already said it: I don't like other women using you with no strings attached," Ye Tong said, carrying dishes to the table. "If you win the tourney for her and she runs afterward, what will people think of you?"
"Ah, you women are always saying one thing and meaning another. If Jiang Huihui really came to live with us, you'd be unhappy again," Xu Mu teased.
"I told you long ago—I don't mind," Ye Tong said. She would love someone to draw the fire for her as soon as possible.
—
The three of them ate together that night.
Ye Yu clamored to go out, and Xu Mu didn't stop her. By right, she should gain a fortuitous encounter during this summer break—her growing stronger is good for him.
After eating, Xu Mu checked the three Profound-Grade manuals from the ruins.
Judging by names alone, he couldn't tell what they did. He'd ask around tomorrow—he had more important business now.
He pulled Ye Tong to the room—time to preach the Dao and pass on knowledge.
Some nourishment from the books should be taught "how to fish," after all.
—
Xu Mu opened his system panel to check his Fate Points—enough for a ten-draw.
Even in the ruins these two days, he'd gained quite a few points.
He started the pull to see what he'd get this time.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host has obtained a divine ability: Level-4 Perception]