At first, Xu Mu was a bit dazed, then he understood. No wonder she was from the Yin–Yang Sect — even he couldn't compete with that level of brazenness.
He deliberately acted innocent and said, "Sister, but I don't have a fork here."
Zhou Xia giggled, thinking she'd met a pure little boy who didn't even get what she meant.
Men like that were always the easiest to manipulate.
Before she could continue, Xu Mu pulled the car over to the roadside.
"Sister, we've reached the subway station," he said.
Zhou Xia was slightly taken aback — she'd wanted to chat more, but they'd already arrived.
Still, since his friend lived next door, there'd be plenty of chances to meet him again.
"Thanks, little brother. I'll be going now."
Zhou Xia got out of the car and left.
Xu Mu exhaled deeply, thinking back to when he'd mentioned Ye Chen's name.
He still wasn't sure what kind of relationship existed between the Yin–Yang Sect and Ye Chen.
If they were enemies, Xu Mu would gladly expose Ye Chen's whereabouts.
If they were allies, he could gather evidence of Ye Chen's cooperation with the sect and hand it over to the Cleaners.
"Forget it, I'll think about it later."
Shaking his head, Xu Mu drove off.
On the way home, his phone rang — it was Dai Xingluo.
He answered, "Xingluo, what's wrong?"
"Brother, are you busy right now? Little sister ran into a bit of trouble… but it's fine if you can't come," came her pitiful voice through the line.
"What happened?" Xu Mu asked immediately.
"I'm in a bit of a situation. It's inconvenient to explain on the phone. Can you come to the Antique Market to find me?"
And with that, she hung up.
Xu Mu glanced at his phone, then started the car toward Yang City, heading for the Antique Market.
At the Antique Market
Xu Mu parked outside and entered one of the antique shops. Inside, besides Dai Xingluo and Li Zizai, there were two middle-aged men.
As soon as Xu Mu walked in, Dai Xingluo came running over. "Brother!"
"Xingluo, what's going on?" Xu Mu asked curiously.
"They're people from the Heavenly Sword Sect," she said, pointing to the two men.
One of them, a long-faced man, looked at Xu Mu and said flatly, "So, you're Dai Xingluo's husband?"
"Huh?"
Xu Mu stared blankly at Dai Xingluo.
Seeing her pitiful expression, he nodded helplessly. "Yes, that's right."
"Dai Xingluo is an outer disciple of our Heavenly Sword Sect. After deliberation, the elders have decided to admit her into the inner sect," the long-faced man said coldly. "We're here today to take her back."
Only then did Xu Mu realize why Dai Xingluo had called him here.
He smiled. "Can I talk to my wife in private first?"
"You can — but don't take too long," the long-faced man replied calmly.
Xu Mu glanced at Dai Xingluo, and the two of them went upstairs together, their footsteps echoing on the wooden stairs.
They entered a quaint, old-style room. By the bed hung a sword — different from the sheath Dai Xingluo had last used.
Xu Mu walked over and drew the blade. The silver sword gleamed faintly with gold — a weapon of the Jiuli Clan.
"You already finished the sheath?" he asked, admiring the craftsmanship. The scabbard was inlaid with jade, elegantly carved and hollowed — beautiful work.
"Old Li's craftsmanship is still top-notch," Dai Xingluo said, sitting on a nearby chair.
"So," Xu Mu asked, turning to her, "what are you thinking?"
"Why would they suddenly call me back? It's obviously Zhao Gang's doing," she said with a small smile. "Of course I don't want to go."
"Can you refuse? Or maybe quit the Heavenly Sword Sect altogether?" Xu Mu asked curiously.
"If I refuse, they'll accuse me of defying sect orders and take me by force," she explained. "If I want to leave the sect, I have to go to Qingmu Mountain so the elders can judge my case."
"Would they normally allow it?"
"For outer disciples, yes — as long as you pay a compensation in spirit materials or treasures for the years of teaching," Dai Xingluo explained. "But for inner disciples who've learned Profound-Rank techniques, it's much harder."
"What a hassle."
Xu Mu rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Then he looked at her. "Whatever you decide, I'll help you."
As the saying went — trust the one you rely on. Xu Mu had given Dai Xingluo Qi Sea Pills and even an Earth-Grade cultivation art.
Her treatment was nearly the same as Meng Wanyue's — in short, he saw her as one of his own.
Since she was in trouble, of course he would help.
[Favorability +15]
Dai Xingluo's eyes filled with emotion. She pouted, then suddenly threw herself toward him. "Brother~"
"Stop right there!"
Xu Mu pressed his palm on her forehead to keep her from getting closer. "Don't start with that nonsense."
"Then what kind of nonsense does brother want?" she said with a playful wink.
"Cut it out! Judging by your face, you don't look anxious at all."
"Of course I am! I'm just… really touched. No one's ever been this good to me before."
Her voice trembled slightly — this time, she truly was moved.
Since childhood, she had been bullied at home, and though she wasn't the type to let others walk over her, fighting back only brought harsher treatment.
In the sect, men approached her because of her looks, while women grew jealous and targeted her instead.
Now, she genuinely felt lucky — lucky to have met Xu Mu.
"I've decided to leave the sect," Dai Xingluo said after taking a deep breath. "To be honest, brother, the pills and techniques you've given me — I could never obtain those in the Heavenly Sword Sect even in a lifetime."
Xu Mu nodded. "Fair enough. I'll go with you to the Heavenly Sword Sect, but not within the next few days."
"Don't worry," she said. "Since I plan to leave, I can ask them for a few days' grace."
With that, she took Xu Mu's hand and led him back downstairs.
The long-faced man looked up at them. "So, what have you decided?"
"I don't want to become an inner disciple. I've decided to leave the Heavenly Sword Sect," Dai Xingluo said firmly.
Then, stroking her belly, she added, "To tell you the truth… I'm carrying my brother's child."
Xu Mu scratched his head awkwardly.
This Dai Xingluo really could lie without even blinking.
"I'm tired of the endless fighting," she continued softly. "Within a week, I'll go to the Heavenly Sword Sect myself and report to the elders."
As she spoke, she looked at Xu Mu with tender affection — the very image of a devoted wife.
Even Xu Mu couldn't help but want to applaud. That expression alone was something Xu Ningbing could spend a lifetime trying to learn.
The long-faced man's expression darkened. "Dai Xingluo, are you trying to disgrace the Heavenly Sword Sect?"