The Dai family patriarch, Dai Xuan, had three sons.
Among them, the second son was the strongest—his strength rivaled Dai Xingluo's.
The third was a bit weaker, but insidious and cunning, always presenting the image of a refined gentleman.
In the story's plot, the strongest—the second son—actually dies first.
Xu Mu watched Dai Dongyang approach and noticed a two-centimeter scar at the corner of his mouth.
Seeing this man, Feng Jian's face showed clear fear.
As one of Yang City's former top rich second-gens, of course he recognized him.
His status was far above Dai Xiao's; even though he was the younger brother, the elder brother Dai Xiao wouldn't dare act presumptuous before him.
Dai Xiao was better known only because he'd long been active in business.
The Dai family needed a villain to do negotiations.
Everyone knew Dai Xiao was a debauchee who could do anything; many people feared him. If he handled negotiations, even tough deals would get signed.
But this second son was even more forceful than Dai Xiao.
He kept a low profile because he always operated from the shadows—he was the Dai family's future heir.
"Young Master Dai."
Feng Jian stood at once, respectful, not daring the slightest slight.
Inside, though, he hated the Dai family bitterly; Feng Kang's death was very likely their doing.
Even if Feng Kang didn't like him, he was still his father.
"Long time no see. How's your mother doing lately?" Dai Dongyang asked with a squinting smile.
"She's fine. Thank you for your concern, Young Master Dai," Feng Jian replied evenly.
"I have to say, your mother still has her charms. Do you still have that video that was played at the Feng house last time? Lend me a copy, would you?"
Dai Dongyang grinned. "Good deeds bring peace."
Feng Jian clenched his fists tight when he heard that, then slowly relaxed them.
He'd still dare swing on the other Yang City rich kids, but before the Dai family's prodigy—what could he use to fight?
"I truly want to watch it; I'm not mocking you," Dai Dongyang added when Feng Jian stayed silent.
"The video is long gone. Even if you looked now, you wouldn't find it," Xu Mu said from the side.
"And what are you supposed to be? Did I give you permission to speak?"
Dai Dongyang glanced at Xu Mu with a frown. "Slap yourself."
"Young Master Dai, this is—"
"I don't care who he is." Dai Dongyang's eyes went cold as he looked from Feng Jian back to Xu Mu. "Slap yourself. If I have to do it myself, it won't be as simple as a slap."
Feng Jian looked at Xu Mu, unsure what to do. He truly couldn't afford to offend Dai Dongyang.
Smack!
Xu Mu swung—and slapped Dai Dongyang.
Not only Feng Jian, even Dai Dongyang was stunned.
"You want me to slap me? This is the first time I've heard a demand like that," Xu Mu said coolly, meeting his gaze.
Dai Dongyang clutched his face in disbelief; then his eyes turned venomous. "Very good. You won't die quickly."
He turned and strode toward a nearby private room.
Feng Jian was petrified. When he saw Dai Dongyang enter the room, he blurted to Xu Mu, "Brother Xu! You've stirred up trouble! Do you have any idea who he is?"
"Who?" Xu Mu smiled faintly.
Plans never keep up with changes. His original aim had been to set the Dai family against the Dragon King someday.
He hadn't expected things to escalate like this.
But he was improving fast. Given enough time to grow, he could match the Dragon King himself.
In that case, there was no need to use the Dai family.
If they dared go after his family, Xu Mu wouldn't mind crushing them.
"He's Dai Dongyang of the Hidden Dai Family—their heir. They say he's a powerful ancient martial artist," Feng Jian stammered, sweating. "Brother Xu, run!"
"If I run, he'll definitely grab you and force you to give up my identity," Xu Mu said, glancing at Feng Jian. "Leave this to me. You can go."
Feng Jian trembled; favorability popped over his head.
He was moved to the core—true friendship shows in adversity.
Thinking it through, Xu Mu had offended Dai Dongyang for his sake.
"Damn!" Feng Jian growled, then said, "Brother Xu! This hotel is your family's—delete the camera footage right away. I'll go hide. I swear I won't sell you out!"
Xu Mu couldn't help smiling. Whether or not Feng Jian meant it, at least he dared say it.
"It's fine. You go first; leave this to me," Xu Mu waved him off and stood, walking toward the distance.
Feng Jian stood there, at a loss.
He wanted to follow Xu Mu and face Dai Dongyang together—but he didn't dare.
Survival instinct seized him and he bolted for the stairs, sprinting out of the hotel instead of waiting for the elevator.
Outside, he dropped into his Aston Martin and slammed the steering wheel. "I really am useless!"
—
Xu Mu had a staffer stick a bug under a plate of salmon.
No one here dared cross him—he was a celebrity at the hotel.
Still, he handed the employee a 1,000 yuan tip.
The staffer knocked on the private room's door and set the salmon on the table.
Xu Mu sat outside, listening on his phone.
Inside, they spoke Dragon Nation language.
From their conversation, he learned that the Dai family and the Island Nation's Shintō Society were actually cooperating.
That hadn't been explained in the original plot.
But after less than a minute, they broke up.
In that short time, Xu Mu picked up one useful bit: the Dai family also knew an ancient ruin would appear in Jiangbei; they'd invited Shingū Fūka to cooperate.
The private room door opened and four people stepped out.
First was Shingū Fūka, then the two Japanese he'd seen before, and finally Dai Dongyang.
"So you're still here waiting to die, brat?" Dai Dongyang spotted Xu Mu and strode over, face dark.
Shingū Fūka studied Xu Mu; he looked familiar, as if she'd seen him before.
Suddenly she remembered: she'd met him at the entrance of Feng Yue's company in Yang City when she spoke with Zhang Que. As her car pulled away, she'd seen this man chatting with Zhang Que through the window.
Dai Dongyang stopped in front of Xu Mu with a chilling smile. "What's your name?"
"I'm not your father. I don't have to report everything to you," Xu Mu said lightly, hands in his pockets.
"You'll talk," Dai Dongyang said, then headed for the elevator.
Watching him go, Shingū Fūka said softly, "You'd best stay here today—otherwise it'll be dangerous."
Then she left with the two men behind her.
"Thanks for the warning," Xu Mu said with a smile, then followed and got into the same elevator.
Shingū Fūka looked surprised, then shook her head slightly. If he was seeking death, there was no point stopping him.
She knew Dai Dongyang well—provoke him, and he would repay the slight tenfold.