For someone to admit so frankly and earnestly that they had feelings for a girl was something Feng Jiu’er found completely disarming.

“But I don’t want to pursue matters of the heart right now. I’m sorry,” she said coldly.

“That’s fine. We should focus on larger matters for now, though matters of the heart can also be balanced alongside other concerns. I will protect you,” Mu Mu replied calmly.

He said no more, closing his eyes to enjoy the brief moment of peace.

Feng Jiu’er had originally wanted to try dissuading him, but he seemed to have completely lost the urge to speak. She exhaled, feeling somewhat helpless.

Finally, when she finished the massage on his second leg, she said flatly: “You’re a good person, but you’re not right for me. We can only be friends. As for that family heirloom…”

“The day you return it to me is the day I fall in battle,” Mu Mu said, suddenly jumping to his feet.

He had been in pain while being massaged, but now he seemed invigorated and energized.

Feng Jiu’er was still processing his words when he was already bouncing about enthusiastically. Seeing his rare good mood, though she looked bewildered, she couldn’t find words to say.

Always talking about dying in battle—did all these ancient men, once they joined the military, only think about dying on the battlefield for their country?

“You act like you’re always prepared to sacrifice yourself for your nation,” Feng Jiu’er said, standing as well with a huff. “If that’s the case, why speak of matters of the heart? Aren’t you afraid of delaying some poor girl?”

If he was going to sacrifice himself for his country, what would happen to the girls waiting for him? Wouldn’t they be forced into widowhood? It would be better not to entangle them in the first place.

“Rest assured—if a girl is waiting for me, I would never speak lightly of death,” he said.

His sudden closeness left Feng Jiu’er flustered.

Seeing her instinctively retreat, something flickered across Mu Mu’s eyes: “Are you afraid of me?”

“After saying all that, how could I not be?” Jiu’er glanced at him. “Mu Mu, I really don’t—”

“Don’t be afraid. I will never hurt you,” Mu Mu said, suddenly stepping forward and, before Jiu’er could fully react, sweeping her up into his arms.

“You attended to me just now. Now it’s my turn to let you rest. I’m fine now.”

“Mu Mu, put me down!” Jiu’er immediately struggled.

But Mu Mu held firm: “Save your strength. I don’t know when I might collapse.”

“Collapse? Is something wrong with you?” Her instinct as a healer kicked in.

Mu Mu’s eyes flickered with barely concealed delight: “Not at the moment, but if you keep struggling, my arms might start hurting.”

Feng Jiu’er suddenly remembered—his arms were injured! She immediately froze, not daring to move.

But her mouth never stopped: “You knew your arms were injured and still insisted on carrying me? Put me down right now!”

“You’re so light, Jiu’er—carrying you for a stretch is no trouble,” he said.

“When did you learn to be so glib?” Strangely, his smooth talk wasn’t off-putting.

Still, she frowned: “Put me down immediately!”

Not only did Mu Mu not set her down, he actually quickened his pace: “It’s getting late—we need to catch up. Jiu’er, hold on tight!”

Suddenly, with a light tap of his feet, he leaped up into the trees, traveling swiftly through the canopy.

Such incredible lightness martial arts! Feng Jiu’er was nearly dumbfounded! Most of all, she felt envious!

If she could learn lightness martial arts too, to traverse the treetops like that, how wonderful it would be!

This Mu Mu was truly someone who kept his abilities hidden!

But still… “No, wait—the poison in your body was only just cleared less than a day ago. You can’t exert true energy now!”

“If I don’t, we might truly not catch up,” Mu Mu replied without concern. “Hold tight!”