Perhaps it was because he had come to understand the other person, or because their temperaments had been tempered by so much time spent together. Or perhaps it was because Lu Wuming had behaved exceptionally well, not only honestly refraining from sneaking into the room but also preparing meals and desserts with utmost care.
As a result, in just two days, Liu Buli’s initial anger had mostly subsided.
The soreness in his body had also largely healed. After all, he possessed no shortage of elixirs and medicinal pills, and he himself was the Sect Master of the Pill Sect. While he might not have been skilled in healing others, he certainly knew how to make his own body feel comfortable and relaxed.
As he walked out of his room, the situation outside was not quite what he had imagined.
He had expected Lu Wuming to be sitting in meditation and cultivating in the courtyard as usual. To his surprise, when he emerged, not only was Lu Wuming nowhere to be seen, but even after releasing his spiritual energy to probe, he couldn't detect Lu Wuming's presence anywhere nearby.
Where had this boy run off to all by himself?
It had to be said that Lu Wuming held a significant place in his heart. For instance, at this very moment, upon realizing the other person wasn't around, Liu Buli's first thought was whether his foolish disciple had been bullied by someone.
Fortunately, his reason remained intact. This thought only flashed for a moment before Liu Buli dismissed it completely.
With Lu Wuming's current strength, if he were to be besieged by all the top experts in the entire cultivation world combined, then perhaps there might be some trouble. However, if such a large disturbance were to occur, it was impossible for him to be unaware of it while in his room.
As for a minor disturbance, such as one or two people coming to bully him, Lu Wuming would absolutely not be at a disadvantage. This was a matter of course. Even if he had no confidence in Lu Wuming's intelligence, he was ultimately very satisfied with his strength.
With this thought, Liu Buli’s mind calmed somewhat, and as he surveyed his surroundings again, he finally discovered some clues.
As if concerned that Liu Buli might not be able to find him when his anger had subsided and his mood had improved, Lu Wuming had long since used his water-attribute spiritual energy to leave a line of text on the stone table in the courtyard—
Wuming has gone to the Brocade Pavilion. If Master is hungry, call me, and I will return swiftly.
Upon seeing this line of text, Liu Buli could almost imagine his big, loyal dog wagging its tail happily in front of him.
But what did he mean by "If I'm hungry, call me, and I will return"?
The way he said it made it sound as if he were a glutton.
Although, from a certain perspective, there wasn't anything wrong with that. However, Liu Buli would never admit to such a thing that lowered his status.
His thoughts churned, and the smile at the corner of his lips couldn't help but deepen. Finally, his gaze fell on the words "Brocade Pavilion," and Liu Buli raised an eyebrow.
The uniform attire for disciples of the sect was a long-standing rule in the Pill Sect. It represented everyone's identity and also indicated differences in rank.
For example, the distinction between ordinary disciples and the sect leader's disciples, or the difference between elders and hall masters. Within the sect, few people could remember everyone's appearance. The simplest way to discern everyone's rank was to observe their clothing.
The Brocade Pavilion was where the Pill Sect produced the sect's clothing.
Not only the ones distributed upon entry, but also if one's clothes were damaged in battle, or if there were any tears that they couldn't repair themselves, they could come here to get a new set, or ask the supervising elder to help mend it.
The Pill Sect recruited disciples once every five years. In a cultivation world where a single period of seclusion could last for hundreds of years, this was not a long time. However, ordinarily, the number of times people needed to visit the Brocade Pavilion was very small. Even the elder in charge of the place didn't stay there often.
Instead, it was Lu Wuming, who had recently become fond of making clothes for Liu Buli's puppet, who had become a regular there, visiting from time to time to make new clothes for his little Liu Buli. Even though the small wardrobe he had prepared was already packed to the brim, Lu Wuming was still tirelessly engrossed, treating it as his unique hobby.
In the beginning, when Liu Buli saw him behaving this way, he had indeed wondered if his disciple harbored a pink, girlish heart.
However, it wasn't long before he realized his mistake.
Lu Wuming didn't have a girlish heart.
He only had his Master in his heart.
The reason he enjoyed dressing up the puppet was simply because that puppet resembled Liu Buli. After all, whether it was the first puppet sent by Li Qingcheng or the Lu Wuming made by Liu Buli himself, both puppets consistently wore their initial outfits. Not only that, but even if they were covered in dust, Lu Wuming showed no intention of helping to wipe them clean.
Liu Buli had actually inquired about his excessive double standards.
Lu Wuming's answer was as simple and straightforward as ever—
They are not Master's likeness, so they are insignificant existences. Since they are insignificant, what problem is there if they are dusty or ugly?
When he first heard such an answer, Liu Buli would still try to lecture him a bit. But by now, he had long since learned to give up. He had even learned to console himself, constantly telling himself that it was not bad for Lu Wuming to remain in this state.
After all, as long as he was happy.
Other matters were not that important.
Now, seeing Lu Wuming heading to the Brocade Pavilion again, he must have gone to make clothes for the doll.
Although Liu Buli himself didn't have much interest, he hadn't seen his little disciple's face for two days and felt a certain longing. So, after hesitating for only a second, Liu Buli directly strode towards the Brocade Pavilion.
He hadn't informed Lu Wuming beforehand.
Because, just as the other person often did, he wanted to give him a surprise.
Life, after all, was more interesting this way.
On the way, Liu Buli had completely forgotten that he had promised Lu Wuming another reward. So, when he pushed open the door of the Brocade Pavilion and saw Lu Wuming holding up a bright red wedding dress with both hands, observing its overall appearance, Liu Buli froze in place.
His tongue felt sluggish, and he couldn't even utter a complete sentence. After a long pause, Liu Buli asked in a low voice, "Wuming, what is this? This isn't the size for a puppet, is it? Could it be..."
"Master? Why are you here?" Lu Wuming, still immersed in his own world, didn't immediately notice Liu Buli's arrival. When he saw the other person standing at the doorway, he instinctively tried to hide the skirt in his hands.
But halfway through his movement, realizing that the other person had already seen it clearly, Lu Wuming finally stopped his attempt to conceal it. Blushing slightly, he said, "This isn't for a puppet, of course. It's made according to Master's measurements. But it's not finished yet. Master will have to wait another two days. It won't take too long. Once it's completely done, I'll show it to you. I promise you'll be satisfied!"