He was met with an answer that left Liu Buli somewhat at a loss for words, unsure whether to laugh or cry.
He really wanted to tell Lu Wuming that if his mouth really hurt that much, he should just bear with it. But seeing the pitiful and wronged expression on the other's face, such malicious words simply couldn't be uttered.
With a soft sigh, Liu Buli grabbed Lu Wuming's collar, forcing the younger man to lower his head towards him.
When they were close enough, he leaned in and kissed Lu Wuming's lips. It was merely a fleeting touch, a mere brush of lips before they parted.
Then, Liu Buli pouted, muttering under his breath, "I don't know how you grew so tall. Your height just keeps increasing. You're past the age for growth spurts, aren't you? If you keep growing taller, I'll have trouble kissing you."
To be honest, Liu Buli himself wasn't short. He had a slender, tall build that gave him a somewhat refined air.
But Lu Wuming, on the other hand, was much more solidly built, and his height had been increasing year after year. While it hadn't reached an unbearable level, the fact that he had to stand on tiptoe to kiss him was something Liu Buli found difficult to accept.
Unfortunately, their "big dog" couldn't understand his predicament. Not only did he not understand, but he happily nuzzled against him twice, then chuckled and said, "Isn't this just how you like it, Master? Wuming grew to be just how Master likes it. If Master didn't like it, I wouldn't be like this."
He said it with utter conviction.
The unseen tail behind him wagged with extreme joy. Liu Buli no longer knew whether to be angry or amused. He could only push Lu Wuming away, creating a little more distance between them, and clearing his throat, he said, "Alright, if your mouth doesn't hurt anymore, then behave yourself. This secret realm isn't as safe as you think, so pay attention to your surroundings. We need to find a way out quickly."
Having been with Liu Buli for so many years, Lu Wuming knew his master's temper very well.
So when Liu Buli said this, Lu Wuming obediently chose to comply.
He shifted his attention back to the surrounding environment and took a look around.
It was fitting for the environment of Fengdu Ghost City. Even within the secret realm, as they looked around, they saw mostly a thick, dark mist.
The mist was so dense that it was difficult to see anything further through it.
Lu Wuming disliked this deathly quiet environment.
But he hadn't forgotten what Liu Buli had told him many times—
The ghost race loved and excelled in this kind of environment.
His inner frustration grew. Lu Wuming hesitated and asked, "Master, when we entered the secret realm, we didn't see any ghost race following us. Are you sure they're in here too? How did they get in? They were able to completely evade our notice. That's quite something."
"It has nothing to do with their ability. It's because we didn't enter through the same door from the beginning," Liu Buli shook his head and said, "According to the content in the novel, the ghost race's world also had a similar iron gate. They entered the secret realm through that gate, and after coming in, they appeared in the same location as us."
With this explanation, Lu Wuming suddenly understood. But the next second, he frowned, "Then this secret realm is really outrageous. It connects two worlds, yet the content inside is more favorable to the ghost race. What kind of secret realm is this? It can clearly be called the ghost race's banquet hall!"
Lu Wuming's words were too blunt.
Liu Buli was directly amused by his statement.
He nodded seriously and said, "In a sense, your statement is indeed correct. But don't we have you here? An environment that is beneficial to the ghost race is also beneficial to you. And in this environment, I believe you won't lose to them. Don't you believe in yourself?"
Of course not.
A man could never say he couldn't!
Lu Wuming shook his head vigorously and said, "Master, don't worry. No matter what the environment is, if they can't beat me, they can't beat me. At least when it comes to dealing with those monsters, I can guarantee you that I won't lose."
He said it with great confidence.
Liu Buli was equally satisfied.
Just as the two were about to choose a direction and head out, a slightly hoarse voice came from the side, saying, "Young Master, if you say that, you truly disappoint us. We never intended to harm you in any way. From beginning to end, we only wanted to take you back to where you belong. Yet you believed the slander of humans and even harmed your own brother. No wonder His Majesty has been so distressed lately. Young Master, you should see the error of your ways!"
The voice seemed to be right beside them, yet also from all directions. Compared to the ghost race they had encountered before, this one's pronunciation and speech were much clearer.
Moreover, the way this ghost spoke sounded more intelligent, as if it had evolved more completely than its peers, indicating a higher tier.
Liu Buli narrowed his eyes and immediately pulled Lu Wuming, signaling him not to respond rashly.
He surveyed the surrounding mist again, finally chose a direction at random, and Liu Buli asked, "You keep saying you want to take him back to where he belongs, but why have you never looked for him all these years? Now that he's stronger and more capable than before, you suddenly come looking for him. Can you make me believe this isn't because you have a use for him now, and you want to harm him?"
Based on his previous interactions with other ghost race members, when he asked a question like this, they would usually spill all the beans.
Liu Buli had expected the same this time.
But he hadn't expected that evolved ghost race members would be different. This one didn't hesitate much. Without much thought, it directly responded, "Human, this has nothing to do with you. No matter what you think, or whether you believe it, this is our ghost race's own affair, and it is none of your concern."
After its words, and a brief pause, it continued, "Furthermore, I have also heard rumors about you. It is said that it is precisely because of your detestable existence that the Young Master has become so ignorant and foolish. Since that is the case, you are an enemy to all of us ghost race. You are lucky to have run into me here. So, you might as well die here obediently and stop causing trouble for others."