Shen Muzhi and the others stayed at the Pill Sect for much longer than Liu Buli had originally anticipated. It wasn't that he didn't want to return, but rather that Ao Lie's injuries were indeed severe.
It took nearly a month before he finally recovered some spiritual energy. The scales on his face could barely be concealed, and if his emotions fluctuated significantly, everything would revert to its original state.
"In short, he's much stronger than before," Liu Buli said, a look of satisfied joy on his face as he listened to Shen Muzhi's explanation. "If the wounds are no longer a problem, then as long as he meditates and cultivates, and his spiritual energy reserves increase, the unhealed areas will gradually recover, right?"
Shen Muzhi nodded. "If we look at it optimistically, that's indeed the case. But he needs to rest well during this period and avoid going out unless it's absolutely necessary. If it were me, I'd suggest he go into seclusion for a period of cultivation. It doesn't need to be too long, a few months at most, which should be enough for him to gain complete control over himself."
Upon hearing this answer, Liu Buli was quite relieved, and Yun Xiang even laughed outright, happily saying to Ao Lie, "Ao Lie, you'll be back to normal soon. Then, as we discussed, you can travel around with me!"
Ao Lie was equally excited.
A smile appeared on his face, which usually showed little expression. He nodded and promised, "I will cultivate diligently and be able to control myself as soon as possible."
The two looked at each other, their eyes reflecting the same joy.
However, Liu Buli, hearing this, became somewhat puzzled. He raised his hand, interrupting their exchange, and said, "Wait a moment, you two. I don't mean to spoil your good mood, but I just want to ask, are you planning to travel around without even telling me? I am, after all, Yun Xiang's master, and also Ao Lie's contracted master. You really don't take me seriously, do you?"
Hearing this, the simple Yun Xiang immediately felt she had done something wrong. She quickly apologized and said, "Master, of course, we planned to inform you in advance. But because Ao Lie's condition didn't improve for a long time, we didn't know when this plan could be realized, so we never directly told you. If it could be confirmed, I would definitely seek your opinion immediately. As long as you disagree, I will absolutely not take a single step out of the sect!"
The young girl spoke with absolute certainty, her words firm and resonant, showing her sincerity.
Liu Buli was certain that if he were to say no at that moment, Yun Xiang would immediately abandon her agreement with Ao Lie.
However, he was not an unreasonable person. One of them had lived alone at the bottom of a cliff for a hundred years, and the other had hidden in the river, licking his wounds for a hundred years.
The two were incredibly similar and equally pitiful. They had never truly seen the world, and now that they had the opportunity, it was indeed not a bad thing for them to go and see it.
Thinking this, before Liu Buli could speak, Ao Lie frowned. He pulled Yun Xiang behind him and said, "This idea was mine. If you have any dissatisfaction, you can direct it at me. I am indeed your contracted divine beast, so leaving you is my fault. But Yun Xiang is only your disciple. If she wants to travel around, it is her own freedom. You cannot keep her confined by your side."
Hearing this, Liu Buli's eyebrows immediately shot up.
Yun Xiang, however, shook her head with some displeasure, tugging at Ao Lie's sleeve. She said, "Ao Lie, don't be like this. Master is a good person. If he doesn't let me leave, he must have his own arrangements. Master's arrangements are always right, and following them will benefit us."
Looking at Yun Xiang's earnest face, Liu Buli fell silent once more.
Although he was very happy that she trusted him so much, he also earnestly reflected on himself—
Was there really something wrong with him?
Otherwise, why did his closest disciples seem to have such poor judgment?
Lu Wuming was one, and Yun Xiang was another. These two siblings were foolish in a way that complemented each other perfectly, truly indistinguishable.
Seeing that the conversation was about to veer off in a strange direction, Liu Buli finally pressed his temples and ended this meaningless argument. He said, "Yun Xiang, don't be so nervous. Master is just asking a simple question, with no other intentions. If you two are willing to go and see the world together, I naturally agree. After all, your cultivation levels are not low. Even if you travel together as a pair, you shouldn't be bullied by others."
Yun Xiang blinked as she listened to his words.
Seemingly surprised that Liu Buli would let them go so easily, she called out in astonishment, "Master..."
Waving his hand, Liu Buli interrupted her and continued to explain to the two, "However, regarding your racial differences, I don't need to say it. You should be well aware of it yourselves. So, you can go out, but when you are outside, no matter what situation you encounter, you must behave like ordinary humans. You cannot let anyone discover your different races, otherwise, if something happens, I fear I won't be able to save you in time."
Liu Buli spoke very seriously.
Both of them could feel that the concern in his words was genuine. Even Ao Lie, who had rarely smiled at Liu Buli, showed a look of shock at this moment.
"Finally, when you leave, you must inform me in advance," Liu Buli said. "When you go, I will give you communication artifacts. If I have something, I will call you back. Or if you encounter any problems, remember to notify me immediately. You can also tell me about any interesting things you encounter, as I'd like to see them too."
By the end, Liu Buli was smiling.
The two of them listened to his words and immediately nodded, returning his smile.
Just then, You Siqi, who was standing nearby, raised his hand. Looking at everyone with some hesitation, he said, "Um... I feel like the current atmosphere isn't suitable for interruption, but I still want to remind you. Liu Buli, according to the time, the secret realm I mentioned earlier is about to open, the one where I might find a way back. Shen Muzhi and I will definitely go, but do you still plan to come with us?"