You Sigi's question was completely redundant.
Liu Buli's answer remained the same as it was initially: of course, he would absolutely go and see such an important matter.
However, Ao Lie's injuries had not fully recovered, so he definitely could not accompany them. Yun Xiang was worried about his condition and had no intention of going along either.
Furthermore, crossing worlds was a rather secretive matter. According to the thoughts of several people, the fewer people who knew, the better. Therefore, after a brief discussion, they reached a conclusion:
Liu Buli would only take Lu Wuming with him. As for Shen Muzhi's side, it would naturally be just him and You Sigi.
None of them were willing to bring their disciples, which was quite convenient for them.
You Sigi actually remembered the key plot developments of that book quite clearly. Coupled with Liu Buli's help in recalling details, they found the place where the secret realm was supposed to appear without much difficulty.
Looking at the sky, which showed no fluctuations, and then glancing at the waist-high grass around them, Shen Muzhi, despite wanting to believe You Sigi and the others' judgment, could not help but ask them, "Are you sure a secret realm will appear here? Usually, when random secret realms are born, there are very strong spiritual energy fluctuations in the surrounding air. But look at this place, let alone spiritual energy fluctuations, there isn't even anything that could produce spiritual energy?"
What he said was absolutely true.
Because from the path they had taken, the surroundings were completely desolate. Not to mention people, even wild beasts were rarely seen.
In a world where most people cultivated, a place with neither people nor beasts could only mean that the area was cursed, with such scarce spiritual energy that it couldn't support the cultivation of humans and demonic beasts, thus becoming a barren wasteland over time.
This was a simple truth understood by all cultivators. Shen Muzhi, being a somewhat renowned figure in the cultivation world, understood this matter even more clearly.
Yet, under such circumstances, You Sigi and Liu Buli expected him to believe that the next secret realm would open in such a place.
It felt like being asked to believe that the sun would rise from the west tomorrow; no matter how you looked at it, it was extremely strange and bizarre.
However, upon hearing his question, not only You Sigi, whose cultivation was not very high, but also Liu Buli nodded solemnly and replied, "Physician Shen, I know you must find this situation incredible, but you have to believe that your wife writes in such an incredible way. So, we just need to wait here. According to the novel's timeline, it should be almost time for the secret realm to open."
When two people gave such an answer simultaneously, it could only mean that this fantastical answer was reality.
Shen Muzhi tried his best to suppress his rationality and not dwell on the deeply ingrained common sense. He pursed his lips and changed the subject, asking, "Can you explain to me why the secret realm would appear in such a place? Or at least tell me what you were thinking when you wrote these parts?"
He directed the last question to You Sigi.
But after asking, he realized that You Sigi's expression had suddenly become very strange. And when faced with his question, the other party stammered, clearly unwilling to answer.
Based on their long period of interaction, seeing this reaction, Shen Muzhi immediately guessed the problem.
He then looked back at Liu Buli, who naturally gave him the answer he had in mind: "Because in the novel, the protagonist saved his confidante. It was in this very spot that she was hiding from pursuers. And because the protagonist's strength was not yet sufficient at this time, the author set up this secret realm so that he could better protect his confidante. After entering, the protagonist obtained a magic treasure and divine skills, and upon emerging, he killed all the rebels who were pursuing his confidante. Great writer You, I think this explanation is quite reasonable, right?"
At this point, everyone's attention was focused on You Sigi.
You Sigi nodded awkwardly, coughed lightly, and replied somewhat uncomfortably, "Isn't it to make it seem like the Heavenly Dao itself was helping the protagonist? After all, this is a novel with a male protagonist. If the male protagonist isn't made stronger, how can the satisfying moments be highlighted?"
He said this, but his voice and tone sounded unusually guilty.
Shen Muzhi frowned, his head aching. He sighed and asked, "The only thing I don't understand is, from the few times I've casually heard you mention it, it seems like the women around the protagonist are always being chased, and the protagonist is always being chased along with them to protect them. Am I misunderstanding something?"
"No, from this perspective, you understand it perfectly," Liu Buli patted Shen Muzhi's shoulder, his eyes filled with sympathy as he replied, "After all, I told you from the beginning that if you want to walk the path of the protagonist in the story, it will be exceptionally difficult and arduous. But this was all written by your wife. What did you say last time? Life has challenges to make it interesting. In that case, Physician Shen, seize the opportunity and enjoy it."
Shen Muzhi: ...
Taking a few deep breaths, he looked back at the pitiful You Sigi beside him, who looked like a child who had done something wrong.
All his anger ultimately turned into helplessness. Shen Muzhi sighed and said, "That's right, it's all just life experiences. Since I said before that I didn't mind, I still don't mind now. However, if we encounter any danger, I hope you can notify me in advance. I don't need to be unharmed; as long as my injuries are not too severe, I will be satisfied."
Shen Muzhi's humility made Liu Buli laugh unreservedly. Then, seeing You Sigi comforting Shen Muzhi, Liu Buli also pulled Lu Wuming, who had always remained silent during their serious discussions, to the side.
Patting his shoulder, Liu Buli instructed, "According to the novel's plot, we'll likely encounter another female protagonist this time. However, I'm very interested in this woman, so pay a little attention."
Upon hearing this, Lu Wuming's eyes widened, "Master, are you feeling better again? Didn't you tell me this morning that your back was hurting terribly? If that's the case, why are you interested in women? I..."
"I'm not interested in that kind of interest, calm down a bit," Liu Buli waved his hand, interrupting Lu Wuming, and said, "I just want to see what her situation is, that's all. As for her as a person, I promise I have no interest, and I will absolutely not bring her back like I did with Yun Xiang. As for the reason for my interest, it's actually because of you. Because in a way, she is of the same type as you. She also has the blood of the Ghost Clan within her. Aren't you curious at all?"