Hearing Lu Wuming's words, Liu Buli's lips twitched fiercely. He had indeed gotten a bit carried away with his excitement, forgetting that he had a jealous person beside him. It was a careless mistake.
He quickly reached out and tugged at Lu Wuming's sleeve, explaining, "He's just saying that, he's not always sticking to me. As you can see, he doesn't really like me much, does he?"
Liu Buli finished speaking and looked towards Ao Lie.
This time, Ao Lie was cooperative and nodded seriously. He said, "I truly don't like you because you seem too clever. Our dragon clan's past dealings with humans have always ended in defeat at the hands of clever individuals like you. So, I dislike you, and I can't change that anytime soon."
"There's no need to change," Liu Buli smiled. "After all, we'll likely be interacting for a long time, and it's merely a mutually beneficial relationship. You don't need to like me."
Ao Lie nodded, which was exactly what he wanted.
However, before Liu Buli could offer any further explanation to Lu Wuming, Ao Lie continued, "But you were slightly mistaken just now. When I said I would stay by your side at all times, I meant it. If I don't, I'm not sure when you might need me. If I arrive too late, my contract will fail, and that is something I absolutely cannot allow."
Ao Lie spoke with utmost seriousness.
Liu Buli was starting to get a splitting headache.
He could feel the killing intent radiating from Lu Wuming growing stronger. He pulled Lu Wuming closer while explaining to Ao Lie, "It's not that complicated. We won't suddenly be attacked. You can just stay within my sect. I'll arrange a room for you, but please don't share a courtyard with me, or my Dao companion will be unhappy and might get into a fight with you."
Lu Wuming let out a cold laugh and corrected him, "It's not 'might get into a fight,' it's 'might kill a dragon and eat its meat.'"
Liu Buli was certain that Lu Wuming was not joking at all. Because of this, his headache intensified.
Fortunately, at this point, Ao Lie finally seemed to understand.
He looked closely at Liu Buli and Lu Wuming for a moment, and a look of realization dawned in his eyes. "You two are Dao companions? Two men?"
Liu Buli quickly nodded.
Seeing Ao Lie's surprised gaze, he smiled and asked, "What, I thought discrimination was only a human thing. Do you dragons have that kind of prejudice too?"
"Not at all. It's not just dragons; all spirit beasts are quite open-minded about this. We don't care about the gender of our partners, as long as there's love." Ao Lie replied, "I'm just a bit surprised. Humans are such troublesome beings, always clinging to these matters. Why are you two so openly together? Aren't you afraid of being killed by other humans?"
The question was too direct.
Liu Buli chuckled awkwardly and replied, "If it weren't for reasons like this, why would I have made a contract with you?"
With that explanation, Ao Lie understood.
He no longer insisted on staying with Liu Buli at all times. He wrapped himself in the clothes Liu Buli had given him, covering all his scales, and then returned to the Pill Sect with Liu Buli.
Before leaving, Liu Buli remembered to inform Shen Muyan of the situation. Upon hearing that the evil dragon had been dealt with, the people of the water city rejoiced, celebrating as if it were a festival.
Liu Buli declined their invitation for a banquet and, at the fastest pace possible, led the group back to the sect.
Upon entering the courtyard, Liu Buli had Ao Lie remove his clothes so he could carefully examine all his injuries. The more he looked, the more shocking they appeared.
Fortunately, they had plenty of medicinal pills at home. He gave Ao Lie a few pills and applied the previously prepared poultices to all his wounds. Watching the injuries gradually heal, Liu Buli sighed softly. "This is all I can do. While it may not look like there are any serious wounds, I can't be sure if they've completely healed. However, my friend will be visiting the sect soon, and he's a true physician. I'll have him examine you then, and if there are any remaining issues, he'll help you recover."
Hearing Liu Buli's words, Ao Lie's brow immediately furrowed. He asked with some displeasure, "You're going to tell others I'm a dragon?"
Liu Buli shook his head and said, "Even if I don't tell them, they'll know your identity. Honestly, it was they who told me about you when I went to find you this time."
Despite his explanation, Ao Lie's expression remained grim.
Liu Buli sighed and continued, "Don't worry, they have no ill intentions towards you. Besides, since we've made a contract, even if we encounter someone with malicious intent towards you, I will protect you. After all, in a way, I am your contract master. Protecting you is only natural, isn't it?"
Ao Lie did not answer, merely pursing his lips and falling silent.
Liu Buli didn't know what Ao Lie was thinking.
However, he could tell that Ao Lie seemed to have let go of his concerns, so he didn't say anything further. He simply had Yun Xiang escort Ao Lie to a guest room located near the sect leader's courtyard.
After the two of them left, Liu Buli intended to contact Shen Muzhi and the others. But before he could even retrieve the communication artifact, Lu Wuming suddenly pulled him into his embrace.
Liu Buli looked up to see Lu Wuming staring at him with a cold expression.
Their eyes met, and Liu Buli immediately offered a placating smile. "Wuming, I wasn't too intimate with him. Besides, you heard him; he doesn't like me at all, he even dislikes me a bit. The contract was just for convenience, with no other intentions. Given that, why are you still unhappy?"
"I'm just unhappy that Master keeps bringing people home," Lu Wuming pouted. "Master, why is it so difficult for me to just have some quiet time with you?"
He sounded incredibly wronged.
Liu Buli felt a pang of sympathy upon hearing this.
Liu Buli thought for a moment, then turned and hugged Lu Wuming. "Wuming, do you remember that Master promised you a reward? How about this: until Shen Muzhi and the others arrive, you can enjoy your reward. Can you stop being upset with me now?"