The atmosphere here was completely different from the somewhat romantic mood between Shen Muzhi and his companions. Liu Buli, in fact, had already guessed the truth to some extent even before You Siqi’s reminder.
However, even with his suspicions, Liu Buli couldn't help but feel a complex mix of emotions when the reality he least wanted to accept became undeniable.
Back in that secret realm, You Siqi had told him that according to his own design, the Killing God Xi Chi’s treasure had been taken by a ghost.
At the time, he had been worried that if the ghost had taken Xi Chi’s divine power and cultivation techniques, then facing such a formidable Killing God would leave them, ordinary cultivators, with little chance of victory.
But now, seeing the sword, Liu Buli was unsure whether to feel relieved or saddened.
The ghost clearly hadn't gained the advantage of Xi Chi’s cultivation techniques.
Yet, the sword clearly bore the divine power of the Killing God.
If the sword itself was the one attacking, it could shatter their puppets in an instant and inflict such severe damage on the controller of the puppets. In that light, it wasn't entirely incomprehensible.
Of course, the most pressing issue now was whether his and Lu Wuming’s current strength was truly enough to deal with this sword.
Unlike their thoughts, the ghost wielding the sword clearly intended to kill them outright.
Before Liu Buli could finish his thoughts, the ghost charged towards them, brandishing the long sword in his hand.
While his own strength was considerable, at best it was a match for Lu Wuming. With Liu Buli assisting, a two-on-one situation would have been a guaranteed victory.
But the problem was that the sword in the ghost’s hand was far too unfair. Lu Wuming, though not thinking as deeply as Liu Buli, instinctively sensed something was wrong. As the ghost approached, he instinctively pushed Liu Buli aside, transforming his fingers into ghost claws and lunging directly at the ghost.
Liu Buli didn't rush to help but retreated to the side, observing the battle.
Perhaps because the sword was so overbearing, not only they were wary of it, but even the other ghosts who had pursued them from the ghost city to the dead land showed tension and hesitation in their eyes when they saw the sword.
They also dared not approach, which conveniently allowed Liu Buli to stay clear.
He could stay away from the battlefield and calmly assess the situation.
If Lu Wuming could hold his ground even a little, he could try to find the opponent's weakness and launch a counterattack at the critical moment.
Liu Buli was prepared for this. He thought Lu Wuming should be able to handle it.
After all, they had faced so many dangers together. Although this one seemed more terrifying, it shouldn't be insurmountable.
He tried to comfort himself this way, but in the next moment, reality delivered a harsh blow.
Lu Wuming’s ghost claws met the long sword, and before he could even parry, his arm was cleanly severed.
Stumbling back a step, Lu Wuming looked down at his arm. The severed end still carried the stench of burning flesh, as if the sword’s inherent aura had scorched his skin during the strike.
Realizing this, Lu Wuming’s expression turned grim.
He retreated several steps, creating distance between himself and the ghost. He stared intently at the ghost, who was also staring back.
Seeing that his arm showed no signs of recovery, the ghost burst into laughter. He sneered, "Hey, the King said you were his son, someone special. But why do I feel like you're no different from any other trash? You can be cut down with a single sword, and after being shattered, there's no possibility of recovery. What's so special about you? It's laughable that they think so highly of you."
As the ghost spoke, his gaze towards Lu Wuming was filled with disdain. Lu Wuming gritted his teeth, staring into the ghost's eyes, but unable to utter any retort.
Because the man was right. At least when facing that sword, Lu Wuming couldn't imagine having any chance of victory. His strongest ghost claws couldn't even block the sword once. It was fortunate he had given it his all; otherwise, he might now be…
No, he would not die.
He couldn't die.
Because his master was still by his side, and if he fell, his master would have no one to protect her.
Having quickly reached a conclusion in his mind, Lu Wuming began to seriously consider his options.
The ghost seemed to sense his thoughts, raising his chin with a feigned benevolent expression. "The King ordered that you be captured alive. You must have felt it just now; we are not on the same level. So, I advise you to be obedient and sensible, and I can make your life easier. You understand what I mean. Wounds inflicted by this sword do not heal; this has been confirmed through numerous tests. You are the same. If you don't want to be dismembered, then obediently come back with me. As for the human next to you…"
The ghost narrowed his eyes, licking his lips, his gaze filled with obvious greed and obsession.
Recalling the words of other ghosts about Liu Buli being a rare delicacy, Lu Wuming hesitated no longer. He turned, grabbed Liu Buli’s arm, and fled with him directly into the depths of the dead land.
Seeing their actions, the ghost immediately raised his sword to pursue. But before he could, someone beside him spoke, restraining him. "Didn't the King tell us not to stray too far from the ghost city? If we stay within the city, they will surely return. So…"
"I know!" the ghost with the sword retorted coldly, his expression extremely displeased. Gritting his teeth, he said word by word, "It's just a dead land; it's nothing in front of this sword. I can wait here for a while, but if they escape and dare not return, I will pursue them. Whether it's that damned young master or that delicious human, they are my prey, and I will succeed!"