There was no need for much explanation, or rather, no opportunity was given for any explanation. The moment the words fell, Liu Buli clearly felt a surge of overwhelming malevolent energy rushing directly towards their location.
He had intended to ignite a fierce fire around them for defense, but before he could act, golden-red lotuses suddenly bloomed from the surrounding land.
The lotuses radiated a dazzling light, instantly illuminating the darkness. As the lotus vines spread, they formed a vast net around them, and the light extended even further, illuminating the surroundings.
Besides Liu Buli, only Shen Muzhi could achieve this in their vicinity. Since it wasn't Liu Buli who had acted, it was self-evident who was responsible.
Realizing this, Liu Buli looked back at the kitten in You Siqi's arms. The kitten appeared unchanged from the beginning, no different at all. However, upon receiving his gaze, it waved its paw at him and said, "I can't help you resist those monsters, but I can at least illuminate the surroundings for you."
Looking at the kitten, Liu Buli felt a pang of reluctance. He felt as if he were bullying an animal and couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth. He smiled and said, "We can handle illuminating the surroundings ourselves. Your situation was unexpected, and I wouldn't mind if you stayed a little closer."
"But I would mind. I'm already embarrassed that you're protecting Siqi. If I don't do anything at all, I'll feel like I'm in the wrong," Shen Muzhi replied. "So, you should focus on those monsters. I can sense their aura, and they're not easy to deal with."
Since he said so, Liu Buli naturally didn't refuse any further. Besides, the lotuses already covered the ground, and it would require spiritual energy to retract them, so it was better to let them burn.
As he thought this, the wailing sounds grew louder. Simultaneously, several dark figures suddenly appeared in the firelight, rapidly approaching them.
Lu Wuming reacted the fastest. Before the dark figures could get close, he raised his hand in a claw-like motion, blocking their advance.
Liu Buli naturally wouldn't be outdone. He had already gripped his long sword tightly. He primarily used fire-attribute spells, and now, combined with the lotuses on the ground, the effect was much stronger than when he cast them alone.
Perhaps accustomed to being protected, You Siqi, even if unable to offer any assistance, would absolutely not cause any trouble. During their fight, You Siqi could always find a position that wouldn't interfere with them and wouldn't be attacked by the monsters. If they changed direction, You Siqi would follow and change his position without needing to be told. This exceptionally obedient behavior saved Liu Buli and the others a lot of trouble.
Just as the information they had gathered before arriving indicated, in the area near the ghost city's walls, the monsters' strength wasn't that great.
Even though their numbers seemed considerable, it wasn't difficult for the two of them to handle them calmly and eliminate them.
By the time the first few waves of monsters were cleared, their corpses had piled up into small mountains before them. Perhaps sensing their strength, the remaining monsters hesitated to advance. They surrounded the area illuminated by the lotuses, their bodies hunched in an attacking posture, yet none dared to attack.
It seemed like a phased victory, a decent opening.
Thinking this, Liu Buli patted Lu Wuming's shoulder, signaling him to go and absorb the resentment and evil energy from the monsters.
This was also one of their objectives for coming here.
Knowing this clearly, Lu Wuming naturally didn't refuse. He obediently released his ghostly energy, and soon after, he sat cross-legged on the ground, closed his eyes, and entered a state of absorption and digestion.
Liu Buli stood by his side with his sword, quietly watching the surrounding monsters. Although his perception wasn't as strong as Lu Wuming's, his offensive power was not much inferior.
This was a conclusion drawn from the lives of the previous monsters. The monsters that were still alive naturally understood this. Therefore, they all stared at Liu Buli, and even though they knew he was the only one left to fight, none dared to launch a rash attack.
Sensing this, Liu Buli breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced back at You Siqi on the other side and asked, "Great writer, help me think of another question. My immortal master told me that the materials needed for soul separation could be found in the dead lands outside the ghost city. But look at the current situation. Not to mention medicinal herbs, it's hard to even find a stone around here. Could it be that time has passed, and this place is completely different from the dead lands my master knew?"
As he posed the question, Liu Buli was somewhat worried. He truly feared that You Siqi would give him an affirmative answer. If that were the case, the method Qiyu had given him would be meaningless. He would have to find a new way to resolve the soul issue within him, and he wasn't even sure if he could find that method.
His expression remained calm and composed, but only he knew that as he waited for a response, his heart rate had accelerated uncontrollably.
Fortunately, after a moment of silence, You Siqi's response was a shake of his head. He said, "According to my writing habits, if we continue forward, the world ahead will definitely be different from this one. Although it's not like we'll see light ahead, at least the land won't be as barren as it is now. The materials you're looking for should be found if you continue forward."
Hearing this response, Liu Buli finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, he became somewhat conflicted again. He said, "But if we continue forward, the monsters we encounter will become stronger. I'm not sure how much further we can go with our current strength."
"You won't be able to go too far, don't worry," You Siqi said with a smile. "At least you won't reach the deepest part, I can guarantee you that."