The method for returning to the modern era was revealed to You Siqi by the Heavenly Dao.
To everyone's surprise, yet in a way that seemed logical, all the necessary components for their return were found within the Ghost Realm.
Besides the spirit stone they had initially discovered, they also needed a mechanism to house it.
This mechanism was tucked away in a corner of the ghost city. Since no one knew its purpose, it had been left to gather dust, with no one ever bothering to thoroughly examine it.
Upon hearing from the Heavenly Dao that it was the item they sought, You Siqi and Shen Muzhi brought the mechanism back to Lu Wuming and the others' palace.
Liu Buli had also visited a few times before.
What was called a mechanism was, in essence, just a stone platform.
Without the Heavenly Dao's guidance, an ordinary person might never have figured out its function in their lifetime.
Now, accompanying You Siqi and the others, Liu Buli watched as Shen Muzhi fitted the spirit stone they had obtained into the recess at the top of the platform.
To prevent any unintended consequences, Liu Buli took a step back, distancing himself from the platform. He then looked at Shen Muzhi and the others, and then at the unchanged stone platform. Liu Buli couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure you have the right item? For a time-space transporter, isn't this thing a bit too simplistic?"
"Normally, it wouldn't be this simple. And this platform wasn't originally used for this purpose. However, I had a prior arrangement with the Heavenly Dao. This is his filial gesture to his father, so he helped me create a tool for transportation. It can guarantee my safe passage back and forth. He also gave me a chant, which I've written down for you. Take it. If you ever want to visit, just try it. It's guaranteed to work."
As You Siqi explained, he fumbled in his pocket and handed a slip of paper to Liu Buli.
Glancing at the contents, Liu Buli couldn't help but chuckle.
He had to admit, You Siqi had thought of everything.
The slip of paper not only contained the incantation for their穿越 (chuānyuè - to travel through), but also a separate chant for inter-spatial communication.
"I know that even if you don't say it, you actually like us very much," You Siqi said with a smile, patting Liu Buli on the shoulder. "So, I'm giving you a way to contact us even after we leave. If you're willing, I wouldn't mind having a long chat with you."
Hearing You Siqi's words, Liu Buli couldn't help but laugh.
To be honest, if You Siqi were willing, he wouldn't mind having a cross-temporal conversation with him after they left.
The problem was, Liu Buli was acutely aware that while the two of them might not mind such a conversation, Lu Wuming, that jealous soul, would absolutely mind it immensely.
Therefore, after this parting, the opportunities for contact would likely be very limited.
However, saying such a thing would be rather disheartening.
After a moment of silence, Liu Buli finally smiled at You Siqi and said, "I'll keep this. After you've been back for a while, I'll contact you to see how you're doing over there."
You Siqi had been waiting for these words, so he nodded in satisfaction. He then didn't forget to remind him again, saying, "Because our world doesn't have a Heavenly Dao to help us like this one does, it won't be easy for us to contact you. It has to be initiated from your side, so don't disappoint me. If this is truly goodbye and we never hear from each other again, I'll definitely come back and cause a scene!"
You Siqi chattered on excitedly.
Watching him, Liu Buli couldn't help but smile.
He nodded, agreeing to all his requests, and then looked towards the stone platform. Liu Buli gestured with his chin and said, "Let's go back. I wanted to wish you a safe journey, but with the Heavenly Dao escorting you, I probably don't need to worry about anything."
"Rest assured," Shen Muzhi replied with a smile. "As for yourself, when you're overwhelmed, at least cultivate some subordinates. Letting others share some of your burden is always more comfortable than taking everything upon yourself."
Liu Buli was left speechless, caught between laughter and tears.
How did a perfectly good farewell turn into a lecture for him?
However, knowing that they were both concerned for him, Liu Buli nodded and agreed to everything. Then, he watched as Shen Muzhi and the others stepped onto the stone platform. After reciting the incantation, not long after, a brilliant light emanated from the spirit stone, bathing the two of them.
As the incantation continued, the light grew stronger and stronger.
When the chant ended, the light vanished, and the two figures who had been standing there also disappeared.
Looking at the spot where they had stood, Liu Buli remained lost in thought for a long time.
It was only when Lu Wuming, standing beside him, called his name that he seemed to snap out of his daze. He smiled at Lu Wuming and sighed, "They've gone home. We should go back too."
Lu Wuming responded with a hum.
Seeing Liu Buli lean into his embrace, Lu Wuming habitually reached out and scooped him up, carrying him back to their room.
With no other matters to attend to this time, Liu Buli did not resist when Lu Wuming placed him on the bed.
He reached out and wrapped his arms around Lu Wuming's neck.
Liu Buli thought for a moment and said, "Wuming, has Master ever told you that meeting you in this life is something Master feels incredibly fortunate about."
"He has, but the one who should feel more fortunate is me," Lu Wuming murmured in response.
He lowered his head and kissed Liu Buli's lips, saying, "From now on, it's just the two of us. Master, I will definitely create the sun and moon I promised you. I won't rely on ghost energy forever; I'll make them look more real. There's nothing much to do in the ghost city. If you get tired of it, Wuming will accompany you out. We can travel around and sightsee. If you want to go to that world, I'm willing to go with you."
Lu Wuming spoke with utmost sincerity.
It was like a vow for eternity.
Liu Buli listened with delight.
He nodded gently, "Alright, but not right now. I find the ghost city quite interesting. We can go when I get tired of it."
As he spoke, he returned Lu Wuming's kiss.
The invitation was unmistakable.
What followed next was self-evident.
After all, they had a long time ahead of them.
Together until the end of time...
He believed they could achieve it.
...
[End of Main Text]