Most of the preparations for soul refinement were already complete.
The furnace was ready, and the necessary materials had been gathered. The next day, after the others woke up, Liu Buli shared his plans with them. With their help in considering every detail, the preliminary preparations were essentially finalized.
Of course, besides their preparations, the most crucial step was to inform Lu Wuming about his intention to enter the furnace.
The two had discussed similar matters before, so Liu Buli was certain that Lu Wuming would not object. His "big doggy" might be worried, but on major decisions, Lu Wuming would not argue with him.
Indeed, the situation unfolded as he had anticipated.
When he told Lu Wuming that he planned to enter the furnace within the next couple of days, Lu Wuming showed no displeasure. He was only saddened that he couldn't be by Liu Buli's side. Otherwise, he fully supported all of Liu Buli's plans.
Furthermore, Lu Wuming earnestly assured Liu Buli that it was alright even if they couldn't communicate for a while. After all, he had firmly kept in mind everything Liu Buli had told him. Even without further contact, he could navigate the ghost tribe and avoid any worrying accidents based on what he remembered.
"Actually, that's not what I'm worried about," Liu Buli sighed, unable to resist as he listened to his "big doggy's" obedient and endearing words. "What I'm concerned about is whether your memories will be tampered with by Chu Yi while I'm refining my soul. If that happens, when I've fully regained control of my body and try to contact you, will it be harder to reach you?"
This was indeed a potential problem.
However, the moment Liu Buli raised it, Lu Wuming unequivocally dismissed it. "Master, please don't think about such unnecessary things. Wuming told you from the beginning that there's nothing in this world I could forget except you. Go and do what you need to do with peace of mind. When you're done, contact me, and I will give you the response you desire. This is a promise I made to you, and I can keep it. Don't you trust me?"
Trust.
In this life, he trusted no one more than him.
Liu Buli provided an answer in his heart and then fell silent for a moment, ultimately refraining from voicing any more groundless worries.
However, before concluding their communication this time, Liu Buli paused and then suddenly said to Lu Wuming, "Wuming, I love you. I've told you many times before, but I'm afraid I won't be able to say it to you for a long time, so let me say it again properly. You must remember it well."
"I've remembered," Lu Wuming replied with a smile. "Master, don't worry. Wuming has remembered everything you've ever said. As for my love for you, I'm not planning to express it for now. When we meet again, I'll tell you properly, for a whole night, or even several days, until you're satisfied. You must look forward to it."
Lu Wuming's voice sounded exceptionally gentle.
Liu Buli couldn't help but smile and finally replied softly, "Okay, I'll be waiting."
After these communications ended, Liu Buli stretched his body and headed towards the back mountain of the sect.
Through his modifications during this period, he had carved out a dedicated area for refinement in the back mountain. This area was surrounded by a barrier he had set up, preventing anyone he didn't trust, not even the Grand Elder, from approaching.
In the center of the clearing, the alchemy furnace they had obtained from the secret realm was placed quietly. Holding the initial required materials, Liu Buli's heart quickened a few beats as he strode towards the furnace.
He placed a hand on his chest and pressed down firmly. When he looked at the furnace again, Liu Buli managed to calm his emotions somewhat.
Murmuring, "Master bless me," Liu Buli then stepped directly into the furnace.
He arranged the prepared materials around himself and then created a protective barrier within the furnace using spiritual energy. After completing these tasks, he beckoned to Shen Muzhi outside.
Shen Muzhi hurried to his side as quickly as possible.
Their eyes met, and Liu Buli reminded him, "Let me tell you again, once I start refining my soul, no matter what happens, or what I say to you..."
"You must absolutely not open the furnace from the outside, or all our efforts will be in vain," Shen Muzhi proactively finished his sentence. "You've told me this countless times. Don't worry, I've got it."
Liu Buli smiled helplessly. "I just have a bad feeling. During the refinement process, I can't guarantee that I'll always be in control of my body. So, when I lose control, I might ask you to help him open the furnace. Or it's possible that I myself, due to the extreme heat inside the furnace and the agonizing pain of soul refinement, might not be able to endure it and will ask you to stop me. But in either case, it won't be my true intention. You must remember, never be soft-hearted, or you'll be harming me. You must remember!"
He had repeated himself so many times that Shen Muzhi naturally nodded, indicating he had understood and remembered everything.
Only when Liu Buli nodded, signifying he was ready, did Shen Muzhi close the furnace for him. He checked the ventilation device on top, ensuring there were no issues. Then, he used his spiritual energy to lock the alchemy furnace door and, with a reverse hand seal, ignited the flames at the furnace's base.
Watching the now-closed alchemy furnace, You Siqi tugged at Shen Muzhi's sleeve. It was his first time witnessing such a scene of refining a living person, and he was understandably uneasy.
Without needing any questions, Shen Muzhi guessed what he was thinking. He reached out and ruffled You Siqi's hair, reassuring him, "Liu Buli will succeed."
You Siqi blinked.
Shen Muzhi paused for a moment, then reconsidered his words and said, "He can only succeed."