The feeling of being refined in an alchemy furnace was, to be honest, excruciating. Not to mention the sensation of the intense flames seeming to bypass the body and drill directly into the lungs, but even setting that aside, the effects of the surrounding materials, once refined, were soul-piercing.
If he had to describe it in words, Liu Buli felt that his soul was now like a giant medicinal plaster, firmly adhered to his body. The effects of those materials were like countless tiny shovels, diligently scraping at the connection between his soul and body, striving to promote their separation.
Earlier, while chatting with Qiyu, Liu Buli had a general understanding of the Soul Refining process.
To put it bluntly, during the refining process, it could be considered an indiscriminate attack. Therefore, whether it was his own soul or the soul of another Liu Buli, both would be refined out of the body. After the refining was complete, whoever could reclaim control of the body would depend on their individual capabilities and the assistance of those outside the furnace.
At least from the outcome, Liu Buli himself held a distinct advantage. This was because everyone outside the furnace was on his side. So, when both souls left the body, Shen Muzhi would undoubtedly help him secure the right to use it.
As for now, the only thing he needed to do was to ensure his soul wasn't torn apart by the refining process before it completely split.
If he couldn't even endure until the final step, then even with his companions around, it would be meaningless.
Silently telling himself this, Liu Buli continuously chanted calming incantations.
However, this process didn't last long before another voice appeared in his mind, furiously and hysterically berating him—
"Kid, are you crazy!? What are you doing? Are you trying to take me down with you!?"
A voice somewhat similar to his own.
What was dissimilar was that the voice sounded utterly hysterical, a state Liu Buli had never exhibited.
He knew perfectly well who the owner of that voice was, and Liu Buli slowly curved his lips. His expression remained as calm as ever, and he replied, "Yes, I intend to perish with you. After all, you haven't been very honest lately. You've probably realized my spiritual power isn't great. Rather than let you snatch away something good, I'd rather destroy it myself. If neither of us lives, that should also fulfill your wish, shouldn't it?"
"Fulfill my wish? I never wanted to die with you!" The other Liu Buli was clearly terrified by the current situation, his voice filled with intense fear. He said, "Liu Buli, I'm telling you, from beginning to end, I only wanted to reclaim what rightfully belongs to me! This body was mine from the start; you're the intruder! If you want to die, then honestly get out! Don't drag me down with you; I absolutely don't want to die!"
Listening to his words, Liu Buli actually felt much more relaxed. He couldn't help but let the smile on his face widen. He said, "Unfortunately, I don't plan on dying either. So, this is just a game; don't overcomplicate things. Honestly, having a competitor is quite interesting. Want to try with me and see who can last until the end?"
The voice paused, followed by a response filled with gritted teeth, "I won't lose! This is my body. No matter what you plan to do to my body, I will ultimately reclaim it. So, just wait. I am the ultimate winner! When I endure until the end, you'll honestly get lost!"
The voice sounded full of confidence.
If the tremor in its tone were less pronounced, Liu Buli thought, he might have believed the other party's claim more readily.
Hearing these words, the smile on Liu Buli's face became even brighter. He even proactively proposed an idea, saying, "Since that's the case, how about we make a game of it? Let's communicate every so often, so I know you're still around. Otherwise, the game will quickly become one I'm playing alone, and that won't be fun."
"How could it be only you playing?" the voice sneered. "Rather, it's you. I hope that the next time I speak to you, you haven't lost the ability to respond. Though you weren't that strong to begin with, losing too quickly will make me look down on you even more."
He spoke with increasing conviction.
However, the fool completely failed to realize that the reason Liu Buli was willing to call this a competition wasn't to encourage him to persevere, but to have him diligently act as an opponent. This way, in such a desperate situation, he could at least provide Liu Buli with another reason to keep going.
Liu Buli knew very well that sometimes, what supports you until the very end isn't the encouragement from friends and family, but the watchful gaze of an opponent.
Because you don't want to lose like this, you'll strive to go further. There's no grand reason; it's simply that straightforward.
It was the same in their current situation. He desperately told himself he couldn't lose to the other soul within this body. It was because of this that he could be sure that in this game of tearing souls apart, he would absolutely endure until the last second.
The meaning of time blurred amidst the intense pain. Fortunately, Liu Buli had already prepared himself mentally, so when this stripping began, he could face it with a calm heart.
His thoughts were in a chaotic mess. In the end, everything transformed into the image of Lu Wuming.
There were no longer many thoughts.
Even contemplation of the future had become hazy amidst the burning flames. The only thing that supported him now was the single reason of Lu Wuming.
He had to win.
And after he achieved victory, he would go to see his beloved.
He had promised him that he would hold him tightly, tell him he loved him, until he was satisfied.
This was something they had agreed upon.
Neither of them could break their word.