Yun Xiang had always been a pure-hearted child, at least before she saw the vast world outside. She truly meant it when she said it.
Liu Buli understood and offered her a brilliant smile, nodding. "That's right, we are all good people. At least for you, that definition holds true."
His words were skillfully crafted. He claimed to be a good person, but only in relation to Yun Xiang. So, whether he was truly a good person remained a vague definition.
Shen Muzhi understood but merely curved his lips into a smile, choosing not to expose the subtlety. Just as the boundaries between good and evil blurred, the pronouncements of good or bad seemed to lose their importance.
If it were in the past, Shen Muzhi would indeed have strived to be a good person. But now, his thoughts were simple. Good or evil, right or wrong, it all mattered little. As long as he and the one he loved could be healthy, happy, and together for a lifetime, that was enough.
Lu Wuming broke open the passage, and the group left the secret realm. Just as they had anticipated, Shen Muzhi exchanged a farewell with You Siqi, and they decided to part ways. After all, as sect leaders, leaving their sects unattended for too long was not ideal.
However, just before they separated, Liu Buli and You Siqi engaged in an unprecedented act of politeness regarding the ownership of the dual cultivation manual. According to Liu Buli, the book might be the key to opening the door to the cultivation world for You Siqi, so they must take it back to Medicine Master Valley. They could send a copy later when they remembered.
You Siqi, on the other hand, kept shaking his head in negation, stating that obtaining this secret manual was entirely due to the efforts of Lu Wuming and Liu Buli. Therefore, morally and logically, he and Shen Muzhi should not hoard the cultivation method. Liu Buli and his group should take it first, and matters for the future could be discussed later.
The two of them continued to defer endlessly. Shen Muzhi found it amusing but said nothing. After all, everyone knew the reason behind You Siqi and Liu Buli's politeness. Shen Muzhi had finally managed to placate You Siqi and did not want to scare him into retreating by being too hasty.
The situation remained at a stalemate. It was Lu Wuming, after listening for a while, who impatiently stepped forward and snatched the manual that the two had been so courteously debating over into his own hands.
You Siqi's expression immediately became one of pure delight. Liu Buli's face showed a flicker of embarrassment. He wanted to advise Lu Wuming, opening his mouth, but before he could utter a word, he saw Lu Wuming toss the manual directly into Shen Muzhi's hands.
Shen Muzhi was momentarily taken aback, "Brother Lu, you are..."
"Just take it back. There's no need to give me a copy," Lu Wuming said coldly. "I have memorized the contents of the book verbatim. If I might err in remembering other things, I can guarantee that with this manual, there will be absolutely no mistakes." He spoke with immense pride and confidence.
After finishing, he seemed to feel it wasn't enough. So, he added with a proud smile, "Besides, I've already tried it once. My body remembers exactly what to do. You haven't tried it yet, have you? Take it back and try it as soon as possible. It's quite good."
Discussing this topic, Lu Wuming's mood brightened considerably. Thus, he uncharacteristically spoke a few more words to Shen Muzhi, who nodded continuously, offering his sincere thanks.
You Siqi was petrified in place, while Liu Buli's cheeks turned red. He reached out and pinched Lu Wuming's face forcefully. Liu Buli glared and said, "After we return, I will take your junior sister into seclusion and teach her about interpersonal conduct and cultivation techniques. You will go to the Hall of Contemplation alone and stay there until you have reflected and realized your mistake. Only then may you return to see me!"
Lu Wuming's eyes widened. He felt utterly wronged. What had he done wrong? He couldn't figure it out at all. Wasn't his master enjoying himself immensely? How could he be in the wrong, and why was his master deliberately throwing a tantrum at him? Lu Wuming touched his chin. Perhaps his master hadn't had enough? Then, he truly had made a mistake.
Regardless of what he was thinking, after the group parted ways, Liu Buli, accompanied by Lu Wuming and Yun Xiang, accelerated their journey. In just one day, they returned to the Pill Sect.
It had to be said that as a steward, the Grand Elder had been diligent. After all, nothing noteworthy had happened at the Pill Sect during their absence. Liu Buli checked on the disciples and hall masters; they seemed to have ceased any further problematic schemes. Everything was developing in a positive direction, and Liu Buli was very satisfied.
Even though Lu Wuming was extremely reluctant, he was still sent to the Hall of Contemplation immediately upon entering. However, being of one heart and mind, Liu Buli still felt a pang of reluctance.
So, on the evening of the second day after their return, Liu Buli felt that he had left his "big dog" alone for long enough. He picked up a pot of wine and leisurely walked to the Hall of Contemplation. Pushing the door open, Liu Buli saw Lu Wuming sitting obediently in the center of the room, meditating with his eyes closed. He looked incredibly well-behaved.
What was meant to be an act to please him, Liu Buli instead pouted and waved his hand. "Your act is a bit overdone. When you normally cultivate diligently, your back isn't this stiff." The implication was that since he had been seen through, he should stop pretending.
Upon hearing this, Lu Wuming immediately revealed a smile full of appeasement. He nuzzled closer to Liu Buli and said earnestly, "Master, how can Wuming focus on cultivation when you are not by his side? Wuming's mind is filled with your image. Forcing himself to cultivate could easily lead to a qi deviation."
Liu Buli rolled his eyes. This boy had truly mastered the romantic phrases from those books. Especially now, looking at him with such pitiful eyes and saying such things, he didn't know how to refuse. He reached out and gently tapped Lu Wuming's head, still maintaining an unhappy demeanor. With a stern expression, he said, "I told you to reflect here properly. Have you thought it through? Where did you go wrong? Tell me clearly."
Lu Wuming pouted and countered, "Master, the reason you didn't come to see me today was that you were teaching Junior Sister?"
Liu Buli thought for a moment and decided to tell the truth. He nodded. "That's right. After all, she'll soon be living with other disciples. Suddenly encountering so many people, I'm afraid she won't be used to it. So, I have to help her recognize others and teach her the basics of interpersonal communication. And then..."
"Then Wuming knows where he went wrong," Lu Wuming interrupted. "He went wrong by not tying Master tighter, leaving Master with spare energy to focus on others besides Wuming."