Shen Muzhi's move was so abrupt that those around him who were still accusing him were momentarily stunned.
What was going on?
Did Shen Muzhi not intend to kill anyone from the start?
The karmic fire red lotus was merely for display, and neither of them bore any injuries. So, they were genuinely sparring, and it was the spectators who had overthought things?
For a moment, the expressions on everyone's faces faltered.
It was the first time they realized that such a trump card could also be used for demonstration.
However, while they were shocked, their apprehension towards Lu Wuming shifted once they understood what had happened.
Shen Muzhi, the Valley Master of Medicine Master Valley, was a recognized genius in the cultivation world. Even when he was still a disciple of the Valley Master, his existence was already renowned throughout the entire cultivation world.
This was not only due to his exceptional talent; things that others took a hundred years to learn, he could comprehend and master in just a few months.
This applied not only to killing techniques but also to healing arts.
In the past, if the former Valley Master of Medicine Master Valley, Shen Muzhi's master, was unable to cure an injury or illness, seeking Shen Muzhi's help might still offer a glimmer of hope.
Therefore, Shen Muzhi was considered a very special and miraculous existence in the entire cultivation world.
It was common knowledge that he had been close to Liu Buli, the Sect Master of Pill Sect, in recent years. Initially, everyone assumed Shen Muzhi, like many others, was merely infatuated with Liu Buli's beauty and thus deliberately cultivated a good relationship with him. But now, it seemed, perhaps Shen Muzhi's closeness to them was because of this Pill Sect disciple on the martial arts stage?
After all, in terms of talent, this Pill Sect disciple far surpassed Shen Muzhi.
Heroes cherishing each other; perhaps this was their true relationship?
The crowd in the stands watched everything unfold, believing they had found the correct answer. With Shen Muzhi's surrender, Lu Wuming lost the opportunity to continue his attack. He could only pout, cast a displeased glance at Shen Muzhi, and then turn to leave the stage to seek comfort from his master.
This was the first time Lu Wuming had left the stage before his opponent since the competition began.
Looking at the retreating back, Shen Muzhi smiled helplessly.
At least in this regard, Lu Wuming trusted him, didn't he? Otherwise, he wouldn't have exposed his back to him, especially after his master had specifically warned him.
Shen Muzhi thought to himself with a sense of resignation, waved to the referee beside him, signaling for the match to continue, and then turned to leave the stage with Lu Wuming.
It had to be said, this fight was far from what Lu Wuming had imagined.
He had initially thought he might be able to fight to his heart's content, but unexpectedly, before he could even touch his opponent, Shen Muzhi had unhesitatingly chosen to surrender.
He was too cowardly!
Liu Buli, knowing what his disciple was thinking, comforted him as he led him back to their private courtyard.
Reaching out to ruffle Lu Wuming's fluffy hair, Liu Buli explained earnestly, "Wuming, these competitions are just like this. Honestly, they're not very interesting. After all, there are too many spectators, with so many eyes watching. Unless one is truly shameless, no one wants to injure their opponent. It would bring shame to their sect and make them appear ungraceful. So, Shen Muzhi's actions were not wrong. Given his position, continuing to fight would have been somewhat embarrassing."
Lu Wuming hugged Liu Buli's waist, resting his head on his shoulder. Liu Buli had explained this reasoning to him several times already. Lu Wuming understood, but he felt a lingering dissatisfaction because his inner turmoil hadn't been fully vented.
Pouting, Lu Wuming said, "Master, you kept staring at his techniques today. Was it because you found the techniques beautiful and were attracted to them?"
"Yes," Liu Buli did not hide this. Instead, he nodded generously and said, "Everyone appreciates beauty. His techniques are indeed very beautiful, and you cannot deny that."
Indeed, he couldn't deny it.
When he saw those lotuses, Lu Wuming was reminded of his master's techniques. It was like a wild dance in flames, so beautiful and so enchanting, leaving one with a sense of awe.
But precisely because he couldn't deny it, his jealousy grew stronger. Just like the last time he saw Shen Muzhi transform, Lu Wuming was very angry. Why was this guy always able to do so many things that his master liked, and that he himself couldn't learn?
His inner frustration deepened, and Lu Wuming held Liu Buli tighter. He said, "Master, do you think Wuming's techniques are not beautiful? If you think they're not beautiful, can you teach me some beautiful ones that you like, okay?"
The moment he heard this question, the image of Lu Wuming tearing at flesh and blood uncontrollably flashed in Liu Buli's mind.
A hint of awkwardness appeared on his face. Liu Buli really wanted to retort, "Do you find that bloody scene beautiful?"
However, such words absolutely could not be spoken.
After all, his beloved disciple was still jealous. If he said something like that, it would only intensify Lu Wuming's jealousy, making him more frenzied tonight and causing him more suffering than usual.
Having some experience, Liu Buli did not deliberately step on a landmine.
Looking up at Lu Wuming's beautiful face, Liu Buli slightly tiptoed. He leaned in and kissed Lu Wuming's lips, then smiled and said, "Why would Wuming say that? You don't need to learn those things. Your very existence is beautiful, the most beautiful in Master's heart, without exception. Since that's the case, why should a mere technique make you jealous?"
As Liu Buli said this, he was merely trying to calm Lu Wuming's emotions and somewhat restrain his frenzy.
However, as soon as the words fell, he noticed the frenzy in Lu Wuming's eyes deepen.
Licking his lips, Lu Wuming lowered his head and pulled Liu Buli into his embrace. He murmured into his ear, "Since Master likes it, don't push Wuming away today. Let Wuming feel how much Master likes me. Can he?"