Shen Muzhi's words sounded like a joke.
But when one thought about it seriously, the emotions hidden within them were somewhat chilling.
You Siqi swallowed, looking into Shen Muzhi's eyes, and hesitantly asked, "Muzhi, you're joking with me, right?"
Shen Muzhi smiled without speaking.
He enjoyed seeing You Siqi's terrified, trembling demeanor, like a startled little rabbit.
At least whenever he showed such an expression, he would obediently stay by his side, not making any inappropriate remarks about leaving, which made him feel much more at ease.
Thinking this, he stared into You Siqi's eyes for a while longer. Shen Muzhi then closed his eyes, nestled in You Siqi's arms, and chuckled, "I used up too much spiritual energy in the illusion just now. I don't have much strength left and feel a bit drained. Siqi, carry me. If there's any danger ahead, Daoist Master Liu and the others can handle it, right?"
The last sentence was completely redundant.
After all, even if he didn't say it, Lu Wuming wouldn't give them a chance to act.
Yet, even though everyone knew this, Liu Buli still smiled and gave him a response. Then, he took Lu Wuming's hand and led him forward.
The situation beyond the iron gate was somewhat different from before. The surrounding green trees and vegetation seemed to be isolated. As far as the eye could see, there was only barren, black soil.
Apart from the initial illusion, the group could not sense any other spiritual energy. Lu Wuming held Liu Buli's hand, constantly scanning their surroundings, fearing any ambush that might catch them off guard.
Compared to his vigilance, Liu Buli appeared much calmer.
Rather than exploring a secret realm, he seemed to be on a date with Lu Wuming. He looked left and right, and finding nothing there, he was somewhat disappointed. He shook his head and said, "I originally thought this place might be different from what's described in novels. It seems I was overthinking. There's really nothing here except for that inner demon illusion. They could at least have some monsters for us to practice on."
He clicked his tongue twice as he spoke.
Hearing this, Lu Wuming turned to Liu Buli and asked, "I also don't feel any danger, but if there's really nothing around, then what about the secret manual you mentioned earlier, Master?"
"That's ahead, just keep walking," Liu Buli said. "When we reach the next scene, that's where the real danger lies. But from a novelistic perspective, this setup makes sense. This area should indeed be safer now, otherwise, it wouldn't be good if the protagonist got hurt."
Lu Wuming looked puzzled. "What do you mean? Master, are you saying the monsters in the next place are much stronger than Shen Muzhi?"
"Not necessarily," Liu Buli shook his head and calmly replied. "Because after coming out of the illusion, the protagonist was eager to spend time with the girl by his side. They spent three days and three nights together, completely immersed and joyful. If there were danger nearby, wouldn't the protagonist have ascended to heaven in his state of bliss long ago? What would happen next then?"
Liu Buli did not intentionally lower his voice when he said this.
But precisely because of this, the people walking behind heard his words clearly.
Yun Xiang was still too pure and didn't understand what he was talking about.
You Siqi felt somewhat awkward. He lowered his head to look at the little cat in his arms, his mood incredibly complex.
Only Shen Muzhi gave up his pretense of napping and glared forward.
He desperately wanted to rush forward and shut Liu Buli's mouth.
It was truly bringing up the most sensitive topic.
Even if the protagonist in the novel shared the same name, he was absolutely not the same person! His romantic journey was already difficult enough; he really didn't need anyone to help him dig more pitfalls, did he!