The arrangement of two going up the mountain and two staying behind was something Liu Buli understood quite well.
It was simply that going up alone was too dangerous, and having two people meant they could look out for each other. As for You Siqi staying below, it was because he would be a liability if he went up, and the other person was a backup in case of an accident, acting as an external support.
However, what he couldn't understand was why Shen Muzhi would volunteer to go with Lu Wuming. Wouldn't it be safer if he, as the master, went up the mountain with his disciple?
Liu Buli frowned, a hint of confusion on his face.
But before he could voice his question, Lu Wuming spoke up first, "I think this arrangement is good. I also want to be in a group with Physician Shen. Master, don't worry, my spiritual arts cultivation is quite good now. If it's not absolutely necessary, I won't reveal that I'm of the Ghost Clan."
Liu Buli scratched his head, "I'm not worried about that. I know you have good judgment, and I acknowledge your strength. Besides, with Physician Shen by your side, dealing with those from the Sword Sect won't be a problem. I just don't understand why I have to guard You Siqi? Shouldn't I be stronger than Wuming and more suited to take the lead? Moreover, I am the sect leader, and I have the standing to speak with the Sword Sect leader. What kind of combination do you two have? Will they even be willing to meet you?"
Shen Muzhi sighed helplessly, "What you said is true, Daoist Liu. I understand all of this. But I feel that if you were to step forward, it would easily drag the Pill Sect into this matter. It's unnecessary unless absolutely required. Another point is that Siqi is afraid of your disciple. When I suggested pairing your disciple with him, he said he would surely meet a violent end. He wouldn't be persuaded no matter what, so..."
Shen Muzhi offered Liu Buli a troubled smile at this point.
Liu Buli's lips twitched.
He was quite certain that the first reason was mostly an excuse, and the latter was the truth.
He imagined the scene.
He had to admit, if they were truly alone with Lu Wuming, You Siqi's chances of survival...
Seemed rather slim...
Clearing his throat, for the sake of You Siqi's safety, Liu Buli finally gave up struggling. He said, "Then let's proceed with Physician Shen's arrangement. We'll set off tomorrow morning. Once we're on the mountain, if anything unexpected happens, send a signal promptly, and I'll be able to go up and help."
The group exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
The next morning, Liu Buli entrusted the sect's management to the Grand Elder and then, with Shen Muzhi, they traveled at top speed to the foot of the Sword Sect's mountain.
You Siqi had no cultivation, so Shen Muzhi carried him using teleportation for the journey. Liu Buli watched them as they embraced.
The meaning in his gaze was too obvious—
Your feelings are heating up quite quickly, aren't they?
You Siqi understood perfectly but didn't want to acknowledge it. He simply buried his head in Shen Muzhi's embrace, pretending not to see or hear, thus avoiding overthinking.
When they arrived at the foot of the Sword Sect, Shen Muzhi placed You Siqi on the ground. He held him and lectured him for a long time, much like a husband about to leave on a long journey, constantly giving instructions to his wife.
Liu Buli watched with amusement, his arms crossed, while You Siqi's face was flushed red.
He pushed Shen Muzhi, urging him to go up the mountain quickly. But as Shen Muzhi actually turned to leave, he couldn't help but add, "Be careful when you go up. Call for help if anything happens. Daoist Liu is very capable, don't get hurt."
Shen Muzhi paused, then smiled, his eyes crinkling, "Okay, I won't get hurt."
With his words, Shen Muzhi led Lu Wuming up the mountain.
After walking a few steps away from Liu Buli, Shen Muzhi finally couldn't help but turn to Lu Wuming beside him and ask, "Wuming, there's something I've been pondering over and haven't been able to figure out. I don't know if it's my imagination, but I always feel a sense of hostility from you. Can you tell me the reason?"