Liu Buli hadn't really thought that far ahead.
In his opinion, having Lu Wuming give him a massage was essentially the same as the spa treatments he used to get. Taking off his clothes was a perfectly normal thing to do; was one supposed to get a spa treatment fully clothed?
Liu Buli felt his line of reasoning was perfectly sound.
Therefore, he naturally couldn't comprehend the profound stirrings in Lu Wuming's heart as he gazed at Liu Buli's smooth, jade-like back under the candlelight.
His fingers slowly pressed onto Liu Buli's back. Lu Wuming took a deep breath. Before he could even make a move, the other man shifted slightly and chuckled softly. He said, "Wuming, don't do that, it tickles."
His voice was as gentle as ever. In Liu Buli's eyes, what they were doing was a perfectly normal activity, requiring no shyness or any superfluous emotions.
But this was precisely what tormented Lu Wuming.
Looking at his Shizun's demeanor, Lu Wuming could feel his own changes. His heart pounded, and the temperature all over his body rose sharply. He wanted to control it, but he couldn't.
This was the punishment he had requested for himself. Now that his Shizun had complied with his request, it would be improper of him to ask for it to end.
Besides, in the end, he didn't want it to end at all...
He pursed his lips, trying to calm his emotions a little. Lu Wuming extended his hands and began to massage the muscles on Liu Buli's body, following the way Liu Buli had massaged him in his memory.
From his shoulders to his arms, then from his back to his waist.
As he moved lower, Lu Wuming couldn't help but swallow.
This wasn't the first time he had seen it. After all, when they bathed together, Liu Buli had never been one to shy away from anything. So, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he had indeed seen it many times.
But no matter how many times he had seen it, it had always been in the hot springs.
This was the first time he was seeing Liu Buli like this, lying on the bed.
His heart rate quickened again. Lu Wuming took several deep breaths, but they offered no relief. His fingers itched to move higher, but then he recalled the books he had read. Images flashed through his mind, and the string of reason within him felt as though it were about to snap.
While he was engaged in this internal battle, Liu Buli, still lying prone, was completely oblivious. He even yawned again and asked softly, "Is Wuming tired? If you're tired, we can stop for today. Shizun doesn't really need a massage anyway, you... oh!"
Before he could finish, Lu Wuming, afraid that Liu Buli would stop him, anxiously slapped down.
He hadn't controlled his speed, nor his strength.
As a result, the slap landed on a firm, rounded surface with a crisp "crack," causing his rationality to vanish even further.
Liu Buli was so flustered by this that he quickly turned over and put on his clothes. He reached out and pinched Lu Wuming's cheek, saying, "You little rascal, have you learned to play naughty now?"
"I didn't mean to..." Lu Wuming's face turned red with embarrassment.
He truly hadn't intended it.
He had wanted to be gentle, but he had lost control. The increased force wasn't what he had wanted. His punishment wasn't over yet; he hadn't had enough, and he didn't want it to end like this.
However, Liu Buli now gave him no opportunity. He turned and directly pulled the youth into his arms. Liu Buli treated him entirely like a bolster, nuzzling him twice before issuing a command: "Go to sleep quickly. We have other things to do tomorrow, no more massages."
As soon as he spoke, Liu Buli had already fallen asleep on his own.
Lu Wuming, curled up in his embrace, dared not move an inch.
He was a little afraid.
He was afraid that Liu Buli would notice his current state and thus perceive his thoughts.
Those thoughts were too filthy.
He dared not let the sun shine upon them.
Lu Wuming remained curled up, his eyes wide open, unable to sleep the entire night. It wasn't until dawn the next day, when Liu Buli yawned and opened his eyes, that Lu Wuming finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Shizun was right; this punishment was indeed too severe.
In the following days, Lu Wuming diligently practiced his martial arts as taught by Liu Buli. When the Grand Elder came to find them again, Lu Wuming had gained some weight, and his height had also increased noticeably compared to before.
Liu Buli had him stand by the doorway of the room, his back against the doorframe, and used a stone to mark the frame above his head. Comparing it to the scratch from a few days prior, Liu Buli shook his head and sighed, "I knew Wuming was in a growth spurt. Look at you, eating well lately, and your height has shot up immediately. Keep it up, and perhaps in a few more months, you'll be taller than Shizun."
Lu Wuming was overjoyed to hear this.
A smile spread across his face, and his eyes sparkled as he looked at Liu Buli.
Liu Buli also patted his head with great pleasure.
Seeing the child grow so quickly proved he was raising him well, which gave him a sense of accomplishment.
After finishing this, Liu Buli finally turned his attention to the Grand Elder waiting by the side. Raising an eyebrow, he asked with a smile, "Grand Elder, have you received news of that beast Duan Liuyun?"
"That's right," the Grand Elder nodded. "However, Duan Liuyun said he wants to inspect the goods first, to confirm if this child is truly as extraordinary as the rumors suggest."
Liu Buli narrowed his eyes. "Then let him come to my Dan Sect. I'll wait for him to inspect the goods?"
"No..." The Grand Elder scratched his head, looking troubled. "He said he wants you to go to the Sword Sect to meet him. Tomorrow."
Liu Buli sneered, staring into the Grand Elder's eyes.
He stared until the Grand Elder trembled all over, unable to control his shaking body, before he finally nodded. "I understand. I'll go first thing tomorrow morning. You'll accompany me. Go and prepare."
Upon hearing this, the Grand Elder seemed to have received a pardon from death. The formerly pale face instantly regained some color. He nodded vigorously, then took his leave and departed.
After the Grand Elder left, Liu Buli slammed his palm onto the table, his eyes filled with intense anger.
He wanted him to go to the Sword Sect, and to bring Lu Wuming along.
Wasn't this just a setup for a double-cross? He had no intention of making a genuine transaction.
Lu Wuming asked from the side, "Shizun, I think the Grand Elder is plotting something with that Duan Liuyun. So, can you not go tomorrow? I'm afraid..."
"There's nothing to be afraid of. I must go. If I refuse, he'll become suspicious. Or, it's very likely that the Grand Elder has already told him everything, and our act would be meaningless," Liu Buli said. "Furthermore, this might be my last chance to be alone with Duan Liuyun, and my last opportunity to challenge him one-on-one. I know he's definitely prepared a feast of betrayal, but I have to go. I must eliminate him, otherwise, when he becomes powerful, and starts targeting you again, I fear I won't be able to protect you anymore."
The last sentence was held back by Liu Buli, not spoken aloud—
Even if it meant perishing together with those beasts, as long as he could ensure no one would bother Lu Wuming again, that would be enough.
—
(I was a bit vague before, so I'll be more direct. My father is currently in the ICU. The doctors say his condition is unstable and he's in critical danger at any moment. I'm exhausted and in a bad mood every day. I write when I have free time, to distract myself and stop myself from overthinking. My state lately is truly not good, and I genuinely don't have much time to write. I can't determine the update schedule each day, as I've already stated. But I've still updated, and it's been double updates. So please, no more urging, no more urging, no more urging. Let's be understanding of each other, otherwise, don't blame me for speaking harshly. Thank you.)