Lu Wuming had never imagined he would receive such a response. The hand holding the cloth loosened slightly, and with a soft *snap*, the damp cloth fell directly onto Liu Buli.
Lu Wuming startled and fumbled to catch it.
But as he looked down, he saw the water droplets tracing the curve of Liu Buli's waist. It was a perfectly normal sight, no different from when he had been wiping him before. Yet, connecting it to his master's words, his throat felt dry, and an inexplicable heat surged through him once more.
Did his master mean…
If he wanted him, he would give himself to him…
Was that it?
Lu Wuming dared not believe his own thoughts.
How could he think such a thing?
That was his light…
To think further would be to tarnish that light…
The little person within Lu Wuming's heart was already leaping with wild abandon, like a child who had just received the most delicious candy in the world. It was happy and joyful, wishing to pour out all its feelings of bliss in that very instant.
Yet, Lu Wuming's face remained utterly blank.
He maintained his stunned expression, frozen and silent, making no move.
He didn't know what to do.
He felt he should be happy.
But the veil of inferiority still enveloped him completely.
In that moment, he realized he feared Liu Buli not accepting him, but even more, he feared Liu Buli accepting him.
Because deep down, he still believed he was unworthy of being accepted…
Perhaps because he controlled his expression so well, Liu Buli couldn't see what was going on in his mind.
Liu Buli reached out and removed the cloth from himself. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why so startled? Are you that afraid hearing your master is willing to give himself to you?"
It had to be said, the moment he noticed Lu Wuming's reaction, Liu Buli had indeed felt a pang of sadness.
But it was fleeting, and he quickly returned to his usual self.
Lu Wuming was his idol. It was natural for his idol not to like him; there was no reason to be sad.
Besides, from the very beginning, he had told himself that the reason he stayed was to ensure his idol grew up safely and healthily. He had no other desires, nor did he need any.
With this thought, regardless of Lu Wuming's vigorous head shakes of denial, Liu Buli smiled and ruffled his hair. The young man let out a soft hum before Liu Buli, satisfied, withdrew his hand.
He lay back down on the bed and turned over.
Liu Buli yawned and said, "You were stunned for so long, it truly breaks your master's heart. As punishment, you must wipe me clean today. I won't pity you and let you stop midway."
As he said this, as if making up his mind, he simply closed his eyes.
Lu Wuming watched his actions and felt a slight sense of relief.
If his master was lying down with his eyes closed, he wouldn't notice his changes.
Taking a deep breath, holding his breath.
Lu Wuming picked up the cloth again, wet it, and then placed it on Liu Buli.
The other's curves were truly perfect, each inch of him loved to the extreme.
Yes, this was definitely love.
Beyond mere liking, bordering on madness.
It was a profound love that made him want to dedicate himself completely, to merge flesh and blood, and never be separated – a love so deep it frightened him.
If his true self were ever revealed, would his master reject him?
Lu Wuming mused, a slow smile spreading across his lips.
No.
His master had said he would give him whatever he wanted.
Including himself.
Lu Wuming's smile grew wider, while tears began to gather in his eyes. He knew how humble he was, and how conflicted. But he couldn't control himself, because he truly had nothing but humility.
His hand, through the cloth, quietly traced the other's form.
Until he had wiped the last spot, Lu Wuming finally took a deep breath and placed the cloth back into the basin. He hurried out with the basin, afraid Liu Buli would notice something amiss.
He couldn't express himself now.
Even if his master could accept him, he couldn't accept himself. He had to grow up, become stronger, and transform himself into the person his master liked. Only then would he offer his master everything he desired.
With that as his dowry, he would grandly marry his master.
Lu Wuming had never been so happy, nor had he ever looked forward to the future so much.
He only hoped that during his efforts, his master wouldn't change his mind, wouldn't fall for someone else.
Otherwise…
He would surely eliminate those who stole his sunlight.
As they had agreed, Liu Buli had Shen Muzhi examine him again. Once they confirmed there were no issues, they bid farewell to Shen Muzhi and his companion, intending to return to the Dan Sect.
As they were parting, Shen Muzhi finally voiced the question that had been bothering him for days. He said, "Daoist Liu, Duan Liuyun he…"
"I killed him," Liu Buli stated calmly. "Why I killed him, I believe You Siqi has already told you. This is something you and I know, and if you wish for others to know, that's fine too. I don't care."
Shen Muzhi immediately shook his head. "Of course not. Duan Liuyun was not a good person, I know this. Daoist Liu did nothing wrong in acting on behalf of heaven. Besides, if you intended to announce it to the world, I wouldn't have brought you all this way to recuperate."
Liu Buli could tell that every word Shen Muzhi spoke was true.
So, he smiled, thanked him again, and then Liu Buli left the room with Lu Wuming.
Along the way, Liu Buli held Lu Wuming as they traveled by缩地 (suōdì - a form of rapid movement), and by that evening, they had arrived at the entrance of the Dan Sect.
And just as Lu Wuming had feared, as soon as they entered, the remaining elder rushed out to meet them. Seeing Liu Buli, he looked as if he had seen a savior. He cried out, tense and despairing, "Sect Leader, disaster has struck! The Ghost Clan has infiltrated our sect!"
—
(Wishing all my dear readers peace, joy, and all the best. Happy Lantern Festival.)