Lu Wuming acted purely on impulse.
After all, his master had said that he could do whatever he wanted. So, being a little bold now should be fine, right?
That's what Lu Wuming thought, but after he acted, his heart began to race uncontrollably.
He worried that Liu Buli would reject him.
After all, his actions seemed a bit too forward…
Lu Wuming looked at Liu Buli nervously, not daring to breathe too loudly. His eyes flickered, and he felt his heart pounding as if it would leap out of his chest.
As he panicked, Liu Buli raised a hand and touched the spot on his cheek that had been kissed. He then chuckled and said, "Wuming, Master has been punishing you so much these days that I've forgotten to reward you. If you want a reward, just tell Master. You've learned to take the initiative now, haven't you?"
As he spoke, he leaned down and planted a kiss on Lu Wuming's forehead.
Unlike Lu Wuming's fleeting touch, which seemed afraid to linger, Liu Buli, just like last time, kissed him with force, making a soft "smack" sound.
As his lips parted, Liu Buli pulled Lu Wuming back into his embrace. Resting his chin on the top of the younger man's head, he smiled and said, "This was Master's oversight. Master apologizes. After all, Wuming has done so much, and even saved Master's life. Master really should reward you properly."
Lu Wuming's face turned completely red.
Pressed tightly against Liu Buli's chest, feeling the warmth radiating from him, Lu Wuming's heart rate surged to a new peak.
He felt he should say something now.
But the overwhelming emotions of excitement and nervousness made it impossible for him to speak.
Seeing Liu Buli push him away, about to start helping him dry his back, Lu Wuming urgently blurted out, "Master, do you truly believe that what Wuming has done recently is worthy of a reward?"
"Hmm…" Liu Buli stroked his chin, thinking seriously for a moment, then shook his head. He said, "How should I put it? The fact that you saved me, from the outcome, is indeed worthy of reward. After all, if it weren't for you, I wouldn't be alive to speak with you now, so you deserve a reward."
He paused after speaking, then continued, "But the way you saved me was not good. I strongly disapprove of it. I don't want you to get hurt in any way, whether by others or by yourself. That is unacceptable. So, if there's a next time…"
He was interrupted mid-sentence as Lu Wuming, as if guessing what he was about to say, reached out and urgently covered Liu Buli's mouth.
There would be no next time.
He absolutely would not allow a next time.
Even if he had to shatter his own internal organs or mutilate himself to compensate Liu Buli, he truly couldn't bear to see his master in such a bloody state again.
One time was enough to become a lifelong nightmare; he couldn't handle a repeat.
Seeing his reaction, Liu Buli realized he had said the wrong thing. He offered an embarrassed smile and sighed, "I'm sorry, I misspoke. Master promised you that I would strive to become stronger, and such a situation will never happen again. So, don't be afraid, there won't be a next time."
Hearing this, Lu Wuming finally nodded with satisfaction.
Then, after a moment's thought, he asked again, "Then… can Master reward Wuming one more time?"
"Of course," Liu Buli smiled, tilting his head and kissing the youth's forehead again.
He had never lied to Lu Wuming.
Whatever Lu Wuming desired, he always granted.
Just like now.
Lu Wuming lay submerged in the hot spring, while Liu Buli showered his cheeks and forehead with kisses, making the youth feel dizzy. He ended up getting heatstroke in the water.
When Liu Buli realized Lu Wuming had lost consciousness, he panicked immediately. He quickly carried him back to their room, holding one of Lu Wuming's hands while fanning him with a fan. Only when Lu Wuming's body temperature finally subsided did he sigh with relief, reaching out to touch Lu Wuming's cheek.
This little disciple was truly too foolish.
That night, just like before, Lu Wuming lay in Liu Buli's arms, letting himself be held as he drifted off to sleep.
Liu Buli embraced the person in his arms and squeezed his arm. According to Shen Muzhi, Lu Wuming had already come of age some time ago, so his previous frail and pitiful appearance was entirely due to malnutrition. Now that he was eating well and exercising, the flesh on his arm had indeed become firmer. If this continued, perhaps before long, the male god would resemble the perfect male god from the novel's character art.
Thinking of this, Liu Buli couldn't help but curve his lips into a hopeful smile.
He pulled the Lu Wuming in his embrace even tighter, and before long, he too fell asleep.
The next morning, Liu Buli was awakened by a knock on the door outside the courtyard.
Glancing at Lu Wuming still sleeping soundly in his arms, Liu Buli quietly got up, careful not to disturb him. He dressed himself and walked to the courtyard entrance.
Opening the door, he saw the Fifth Elder outside, and Liu Buli frowned slightly. He said, "Elder, didn't I tell you not to make a fuss about this matter and just let me handle it? Why have you come to me again so early in the morning?"
"This…" The Fifth Elder seemed nervous, speaking hesitantly. He even peered over Liu Buli's shoulder into the courtyard. Only when he saw nothing else and no one else did he purse his lips and say with a tremble, "There's a rumor spreading within the sect that the child you have with you is from the Ghost Clan. The matters concerning the Second Elder… were done by that child."