According to Liu Buli's thoughts, he had placed all his trust in Lu Wuming, and in return, the other party should have shown him the honesty he deserved.
This was the proper way to educate a child; all other forms of coercion and temptation were false. Even earnestly reasoning with someone, few would truly heed it.
It was still necessary to empathize.
Master Liu was particularly satisfied with his own educational methods.
Lu Wuming also responded to his trust with great dedication, answering in a firm and unwavering tone, saying, "Master, Wuming will never lie to you."
He did not lie.
Therefore, when he didn't want to tell his master something, he would simply remain silent.
And if his master misunderstood something, he wouldn't offer further explanation; that wasn't considered lying.
Lu Wuming defined his own actions in his heart.
Looking up again, he found that Liu Buli was smiling so happily because of his response.
That smile was truly dazzling.
Seeing it, Lu Wuming couldn't help but swallow, his face flushing red. He stammered, "Mas-Master, Wuming has been good, can... can Wuming have a reward?"
"A reward?" Liu Buli raised an eyebrow, then understood: "Is it from those books again?"
Lu Wuming nodded.
It was from those books with pictures and a bit of plot, where it said that if one was good, they could usually do something pleasant...
Lu Wuming blinked, trying his best to control himself, not revealing the fervor in his eyes.
Liu Buli didn't pay much attention. He simply widened the smile on his face and asked cheerfully, "Alright, a reward it is. What reward does Wuming want? Do you want Master to forge you a sword of your own? Or do you want to learn some of our Pill Sect's unique secret techniques?"
After saying this, he felt that this might not be the kind of reward a child of Lu Wuming's age would want. So he paused, then changed his question: "Or, what delicious food does Wuming want to eat?"
"Neither," Lu Wuming shook his head.
When he looked at Liu Buli again, his eyes were filled with pure clarity. There was even a hint of trepidation and shyness as he said, "Master... can you kiss Wuming?"
Liu Buli froze for a moment, then his eyes widened in realization.
He hadn't read all the picture books he had bought for Lu Wuming, but when he was younger, he had seen similar comic strips – kanδん
When a child in the family did something right, their mother would sometimes kiss their forehead as a reward.
Were things this open even in ancient times?
Liu Buli mused inwardly, but his actions were swift and decisive. He reached out and cupped Lu Wuming's cheeks, then lowered his head and planted a kiss on the youth's forehead.
It was a simple touch, like a dragonfly skimming the water, fleeting.
The soft lips touched the boy's smooth forehead, and the sensation felt quite nice.
Liu Buli couldn't help but smile again, saying, "Wuming, your skin is so good, it feels wonderful to kiss."
He was just joking, but looking closely, Liu Buli found that his disciple's face had turned completely red, and his body was stiff, as if he had turned himself into a statue.
This appearance was too adorable. Liu Buli looked at him and couldn't help but laugh. He flicked Lu Wuming's forehead with his finger and teased, "Wuming, you asked for this reward yourself, why are you getting shy? Master knows you haven't had much contact with others usually, so before asking for rewards in the future, think it over carefully. Making yourself blush like this, are you trying to amuse me?"
Lu Wuming lowered his head and remained silent.
Liu Buli shook his head, feeling like a bad person bullying an innocent child.
He ruffled Lu Wuming's hair again and said, "Alright, don't be shy. Master will go get you something delicious to eat, that's the reward you should be asking for."
With that, Liu Buli turned and walked out of the courtyard.
Before he had taken two steps, Lu Wuming caught up to him, grabbed Liu Buli's sleeve, and said nervously, "Master, I, I still like this kind of reward. Can you always give Wuming this kind of reward in the future? Other... other things are also fine."
Liu Buli raised an eyebrow and looked back. The boy's face was still as red as an apple.
Perhaps it was because he had never had contact with anyone before, and now that he finally had a chance for contact, he was reluctant to let go of this warmth?
Liu Buli explained his behavior inwardly, feeling it made a lot of sense. He nodded and said, "If Wuming likes it, then using this as a reward in the future is not impossible."
Lu Wuming immediately smiled.
Liu Buli continued to ask, "Then do you still want the delicious food?"
Lu Wuming's eyes were full of anticipation, but he dared not speak.
He had already received the reward he most desired. If he asked for more, it would be too greedy.
He was afraid his master wouldn't like such a greedy him, so he could only obediently remain silent.
However, in the next moment, his hand was taken by Liu Buli. Liu Buli's laughter echoed beside him again, and he said, "Wuming, let me tell you again, if you like something, if you want something, you must say it. As long as you say it, no matter what it is, Master can give it to you. You are growing now, eating more won't hurt. So let's go eat something delicious, Wuming, be good and grow up well."
Lu Wuming walked forward, pulled by his hand. He opened his mouth, but in the end, he only softly responded with an "En."
He actually wanted to tell Liu Buli that what he wanted most wasn't delicious food.
He wanted Master.
He wanted him so much it was driving him mad.
But Master was right, he was still growing. He had to grow up properly before he could consider other things.
...
Perhaps it was the threat from Liu Buli that scared him, but that afternoon, the Great Elder came to find Liu Buli, saying that the disciple acceptance ceremony was ready and would be held tomorrow morning.
He spoke respectfully. If Lu Wuming hadn't been constantly monitoring his behavior towards others, one wouldn't have noticed any ulterior motives he had towards Liu Buli.
After all, he had been through this many times. He simply reminded Lu Wuming of the process and confirmed the time with Liu Buli, then the Great Elder took his leave and departed from the courtyard.
Once the person was gone, Liu Buli narrowed his eyes and turned to remind Lu Wuming beside him, "Don't forget to keep an eye on him tomorrow. Tell me immediately if he makes any moves."
Lu Wuming, unusually, did not respond.
He lowered his head, the ferocity in his gaze fully unleashed, no longer holding back.
Liu Buli glanced at him and asked curiously, "Wuming? Did you hear something again?"
Lu Wuming gritted his teeth, "Master, can I go kill him now?"
"No," Liu Buli shook his head. "Tell me the reason first."
Lu Wuming said word by word, "He just told someone else that he wants to kill you too."