Hearing Master Lin Kong's words, Liu Buli was quite pleased. After all, this old man seemed to have no ill intentions for now, and building a good relationship might prove beneficial in the future.
However, Lu Wuming was not happy.
He disliked anyone who approached his master without a valid reason, and even if there was a reason, he found it incredibly annoying.
His displeasure was evident on his face, and Master Lin Kong saw it clearly.
With a hint of helplessness, he smiled at Lu Wuming and said, "I am an old man, long past the age of admiring beauty. I am aware of the relationship between you two. Young man, rest assured, I will not do anything to your master."
His words, instead of easing Lu Wuming's suspicion, only made him believe that the old man had ulterior motives.
After all, explanations were often cover-ups.
This was something his master had told him before!
Seeing that his disciple's jealousy was about to boil over, Liu Buli quickly took Lu Wuming's hand. He smiled at Master Lin Kong and said, "If Master has something to say, would you mind saying it to both of us? My disciple and I have no secrets. Even if you only tell me, I will tell him."
With Liu Buli's assurance, Master Lin Kong naturally did not refuse.
Nodding with a smile, he turned and walked in the direction he had indicated earlier.
Lu Wuming, now allowed to accompany them, looked much happier. He walked alongside Liu Buli to Master Lin Kong's side. Before they could even ask, Master Lin Kong spoke first, "I thanked you earlier because you did not reveal my performance that day to others."
Liu Buli tilted his head.
His performance that day?
After the great battle ended, he and Lu Wuming had been cooped up in their room, indulging in their passion. They had been so lost in each other that Liu Buli couldn't clearly recall what had happened before.
Seeing his confused expression, Master Lin Kong became a little embarrassed. He cleared his throat and reminded him, "It was when I was bewitched by those monsters, and almost followed their words to destroy the Red Lotus made by Valley Master Shen."
Hearing this reminder, Liu Buli remembered. However, he felt no resentment. Instead, he burst into laughter, waving his hand and saying, "In that situation, it's normal for one's mind to be confused. If I hadn't had my beloved by my side, I might have fallen for their slander as well. But ultimately, that thing was like a manifestation of inner demons. Who hasn't been ensnared by illusions of inner demons? It's not a big deal, so there's no need to tell others about it."
Liu Buli's words, coupled with his nonchalant reaction earlier, further enhanced his image in Master Lin Kong's eyes.
The old man looked at Liu Buli with gratitude and said, "Sect Master Liu, I consider you a friend. Based on this matter alone, if you ever encounter trouble in the future, come to Guiyi Sect and find me. I will not refuse."
Liu Buli smiled.
If he truly encountered trouble, it would undoubtedly be when Lu Wuming's identity was exposed to the world. By then, it would be the greatest help if this old man didn't join others in hunting them down. As for any other assistance, apart from Shen Muzhi, he dared not even dream of it.
Casually accepting Master Lin Kong's promise, Liu Buli pointed in the direction of his residence and said, "Master, you are too formal. I didn't think it was something worth thanking for. However, since we've cleared the air, I will accept your gratitude. If there's nothing else, I'll take my disciple back now."
Master Lin Kong nodded.
Looking at Liu Buli, he pondered for a moment and then continued, "You saved all of us in this martial arts tournament. Therefore, I acknowledge you as the final winner. Furthermore, I have realized the inadequacy of my own state of mind. Upon my return, I intend to go into seclusion for a period. When we meet again, I wish to have a proper spar with Sect Master Liu. I am quite curious to see who will emerge victorious."
Liu Buli smiled and quickly agreed. "Alright, I also wish to have a good match with you. It's rare to find a worthy opponent, and it's truly exciting."
They exchanged a look, and Master Lin Kong bowed deeply to Liu Buli once more.
Liu Buli said nothing further, merely waved his hand, and left with Lu Wuming.
After returning to their courtyard, Liu Buli asked Lu Wuming to wait in their room while he went to the adjacent courtyard to check on the other members of the Dan Sect.
Perhaps due to their relationship, Shen Muzhi had prioritized the protection of the Medicine Valley and Dan Sect members when they were attacked in the spectator stands. With Yun Xiang's assistance, only one or two members of the Dan Sect sustained minor injuries, while the rest were unharmed. In contrast, he, the Sect Master, was the most severely injured.
Confirming that everyone was fine, Liu Buli discussed the return journey with the Grand Elder. After all, the martial arts tournament had concluded, and there was nothing else keeping them here. Lingering in the Medicine Valley was not ideal; it was better to return sooner.
The departure was set for the morning two days later. This remaining time was for everyone to adjust, pack their belongings, and to socialize with friends they hadn't seen in a long time. Large gatherings in the cultivation world were infrequent, and it was common for friends from different sects to meet only after several years.
With these arrangements made, Liu Buli returned to his courtyard.
To his surprise, upon entering, he found not only Lu Wuming and Shen Muzhi but also an unfamiliar figure.
Hearing the sound of his footsteps, the person immediately turned around. With a smile on a face that bore a striking resemblance to Shen Muzhi's, he introduced himself, "Daoist Liu, I have long admired your name. I am Shen Muzhi's younger brother, Shen Muyan. My brother has told me about you and your disciple. I am currently living in Jiangnan Water City and had an opportunity to come and greet you. My brother said to treat you as I would him. So, if you ever need anything in the future, you can come to me, and I will help you with anything."