When Liu Buli kissed him, Lu Wuming had already heard the voices from the audience. There were sounds of disdain, curses, and even outright disgust, each more grating than the last.
He had originally intended to act and silence those people forever.
However, seeing his master appear unconcerned, Lu Wuming felt it wasn't appropriate to dwell on it. He could only obediently follow Liu Buli back to their room.
Once inside, Liu Buli closed the door. He reached out, wrapped his arms around Lu Wuming's neck again, and kissed him once more.
In the past, at such moments, a single gesture from him would send Lu Wuming into a frenzy.
But this time, not only did Lu Wuming not go mad, he actively pushed Liu Buli back, creating some distance. Lu Wuming pouted and said, "Master, you took me away just now because you didn't want me to fight with those people gossiping about us, right?"
"What else?" Liu Buli smiled and said, "When you were with me back then, I already told you. Two men being together is not allowed by this world. Most people would think we're sick for our actions, that we're disrupting the world's order. So, seeing our behavior today, their reaction is completely within reason."
Lu Wuming frowned, "But..."
Liu Buli shook his head and placed a hand over his lips. He said, "Their mouths are their own, and we don't have the power to silence them all right now. So, just be good and pretend you didn't hear anything. It'll be more comfortable than dwelling on it too much."
Lu Wuming was still somewhat dissatisfied with this conclusion.
But Liu Buli didn't give him a chance to say more, instead pulling him to the bedside. He said, "Alright, the person in front of you now is your master, me. If you're still thinking about other people's matters when I'm by your side, shouldn't I suspect that my charm in your eyes isn't that high?"
"Of course not!" Lu Wuming quickly denied it, leaning closer to Liu Buli and gently kissing his lips. Seeing Liu Buli's contented squint, Lu Wuming took a deep breath and tentatively deepened the light kiss.
What followed unfolded as Liu Buli had predicted. He never doubted his charm in Lu Wuming's eyes. No matter what Lu Wuming was contemplating or hesitating about, as long as Liu Buli was willing to offer himself, Lu Wuming would immediately transform into a big dog, happily circling him without any deviation.
While Liu Buli didn't know how others comforted their disciples, he knew that his method of comfort was incredibly taxing on his waist.
However, since it was a reward he had proposed himself, no matter how wild Lu Wuming became, Liu Buli persevered and never uttered a word of complaint.
They continued like this for a good part of the day, from the end of the martial arts competition in the morning until the early hours of the new moon in the evening. Only when Liu Buli had fallen into a deep sleep did Lu Wuming release him. Under the moonlight, he gazed at his master's beautiful sleeping face, pulled the covers up for him, and then lowered his head to gently kiss his lips.
After doing so, he looked up again, his once dark eyes now a blood-red hue.
Glancing around, Lu Wuming spoke coldly, "Didn't you say you wouldn't bother me for now? Are you ghosts lying? How much time has passed, and why are you in my room again?"
As he spoke, a figure materialized in the corner of the otherwise empty room. The figure was shrouded in darkness, its features indistinguishable.
Yet, despite this, its hunched posture was clearly visible. It bowed towards Lu Wuming and said, "Young Master, I truly did not intend to disturb you again. However, our King misses you dearly. Since you are attending this banquet, the King has instructed me to give you a task. He hopes you will not disappoint everyone's expectations and will complete the reception well."
Lu Wuming frowned.
He had initially wanted the figure to leave immediately, but upon hearing its words, he began to seriously consider.
Lu Wuming's intelligence was surprisingly online for once. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "What do you need me to do? Explain it to me in detail."
"It's quite flattering that you've accepted so readily, Young Master," the figure chuckled lowly, its voice as unpleasant as the last time they met.
Lu Wuming suppressed his displeasure, maintaining a calm expression. He said, "Humans are not my kin, and I feel no goodwill towards them. But currently, neither do you. So, tell me what you want me to do, and tell me what benefits I can gain. I will weigh it and decide whether to choose you or the humans."
"Naturally, you should choose us, Young Master. There is no future in mingling with food," the figure said with a smile. "As for what the King wants you to do, it's very simple. With your high cultivation, you will surely be able to accomplish it."
Lu Wuming did not reply, implying that the figure should finish speaking before he considered.
The ghost obligingly paused for a moment before speaking honestly, "Among the participants in this martial arts tournament, there is an old man named Master Lin Kong. He is considered by our King to be the most powerful existence among the current food. If he dies, those food will be utterly terrified and lose their wits. Then, our long-prepared banquet can officially commence."
Lu Wuming lowered his gaze and asked, "So, what you're asking is for me to kill that old man?"
"Precisely," the ghost said with a smile. "Young Master, you are the most powerful ghost in history, even the King says so. Therefore, you will undoubtedly succeed in such a simple task. The King has said that after your success, the food beside you can be yours to enjoy alone. We can all see that he smells exceptionally sweet. However, that is a reward solely for you; none of us will take it."
Lu Wuming listened, then glanced back at the sleeping Liu Buli beside him.
Frowning slightly, he continued to ask, "What if I fail?"