As the man spoke, Lu Wuming, for the first time, observed him with genuine seriousness.
From the perspective of an ordinary cultivator, the man's appearance was, at best, average. He seemed to be in his late thirties or early forties. While his features weren't particularly striking, they were by no means unpleasant. He possessed a gentle demeanor, though Lu Wuming himself felt utterly indifferent.
The man met Lu Wuming's gaze for a moment, but to his surprise, Lu Wuming not only offered no reply but deliberately averted his eyes, focusing his attention on another man beside him.
This second man appeared slightly younger than Chu Qi, perhaps in his late twenties. His features were more refined and gentle. Having spent so much time in Ghost City, surrounded by monstrous, grotesque creatures, even a normal-looking person seemed pleasant. Lu Wuming couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at this realization.
He desperately needed his master to cleanse his eyes.
Raising an eyebrow, Lu Wuming addressed the gentle-looking man, "Who are you?"
"I am Chu Yi. Greetings, Young Master," the man replied, his voice as soft and pleasant as his appearance.
After these simple words, he returned to his previous quiet state, as if his role in this meeting was merely that of a backdrop. He had no intention of stealing the spotlight or making any undue noise.
Unfortunately, his wish was not granted. Lu Wuming, as if on purpose, kept his gaze fixed on Chu Yi. Narrowing his eyes, he asked, "If Chu Qi only needed to examine my memories, why are you here? Do you also possess those techniques?"
"No, but I remain here in case any issues arise, so I can assist the Young Master," Chu Yi's voice remained consistently respectful and composed. It seemed he was merely fulfilling his duty with no personal agenda.
This realization made Lu Wuming feel somewhat bored. He shrugged, finally shifting his attention back to Chu Qi.
After scrutinizing Chu Qi once more, he finally beckoned him closer. Lu Wuming said, "Come here. Didn't you say you could see my memories after drinking my blood? I want to drink it directly, you don't need to prepare it for me."
This was the first time such a request had been made. Even though the speaker was the Young Master, Chu Qi still hesitated for a brief moment.
He looked blankly at Chu Yi beside him, then up at the palace before him. He seemed at a loss, intending to defer the decision to the Ghost King.
The Ghost King himself found Lu Wuming's request somewhat peculiar. However, since Lu Wuming had finally agreed to the examination, it was a significant improvement over his previous refusal.
Not believing Lu Wuming would cause trouble at this juncture, the Ghost King remained silent for a moment before ultimately agreeing. He said, "Child, if this is your wish, we can grant it. But remember, Chu Qi is your companion. Even when drinking his blood, do not harm him. Moderation is key. If you wish to taste flesh, I will arrange for Thirteen to find you fresh food, so..."
"I have no desire for that flesh, nor do I need you to arrange for food. None of that is necessary. I simply find this bothersome and don't want him to see my memories in such a simple manner," Lu Wuming replied with evident frustration. "As for harming him, I don't understand what you're worried about. I've been imprisoned here for so long, I've never even considered escaping. Unless I've gone mad, why would I cause such pointless trouble?"
Perhaps it was because Lu Wuming had been exceptionally well-behaved in recent times, the Ghost King's guard had been lowered to an extreme.
After all, Lu Wuming was correct. He couldn't escape from here. In such circumstances, obediently complying was the wisest course of action.
Lu Wuming had demonstrated his compliance through his actions in the past. Even without any supervision, he had never once attempted to escape.
The Ghost King saw this clearly.
Because of this, he paid no mind to Lu Wuming's rare, minor act of defiance.
In his view, it was merely an ant, long oppressed, expressing its dissatisfaction.
But what could that expression achieve?
It would only offer the ant a fleeting moment of solace. Nothing else would change, and nothing would happen. Therefore, he would let this small act of rebellion proceed.
Since the Ghost King had reached this conclusion, regardless of Chu Qi's willingness, he could only follow the Young Master's demand and walk step by step towards him.
Lu Wuming appeared to be a true spoiled young master, sitting idly. His gaze towards Chu Qi was filled with sarcasm and contempt.
As Chu Qi approached him, Lu Wuming extended his hand. The gesture clearly indicated that Chu Qi was to lower his head and offer his neck for the blood to be drunk.
Sensing the disgust in Lu Wuming's eyes, Chu Qi could say no more.
Obediently, he lowered his head. As his neck came within reach, Lu Wuming took hold of it.
The next second, before Chu Qi could even register what was happening, he felt his head lose control, his vision shifting.
Moreover, a sharp pain erupted in his chest.
Everything happened too quickly.
Even the Ghost King was powerless to intervene. Chu Qi's head had already rolled to the ground, while in Lu Wuming's other hand, he held a still-beating heart.
Licking the blood that splattered on his lips, Lu Wuming smiled and said, "I told you, don't think about looking at my memories. Did you think I was joking?"