Lu Wuming’s mind wasn't the sharpest.
Even if he sensed something was wrong, he couldn't articulate a specific reason.
All he could do was his best to recount everything he had observed during his time there to Liu Buli, especially the Ghost King’s peculiar state, which Lu Wuming described in meticulous detail.
Liu Buli listened quietly as he spoke. After hearing everything, he pondered for a moment before asking, "You were there for such a long time, and you lived in the main hall. Did you ever see the Ghost King's appearance? I mean, like us, seeing each other's faces, our forms, and interacting directly. Did that ever happen between you two?"
"That's precisely where the problem lies!" Lu Wuming exclaimed excitedly. "I've been here for so long, and I've never seen him once. I'd tentatively asked him why I couldn't meet him. But his reply was that he *was* the palace. His thoughts and spirit had merged with every brick and tile of this palace, and he was aware of everything that happened within it. This extended to everything in the Ghost City, so even if we didn't meet, as long as I spoke to him casually and I was within the Ghost City, we could converse. Therefore, there was no need to meet."
In essence, the Ghost King had been doing everything he could to avoid a direct encounter. Even though he called Lu Wuming his most important son, he maintained this distance, showing no intention of changing it.
This was indeed a strange matter.
Stroking his chin, Liu Buli contemplated for a while. Then, he posed a question that he himself found utterly foolish the moment it left his lips: "Besides you, do none of the other Ghost Tribe members in the Ghost City find anything amiss with this?"
The instant he asked, Liu Buli wanted to cover his mouth.
It was incredibly foolish.
As expected, Lu Wuming quickly responded. "Master, what are you thinking? Those fellows are all dumber than the last! My intelligence is considered top-tier among them. If I can't figure this out, how could they? No, they've never even considered it a problem in the first place!"
As if that wasn't enough, Lu Wuming continued, "Also, Master, let me tell you, those Ghost Tribe members really aren't very bright. In their eyes, the Ghost King is the supreme being in this world. If the Ghost King farts, they think it smells sweet! They're just a bunch of sycophants! You told me before that in the eyes of sycophants, their gods could never have any flaws. Even if there were problems, they would surely be their own. It would be their own lack of strength preventing them from understanding their god! They all think this way, I can guarantee it!"
Liu Buli couldn't help but twitch the corners of his mouth.
He had to admit that when it came to such nonsensical knowledge, his foolish disciple always absorbed it so quickly and accurately.
However, from a normal person's perspective, the situation in the Ghost City and the Ghost King himself did indeed seem problematic.
Liu Buli hadn't figured out the specific issues yet, so after a moment of silence, he said, "Let's set this doubt aside for now. I'll consult You Siqi and Shen Muzhi later and ask them to help me think of an answer. As for you..."
Before he could finish speaking, Lu Wuming eagerly interjected, "Master, please don't worry about me. I'm perfectly fine. Even if my days here aren't exactly joyful, there's absolutely no danger to my life. So you don't need to rush to pick me up. Just do as I said before and resolve your own issues first. Although I can't guard the furnace for you anymore, Shen Muzhi can definitely do a good job of it. Master, wait until you're completely out of trouble, then tell me what to do next. Don't worry, I'll also work on improving myself during this time and won't do anything that would cause you concern."
Listening to his disciple's string of words, Liu Buli felt a slight sting in his nose and his eyes grew warm, as if he might shed tears uncontrollably.
He had always thought that as this foolish boy's master, he should be the one protecting him. But at what point had their roles reversed?
He was still his disciple, but the act of protection had long since shifted to Lu Wuming protecting him.
In this current situation, Lu Wuming was clearly the one in more danger, yet he always prioritized Liu Buli's safety, fearing that excessive worry might lead to an accident. He kept reassuring Liu Buli, telling him not to overthink and to focus on his own matters.
He had to admit, his foolish disciple had truly grown up.
Liu Buli couldn't help but sigh.
During his silence, Lu Wuming added, "Master, although I told you to deal with your own affairs first, don't forget about me. Can we continue communicating like today tomorrow? Or if I miss you, will I have a way to contact you? How did you do it? Can you tell me? If I can only wait for Master to contact me, I'm afraid I won't be able to wait. I also want to have the right to contact you proactively, so..."
He spoke in a pitiful tone, as if afraid Liu Buli wouldn't teach him, his words laced with a hint of grievance.
Liu Buli found it amusing.
If possible, he would have preferred to teach Lu Wuming the method of contact.
Having the latter be the one to initiate contact might prevent Liu Buli from contacting him at an inopportune moment. If the Ghost King discovered anything amiss, it would truly be adding insult to injury for their current situation.
So, after a moment of thought, Liu Buli responded.
With a smile, he said, "I'll tell you the incantation for contact. Remember it well. Whether you succeed will depend on how well you learn it."