When he saw Master Lin Kong, Liu Buli wasn't particularly surprised. After all, their efforts had resulted in the deaths of nearly half the cultivators in the cultivation world.
From that perspective, he was indeed an undeniable demon.
Master Lin Kong was a good person.
A righteous person, at that.
So, for a righteous person to eliminate a demon, wasn't that a matter of course? In fact, if Master Lin Kong hadn't appeared at all, Liu Buli would have found it strange.
However, contrary to his thoughts, upon hearing Liu Buli's question, Master Lin Kong merely fell silent. He didn't answer directly but instead posed a question back: "The Grand Elder you sent to us has arrived. According to his account, that dragon was your disciple's lover. They killed the dragon, and they killed your disciple, which is why you are doing these things now, is that correct?"
Liu Buli nodded slowly.
His expression remained largely unchanged, as if he had anticipated Master Lin Kong's question. Regardless of the master's choice, he wouldn't have taken it to heart.
Seeing his response, Master Lin Kong finally let out a long sigh.
He then turned and walked away from Liu Buli and his companions without hesitation.
This action caused Liu Buli a slight degree of surprise. He blinked and asked in a low voice, "Master Lin Kong, aren't you going to eliminate demons and uphold righteousness?"
"Eliminate demons and uphold righteousness?" Master Lin Kong softly repeated his words, then shook his head. "Then tell me, what is a demon, and what is righteousness?"
Liu Buli froze for a moment.
Master Lin Kong continued, "If you are called a demon because you killed so many cultivators, then were those cultivators who slaughtered your disciple and claimed the dragon worthy of being called righteous? I don't understand what they were thinking, but in my eyes, you are indeed a demon, but they are not much better. This is merely a mutual slaughter among demons, and they even called for help from others. They were a bit out of line, weren't they?"
After speaking, Master Lin Kong looked deeply at Liu Buli again. An unspeakable helplessness flickered in his eyes. He pursed his lips and said, "Liu Buli, I consider us friends, so I won't try to dissuade you from what you wish to do; I know, and I am in no position to do so. Therefore, I just want to tell you that after you have finished dealing with those around you, you should also seriously consider yourself. Falling too deep into demonic cultivation is not good. If it cannot be purged, I fear for you... Never mind. Speaking these useless words, I'd rather believe that good fortune will favor you. Just take better care of yourself in the future. I won't say more."
This time, Liu Buli finally showed a faint smile as he listened. He nodded gently and murmured, "Thank you, Master."
Master Lin Kong waved his hand.
What he wanted from the beginning was never Liu Buli's thanks.
Everything that needed to be said had been said, and anything else was meaningless. He didn't wish to say more.
So, he turned and left, this time without any hesitation.
After Master Lin Kong had walked far away, Shen Muzhi, who stood beside Liu Buli, blinked and wiped the blood splattered on his face. He spoke, "This Master Lin Kong is much more interesting than I imagined."
"If everyone in the cultivation world were like him, there wouldn't be so many troubles," Liu Buli shrugged. He then turned and walked away, carrying his demonic sword.
There were still a few sects he intended to deal with that hadn't been completely resolved, so he certainly wouldn't stop now.
Several months passed quickly. Liu Buli's mind was still occupied with those cultivators. As for the agreement between the Ghost King and Lu Wuming, he had temporarily forgotten about it.
However, Lu Wuming had mentioned this matter to Liu Buli before. Therefore, when he saw Thirteen appear in the small courtyard where they were temporarily staying, Liu Buli felt no surprise at all.
He simply picked up his long sword again and looked into Thirteen's eyes with a blank expression. He said, "I've been in a bad mood lately. Whether you are human or ghost, if you disturb me when I'm unhappy, you must be prepared for death."
Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Thirteen immediately waved his hands as quickly as possible. He put on a frightened and troubled expression and shouted loudly towards Lu Wuming, "Young Master, the King sent me because you haven't made any move for these past few months and asked me to bring you back. I have no other intentions, nor do I have any thoughts of betraying you. You should be very clear about this, right!?"
To Lu Wuming, his past memories had all become somewhat blurred. It was precisely because they had become blurred that he felt even more strongly that Liu Buli was someone different from everyone else.
Of course, only Liu Buli was different.
Everyone else held the same status and importance in his heart, whether it was other members of the ghost tribe or Thirteen standing before him. They were all the same.
He didn't care if they were loyal to him.
As long as Liu Buli was displeased, he wouldn't mind being killed.
However, upon hearing Thirteen's words, Liu Buli glanced back at Lu Wuming. Sensing the questioning intent in his gaze, Lu Wuming thought for a moment before nodding and saying, "It was he who reminded me that you are my lover, not my enemy. Only then did I have an epiphany and suddenly understand my feelings for you."
Liu Buli understood.
At the same time, he felt a little helpless.
He reached out and pinched Lu Wuming's cheek, saying, "You should say things like this earlier. Since they are your people, there's no need to eliminate them."
Saying this, Liu Buli turned back and scrutinized Thirteen from head to toe.
He still remembered this person.
When they had escaped from the ghost realm, it was this fellow who was guarding the gate. At that time, they had indeed been too heavily injured, and his own condition was already deteriorating. However, even without that situation, Liu Buli was still certain that with their strength at the time, fighting Thirteen would likely not have yielded any significant advantage.
But now, things were different.
Holding this divine sword in his hand, Liu Buli was certain that Thirteen was not his match. Moreover, judging from their recent conversation, Thirteen had now become Lu Wuming's subordinate?
How should one put it?
It was truly a twist of fate...
He closed his eyes slightly, and when he reopened them, his gaze had become much more serene. Looking in Thirteen's direction, Liu Buli spoke, "Since we are on the same side, let's not fight. Lu Wuming is not returning to Ghost City now. If you are worried about not being able to report back, you can stay with us for the time being."