His statement this time was indeed surprising.
Everyone knew that You Siqi was the least compatible with this world. Nothing here offered him a sense of belonging, so everyone had always believed that if a way for him to return home were found, he would enter it without hesitation and leave this world he detested immediately.
Yet, things had taken an unexpected turn. You Siqi had voluntarily offered to stay for a while longer. When Liu Buli heard this, his first reaction wasn't one of gratitude, but rather an urge to reach out and feel You Siqi's forehead, to check if he had overexerted himself with Shen Muzhi and perhaps lost his senses.
Perhaps his emotions were too evident on his face, for even without voicing his thoughts, You Siqi instantly understood what he was thinking. He shot Liu Buli an angry glare and said, "I'm willing to stay for your sake, shouldn't you be happier? What's with that expression? I suspect you're treating me like an idiot."
"Indeed, that's what I'm thinking," Liu Buli readily nodded, showing no intention of sparing You Siqi's feelings. He even directly rejected You Siqi's offer. "If I were you, with such an opportunity, I'd seize the chance to escape immediately. After all, everything that lies ahead is troublesome. The final battle with the Ghost King might even be starting. You're just an ordinary person; what help can you offer me? Leave now, save yourself. There's no need for loyalty here."
Liu Buli's words were harsh, but anyone could tell that all he was saying was out of concern for You Siqi's safety.
After all, You Siqi was one of his few friends.
He could risk his life for Lu Wuming, but You Siqi and Shen Muzhi were no longer mere pawns in his plans.
If they could live well, Liu Buli believed he would be happy. Therefore, they didn't need to be involved in any dangerous endeavors. Or rather, even if they insisted on participating, Liu Buli felt he wouldn't be particularly happy about it.
They understood each other's thoughts perfectly, but precisely because of this understanding, it was even more crucial to be clear.
You Siqi patted Liu Buli's shoulder, his smile unchanged. "I know things will be troublesome, and I know it will be dangerous. If that's the case, you need a good helper. I may not have much skill, but Shen Muzhi does. He's quite capable and can help you resolve any troubles that arise. I have no other intentions; I just want to see you safe and happy. At least then, I can leave without any worries or regrets."
Liu Buli couldn't help but chuckle softly at this, shaking his head and sighing, "While I appreciate your sentiment, I have to ask, is this how you usually treat your husband?"
"How can you say that? This is my trust in him," You Siqi corrected. "Besides, he's not the only one helping you. I may be an ordinary person, but I'm still an ordinary person favored by the Heavenly Dao. You've already communicated with the Heavenly Dao once; don't you know how much he dotes on Shen Muzhi and me? I'm not boasting, but perhaps at a critical moment, I can still be of great help to you. Anything is possible, and an extra hand is beneficial. Don't always try to refuse."
You Siqi's words left no room for refusal.
Liu Buli glanced to the side. The small black cat nestled in You Siqi's arms also nodded in his direction. Its beautiful cat eyes were fixed on Liu Buli's, and the feeling was strange. Despite the difference in species, looking into the cat's eyes, Liu Buli felt he could clearly perceive its earnestness.
It seemed this was a decision they had made together.
Since it was a kind offer and he had no chance to refuse, it was better to accept it as they suggested. If any accidents occurred, they could figure out a solution together.
With that thought, Liu Buli pursed his lips and added, "However, all of this is predicated on you being able to choose when to return. If that's not possible, then the moment you find an opportunity to go back, leave immediately. You don't need to worry too much about my affairs; I believe I can handle them."
You Siqi did not refuse this either.
They sat together, gazing at the distant sky. Both Liu Buli and You Siqi felt that their current relationship was incredibly peculiar.
They had never thought they would become friends in this lifetime, yet now they were closer than anyone except their respective lovers.
Even though they might never meet again after returning to their separate worlds, You Siqi still felt happy. At least, having known such a good friend in this life was a valuable life experience for him.
After a moment of silence, Liu Buli suddenly thought of something and turned back to You Siqi. "Right, since the Heavenly Dao likes you and Shen Muzhi so much, can't you ask him to clear some of the obstacles on your cultivation path?"
You Siqi's mouth twitched.
He had actually wanted to consult the Heavenly Dao about this issue. But the Heavenly Dao hadn't given him the opportunity. Even if he tried to contact it, he received no response. What could he do?
He opened his mouth, intending to explain to Liu Buli the relationship between him and the Heavenly Dao, akin to a father and a disobedient son. However, before he could utter a sound, Lu Wuming, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, suddenly opened them without warning.
His reaction could only mean one thing: he had sensed something different.
This time, however, he didn't need to explain. The moment he opened his eyes, everyone felt a violent tremor from beneath their feet.
You Siqi's eyes widened in alarm. "There's nothing here, could this place have an earthquake?"