It was completely unexpected for things to develop in this manner. Upon hearing the female cultivator's words, both Liu Buli and Master Linkong were stunned.
Although Master Linkong himself stated that he was helping Liu Buli now because Liu Buli had assisted him during the martial arts tournament, and thus it was mutual help, in reality, he simply wanted to repay the favor.
For Liu Buli, Master Linkong was practically his benefactor.
He had resolved Liu Buli's greatest current worry and trouble. Furthermore, because Liu Buli had lost control of his emotions, Master Linkong had faced criticism from other cultivators. The more Liu Buli thought about it, the more he felt he had let Master Linkong down. He opened his mouth, intending to explain the situation to everyone, but Master Linkong gently patted his shoulder. Turning to look, Liu Buli saw Master Linkong offering him a faint smile. Shaking his head slightly, he was signaling to Liu Buli that he did not wish for their recent conversation to be known by others.
Everyone has secrets they wish to protect.
Just as Liu Buli had always protected Lu Wuming, Master Linkong also did not wish for the woman in his heart to be exposed to others.
For a moment, Liu Buli even felt a sense of kindred spirits with Master Linkong. They understood the deepest emotions hidden within each other's hearts, and only they could truly comprehend them.
The voices criticizing Master Linkong grew louder in his ears, yet Master Linkong simply smiled, as if he heard nothing, and turned to walk out of the main hall.
Seeing him preparing to leave, Liu Buli couldn't help but quicken his pace to catch up. The two left the hall and walked to a less crowded area outside. Liu Buli finally spoke, "Master, the purpose of gathering everyone here this time is to discuss matters related to dragon slaying. Since you have emerged from seclusion, you should have heard from this disciple that dragons have been sighted recently, a situation witnessed by everyone."
Liu Buli couldn't quite figure out why he had come to tell Master Linkong about such a matter. Even if Master Linkong were to join him in the dragon-slaying expedition, Liu Buli knew very well that the outcome would be futile. In that case, what was the point of specifically coming to remind him?
Liu Buli remained in a daze, contemplating these matters.
Upon hearing his words, Master Linkong assumed he wanted to share in the spoils. He then offered a gentle and friendly smile, gently shaking his head. He said, "Regarding that dragon, I have indeed heard some rumors. Thank you for the reminder, but honestly, I am not interested in it, nor have I ever considered dragon slaying. I came here simply because I calculated that you were in trouble. Thinking I might be able to help you, I came to see. But now, it seems your trouble has already been resolved by me. As for what comes next, it should no longer be considered a trouble for you, right?"
Listening to Master Linkong's words, Liu Buli truly couldn't discern how much this old man knew.
However, after their prolonged exchange, he could understand that Master Linkong bore him no ill will.
Since his intended task was completed, and the other cultivators clearly did not welcome him, Master Linkong naturally had no intention of staying in the Dan Sect any longer.
However, as he was about to leave, he looked back at Liu Buli. Then, as if issuing a warning, Master Linkong thought for a moment and said, "Actually, regarding this matter of dragon slaying, after our conversation just now, I can see that your heart is not truly in it. Since that is the case, perhaps you should take my advice and forgo this endeavor."
Liu Buli's heart stirred. This time, he managed to control the expression on his face, preventing any significant emotional fluctuation. He asked in a deep voice, "Master, do you believe there are some unspeakable hidden reasons behind this?"
"There are no unspeakable reasons. Even if there were, they are certainly not something I would know," Master Linkong smiled, his expression exceptionally calm. He replied, "It's just that at my age, having seen so much, with one foot already in the grave, when it comes to many things, letting go is often the chosen path."
He paused slightly and continued, "For example, the dragon. You say the dragon merely appeared, it harmed no one, nor did it do anything to hurt anyone. It didn't even show any hostility towards us, yet we are making a big fuss about slaying it. What is the reason? What is the righteousness? Cultivators cultivate their bodies, and more importantly, their hearts. If, for such a small gain, one's heart is stained with dust, then I believe it is entirely unnecessary."
Having said this, Master Linkong offered no further advice.
He simply waved his hand, signaling to Liu Buli that no escort was needed, then turned and walked away from the Dan Sect alone.
Watching his retreating figure, Liu Buli remained silent for a long time before finally taking a deep breath and regaining his senses.
He told himself, with rare sincerity, that in the future, if possible, he should do more good deeds. Take Master Linkong, for instance. Everything that had happened with him before was merely an unintentional act on Liu Buli's part. But if the other person were a pure-hearted good person, they would remember his good deeds and repay him in his time of need.
Receiving help from an unexpected source felt rather peculiar, to be honest. But Liu Buli could be sure that he did not feel there was anything bad about this feeling.
Not only did he not feel it was bad, but his heart, which had been cold for several days, also felt a slight warmth rekindle due to this feeling.
Even as he watched Master Linkong's departing back, it was the first time he had so sincerely blessed a friend who was still somewhat unfamiliar.
No matter how he spent the rest of his life, he hoped this elder, who had completely let go of worldly concerns and possessed such noble intentions, would have a peaceful end.
Just as he himself had said.
Liu Buli also hoped that he could live his life with a clear conscience.
Then, when life reached its end and he arrived in the underworld, he would meet the woman he loved and who loved him. They would meet with a smile, reconcile their differences, and in the next life, even if they were ordinary people, they could stay together for a hundred years. Even if their lives were plain and ordinary, there would be a unique kind of happiness.