Lu Wuming was still fighting against the malevolence, so he didn't see the situation unfolding before him.
Unlike him, Liu Buli looked at the still-beating heart and felt an indescribable nausea surge into his mind. Just sensing its existence made him feel extremely uncomfortable.
He truly couldn't comprehend who, or for what purpose, had created such an anti-human abomination. However, he could at least be sure that if it weren't for Lu Wuming, he would likely have been suffocated by the pain and hatred carried by the heart.
As his disgust reached its peak, Liu Buli no longer hesitated. He once again raised his long sword and attacked the heart lodged in the crevice of the stone wall.
Contrary to his expectations, the heart itself seemed to have little defense. Liu Buli's sword strike shattered it into pieces. However, simultaneously, an even more potent surge of evil energy and malevolence erupted from the heart. Even with Lu Wuming blocking in front, Liu Buli was still violently impacted by the aura.
A searing pain instantly spread from his chest throughout his body, and an uncontrollable buzzing filled his mind.
It was as if countless voices were directly echoing in his head, a chaotic jumble of men, women, old, and young. Yet, Liu Buli could discern one thing: the overwhelming, almost frenzied despair they conveyed.
This was the sensation brought by malevolence and evil energy.
Though he had experienced it once or twice before, the feeling had never been as intense as this. For a long time, Liu Buli remained in a state of bewilderment and despair.
He didn't even know what he was despairing about.
It was as if, in that instant, he had lost all interest in everything in the mortal world. He couldn't even articulate a reason for continuing to live, only feeling an overwhelming weariness, a soul-deep fatigue that yearned for everything to end.
The moment he recognized this emotion, Liu Buli understood that something was wrong. But understanding was useless; the pain brought by the malevolence continued to fester and spread.
Liu Buli's state persisted for a while, and then he noticed that the chaotic voices in his mind seemed to become clearer.
However, clarity did not signify improvement.
Upon careful discernment, he realized the voices were gleefully urging him to die, to become like them.
The hand holding the sword tightened, his fingers trembling involuntarily. Liu Buli didn't know how to resolve this, but he was certain that if this state continued, it was only a matter of time before he took his own life with his sword.
Fortunately, Lu Wuming, having absorbed most of the malevolence, turned to look at Liu Buli and immediately sensed that something was amiss.
He called out to Liu Buli several times in a panic, but received no response. Lu Wuming couldn't help but reach out and grab his shoulder, shaking him. Liu Buli swayed like a kite with a broken string, unable to even perform the basic act of standing upright.
"Shizun!" Lu Wuming shouted loudly in his ear.
Liu Buli felt as if he heard some sounds, and he genuinely wanted to respond. But his body felt completely beyond his control; no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make the movements he desired.
Moreover, his consciousness began to blur.
If this state continued…
Before he could even contemplate the worst-case scenario, Liu Buli felt himself being pulled into an embrace, and then familiar, warm lips pressed against his.
It was a kiss that seemed no different from their usual ones.
If anything, it lacked the usual fervor, feeling somewhat gentle and concerned.
Liu Buli's mind was sluggish, so he couldn't grasp the meaning of a kiss at such a moment.
However, his body's instinct told him he liked this kiss.
So, he simply relaxed, allowing himself to collapse into Lu Wuming's arms. Liu Buli savored the kiss, and during its continuation, he gradually found that his once-fading consciousness seemed to be regaining clarity.
Blinking, Liu Buli pushed against Lu Wuming's chest.
But the other party remained in the same position, holding him close, showing no intention of letting go.
Liu Buli was already weak, and with this action, he simply chose to yield. He continued to lean into Lu Wuming's embrace, accepting the kiss. Only when the chaotic voices in his mind completely vanished did he push against Lu Wuming's chest again, reminding him, "Wuming, Shizun has fully recovered. You don't need to continue."
To allow him to speak, their tightly pressed lips finally parted slightly.
However, upon hearing his words, Lu Wuming frowned slightly, displeased. Shaking his head, he said, "Let's kiss a little longer, or else Shizun will be a heartless man who uses and discards. You told me yourself that one shouldn't be like that. So Shizun, you can't set a bad example and go back on your word, can you?"