Hearing Lu Wuming's question, Liu Buli understood what he was implying. His cheeks flushed, but he ultimately didn't object.
He simply nodded gently and reminded him, "Actually, there's no need to absorb it all completely. Even if a little remains, it won't have much of an impact on me. After all, absorbing too much malice might cause you some harm, right? So..."
"No, Shizun, you're overthinking it."
Before Liu Buli could finish speaking, Lu Wuming responded with a smile. Shaking his head, he said, "Shizun, have you forgotten? Wuming is a genuine monster. Forget the malice here; even if it were dozens of times more potent and concentrated, absorbing it all wouldn't affect me in the slightest."
Not only would it not affect him, but it would also make him stronger.
The only potential side effect might be an inability to control his emotions, possibly leading to extreme madness. However, if such a thing were to happen, it wouldn't be his concern.
After all, the target of his madness might be Liu Buli. As long as Liu Buli could withstand it without issue, then it wouldn't matter.
Both of them understood this point very well.
Thus, Liu Buli's face immediately turned red. He glared at Lu Wuming, then pushed his back, saying, "Since it doesn't affect you, shut up and lead the way. I don't like it here. The sooner we get out, the more comfortable I'll be."
Hearing his Shizun's somewhat awkward reply, Lu Wuming couldn't help but smile and obediently replied, "Alright."
And he had to admit, once Liu Buli stopped struggling and allowed Lu Wuming to act freely, things became much easier to handle.
Lu Wuming paid no mind to the increasingly potent malice ahead. Whenever it appeared, he absorbed it whole. To him, this substance was no different from the air he breathed daily. If anything, the air here contained more resentful energy, and absorbing it into his body was a pleasant form of nourishment.
Unlike Liu Buli who had to hold his long sword, Lu Wuming, seeing that there was no one else around, simply revealed his ghost claws. Cutting through the path was exceptionally smooth and unhindered.
As before, whenever they severed the surrounding mountain walls, new malice would seep out.
It felt like cutting off the tentacles of some creature, and the malice was like its blood, naturally gushing out when severed.
Lu Wuming thought about these things, and looking at the scene before him, he suddenly found it extremely disgusting.
If he felt this way, Liu Buli naturally felt the same. Lu Wuming could only sigh inwardly, hoping this path would be shorter than expected. Although he could improve himself, he truly didn't want his Shizun to suffer any more.
Alas, things did not go as hoped.
The path grew longer and longer, with no end in sight. As they pressed forward, the surrounding aura became increasingly concentrated.
Lu Wuming himself didn't feel much, but the thought that this aura might make his Shizun uncomfortable made his own inner restlessness grow.
If he could, he truly wanted to tear apart this annoying passage...
He accelerated his absorption of malice, fearing that Liu Buli might feel any discomfort. Fortunately, his actions prevented Liu Buli from experiencing any distress. The passage they had traversed was also mostly cleared by him, so there was no sense of being blocked.
After another incense stick's worth of time, the passage finally reached its end. Looking around, they found themselves in a space not very large, constructed from stones.
Liu Buli carefully inspected the area but found no gaps in the stone blocks large enough to allow them to leave.
Looking around, he finally asked Lu Wuming, "Wuming, how do you feel here? The malice around is too intense; I can't discern where it's strongest. Do you have any different sensations? If so, tell me, and we can analyze our next steps."
Even after receiving his internal organs, Liu Buli was, after all, human. Thus, the surrounding malice was already excessive for him. However, to avoid worrying Lu Wuming, he had put on a brave face.
That being said, while he could maintain appearances for now, asking him to do further analysis was truly asking too much.
Even if Liu Buli hadn't said anything, Lu Wuming understood this. After observing their surroundings, he directly gestured towards a nearby rock face and said, "Shizun, the malice is strongest here. But before we act, would you mind waiting for me for a moment? I'll absorb the other malice here first, and then we can discuss other matters. Otherwise, I fear that if too much malice is suddenly released, it might harm you."
When it came to matters concerning Liu Buli, Lu Wuming's not-so-sharp mind was always very focused.
Just like now.
This incredibly thoughtful question immediately made Liu Buli chuckle. He nodded and said, "I have to admit, the evil energy around is indeed quite heavy. Even as it is now, I'm finding it difficult to bear. If you could clear it up, that would be wonderful."
Liu Buli rarely hid anything from Lu Wuming on such matters. Because of this, Lu Wuming knew very well that if he said he was uncomfortable, he truly was struggling to endure.
Taking a few deep breaths, he sat down cross-legged on the ground.
He circulated the resentful energy within his body, turning himself into a formation that attracted evil energy, absorbing all the surrounding malice into his own body.
Watching his actions, Liu Buli became somewhat anxious.
He prayed silently. After a moment, Lu Wuming slowly opened his eyes.
Looking into Liu Buli's eyes, he hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Shizun, before we act, I'd like to do something else. Do you permit it?"