Although Wutian didn't witness the situation firsthand.
Judging from the residual battle energy, it must have been extremely intense.
He was a Buddha's Child!!!
Now he couldn't even catch up to Lu Ding's footsteps if he tried, facing the other's absolute dominance while he could only eat dust in the rear.
How could Wutian possibly accept this?
Now that misfortune had turned into blessing, he had gained an opportunity for rapid growth through enlightenment.
Wutian definitely wouldn't give up.
Since he temporarily didn't want to come out, Lu Ding didn't force him.
After all, his White Snake Shakes Scales technique could only be used on himself.
To bring Wutian out, he would have to directly confront the Demon Suppression Cave's restrictions.This was, after all, a place used to seal monsters - one could enter but not leave, its security beyond question. Whether it could be broken was something Lu Ding wasn't confident about.
This current situation was perfect.
Chiseltooth had been dealt with, and there were no other demons or monsters in the cave.
Apart from being somewhat lonely, Wutian was quite safe here.
However, there was still one problem.
What if, after he went to the Second Circle, Wutian gained enlightenment but couldn't get out... wouldn't that be awkward?
Thinking of this, Lu Ding asked: "About how long will you need?"
"I should need some time, why do you ask?"
"Nothing, I was worried you might gain enlightenment but then be unable to get out. Since you need some time, I'll just come back early and break these restrictions then."
Wutian caught the key point.
Early...
"Grand Duke Lu, is there some urgent matter you need to attend to outside?"
After speaking, he realized his question might be inappropriate and quickly apologized: "My apologies, this humble monk has been presumptuous."
"Nothing particularly important. By the time you come out, I'll probably have already ascended."
Lu Ding's words were spoken lightly, as casually as if he were saying he was going out to eat with friends that evening.
But these simple words brought indescribable shock to Wutian.
"Ascen........."
He was momentarily speechless, silently losing control of his facial expressions within the bone cocoon.
Ascension, something only recorded in ancient texts, was something Lu Ding actually mentioned so casually........
Wutian didn't know about the Dragon Wall.
This was confidential information for outsiders.
Apart from 749 Bureau internal investigators, even external Heavenly Perception members needed to reach certain cultivation standards to learn about the Second Circle.
That's why Wutian was so astonished.
After thinking for quite a while, Wutian finally said: "Then... then... then this humble monk offers early congratulations to Grand Duke Lu for a successful ascension."
He felt utterly defeated....
Originally brothers suffering together, but in the blink of an eye his brother was driving a Range Rover while he was still struggling to afford one, and now his brother even had an aircraft carrier.
They weren't even in the same league anymore - how could he not feel defeated?
"Don't worry about it. Alright, I'm leaving."
Not wanting to waste time, Lu Ding still needed to report back on the mission.
Just as he was about to leave, Wutian called out to him again: "Grand Duke Lu... could you wait a moment? About that... that chicken Miss Yan mentioned last time......"
Well now, you wine-and-meat monk, quite the glutton aren't you? Still thinking about that golden pheasant even now?
If he hadn't brought it up, Lu Ding would have almost forgotten.
"Don't worry, you'll get your share. If I'm around, we'll have hotpot together. If I'm not, you can go find Feifan to claim it."
"Rest assured I'll tell him in advance, guaranteed to be triple-purified."
Wutian within the bone cocoon smiled upon hearing this.
"Thank you, Grand Duke Lu."
After they bid farewell.
Lu Ding collected Chiseltooth's broken tooth and headed out.
Along the way, he felt something was wrong - he seemed to have jinxed himself.
"Damn, looks like I won't get to enjoy that reunion golden pheasant hotpot feast again. Sigh!!!!"
Lu Ding heaved a heavy sigh.
Meanwhile.
Outside the Demon Suppression Cave.
Although Abbot Kongshi had said verbally that Wutian was saved, he couldn't stop worrying in his heart.
He had been pacing back and forth before the cave entrance.
Deputy Director Ji approached and said: "Don't worry, old monk. With Lu Ding here, there won't be any accidents."
Abbot Kongshi still didn't stop pacing: "I know, I know, this old monk knows. But Chiseltooth is no ordinary demon."
"Back when we subdued it, our entire Lionheart Temple mobilized and paid a great price to capture it."
"Although its power has been suppressed and diminished over the years in the Demon Suppression Cave, still... sigh....... Amitabha, Amitabha."
"Venerable Lu must not come to harm, Buddha protect him. This is a tribulation destined in Wutian's fate, please don't sacrifice yourself for Wutian.... Amitabha, inauspicious, inauspicious."
Deputy Director Ji's expression gradually turned strange beside him.
"Are you really Wutian's actual master, old monk?"
Abbot Kongshi fingered his prayer beads: "It's my incompetence. As a master, I failed to protect Wutian. Grand Duke Lu came to help, to assist me, to assist Wutian."
"Ultimately, this is our problem. If Grand Duke Lu gets injured because he came to help, or even... sigh, this old monk would be unforgivably negligent, with sins that even ten thousand deaths couldn't redeem."
Lu Ding, who had just walked out, felt immediately comforted hearing these words.
This Abbot Kongshi truly lived up to being a master.
His way of thinking was sharp and principled, keeping matters separate.
To put it bluntly, if Wutian really died, that would be within expectations. Lu Ding coming was just making an effort.
Saving him would be a grace, not saving him would be no fault - no one could blame him.
But Abbot Kongshi's words made Lu Ding feel he hadn't helped the wrong person.
"Don't worry, Master. Wutian is fine."
The master instantly looked over, examining Lu Ding up and down, carefully checking for any injuries.
Seeing him completely unharmed, he breathed a sigh of relief.
Only then did he ask: "Grand Duke Lu, if Wutian is fine, why... hasn't he come out yet?"
Lu Ding smiled: "Your Lionheart Temple is quite fortunate. Wutian received an elder's legacy inside, protected by remains, and has now gained enlightenment. He won't be able to come out for a while."
"When he emerges, your Lionheart Temple might gain another young powerhouse."
Abbot Kongshi raised his hands in salute and bowed to Lu Ding: "Thank you for your gracious assistance, Grand Duke Lu."
Lu Ding quickly stepped aside.
This was both a veteran Heavenly Perception member and an elderly senior.
While Lu Ding could accept such respect for what he'd done today, it wasn't necessary: "No no no, Master, what are you doing? Wutian and I are friends."
The master straightened up, insisting stubbornly: "Matters should be addressed one by one. This old monk thanks you in my capacity as Wutian's master. You and he are friends, but you and I share no old acquaintance. You helped me today as well."
"Alright, alright, please don't bow. I don't deserve it."
The old monk remained unmoved.
Lu Ding had no choice but to stand properly upright to show his solemnity and respect.
After Abbot Kongshi completed his bow.
He took out a box of pills from his monk's robe and offered it: "These are three Perfect Ascension Pills that this old monk has saved up. Please accept them, Grand Duke Lu."
His words were carefully measured - "saved up" indicated these were his personal property, not Lionheart Temple's public assets.
This also corresponded with Abbot Kongshi's earlier statement about thanking Lu Ding as Wutian's master.
Moreover, these were extremely valuable treasures that couldn't be bought at any price.
Even Heavenly Perception members could immediately break through one realm using them, representing Lionheart Temple's exclusive treasure kept for emergencies.
Even more potent than the legendary Great Return Pills of Shaolin Temple.