Long Aotian’s Beautiful Butler Has Run Away chapter 146

Chapter 146: Asking the Immortal Mountain

Lingjing Sect Main Peak, Immortals Worship Terrace.

Sect Leader Xue emerged from seclusion and urgently convened a meeting of elders to discuss major events in the cultivation world.

Currently, the biggest event in the cultivation world was a shocking case that had drawn out all three Adjudicators of Mirror Palace—the former Hehuan Sect Leader had used the identity of a cultivator to collude with local government offices, illegally seizing innocent infants and refining them into cauldrons for his own disciples’ cultivation. The crimes were heinous, greatly damaging the reputation of the cultivation world, breaking the balance of peace between the cultivation world and the mortal realm, and bringing shame upon the entire cultivation community.

If it were only related to the Hehuan Sect, it would be one thing. The Hehuan Sect wasn’t a righteous sect to begin with, and its reputation in the cultivation world was poor. Its former leader committing crimes naturally couldn’t represent the cultivation world.

However, this case also involved Xuantian Sect—one of the three great sects!

The Ruthless Path Palace of Xuantian Sect had recently produced an unstoppable new talent, the “Xuantian Single Sword,” Lu Yingqi. His cultivation was approaching the Distraction Stage, surpassing even Shen Bingsi. Among the younger generation of cultivators, he was the one with the most hope of ascending.

Who would have thought that such a shocking case would occur in Lu Yingqi’s hometown, the Lu Family of Clearwater River, a remote and previously unknown small clan?

Great aristocratic families hadn’t produced such an outstanding junior, yet a remote small clan had. What was once hailed as a wonderful tale had now become evidence of crooked ways. Even Lu Yingqi had fallen into an awkward situation; many suspected his cultivation methods were improper, utilizing cauldrons for Dual Cultivation, violating the rules of the Xuantian Sect’s Ruthless Path Palace, and that he should be expelled from the sect.

Currently, Xuantian Sect was fiercely debating this matter internally. The Sect Leader of Xuantian Sect had specially written a letter asking Lingjing Sect for their opinion.

“What opinion can we give?” an elder frowned. “Their Xuantian Sect had such a scandal and instead of resolving it themselves, they ask outsiders to judge? They just want to shift the responsibility.”

“I think so too. Let’s just tell the truth: if he violated sect rules, expel him. There’s no room for negotiation. Didn’t the Ruthless Path Palace have a similar scandal before? And what happened? Even a figure as high-ranking as Elder Hong was expelled.”

“You can’t say that. Back then, Elder Hong and Elder Bai committed the offense together, but only Elder Hong left. What does that prove? It proves it was just a means of eliminating dissidents.”

“Then what do you suggest?”

“I think the Ruthless Path Palace is reluctant to clean house. Look at what they wrote in the letter: ‘Xuantian Single Sword’ Lu Yingqi is Elder Bai’s beloved disciple and entered Elder Bai’s tutelage early on. He knew nothing of the Lu family’s affairs. This time, he was the one who actively investigated and uncovered such a huge case, proving his determination to uphold the righteous path and place righteousness above family. Emotionally and rationally, he shouldn’t be implicated.”

“This… isn’t necessarily true. If they really wanted to hide it, why expose it to the whole world? Mirror Palace usually tries cases in secret, yet this time rumors are everywhere, and everyone knows the details…”

Seeing the elders arguing in a chaotic mess, Sect Leader Xue, who had been listening intently, spoke up.

“Elders, in Xue’s opinion, regarding this matter, it is best if we reserve our opinion and respect Xuantian Sect’s internal judgment.”

Sect Leader Xue was never one to fear trouble. Dealing with it in such a moderate way surely had his reasons. However, some elders were still not quite convinced.

Sect Leader Xue’s gaze swept over the crowd. “Xue knows that from the perspective of sect interests, this is a good opportunity to weaken the Ruthless Path Palace and check the balance of the Three Sects. But… do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you. Our Lingjing Sect also has areas where we wouldn’t want others to interfere. Mutual respect between the Three Sects and keeping out of each other’s business is best.”

The elders coincidentally thought of recent events and sighed in silence.

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“Since no one has any objections, Elder Wenshu, you will draft the reply.”

Sect Leader Xue announced the meeting adjourned, and the elders returned to their respective peaks.

“Yunfeng,” Sect Leader Xue called out to one person. “Don’t go yet, I have something to ask you.”

Elder Yunfeng stopped.

“What is going on with that steward at Shen Bingsi’s villa?” Sect Leader Xue asked with a frown.

Elder Yunfeng sighed. “Sect Leader, are you asking about Rong Xie?”

“Should be. I can’t remember a steward’s name,” Sect Leader Xue said. “The one who has a particularly good relationship with Shen Bingsi. How did he think to get involved in Lu Yingqi’s family affairs?”

“Rong Xie was once an inner sect disciple too, but because his aptitude was average, he couldn’t stay. After so many years, he cultivated diligently and also reached Foundation Establishment. Back when people were spreading rumors about Shen Bingsi outside, he was the one who gave Shen Bingsi the idea to come to you, Sect Leader, which resolved the matter.” Elder Yunfeng suddenly rattled off a long introduction.

“…Oh? So it was him.” Sect Leader Xue recalled. He had lamented back then about how this Rong Xie lacked aptitude; in the cultivation world, if one wanted to achieve anything, aptitude was the entry requirement.

“Yes, he left the sect half a year ago to roam the world, which is how he learned of the Lu family’s affairs. Leaving Xuantian Sect and Lu Yingqi aside, just regarding the things happening in the Lu family, any cultivator with a conscience wouldn’t sit idly by upon seeing it, right?” At this point, Elder Yunfeng became indignant, his voice growing louder. “While Rong Xie may have thousands of faults, exposing the Lu family matter was not wrong! That our Lingjing Sect produced such a disciple is our Lingjing Sect’s pride!”

Sect Leader Xue looked at Elder Yunfeng in surprise, and after a long while, laughed. “Yunfeng, why are you still getting agitated as you speak, just like when you were young?”

Elder Yunfeng rolled his eyes. He thought, Wasn’t it you who brought up Rong Xie with an attitude of condemning him? Of course I have to say a few words in his defense.

“I’m not investigating Rong Xie’s faults. It’s just… the letter from Xuantian Sect clearly mentioned him. I want to understand what role he played in this matter and what kind of person he is. Since you, Yunfeng, have a close personal friendship with Shen Bingsi, you should know something about him…”

“Xuantian Sect actually mentioned Rong Xie?” Elder Yunfeng was surprised and grew somewhat wary.

“Yes. This case was reported to Mirror Palace by Shen Bingsi, yet they mentioned Rong Xie. It’s hard to say if they are keeping a backup plan, which is why I’m asking you.” Sect Leader Xue’s gaze was deep.

Elder Yunfeng seemed to understand something. Sect Leader Xue wasn’t blaming anyone but guarding against Xuantian Sect having an ulterior motive, hence asking him about Rong Xie.

Perfect. Elder Yunfeng also wanted to talk to Sect Leader Xue about this Rong Xie—he was truly a big trouble!

“…What? Rong Xie went up the Supreme Immortal Mountain to find the Grand Elder?” Hearing this, Xue Baoshan looked shaken. “You didn’t stop him?”

“How could I stop him! He was dead set on going, thinking that finding the Grand Elder would solve Shen Bingsi’s problem. The Secrecy Oath is in place; I couldn’t explain it to him!” Elder Yunfeng said with a headache.

“How many days has he been gone?” Sect Leader Xue’s expression solidified.

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“About three… no, four days!” Elder Yunfeng calculated the days.

“Nonsense!” Sect Leader Xue flung his sleeve. “Even if he has reached Foundation Establishment, the Supreme Immortal Mountain isn’t a place he can come and go as he pleases—are you sure he is still on the mountain? Four days, and in this season… I don’t know how strong the wind and snow are up there. I doubt he can withstand it.”

“He has a stubborn temper. I reckon he won’t come down until he finds the person.” Elder Yunfeng said worriedly. “I’ll go find him!”

Sect Leader Xue waved his hand. “Go. I will send more people to go up the mountain from other directions to search together.”

“However…” Elder Yunfeng didn’t leave immediately. He looked at Sect Leader Xue. “What about after we find him? If we don’t tell him about the Grand Elder, I’m afraid he will go again. The Supreme Immortal Mountain has no guards; we can stop him once, but we can’t stop him twice.”

“…” Sect Leader Xue fell silent.

“Rong Xie’s character is fine; I can vouch for that,” Elder Yunfeng added quickly.

Sect Leader Xue glanced at him and lowered his gaze. “As long as you don’t violate the Secrecy Oath, I don’t care how much you say.”

“Done! Understood!” Elder Yunfeng rushed out.

Howling winds roared. Rong Xie had to use the “Thousand Pound Drop” technique just to keep his feet planted on the ground.

He had been walking on the snowy mountain for several days and nights. For the first two nights, he could still find large rocks to hide behind. But by last night, the gale blew from all directions, and even under the rocks offered no escape. The warming talisman Rong Xie stuck to his body was blown off in moments. He had to use spiritual power to resist the low temperature and strong winds, barely enduring until dawn. When the sun came up, he thought he was hallucinating.

Daytime was slightly easier than night, but it had its own problems. As the altitude constantly increased, more and more of the ground was covered in snow. Close to the sky, the reflection became increasingly intense. The blinding light was dazzling; even with Rong Xie’s Foundation Establishment cultivation to withstand it, his vision blurred over time.

This blurriness had developed into a semi-blind state. The snow and sky Rong Xie saw merged into one, making it hard to distinguish between them. This led to him stepping down without knowing if he was stepping on snow or into empty air. He had to take out a strip of ultramarine gauze to blindfold himself, barely recognizing the path ahead through the semi-transparent dark silk.

Fortunately, there was less snow and more sky in his field of vision. Rong Xie had a premonition that he was about to reach the summit.

“This is…”

The closer to the peak, the more violent the astral winds became. Rong Xie took out almost every protective talisman he could find on his body, some of which were written by Shen Bingsi to help him save spiritual power.

Layers of protective shields with golden runes rotated slowly around Rong Xie. The sound of runes shattering was incessant. Rong Xie took a deep breath and charged toward the small hut made of snow and stone not far away at his fastest speed.

Bang!

An invisible wall of air suddenly appeared, blocking Rong Xie.

Rong Xie’s spiritual power was nearly exhausted, and he hadn’t guarded against an obstacle on these final few steps. He crashed until he was dizzy and fell backward onto the snow, rolling down several zhang.

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Luckily, a protruding boulder blocked his descent.

Rong Xie curled up by the rock, recovered for a moment, then climbed up to advance toward the stone hut at the summit again.

He panted heavily, huffing and puffing. As soon as the white mist left his mouth, it was scattered by the gale. The golden light shields retreated layer by layer, exposing his face directly to the freezing wind. Soon, a layer of white frost formed on his skin, and the ultramarine gauze was covered in specks of ice.

Thud!

Rong Xie knelt before the stone hut and knocked his head three times, explaining his purpose to the Grand Elder.

“Grand Elder, disciple Rong Xie is a good friend of Shen Bingsi…” Rong Xie paused. He didn’t know how Shen Bingsi and the Grand Elder had communicated, or if Shen Bingsi had actually asked the Grand Elder for help. Thinking briefly, he decided to speak plainly. “Now, Shen Bingsi has encountered an obstacle in his cultivation. I hope the Grand Elder can lend a hand to help him stabilize his Dao Heart… The wavering of his Dao Heart is not his fault, but because this disciple… this disciple developed presumptuous thoughts first. If the Grand Elder wishes to punish someone, please punish this disciple alone.”

Rong Xie kowtowed three more times in the snow.

However, no response came from the stone hut. Only the howling wind blew through the protective talismans, rapidly stealing the warmth from Rong Xie’s body.

Rong Xie gritted his teeth and repeated his plea. His clothes gradually became cold and stiff, while his body oddly began to feel slightly warm.

The Grand Elder still did not respond.

Rong Xie knew if he kept stalemated like this, he probably wouldn’t even have the strength to go down the mountain. In fact, he truly had no way back. He had walked this far; he had to see the Grand Elder.

“Grand Elder, please meet me once! Bingsi is missing now, and I can’t find him. I’m worried…”

There was a slight choke in Rong Xie’s voice, but it was quickly drowned out by the wind. He stubbornly knelt in the snow, his two hands digging fiercely into it.

As a master, to be indifferent to his disciple—now that the disciple’s whereabouts are unknown and his life uncertain, refusing to make even a sound—isn’t that too heartless!

While resentfully thinking this, he clearly realized on the other hand that the Grand Elder cultivated the Ruthless Path and simply wouldn’t care about a disciple’s life or death. This seemed to be the reason why the Ruthless Path lineage was withering.

“Rong Xie!”

Suddenly, a shout came from the wind.

Rong Xie startled awake and tried to stand up, but his body couldn’t move. He realized he had nearly frozen stiff; that feeling of slight warmth was nothing but the illusion of hypothermia.

“Wu,” Rong Xie struggled to mobilize his spiritual power. “I’m here!”

A figure with white hair and beard flickered in front of Rong Xie. An aged but powerful hand firmly helped him up.

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Rong Xie breathed a slight sigh of relief and looked at Elder Yunfeng with gratitude. “Elder, you… how did you come?”

“Don’t waste energy talking,” Elder Yunfeng said solemnly. “Hold your vitality and center yourself. I’ll take you down.”

“But…” Rong Xie struggled slightly, looking back at the stone hut in the wind and snow.

“The Grand Elder isn’t there.” Elder Yunfeng sighed. “The Heaven-Severing Blade has a serious flaw. The Grand Elder… wandered to the four corners of the earth to find a solution.”