Long Aotian’s Beautiful Butler Has Run Away chapter 163

Chapter 163 Time to Prove the Dao

Lu Yingqi and Xiao Zhi stepped into the cores of the array respectively. The formation activated, and countless streaks of silver light circled around them.

Rong Xie gripped his sleeves tightly, his eyes fixed intently on the two people in the formation.

Lu Yingqi walked toward Xiao Zhi step by step. Everyone’s gaze was concentrated on the two of them.

Lu Yingqi opened his palm, and a silver flying sword materialized in the void.

Rong Xie had to exert all his strength to suppress the urge to turn his head away. If it weren’t for Shen Bingsi, if it weren’t for himself, he wouldn’t want to watch such a cruel scene at all.

At the moment Lu Yingqi raised his sword and stepped forward, myriad thoughts surged in Rong Xie’s mind. He even imagined that someone would suddenly appear and shout, “Spare his life under the sword!”, just like in those chivalrous storybooks. Or that Lu Yingqi would ultimately be unable to bear it, unable to thrust the sword no matter what, and finally decide to abandon his cultivation and leave the sect together with Xiao Zhi. Or even that Xiao Zhi would suddenly erupt, unable to endure it any longer, and unleash some heaven-defying strength from who-knows-where, blasting everyone present away—

But none of these things happened.

The silver sword blade pierced through Xiao Zhi’s body just as light passes through a thin leaf. It was so fast, the movement so clean, that before anyone present could react, Lu Yingqi had already withdrawn his sword.

Xiao Zhi swayed back and forth for a moment before pitching forward. Lu Yingqi reached out and caught him, pressing together as if in an embrace.

Then Xiao Zhi collapsed. His blood splattered all over Lu Yingqi’s upper body, staining the previously concealed areas with large patches of spreading crimson.

Lu Yingqi stood alone, staring at Xiao Zhi on the ground with an unfathomable expression. His cheeks were tightly clenched, as if he was forcibly enduring something.

Xiao Zhi stopped moving. Fresh blood spilled from beneath him, soaking the soles of Lu Yingqi’s shoes.

The formation, like a bloodthirsty bat, became radiant upon receiving the nourishment of the blood. The silver light gradually intensified, rapidly rotating and closing in around the two of them, until all the spiritual energy was absorbed into the sole standing figure.

In an instant, light burst forth. Everyone present felt as if they had been stripped of their vision; those with shallow cultivation felt a blinding pain in their eyes and hastily turned their heads, blocking their faces with their sleeves.

To see clearly how the formation operated, Rong Xie forced himself to look toward the source of the exploding light. In a daze, he seemed to see a dark red mist spreading out layer by layer within the white light, forming the massive silhouette of a Hehuan flower…

His pupils felt a needle-like piercing pain. Unable to hold on, Rong Xie lowered his eyes, liquid seeping from them.

After a while, the light gradually dimmed. Unbeknownst to them, rolling dark clouds had drifted over the distant sky, and peals of thunder rumbled from within.

Just as Rong Xie reached up to rub his eyes, Bai Zhanglao‘s voice came from behind: “Don’t rub them. Focus your spiritual energy into your eyes.”

Following Bai Zhanglao‘s instruction, Rong Xie circulated his spiritual energy and gathered it in his eyes. After reinforcing them a few times, he felt the stinging pain subside and finally opened his eyes.

Bai Zhanglao released Rong Xie’s hand and strode forward.

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Looking at Bai Zhanglao‘s back, Rong Xie felt that the aura surrounding him had changed.

It was the triumphant momentum of ushering in a new peak after a brief trough.

Lu Yingqi had successfully attained his Dao.

Light and glory surrounded him.

Those voices that had questioned and sought to judge him just moments ago completely vanished.

“Lu Shixiong is indeed an outstanding talent of the Wuqing Dao. He didn’t even blink when killing the attendant who had accompanied him for so many years.”

“Indeed. I heard the two of them even dual-cultivated. Living under the same roof for so many years, there was virtually no difference between them and Dao companions. Tsk tsk.”

“Otherwise, why would it be called Sha Qi Zheng Dao? He really is ruthless enough.”

Aside from admiration, their voices also carried a trace of fear. After all, ordinary people possessed the seven emotions and six desires. Although Lu Yingqi had proven his Dao Heart, he had invisibly drawn an insurmountable chasm between himself and ordinary people. The way they looked at him was like looking at another species altogether.

“Yingqi, well done.” Bai Zhanglao was the first to approach Lu Yingqi. He patted his shoulder, praising him profusely, “You truly did not disappoint my expectations!”

Lu Yingqi’s lowered gaze shifted upwards. If he had only been expressionless before, now he was utterly cold. His gaze was like tempered ice, a deathly stillness shrouding his brows and eyes, so much so that even Bai Zhanglao shivered from the chill.

“Yingqi, are you alright?” Bai Zhanglao lowered his voice.

Lu Yingqi did not answer him, his gaze dropping downwards once again. Following his line of sight, Bai Zhanglao realized that he was standing in a pool of blood.

A complex emotion surged in his heart as Bai Zhanglao moved his foot away. He had been too overjoyed just now. Lu Yingqi’s successful Dao proving meant he could remain in the Wuqing Dao Gong. Moreover, his cultivation had significantly improved, likely already breaking through to the Fenshen stage. According to Bai Zhanglao‘s experience, after Dao proving, one would leap forward by at least one or two realms… Amidst the rush of ecstasy, Bai Zhanglao hadn’t noticed that he had stepped on the blood of that sacrificed attendant.

“Yingqi, stop looking. Go back and rest.” Bai Zhanglao intentionally or unintentionally blocked Lu Yingqi’s line of sight while simultaneously gesturing to the surrounding people.

The disciples of the Dao Gong then gathered around to clean up the scene, carrying away Xiao Zhi’s corpse and washing the ground… Soon, the open space inside the gates of the Dao Gong was as spotless as before, as if nothing had ever happened.

Watching Xiao Zhi’s corpse being transported away by the guide and a few disciples, a sudden urge to vomit rose in Rong Xie. He covered his mouth and looked away.

“It’s fine. Xiao Zhi isn’t dead,” Rong Xie told himself inwardly. “With the Suoling Fazhen present, his soul is still here. He might even be watching us right now.”

After comforting himself in this manner, Rong Xie felt as if a pair of eyes were truly resting upon him.

He looked once again at Lu Yingqi, who was surrounded by the crowd, feeling as though he were looking at a withered tree in a boundless wasteland.

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“Martial Nephew Lu truly possesses a remarkable temperament.” Zongzhu‘s voice, praising Lu Yingqi, drifted over on the wind.

The upper echelons of the Xuantian Zong, who had just been shouting for Lu Yingqi’s blood, now treated him as the sect’s pride. The scent of blood in the wind had not yet fully dissipated, yet it was nearly masked by the adulation.

Unable to stomach the scene of everyone flocking around him like stars around the moon, Rong Xie wanted to ask Bai Zhanglao when he would activate the Suoling Fazhen to retrieve Xiao Zhi’s soul. But seeing Bai Zhanglao accepting the congratulations of his colleagues with a glowing face, he knew this matter wouldn’t be addressed anytime soon.

He wondered if Xiao Zhi’s soul was still floating above them, and if he could see this scene. If he could, he’d better not return here after his soul was restored.

Rong Xie took a deep breath and exhaled heavily.

“Shixiong, I’ll head back first. When Bai Zhanglao looks for me, tell him I’m in Lu Yingqi’s guest room,” Rong Xie said to the guide.

The guide was also squeezed into the crowd, but fortunately, he wasn’t too far at the front, so Rong Xie could still speak with him.

“Rong Shidi, aren’t you staying?” the guide asked.

“No,” Rong Xie replied.

The guide seemed somewhat surprised but didn’t ask further.

Rong Xie returned to Lu Yingqi’s courtyard.

The courtyard was completely silent.

The disciples had all run off to watch the spectacle, so naturally, no one was around.

Rong Xie couldn’t help but recall that the last time he came, Xiao Zhi had still been there, standing in that spot under the corridor, looking at him with concern.

A pang of pain struck Rong Xie’s heart. He shook his head, tossing the thought aside.

He knocked on the door, but there was no movement inside. Rong Xie then remembered that Shen Bingsi still had the barrier talisman attached and was staying put obediently in the room.

After using the voice transmission jade pendant to contact Shen Bingsi, the door opened from the inside.

Shen Bingsi dashed out with a single stride, grabbed Rong Xie’s hand, and said urgently, “You’re back!”

Saying this, he inspected Rong Xie from head to toe, confirming there were no external or internal injuries.

Rong Xie’s mood had been terrible, but Shen Bingsi’s fussing managed to alleviate it quite a bit.

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“How did it go?” Shen Bingsi peeked his head out toward the courtyard gate. “Was Lu Yingqi executed on the spot?”

“Pfft.” Rong Xie couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Not exactly…”

“Oh.” Shen Bingsi looked regretful. “Looks like he escaped disaster? Wait, don’t tell me he successfully proved his Dao?!”

Rong Xie was surprised by Shen Bingsi’s sharpness.

Seeing Rong Xie’s reaction, Shen Bingsi nodded. “Seems I guessed correctly. When you said Lu Yingqi was in trouble and Bai Zhanglao urgently sought your help, I figured it out. That closely guarded secret of Bai Zhanglao must be the Dao-proving formation. So? What was the outcome? Is that attendant of his still alive?”

“…” Rong Xie fell silent. Shen Bingsi had guessed everything, so how could he hide it? The only thing missing was telling Shen Bingsi about the Suoling Fazhen as well.

“Looks like it bodes ill,” Shen Bingsi said, observing Rong Xie’s complexion.

“Stop making wild guesses. Now that Lu Yingqi’s matter is resolved, we can focus on yours,” Rong Xie said sternly. “Bai Zhanglao has already promised me that once this is over, he will tell me where Hong Zhanglao is and guarantee that we get to see him.”

“Mm, Bai Zhanglao‘s method is useless, so we can only count on Hong Zhanglao,” Shen Bingsi said.

“Not necessarily…” Rong Xie hesitated.

But thinking about the scene he had just witnessed, he couldn’t continue.

He had originally thought the only difficulty with this method of resolving a shattered Dao Heart was convincing Shen Bingsi. Without the looming crisis of the Heavenly Demon destroying the world, how could Shen Bingsi agree to this method of Dao proving? He felt it would be very difficult.

But after witnessing Lu Yingqi’s Dao proving scene, he found that he couldn’t accept it either. Some things seemed possible rationally, but were practically very difficult to execute.

“Stop thinking about it. Let’s go find Hong Zhanglao. Once we get the method, if it works, we’ll do it; if it doesn’t, we’ll drop it,” Shen Bingsi said. “At worst, I’ll start over from the beginning—do you still not believe… cough cough… in me?”

Shen Bingsi started coughing again.

Rong Xie’s heart tangled into a messy knot.

They had to act as quickly as possible.

“I’ll go ask Bai Zhanglao right now.”

When Rong Xie returned to the open space inside the gates of the Wuqing Dao Gong, Lu Yingqi was nowhere to be seen. Bai Zhanglao was still in his original spot, socializing with the upper echelons of the sect who were congratulating him.

Not knowing how long they would talk, Rong Xie could only push through the crowd and step in front of Bai Zhanglao: “Bai Zhanglao, a word in private.”

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Bai Zhanglao shot him a warning glance: “Can’t you see I’m busy? Go back and wait first.”

“I have no time to wait. Where exactly is Hong Zhanglao?” Rong Xie asked directly.

Bai Zhanglao‘s expression shifted, and his smile towards the surrounding people stiffened somewhat. Apologizing as he went, he pulled Rong Xie aside: “Are you crazy? What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think this Zhanglao would go back on a promise made to you?”

“I can’t wait any longer!” Rong Xie said. “You can handle the aftermath here alone, can’t you? I want to take Shen Bingsi away right now.”

“What’s the rush!” Bai Zhanglao cast a sound-insulating spell and stared at Rong Xie, speaking rapidly and urgently. “I kept you behind out of gratitude for your help! Once I finish dealing with these people, I’ll immediately show you how formidable this formation is, leaving absolutely no hidden dangers behind! That attendant’s soul is still here. Wait a moment while I dismiss these people, and then you’ll come with me to carry his body over. I’ll let you witness my methods!”

Hearing Bai Zhanglao speak with such confidence, the terrible feeling in Rong Xie’s heart eased a bit. He shook his head: “But I really can’t wait. Shen Bingsi’s condition is critical, and changes could happen at any moment…”

Bai Zhanglao took a deep breath. “Fine!”

He waved his sleeve to dispel the sound-insulating spell, strode toward the crowd, and loudly informed them that the matter here was concluded. He and his disciples needed to put away the formation and handle the remaining affairs, so he requested that they leave immediately.

The crowd was somewhat astonished, probably not expecting someone as vainglorious as Bai Zhanglao to reel in his desire to show off so quickly. However, since Bai Zhanglao had spoken, it was inconvenient for them to stay any longer. In a short while, they all departed, and the Wuqing Dao Gong quieted down once more.

Bai Zhanglao dismissed the disciples, beckoned to Rong Xie, and the two walked all the way to the mortuary. They retrieved the corpse that had already been placed in a sack and brought it back into the Suoling Fazhen.

“Watch closely.” Bai Zhanglao raised his sleeves, revealing his hands, and swiftly formed a complex incantation. White light blossomed from his fingers, scattering like fireworks to various parts of the formation. He opened his eyes and shouted loudly, “Manifest!”

A gust of cold wind blew past. The inside of the formation remained completely empty, without a single change occurring.

Translator’s Note:

Here are some terms to note:

Key Cultivation Concepts

Wuqing Dao (無情道): The “Ruthless Path” or “Path of No Emotions.” Cultivators of this path, like Lu Yingqi and Elder Bai, believe that to achieve ultimate power and ascend to immortality, they must sever all mortal attachments, desires, and emotions.
Sha Qi Zheng Dao (殺妻證道): “Killing one’s wife to prove the Dao.” This is the horrifying secret method of the Wuqing Dao. If a cultivator’s Dao Heart (their spiritual core/resolve) shatters because they developed feelings, they can repair it and gain immense power by killing the person they love the most. This is what Lu Yingqi does to Xiao Zhi.
Cultivation Stages: You see several stages of power mentioned. In order from weakest to strongest:
- Lianqi (Qi Condensation) -> Zhuji (Foundation Establishment – Xiao Zhi’s level) -> Jindan (Golden Core – Shang Qian’s level) -> Yuanying (Nascent Soul – Shen Bingsi and Lu Yingqi’s initial level) -> Fenshen (Soul Split – Lu Yingqi’s level after he sacrifices Xiao Zhi) -> Heti (Body Integration) -> Zhengdao (Dao Proving/Ascension).

Sects and Locations

Xuantian Zong (玄天宗): A massive, highly orthodox cultivation sect. They are incredibly strict and rule-bound.
Wuqing Dao Gong (無情道宮): The “Palace of the Ruthless Path.” This is a specific faction or sub-sect located within Xuantian Zong. This is where Lu Yingqi, Elder Bai, and Xiao Zhi live. It is located on a mountain peak called Zhilan Ling.
Tianji Tan (天玑壇): The “Altar of Heavenly Secrets.” It is the highest authority and judgment hall in Xuantian Zong.
Wenxin Xia (問心峽): The “Gorge of Heart-Questioning.” A terrifying, spike-filled abyss located directly beneath Tianji Tan where disciples are punished and where Lu Yingqi was forced to prove his Dao.
Lingjing Zong (靈鏡宗): The sect that Shen Bingsi and I (Rong Xie) belong to.
Hehuan Jiao (合歡教): The “Joyous Union Sect.” A demonic/unorthodox sect known for dual cultivation (using a partner to boost one’s own power).

Titles and Magical Entities

Zhanglao (長老): Elder. A high-ranking senior member of a sect (e.g., Bai Zhanglao).
Zongzhu (宗主): Sect Master. The supreme leader of a sect.
Caijieguan (裁誡官): Adjudicator. A powerful, legally sanctioned demon-hunter/law-enforcer appointed by the Mirror Palace. Shen Bingsi is a former Adjudicator, and the antagonist Shang Qian is a current one.
Suoling Fazhen (鎖靈法陣): Spirit-Locking Formation. A magic circle designed to trap a newly deceased person’s soul so it doesn’t dissipate into the afterlife.
Hehuan Huayao (合歡花妖): The Joyous Union Flower Demon. A massive, ancient demonic flower that feeds on spirits and emits hallucinogenic scents.

Character Refresher

Lu Yingqi: The genius sword cultivator of the Wuqing Dao who was forced to choose between his sect/power and his servant.
Xiao Zhi: Lu Yingqi’s devoted attendant. He has a “furnace” physique (meaning his body is naturally suited to be used by others to boost their cultivation, which is highly taboo in orthodox sects).
Elder Bai (Bai Zhanglao): Lu Yingqi’s master. He is fiercely protective of his student but utterly ruthless regarding the lives of others.
Elder Hong (Hong Zhanglao): A former elder of the Wuqing Dao who left years ago to join the demonic Hehuan Jiao. Shen Bingsi and I are trying to find him to cure Shen Bingsi’s shattered Dao Heart without having to kill anyone!