Systemless Villain

Chapter 208  Elders, Artifacts, and Unexpected Tasks

Long Tian, Ling Han, and Li Yue'er stepped into the sect's premises. With no urgency, they leisurely strolled, taking in the essence of the sect. Close to the grand entrance, a charming courtyard adorned the landscape.

Further ahead, a plethora of wooden structures and ancient edifices, each bearing the weight of millennia, painted a historical tableau.

While traversing the sect's expanse, Li Yue'er couldn't contain her sense of wonder, stepping into the sect's atmosphere for the first time. It perfectly matched her expectations, devoid of modernity, resonating with the classic drama vibes she often indulged in.

In the distance, a wooden palace exuded ancient grandeur, seemingly perched above the clouds. However, their focus didn't linger on the palace but on the surroundings—mountains adorned with various structures, an expanding area housing numerous ancient buildings. Disciples of the sect wandered or engaged in training in the fields.

If captured in an illustration, the place would resemble a city, teeming with thousands of students.

As they began to ascend the stairs, their progression came to a pause when suddenly three figures, clad in black cultivator attire, materialized before them. Among them were two elderly individuals, accompanied by a middle-aged man with long hair—the familiar face of Mo Yuegang.

Ling Han's countenance grew stern. "Our paths cross again, sect leader, and I trust you won't repeat the mistakes of our previous encounter," he declared.

Mo Yuegang, however, maintained a smile. "Rest assured; I've garnered valuable lessons from that incident," he responded. Shifting his gaze to Long Tian, he remarked, "Young master Long, I presume your visit revolves around inquiries about demons."

Long Tian arched an eyebrow, "Do you have a personal clairvoyant who anticipated my arrival?" he quipped.

"It's a logical deduction. This is the Heavenly Demon sect, so why else would you be here if not for matters related to demons?" Mo Yuegang explained.

Long Tian nodded, "Valid point... Well, I do seek your assistance regarding demon affairs. But before delving into that, I have a query," he continued.

"Feel free to ask," Mo Yuegang encouraged.

"Has someone named Lin Fan visited?" Long Tian questioned.

Mo Yuegang rubbed his chin, "Lin Fan, yes? While not particularly adept, I can sense the presence of those entering the sect's vicinity. Until now, only one guest has arrived. I conversed briefly with him, and he goes by the name Zhao Tianming," he clarified.

Long Tian's curiosity peaked, raising an eyebrow. His interest lay less in Zhao Tianming and more in the absence of Lin Fan.

Nevertheless, he brushed off the thought. "Alright, sect master, let's get straight to the point," he said, producing the ancient book from his spatial ring. "I seek extensive knowledge about this book," he declared, handing the book to Mo Yuegang.

Upon receiving the book, Mo Yuegang appeared somewhat intrigued. The book's cover had a dusty gray-white hue, giving the impression of age, perhaps spanning thousands of years.

He opened the book, surprise evident on his face upon seeing the characters inscribed on its pages.

Glancing at Long Tian, he inquired earnestly, "Where did you acquire this book?"

As Long Tian prepared to respond, he paused, catching a new voice. "Ohh, what do we have here... Young master Long Tian?"

All eyes turned toward the source—an old man in black cultivator attire approaching.

Mo Yuegang, acquainted with the elder, remarked, "Elder Su Chen, you should assess the situation before offering greetings."

Su Chen, hearing this, swiftly said, "Ohh, sect leader, my apologies. I simply couldn't resist extending greetings when I encounter a genius," his tone praising, a smile gracing his face as he looked at Long Tian.

On the opposite side, Long Tian raised an eyebrow, "You're that old man... So, you're one of the elders of the Heavenly Demon sect," he stated.

The elderly man, undoubtedly the one who bid over 1 billion Yuan on the ancient book.

Su Chen, nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, I am one of the elders here, and my name is Su Chen. Pleasure to meet you, young master Long," he said with a smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

Long Tian shook his hand, "Since you already know my name, nice to meet you too," he responded.

Su Chen smiled and nodded, somewhat impressed by Long Tian's friendliness and composure.

Then, his gaze shifted to Li Yue'er. "Is this your girlfriend? Young master Long, your taste is impeccable," he praised.

"Yeah, her name is Li Yue'er," Long Tian responded, smiling, his arm casually around Li Yue'er's hip.

Li Yue'er also smiled, "Nice to meet you, Elder Su Chen," she said.

Su Chen nodded, even more impressed with Li Yue'er. He could sense grace and composure in her demeanor.

"You two are like a heavenly-matched couple; may your relationship endure," he said, a genuine smile on his face.

"Well, thank you for your kind words, Elder Su," Long Tian responded.

Su Chen nodded. Then, his attention shifted to the ancient book held by Mo Yuegang. A smile reappeared on his face, "If I'm not mistaken, that is the book from the auction last night, and you surely came here for it," he said.

"Since you also bid on the book, you surely know what it is, right, Elder Su?" Long Tian asked.

"Yes, I read about it in an ancient scroll I found in the underground ruins, mentioning the name Mo Xie, who is the creator of this book," Su Chen explained. Then, his gaze turned to Mo Yuegang, "And sect master, isn't your name the same as that Mo Xie?" he added.

Hearing this, Mo Yuegang furrowed his brow. "Mo Xie... This is the first time I've heard that name. Well, since you mentioned underground ruins, why don't we just go there? What do you think, young master Long?" he asked, looking at Long Tian.

"That's a good idea; let's go," Long Tian agreed.

Mo Yuegang nodded. However, before he could utter another word, Ling Han spoke assertively, "And refrain from any imprudent actions, sect leader. This time, I'm making an effort to show respect," his tone maintaining a calm yet firm demeanor.

"Didn't I make it clear to you? I have no malicious intentions whatsoever, and I believe Elder Su here also comprehends the situation," Mo Yuegang responded.

Su Chen nodded in agreement, "Indeed, even though I didn't win the auction, I harbor no lingering concerns. There's no intention on my part to pilfer the book," he clarified.

Ling Han acknowledged with a nod, "That's sufficiently convincing."

"Alright, let's proceed," he declared.

All present nodded, and with that, they headed to a location still nestled within the sect's expansive grounds, guided by Su Chen.

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Meanwhile, at a different location, a youth clad in modern cultivator garb, sporting short black hair, ascended a grand staircase.

His visage bore a striking familiarity – it was none other than Lin Fan. His expression radiated enthusiasm as his thoughts fixated on the mysteries that awaited him at the sacred pool of the Heavenly Demon sect.

After a brief ascent, he finally beheld a spacious area enclosed by robust, towering fences, guarded by four individuals.

"That, unmistakably, is the Heavenly Demon sect," he remarked with a grin.

Without a moment's hesitation, he briskly advanced toward the guards.

Upon sighting Lin Fan, the guards swiftly assumed stern expressions, heightening their watchfulness.

"Who are you?" queried one of them, his voice resolute.

Lin Fan, undeterred, flashed a smile and presented a stone adorned with a demon's head to the guard.

"Do you recognize this stone? Can I gain entry with it?" he inquired, his smile unwavering.

Inspecting the stone, the guard's countenance turned serious. "Where did you acquire this?" he asked earnestly.

"From someone. I don't know his name, but he was a man, approximately 40 or 50 years old. Dressed just like you guys. I encountered him while he was engaged in a skirmish with someone named Ju Gu," Lin Fan responded.

"Ju Gu, huh? He's a wanted member of the Heavenly Demon sect, proven to use forbidden techniques, breach sect regulations, and pilfer some sect treasures... Well, your account aligns, so, you may enter," the guard declared, returning the stone to Lin Fan.

Gratefully accepting it, Lin Fan wore a broad smile. "Thank you, sincerely," he expressed.

The guard nodded, and with the aid of his comrade, he swung open the gate.

Lin Fan entered, immediately greeted by the breathtaking scenery of the sect's environs.

He didn't tarry and commenced his exploration of the premises.

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Several minutes elapsed, yet the air retained its refreshing calmness as students continued their practice.

Today marked the monthly competition, unfolding on a vast field where numerous students gathered.

The setting exuded an ancient charm, devoid of modern gadgets, where each person carried a sense of purpose, striving to become formidable martial artists.

In a building on the second floor, a 20-year-old man adorned in a white wolf fur garment sat across from a middle-aged individual with long hair, both clad in cultivator attire – unmistakably Zhao Tianming.

A smirk played on his lips as he savored a cup of coffee. "So, Elder Jin Ling, do you find merit in my plan? I've laid it out comprehensively; I trust you comprehend," he remarked, the smirk lingering.

Jin Ling's countenance remained dignified as he replied, "It does present a promising prospect, but do you believe the sect leader won't catch on? Despite his fierceness, he possesses considerable ingenuity."

Upon hearing this, the smirk on Zhao Tianming's face broadened, "Should that occur, I have a contingency. Never underestimate me, Elder Jin; have you not witnessed my capabilities?" he queried.

Jin Ling's expression retained a measure of skepticism. However, after a brief contemplation, he reached a resolution.

Yet, he chose silence, observing Zhao Tianming's astonishment, his eyes widening.

Meanwhile, from Zhao Tianming's perspective, his gaze reflected genuine surprise as he beheld a hologram materializing before him: [New task unlocked: Kill Lin Fan]