Systemless Villain

Chapter 20: The Price of Progress

"I still don't understand. So, you're going to trade that technique for the one from the Wudang Sect?" Shen Yulan asked, confusion etched in her face.

"Exactly. That technique is something I need to obtain. Well, it can't exactly be called a technique as it's actually a training method," Long Tian explained, a glint of determination in his eyes.

"I see," Shen Yulan nodded, understanding dawning upon her.

With that, Long Tian descended to the first floor of the library. As he arrived, he spotted Ling Han, engrossed in a book. He promptly approached him.

"Let's get going, Uncle Ling, I've found what I was after," Long Tian declared.

"Oh, that was fast," Ling Han remarked, setting his book aside. "Well then, are we heading directly to the Wudang Sect?" he asked, a spark of curiosity in his eyes.

"Yes, the sooner, the better," Long Tian responded.

"Okay, let's go," Ling Han agreed with a nod.

Afterwards, they both walked to the library's central desk.

"Hello, is there something I can assist you with?" the librarian, a woman in her early thirties, greeted them warmly.

Long Tian handed over a black card embossed with the emblem of the Long family. "I want this book," he stated, showing the book and the scroll.

Taking the card, the librarian gasped at the sight of the Long family emblem, one of the ancient clans. She was in a bind. Library regulations prohibited the sale of books - they could only be borrowed. And not just anyone could borrow them; they needed to have a library membership.

Faced with the Long family, however, she dared not take the risk.

"Alright, you can take it," she conceded.

"Don't worry, we'll buy this book. Call this number and tell them the price; we'll cover it," Ling Han reassured, handing over a card with a phone number on it.

Without further ado, they left the library, leaving the librarian standing in shock, pondering the encounter.

"Perhaps I should contact the manager."

************

Though the sun's heat was less intense, the day was still far from over. Yet, even as the other students had left for the day, Qin Chen stood resolute by the national flag.

Even as sweat streamed down his face, he remained standing. There were still a few hours before the end of the day.

Just then, he heard footsteps approaching. He turned and saw Ning Yuan, her face showing a hint of playfulness.

"How does it feel?" Ning Yuan teased.

"Don't tease me, Miss Ning. So, about that, did you manage to retrieve my jade?" Qin Chen inquired eagerly.

"Unfortunately not. That Long Tian is not simple; he has something within him. And that Jade..." Ning Yuan's voice trailed off, hesitant to tell Qin Chen that Shen Yulan had chosen Long Tian over him.

"Well, maybe we'll retrieve it another time," she added hastily.

Qin Chen's expression darkened. "You know, Miss Ning, that jade is very important to me. And you also know about Shen Yulan, right?" he asked, his tone taking on a somber note.

"I know, Qin Chen, that's why you can't give up. No matter what, we must retrieve that jade," Ning Yuan insisted with conviction.

Qin Chen exhaled, his gaze hardened with resolve. "I'll train hard to become stronger! And as for Long Tian... he better watch out!"

Ning Yuan smiled at the determination etched in Qin Chen's face. This was what she admired about him - Qin Chen was not easily defeated and harbored a high spirit.

"Let's go," she said.

"What do you mean?" Qin Chen asked, puzzled.

"To train. Don't you want to become stronger? I'll help you," Ning Yuan proposed, a smile gracing her lips.

"But this punishment?" Qin Chen queried, glancing at the flag.

"Forget about it, let's go," Ning Yuan dismissed, pulling Qin Chen by the hand and leading him away.

*************

Meanwhile, Ling Han was driving towards the Wudang Sect, while Long Tian, seated next to him, was engrossed in a handheld game.

The journey from the grand Tianhai library to the Wudang Sect was a long one, considering the sect was located in the mountains.

"Young Master, we're almost there. Don't you want to change clothes? You're still wearing your school uniform," Ling Han suggested.

"No need, I'm comfortable in this. Besides, I won't be there long, so no need for formalities," Long Tian responded nonchalantly.

"Okay then," Ling Han acknowledged, focusing back on the winding mountain road.

Before long, they were in Fusu Village, just a few kilometers away from the Wudang Sect.

*************

The sun was slowly being obscured by clouds, lending a chill to the air.

At this time, Long Tian and Ling Han arrived at the gate of the Wudang Sect. It had taken them approximately an hour and a half to travel from the grand Tianhai library.

Stepping out of the car, they walked towards the gate. However, their progress was halted by two guards in traditional cultivator attire.

"If you're not a sect member, you cannot enter," one of the guards stated sternly.

Long Tian produced the black card of the Long family and showed it to the guards. "I wish to meet with Master Shi Huang," he said lightly.

One guard glanced at the card, his expression registering surprise as he recognized the emblem of the Long family.

"Do you have permission?" he queried.

"No," Long Tian responded succinctly.

Hearing this, the guard was conflicted. Sect rules dictated that outsiders were not allowed to enter the sect premises without permission.

However, the pair standing before him were from the Long family, and it would certainly not be wise to offend them.

"Come on, we just want to meet your leader, it won't take long," Ling Han interjected impatiently.

"But..." the guard began to object, his brow furrowed in anxiety.

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind. "Let them in."

He recognized the voice immediately - it was Sect Leader Shi Huang.

"Please, come in," he allowed, stepping aside to open the gate.

Long Tian flashed a smile, and together with Ling Han, they walked into the sect premises.