Systemless Villain

Chapter 41: Secrets of Destruction Unveiled

"Mount Hua Sect had few enemies, but they had a very powerful one; the Long family," Shi Huang said earnestly.

"What?" Qin Chen exclaimed, his tone unintentionally becoming high-pitched upon hearing this.

"Oh, you look quite surprised at the mention of the Long family," Shi Huang remarked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, Master Shi, I'm just a bit surprised by your statement," Qin Chen quickly responded. He couldn't reveal the truth about his family to Shi Huang.

Han Yuan, on the other hand, understood that Qin Chen was avoiding questions about his family. He promptly changed the subject, "Anyway, Master Shi, we should proceed inside the temple. I believe the other Elders have already gathered."

"Sure," Shi Huang nodded, and then proceeded to enter the temple.

Inside the temple, the Elders were seated, a total of 40 individuals, all standing as a sign of respect for Shi Huang.

While Qin Chen and Han Yuan walked to their seats, Shi Huang took his place in the leader's chair, and everyone else took their seats as well.

Nevertheless, most of the Elders squinted and furrowed their brows upon seeing Qin Chen.

He appeared too young to be seated among the Elders. However, no one dared to protest as the Elder's meeting was of utmost importance.

"I'm sure everyone has heard about the Mount Hua Sect, right?" Shi Huang initiated the conversation.

Everyone's attention immediately focused on him.

"Just overnight. In a single night, a powerful sect was brought to ruin. Whoever did it must be one of the strongest forces in the entire China. I've gathered you all here to discuss this matter. If anyone has suggestions or anything to say, please don't hesitate," Shi Huang said.

Everyone concentrated on the seriousness of the issue. They were all aware of the fall of the Mount Hua Sect. It had become hot news on social media, even trending as number one.

"I've heard many rumors suggesting it was the Long family's doing, but the evidence is weak since there's no record of them deploying any forces. Besides, it's unlikely for them to destroy such a significant sect overnight; they're not that powerful," one Elder spoke up.

"I don't think so. While the Long family hasn't made any moves, they are an ancient family. It's not impossible that they were behind the Mount Hua Sect's destruction, considering their prolonged conflict over the spiritual stone mining territory," another Elder countered.

"Then, did they destroy the Mount Hua Sect with just a few individuals? Last night, I was with Long Guan, my friend, and 20 other Long family members, conducting a charity event for veterans. I didn't hear any of them discuss the Mount Hua Sect," another Elder said.

"Moreover, Long Zhan was at his company last night. I heard it from the news," he added.

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent. While many had suspected the Long family's involvement, there wasn't enough evidence to support it. Besides, it was impossible for anyone to destroy such a powerful sect overnight.

The Mount Hua Sect wasn't an ordinary sect; it could even be considered on par with the Wudang Sect.

Shi Huang also pondered. While the Long family was the primary suspect, upon deeper consideration, it seemed unlikely. Despite the Long family's strength, it wasn't conceivable for them to annihilate such a significant sect in a single night.

"What about other opinions?" He inquired.

No one answered for several seconds. But then, a middle-aged man spoke up, "Sect Leader, apart from the Long family, there's another strong and reasonable suspect. It's a force from outside the continent. I heard high-ranking officials discussing this."

"From outside the continent, you say? If it's not the Great Yuan Empire, then it might be the Murim alliance. Both are enemies of the Chinese Empire. Hmm... It does make sense, but would they dare openly attack the Chinese Empire?" Shi Huang wondered aloud.

"It's unlikely for the Murim alliance to attack the Chinese Empire; the government has sent messages to them and to the Japanese Empire. But regardless of the main culprits, we must not let our guard down, Sect Leader. It's possible that we might be the next target. I suggest reinforcing the entrance and key points of the sect," the middle-aged man, Elder Fu Yong, spoke with sincerity.

"You're right, Elder Fu Yong. Starting now, I'll increase guards and forces at the entrance and establish several outposts in the outer regions of the sect," Shi Huang agreed.

"Thank you, Sect Leader," Fu Yong nodded, relieved that his suggestion was accepted by Shi Huang.

None of the other Elders complained about his suggestion. After all, it made sense, and all of it was for the sect's safety.

However, at this moment, an old man with a familiar appearance stood up – it was Wu Gang.

"Sect Leader, I want to discuss something. Why is there an uninvited person here?" he asked, sounding displeased.

"This is the third time you've broken the sect's rules, Master Shi. I don't mind it you breaking them for the Young Master Long's sake, but that kid... Who is he?" he added, pointing in Qin Chen.

Everyone turned their gaze to Qin Chen. They had noticed his presence from the beginning, but Wu Gang was only speaking up now.

"In response to your question, Elder Wu, he's not a stranger. He's Qin Chen, a friend of Elder Han Yuan and a rare genius," Shi Huang calmly replied.

"A genius? I believe our sect isn't lacking in geniuses that we need to invite them into this sacred room," Wu Gang retorted.

The other Elders nodded, finding Wu Gang's words reasonable.

"Elder Wu, I can assure you that Qin Chen is a special individual. Just trust me; what I'm doing is for the good of the sect," Shi Huang stated.

Before Wu Gang could respond, an elderly man with a white beard spoke up, "Isn't that too much, Master Shi? I'm certain that many of the Elders here aren't aware that you allowed the kid to enter the Purification Pool. After they left, I checked, and the pool was empty. The reserve of sacred water built up over decades is now gone."

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked by what they heard.

"Sect Leader, you couldn't possibly allow an outsider to enter the Purification Pool, could you?"

"How could you do that, Sect Leader? The Purification Pool is a forbidden place in our sect."

"Why that kid? I don't see him as a genius; he seems foolish to me."

"Sect Leader..."

"Master Shi..."

The once tranquil room now grew noisy, with many Elders voicing their opposition to Qin Chen.

Shi Huang immediately emitted the aura of a Golden Core realm, exerting a strong pressure that silenced the atmosphere.

"No need for a commotion. It was my decision to allow Qin Chen to use the Purification Pool, and it's an absolute decision! If anyone opposes, face me!" Shi Huang declared, his tone laden with dominance.

The room remained quiet, with not a single sound, as nobody dared to speak up.

After a few moments, the white-bearded elderly man who had spoken before stood up – it was Grand Elder Gu Huanzong.

"Master Shi, no one dares to face you, including me. But our disturbance wasn't to oppose you; it was for the integrity of the sect. The Purification Pool is a sect treasure that can't be entered by just anyone. And now, just because you value that kid, you've allowed him entry," he protested.

"I understand your doubts, Grand Elder. But I have a good vision for this. I believe giving the Purification Pool to Qin Chen is not in vain," Shi Huang responded, his tone calm.

"Then what if he ends up causing trouble for our sect?" Gu Huanzong inquired.

As Shi Huang was about to respond, Han Yuan stood up, "If Qin Chen causes trouble or anything detrimental to the sect, I will take responsibility with my life," he said firmly.

Everyone was surprised by Han Yuan's sudden statement, including Qin Chen. He still couldn't believe Han Yuan was willing to defend him to this extent.

"Oh, Elder Han, I didn't expect you to defend Qin Chen as well. Well, of course, I knew it was you who brought him to the Purification Pool. And about your statement, are you serious about taking responsibility?" Gu Huanzong asked with a deep tone.

"If Qin Chen causes a significant problem for the sect, I will allow you to kill me, Grand Elder," Han Yuan said without hesitation.

Gu Huanzong was taken aback by Han Yuan's determination. His unwavering and courageous gaze left him wondering what had motivated both Shi Huang and Han Yuan to defend Qin Chen so fiercely.

He looked at Qin Chen, but he couldn't find anything special about him.

"Are you satisfied with that answer, Grand Elder?" Shi Huang inquired.

"There's nothing more I want to discuss," Gu Huanzong replied, and he resumed his seat.

Seeing that the situation was under control, Shi Huang nodded and took his seat again. It was a bit challenging to deal with these elders, especially Grand Elder Gu Huanzong.

Throughout his leadership, there had been internal issues within the Wudang Sect, and he didn't have many ways to resolve them.

"Very well, I believe that's enough for today's meeting. You may all leave," he said.

Everyone nodded and began to exit the temple, including Han Yuan and Qin Chen.

Nevertheless, Qin Chen was still preoccupied with Han Yuan's words. Though they hadn't known each other for long, Han Yuan was willing to do anything for him.

In his heart, he already considered Han Yuan as family, and he would protect him no matter what.