Systemless Villain

42  Awakening and Reunion

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, two weeks had passed since Long Tian fell unconscious.

During this period, Qin Chen immersed himself in martial arts practice and various techniques within the Wudang sect. Although he hadn't officially joined them, he continued to train diligently, eagerly awaiting the awakening of his martial spirit.

He was determined to prove to Shi Huang that he was worthy of being part of the sect, even if he had entered through the backdoor.

Amid his training and routine life, Qin Chen had acquired many valuable items. Yet, his thoughts remained preoccupied with concern for Li Yue'er. Over these past two weeks, there had been no news from her, leaving him deeply anxious.

And as for Long Tian... He hasn't seen him all this time...

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

Meanwhile, in the grand Long family residence, Ling Han stood with an anticipated expression. He could sense a surge of energy emanating from Long Tian—a sensation absent during his unconscious state.

Long Tian's aura now pulsed, radiating both an air of dread and elegance.

After a few seconds, Shen Yulan's spectral form emerged from Long Tian's body.

Ling Han eagerly inquired, "How is the young master?"

"He will awaken in a few moments," Shen Yulan replied. Though her tone remained even, relief was evident in her demeanor as Long Tian's recovery became imminent.

"Thank the heavens. I must inform the patriarch at once!" Ling Han exclaimed, and promptly exited the room.

As Ling Han left, Shen Yulan's gaze returned to Long Tian. Over these two weeks, she had been diligently converting the malevolent Reiki within his body.

The process had been exhausting but also a profound experience. Long Tian's sea of consciousness resembled a breathtaking universe, its beauty etched in her memory.

At this very moment, Long Tian's eyelids twitched, and he slowly opened his eyes.

His first sight was Shen Yulan's spectral visage.

"You're finally awake," Shen Yulan said with a smile.

"How long was I unconscious?" Long Tian asked, sitting up in bed.

"Two weeks," Shen Yulan replied matter-of-factly.

"Two weeks, huh? I suppose it was worth it—I feel much stronger now," Long Tian stated, a grin forming on his lips.

He could sense an unusual power coursing through his veins, as though he could now harness demonic energy.

Honestly, he hadn't anticipated being unconscious for two weeks. According to the original plot, Qin Chen had remained conscious while absorbing the demonic energy.

"Although you're conscious now, Long Tian, you need to adapt. Your cultivation base should have been at the Nascent Soul level, but the surplus of demonic Reiki was excessive and futile. Thus, I transformed it into a foundation, albeit reducing your cultivation to the 5th level of the Flowing Qi realm," Shen Yulan explained.

"Is that so? Well, that's actually a favorable outcome," Long Tian responded.

It's no secret that a robust cultivation foundation is something all cultivators should prioritize. It's akin to quality over quantity.

"By the way, Shen Yulan, were you the one who healed me? Because I felt like I was in utter darkness, and then I saw your silhouette," Long Tian inquired.

"Yes, it was me. Your body was inundated with demonic energy, and it required pure Reiki to cleanse it," Shen Yulan replied.

"Thank you," Long Tian expressed his gratitude sincerely.

"No problem, besides, it was the least I could do," Shen Yulan answered.

Long Tian smiled. Choosing to take Qin Chen's jade and gaining Shen Yulan had been the right decision. He had been uncertain of his fate as he absorbed the demonic energy, with no Shen Yulan by his side.

And at this moment, the door swung open, and Long Zhan and Xia Yunfei entered the room. Their expressions radiated joy and relief upon seeing Long Tian awake.

Xia Yunfei immediately rushed forward and enveloped Long Tian in a warm embrace. "My son, you're finally awake. You have no idea how worried I've been," she expressed her overwhelming happiness.

"Now that I'm awake, Mother, you need not worry," Long Tian reassured her, a smile gracing his lips.

"Never put yourself in harm's way like that again, okay?" Xia Yunfei pleaded.

"I won't," Long Tian nodded.

As Xia Yunfei released her embrace, Long Zhan stepped closer, his hand landing in an affirming pat on Long Tian's shoulder. "You've grown stronger, haven't you?" he asked.

"Well, I'd say I'm at least five times stronger than before," Long Tian answered, his grin wider.

"That's fantastic news. Your grandfather will be overjoyed. Unfortunately, he's not here right now. Nonetheless, you might want to pay a visit to your second grandfather," Long Zhan suggested.

"What? Grandfather Xia Guanzong is here?" Long Tian's eyes widened in surprise.

"Yes, he's at the main mansion. You can meet him there," Long Zhan confirmed.

"I'll greet him later. For now, I could really use a bath," Long Tian said, his voice carrying a hint of weariness.

"Very well. Your mother and I will also be at the main mansion. Come see us there after you're done," Long Zhan replied.

"Sure thing," Long Tian nodded, and then exited the room.

After being unconscious for two weeks, walking again felt a tad unusual. Nevertheless, he made his way to the bathroom with a sense of anticipation.

Even though Long Zuandi wasn't present, his maternal grandfather, Xia Guanzong, was. While Long Tian's memories of the old man were faint, he knew that Xia Guanzong cared deeply for him. He recalled the lavish gifts Xia Guanzong had given him on his 18th birthday, just two months prior.

News of his two-week unconsciousness must have caused Xia Guanzong a great deal of concern.

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

After a refreshing bath, Long Tian stood before the mirror, his form wrapped in a towel.

However, he was taken aback by the reflection that greeted him.

His hair had grown substantially, cascading down to his shoulders, and his eyes had taken on a striking crimson hue.

He ran his fingers through his chin, a smile tugging at his lips. "Well, well, don't I look rather dashing? I'd say absorbing that demonic energy was quite the boon," he mused aloud.

Long Tian deftly tied his lengthening hair into a loose knot, allowing two artfully placed strands to frame his face.

He grinned at his own reflection, remarking, "This looks damn good."

After indulging in a few more moments of self-admiration, Long Tian exited the bathroom and donned his clothes.

Opting for casual attire, he made his way towards the main mansion—an abode reserved for guests and family gatherings.