Systemless Villain

Chapter 9: Unmasking the enemy

Qin Chen stared into the depths of the Tianzhou forest, his gaze hungry for the challenge it presented. Despite the looming darkness of the night, fear was a stranger to him.

With nothing but a trusty flashlight and the treasure map, he resolved to tread the hidden pathways of the forest.

Yet, as he was about to step forward, his movement was stalled by the sudden appearance of an old man, who seemed to materialize from the shadows.

"Stop right there, young man," the old man commanded, his voice carrying the weight of ages.

Qin Chen frowned, "Who are you?" he shot back.

"That's not important. What's clear is you cannot proceed further into this forest. Something…" The old man's words trailled off as he noticed something peculiar about Qin Chen.

Inching forward, he examined Qin Chen intently, his gnarled fingers absentmindedly stroking his white beard.

After a while, his eyes widened when he saw the distinct symbol of the sun and the moon etched on Qin Chen's neck. "What's your name, young man?" he asked eagerly.

Qin Chen raised an eyebrow. This old man was somewhat strange, but he didn't feel any threat from him. "Qin Chen," he responded.

The old man's surprise visibly intensified upon hearing this. "Qin? You said Qin?!" he repeated, his grip firm on Qin Chen's shoulder as if trying to ascertain the truth through physical contact.

Qin Chen gently shrugged off the old man's hand from his shoulder. "I don't recognize you, old man. But you seem inexplicably startled by my name. Do you know me?" he inquired.

"I not only know you, but I am also well-acquainted with your family," the old man unveiled, his eyes brimming with an emotion too complex to decipher.

Shock expanded in Qin Chen's eyes. "You know about my family?" he asked, skepticism lacing his voice.

"The Qin family… They once commanded respect for their wealth and influence over Tianzhou city. But now…" the old man stopped, a trace of sadness appearing on his face. "This old man seeks your forgiveness for his absence on that fateful night," he confessed, bowing deeply as if to demonstrate the sincerity of his apology.

Qin Chen's surprise soon transformed into shock, but he hastily reached out to the old man, steadying him upright. "Stand, old man. I don't know your identity, but that incident wasn't your fault. That night..." His voice trailed off into silence, fists clenched tight as anger and sorrow simultaneously washed over him.

He vividly remembered several years ago, on the night where his entire family was brutally massacred by mysterious people.

His heart ached tremendously when he remembered that night. Especially when his parents were beheaded right before his eyes.

He was the only one who survived that tragedy, and since then, his heart was filled with vengeance. But, until now, he still didn't know who was behind the massacre of his family.

"I cannot imagine how you feel, Qin Chen. It must be very painful," the old man said, his voice lined with empathy.

"You know, old man, I won't die until I've unmasked the culprits behind my family's massacre and exacted my revenge. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, blood for blood!" Qin Chen declared fiercely.

The old man rested a comforting hand on Qin Chen's shoulder, "Fear not, Qin Chen. You're not alone in your quest for vengeance. After all, I know who was behind your family's massacre."

Shock seized Qin Chen once more. "What? Who are they?" he demanded, his voice shaking with anticipation.

"The Meng family, they orchestrated the downfall of your kin!" the old man revealed with grave certainty.

Qin Chen was stunned momentarily, but his shock swiftly morphed into boundless fury. "The Meng family! It was them!" He roared.

"Calm down, Qin Chen, don't be reckless. Right now, the Meng family is too strong to confront, especially with the backing of one of the ancient families, the Long family," the old man cautioned.

"Did you say the Long family?" He repeated with widened eyes.

"Yes. The Long and Meng families have been closely allied for a long time. They are literally, your enemy, our enemy!" the old man declared.

A seething anger smoldered in Qin Chen's heart as the old man's words hung in the air. The Long family... His mind raced to the face of Long Tian.

He was already furious with Long Tian for kidnapping Li Yue'er, and now his anger reached its peak knowing that the Long family was also involved in the massacre of his family.

"The Meng family... The Long family... Both of you will pay!" Qin Chen swore vehemently, his voice echoing through the forest.

His anger would not be quelled, would not rest, until he exacted his vengeance.

"You won't be alone, Qin Chen, I will help you take revenge," the old man said, patting Qin Chen's shoulder.

A glimmer of gratitude shone in Qin Chen's eyes, slightly softening the intensity of his anger. "Thank you, old man. But, I find myself a bit bewildered. Who exactly are you? Your face doesn't ring a bell," he inquired.

The old man smiled. "My name is Han Yuan. You can call me Old Han. I serve as one of the elders in the Wudang sect," he responded.

Qin Chen gave a nod of acknowledgment. "Since you're already familiar with my name, we can dispense with the formalities. Let's discuss a few matters, Old Han."