Systemless Villain

218  The Hero's Frustation

Mo Yuegang, Ling Han, Bi Han, and Li Yue'er gathered near the sacred pool, surrounded by an aura of tranquility. Li Yue'er and Ling Han carefully held the unconscious Long Tian, his forehead adorned with a small, shining crimson rhombus mark, and his body exuding a potent demonic qi.

"Do you not find the young master's condition excessively severe?" Ling Han inquired, a touch of concern in his voice.

"Yes, if he were not here... Well, I cannot predict the measures the Long family would resort to," Bi Han responded with a contemplative expression.

Ling Han nodded in understanding. "Alright, so, do I simply need to position the young master in the middle of the pool? What if he happens to sink?" he asked, seeking clarification.

Bi Han responded, "Even if he sinks, there is no threat to his life. You see, the sacred pool is imbued with benevolent elements that can stabilize and fortify one's demonic qi. The pool's optimal efficacy occurs only once every two years, and fortunately, it has been more than two years since anyone entered the sacred pool."

Ling Han nodded once more, grasping the significance of the sacred pool.

"Very well, let us not squander any more time," Bi Han urged.

Ling Han and Li Yue'er concurred, proceeding toward the pool with deliberate steps while bearing the weight of Long Tian.

Just as they was about to place Long Tian into the pool, a sudden exclamation pierced the air. "Wait!"

The resonant voice drew the gaze of everyone present, redirecting their focus to the newcomers who hurriedly approached.

Ling Han furrowed his brow, identifying both the voice and the familiar face; it was unmistakably Lin Fan.

"What is he doing here?" he muttered with clear displeasure.

Li Yue'er mirrored Ling Han's discontent upon laying eyes on Lin Fan and the elderly man accompanying him.

Mo Yuegang and Bi Han, however, couldn't help but express curiosity regarding Fu Gongzhe's unexpected arrival with the young man.

As Lin Fan and Fu Gongzhe closed the distance, they eventually halted near the group.

Upon seeing Li Yue'er, Lin Fan couldn't conceal his surprise. His expression shifted to seriousness upon noticing Ling Han, and it hardened as his gaze fell upon the unconscious Long Tian.

'What the hell is he doing in this place?!' Lin Fan pondered, a palpable sense of displeasure settling over him.

"Why are you here, Elder Fu?" Mo Yuegang questioned, shattering the silence.

Fu Gongzhe promptly replied, "Well, this young man here wishes to access the sacred pool, and he possesses the required token," his demeanor remained composed as he gestured toward Lin Fan.

Mo Yuegang and Bi Han redirected their gazes to Lin Fan, who presented a token adorned with a demonic head.

Mo Yuegang stepped forward, reaching for the token, and carefully examined it. His eyebrows lifted in surprise, noticing that there was still an access token for the sacred pool.

Observing this, Fu Gongzhe remarked, "With that token, he should be allowed entry to the sacred pool, correct, Sect Master?" his tone maintained its calm composure, even amid the awareness of Long Tian's unconscious state. Regardless, he insisted on Lin Fan gaining access to the pool.

Mo Yuegang cast a brief glance at Fu Gongzhe, confirming the token's authenticity.

Just as Mo Yuegang was about to speak, Ling Han unexpectedly interjected, "That young man won't enter the sacred pool," his tone resolute.

In response, Fu Gongzhe narrowed his eyes, his white beard stroked as he inquired, "And who are you? Do you have the access token?" n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I don't possess it, but my young master will be the one entering that sacred pool," Ling Han replied firmly.

Fu Gongzhe's gaze intensified. Then, he turned his attention to Mo Yuegang, questioning, "What does this mean, Sect Master? He lacks the access token but can still enter the sacred pool?" a crease formed on his forehead.

Mo Yuegang explained, "There are special circumstances, and I have granted my approval, so there's no issue," maintaining his calm tone.

"Nevertheless, you can't disregard the rules, Sect Master. Didn't you emphasize that everyone must adhere to the established regulations? Those without access tokens shouldn't be permitted to enter, even with special circumstances. Priority should be given to those with access tokens, shouldn't it?" Fu Gongzhe asserted, eyes narrowed.

Mo Yuegang sighed, facing the challenge of debating with Fu Gongzhe. Throughout, Fu Gongzhe had remained a disciplined and stringent Elder.

"Indeed, Elder Fu, this involves matters of life and death, and the individual's identity is far from ordinary. I trust you comprehend the significance of the situation," Mo Yuegang explained.

"Even so, rules are rules, Sect Master," Fu Gongzhe reiterated, his tone unwavering.

Upon hearing this, Mo Yuegang grew frustrated, his forehead creasing. However, before he could respond, Ling Han suddenly flashed forward and materialized in front of Fu Gongzhe in less than a second.

Fu Gongzhe's expression shifted to alertness. Before he could react, Ling Han seized his neck, hoisting him up.

Ling Han's countenance exuded anger and coldness. "Utter another word, and I'll break your neck! You have no idea how dire this situation is!" he declared coldly.

Fu Gongzhe's expression turned serious. He attempted to break free by gripping Ling Han's arm, but Ling Han's hold remained unyielding.

Undeterred, Fu Gongzhe unleashed his aura at the 8th level of the Nascent Soul realm, a vibrant blue energy surging from his body.

In response, Ling Han countered by releasing an aura at the peak of the Golden Core realm, instantly neutralizing Fu Gongzhe's exertion.

Disbelief filled Fu Gongzhe's expression, his eyes widening in horror as he grasped the true extent of Ling Han's strength.

Observing this, Lin Fan, acknowledging his own limited strength at the Body Tempering level, felt the vast disparity between them.

Amidst the tension, Mo Yuegang stepped forward. "Ling Han, release him!" he ordered, intervening.

"Not if he keeps blabbering!" Ling Han retorted, his hand maintaining a firm grip on Fu Gongzhe's neck.

"I can assure that young master Long will enter the pool," Mo Yuegang declared, providing reassurance.

Ling Han glanced at Mo Yuegang, then back at Fu Gongzhe. Subsequently, he released his grip, causing Fu Gongzhe to collapse to the ground, clutching his neck.

Mo Yuegang sighed in relief, approaching Fu Gongzhe. "Elder Fu, the important person I mentioned is the young master of the Long family. If you insist, I can permit the young man you brought to enter the sacred pool, but you will have to contend with the Long family," he explained.

Hearing this, Fu Gongzhe was stunned, particularly upon hearing the name Long—a renowned ancient family. His expression then shifted to seriousness, not anticipating that the individual he confronted belonged to the Long family.

He remained silent, and Mo Yuegang nodded, "I hope you understand," he said and then turned directly to Li Yue'er.

"You can place young master Long into the pool, young lady," he instructed.

Li Yue'er nodded, carrying Long Tian into the pool and positioning him in the center. With that, she returned to the surface, allowing Long Tian to gradually descend to the pool's bottom.

Standing beside Fu Gongzhe, Lin Fan's countenance was saturated with hatred and dissatisfaction. His hands clenched tightly, forcibly suppressing the surge of anger and frustration within him.

Since he obtained the ability of the Golden Eyes, his life had been comfortable and smooth. Yet, upon encountering Long Tian, his life immediately changed, all the pleasant feelings and golden opportunities were taken by Ling Tian!

He had been angry since the auction incident where he lost his best friend, and now, because of Long Tian, he lost a golden opportunity to enter that sacred pool!

If he were alone, he would undoubtedly unleash a torrent of curses and oaths directed at Long Tian. Yet, in the presence of Ling Han and Mo Yuegang, he was constrained to internalize his fury.

His gaze, brimming with a blend of anger and envy, remained fixed on Long Tian within the pool.

'It was meant to be me, not him!' he cursed vehemently within the confines of his thoughts.

At that precise moment, the pool emitted a sudden surge of blue energy, swiftly enveloping Long Tian. The effect, palpable to everyone present, resonated with a potent energy.

Reacting promptly, Bi Han remarked, "It's working; I'm confident that, after this, Young Master Long will experience even greater strength."

Mo Yuegang concurred, "That's a good thing," he acknowledged.

Lin Fan's frustration heightened as he listened to the praises showered upon Long Tian and the positive impact of the pool. Undoubtedly a remarkable phenomenon, but one he regrettably missed the chance to partake in!

Fu Gongzhe, sensing Lin Fan's lingering discontent, offered a reassuring pat on his shoulder. "Continuously watching won't make you feel any better; let's depart from this place," he suggested.

Despite the remnants of anger in Lin Fan's expression, he reluctantly nodded, accompanying Fu Gongzhe as they departed from the scene.