Systemless Villain

Chapter 267 Conflicted Feelings

The tension outside the sect was palpable, a heavy silence hanging over the gathered crowd. Not a single soul dared to utter a word, even the elite members of the top factions held their tongues.

It wasn't the appearance of soul beasts or any anomaly of the portal that caused this unease, but the arrival of nine figures cloaked in black attire adorned with a striking golden dragon and phoenix emblem on the back, unmistakably marking them as emissaries of the empire.

Their proclamation that the portal would fall under the jurisdiction of the empire sent ripples of dissent through the crowd, some adamantly refusing to yield, bracing themselves for resistance.

Yet, their defiance was swiftly quelled by the imposing presence of a tall figure clad in pristine white, his snow-white hair cascading like a waterfall around his composed visage.

While many remained oblivious to his identity, a select few recognized him as Lei Tian, a formidable member of the holy knights.

Smack!

The resounding smack of his scabbard meeting flesh echoed through the air as it connected with the face of a burly man standing over two meters tall, shattering four of his teeth and sending him sprawling to the ground, unconscious.

Lei Tian's demeanor remained as calm as a tranquil lake as he turned his gaze upon the gathered onlookers, the tip of his scabbard pointed in their direction, a silent but potent warning.

"I trust my message has been understood," he declared with unwavering calm. "The empire shall assume control of this portal, and you are all free to depart. However, any opposition will be met with decisive action."

Though his words were delivered with a composed demeanor, some felt a bone-chilling cold as if Lei Tian's words were a genuine threat.

In stark contrast, the eight individuals garbed in black attire bore broad smiles, none more so than a middle-aged man with weathered tan skin, a blind left eye, and a sinewy frame. His smirk exuded a sense of triumph.

This was Jang Hujan, the head of the empire's research division. Assigned here by his superiors, accompanied by one of the holy knights member, Lei Tian due to the unfavorable situation.

Among the gathered cultivators, a few individuals bristled at Lei Tian's proclamation.

One particularly formidable figure, a man in his mid-twenties, furrowed his brow in defiance. "We've been locked in battle against countless soul beasts here, and you waltz in, claiming ownership of the portal so effortlessly? Do you take us for fools?" His voice carried a potent authority that reverberated through the air, his dominant aura spreading in all directions.

Those present keenly sensed the powerful aura emanating from him, a clear indication of his status as a Nascent Soul realm cultivator.

Undaunted by the intimidating display, Lei Tian leveled a calm gaze at the man, calmly pointing his sword sheath in his direction. "If you dispute my authority, then face me. I won't even need to unsheathe my sword to best you."

"Don't you dare underestimate me, you insolent fool!" he roared with fury, his voice echoing through the tense atmosphere as he advanced menacingly towards Lei Tian.

Each step he took exuded a palpable aura of dominance, sending shivers down the spines of the onlookers who braced themselves for the impending clash between two formidable cultivators, fully aware of the destructive potential it held.

Seizing the opportunity presented by Lei Tian's split-second distraction, the man lunged forward with lightning speed, his heart pulsating with triumph at the prospect of victory within his grasp.

"Gotha!" he mentally cheered, only to have his confidence shattered as Lei Tian smoothly evaded his attack with a fluid motion that seemed almost effortless.

Disbelief clouded his eyes as he stared at Lei Tian's composed expression, his mind struggling to comprehend the agility and skill displayed before him.

Before he could muster a response, a lightning-fast strike from Lei Tian's sword sheath connected with his shoulder, sending him hurtling towards the ground with a force akin to an exploding bomb.

The impact reverberated through the surroundings, engulfing the area in a thick cloud of dust that obscured the unfolding scene, leaving bystanders in a state of bewilderment and shock as they tried to make sense of the sudden turn of events, their minds racing with questions about what had truly transpired.

Seasoned cultivators recognized the signature technique employed by Lei Tian, their expressions turning grave as they understood the gravity of the situation.

As the dust settled, a startling revelation emerged. The formidable Nascent Soul realm cultivator lay prone on the ground, rendered unconscious with a shattered shoulder bone.

The crowd's astonishment deepened, mingled with a sense of intrigue.

Questions buzzed through the minds of all present: Just how formidable were the holy knights? It was a perennial enigma; whenever a holy knight intervened, they displayed immense and mysterious power.

Lei Tian regarded the assembled crowd with a calm demeanor.

"Now, if you comprehend the situation, depart. I will not hesitate to act should there be further opposition," he warned, his tone carrying a steely resolve.

In response to his warning, dozens of cultivators scattered, quickly retreating from the vicinity of the portal.

No one dared to look back. Now, dozens of powerful cultivators had completely vanished from the area near the portal.

Observing the dispersal, Lei Tian stored his scabbard to his spatial ring, while Jang Hujan chuckled.

"Ah, the presence of a holy knight truly makes my task more manageable. I extend my gratitude, Mr. Lei Tian," he remarked courteously, though a trace of amusement lingered in his expression.

"I am merely fulfilling my duty. Now, let us not waste time. Proceed with yours," Lei Tian replied, his gaze unwavering as he issued a subtle yet pointed admonition.

"Very well, then. Let us commence," Jang Hujan declared, a sly grin playing across his features.

With a flourish, he produced a palm-sized emerald stone, continuing, "Typically, the study of a portal's unique features and materials requires extensive analysis. However, with this small artifact, our task becomes infinitely simpler."

----

Returning to the enigmatic chamber within the portal, Long Tian's eyes flickered open, immediately greeted by the warmth enveloping him.

A smile spread across his face as he realized Alexia was still asleep on top of him, completely unclothed.

That had been an experience he wouldn't soon forget. The strange yet intoxicating sensation lingered in his mind, perhaps due to the influence of dual cultivation.

In the quiet of the moment, Alexia stirred, raising herself slightly only to find her eyes locked with Long Tian's.

"Good morning, I suppose?" Long Tian quipped, his smile unwavering.

In response, Alexia simply nestled back into his embrace, her face buried in his chest.

"We did it, didn't we?" she murmured softly.

"Yes," Long Tian affirmed, his tone concise.

Alexia's gaze dimmed further with an expression that was hard to decipher. It wasn't regret per se, but there was a lingering sense of guilt. In this situation, it felt as though she had strayed from her role as a wife and mother.

"Please, don't mention this to Qian'er, okay?" she implored.

Long Tian smiled and gently stroked Alexia's back, responding, "I won't. Besides, this dual cultivation was a one-time thing, right? We won't do it again, so our relationship can go back to normal," he said.

Alexia remained silent, still burying her face in Long Tian's chest, but a smile formed on her lips. Indeed, this would be the last time they did this, and returning to normalcy was still an option.

Well, that's what was on her mind, although her heart felt a tumultuous swirl of emotions that couldn't be explained.

------

With the giant staircase now vanished and a white light resembling an entrance door, Long Tian and Alexia's business here seemed to be concluded. Even the mysterious woman who had been guarding this place was nowhere to be found.

At this moment, Long Tian and Alexia were fully dressed. Long Tian in his casual attire, and Alexia in a pair of pants and a new white shirt given to her by Long Tian.

Long Tian couldn't help but admire the changes within himself after performing the dual cultivation technique.

His deepest thoughts now felt much calmer, as if the very core of his being had been upgraded.

And not to mention his cultivation base, although it hadn't reached level 8, he could sense a significant increase. Yet, the technique wasn't just about enhancing cultivation base; it also strengthened the foundation, which was more crucial than cultivation base itself.

Even in every novel, every protagonist understood that they should focus on cultivating their foundation, combat prowess, and then cultivation base.

This became evident when he could confront enemies with much higher cultivation bases. Now, with his current strength, facing Hou Dian, a peak Nascent Soul realm cultivator, would be much easier than before.

Redirecting his gaze to the now clothed Alexia, Long Tian inquired, "What's your plan now, Mrs. Alexia?"

Alexia appeared to ponder for a moment. "Hmmm, I'm not entirely sure. This world feels so peculiar," she mused before a spark of inspiration ignited within her. "Ahh, perhaps we could embark on a bit of exploration and seek out adversaries? I feel incredibly powerful now, and I'm eager to put my strength to the test," she exclaimed excitedly.

"We? Are you suggesting we go together?" Long Tian clarified.

Recognizing the implication, Alexia hastily interjected, "Ah, I mean..." But her words were swiftly cut off by Long Tian's reassuring response. "It's alright, we can journey together. Moreover, this world is fraught with peril; I can't predict when danger might strike. Let's depart from here," he declared, seizing Alexia's hand and leading her away without hesitation.

Though Alexia felt a twinge of embarrassment, she didn't resist, instead opting to follow Long Tian. Truth be told, accompanying him didn't seem like a bad idea, especially considering his formidable strength.

Her impression of Long Tian solidified as someone remarkably dependable in any circumstance. Entrusting her daughter to him, she could find solace for the remainder of her days.

Exiting the enigmatic chamber, Long Tian and Alexia were met with a breathtaking vista of forests and pristine natural landscapes.

"I had nearly forgotten how beautiful this world truly is. My experiences felt like a nightmare, obscuring its splendor," Alexia remarked with a smile, her gaze admiring the picturesque scenery sprawled before her.

The crisp air, tinged with a subtle essence of Reiki ripe for absorption, coupled with the majestic sight of towering mountains and expansive forests, rendered it an idyllic sanctuary despite the lurking dangers.

"You won't be in danger anymore, Mrs. Alexia," Long Tian suddenly assured, prompting her to turn towards him.

A smile graced her lips as she responded, "I know you'll protect me, like family, right?"

Long Tian smiled back, then gestured with his finger and uttered, "Arise."

In an instant, five dark souls in human form brandishing swords and spears materialized before him.

Without hesitation, he touched the forehead of each dark soul, shrouding them in black flames and crackling lightning, empowering them with martial spirit.

Perplexed, Alexia inquired, "What are you doing?"

With a smile, Long Tian explained, "These five dark souls will serve as your protectors from now on. They are immortal, save for attacks infused with holy energy, darkness, or curses."

Alexia was taken aback. "If I'm not mistaken, your ability is to resurrect the dead, right? I didn't realize your power was so formidable," she remarked.

"Well, I nearly perished to acquire it," Long Tian admitted.

"But is it wise to entrust these five beings to me? You're the one more frequently in perilous situations, so perhaps it would be better if you retained them," Alexia expressed concern.

Long Tian reassured her with a smile, "I understand your concern, Mrs. Alexia, but fear not. If I deplete my forces, I simply need to slay someone and resurrect them."

Alexia fell silent, her apprehensions seemingly unwarranted.

"Very well, then I'll accept them," she conceded.

Long Tian nodded, gesturing with his finger once more. The five dark souls immediately melded into shadows and merged into Alexia's own.

"Now they're truly concealed within your shadow," he informed her.

"If you require their assistance, simply speak the password, 'Arise', and they will emerge regardless of the circumstances," Long Tian elucidated.

"I comprehend. Thank you, Long Tian," Alexia expressed her gratitude with a smile.

Returning her smile, Long Tian proposed, "Alright, you mentioned wanting to seek out adversaries, correct? Then let's find them!"

Alexia chuckled softly, then nodded in agreement.

With that, the duo ventured forth together to explore this unfamiliar world.