Systemless Villain

Chapter 135 Paths of Redemption

Inside the cave hidden behind the cascading waterfall, amidst the depths of the forest, Qin Chen knelt on the damp ground, tears cascading down his cheeks. Profound sorrow and remorse engulfed him like an unrelenting tide.

"Sob, sob... Forgive me, Elder Han. I was a fool, ignorant and blind to your wisdom. I should have listened from the start. But now, it's too late, and your death is because of my foolishness. I'm so sorry," he whispered between heartbreaking sobs, his words laden with regret and sorrow.

Han Yuan, the man who had bestowed upon him boundless knowledge and love, dead before his very eyes.

Qin Chen collapsed onto the ground, his cries echoing in the cave, intensifying with each passing moment.

His tear-filled eyes stared at the cave's ceiling, his voice breaking, "Why... Why is all of this happening to me, God? In just one day! In a single day, I lost the two people I held dearest to my heart! Why must your fate for me be so merciless?" he choked on his words.

Never before had he experienced such profound sadness and despair. Within the span of a day, the girl he loved had fallen into the clutches of his enemy, and now, his mentor, the guiding light who had shaped his destiny, met his tragic end because of Long Tian's cunning scheme.

Shen Yulan emerged, her gaze fixed on Qin Chen, a blend of pity and frustration in her eyes.

"Don't blame Long Tian for this. Can't you see it's all because you readily believed his lies? You let everything blind you, all because of one woman. It truly disappoints me, Qin Chen. If you don't change after all of this, I won't hesitate to leave you," she stated firmly.

Qin Chen felt the sting of truth in her words. It was his own fault; if he could turn back time, he would never have stolen the Heartblade of Guo Jian.

He straightened his posture, determination etched on his face, brimming with a thirst for vengeance. "You're right, Lady Shen. If I continue to be this naive, my days are numbered. That's why I've made up my mind—I will seek revenge!" he declared.

-----------

In the opulent living room of their mansion...

Liu Qian's face displayed displeasure as she overheard her parents engaging in conversation with a young man sporting long, ebony hair.

Her peaceful day of relaxation was abruptly interrupted when her father called her to the living room, where a distinguished guest had arrived – none other than the young man himself.

She recognized him instantly; he was Zhang Jun, hailing from the great Yuan dynasty.

"... That's why I wish to propose to Liu Qian," Zhang Jun declared, his smile directed at Liu Qian.

Upon hearing this, Liu Qian responded promptly, "I decline!"

Zhang Jun arched an eyebrow, questioning, "Why? Liu Qian, we've known each other for years. Tsagaan Sar is approaching, and soon we will return to the Yuan dynasty. I don't think it's a bad idea if we get engaged," he said.

"We may have a good relationship, but that doesn't mean you can just assume things, Zhang Jun. I'm only 18 years old, and I don't want to be romantically involved with anyone," Liu Qian replied.

"In that case, let's consider your parents' advice," Zhang Jun suggested, redirecting his gaze to Liu Hai and Alexia Qian.

Liu Hai cleared his throat, his demeanor composed. "Zhang Jun, I understand your feelings for Liu Qian, but I believe my daughter is right; she's only 18 years old, still in high school," he stated.

Zhang Jun remained determined, "Please, Mr. Liu, our families share a strong bond; it would be better if there was a marriage connection," he persisted.

"I grant my daughter the freedom to choose. If Qian'er declines, there's nothing more I can say. You understand, I can't compel her," Liu Hai replied.

Alexia added, "Absolutely, Zhang Jun. Instead of proposing directly to Qian'er, why not spend more time getting to know her? Using your family's influence to gain our approval isn't a wise approach."

Zhang Jun was poised to reply, but Liu Qian spoke first. "My mother is correct. Right now, I just want to enjoy life. Plus, I already have a boyfriend."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jun was utterly surprised, a sentiment shared by Liu Hai and Alexia.

"Wait, what? You have a boyfriend?" Zhang Jun asked, his voice carried a hint of displeasure.

"Yes," Liu Qian didn't shy away from the truth.

Liu Hai, on the other hand, quickly deduced who his daughter's boyfriend was. "Is it Long Tian?" he inquired.

Liu Qian hesitated momentarily but then affirmed her choice, "Yes, Dad. Ever since I went to the party with him, we've been dating."

Liu Hai nodded in understanding, "Ohh, I see. Well, it's unfortunate, Zhang Jun; my daughter is already in a relationship, and it's with Long Tian. They've known each other since childhood; they were childhood friends," he explained.

Zhang Jun furrowed his brow, clearly displeased with the situation. His desire for Liu Qian was unwavering, and he was convinced he could win her over.

"I don't know who this Long Tian is. But if he's your childhood friend, I assume you're around the same age. Well, the Han Empire's survival competition is approaching... I suppose I'll assess his abilities there," he stated, his tone laced with competitiveness.

"Zhang Jun, I urge you not to rush into things. Long Tian is no ordinary person; his family harbors formidable individuals," Liu Hai advised, his words sincere.

"I will try to consider your advice, Mr. Liu. Now, I should take my leave," Zhang Jun declared, then rose from his seat.

His eyes met Liu Qian's, "Nice to see you again, Qian'er," he said before walking out of the living room.

While Liu Hai escorted Zhang Jun out, Liu Qian, indifferent to the situation, promptly stood up, intending to head to her room.

However, her mother suddenly grabbed her hand, giving her a curious look. "Are you really dating Long Tian?" Alexia asked.

"Of course not, why would I lie?" Liu Qian retorted.

"In that case, I believe it wouldn't be a bad idea to have dinner together; you should invite Long Tian," Alexia proposed.

"I... I'll inform him," Liu Qian replied, her response tinged with uncertainty.

Alexia smiled warmly, her eyes glinting with a playful sparkle. "Excellent, let him savor the flavors of my cooking. Or maybe you'd like to give it a try yourself? I'd be more than happy to teach you. You know, my dear, men often appreciate women who excel in the kitchen. You wouldn't want another woman to snatch away your man, now, would you?"

Liu Qian hesitated momentarily before relenting, her voice carrying a reluctant tone, "Fine."

"Good, now come with me," Alexia said cheerfully.

Liu Qian followed her mother. She usually refused, but it didn't seem like a bad idea to learn how to cook.