Systemless Villain

Chapter 172 A Ride Home

School proceeded without a hitch, free from the constraints of regular classes. However, the present moment found all senior students assembled on the field, their attention rapt as the headmaster delivered a speech.

"... With that, the annual Han Empire Survival Competition selection process is set for tomorrow. Evaluation will span various facets, including physical prowess, spiritual strength, martial spirit, mental fortitude, and endurance," he announced.

The students, upon receiving this information, erupted in excitement. Their aspirations soared as they aimed to qualify and secure a coveted spot as official participants in the most esteemed survival competition within the Han Empire.

"Oooh, the anticipation is electrifying! I am determined to triumph in the selection!"

"Hahaha, finally, the moment I've been eagerly awaiting!"

"Tch, one must be insane to desire participation in that competition. Courting death!"

Enthusiastic voices resonated among the students. However, some hesitated, reluctant to participate due to the competition's deadly nature, where killing was allowed. Each year claimed hundreds of lives, but those who survived emerged significantly stronger.

A minimum of 10,000 exceptional young talents would vie for supremacy, meticulously selected from a vast pool of 5 million senior students across martial arts schools and academies throughout the expansive Han Empire.

Long Tian, amidst the students, stood with arms crossed, projecting an air of calmness. However, beneath his composed exterior, he harbored a genuine excitement for the upcoming competition.

In the past, in the Long and Xia family's survival, murder was strictly prohibited, even though he killed Long Guan. He was confident that, despite destroying the drones that were monitoring, the Grand Elder or his father knew about it.

Yet, he remained immune to any repercussions. At present, he held a paramount position in the Long family, and it was evident that Long Zhan, despite being the patriarch, prioritized him.

Recollections of absorbing Yin energy after emerging from the Demon's Abyss in the heavenly demon sect lingered in his mind. His family's ruthless annihilation of the entire Mount Hua sect solely for him underscored how exceptionally he was treated. Faced with such favor, he had no intention of letting them down.

The principal concluded his speech, offering advice and counsel to the students as the sun's rays intensified.

"... I encourage each of you to prepare thoroughly. I believe that covers all I wish to convey. With that, I bid you farewell," he stated.

Applause erupted from the students as he descended from the podium, joining the assembly of other teachers.

In the ensuing moments, another teacher made brief announcements. Swiftly, the students commenced dispersing, vacating the ceremonial field.

Amidst the bustling students, Long Tian casually draped his arm around Li Yue'er, who walked by his side. In response, Li Yue'er smiled and nestled her head against Long Tian's sturdy frame.

They navigated through the crowd, drawing envious glances and a sense of powerlessness from onlookers. Envy stemmed from Long Tian's proximity to Li Yue'er, and powerlessness because it was Long Tian, the scion of the ancient Long family—no one dared to stir trouble with him.

Walking alongside Long Tian, Li Yue'er remarked, "Long Tian, I think we should ditch our plan to head to Tianhai."

"Why?" Long Tian inquired, arching one of his eyebrows.

"I've made plans with my friends. You know, just hanging out, spending time. Is that okay?" Li Yue'er sought confirmation.

Long Tian smiled, tousling her hair, "Of course, take your time," he affirmed.

Li Yue'er's face lit up with gratitude, and she promptly embraced him. Long Tian maintained his easy smile as they continued their leisurely stroll.

Ultimately, the students dispersed entirely. Some headed to class, engaged in conversations, or made their way to the cafeteria. The atmosphere settled back into its usual rhythm.

---

More than two hours had passed; first and second-year students were immersed in their studies, while senior students enjoyed a leisurely break as the holiday approached.

At this moment, the bell chimed, although the clock still read 10 in the morning, signaling the departure privilege for senior students.

Consequently, the entrance gate swung open as security ushered hundreds of students out of the building, heading homeward. Some strolled, others rode bikes, and a few drove cars.

Beyond the gate, Li Yue'er had joined a car with her five female friends.

In another location outside the gate, a striking short-haired girl, the third-ranked Liu Zhenyi, stood engrossed in a phone conversation.

"Yeah, I'm sorry, Zhenyi, I can't pick you up. I'm very busy now. It's better if you go home with your friends," a woman's voice conveyed.

Before Liu Zhenyi could respond, the call abruptly ended.

Glancing at her smartphone, Liu Zhenyi felt a touch of pressure. She had called her sister, who couldn't pick her up, and she couldn't insist, knowing her sister was occupied with work.

In the end, she scanned the surroundings, hoping to find a friend who could offer her a ride.

Nevertheless, after a few minutes, no familiar faces appeared, causing her concern.

But not long after, a motorcycle halted right in front of her, with a student at the helm.

The rider, donned in a sleek helmet, lifted the visor to reveal a mischievous grin. "Hey, Liu Zhenyi, need a ride? I promise it'll be an unforgettable glide," he said with a twinkle in his eyes.

Liu Zhenyi arched one of her eyebrows; the person before her turned out to be Lin Fan.

"You don't have any ulterior motives, do you?" she inquired, squinting her eyes.

Lin Fan, to the contrary, smiled. "Come on, do I look like a criminal to you?" he retorted.

Liu Zhenyi hesitated. Having just met Lin Fan today, she was unfamiliar with his characteristics. However, she was also anxious about securing a ride, considering her residence was distant from Tianzhou High School.

After a moment, she finally nodded, "Alright, I'll go with you," she agreed.

A broad smile spread across Lin Fan's face, "Then hop on," he invited.

Liu Zhenyi nodded. However, as she prepared to hop on the motorcycle, a sleek BMW pulled up near them, diverting their attention.

The window rolled down, revealing Long Tian's smiling face. "Hey, Zhenyi, want to catch a ride?" he offered.