Systemless Villain

Chapter 209  Secret Dungeon: Unearthing Mysteries and Forbidden Knowledge

[New Mission Unlocked: Kill Lin Fan]

Zhao Tianming's expression immediately shifted to surprise as he observed the hologram before him.

Unexpectedly, a sudden new mission had emerged. However, he promptly stroked his chin, contemplating that if there was a fresh task, Lin Fan must be in the vicinity.

His attention then focused on Jin Ling, and he inquired, "Is there a disciple named Lin Fan here?" His tone resonated with curiosity.

Jin Ling raised an eyebrow, "Lin Fan? I'm not familiar with that name, but there's a member from the ancient Lin family who joined the Heavenly Demon sect," he replied.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Tianming remained silent. Instead, he redirected his gaze to the hologram, muttering to himself, 'System, do you possess any additional information about Lin Fan?'

However, there was no response from the system regarding this inquiry.

Zhao Tianming sighed. Sometimes, the lack of communication from the system made it challenging for him to track someone from the mission.

In the end, he dismissed the hologram and turned his attention back to Jin Ling. With composure, he stated, "Elder Jin, guide me around. I wish to uncover more details about Lin Fan," his tone resolute.

"What about our previous serious discussion?" Jin Ling inquired, his brow furrowed.

"That can be revisited at another time. Besides, you have no option but to align with my plan. Furthermore, your informant did an excellent job gathering information about that ancient location, so I believe there's no significant issue with our strategy," Zhao Tianming responded, displaying nonchalance.

Jin Ling's expression turned somber upon hearing this. He sighed and acquiesced, "Very well, follow me."

Zhao Tianming grinned with satisfaction, and with that, they both rose from their seats and exited the building.

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The sun's intense rays grew hotter, yet a gradual coolness settled in with the passing time. It was 2 PM, and within the Heavenly Demon sect's premises, students remained active.

Particularly, in a field where hundreds of students gathered to witness the monthly competition among outer disciples.

Typical of sects, the area was segmented into five zones: outer disciple, inner disciple, core disciple, elder, and the sect leader's palace area, each with distinct facilities.

On a high mountain slope in the Heavenly Demon sect, Long Tian, Li Yue'er, Ling Han, Su Chen, and Mo Yuegang descended through an unmarked path, surrounded by a dense forest.

As they conversed during their descent, Su Chen led the group. At this moment, Mo Yuegang had no malicious thoughts towards Long Tian. What he had in mind was to build good relations with Long Tian, which would undoubtedly benefit both him and the Heavenly Demon sect.

After a few minutes of traversing, they halted at a location resembling a dungeon, its entrance concealed by wooden coverings.

Long Tian raised an eyebrows, observing this place hidden among the trees on a steep mountain.

"How did you come across this place, Elder Su?" he inquired.

"While on a deer-hunting expedition with my disciples, we stumbled upon it. I limited my exploration to the exterior, considering the safety of my disciples. I'm confident there are still mysteries within," Su Chen explained.

Long Tian nodded, "Alright, let's go in," he decided.

Everyone affirmed, and under Su Chen's guidance, they entered the dungeon.

Upon entering, darkness enveloped them, soon dispelled by the red flames conjured by Mo Yuegang.

Surprise painted the expressions of everyone as they beheld the dungeon's contents. It resembled a cavern stretching into the distance, with ample space.

The sight that astonished them was the numerous rusty, iron-barred prison cells housing countless skulls and skeletons.

There was no putrid odor, indicating that these skeletons had rested undisturbed for thousands of years.

Mo Yuegang's expression held a mix of astonishment, "I've served the Heavenly Demon sect for decades, even becoming the leader, but encountering this place is a first," he remarked, his tone tinged with surprise and admiration.

"The Heavenly Demon sect has endured for thousands of years; I suppose it's unsurprising given how well-hidden this place is," Su Chen responded. "It's also plausible that this location dates back to the early days of the sect," he added.

"Well, let's venture deeper. With our combined strength, I don't believe there's anything to worry about," Mo Yuegang declared.

"Alright, let's go," Long Tian concurred.

With that, they proceeded directly into the dungeon. However, Su Chen moved faster, immediately followed by the others. He had already explored the exterior, finding nothing of interest. The most significant mystery lay further ahead.

With each step, they penetrated deeper, observing more prisons with assorted skulls and skeletons. It wasn't limited to human remains; there were also peculiar creatures.

After a few minutes of walking, guided by Su Chen, they reached a sizable cabinet on the dungeon's right side.

"What a substantial cabinet," Ling Han remarked.

"You'll be astonished by its contents," Su Chen confidently replied.

Without hesitation, he opened it, revealing numerous ancient, dusty books.

Everyone's attention immediately shifted to the books. Mo Yuegang displayed a deeply surprised expression when he noticed a particular book. He took it, revealing the dust-covered cover. Despite its dusty state, he could read the inscription that said: "7 Secrets Against Evil Spirits."

Mo Yuegang's expression tightened, "This is one of the lost ancient books..." he murmured. Then his gaze shifted to Su Chen, and he said, "Elder Su, you were aware of a place like this, yet you didn't inform me earlier?" his tone rising.

"Sect master, I only discovered this place about three days ago. And weren't you occupied with matters? I was merely waiting for the right time to inform you. Moreover, we are here now, aren't we? You don't need to worry about it, sect master. I won't personally benefit from the Heavenly Demon sect. I've served for decades; you don't need to question my loyalty," Su Chen explained.

Mo Yuegang nodded, reasonably content with Su Chen's response. "Can you guarantee that your disciples won't divulge information about this place to others?" he inquired.

"They are inner disciples who have been with the sect for quite some time, so I believe there's no issue. Furthermore, I've cautioned them not to disclose this place casually," Su Chen responded.

Mo Yuegang nodded, this time with a smile on his face. He patted Su Chen on the shoulder, praising, "You've done an excellent job, Elder Su."

"I'm just fulfilling my duties as an elder and the sect leader," Su Chen responded humbly.

While engaged in conversation, Li Yue'er noticed that Long Tian seemed disinterested and was immersed in reading a book.

Approaching him, she inquired, "What are you reading, Long Tian?"

Long Tian remained silent, his attention entirely focused on the book's contents. The cover revealed the inscription: "Long Family - Nine Dragons Breathing Technique."

His expression soured, "Sect master, I believe your predecessor should clarify why this technique is present here," he stated, shifting his gaze to Mo Yuegang.

"What do you mean, young master?" Mo Yuegang inquired.

Long Tian simply handed the book to Mo Yuegang.

Taking it, Mo Yuegang's eyes immediately fell on the writing on the book cover: "Long Family - Nine Dragons Breathing Technique."

His expression tightened as he spoke, "This technique has existed here for thousands of years, and I've only recently discovered it. I..." his words trailed off as he diverted his attention to the entrance.

His forehead wrinkled, "Do you all sense something?" he asked.

Ling Han squinted, nodding, "I do. There are two auras approaching here," he responded.

Mo Yuegang suddenly extinguished the fire in his hands and said, "Let's hide and see who is coming. Considering Elder Su has assured that no one else knows about this place, I think that's not entirely true."

Su Chen's expression turned sweaty upon hearing this; he had indeed cautioned his disciples to keep this place a secret, yet two presences were approaching.

They all concealed themselves behind the cabinet, with Mo Yuegang helping to mask their auras.

Meanwhile, outside the dungeon, two figures approached the entrance—Zhao Tianming and Elder Jin Ling.

Zhao Tianming wore a somewhat somber expression after scrutinizing the list of Heavenly Demon sect members and finding no trace of anyone named Lin Fan. He had no choice but to try something else.

His gaze shifted to the open wooden-covered entrance of the dungeon.

"Is this the location your disciple mentioned?" he inquired.

Without hesitation, Jin Ling affirmed, "No doubt about it; this is the place."

Zhao Tianming nodded. Instead of immediately entering, he fixed his gaze on the hologram before him.

[Demon's Nest: The place where your great journey begins, or the place where your downfall starts]

In the early stages of acquiring the system, he received a beginner's reward—a map pinpointing secret locations and treasures. One of them was within the Heavenly Demon sect, believed to be this very place. Despite the ominous terms "great journey" or "downfall," he had already visited three locations with similar warning holograms, each bestowing great power.

And now, at the fourth location, he was confident it wouldn't differ from the three places he had explored previously.

"Let's go in, Elder Jin," he decided.

With a nod from Jin Ling, the two ventured into the dungeon.