Systemless Villain

Chapter 264 Ethical Dillemas

Outside the portal area, the atmosphere felt calmer than before since there were no soul beasts wandering around. It had been over an hour, making it no surprise that the area was busier with more people arriving.

Especially from various academies, sects, and even the imperial faction.

Prominent figures from various academies, sects, and even representatives from the imperial faction could be seen mingling.

Among the familiar faces were Long Gongyu, the esteemed elder of the Long family, and the elder from the Wudang sect. Notably, there were elders from the Heavenly Demon sect present as well.

Despite the historical animosity between the Wudang sect and the Heavenly Demon sect, an unusual scene unfolded where members from these two rival factions engaged in peaceful conversations. Long Gongyu's presence seemed to bridge the gap, acting as a mediator. His connections and understanding with both sects played a crucial role in this rare display of harmony.

With his recent task accomplished, the massive dragon he had battled now safely stored within his spatial pouch and en route to the Long family's estate. Naturally, he wanted to linger around the portal area.

"Went inside, didn't he? Young Master Long has always been formidable. I'm certain he'll master the portal. After all, he's surpassed anyone who's ventured in before," Wu Gang, a senior from the Wudang sect, remarked with conviction.

"You won't hear me disagreeing. Witnessing his prowess, it's clear he's destined for greatness," Su Chen of the Heavenly Demon sect chimed in, nodding in acknowledgment.

It was an uncommon sight to see members from these two sects engage in such harmonious conversation. Typically, even at gatherings or chance encounters, they'd maintain a wary distance, their animosities simmering beneath the surface.

Long Gongyu couldn't help but smile, marveling at Long Tian's unique ability to mend the rift between these traditionally antagonistic factions.

The ambiance among the three dominant factions exuded tranquility and warmth. Yet, on the fringes, a group of five, clad in black with golden dragon and phoenix emblems, emanated a somber aura. Particularly a burly man in his forties with a cropped beard caught attention.

He was Leng Gun, the head of the empire's elite exploration division. His face was clouded with concern as he examined three charred wooden pieces, their flames now snuffed out.

These weren't ordinary pieces of wood; they were soul flames. Their embers signified living souls, but their ashes meant those souls had perished.

Beside Leng Gun, an elderly man looked equally troubled. "Hou Dian, Ju Yin, and Lu Dan gone? How? They were all Nascent Soul realm cultivators," he said, his brow furrowed with prominent veins.

"As incredible as it seems, it's the truth. They've passed," Leng Gun responded, his face reflecting his distress. "I can't fathom what lies within the portal, but something's amiss."

The elderly man sighed in agreement. "True, but confronting those three would be a fool's errand. Their might aside, few would dare oppose the empire's envoys," he reasoned.

Leng Gun's brows knitted tighter, his friend's logic only deepening his inner turmoil.

Now, he had the daunting task of reporting the deaths of Hou Dian, Ju Yin, and Lu Dan to his superiors. They weren't mere elites; Hou Dian was the exploration division's deputy leader.

"My mood's soured. There's little reason to linger; let's depart," Leng Gun proposed.

"And the portal? Wasn't our mission to secure it for the empire?" the elderly man queried.

"We'll entrust that to the research division. Let them handle this lot," Leng Gun suggested, eyeing the assembly of various faction members by the portal.

The elderly man nodded gravely. Their intent had been twofold: to survey the area and to commandeer the portal. But with the venerable Long family present, that task seemed daunting.

With that settled, they left the vicinity.

-------

Within the enigmatic chamber, Long Tian found himself lost in a cocoon of softness and comfort, a sensation so enveloping it erased all sense of time and place.

The atmosphere was an unsettling mix of silence and serenity, punctuated only by the faint glow emanating from the crystal pillars scattered throughout the area.

But this tranquility was shattered as his eyelids fluttered open.

The first thing he felt was the softness and warmth enveloping his face, along with warmth spread throughout his body.

Becoming aware of his surroundings, Long Tian realized he and Alexia were entwined in a tight embrace on the crystal floor, devoid of any cushioning. Yet, the unyielding surface seemed to amplify the sense of comfort enveloping them.

Reluctant to break the spell, Long Tian lingered in the embrace, savoring Alexia's warmth, even catching a hint of her fragrance that made him clutch her tighter.

However, the enigmatic woman perched on the grand staircase above them wore a knowing, teasing smile.

"Hey there, young man. I see you're awake. Do you plan on holding onto her forever?" she quipped, her voice playful.

Startled by her voice, Long Tian's eyes snapped open once more. Loosening his grip on Alexia, he sat upright, his gaze settling on the captivating woman seated not too far away on the monumental steps.

Just as Long Tian was about to speak, a soft groan reached his ears. Alexia was waking up, rubbing her eyes in a drowsy manner.

Her face brightened with a smile as she inquired, "How was your sleep, Long Tian?"

Despite the presence of the enigmatic woman, Long Tian smiled back at Alexia. "It was probably the most refreshing rest I've ever had, thanks to you, Mrs. Alexia."

Alexia's smile widened, "I owe you my gratitude too, Long Tian. I can't imagine what would've happened if you hadn't come. I had resigned myself to death, but fate had other plans. I'm sincerely thankful," she said, her voice tinged with genuine warmth.

Long Tian's smile deepened, "I'm even more grateful for my ability to revive the dead now. With that power, I managed to track you down and find you here. Perhaps it was fate that bestowed me this ability, with one of its purposes being to save you. Doesn't that sound plausible?" he mused, his grin broadening.

He often found himself reflecting on it; the events in his life seemed intricately linked. Surely, his transmigration to this world had a greater purpose, even without any accompanying system.

Alexia replied with a soft smile, but before she could speak further, the mysterious woman interjected.

"Come on, are you both so lost in each other that you're neglecting me? I was quite thrilled after witnessing the battle earlier."

Both Long Tian and Alexia redirected their attention to the woman. Alexia seemed uneasy, while Long Tian appeared nonchalant.

"She's my girlfriend's mother," he explained casually.

The woman's eyebrows shot up with interest, "Ah, this is getting intriguing. A mother-in-law and son-in-law dynamic!" she exclaimed with excitement.

Long Tian looked exasperated, "Hey, don't jump to conclusions! I came here to rescue her from those three ruffians. And who might you be? You seem like a goddess guarding this treasure trove, am I right?" he queried.

The woman scoffed, "How disappointing..." Then her demeanor shifted back to neutral. "Well, this place is indeed a treasure trove. I've crafted five maps in various languages, yet you two are the only ones who've made it here. Do you know what treasure lies in this place?" she inquired, her gaze locked onto Long Tian.

"What is it?" Long Tian asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's dual cultivation!" The woman replied with a sly grin, catching Long Tian off guard.

She gestured towards the massive steps she occupied. "You see these five grand steps? Crafted from celestial materials. Each time someone I deem worthy steps on them, they'll receive rewards beyond your wildest dreams," she elaborated.

"Each step promises a unique reward. The first boosts your cultivation base by a level, the second enhances your innate talent, the third grants you the 'Sword Heart', and as for the fourth and fifth... Well, it wouldn't be as thrilling if I spoiled the surprise," she teased, her smile broadening.

While the rewards she described were enticing, especially the 'Sword Heart', Long Tian's expression remained impassive.

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He glanced over at Alexia, who appeared equally apprehensive. He sighed inwardly; the implications of dual cultivation were 'Sword Heart', Long Tian's expression remained impassive.

He glanced over at Alexia, who appeared equally apprehensive. clear to him. Alexia must understand too; it was simply not feasible for them...

With a reassuring smile, Long Tian grasped Alexia's hand. "Don't worry, we won't partake," he reassured her gently.

Though Alexia returned his smile, a hint of unease lingered in her eyes.

Upon hearing Long Tian's refusal, the mysterious woman's demeanor shifted to one of irritation, raising her voice. "What do you mean?! Refusing to ascend those sacred steps? Do you have any idea of their worth?!" she exclaimed, her brows furrowing in frustration, yet her allure remained undiminished.

Standing tall and composed, Long Tian responded firmly, "I'm sorry, but I can't cross the line."

The woman fell silent, her annoyance evident. Truthfully, Long Tian's rationale was sound. Even if a mother and son came here, she couldn't force them.

Her mood soured further; she had been elated someone had finally made it here, but now it seemed she might have to wait again.

"Are you certain you won't reconsider? Think it through; if someone else claims those rewards, it won't bode well for you. Moreover, you've both passed my test and are eligible for those rewards," she pressed on, attempting to sway them.

Long Tian sighed deeply. He was tempted, especially by the allure of the 'Sword Heart' and the rewards of the fourth and fifth steps.

Yet, he couldn't let personal gains cloud his judgment, especially when considering the woman who was a friend of his mother, his girlfriend's mother, and a married woman.

Given these ties, it would be both selfish and unethical to pressure Alexia...

With a resolute gaze, Long Tian declared, "We simply wish to depart in peace."

The mysterious woman sighed; it seemed she would have to wait once more. "So, you-"

"We will do it!" Alexia's sudden declaration cut off the woman's impending words.

Both Long Tian and the woman were taken aback, their attention now fully on Alexia.

Long Tian was stunned by Alexia's words. "What did you say, Mrs. Alexia?" he inquired, his tone grave.

The mysterious woman's anticipation was evident, her expression now slightly less disappointed than before.

Alexia sighed, meeting the mysterious woman's gaze with determination. "I will ascend those steps with Long Tian," she announced firmly.

Long Tian's eyes widened in disbelief, while the mysterious woman's face lit up. "Yes! That's the spirit! Regardless of your relationship, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance!" she exclaimed, brimming with excitement.

Speechless, Long Tian met Alexia's gaze. She smiled gently, her eyes full of warmth. "I've thought it through, Long Tian. Seeing you fight to protect me deeply moved me. Even though I know you strive to do what's right, do you truly want to let this opportunity slip by?" she asked, her words laden with significance.

Long Tian fell silent. If offered immense power, he wouldn't decline. However, his previous refusal was grounded in his relationship with Alexia.

Yet, Alexia's agreement now left him contemplating deeply. He thought of Liu Qian and her mother, and their moments together as a family.

His eyes returned to Alexia. "Are you certain about this, Mrs. Alexia?"

Alexia's gaze met his. "Shouldn't I be asking you? Are you truly fine with it, despite me being far older than you and Qian'er's mother?" she queried, curiosity evident in her eyes.

A smile tugged at Long Tian's lips. "It would be dishonest to say I'm not fine with it. Anyone would find you enchanting and surely entertain some daring thoughts about you," he admitted, his grin playful.

Alexia narrowed her eyes, feigning annoyance. "You're quite bold, aren't you?"

"Just speaking the truth," Long Tian retorted, his grin unwavering.

She snorted softly. "So, what's your decision?"

"If you're okay with this, then so am I," Long Tian declared with a nod.

A faint smile appeared on Alexia's lips. She knew it was morally gray, but she saw it as something she could do for him.

Strangely, she felt no guilt...

Meanwhile, the mysterious woman's smile widened. "Wonderful! Now, both of you, step forward and let the heavens bestow their blessings upon you!"

With that, Long Tian and Alexia moved forward, approaching the grand steps together...