Systemless Villain

Chapter 122 Love and Lies

"Is that the Heartblade of Guo Jian?" a voice came from behind.

Qin Chen hurriedly stashed the Heartblade back into his spatial ring, his pulse quickening with panic.

As he turned, he let out a sigh of relief seeing Han Yuan standing there. "Elder Han, you startled me," he said, attempting to appear calm.

But Han Yuan's expression was deadly serious. He approached Qin Chen, gripping his shoulder firmly. "You're not joking, are you? How did you obtain that Heartblade?" Han Yuan's question was stern and unwavering.

"I don't understand what you mean, Elder Han," Qin Chen replied, trying to mask his anxiety despite the sweat forming on his brow.

"Don't lie, Qin Chen! I know what you're holding is the Heartblade of Guo Jian. How did you come by it? Did you steal it?!" Han Yuan exclaimed, his tone was accusatory, his seriousness cutting through the air.

"I truly don't know what you mean, Elder Han; it's not the Heartblade," Qin Chen protested, though panic was creeping into his voice.

Han Yuan's face paled, seeing Qin Chen's blatant dishonesty. "Qin Chen, a representative of the empire was here earlier, discussing the missing Heartblade. Do you understand the consequences if you're caught stealing it? It won't be imprisonment waiting for you, but death!" He said, his anger was palpable in his words.

"Elder Han, I didn't..." Qin Chen's voice faltered as his spatial ring suddenly flew into Han Yuan's grasp.

Shocked, he tried to retrieve it, but Han Yuan held it firmly out of reach. "Please, Elder Han, return the ring," he pleaded, desperation seeping into his voice.

"I won't return it unless you tell the truth. Did you steal the Heartblade of Guo Jian?" Han Yuan's voice was stern, unwavering in its demand.

Qin Chen fell silent, a mixture of panic and fear washing over him. But in the end, he spoke truthfully, "Yes, Elder Han, I stole it. But I had a compelling reason; please, hear me out."

"Then explain it to me," Han Yuan said, his tone softened slightly.

"It's for Li Yue'er. She was kidnapped by Long Tian," Qin Chen said earnestly.

"So, you're planning to exchange the Heartblade for Li Yue'er? The woman you speak of often? Qin Chen, she's just a woman! You don't even know what Long Tian might have done to her. Just because of one woman, you're blinded to everything! Don't you have a greater purpose? Seeking revenge for your family?" Han Yuan said, his tone was harsh with his disappointment evident.

"She's not just any woman, Elder Han; I deeply love her. I would do anything for her!" Qin Chen's voice quivered, but his determination was unyielding.

"Don't you see, Qin Chen? Your love for Li Yue'er is pushing you to the edge of a precipice, and you could fall at any moment! If the empire discovers this, not only your life but mine as well will be forfeit!" Han Yuan said, his voice held a mixture of sternness and concern.

Without waiting for Qin Chen's reaction, he turned around and left immediately. However, Qin Chen suddenly clutched his leg.

"Please, listen to me, Elder Han. You don't understand the depth of my love for Li Yue'er. Just this once, please hear me out!" Qin Chen pleaded desperately.

"I implore you, Elder Han, I beg of you."

Hearing Qin Chen's plea, Han Yuan felt a pang of pity. He had never seen Qin Chen like this before.

He crouched down, helping Qin Chen stand. His gaze softened as he looked into Qin Chen's eyes. "Throughout my life, I've always upheld goodness. But now, for you, Qin Chen, I am protecting someone who lies for the first time," he said, then returned the ring to Qin Chen. "Do what you must swiftly; don't let the empire discover this."

Grateful, Qin Chen grasped the ring, his voice sincere. "Thank you, Elder Han," he said, then hugged Han Yuan tightly.

Han Yuan simply patted Qin Chen's back, feeling a mixture of unease and pity. After a few moments, Qin Chen released his embrace. "Thank you for trusting me, Elder Han. And forgive me for deceiving you," he said earnestly.

"Promise me this is the last time?" Han Yuan said.

"I promise," Qin Chen replied, his commitment genuine.

Han Yuan nodded. "Very well, it's late now. Don't draw out the Heartblade; use it for your purpose immediately," he advised.

"Understood, Elder Han. In that case, I'll take my leave," Qin Chen said.

Han Yuan nodded, and with that, Qin Chen left the place.

Seeing his departure, Han Yuan couldn't shake off the ominous feeling that hung over him. Nevertheless, he tried to calm his thoughts. "I hope nothing disastrous occurs."

------

Qin Chen moved swiftly, leaving the Wudang sect area completely.

Meanwhile, Shen Yulan emerged from the jade pendant, her expression a storm of fury.

"Please, Lady Shen, I prefer not to discuss this," Qin Chen said immediately.

"I can't believe it. You've lied to me. When did you strike a deal with Long Tian?" Shen Yulan demanded, her anger still evident.

Qin Chen remained silent.

"Qin Chen, do you comprehend the consequences if you're caught by the empire? And Long Tian is exceedingly cunning. You have no idea what he might be plotting!" Shen Yulan admonished.

"My determination remains unaltered, Lady Shen," Qin Chen replied.

"I'm at a loss for words, Qin Chen. Everything you're doing is solely for Li Yue'er. You'll regret it profoundly when you face reality," Shen Yulan said.

"It's pointless to advise me, Lady Shen. I'm doing what I believe is right," Qin Chen said resolutely.

"Qin Chen, can't you heed my words? I've been with Long Tian for a month, and I know his character well. He won't just give up Li Yue'er; he must have another scheme," Shen Yulan said earnestly.

Yet, her words seemed to fail to shake Qin Chen.

Qin Chen moved swiftly, his focus remained resolute: to confront Long Tian and bring Li Yue'er back home.