Systemless Villain

Chapter 244 The Call to Arms

Time flew by, and it was already 2 p.m. Despite the bustling activity outside, the atmosphere within the Long family residence exuded a sense of peace and tranquility.

In the courtyard, approximately 30 individuals had gathered, predominantly young adults. They represented a blend of Long and Xia family members, including familiar faces like Xia Qingyue, Long Jin, and other promising talents.

Conversations flowed effortlessly among them, devoid of any underlying tension.

Meanwhile, inside the main mansion, Long Tian sat on the edge of his bed, his gaze vacant and weary as he stared at the wall before him.

Having just awoken from his slumber, he couldn't shake off the discomfort of having slept well into the afternoon.

Casting a glance to the side, he found the room devoid of any presence except for the furniture. There was no sign of Liu Qian.

Lost in his thoughts for a few moments more, Long Tian eventually shook his head and rose to his feet, making his way towards the bathroom.

Before long, the soothing sound of running water filled the room, signaling his presence within.

-------

Outside the main mansion, a robust elderly man with a distinguished white mustache and beard strode confidently towards the gathering.

His imposing presence commanded attention from everyone around him. He was none other than the Grand Elder of the Long family, Long Gongyu.

"Is everyone present?" he inquired, his voice steady yet authoritative.

In response, an 18-year-old young man named Xia Ping stepped forward.

"I've accounted for all the young members of the Xia family. We have 21 individuals here today. Several are absent due to their commitments to various sects, academies, temples, and other engagements," Xia Ping reported respectfully.

Long Gongyu nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "And what of the Long family members?" he questioned, scanning the crowd.

Long Jin, a young man with determination etched on his face, stepped forward to respond.

"We have only 9 willing participants among the Long family members, Grand Elder. The majority of the others are currently unaccounted for," Long Jin explained.

A disappointed sigh escaped Long Gongyu's lips. "Where have they all disappeared to? Do they not grasp the tremendous opportunity before them? It's truly beyond my comprehension," he lamented.

Long Jun remained silent, feeling a twinge of discomfort at Long Gongyu's evident disappointment.

"Now, where is Long Tian? Wasn't he present here yesterday?" Long Gongyu's tone grew more assertive as he posed the question.

"Well, Aunt Yunfei mentioned that Long Tian is still asleep and prefers not to be disturbed," Long Jin relayed.

"Then awaken him!" Long Gongyu's command was clear and unwavering.

"Immediately, Grand Elder," Long Jin affirmed, hastening his steps towards the main mansion.

------

Meanwhile, within the confines of the main mansion, Long Tian had completed his shower and donned a casual attire of a t-shirt and shorts. Seated at the dining table, he indulged in some snacks, the quiet atmosphere enveloping him in solitude.

The absence of anyone else, not even his mother, let alone his father, felt peculiar to him. "Strange, is Qian'er outside? Well, I did oversleep," he murmured to himself, his thoughts wandering momentarily.

As his hand reached out for an apple on the table, the sudden creak of the entrance drew his attention towards the doorway.

Arching an eyebrow, Long Tian observed as Long Jin strode in purposefully, making his way towards him.

Inquiring casually, Long Tian asked, "What's going on?"

With a grave expression, Long Jin responded, "Come with me; you're summoned by the Grand Elder to the courtyard."

Curiosity piqued, Long Tian questioned, "For what purpose?"

"Ah, you wouldn't have known, being asleep and all. There's been an earthquake in Tianzhou, resulting in the collapse of the ground. Initially dismissed as a natural calamity, it was later discovered that a portal had emerged, releasing numerous powerful soul beasts. Though the situation isn't dire yet, the Grand Elder, being informed, has instructed our presence there. Members of the Xia family are also gathering," Long Jin explained.

Long Tian nodded thoughtfully, his expression growing serious as he contemplated the implications of the portal's appearance.

"This marks a significant event in history, accompanied by both threats and invaluable opportunities," he reflected inwardly.

Interrupting his reverie, Long Jin's voice brought him back to the present. "Why are you lost in thought? Let's go; the Grand Elder awaits," he urged.

"Agreed," Long Tian replied.

With that, Long Jin and Long Tian exited the main mansion, their footsteps echoing with purpose as they made their way towards the courtyard.

As they walked, Long Tian couldn't help but inquire, "Do you happen to know where Liu Qian is?"

"Your girlfriend? I'm not sure where she went, but I saw her leaving hurriedly in a car escorted by one of the guards," Long Jin responded.

Furrowing his brow at this unexpected news, Long Tian pondered silently. Liu Qian's departure without any notice or message left him perplexed.

Shaking off his concerns for the moment, he refocused his attention on their impending destination—the courtyard.

In the distance, the lively gathering of young individuals his age came into view, signaling their approach.

He continued walking until they eventually approached. Long Gongyu, who noticed them, immediately directed his gaze towards Long Tian and Long Jin.

"There you are, Long Tian. As a young master, you shouldn't indulge in idleness," he advised, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I apologize, Grand Elder. It's just that I was fatigued last night after engaging in business with someone," Long Tian responded.

"Sigh, very well, join the group. Do you understand the situation?" Long Gongyu inquired.

"Yes, I'm already informed about the situation," Long Tian affirmed.

Long Gongyu nodded. "Alright, then we can depart now," he declared.

Approaching a man in his forties, Long Gongyu inquired, "Is the helicopter ready?"

"Yes, Grand Elder, everything is prepared and under control," the man replied.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Long Gongyu turned to address the gathered crowd.

"Alright, since you're all assembled, let's head to Tianzhou," he announced.

With nods of agreement from everyone, Long Gongyu led the way into the helicopter, which had been prepared for their journey.

The helicopter, significantly larger than standard ones, could comfortably accommodate over 50 people.

As the entrance door swung open, around 35 individuals, including Long Gongyu, the pilot, and several supervisors, boarded the aircraft.

Long Tian settled into a window seat, gazing out as the helicopter lifted off, leaving the Long family estate behind and embarking on the journey to Tianzhou.

-------

While the helicopter was still en route, many people engaged in conversations inside.

In that moment, Long Tian stared at his smartphone, which vibrated, signaling an incoming call from Liu Qian.

It was the fifth time he had called her, yet she hadn't answered.

Beep!

The beep sounded again, indicating another unanswered call.

Concern flickered across Long Tian's expression. With a portal emerging in Tianzhou and Liu Qian returning there, he couldn't help but worry.

Even though she possessed strength, those formidable beasts were undoubtedly powerful adversaries.

Long Tian shook his head and attempted to call again. However, before he could touch the screen of his smartphone, it suddenly rang, signaling an incoming call.

Long Tian's eyes widened as he noticed it was Liu Qian calling. Without hesitation, he swiftly pressed the answer button.

"Hello, Qian'er?" he immediately inquired.

But there was no response from Liu Qian.

"Qian'er, can you hear me?" Long Tian tried again.

Still, silence greeted him from the other end.

And then, at that moment, the call suddenly disconnected.

Long Tian stared at his smartphone screen, furrowing his brow. "Is something amiss with her? This is rather peculiar," he muttered.

Ultimately, he decided to stow his smartphone back in his pocket, silently awaiting their arrival in Tianzhou.

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