Systemless Villain

Chapter 186 Enigma of the Purple Flame

"Long Tian, what brings you here?" the gentle voice of a girl resonated.

Long Tian swiftly turned toward the source, only to discover a stunning blonde-haired girl, none other than Liu Qian, tending to the plants, her voice echoing in the air.

"Oh, hello, Qian'er. It's been a while since we had a chat," he greeted, a warm smile gracing his face.

In response, Liu Qian shot him an unhappy glance. "What brings you here?" she inquired, arms crossed.

Long Tian's smile persisted. "Isn't it natural to visit my beloved girlfriend?" he remarked.

Liu Qian frowned, but just as she was about to retort, a sudden recollection left her momentarily blushing, causing her to pause.

Noticing Liu Qian's expression, Long Tian stepped closer, teasingly saying, "Isn't it the truth, my girlfriend?"

"I-I don't know what you're talking about," Liu Qian responded, her cheeks still flushed.

Long Tian chuckled, "I didn't expect you lying to your parents that we're dating. But don't worry, I understand your reasons," he said with a smirk, gently lifting Liu Qian's chin.

At that moment, a deep, melodious voice echoed, "Ohh, Long Tian, it's you."

Both Long Tian and Liu Qian turned their attention towards the source, discovering Liu Hai standing on the villa's terrace.

A gentle smile graced Long Tian's face. He delicately placed his hand on Liu Qian's hip. "Well, I'm in a heartfelt conversation with Qian'er, Mr. Liu. Your arrival has gracefully interrupted our moment," he expressed.

Feeling embarrassed, Liu Qian found herself at a loss for words. Having fabricated the story to her father that Long Tian was her boyfriend, she had little choice but to endure his tender gestures.

Meanwhile, Liu Hai laughed, "Hahaha, my apologies. I should have given you some privacy. But well, since I'm here, let's head inside and have a chat," he suggested.

"Absolutely, Mr. Liu," Long Tian responded.

With that, they entered the house, Long Tian's arm still wrapped around Liu Qian's waist.

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Seated across from Liu Hai on the sofa, Long Tian engaged in a conversation about various matters.

In the meantime, Liu Qian arrived with two glasses and a glass teapot filled with warm tea. She effortlessly poured it into each glass and then took a seat beside Long Tian.

Long Tian promptly encircled Liu Qian's waist, and Liu Qian maintained her silence.

Liu Hai, on the other hand, smiled. "Observing you two brings back memories of my wife. I vividly recall the challenges I faced to win her heart. There were many individuals more talented than me, but I succeeded in making her my wife," he reminisced, a nostalgic undertone in his voice. "Anyway, how long have you been a couple?" he inquired.

"For that, let Qian'er answer," Long Tian responded, smiling as he took the teacup and sipped it.

Liu Hai's gaze shifted to Liu Qian, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

Liu Qian, on the other hand, felt truly defenseless. Yet, this was the consequence of her actions. "I believe it's been less than two weeks, Dad," she answered.

Liu Hai nodded, "Well, your relationship is still in its infancy. However, since you've known each other since childhood, I don't foresee any issues," he remarked.

"Don't worry about it, Mr. Liu, we are very close," Long Tian assured.

Liu Hai nodded, more content with Long Tian.

"Alright, I believe we've had enough small talk. Are you here to inquire about alchemy today? Just shoot your questions," he suggested.

"Sure," Long Tian nodded. With that, he extended his right hand and concentrated.

The next moment, a purple flame manifested and danced in his hand.

Liu Hai appeared amazed, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on the purple flame. Liu Qian, too, displayed a hint of surprise at the dancing flame.

"I didn't sense a significant difference in this flame compared to a regular one, except for its color and slightly higher temperature. So, as a master of alchemy, perhaps you have some insights, Mr. Liu?" Long Tian inquired.

"Where did you obtain this flame?" Liu Hai asked.

"From a piece of paper," Long Tian replied.

Upon hearing this, Liu Hai's expression turned serious. He stroked his chin, furrowing his eyebrows, indicating he was deep in thought.

After a moment, he abruptly stood up and hastened towards a room.

Long Tian and Liu Qian exchanged glances, unsure of Liu Hai's intentions.

Not long after, Liu Hai returned and sat in front of them, now holding a thick and ancient-looking book.

He flipped through the pages, halting on page number 35. He immediately pointed it out to Long Tian.

"Here, take a look at this. Isn't your flame exactly the same as this?" he asked with a serious tone.

Long Tian's gaze concentrated on the contents of the page, revealing a depiction of a purple flame alongside various flames of different colors – red, green, and black.

Comparing the flame in his hand to the one on the page, he sensed an undeniable similarity.

"See? It's exactly the same as your flame," Liu Hai affirmed.

Long Tian responded with a nod. Liu Hai promptly turned the page again, unveiling a hand-drawn illustration set in a forest. Humanoid creatures with horns and fangs encircled and worshipped a human figure enveloped in purple flame.

"Firstly, I want to tell you that this book is an original from the library in Baghdad before it was burned by the Mongols. My ancestor happened to obtain it as he... was part of the warriors who burned the library. So, I'm sure the painting is authentic. And perhaps, the flame is not an alchemical flame but a demon's flame," Liu Hai explained, his tone imbued with earnestness.

Hearing this, Long Tian stroked his chin. Just before the paper burned completely, there was indeed a character with the meaning "Demon." According to the painting in the book, there was no doubt that the purple flame was a demon's flame.

"But we might be able to test it. Let's go to my lab," Liu Hai suggested.

"Alright," Long Tian responded.

With that, they stood up and headed towards an underground room.