Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 405 The Call to Withdraw

"We are withdrawing!"

The announcement came directly from Bai Tianheng.

Even though he declared that he and the Bai Clan would be abandoning the front lines, no one dared to protest immediately.

This was because, prior to his declaration, Bai Tianheng had already highlighted how their so-called allies were failing to meet their obligations.

It was obvious to anyone watching that the Li Clan, the Zhao Clan, and even the members of the Azure Holy Sun Sect were specifically aimed at sabotaging Bai Zihan.

In the heat of battle, they preferred to pile on more pressure rather than offer assistance.

Faced with such betrayal, Bai Tianheng felt forced to insist on their departure. However, the others knew this could not be permitted.

Without the Saint-Grade Sword or the presence of Bai Ren, there was no hope of defeating the Half-Qilin when it inevitably returned to the fray.

Furthermore, Bai Chu was likely the only individual capable of engaging Mó Zun in single combat.

The other members of the Bai Clan were also the primary contributors to the war effort; losing them would deal a devastating blow to their defenses.

Nevertheless, Bai Tianheng remained resolute in his decision to leave.

"We have already contributed the most."

His statement was an undeniable fact.

Bai Zihan personally eliminated a vast number of Grade-9 Demonic Beasts, as well as several Demonic Elders at the Great Ascension Realm.

Even those at the Soul Formation Realm within the clan had exceeded expectations for their level of Cultivation.

Then there was Bai Ren, who had successfully slain Gou You and wounded the Half-Qilin.

In terms of sheer impact on the war, no other group came close to the achievements of the Bai Clan.

"What bullsh*t!"

Li Jianghong’s angry shout broke the silence.

"We lost our Grand Elder. How dare you complain?" Li Jianghong added fiercely.

A few others nodded in agreement. While the Bai Clan’s contribution was the greatest, it was the Li Clan that had suffered the most visible casualties.

A significant portion of their disciples had been slaughtered during the Demonic Cultivators' ambush in the previous encounter, and today they had lost Li Zhenhe, a vital pillar of their strength.

"Hmph! That is because he lacked strength," Bai Tianheng retorted coldly.

Li Jianghong’s features contorted with rage, the veins on his forehead bulging.

"What did you say? If you hadn't hidden the Saint-Grade Sword, Grand Elder Zhenhe wouldn't have died!" he snarled, his voice dripping with accusation.

Bai Tianheng’s gaze turned icy, his eyes narrowing into sharp slits.

"Hmph! It's not like we are friends. Why would we need to disclose every trump card we have? Did you disclose yours?"

Stunned by the sharp rebuke, Li Jianghong momentarily faltered, though his hateful glare did not waver.

"You—! We have suffered so many losses, while your Bai Clan has barely been touched. Yet you have the nerve to complain over a minor lapse in our coordination?"

"Do not lecture me about losses! Every clan is responsible for their own survival. I've already seen enough betrayal and negligence today."

Bai Tianheng’s only concern was that, in addition to fighting Demonic Beasts and Demonic Cultivators, he had to constantly watch his back for betrayal from his allies.

It was becoming unbearable. They had tolerated it during the last two skirmishes, but today was the final straw.

When his son was fighting for his life against three Great Ascension Demonic Elders, only Bai Zihan’s own power saved him from death.

Instead of rushing to help, he watched as those cowards stood by—some even blocking those who tried to break away to assist his son.

"Bai Tianheng, please—don't blame us so harshly. We've been doing our best under extreme circumstances," Zhao Wutian said, attempting to de-escalate the tension.

Bai Tianheng’s eyes thinned as he let out a short, cynical bark of laughter.

"Doing your best? Doing your best would have meant saving my son when he was surrounded by three Great Ascension Demonic Elders, not standing idle and pretending to be injured!"

Before Zhao Wutian could offer an excuse, Minister Xiu Yucheng stepped in, his calm voice carrying an air of authority.

"Clan Leader Bai, please. Consider the bigger picture. The war is far from over. Pointing fingers now will only fracture alliances that—"

Bai Zihan interrupted him abruptly, stepping forward despite his shaking legs. "Even a blind man could see what happened!" he spat, his eyes burning with intensity.

"How dare you say I am pointing fingers when these allies are doing nothing but watching!"

Bai Tianheng’s face paled with fury. His fists were white-knuckled, and the veins at his temples throbbed violently.

"How dare you!" Bai Tianheng roared, his voice trembling with indignation.

"You all think you can easily brush aside what happened today by simply 'seeing the bigger picture!' Minister Xiu, you disappoint me!"

Minister Xiu lowered his head, unable to find a counter-argument.

The truth was undeniable; the Li Clan, the Zhao Clan, and others had intentionally held back while Bai Zihan’s life hung in the balance.

Rather than supporting their comrades, they had paved the way for the Demonic Cultivators to finish him off.

Now, the official who should have been disciplining the culprits was instead trying to pacify the victim of their schemes.

What was meant to be a strategic council had turned into a platform for Bai Tianheng to lambaste the assembly and demand a withdrawal.

Eventually, Minister Xiu Yucheng exhaled a long, weary breath.

To everyone's surprise, he brought his hands together and bowed deeply.

"Clan Leader Bai," he spoke with gravity, "this minister apologizes."

As he stood upright, the previous warmth left his eyes, replaced by a freezing authority. He turned his gaze toward the others, his eyes lingering heavily on Li Jianghong and Zhao Wutian.

"I am well aware that the Li Clan and Zhao Clan do not share a friendly bond with the Bai Clan," Minister Xiu stated bluntly.

"Old enmities, hatred and grudges—I am not blind to them."

He paused for a heartbeat before slamming his sleeve against the chair’s armrest.

"But this is not the place to bring those grudges!"

The spiritual pressure in the chamber spiked suddenly.

"During this engagement, your clans purposefully neglected the Bai Clan’s flank," he said in a frigid tone. "When their lines were breaking and Bai Zihan was fighting for survival, your warriors suddenly became 'busy.' Injured. Delayed. Preoccupied."

Li Jianghong’s expression soured. Zhao Wutian tried to speak, but Minister Xiu cut him off with a sharp gesture.

"While the Bai Clan was cleaning up your mess," Minister Xiu continued, "they were also holding the most dangerous fronts. Handling Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders. Restraining the Half-Qilin. Containing Mó Zun."

His eyes grew piercing.

"And yet, when they needed support, you chose to watch."

A heavy silence gripped the room. Minister Xiu knew these words would alienate both clans, but he understood the necessity of the truth.

Turning back to Bai Tianheng, his voice softened, though the gravity remained.

"Clan Leader Bai, believe us," Minister Xiu pleaded, "for the last time."

He inhaled deeply.

"If this crisis is not handled here and now, then the Desolate Heaven Empire will be finished as we know it," he said with slow emphasis.

He scanned the faces in the hall.

"We need every bit of strength we have. Every clan. Every cultivator."

The room remained deathly quiet.

The ultimate choice now lay solely with Bai Tianheng.

For a long interval, Bai Tianheng remained silent, his face a mask of unreadable thoughts as he weighed the consequences. Finally, he let out a slow breath and gave a stiff nod.

"Very well," Bai Tianheng declared, his voice cold and steady. "We won't leave."

Ultimately, the Bai Clan was part of the Desolate Heaven Empire. If the Northern Defense Line collapsed, the Bai Clan would be just as vulnerable to the coming tide.

A wave of whispered relief and lingering tension swept through the various clans. However, Bai Tianheng’s expression did not soften. He turned a lethal gaze toward Li Jianghong and Zhao Wutian, his eyes as sharp as a sword's edge.

"Make no mistake," he warned, his voice low and full of menace. "If any clan—especially the Li or Zhao Clan—dares to repeat the stunt they pulled today, I will personally make them pay."

Bai Tianheng’s eyes radiated genuine killing intent. "You will know personally what happens when you cross the Bai Clan!"