Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 409 409: Teaching the Grand Elders

[ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 24 Hours Remaining! ]

The Martial Arts Enlightenment Card was activated by Bai Zihan.

His consciousness sharpened instantly, becoming incredibly lucid. In that moment, the fundamental essence of his techniques was laid bare before him like never before. Even the Fate Severing Slash, a technique he had only mastered at a basic level, now revealed every subtle flaw and imperfection he had previously overlooked.

"Grand Elders, I shall demonstrate as well. Pay close attention!" Bai Zihan announced.

"Fate Severing Slash!"

He executed the move—this time with far greater accuracy and devastating force, all while utilizing significantly less Qi. It was undeniably a superior version of the Fate Severing Slash compared to any of his previous attempts.

The Grand Elders observed intently. Given their high Cultivation and vast experience, the improvement was impossible to miss.

"The power has increased tremendously."

"Is this the result of his breakthrough in Cultivation?"

"No, it is more than that. It is more refined—sharper!"

Furthermore, they finally grasped the true complexity of the technique. Once again, they were struck with awe by Bai Zihan—a youth capable of deciphering such an intricate technique at his age.

A heavy silence settled over the desolate plains as the sword light faded away. A lingering, ghostly pressure remained in the air, as if the fabric of reality had been scarred by the blade. The Grand Elders remained frozen, their eyes wide with shock as they stared at the space where the Fate Severing Slash had passed.

"So, that is the true form of the technique…" Bai Chu whispered to himself.

The faces of the Grand Elders were etched with pure amazement. No—amazement was an understatement. They had pushed themselves until their Meridians throbbed with pain and their minds reached their limits. Yet, what Bai Zihan had just shown them felt fundamentally different.

It wasn't just about being stronger or faster. It existed on an entirely different plane of existence.

Bai Zihan turned to face them. His gaze was tranquil, nearly detached, yet his eyes shone with newfound clarity.

"Now," he began, "shall we start by addressing the errors in your execution?"

***

The Grand Elders commenced their practice of the Fate Severing technique. Bai Zihan moved with fluid grace, his form flickering as he appeared next to Bai Chu.

"Right here," Bai Zihan remarked, tapping the earth with his sword’s tip. "Your intent is manifesting too early."

"…I understand," Bai Chu responded softly.

By then, Bai Zihan had already vanished, reappearing behind Bai Ren. "You are leaning too heavily on your Qi," Bai Zihan noted calmly. "You are trying to force the technique."

Bai Ren gave a short snort. "Old habits die hard."

"Then you must break them," Bai Zihan countered. He performed a single, clean motion—devoid of any unnecessary flair. The slash appeared ordinary, yet the space ahead of him rippled and distorted.

Bai Zihan moved on, visiting Bai Ruhong and then Bai Yui. Every piece of advice was succinct and unerringly accurate. Upon hearing his corrections, each Grand Elder immediately realized the source of their struggles.

Bai Zihan moved back and forth among them, observing, correcting, and practicing in their company. As the hours passed, the sword lights illuminating the plains began to transform. They became purer, sharper, and more lethal. The Fate Severing Slashes of the Grand Elders no longer appeared erratic or strained.

However, a certain element was still absent. They could sense it—the vital essence, that final leap where mental understanding transforms into the true power to sever Fate. This realization could not be bestowed; it had to be found.

Though Bai Zihan attempted to explain it, the true essence had to be grasped by them personally. Fortunately, they were Immortals. With Bai Zihan’s guidance, reaching that final understanding was merely a matter of time.

Bai Zihan did not limit himself to the Fate Severing Slash. It would be a waste of the Martial Arts Enlightenment Card to focus on a single skill. He also dedicated time to the Eternal Flowing Water Sword and the Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword.

Occasionally, the Grand Elders would halt their own training to watch in wonder as Bai Zihan performed the Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword. They could see that his command over the Bai Clan’s signature technique had already eclipsed their own, even rivaling that of Bai Chu.

"Zihan'er’s Cultivation speed is terrifying, but his comprehension is even more formidable."

"It truly seems there are no obstacles capable of stopping Bai Zihan from reaching the summit."

A cultivator's power is defined by three pillars: the Physical body, Cultivation, and Comprehension. To lack any one of these is to have a fatal flaw. Some, like Lin Xuan, possessed high comprehension but suffered from slow Cultivation. Others, like Bai Xueqing, had the Cultivation and comprehension but trailed slightly in physical strength—though her body was hardly weak, it simply didn't match her other gifts.

But what of Bai Zihan? His Cultivation and physical body were beyond reproach—after all, he had endured a direct strike from Gou You. And now, his comprehension had proven to be superior even to the Grand Elders. They could not conceive of anything holding him back.

He was destined to rise above all else.

[ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 5 Seconds Remaining! ] [ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 4 Seconds Remaining! ]

"Huuu…"

Bai Zihan exhaled slowly as the effects of the Martial Arts Enlightenment Card faded. A full day had passed since he began instructing the Elders and refining his own skills. Even without the card’s expiration, he was too drained to continue. The Fate Severing Slash drained Qi at an alarming speed. Nevertheless, with his improved mastery and higher Cultivation, he could now perform three, perhaps even four slashes. A day of constant demonstration had left him exhausted.

"System!"

************************* [ Host Info ] Host: Bai Zihan Age: 18 Cultivation Realm: Spirit Severing (Top) Constitution: Supreme Dao Bone Martial Arts: Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword (Major Mastery) Eternal Flowing Water Sword (Greater Mastery) Fate Severing Slash (Greater Mastery) Heaven's Mandate Reversal (Beginner Mastery) *************************

The Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword had leveled up, nearing the stage of Perfection. The Eternal Flowing Water Sword had also ascended to Greater Mastery. Most notably, the Fate Severing Slash had jumped two levels, rising from Beginner to Greater Mastery. This was the fruit of his labor teaching the Grand Elders and focusing his efforts there. Had he focused elsewhere, his other arts might have progressed further, but since the Fate Severing Slash was his most potent attack, he felt no regret.

He had also successfully initiated his understanding of Heaven’s Mandate Reversal. Under the influence of the card, comprehending it had been effortless, and he now understood its constraints. At his current level, he could maintain the strength of the Top Void Refinement Realm for nearly twenty minutes. However, stepping into the Great Ascension Realm was limited to a mere three minutes, even with a full Dantian of Qi. The resulting backlash would cause severe physical damage. He resolved not to use it unless absolutely necessary.

He briefly pondered teaching the technique to the Grand Elders but decided against it. Their bodies lacked the resilience to survive the backlash. With the Fate Severing Slash alone, they were already capable of toppling enemies in higher realms; there was no need to gamble with such a perilous technique.

The Grand Elders slowly sheathed their blades as Bai Zihan let out a quiet breath. His work here was done. He turned toward them and offered a respectful cupped-fist salute.

"We shall stop here for today," Bai Zihan said. "You need time to process these insights. Pushing further now would be counterproductive."

The Grand Elders looked at him with a mix of gratitude, awe, and disbelief. Bai Chu shook his head with a soft chuckle. "A Spirit Severing Realm youth teaching sword techniques to Immortals…" he mused. "If the world saw this, they would think everyone had lost their minds."

Bai Ren gave him a solemn look. "You have done more than enough. Go and rest; we will handle the rest."

Bai Yui nodded in agreement. "We will not let you down when the next conflict arises."

Bai Zihan offered a faint smile. "I am counting on it."

Without further delay, he turned and departed. With a swift movement, his form blurred and vanished from the plains as he made his way back to the camp.

The encampment was peaceful and orderly, with no signs of a demonic breach. As he reached his tent, a familiar Bai Clan disciple straightened his posture and bowed low.

"Young Master!"

Bai Zihan stopped and looked at him. "You again?" he asked softly.

"Hehe… please, let me stand guard over your tent."

After a moment of silent observation, Bai Zihan gave a small nod. "Very well."

The disciple’s face brightened immediately. "Yes, Young Master!"

As Bai Zihan walked past, he paused. "If there is any movement from the Demonic Beasts, notify me at once."

"Understood!" the disciple replied resolutely. "I won't miss a single thing!"

With a final nod, Bai Zihan entered his tent. The noise of the camp vanished instantly. Alone once more, he sat cross-legged and focused his mind. His Qi began to flow as he sought to stabilize his gains and continue his Cultivation.

Two days passed in silence. Bai Zihan stayed secluded, firming his foundation and integrating his new insights. Outside, the loyal disciple kept watch without fail. Then—

"Young Master!"

Bai Zihan opened his eyes. "Speak."

The disciple’s voice was filled with urgency. "The Demonic Beasts and Demonic Cultivators are attacking again!"

Bai Zihan stood up calmly. "I see. Then let us go and meet them!"