Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 434 A Marriage Bestowed, a Line Crossed

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Bai Zihan's heart pounded suddenly.

It had been ages since he'd encountered this alert.

[Scanning...]

For an instant, the surrounding world appeared to decelerate.

Soon after-

[Heaven Chosen Profile Unlocked]

Name: Qin Lingxiao

Age: 200+

Fate Grade: ★★★ (Three Stars)

Cultivation Base: Golden Immortal (Early Stage)

Destiny:

Qin Lingxiao is a natural-born manipulator of fate and perception. She possesses an unparalleled talent in seduction, deception, and identity

manipulation, capable of instinctively discerning the deepest desires, fears, and weaknesses of her targets.

Her physique allows her to alter her appearance, aura, voice, and even soul fluctuations, perfectly matching whatever form best suits her objective-be it innocence, allure, authority, or fragility.

Once she chooses a target, Qin Lingxiao can subtly weave herself into their perception of reality, blurring the line between truth and illusion until even the target themselves cannot tell whether their emotions are genuine or

manufactured.

She excels at espionage, infiltration, political manipulation, and psychological warfare.

Those who fall for her rarely realize they have already lost.

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Bai Zihan's eyes briefly bulged in shock.

(A Heaven Chosen... reaching this level of cultivation?)

Even more crucially-

(Who exactly is this woman?)

The Emperor had explicitly summoned the Ninth Princess, Yu Feiyan, but the details revealed she was no Yu Feiyan whatsoever.

As he scanned the profile, comprehension dawned on Bai Zihan.

This individual—Qin Lingxiao—had taken over the role of the true Yu Feiyan and now occupied her position.

That explained why her demeanor and energy felt utterly alien compared to their encounter in the Ancient Ruin.

At that time, she came across as shy and forgettable.

Today, an innate allure radiated from her effortlessly.

The reason was simple: they were entirely distinct individuals.

(She's a real threat!)

An extreme hazard.

Beyond her formidable skills in trickery, her power surpassed the Earth Immortal Realm entirely.

The Golden Immortal Realm!

Undoubtedly, she ranked as the mightiest figure in this entire hall.

Bai Zihan doubted if the combined might of all the Grand Elders could overcome a Golden Immortal.

And don't forget the concealed foes lurking nearby—some could potentially side with her should she target the Bai Clan.

Deep contemplation gripped Bai Zihan.

Yet another perilous adversary had emerged, boasting a cultivation stage impossible within the Desolate Heaven Empire.

He felt convinced that Qin Lingxiao hailed from outside this realm.

The name rang no bells for him—though perhaps his ignorance played a part.

He shifted his attention from the system interface back to Qin Lingxiao.

In the hall, faint discussions started to circulate—starting softly, then building as cultivators huddled together.

"The Ninth Princess appears incredibly stunning. She's transformed, right?"

"In the past, Princess Yu Feiyan hardly turned heads. She lacked support, drive, and any real impact. But lately? Rumors say she's pulled in multiple mid-tier clans as allies."

"Exactly! Numerous families that backed other royals have flipped their loyalty to her."

"She wasn't viewed as a contender before. These days, though? She's among the top rivals."

"Maybe a hidden prodigy. Word is, her appeal surged suddenly. Even Dao Heart-proud elders found themselves swayed by her speech."

"A sudden riser? Or had she concealed her abilities from the start?"

Bai Zihan overheard it all in silence, his face remaining neutral.

(They're completely off base.)

What they mistook for evolution wasn't development at all.

It was substitution.

The one positioned there was Qin Lingxiao.

Further murmurs arose.

"What baffles me is why His Majesty called for her at this point."

The Emperor paused briefly before he addressed the assembly.

"Yu Feiyan serves as this Emperor's Ninth Princess."

His eyes drifted back to Bai Zihan.

"This Emperor feels that a figure of your accomplishments... merits a partner

fit to stand at his side."

The declaration hit with immense force.

A few drew in sharp breaths.

Others tensed up.

The Bai Clan elders' faces grew subtly grim.

Was this—

A honor?

Quite possibly.

In earlier times, Bai Zihan might have selected any bride he desired.

But in the current era?

A disabled man receiving an imperial princess in wedlock—

That surely counted as an accolade.

The Emperor's statement resounded across the Grand Ceremonial Hall.

For a split second—

Quiet!

Followed by an outbreak of controlled turmoil.

Hushed talks spread like waves on a calm pond.

"A partner... fit to stand at his side?"

"Does His Majesty mean... betrothal?"

"So it's an imperial decree of union?"

Various expressions hardened.

Some showed wide-eyed astonishment.

Certain elders traded piercing glances, grasping the gravity immediately.

An imperial union.

Extended to Bai Zihan.

The disabled one.

The discussions sharpened.

"Ha... despite his disability, Bai Zihan remains Bai Zihan."

"Fortunate guy!"

"Wed to a princess... and one so gorgeous too."

"I hear the Ninth Princess isn't just pretty—she's become remarkably skilled now."

"Cultivation or not, backed by the Bai Clan and the throne, his position stays secure."

Envy poisoned the undercurrents of the talks.

A number of cultivators gripped their hands tightly.

Some plastered on fake grins.

Plenty of youths tasted sour resentment.

They'd toiled lifelong for acclaim—yet Bai Zihan, stripped of all, still received prizes beyond their grasp.

Yet amid the buzz—

"Wait... and what of Chu Ziyan?"

"Indeed! The betrothal persists!"

"Chu Ziyan from the Chu Clan—isn't she Bai Zihan's betrothed?"

"She ought to count her blessings. No more tying herself to a disabled man—and she could gain imperial goodwill by ending it for the Ninth Princess's sake."

Once, many had vied to wed their daughters to Bai Zihan for ties, but everyone recognized one fact—

The betrothal linking Bai Zihan and Chu Ziyan endured.

So, what next?

Another dismissal, like previously?

Or acceptance of the Emperor's grant?

Multiple eyes naturally shifted to the Chu Clan's section.

Over there—

The air hung noticeably chillier.

Chu Clan elders perched rigidly, faces locked in restraint.

A handful showed obvious irritation.

Some pondered deeply, assessing outcomes over feelings.

And right in the midst—

Chu Ziyan!

She held herself upright, graceful and poised.

Yet under her sleeves, fingers balled into hard knots.

Anger burned within her clearly—

And on this occasion, she made no effort to conceal it.

The discussions hadn't fully faded when the Emperor spoke once more.

"This Emperor shall clarify."

The Emperor stated evenly, his look scanning the chamber,

The chamber fell utterly still.

"I plan to decree a union," he went on, fixing his stare on Bai Zihan

again, "between Bai Zihan of the Bai Clan and this Emperor's Ninth

Princess."

Boom!

A thunderous shock seemed to detonate inside the Grand Ceremonial Hall.

Even those who'd suspected the intent felt their pulses race.

An imperial union.

Before the assembly could absorb the declaration's impact—

A crisp, resolute voice cut through. "Your Majesty!"

The entire room halted.

Innumerable heads swiveled to the origin.

From the Chu Clan's area, Chu Ziyan rose to her feet.

The hall sank into absolute hush.

To cut off the Emperor in this instant—

It verged on blasphemy.

Numerous drew quick breaths. Some scowled.

Others gaped in shock.

Chu Ziyan advanced a step, back rigid, face serene—

though the underlying strain was evident.

She cupped her hands and inclined low.

"This junior pays respects to Your Majesty," she uttered politely. "Pardon my sudden interruption!"

Her voice stayed even and courteous.

Still, the interruption stood—

She had voiced dissent.

And all recognized another truth plainly.

Were the roles swapped—for any other person—

They'd be on their knees, wounded, or far worse.

But here, it differed. For this instance—

The Emperor had overstepped initially.

The betrothal of Bai Zihan and Chu Ziyan was widely known.

Both families had endorsed it.

Allies they were.

And the Bai Clan wasn't a power the throne could lightly provoke.

Not presently.

Not post-conflict.

Though Chu Ziyan's move technically disrespected—

Dared the Emperor actually penalize her?

The Emperor's eyes landed on her.

The chamber grew stifling.

Chu Ziyan inhaled steadily, then continued.

"This union... simply won't work," she declared solidly.

Shocked intakes echoed around. She bowed again, lower still.

"Your Majesty, Bai Zihan holds an existing betrothal," Chu Ziyan pressed on. "This

junior is his intended."

Her statements carried no edge or passion.

Just plain truth.

"Granting him another match," she added steadily, "would prove improper and unjust."

Silence descended!

A thick, crushing quiet.

Folks traded looks.

Some marveled at her boldness.

Others respected her determination.

A handful smirked inside, questioning if pride, envy, or more fueled her.

Chu Clan elders stayed put, faces inscrutable.

They offered no interference.

No overt backing.

Nor did they halt her.

Their position conveyed plenty.