Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 439 Twice Refused Beneath the Dragon Throne

The event proceeded smoothly without any hitches.

Valuable artifacts were displayed one after another.

Honors and ranks were proclaimed loudly.

Official decrees from the empire echoed through the air with grave precision.

Following Bai Zihan, numerous Great Ascension Realm experts took the stage—seasoned titans whose reputations echoed far and wide throughout the realm.

Every one of them earned their accolades before stepping back with poise to their spots.

Next up were the Void Refinement Realm powerhouses.

Their achievements stood out boldly, matched by lavish prizes in return. And then—

"Bai Xueqing from the Bai Clan," the announcer declared.

A subtle wave of murmurs rippled across the assembly.

Plenty of folks felt taken aback.

Not that Bai Xueqing lacked the worth—

But rather, she was called ahead of multiple Spirit Severing Realm figures who ranked higher on strength charts.

Still, no real complaints arose.

For all in attendance understood the real reason.

Bai Xueqing advanced with graceful ease, her demeanor icy and unflappable.

A chill Qi hovered subtly near her, held in check yet impossible to ignore.

The announcer went on to list her accomplishments.

In the Northern Battlefield strife, Bai Xueqing didn't just clash with foes.

She dominated the chaos in every spot she graced.

Her frost arts had trapped hordes of demonic beasts in place.

Icy landscapes blocked off enemy paths completely.

A few Void Refinement Realm warriors wrapped up their fights successfully only after her ice had first pinned down their rivals.

Even while at the Soul Formation Realm, she had slain multiple Grade-7 and a handful of Grade-8 Demonic Beasts.

Her impact went beyond mere body counts; it included the lives she preserved and the victories she helped seal.

When it came to overall worth on the field—

Her efforts rivaled those of Void Refinement Realm masters.

Bai Xueqing took her honors with elegant poise.

Then—

The Emperor held back for a beat.

A brief hesitation that sharp minds sensed building.

"Bai Xueqing," the Emperor stated, his tone steady and measured, "you remain unmarried at present, correct?"

A quiet buzz swept over the gathering.

Déjà vu struck again!

Bai Xueqing's gaze sharpened ever so faintly.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she answered without a flicker.

"The earlier betrothal," the Emperor went on, as casually as chatting about the skies, "has been dissolved."

A few officials traded glances full of insight.

The Emperor's expression warmed a touch.

"You're youthful, gifted, and hold remarkable deeds," he noted.

Next followed the phrase all had foreseen.

"Should you wish it," the Emperor uttered deliberately, "pick any prince who catches your eye and wed into the royal line."

Silence gripped the chamber.

Once more!

Gazes turned—not to Bai Zihan this time, but straight to Bai Xueqing.

Though this instance felt less shocking. Who wouldn't crave Bai Xueqing as a bride?

Her skills shone bright, her looks mesmerized, and she was the cherished offspring of Bai Tianheng.

Above all, unlike Bai Zihan the invalid, she stood strong.

Thus, wedding her would lock in Bai Clan backing.

And given the Bai Clan's fresh power boost, the royals yearned for that bond too.

Onlookers murmured that the Emperor seemed eager to forge a marital link with the Bai Clan.

One denial, then pivoting to yet another key and treasured member of the Bai Clan.

Bai Xueqing showed no delay.

Flattery didn't touch her features.

She formed a fist salute with steady calm.

"This humble one appreciates Your Majesty's gracious offer," Bai Xueqing stated flatly.

Then—

"Yet I must refuse as well."

Unlike Bai Zihan's bold turn-down, shock didn't ripple here.

Given Bai Xueqing's standing and prowess, no suitor lay out of reach. Likely, no man alive matched her worth just yet.

So princes or not, they paled in comparison to her.

The Emperor arched a brow.

"Oh?" he queried. "And what reason do you have?"

Bai Xueqing's tone stayed frosty, bordering on detached.

"Such affairs hold no place in my schedule," she declared straightforwardly.

Her words cut simple and sharp.

Bai Xueqing upheld decorum, but she knew the Emperor needed plain speech to grasp it.

Besides, suggesting she wed any prince—what sort of overture was that?

At least for Bai Zihan, they'd masked it as Princess Yu Feiyan harboring feelings for him.

She doubted that tale's truth, though.

Bai Xueqing figured no woman would genuinely adore Bai Zihan.

Well, save for one exception.

Bai Zihan acted ruthless and never softened his barbs.

He trampled on emotions without a thought.

Arrogance defined him, scorning all around.

Bai Xueqing couldn't imagine a princess smitten by someone like that—especially post-crippling, with his prime asset, talent, apparently lost.

Even more so, how could affection bloom for Bai Zihan after he savagely thrashed Mo Tianji in the Ancient Ruins?

And afterward, slaying a prodigy while menacing nearly everyone there for Bai Xinyue's sake?

No maiden would swoon over such ruthlessness. At minimum, the shy Princess Yu Feiyan didn't strike her as the type.

Thus, Bai Xueqing viewed it as theater—a ploy to snag Bai Zihan and, through him, the Bai Clan.

And now, the ploy targeted her.

This time, without even a fabricated romance.

She shrugged it off regardless.

But courtesy didn't demand excessive yielding.

"My power level feels insufficient. The battles against demonic beasts drove that home," she pressed on.

"Wedlock would only pull me from my path."

Her eyes rose a fraction—not defiant, but resolute.

"Hence, no unions for me at this stage."

The chamber hung in total quiet.

Bai Xueqing's stand-off snubbed the Emperor outright.

It also shut down the endless betrothal offers from other houses.

The Emperor let out a sigh, followed by a chuckle.

A brief, resigned sound.

"Evidently," he murmured while shaking his head, "the Bai Clan breeds no common sorts."

Yet another rebuff.

Another chance for royal ties vanishing.

This sealed the future ties between the Imperial Family and the Bai Clan too.

With both Bai Xueqing and Bai Zihan spurning the Emperor's advances, all saw no path to partnership.

The royals would naturally eye the Bai Clan's might with suspicion.

Lacking unity, whatever the Bai Clan's moves, imperial fear would linger.

"So be it," the Emperor concluded. "I won't impose on your wishes."

Bai Xueqing offered a single bow.

"Gratitude, Your Majesty!"

Without further utterance, she pivoted and headed back to her position.

As she neared Bai Zihan, their eyes locked for an instant.

Bai Xueqing's stare drifted to his grip, still clasped around Chu Ziyan's.

Bai Zihan figured releasing it now would seem contrived, so he kept up the show of fondness for Chu Ziyan.

Bai Xueqing's eyes tightened.

Next to Bai Zihan, Chu Ziyan grinned foolishly, oblivious to her entirely.

Irritation building, Bai Xueqing reclaimed her seat.

The cause of her vexation eluded her.

She pushed the thought aside.

A quiet huff slipped out before she reined it in.

"Hmph!"

Bai Zihan caught the sound too.

He shot a side glance, spotting the end of Bai Xueqing's withdrawing form—and that clear flash of irritation.

He creased his brow faintly. (What's got her riled up this time?)

Moments later, Bai Zihan settled on an explanation that rang true.

She must despise betrothals and wedlock deeply.

Likely, the Emperor's remarks stirred memories of her old tie to Nie Fengzhuo.

"Tsk, tsk. Seems she'll stay unwed forever," Bai Zihan mused.

The event pressed onward.

Names rang out steadily, one after the next.

Then—

"Chu Ziyan of the Chu Clan," the announcer called.

She moved ahead with serene confidence.

Her feats were recited plainly—her command in the fray, her sharp assaults, her stand in vital clashes.

The Emperor heard it all in quiet focus.

He skipped past old grudges or wedding talks, zeroing in on granting her rightful prize.

Chu Ziyan received it with steady grace, offering a profound bow.

"This one thanks Your Majesty!" She glided back to Bai Zihan's side smoothly.

The remaining honors unfolded without a ripple.

Finally, with the last name spoken and the ultimate artifact given, the Emperor stood from his seat.

The vast room froze in an instant.

"Warriors of the Northern Battlefield," the Emperor proclaimed, his words booming with power, filling every corner of the majestic space.

"Your honors today celebrate not just might—but bravery, devotion, and unyielding will."

His eyes roamed over the assembled experts.

"Thanks to your efforts, our frontiers hold strong. Thanks to you, myriad people rest secure at night."

He dipped his head in a subtle nod.

"For this, this Emperor extends his heartfelt gratitude."

A hush of reverence washed over the crowd.

The Emperor went on, his voice lightening.

"The honors conclude here." A quiet ease rippled through the hall.

"But," he noted with a subtle grin, "a feast awaits."

Gentle chatter stirred.

"Feast on delicacies, sip fine liquors, and revel in melodies," the Emperor invited. "I urge every hero here to join without restraint."

"This evening, forget training and strife. Savor the peace you've safeguarded."