Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 451 Heaven Sword Sect Splitting?

As turmoil gradually overtook the Desolate Heaven Empire, in a distant spot, utter mayhem had erupted.

In times past, the Heaven Sword Sect earned fame as a haven of calm.

A sect where blades were honed through strict training instead of greed, and conflicts resolved via honorable duels rather than rival groups and loud arguments.

That version of the Heaven Sword Sect was gone.

Following the conclusion of the battle with the Demonic Forces, the sect had subtly yet clearly fractured.

A rift in their solidarity had appeared long before, starting when Elder Han and his Anti-Sect Leader group started demanding the ousting of Tian Yuheng.

Things worsened further as increasing numbers of disciples picked factions between the Bai Clan and the Li-Zhao Alliance.

Inner halls turned into split territories. Tension hung heavy in the training areas, almost palpable.

Respect for the sect as a whole had vanished.

People now prioritized a person's alliance over their shared status as sect brothers and sisters.

The reason stood out clearly.

The Heaven Sword Sect's cultivation technique-formerly hailed as elegant and mighty-had lagged far behind.

Even the method set aside for Core Disciples, whispered to be Earth Grade, seemed weak next to the High Earth-Grade cultivation techniques freely shared by the Bai Clan and the Li-Zhao Alliance.

It wasn't even comparable.

One path promised steadiness, legacy, and pride.

The alternative delivered raw strength.

Swift, dominating strength.

Confronted with this dilemma, numerous disciples pondered a taboo thought:

Why bother aiming to become a Core Disciple?

True, the sect still supplied pills.

True, it offered extra sword methods and legacy scrolls.

Yet for the majority of disciples, such benefits fell short now.

Not when peers of similar age-who once trailed behind-surged ahead in realms just by joining the "correct" group.

Outer Disciples practiced a Cultivation Technique far better than what Core Disciples used.

And thus, bitterness took root.

That bitterness found a champion.

Elder Han!

His group expanded steadily, even if growth had eased after Lu Xiangyuan's defeat by Bai Zihan.

Regardless, their faction wielded real power, with influence that dominated completely.

After the war wrapped up, Elder Han and his supporters ceased concealing their antagonism.

They boldly defied the sect leader's commands.

Disregarded Tian Yuheng's command.

And ridiculed his principles.

His sway had diminished.

Admiration for him had faded.

***

Individuals who aligned with or showed interest in the Anti-Sect Leader faction

assembled.

Elders.

Core Disciples.

Inner Disciples.

Even Outer Disciples pressed close to the entrances, stretching to overhear.

In the midst, Elder Han positioned himself with hands folded behind, his tone resounding sharply in the chamber.

"Stability and history?"

A chilly chuckle escaped him.

"Sect Leader Tian talks about stability and history like they'll boost our

cultivation!"

Whispers spread among the gathering.

Elder Han pivoted, scanning the disciples before him.

"How many of you advanced realms amid the war?"

Quiet fell!

"And how many have seen others-disciples from rival clans-leap past you since the war's close?"

The quiet deepened.

"That's no accident," Elder Han pressed on, his tone cutting. "That's decay!"

He lifted a digit.

"The Heaven Sword Sect ranks among the elite sects in the Desolate Heaven

Empire!"

His volume swelled.

"But what are we doing?"

"We lower our heads."

"We offer courteous grins."

"We hold onto obsolete methods and label it honor!"

His gaze sharpened.

"Meanwhile, the Bai Clan hands out High Earth-Grade cultivation techniques like worthless bits."

A wave of fury swept the room.

"Is that power?"

"No!"

"Is that honor?"

"No!"

Elder Han's tone turned low and poisonous.

"It's decline."

The whispers burst into uproar.

"Tian Yuheng just knows how to fawn over the Bai Clan! He can't even claim

the cultivation technique they're giving away for nothing!"

Shocked intakes of breath resounded.

Some disciples balled their hands into fists.

Others dipped their heads in agreement.

Elder Han extended his arms wide.

"We represent the Heaven Sword Sect!"

"Swords refuse to bow!"

"Swords scorn to plead!"

"If the Bai Clan aims to tower over us, they ought to dread us!"

Not seek our goodwill.

Not earn our nods.

But tremble before the Heaven Sword Sect's resurgence!

His speech set the chamber ablaze.

"We must command! We must climb beyond all others!"

Cheers thundered through the hall.

Wild and fervent.

Elder Han never referenced the Li-Zhao Alliance once.

He avoided any talk of backing.

Still, the intent rang identical.

Elder Han blasted Tian Yuheng for bootlicking the Bai Clan-yet he mirrored the same.

He ranted about toppling the Bai Clan, about surpassing them, but ultimately, he'd just turn into a lackey for the Li-Zhao Alliance.

No real distinction existed, no matter how noble or driven he aimed to appear.

Tian Yuheng caught every utterance from Elder Han via his spies embedded within.

Elder Han was aware and apparently didn't mind anymore.

Tian Yuheng recognized this.

Growing numbers were starting to side with him.

Tian Yuheng heard in quiet as the update concluded.

The closing phrases lingered in his thoughts.

Bootlick the Bai Clan.

He breathed out steadily.

Not from rage.

From weariness.

The Heaven Sword Sect's primary hall lay deserted during this time.

Incense smoldered faintly. Sword stands lined up precisely, steadfast observers of a sect lost to its own reflection.

"So we've reached this point..."

Tian Yuheng whispered.

He'd foreseen it. Naturally.

The Desolate Heaven Empire faced gradual division between two powers-

the Bai Clan and the Li-Zhao Alliance.

He'd be naive to ignore Elder Han's ties to the Li-Zhao Alliance.

Elder Han wasn't naive.

He shunned direct rebellion talk.

Avoided naming Li or Zhao.

Yet each phrase steered toward one goal.

Climb superior. Seize control.

Instill fear in the Bai Clan toward us.

Appealing and bold declarations.

But reality proved much grimmer.

As a sect, the Heaven Sword couldn't publicly pledge to one side.

Switching their cultivation technique wholesale would erase their essence. Yet legacy and essence paled against might. Numerous clans and sects had ditched their founding cultivation

techniques for the Heavenly Mandate Assimilation Art.

Tian Yuheng shut his eyes.

If trends persisted, he'd forfeit more than his role.

He'd forfeit his existence.

And far worse-he'd forfeit the sect.

Should Elder Han seize the Heaven Sword Sect, it would essentially become

yet another puppet of the Li and Zhao Clans.

After a prolonged pause, Tian Yuheng rose. "Seems I can't hold to ancient ways."

He stepped into the private room and triggered a hidden array.

Ethereal glow danced over the surfaces, sealing the area tight.

Only then did he produce a jade slip.

His thumb lingered for a few moments.

Then-

He dispatched the communication.

Far off, inside the Bai Clan.

Bai Tianheng picked up the message amid scanning family documents.

The instant he detected Tian Yuheng's tone, his forehead creased.

"Tian Yuheng?"

He triggered the slip.

Tian Yuheng's voice flowed out, steady yet laced with fatigue.

"Bai Tianheng... No need for idle talk. The Heaven Sword Sect is ripping apart."

Bai Tianheng's face grew stern.

"Elder Han?"

"Yes!"

A short hush ensued.

Then Tian Yuheng continued, more deliberate now.

"The Heaven Sword Sect refuses to pledge to the Bai Clan!"

Bai Tianheng stayed silent.

He paused.

"But I request this as a cornered Sect Leader."

Tian Yuheng's voice softened.

"Could it be arranged-for me and my sect-to practice the High Earth-Grade

technique in your possession?"

The statement weighed thickly in the air.

Bai Tianheng reclined.

His fingers drummed softly on the chair arm.

Another thought echoed in his head.

If it's a trusted ally, skip handing over the technique.

Bai Zihan had warned that, and Bai Tianheng grasped the reason.

Practitioners of the lesser form would forever lag behind those using the superior one.

Tian Yuheng qualified as trusted.

And the Heaven Sword Sect was one he'd drawn knowledge from before.

Bai Tianheng held off responding right away.

After all, despite any downsides, the technique's potency and proven gains couldn't be ignored.

"Is it truly that severe?" Bai Tianheng inquired.

A wry grin tinged Tian Yuheng's reply.

"Yes! To start with, why share such a mighty cultivation technique with

strangers? Without that, I could've handled Elder Han on my own..." Tian Yuheng drifted into grumbling.

In truth, while Elder Han bore chief blame, the Bai Clan's bold outreach-and

the spread of such potent techniques-had hastened the chaos.

"Enough, enough. Cease the whining," Bai Tianheng cut in at last.

He'd wavered over the dangers, but with Tian Yuheng so eager, refusal made no sense.

"I'll forward it your way," Bai Tianheng stated evenly.

"Instruct it to anyone you choose."

Then, following a quick break-

"Even Elder Han!"