Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 455 The Sect Leader's Ambition

Han Shenwu's icy tone rang out over the platform while he pivoted, his robes swirling with the dominance he imagined he held.

A few disciples shifted out of the way, having cleared a route beforehand.

Yet prior to Bai Zihan advancing, an arm extended forward.

It halted Bai Zihan in his tracks.

"Wait!"

The sound was recognizable.

Bai Xueqing!

Chu Ziyan trailed beside her, a mix of astonishment and awkwardness crossing her features as memories of Bai Zihan's earlier conduct toward her resurfaced.

Han Shenwu halted in his stride and peered over his shoulder, annoyance flickering over his countenance.

"Bai Xueqing?" he scowled. "What's the meaning of this? Do you intend to meddle as well?" Bai Xueqing paid him no mind whatsoever.

She approached Bai Zihan nearer and bent forward a bit, dropping her voice to a hush meant solely for his ears.

"What brings you here?"

She murmured.

Her words carried no blame.

She was aware that Bai Zihan wasn't disabled, and given his prowess, he ought to handle Elder Han without issue.

Still, this remained hostile ground, and no one could predict the dangers awaiting inside their lair.

Bai Zihan had arrived without a single Grand Elder.

(How on earth did Father allow this?)

Bai Xueqing pondered inwardly.

Considering his conviction that Bai Zihan was impaired, he wouldn't permit departure from the Bai Estate—particularly following that recent assassination bid.

And should he agree, he'd dispatch at least one Grand Elder for protection.

Bai Zihan angled his head a touch to regard her.

So near that his features came into sharp focus for her.

And in that brief instant—

Her eyebrows furrowed.

(...Has he gotten taller?)

The notion crept into her thoughts without warning.

She couldn't pinpoint the change, yet it was evident that something about him felt off from the norm.

She pushed aside the stray idea and concentrated.

Bai Zihan regarded her steadily.

A grin formed on his face.

"Dear Sister," Bai Zihan teased softly, his tone hushed yet distinct, "you needn't fret over me."

His eyes drifted beyond her, fixing on Han Shenwu.

"I'm simply going to see Elder Han."

The remark landed casually.

Yet its impact hit right away.

Han Shenwu's features contorted.

"Elder?"

He barked, fury igniting in his gaze as he whirled completely.

"Mind your tongue, Bai Zihan!"

His presence erupted, piercing and overbearing.

"My father leads the Sect at present! Give him the respect he deserves in your words!"

Bai Zihan observed him like one might view an entertaining trifle.

Next, he lifted his shoulders indifferently.

"And why would I?"

Silence gripped the platform.

Bai Zihan pressed on, his manner steady and deliberate.

"I've slain multiple Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders."

A brief halt.

"Numerous Grade-10 Demonic Beasts as well."

He cocked his head a fraction.

"What feats has Elder Han managed beside mine?"

The statement landed like a thunderbolt.

Irrefutable, harsh reality.

The nearby disciples tensed up.

A few drew in quick breaths.

Han Shenwu's lips parted—

Then pressed shut.

His visage grew stormy.

No counter came to him.

For all present recognized the facts.

"You—!" Han Shenwu growled at last, followed by a venomous smirk. "That's history!"

He jabbed a finger toward Bai Zihan in accusation.

"These days, you're nothing but a cripple! You can't even channel Qi! You're unfit to

touch the soles of my father's boots!"

Malice blazed in his stare.

"No more words," Han Shenwu declared icily. "Come with me!"

"I'll see you banished—officially—just as you desire."

Han Shenwu had no desire to debate Bai Zihan further; it seemed to shave off precious years from his life merely by being there.

"I'm joining too!"

Bai Xueqing announced without delay, moving ahead.

Han Shenwu's response came swift.

"No!" he snapped harshly, the refusal too rapid. "This doesn't concern you!"

Defensiveness laced his voice.

Far too much.

Bai Xueqing's brow creased.

Doubt sparked in her eyes.

Bai Zihan caught the shift too.

He eyed Bai Xueqing briefly, then gave a subtle shake of his head.

"It's alright," he assured evenly. "No need for you to follow."

He drew nearer a smidge, his whisper private for her alone.

"I'll return shortly."

Han Shenwu let out a derisive huff but held his tongue.

Bai Xueqing remained uneasy, yet she agreed with a nod.

She lacked options and dreaded hindering Bai Zihan.

Bai Zihan proceeded onward.

Kong Zhanghong kept pace right after, a step behind, his face stern and watchful.

Han Shenwu looked over his shoulder once, spotted Kong Zhanghong in tow, and curled his lip.

Though he made no move to block him.

As though Kong Zhanghong's company meant little.

The party ventured further into the Heaven Sword Sect.

Sword pillars loomed past them.

Courtyards appeared sequentially.

On the perimeter training areas, disciples practiced in the open.

Qi flowed vigorously.

Bai Zihan's eyes scanned them idly.

Suddenly—

His gaze sharpened, and he came to a halt.

Han Shenwu scowled and wheeled about irritably.

"What's it this time?"

Bai Zihan directed his attention to the training area.

A handful of disciples perched in lotus position, Spiritual Qi swirling around them in a pattern all too known.

Their Qi flow adhered to an exact cadence—pulling in spiritual essence from heaven and earth into their meridians, purifying it via a synchronized loop

that Bai Zihan would spot blindfolded.

Heavenly Mandate Assimilation Art!

"So they're all practicing the Heavenly Mandate Assimilation Art?"

He inquired offhandedly.

Han Shenwu scoffed, like he'd caught an absurd jest.

"What?" he mocked. "What's your angle now?"

He folded his arms.

"Don't say you're about to claim the Heaven Sword Sect pilfered your Bai Clan's method?"

His mouth twisted in scorn.

Bai Zihan gave a light shake of his head.

"No," he replied. "Merely curious."

His focus returned to Han Shenwu.

"Do you practice it yourself?"

Han Shenwu tensed for a moment.

Then burst into boisterous laughter.

"Does it matter if I do?" he boasted. "It's what everyone uses these days."

He inched forward, gaze dripping contempt.

"Got an issue?" Han Shenwu jeered. "Take it up with your Bai Clan."

"Didn't your folk hand it out without charge?"

Bai Zihan absorbed the words in silence.

Then—

A smile appeared.

"Understood," he murmured gently.

He faced ahead once more and continued on, leisurely.

Kong Zhanghong eyed him, then the practicing disciples, his expression growing shadowed—though he stayed mute.

From behind, Han Shenwu huffed.

"All show," he grumbled. "Pretending you're still relevant."

Bai Zihan offered no reply.

Inside, however, his mind raced ahead.

(This should prove simpler than anticipated.)

***

The Main Hall rose before them.

Bai Zihan entered the space.

Kong Zhanghong came after, his eyes scanning the area with silent alertness.

The instant Bai Zihan passed the entrance, his sight rose to the hall's forefront—

And lingered.

At the elevated spot where the Sect Leader's chair had sat modestly before, a grand throne now dominated.

Not merely a seat.

A throne.

Fashioned from jade, raised even loftier, its supports carved with bold sword motifs designed to evoke fear and obedience.

Bai Zihan's mouth quirked subtly.

(He went as far as swapping the seat.)

Raw ambition on display.

Han Shenwu marched ahead with zeal, barely concealing the thrill in his gait. "Father!" he proclaimed boldly, satisfaction evident in his cry. "Bai Zihan's here!"

In that moment, clarity struck Bai Zihan.

Ever since Han Shenwu had blocked his path—

This was the true aim.

Deliver him straight here.

Quiet enveloped the hall.

Upon the throne, Elder Han remained with lids shut, palms settled evenly on the rests, as though he'd anticipated this arrival.

Gradually—

His lids lifted.

Keen and scheming.

They fixed upon Bai Zihan.

"Ah," Elder Han stated evenly, his words reverberating through the chamber.

"Well done!"

His stare held on Bai Zihan, assessing, testing.

The slightest grin pulled at his mouth.

Then—

Boom!

The enormous stone portals crashed closed.

Runes ignited along the edges, sword arrays activating with a crisp, resonant buzz.

Kong Zhanghong's face altered at once.

He twisted sharply, fingers grasping for his blade—

Just as shadows materialized in a flash behind him.

Han Shenwu's followers.

Ready and poised.

Their merged presences swelled, pinning him down while the array restricted his actions.

"Kong Zhanghong!" one growled. "Stay put!"

Kong Zhanghong resisted, muscles straining as he wrenched his neck around.

"Young Master!" he yelled desperately. "Get out—now!"

The force bearing on him grew heavier.

Still—

Bai Zihan remained still.

He scarcely glanced back.

He positioned himself steadily at the hall's heart, arms folded behind, stance at ease as if the barred entrances and triggered arrays were mere ornaments.

Elder Han observed with evident delight.

"Bai Zihan," he drawled, reclining into the throne, digits drumming softly on the rest.

"Are you aware of the peril you've stepped into?"

His eyes sparkled.

"Do you honestly believe escape is possible from this place?"

Bai Zihan at last met his eyes.

Composure defined his look.

Bordering on indifference.

A quiet laugh escaped him.

"And precisely what threat do you pose?"

Bai Zihan queried mildly.

"By groveling before the Li or Zhao Clan?"

The air in the hall chilled abruptly.

Elder Han's face shadowed over.

His grip tightened.

"Insolent fool," he hissed, presence exploding fiercely. "I rely on no aid!"

He stood from the throne, sword will unleashing like a tempest.

"As Sect Leader of the Heaven Sword Sect," Elder Han proclaimed with pride.

"The mightiest sect in the Desolate Heaven Empire!"

His declaration boomed across the space.

"Leading the Heaven Sword Sect, to whom must I submit?!"

Bai Zihan inclined his head gradually.

"Naturally," he responded flatly.

"Naturally!"

The mockery in his inflection rang clear.

Afterward, he tipped his head a bit.

"So," Bai Zihan went on serenely, "why exactly do you require my presence?"

The inquiry hit squarely.

Elder Han fixed him with a prolonged stare.

Then—

He chuckled.

A deep, pleased rumble.

"Hostage," Elder Han stated bluntly.

The term resounded. "You hold little value in my view," he added, his regard piercing and

strategic,

"yet to the Bai Clan?"

He grinned.

"You're invaluable."

"I'll exchange you for that fabled Saint-Grade technique!"

Elder Han asserted assuredly.

Avarice shone brazenly in his eyes.

Within his thoughts, a vision reemerged—

Bai Ren.

The Grand Elders.

That devastating blow.

That force which shook the heavens and earth. (Possessing such might...)

(Forget the Li Clan? The Zhao Clan? Even the Bai Clan?)

(The Imperial Family itself would kneel.)

Elder Han's grin broadened. "Holding you captive," he uttered deliberately, "will deliver all I desire!"