Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 456 The Arrogance of a Would-Be Ruler

Elder Han believed he could truly dominate the Empire.

Having Bai Zihan under his control made it simple to compel the Bai Clan to surrender their treasured techniques.

Though he couldn't understand why the Bai Clan valued this cripple so much, he was certain they'd comply anyway.

Yet Elder Han planned to go far beyond that.

Even once the Bai Clan met their end of the deal, he had no intention of honoring his own.

A chilling, gradual smile spread across his features.

After securing the technique—after that Saint-Grade Sword Technique became his—he'd hand Bai Zihan over to the Li-Zhao Alliance.

Elder Han's eyes sparkled with malice.

A massive bounty awaited for Bai Zihan's capture, and he aimed to collect it right after extracting the technique from the Bai Clan.

What if the Bai Clan eventually uncovered the deception?

Was he afraid of their revenge?

Absolutely not!

They could rage all they wanted, but by then, their only option would be to face the Li-Zhao Alliance, who held Bai Zihan.

He was confident the Li-Zhao Alliance would wield Bai Zihan as leverage to intimidate the Bai Clan, dragging them into battle.

All that remained was for him to bide his time until they erupted into total war.

Elder Han's breaths grew steady, excitement twisting inside him like intoxicating venom.

(Let them clash!)

When the chaos finally cleared, both factions would lie drained—fierce creatures ripping into each other's flesh.

And what of him?

Though he'd pledged aid to the Li-Zhao Alliance, he had no plans to uphold that vow either.

He would observe from afar, patiently lurking.

(When both factions weaken...)

Elder Han's grin stretched broader, his gaze slitting with cunning.

(That's when my moment arrives.)

At that juncture, armed with the Saint-Grade technique and spoils gathered from each side—

He'd strike down like a sharpened edge.

Not merely as a sect leader.

But as an emperor.

Elder Han sank back against the throne, chuckles rising gently in his throat, hardly contained.

"Hehehe..."

The day awaited.

That triumphant day—

(It's drawing near!)

Immersed in his visions, Elder Han lounged on the jade throne, lids drooping over his eyes.

Within his thoughts, destiny had already played out.

The Bai Clan on their knees.

The Li-Zhao Alliance spilling blood.

The Empire quaking under his rule.

He could nearly savor the victory.

Bai Zihan observed him in silence.

Then—

He let out a scoff.

A brief, cutting noise.

"Fu... Hahaha!"

The laughter rang out distinctly in the hushed chamber.

Elder Han's reverie broke in an instant.

His eyes flew wide, piercing and annoyed.

"What are you laughing at?" Elder Han snapped, his brow furrowing intensely. "What is so

funny?"

Bai Zihan raised his chin a bit, at last locking eyes with Elder Han.

Fear was absent from his stare.

Just mirth—and sympathy.

"I was merely pondering," Bai Zihan remarked casually, his voice light and offhand, "how terrifying ambition becomes... when it outpaces one's capabilities."

Elder Han's face grew stormy.

Bai Zihan pressed on, without haste.

"You genuinely think it all will unfold just as you've schemed," he stated, giving a subtle shake of his head.

"That snatching me and extorting the Bai Clan proves so straightforward."

His smirk grew—icy and derisive.

"If only the world worked that simply!"

His look intensified.

Bai Zihan saw that Elder Han was the type to celebrate victories prematurely—

A figure convinced reality would bend to his every whim.

Maybe his climb to Sect Leader had warped his senses.

Bai Zihan advanced one deliberate pace.

"Know your limits," he advised evenly.

"And rein in that greed of yours."

Elder Han's eyes blazed.

"You've already claimed the Sect Leader role," Bai Zihan declared, his words firm and cutting.

"But you crave even greater power?"

He shook his head.

"Overreaching like that spells just one fate."

He halted.

"Death!"

Bai Zihan cautioned.

"Hmph!" Elder Han huffed scornfully.

His features contorted in contempt, not uncertainty.

"Insolent whelp," he mocked. "You talk like you grasp the world's secrets."

He rose to his feet, robes whipping as his presence flared.

"You're merely a useless captive," Elder Han stated icily.

"A frog trapped in a shallow well."

He flicked his wrist casually.

"Elders," he directed.

Immediately, multiple shadows advanced.

Their faces held gravity.

"Subdue Bai Zihan," Elder Han instructed.

"But keep him breathing."

His mouth twisted into a vicious grin.

"I'll reach out to the Bai Clan shortly."

The elders shared quick looks, then inclined their heads.

"Yes, Sect Leader!"

They sprang into action.

A pair of elders approached.

Their boots thudded resoundingly on the stone as they neared Bai Zihan, gazes brimming not with wariness—but eagerness.

One sneered lowly.

"So you're Bai Zihan," he grumbled, tone laced with scorn. "The famed scourge of the front lines."

The second elder snickered quietly.

"Hmph! Eras shift indeed," he noted. "Who'd have guessed a figure like you would fall to this."

They halted mere paces distant.

Noticing Bai Zihan's lack of fight or aura, their boldness surged.

After all—

When else would such an opportunity arise?

Bai Zihan!

The warrior whose reputation once sent demonic cultivators running.

The one even allies dreaded. Now poised still before them, defenseless as a sacrifice.

"What a farce," one elder boasted smugly while extending a hand. "Terrifying? Heh. Stripped of cultivation, you're worthless."

The other elder drew forth suppression cuffs, runes shimmering dimly. "No need to fret," he taunted with dark glee. "We'll ensure you're held

quite... snugly."

They drew nearer.

Bai Zihan gave a faint scoff.

Yet he stayed silent.

That quietness spurred them on even more.

Right as the cuffs neared his wrists—

Abruptly—

A fierce, burning agony burst in the chests of both elders.

"-UGHH!"

The lead elder froze, eyes popping in shock. "What is happen-ARGH!"

The trailing elder choked out a gasp as his legs gave way.

Thud!

Thud!

They both collapsed to their knees right before Bai Zihan, palms gripping their torsos as though unseen pressure squeezed their hearts.

"Now," Bai Zihan stated coolly, gazing down upon them. "That's the proper stance for addressing me."