Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 488 The Ancestor's Confession

Yet another individual from the Bai Clan displaying complete disdain for the imperial seat.

Still, Bai Ren represented a danger that even the combined efforts of all present couldn't contain.

The courtiers pondered why Bai Ren had arrived. Was it to shield and back Bai Zihan?

That seemed the most probable explanation.

Soon, another figure trailed after Bai Ren.

Gasps echoed across the assembly.

"It's-"

"The Earth Immortal Ancestor of Azure Sun...!"

Trailing Bai Ren was none other than the Earth Immortal Ancestor from the Azure Sun Holy Sect.

His robes hung in disarray.

His face appeared ashen.

The formidable presence that once inspired awe throughout the Empire now seemed frail.

Wen Haoyu's eyes widened in shock.

"Ancestor?!"

His voice broke.

(Why has he come?)

Wen Haoyu wondered anxiously.

Wen Haoyu was ready to go to any lengths, even sacrificing the Azure Sun to ensure his own survival.

Yet the Ancestor's arrival complicated that greatly.

Of course, backed by the Emperor, he no longer had to resort to such measures and could instead shift blame to some expendable members of the Azure Sun Holy Sect.

He believed the Ancestor would support this view.

Instead of dragging the entire group down, including himself, Wen Haoyu figured the Ancestor would also favor finding someone else to bear the guilt.

But naturally, he had to inform the Earth Immortal of the scheme. (Ancestor!)

He transmitted a mental message.

The Earth Immortal Ancestor avoided his gaze.

His eyes stayed downcast.

Even so, Wen Haoyu assumed the Ancestor was feigning ignorance to avoid revealing he'd received the transmission.

(Ancestor, hear me out!)

He persisted.

(The Emperor backs us. We can select a scapegoat, like some dispensable elders, and lay the fault on them. Stand with me! Backed by the Emperor, despite how unlikely it sounds, we can escape with minimal repercussions.)

The Earth Immortal Ancestor offered only a resigned smile, which Wen Haoyu interpreted as confirmation of understanding.

His pounding heart calmed a bit.

Salvation remained possible.

Provided the Ancestor cooperated.

Then-

Bai Ren advanced and saluted Bai Zihan with a relaxed fist-cup.

"Young Master, I have brought him."

Bai Zihan nodded in response.

Next, he faced the dragon throne.

"With Azure Sun's Ancestor present," he stated evenly, "I believe no more probing is required."

His eyes scanned the hall.

"We can just pose our queries directly to him!"

Whispers surged immediately.

It was logical, although full trust in him was impossible. As Azure Sun's Ancestor, he would naturally speak in ways that benefited the Azure Sun Holy Sect.

However, since the Bai Clan had escorted him here, it was wise to hear his account regardless.

The Emperor's stare fixed on Bai Zihan for an extended period.

Finally, he gave a subtle nod.

"Very well!"

His attention turned to the Earth Immortal Ancestor.

"Were you knowledgeable about the experiments occurring in your Sect?"

The chamber grew utterly still.

Wen Haoyu's mouth curved into a slight grin.

Denial was certain, of course.

They could attribute it to a few impulsive elders.

Offer up some pawns.

What reason would the Ancestor have to confess, risking the Sect's total annihilation?

The Earth Immortal Ancestor raised his head gradually.

His gaze was steady.

Weary.

Yet sharp.

He affirmed with a nod.

"Yes!"

The lone word struck like lightning.

Wen Haoyu's grin stiffened.

Chaos broke out in the court.

The Emperor's forehead creased severely.

"What?! Did he just confess?"

"Really? If their Ancestor declares it, then it's undoubtedly real."

"Why confess so readily? Well, it spares us considerable effort, so I'm not exactly upset."

Shock rippled through them at the Ancestor's straightforward admission.

"Do you grasp the implications of your words?"

The Emperor inquired, offering one last opportunity.

"Yes. It's been ongoing for decades."

The Ancestor replied without hesitation.

Silence!

Utter silence.

Wen Haoyu sensed a chill coursing through him like frozen water.

(What are you doing?!)

He fired off another desperate mental plea.

(Ancestor! Deny it! We had an understanding-!)

No response.

The Earth Immortal Ancestor didn't spare him a look.

He remained standing as if reconciled to an unavoidable fate.

The Emperor's face grew stormy.

He had extended mercy.

But now- With the Sect's own Earth Immortal openly verifying the offenses-

How could leniency be granted?

How could this be contained?

Continuing to shield Azure Sun at this point-

Would expose his favoritism toward Wen Haoyu without cause.

This situation was beyond repair.

Wen Haoyu's thoughts whirled in panic.

(Why?! Why confess?!)

He transmitted yet another message.

(Ancestor, what's this?! Consider the Sect! Consider your own safety!)

Still-

Nothing.

Not the slightest hint of recognition.

The Emperor reclined a touch on the dragon throne.

His prior strategies crumbled.

He had been prepared to twist the tale.

But altering a public confession before the whole Imperial Court was impossible.

Bai Zihan's teasing voice cut through the oppressive quiet.

"Hey," he drawled idly, "why not reveal the complete tale?"

His eyes arched slightly. "Name all who knew about it. Particularly if your Sect Leader took part."

Every gaze refocused on the Earth Immortal Ancestor.

A trace of conflict crossed his features.

He gradually shut his eyes.

Once uttered-

Retreat would be impossible.

Yet no alternative existed. Prior to entering the Imperial Court, the Bai Clan had spelled out their demands unmistakably.

A harsh ultimatum.

Should he dare fabricate-

Should he try to hide even the smallest detail-

The Bai Clan would unleash a total offensive on the Azure Sun Holy Sect.

They had already shown the havoc a small group of experts could wreak on Azure Sun.

If their full forces engaged-

Only ruins would remain.

And to brush off that threat as mere posturing?

That would prove a fatal error. The Bai Clan never issued idle warnings.

They had executed such actions before. In comparison-

The Imperial Court's judgment would appear almost kind.