Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 491 The Invitation That Allowed No Refusal

Not distant from the execution stage—

Amidst the vast throng of watchers filling the square—

Bai Zihan remained still.

He donned simple garments that day, his features hidden, nothing to catch the eye right away.

His presence was held back, his aura toned down.

To average observers, he appeared just like any regular person there to see the historic event.

"You and I are the same!"

Wen Haoyu cried out.

A smirk tugged at Bai Zihan's lips upon hearing that.

(Maybe so!)

He offered no denial. In the end, righteousness served merely as a facade for the mighty to excuse their deeds.

However, Wen Haoyu erred on one point.

Bai Zihan's facade stayed exposed at all times. He had no reason to cower behind pretenses.

He observed in silence as the headsman severed Wen Haoyu's head.

The roars of approval swelled around him.

"Justice is done!"

"That fiend has finally atoned for his sins!"

"He got what he deserved!"

Yet Bai Zihan's stare stayed locked on the platform where Wen Haoyu's corpse had been cleared away.

His face showed composure.

He showed neither joy nor displeasure.

No sense of fulfillment.

No pity, for that matter.

To him—

Wen Haoyu's demise held scant importance.

Whether the fellow had perpetrated endless evils or stayed blameless... it meant little to Bai Zihan.

For the actual cause of Wen Haoyu's end proved much more straightforward.

Wen Haoyu had offended him.

And once that boundary was breached—

The result stood predetermined.

Bai Zihan's gaze dipped a bit as the cheers resounded through the square.

Without one particular factor...

Today's events would have unfolded quite differently.

This beheading wouldn't have served as the Empire's grand show of righteousness.

It would have turned into something far more dreadful.

His eyes shifted to the far-off outline of the Imperial Palace towering over the city.

The gilded rooftops gleamed under the midday light.

The throne of imperial rule.

The hub of dominance governing the whole Desolate Heaven Empire.

To most cultivators—

That palace symbolized an unreachable power.

For Bai Zihan?

It counted as just another hurdle.

A subtle, barely noticeable grin formed on his mouth.

In truth, when the Imperial Court sought to crush the

Bai Clan... when they aligned with the Li-Zhao Alliance...

Bai Zihan had already pondered that scenario.

If the Emperor chose to oppose him fiercely—

He would merely eliminate the Emperor.

If the Imperial Family fought back—

He would wipe them out too.

And should the Li Clan or Zhao Clan meddle...

They would tumble alongside them.

Even so...

Bai Zihan opted for moderation.

Not from dread of the Imperial Family.

Not due to any shortfall in power.

But owing to one specific factor.

Qin Lingxiao!

The Heavenly Chosen.

If not for her, Bai Zihan wouldn't have entertained any of this. He would have

dealt with whoever aimed to topple the Bai Clan.

But destiny had other designs.

With Qin Lingxiao disguised as Yu Feiyan, he could only bide his time.

It proved unwise to challenge Qin Lingxiao or risk any clash with her.

He had to wait until she finished whatever purpose brought her here

or until the Bai Clan grew strong enough to confront her.

As that notion slipped from Bai Zihan's thoughts—

A soft voice rang out next to him.

"Young Master Bai!"

The tone was gentle, poised, and clearly sophisticated.

Bai Zihan's eyes tightened a touch under the fabric masking his face.

He hadn't detected her nearing.

Not a hint.

Not a ripple of Qi.

Still, she now lingered just steps apart.

He turned his head gradually.

Yu Feiyan was present.

Her look attracted quiet notice even in the jammed square.

Her stance was graceful, her attire spotless, her demeanor serene amid the

turmoil that had rocked the area moments before.

It appeared nearly everyone who glanced her way had already been captivated and parted ways for her.

Bai Zihan's look grew keener a fraction.

He must stay wary, as it was evident she sought him out.

Then Yu Feiyan offered a light smile.

"I did not expect to find Young Master Bai here among the common spectators."

Her gaze held a spark of intrigue.

"Watching the end of a tempest you ignited?"

Bai Zihan gave a courteous dip of his head.

"The Princess overestimates me."

His voice stayed even, nearly detached.

"I simply came to observe the Empire's justice, like all the others."

Yu Feiyan cocked her head a bit.

"Is that so?"

Her stare rested on him a tad longer than needed.

Then she continued.

"I was actually hoping to speak with Young Master Bai."

Bai Zihan's grin stayed steady.

But inside—

His thoughts turned guarded.

Among all those he preferred to evade right now...

Qin Lingxiao topped the roster.

He tilted his head faintly.

"I'm afraid today isn't suitable."

He nodded discreetly at the scattering masses.

"I still need to handle the Azure Sun Holy Sect and the fallout from this. Maybe

later."

A solid reason.

But Yu Feiyan wasn't about to allow him to refuse so readily.

"Another time?"

She advanced one step nearer.

Not sufficient to rouse suspicion—

But close enough for Bai Zihan to spot the subtle mirth in her gaze.

"Young Master Bai seems to be dodging me."

Bai Zihan let out a quiet laugh.

"How could that be?"

Bai Zihan attempted to slip away. Naturally, he had to steer clear of her as

much as he could.

Otherwise, no telling how he might meet his end.

"It seems that way to me, though. Just spare me a few moments, or who

knows—I might even visit the Bai Clan if you refuse."

Yu Feiyan remarked.

(Please, don't!)

Bai Zihan mused.

What schemes she harbored remained unknown, but clearly she aimed to

entangle herself with the Bai Clan.

Last time it involved marriage; now she used the pretext of meeting him?

Bai Zihan's eyebrows flickered almost unnoticeably.

Yu Feiyan bent in a touch nearer.

"Relax, Young Master Bai."

"I simply want to talk."

Her eyes shone softly.

"Or do you fear me?"

Bai Zihan regarded her briefly.

Then he breathed a soft sigh.

Turning her down again didn't look viable. And heaven knew what mischief she might cause if he kept rebuffing her.

Though she still hid her true self and strength, she could be driven to expose them and seize him outright.

In any event, if she desired, carrying it out would be effortless for her.

"The Princess truly knows how to corner people."

Yu Feiyan's grin broadened.

"I prefer to call it determination."

She clasped her hands at her back.

"Well?"

Bai Zihan paused for several breaths.

Rejecting once more would only escalate matters.

And needlessly irking Qin Lingxiao ranked as the utmost thing he wished to avoid.

Who could predict her next move, given her tenacity? If cornered, she

might just drag him off by force.

At last—

He agreed with a nod. "Very well!"

Yu Feiyan chuckled lightly.

"Don't fret."

Her eyes gleamed with an odd fascination.

"I won't occupy much of your time!"

With that, she pivoted and started departing the square, not bothering to see if he'd trail her.

As though the outcome was already certain.

Bai Zihan eyed her departing form for an instant.

Then whispered to himself. "...Troublesome woman."

Nevertheless—

He trailed after her.