Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 492 Essence of Bai Clan?

The duo departed from the plaza, walking side by side.

As they navigated the bustling thoroughfares of the Imperial Capital, the echoes of cheers and the clamor surrounding the execution faded into the distance.

Occupying the avenues were both cultivators and commoners, all consumed by a singular topic: the downfall of Wen Haoyu and the profound humiliation suffered by the Azure Sun Holy Sect.

Yu Feiyan moved ahead with her habitual, graceful stride.

Bai Zihan remained half a step behind.

While his external demeanor appeared cool and collected, his internal state remained strictly vigilant.

After navigating a series of turns through the dense crowds, Bai Zihan abruptly spoke up.

"Princess, would it be acceptable if we found a place to sit here?"

Yu Feiyan peered back at him, a faint smile gracing her lips.

"And which location does Young Master Bai prefer?"

Bai Zihan gestured casually toward a bustling tavern situated just ahead.

The structure was expansive, its entrance flung wide. The sounds of raucous laughter, spirited chatter, and the clinking of vessels spilled out into the street.

It was teeming with patrons.

Hardly a table remained empty.

Such an environment was the complete antithesis of privacy.

Yet, this was precisely the setting Bai Zihan sought.

He operated under the assumption that Qin Lingxiao would refrain from exposing her true identity within such a public sphere.

Naturally—

Should she truly desire to silence everyone present...

Bai Zihan understood all too well that a single snap of her fingers would suffice to erase the entire tavern from existence.

Regardless, the setting offered him a modicum of psychological comfort.

No matter how haughty he might appear, the figure standing before him was a Golden Immortal cultivator.

Against her, every ruse he possessed would be rendered futile.

Yu Feiyan surveyed the tavern briefly before letting out a soft chuckle.

"A crowded spot?"

Bai Zihan offered a light shrug.

"It is lively, which is exactly how I like it."

Her smile deepened, yet she offered no further comment.

The two stepped inside.

The moment Yu Feiyan entered, several patrons reflexively turned their heads.

Her mere presence commanded attention.

Even in the absence of a visible aura, her elegance and beauty were impossible to overlook.

However, the tavern was far too cacophonous for anyone to dwell on them for long.

Within moments, the surrounding chatter resumed.

Bai Zihan promptly claimed an empty table positioned near a window.

A waiter hurried over to their side.

"What can I provide for our honored guests?"

"Bring me your finest Spirit Tea," Bai Zihan stated calmly.

Yu Feiyan added with a light tone,

"And the finest wine."

"Understood!"

The servant bowed and withdrew.

A brief silence fell between them.

Outside the window, the streets continued to teem with life.

Then, resting her chin delicately on her hand, Yu Feiyan fixed her gaze upon him.

"Let us discard the pleasantries."

Her tone remained light and casual.

"What would you define as the essence of your Bai Clan?"

Bai Zihan blinked, caught off guard.

It was not the inquiry he had anticipated.

"The essence?"

Yu Feiyan gave a slight nod.

There existed an inherent quality that allowed one faction to stand apart from the rest—a characteristic that served as the very identity of that organization.

Every Sect. Every Clan.

Each possessed a core trait that defined their existence.

For the Heaven Sword Sect, it was, quite naturally, the sword.

For the Azure Sun Holy Sect, it was their unique fire cultivation techniques.

It was a foundational aspect.

Something that forged their identity.

Regarding clans, this identity was, in most instances, centered around their cultivation techniques.

While disciples might join various Sects and master diverse martial arts, their core cultivation technique typically remained unchanged.

Unless, of course, they acquired a superior cultivation technique, leading them to discard the old for greater potency.

Much like when he disseminated the Heavenly Mandate Assimilation Art.

Since he introduced it, the number of practitioners had grown steadily.

Many had even abandoned the traditions of centuries for the sake of increased power.

If this trend persisted...

Perhaps in time, the identity of the entire Desolate Heaven Empire might pivot to revolve around that very technique.

The Heavenly Mandate Assimilation Art might well become the defining mark of the Desolate Heaven Empire.

Bai Zihan pondered for a duration.

He had never truly considered the matter in such light.

Most formidable powers did possess something emblematic of their standing.

A trait that outside parties instinctively associated with them.

But the Bai Clan...

For a fleeting moment, nothing came to his mind.

After further contemplation, Bai Zihan finally replied.

"The Azure Dragon Breathing Method."

This was the cultivation technique that, previously, only core members of the Bai Clan were permitted to practice.

Clearly, that had since changed.

However, there was no necessity to disclose that to Qin Lingxiao.

Though, if asked to answer with absolute honesty, Bai Zihan might have simply uttered a single word: 'Ruthlessness.'

It was evident, given that neither he nor any member of the Bai Clan ever hesitated when the time came to annihilate a clan or a Sect.

Qin Lingxiao raised an eyebrow.

She did not appear satisfied. Perhaps it was not the response she sought.

Instead, she merely held his gaze.

A cryptic smile slowly blossomed on her lips.

"That is not it."

Bai Zihan squinted slightly.

"Then what does the Princess believe it to be?"

Yu Feiyan reclined in her seat.

"The Azure Dragon Breathing Method is nothing more than a tool. Yet, there remains a defining essence to the Bai Clan. Are you truly unaware of this, Young Master Bai?"

She queried playfully, as if she were implying that the answer was known to her and that he was expected to simply bring it to light.

Yet, Bai Zihan was genuinely bewildered.

He lacked comprehension of what Qin Lingxiao was alluding to.

Still, it was evident she was searching for something—and that missing piece might reside within the Bai Clan. (Do not tell me the Bai Clan is a remnant of some ancient sect that collapsed millennia ago, with a supreme treasure concealed within its ranks.)

Bai Zihan mused internally.

However, the thought was not one he entertained with true seriousness.

As far as his knowledge reached, the Bai Clan had existed within the Desolate Heaven Empire for as long as their recorded history.

Thus, there should be no hidden narrative regarding them originating from some long-lost, world-ruling powerhouse.

"...Well, I cannot ascertain what answer the Princess expects, but my knowledge is limited. I have never been fond of studying history."

Bai Zihan responded with complete honesty.

Indeed, while information relevant to Qin Lingxiao's query might exist, he truly possessed no inkling of it, having never prioritized his studies.

One contributing factor, of course, was his inability to see clearly due to the System Interface, meaning he could not be held entirely at fault.

"Even as the heir?"

The princess asked, her tone playful.

She seemed to perceive that Bai Zihan was being truthful and ceased her probing, recognizing that the answer clearly did not lie within him. "The requirements to become the heir do not include a knowledge of history. They require strength!"

Bai Zihan countered.

Half of that statement was a fabrication.

Strength required for the heirship?

That was utter nonsense, as he had been named heir even back when he was a weakling.

But since his father held the title of Clan Leader, the role had naturally fallen upon him—the solitary son of Bai Tianheng.

Yet, it was not an absolute lie, either.

Had he not demonstrated his current strength, he likely would have been supplanted by other geniuses by now.

"...That may be the case."

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