Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 5 5: Luo Qing

"Shall I take a bath?"

Looking down at his frame, he spoke the words softly to himself.

Three days of rigorous cultivation had passed, causing his body to naturally purge waste, which now coated his skin in a thin layer of grime.

The transformation wasn't as explosive as the initial transition into the Qi Refining Stage, yet the results were undeniable—his pores were cleansed of obstructions, a faint ethereal luster radiated from his skin, and his meridians felt completely rejuvenated.

This was the result of the Myriad Breathing Technique, a method that filtered in only the most pristine Qi while instantly rejecting any foul substances.

Feeling the residual energy of his session, Bai Zihan brushed off his robes.

The sensation of the light impurities clinging to him was unpleasant, and he had no desire to remain in such a state for any longer.

He inhaled deeply, turning his attention toward the doorway of his chambers.

With a voice that was both composed and authoritative, he called out, "Luo Qing, come in!"

A brief silence followed before the sound of hurried footsteps echoed outside.

The door creaked as it swung open, revealing a petite young maid who entered with her gaze fixed on the floor and her hands trembling slightly.

Luo Qing had been Bai Zihan’s personal attendant since they were children.

In the years prior, she had been at the mercy of his erratic moods and harsh personality.

While he had never physically struck her, his biting remarks and freezing indifference were more than enough to cultivate a profound sense of dread within her.

Furthermore, if Bai Zihan was willing to mistreat his own cousin when provoked, how could a simple maid like her feel anything but terror?

Her voice wavered as she spoke.

"Y-Young Master, you called for me?"

Observing her shaking form, Bai Zihan let out a quiet sigh.

It appeared his previous behavior had left a lasting scar on those in his service.

In truth, he didn't care much about his reputation, particularly since he was currently preoccupied with the fact that his very survival was at stake.

"Prepare a bath for me!"

Bai Zihan commanded.

Luo Qing flinched at his words, but she quickly performed a deep bow.

"Yes, Young Master! R-Right away!"

She turned on her heel and scrambled out, moving with such haste it seemed as though staying in his presence for another second was a fate she couldn't endure.

Bai Zihan tilted his head slightly but didn't dwell on her reaction.

He took a seat, allowing himself a short rest while the water was being readied.

As Luo Qing hurried to fulfill the order, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was... unusual.

Her Young Master had always commanded her with authority, but this time, his tone lacked its characteristic venom and irritation. It was firm and resolute—but it wasn't cruel.

She shook her head while she worked.

(Perhaps I was just imagining things!)

Regardless, she couldn't afford to waste time on idle speculation.

If she kept the Young Master waiting, his temper might flare up again.

When the bath was finally prepared, she returned to give her report, keeping her head respectfully lowered.

"Young Master, your bath is ready."

Without saying a word, Bai Zihan walked past her, making his way toward the bathing area.

Before he exited the room, however, he paused to study her face intently.

This was the first time Bai Zihan had actually looked at the face of the maid who had served him for so long—previously, the System Interface had always obscured her features.

(She is quite pretty!)

Luo Qing was a delicate girl in her late teens, possessing a frame that was slender yet elegant.

Her dark, raven hair was pulled back into a simple braid, resting over her shoulder and highlighting her smooth, porcelain skin.

Her features were graceful and soft—gentle, almond-shaped eyes of a misty brown hue were framed by long lashes, complemented by a small nose and full, rosy lips.

Despite her lowly status as a servant, she possessed an innate refinement that was difficult to overlook.

Even the simple, light-blue robes of a maid could not fully hide the natural poise in her movements.

Still, the slight quivering of her body, her refusal to meet his eyes, and the way she nervously bit her lip showed the lingering fear she felt toward him.

(On Earth, she would easily be a top-tier idol!) Bai Zihan mused.

He wasn't entirely sure what the beauty standards were in this cultivation world, nor did he know if his maid was an exception or if such looks were commonplace.

Looking at Luo Qing, he considered that perhaps the influence of cultivation simply meant this world was populated by beautiful people.

Whatever the truth was, he needed more time to figure things out.

After all, in his memories, everyone’s face had been nothing more than a blur behind the System Interface.

Luo Qing stood frozen for a moment, her fingers tightening around her sleeves.

She had been his servant for years, but today marked the first time she felt a shift—especially during that moment he stared at her before leaving for his bath.

She couldn't find the words for it, but... Bai Zihan had changed.

His aura, his posture, and even the way he looked at her were different—there was no contempt, no anger, and most strikingly, he had looked her directly in the eye.

(This is the first time the Young Master has looked into my eyes!)

Usually, he seemed annoyed whenever she was near, his eyes always drifting toward her legs or her body instead of her face.

She knew it wasn't due to lust. Given his high status, he could have any woman he desired.

Rather, it seemed he had difficulty recognizing people by their faces and tried to identify them by other physical traits.

She had heard whispers from other servants that Bai Zihan suffered from some sort of vision impairment, though it was a rumor that was never proven.

But after years of service, she knew there was some truth to it.

While she didn't know the exact nature of the problem, she knew he struggled to recognize faces and often confused people who looked nothing alike.

Perhaps that was why he relied on other features to identify people, keeping his gaze lowered.

This was also the reason Luo Qing always wore the exact same style of dress—to make it easier for Bai Zihan to know who she was.

But today was different.

The Young Master had looked straight at her face, and for a fleeting second, he almost seemed captivated.

However, she quickly dismissed the thought, shaking her head at her own imagination.

"There's no way someone like me, a mere servant, could possibly catch the Young Master's interest."