Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 405 The Call to Withdraw

"We are withdrawing!"

The announcement was made by Bai Tianheng.

Even though Bai Tianheng declared that he and the Bai Clan were abandoning the battlefield, no one rose to challenge him immediately.

This was because, prior to his declaration, Bai Tianheng had already highlighted the failure of their supposed allies to meet their obligations.

It was obvious to anyone watching that the Li Clan, the Zhao Clan, and even members of the Azure Holy Sun Sect were specifically targeting Bai Zihan.

In the heat of the crisis, these groups preferred to increase the pressure on him rather than provide assistance.

Faced with such circumstances, Bai Tianheng felt forced to insist on their departure. Naturally, the others could not permit this to happen.

Without the presence of Bai Ren—or more importantly, the Saint-Grade Sword—there was no hope of defeating the Half-Qilin when it inevitably returned.

Furthermore, Bai Chu was likely the only individual capable of engaging Mó Zun in a one-on-one duel.

The other members of the Bai Clan were also the primary contributors to the defense, meaning their absence would deal a devastating blow to the alliance.

Nevertheless, Bai Tianheng remained resolute about their exit.

"We have already contributed the most."

His statement was an undeniable fact.

Bai Zihan alone had eliminated a vast number of Grade-9 Demonic Beasts, to say nothing of the Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders he faced.

Even the disciples at the Soul Formation Realm had performed exceptionally well considering their level of Cultivation.

Then there was Bai Ren, who had successfully slain Gou You and wounded the Half-Qilin.

In terms of battlefield contributions, no other group even approached the achievements of the Bai Clan.

"What bullsh*t!"

Li Jianghong shouted, interrupting with fury.

"We lost our Grand Elder. How dare you complain?"

Li Jianghong continued his outburst. Several others nodded in agreement; while the Bai Clan’s contribution was the highest, the Li Clan had clearly suffered the heaviest casualties.

A significant portion of their strength had been wiped out by the unexpected raid of the Demonic Cultivators during the last engagement, and today they had lost Li Zhenhe, a vital pillar of their clan.

"Hmph! That is because he lacked strength," was Bai Tianheng’s retort.

Li Jianghong’s features contorted with rage, the veins on his forehead bulging.

"What did you say? If not for you hiding the Saint-Grade Sword, Grand Elder Zhenhe wouldn't have died!"

He spat the accusation, his voice filled with sharp venom.

The expression on Bai Tianheng’s face grew cold, his eyes narrowing into thin slits.

"Hmph! It's not like we are friends. Why would we need to disclose every trump card we have? Did you disclose yours?"

Caught off guard by the sharp rebuke, Li Jianghong froze for a second, though his hateful stare only grew more intense.

"You—! We lost so many, and your Bai Clan didn't suffer nearly as much. Yet you're complaining just because of a bit of a lapse in our performance?"

"Do not lecture me about losses! Every clan is responsible for their own survival. I've already seen enough betrayal and negligence today."

His only concern was that, in addition to fighting Demonic Beasts and Demonic Cultivators, he now had to remain vigilant against the potential treachery of his allies.

The situation had become intolerable. They had put up with it during the first two clashes, but today was the breaking point.

When his son was forced to battle three Great Ascension Demonic Elders alone, he would have perished if not for Bai Zihan's own strength.

Instead of assisting Bai Zihan, he had witnessed those cowards idling—and even obstructing those who tried to break away to help him.

"Bai Tianheng, please—don't blame us so harshly. We've been doing our best under extreme circumstances."

Zhao Wutian spoke up, attempting to de-escalate the tension.

Bai Tianheng’s gaze sharpened, and he let out a short, cynical snort.

"Doing your best? Doing your best would have meant saving my son when he was surrounded by three Great Ascension Demonic Elders, not standing idle and pretending to be injured!"

Before Zhao Wutian could offer a defense, Minister Xiu Yucheng stepped in, his voice calm and heavy with logic.

"Clan Leader Bai, please. Consider the bigger picture. The war is far from over. Pointing fingers now will only fracture alliances that—"

Bai Zihan interrupted him abruptly, moving forward even though his legs were shaking. "Even a blind man could see what happened!" he spat, his eyes piercing through the room.

"How dare you say I am pointing fingers when these allies are doing nothing but watching!"

The color drained from Bai Tianheng’s face as his anger flared. His fists clenched tightly, and the veins at his temples throbbed with intensity.

"How dare you!"

Bai Tianheng roared, his voice trembling with pure rage.

"You all think you can easily brush aside what happened today by simply 'seeing the bigger picture!' Minister Xiu, you disappoint me!"

Minister Xiu lowered his head, unable to find a counterargument.

It was undeniable; everyone had seen the Li Clan, the Zhao Clan, and several others intentionally hold back while Bai Zihan’s life was in jeopardy.

Rather than supporting their allies, they had purposefully created openings for the Demonic Cultivators to finish him off.

And now, the man responsible for coordinating the forces—who should have been punishing them for their actions—was instead trying to pacify the victim of their schemes.

A meeting intended for strategy had completely devolved into Bai Tianheng berating the assembly and threatening to quit.

Minister Xiu Yucheng eventually exhaled a long, heavy breath.

Then, in a surprising move, he pressed his fists together and bowed deeply.

"Clan Leader Bai," he declared with solemnity, "this minister apologizes."

When Minister Xiu stood straight again, the kindness had left his eyes. He turned toward the others with cold authority, his gaze fixed specifically on Li Jianghong and Zhao Wutian.

"I know very well that the Li Clan and Zhao Clan are not on friendly terms with the Bai Clan," Minister Xiu stated bluntly.

"Old enmities, hatred and grudges—I am not blind to them."

He hesitated for a moment before slamming his sleeve against the armrest of his chair.

"But this is not the place to bring those grudges!"

The spiritual pressure within the hall spiked dramatically.

"During this battle, your clans deliberately neglected the Bai Clan's side," he said in a frigid tone. "When their forces were overwhelmed, when Bai Zihan was fighting for his life, your people conveniently became 'busy.' Injured. Delayed. Preoccupied."

Li Jianghong’s expression soured. Zhao Wutian tried to speak, but Minister Xiu cut him off before he could start.

"While the Bai Clan was cleaning up your mess," Minister Xiu went on, "they were also holding the most dangerous fronts. Handling Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders. Restraining the Half-Qilin. Containing Mó Zun."

His eyes grew even sharper.

"And yet, when they needed support, you chose to watch."

A heavy silence blanketed the room. Minister Xiu was fully aware that his words would deeply offend both clans, but he knew the truth had to be spoken.

Only then did Minister Xiu turn back to face Bai Tianheng.

His voice softened slightly, though his serious demeanor remained unchanged.

"Clan Leader Bai, Believe us," Minister Xiu urged, "for the last time."

He took a deep, steadying breath.

"If this crisis is not handled here and now, then the Desolate Heaven Empire will be finished as we know it."

He spoke the words slowly for emphasis.

His gaze traveled across the entire hall.

"We need every bit of strength we have. Every clan. Every cultivator."

The hall remained eerily quiet.

The ultimate choice now lay solely with Bai Tianheng.

For a long interval, Bai Tianheng remained silent, his face a mask of unreadable emotion as he weighed the gravity of the situation. Finally, he let out a slow breath and gave a sharp nod.

"Very well," Bai Tianheng conceded, his voice cold but firm. "We won't leave."

Ultimately, the Bai Clan was part of the Desolate Heaven Empire. If the Northern Defense Line collapsed, the safety of the Bai Clan would be compromised as well.

A wave of whispers filled the hall as the various clans felt a mix of relief and lingering dread. However, Bai Tianheng’s expression did not soften. He turned a lethal gaze toward Li Jianghong and Zhao Wutian.

"Make no mistake," he added, his voice dropping to a deadly, serious pitch. "If any clan—especially the Li or Zhao Clan—dare to pull the same stunt they did today, I will personally make them pay."

Bai Tianheng’s eyes blazed with unmistakable killing intent. "You will know personally what happens when you cross the Bai Clan!"