Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 406 Return to the Bai Clan?

Bai Zihan reached out and slowly pulled back the curtain of his tent.

A subtle chill nipped at his skin the moment he stepped into the open air.

From the distant frontlines, the faint, echoing roars of Demonic Beasts served as a grim reminder that the conflict was far from over.

His physical form ached with every movement.

The internal damage caused by the backlash of the Heaven's Mandate Reversal Technique had not yet fully mended.

Still, he was at least capable of walking on his own without needing to be carried like a princess.

Taking a deep breath, Bai Zihan began to move forward.

He navigated through the camp's outer perimeter, a place where independent cultivators, sect members, and common disciples had congregated.

The scene was one of recovery and exhaustion: some were resting, others were tending to grisly wounds, and a few sat in hollow silence, staring at their blood-caked weapons.

Conversations everywhere were centered on the day's combat.

They spoke of the Half-Qilin's devastating power and the Saint-Grade Sword that had appeared in Bai Ren's grip.

Naturally, the primary topic was Bai Zihan’s slaughter of three Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders.

However, as Bai Zihan walked past, the chatter died instantly. A group of disciples froze while wrapping bandages, their eyes bulging in shock. An Elder who had been lecturing his students suddenly went quiet. One after another, every head turned toward him.

"That’s him... Bai Zihan!"

"The monster who took down three Great Ascension Demonic Elders..."

"Is it even possible that he's in the Spirit Severing Realm just like us?"

His legendary deeds became the sole focus the moment he appeared. When his eyes swept over the crowd, many instinctively bowed their heads in a display of deep respect.

It was obvious that following today’s events, no one would ever view Bai Zihan as a mere junior again, despite his young age.

He was still a youth.

A boy barely reaching adulthood.

His features retained a hint of immaturity, and his build was lean rather than hulking. Yet, any sense of seniority over him had vanished.

This was because Bai Zihan had achieved a feat that most cultivators present—men who had lived for hundreds of years—could never hope to accomplish.

Three Great Ascension Demonic Cultivators!

Slain by his hand alone.

That accomplishment by itself earned him the same level of reverence usually reserved for the leaders of top Sects or Great Clans.

Bai Zihan kept walking, maintaining a steady, unhurried pace.

Everywhere he went, eyes trailed his silhouette.

Some gazes were filled with pure awe, some with veneration, and others with far more complicated sentiments.

But the consensus was absolute—no one dared to treat him with anything less than gravity.

Even those at the Spirit Severing Realm, who occupied the same stage of Cultivation, felt a primal urge to lower their eyes when he looked their way.

In this world, strength carried more weight than years lived.

And the power Bai Zihan displayed had already transcended normal boundaries.

As he passed a cluster of tents, a familiar figure came rushing toward him.

"Young Master!"

The voice was sharp and full of respect, yet it carried a clear note of urgency.

Bai Zihan turned to look.

Bai Lumei was approaching him with hurried steps.

She was the leader of the unit Bai Zihan was officially assigned to.

Stopping a short distance away, she offered a profound bow.

"Young Master," Bai Lumei said without delay, "the Grand Elders have requested your presence."

Bai Zihan's eyebrow twitched upward slightly.

(The Grand Elders?)

He gave a calm nod of assent.

***

"I was told you all were looking for me?"

Bai Zihan announced his arrival as he entered the tent.

Seated inside were the Bai Clan’s Grand Elders—men who typically radiated an aura of such heavy authority that even Elders from rival clans would tremble.

Yet, the moment their eyes landed on Bai Zihan, their stern masks crumbled.

"Haha! Our genius has finally arrived!"

"Zihan'er! How do you feel? Has your condition stabilized?"

"Quickly, come sit. There is no need for you to stand!"

Before he could offer a proper greeting, he was ushered into a seat. Several Elders crowded around him like doting grandparents who hadn't seen their favorite grandson in decades.

"Let me check your pulse."

"Step aside, you're too clumsy—let me handle it."

"Your Meridians... hmm, they are strained, but the recovery is progressing well. What a magnificent constitution!"

Their Spiritual Senses washed over him with extreme care and respect. There was no forceful probing or arrogance—only genuine worry.

Bai Zihan remained still, letting them perform their examination.

Gradually, the tension on their faces began to fade.

"The backlash was indeed heavy," Bai Yui remarked solemnly, "but the internal damage is already knitting back together. With enough rest, there shouldn't be any permanent flaws."

Only after confirming this did they finally give him some space.

Bai Zihan let out a quiet breath.

"I am fine!"

Once the atmosphere settled, Bai Zihan adjusted his posture and looked at the group.

"So," he asked in a level tone, "what was the reason for summoning me?"

The jovial laughter vanished.

The Grand Elders traded significant looks.

Their expressions shifted to something more serious—not quite grim, but certainly determined.

Eventually, Bai Ren stepped forward.

His smile was gone, replaced by a gaze that was both steady and contemplative.

"Bai Zihan," Bai Ren began slowly, "you need to return to the Bai Clan."

The statement lingered in the silence of the tent.

Bai Zihan’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

"Return?"

He echoed the word, clearly not expecting such a suggestion.

Bai Ren nodded firmly, his face set in stone.

"The Elders and I have discussed this—your father has been consulted as well," he explained. "After reviewing everything, we believe the best course of action is for you to leave the frontlines and head back to the Clan."

Bai Zihan remained silent for a moment.

"Why?"

He asked the question calmly, though a part of him already suspected their reasoning.

Bai Ren met his gaze without blinking.

"Because your talent is far greater than we ever imagined," he stated bluntly. "And unfortunately, we aren't the only ones who have realized this."

The surrounding Elders nodded in unison, their eyes clouded with anxiety.

"Today's clash made it obvious," Bai Ren went on. "Those filthy Demonic Cultivators have already marked you as a priority target."

Bai Zihan's expression darkened slightly.

"This time, it was three Great Ascension Realm Demonic Elders," Bai Ren said, his voice dropping an octave.

"Next time... it might be an Immortal Realm Demonic Cultivator."

Bai Zihan listened, but he had no intention of agreeing. Where else would he find such a perfect place to harvest System Points? After spending a fortune on the Heaven's Mandate Reversal Technique, his balance was down to a mere 30,000 System Points.

He needed to replenish his reserves while he had the chance. He couldn't possibly abandon a battlefield where points were practically waiting to be picked up.

"Do you think we are overstating the danger?"

Bai Chu added with a grimace.

"A teenager who can solo three Great Ascension Demonic Elders—if you were in their shoes, would you let such a monster continue to grow?"

Bai Ren’s eyes grew sharp.

"And the Demonic Cultivators aren't the only threat."

He continued.

"You are well aware that those snakes from the Li and Zhao Clans have been hunting for a chance to eliminate you," Bai Ren reminded him.

"Today, they proved they would even assist Demonic Cultivators if it meant your death. Keeping you safe is far more difficult when both enemies and supposed allies are working against us."

The Grand Elders’ faces hardened at the thought.

"If you were to fall here—whether to a Demonic Cultivator or some other scheme—the Bai Clan would lose much more than just a genius."

Bai Ren took a step closer.

"Thus, we have decided," he said with finality, "that your return is necessary. You have already seen enough of the battlefield," Bai Ren added. "More than most cultivators of your generation could see in a lifetime."

He was already capable of slaughtering those in the same realm with ease. Even those at the Void Refinement Realm were merely opponents who could survive a few extra seconds against him.

He had even slain enemies two entire major realms above his own. Everyone agreed that Bai Zihan didn't need any more 'experience' than this. "And your potential..." Bai Ren paused, his eyes glowing with conviction, "is far too precious to be thrown away in the dirt of this war."

Furthermore, they were all in agreement that Bai Zihan’s life was worth more than the victory of this entire campaign.

As long as he lived, the Bai Clan’s rise to the absolute top was a certainty.

Bai Zihan looked down.

He knew their logic was sound.

But being right didn't mean he was going to change his mind.

The level of risk was irrelevant—as long as he could accumulate points, his long-term survival would be guaranteed.

The Grand Elders would never suggest he leave if they understood that, but they didn't.

Finally, Bai Zihan spoke, his voice quiet but infused with an unbreakable resolve.

"You are all afraid that I will die."

No one contradicted him.

Bai Ren looked him straight in the eye.

"Yes," he admitted. "Because if you perish here, the Bai Clan loses its future."

Bai Zihan let out a slow, controlled breath.

"I recognize your worries," Bai Zihan said softly. "And I know this advice comes from a place of care." The Grand Elders looked at each other, feeling a sense of relief, thinking he was about to submit.

"However," Bai Zihan continued, looking up to meet their eyes, "I will not die."

The statement was delivered simply.

It wasn't boastful.

It wasn't reckless.

It was stated with absolute certainty.

Several Elders immediately began to scowl. "Zihan'er—"

Bai Chu started to speak.

"I know what you're going to say," Bai Zihan interrupted, lifting a hand.

The movement was soft, yet it commanded them to be silent.

For a moment, the tent was deathly quiet.

Bai Zihan scanned the room, meeting the gaze of every Elder present. "You fear the Demonic Cultivators. You fear the Li Clan and the Zhao Clan," he said steadily. "You are worried that the next time they strike, you won't be able to shield me like you did today."

"That fear is justified."

"But your conclusion is flawed." The Elders tensed up.

Before any of them could protest, Bai Zihan spoke again.

"Before we go any further," he said, "you all witnessed the sword technique I utilized, correct?"

The Grand Elders paused.

Slowly, one by one, they nodded.

There was no forgetting such a sight.

The radiant sword light that had sliced through the chaos of the war.

The suffocating aura that had seemed to hold both heaven and earth in its grip.

Bai Ren’s eyes shifted.

In truth, that technique had rattled him to his core.

He had even thought that if he possessed such a technique, he could have easily finished off the Half-Qilin himself.

Bai Zihan looked at him directly.

"What is your honest opinion of that technique?" He inquired.

The Grand Elders exchanged glances once more.

"Immensely powerful!"

"The most formidable sword art I have ever laid eyes upon."

A faint smile touched Bai Zihan’s lips.

"Of course it is," he said.

"After all, it is a Saint-Grade Technique!"