Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 407 The Saint-Grade Technique Revelation

A heavy, deathly silence blanketed the room the instant the words "Saint-Grade Technique" escaped Bai Zihan’s lips.

The Grand Elders remained motionless, appearing as though they had been struck by a bolt of lightning.

"...Saint-Grade?"

"Did he truly just say Saint-Grade?"

Throughout the long history of the Desolate Heaven Empire, Saint-Grade techniques were regarded as nothing more than myths. Not a single one had ever been recorded.

"That clarifies everything..." Bai Yui whispered, her gaze drifting and unfocused. "No wonder... it makes sense why that sword technique felt as if the heavens themselves were descending."

Their eyes were instantly overtaken by a mixture of profound awe and deep reverence.

Had anyone else made such a claim, it would have been dismissed as delusional nonsense. However, this was Bai Zihan—the same individual who had already gifted a Saint-Grade Artifact to the Clan. Given that they had also witnessed the technique with their own eyes, they had no reason to doubt his claim.

"So," Bai Zihan remarked, "now that the nature of the technique is clear—what are your thoughts? Do you still believe I would be in danger if you were to learn it?"

The Grand Elders traded meaningful looks.

What else could they possibly think?

"If we held such power..." Bai Chu began slowly, a burning intensity in his eyes, "then foes like the Half-Qilin or Mo Zun would no longer be insurmountable."

"Truly," Bai Ren added with firm conviction. "If we mastered such a technique... there would likely be no adversary we could not confront." His sharp gaze locked onto Bai Zihan. "And you are suggesting..."

A faint smile touched Bai Zihan’s lips. "How about this," he proposed calmly. "I will remain here."

The Grand Elders tensed up in anticipation.

"In exchange," Bai Zihan went on, "I shall impart the Saint-Grade Sword Technique to the Grand Elders."

For several heartbeats, the room was consumed by silence. A Saint-Grade Technique!

Bai Ren stared intensely at Bai Zihan for a long moment before releasing a slow, measured breath. "That is..." he said with caution, "...not a poor trade at all."

Several Grand Elders nodded in instinctive agreement. With a technique of that caliber, their collective combat strength would reach unprecedented heights. Protecting Bai Zihan, annihilating Demonic Cultivators, and even keeping rival clans in check—all of it would finally be within their reach.

Finally, Bai Yui spoke up once more. "Zihan’er, please understand—our desire for you to return to the Clan was born from the fear that too many enemies were hunting you."

"Indeed," Bai Chu chimed in, his voice thick with genuine sincerity. "We only suggested you leave because we feared our own inability to safeguard you."

"You should still weigh our advice carefully," Bai Ren added gravely. "Even if you decide to stay."

Bai Zihan gave a single nod. "I will!"

His demeanor was one of respect and sincerity—at least on the surface. While he had no intention of abandoning this battlefield, he recognized that the Grand Elders truly had his best interests at heart.

***

Ultimately, Bai Zihan fulfilled his promise, though only to a certain degree. He calmly outlined the theoretical framework of the Saint-Grade Sword Technique, detailing its core intent and guiding principles. He even went as far as to transcribe his knowledge into writing.

That was the extent of it. As for a physical demonstration? He was currently in no state to perform. Even the act of writing was a significant strain on his current body. The Grand Elders did not press him for a display, being well aware of his physical condition. Furthermore, having seen the technique utilized on the battlefield, they possessed at least a foundational understanding of its essence.

Once the arrangements were concluded, Bai Zihan requested to be excused. He left the Grand Elders behind, who were already lost in fervent debate, arguing over interpretations and treating his manuscript like a holy relic. He began the walk back to his tent.

The camp had grown quiet as night began to fall, though the metallic scent of blood still hung heavy in the air. Bai Zihan reached out and pulled back the curtain of his tent, then paused. His eyes shimmered. Today, he had successfully ended the lives of three Great Ascension Realm Demonic Cultivators.

A slow smirk spread across his face. "I ought to receive some sort of compensation for that, shouldn't I?" He straightened his posture and called out internally with casual expectation. "System!"

The familiar glowing interface materialized before him. Without a moment's delay, Bai Zihan navigated to the Reward Section.

[Unclaimed Rewards Available] First Kill of a Great Ascension Realm Demonic Cultivator: [100× Cultivation Speed Card (3 Days)] Killed Great Ascension Realm Demonic Cultivator: [Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (1 Day)] Killed Great Ascension Realm Demonic Cultivator: [10,000 Points]

For a brief moment, he was stunned. He had anticipated the rewards might be underwhelming, perhaps similar to those gained from slaying a Grade-10 Demonic Beast. However, it was evident the System valued Demonic Cultivators—particularly those in the Great Ascension Realm—far more highly. He had previously felt a twinge of regret regarding the points he missed while distracted by the Demonic Elders, but that feeling vanished instantly.

Instead, he felt a wave of gratitude. The 100x Cultivation Speed Card alone was an incredible prize, let alone the Enlightenment Card and the massive point bounty.

"Perhaps I should start hunting Great Ascension Realm Demonic Cultivators actively?" Bai Zihan mused. It wasn't a completely wild thought; he had already proven that by using the Heaven’s Mandate Reversal Technique, he could handle three such opponents simultaneously.

Then, the memory of being carried like a princess flashed through his mind, and he shook his head. While the prizes were tempting, the peril was far greater. As the Elders warned, he was a marked man. If he were to end up in such a vulnerable state again, his chances of survival would plummet. It was wiser to accumulate points steadily rather than taking reckless gambles. These rewards were best viewed as fortunate windfalls.

After considering the dangers one last time, Bai Zihan exhaled slowly. "Let's avoid unnecessary risks," he whispered, forcing his greed to subside. He returned to his tent, ready to begin his Cultivation.

Looking toward the entrance, Bai Zihan spotted a member of the Bai Clan. "You!"

The disciple, who had been watching Bai Zihan with wide eyes, jumped slightly when pointed at. Bai Zihan beckoned him over, and the man hurried forward immediately. Upon reaching him, the disciple bowed low with a tone bordering on worship.

"Young Master!"

"I am entering closed cultivation," Bai Zihan declared. "Ensure that I am not disturbed under any circumstances."

The disciple stood tall at once. "Yes, Young Master!" Though it was peculiar to enter closed cultivation in the middle of a war zone, he didn't dare ask questions. Who was he to doubt the decisions of Young Master Zihan?

"Spread this command clearly," Bai Zihan added firmly. "For the next three days—or longer, if I do not emerge—no one is permitted to set foot in this tent. That applies even if Demonic Beasts or Demonic Cultivators launch an assault."

The Bai Clan member nodded with absolute resolve. "Understood, Young Master!"