Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 409 409: Teaching the Grand Elders

[ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 24 Hours Remaining! ]

The Martial Arts Enlightenment Card was activated by Bai Zihan.

His consciousness sharpened instantly, becoming incredibly lucid. In that moment, the fundamental essence of his techniques was laid bare before him like never before. Even the Fate Severing Slash, a technique he had only mastered at a basic level, now revealed every subtle flaw and imperfection he had previously overlooked.

"Grand Elders, I shall demonstrate as well. Pay close attention!" Bai Zihan announced.

"Fate Severing Slash!"

He executed the move with newfound precision and devastating power, yet the consumption of his Qi was significantly reduced. It was undeniably a superior version of the Fate Severing Slash compared to any of his previous attempts.

The Grand Elders observed intently. Given their high Cultivation and vast experience, the improvement was impossible to miss.

"The power has increased tremendously."

"Is this the result of his breakthrough in Cultivation?"

"No, it is more than that. The technique is more refined—it is sharper!"

Furthermore, they finally grasped the true complexity of the skill. Once again, Bai Zihan left them profoundly moved; it was incredible that someone so young could comprehend such an intricate technique.

A heavy silence settled over the desolate plains as the sword light faded away. A lingering, faint pressure remained in the air, as if the fabric of reality itself had been scarred. The Grand Elders remained frozen, their eyes wide with shock as they stared at the space where the Fate Severing Slash had passed.

"So, that is the true form of the technique..." Bai Chu whispered to himself.

The faces of the Grand Elders were etched with pure astonishment. Actually, astonishment was an understatement. They had pushed themselves until their Meridians throbbed with pain and their minds were exhausted, yet what Bai Zihan had just shown them was on a different plane entirely.

It wasn't merely a matter of being faster or stronger. It was a completely different level of existence.

Bai Zihan turned to face them. His gaze was tranquil and detached, but his eyes shone with unprecedented clarity.

"Now," he began, "shall we start by addressing the errors in your forms?"

***

The Grand Elders resumed their practice of the Fate Severing technique. Bai Zihan moved among them, his form flickering as he suddenly appeared next to Bai Chu.

"Right here," Bai Zihan noted, tapping the earth softly with the tip of his blade. "Your intent is manifesting too prematurely."

"...I understand," Bai Chu answered softly.

In an instant, Bai Zihan vanished, reappearing behind Bai Ren. "You are relying too heavily on your Qi," he remarked coolly. "You are trying to force the technique."

Bai Ren gave a short snort. "Old habits die hard."

"Then you must break them," Bai Zihan countered.

He performed a single, fluid motion—devoid of any unnecessary flair. Though the slash appeared simple, the space ahead of him warped slightly. Bai Zihan continued his rounds, moving to Bai Ruhong and then to Bai Yui.

Each piece of advice was succinct and unerringly accurate. Upon hearing his critiques, every Grand Elder immediately realized their mistakes. Bai Zihan moved back and forth, observing, correcting, and training alongside them.

As the hours passed, the flashes of sword light across the plains transformed. They became swifter, cleaner, and far more efficient. The Fate Severing Slashes unleashed by the Grand Elders no longer appeared strained or chaotic.

However, a certain element was still missing. They could feel the absence of a vital essence—the final bridge where mere understanding evolves into true Fate severance. This was a realization that could not be taught; although Bai Zihan attempted to explain it, the true essence had to be grasped personally.

Fortunately, they were Immortals. With Bai Zihan guiding them, reaching that final realization was only a matter of time.

Bai Zihan did not limit himself to teaching the Fate Severing Slash. He knew the Martial Arts Enlightenment Card would be squandered if he only practiced one skill. He also dedicated time to the Eternal Flowing Water Sword and the Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword.

Occasionally, the Grand Elders would halt their own training to watch in awe as Bai Zihan performed the Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword. It was clear to them that his mastery of the Bai Clan’s signature technique had surpassed their own, reaching a level that rivaled even Bai Chu.

"Zihan’er possess not only a terrifying speed of Cultivation but an even more formidable comprehension."

"It truly seems there are no obstacles capable of stopping Bai Zihan from reaching the summit."

The strength of a cultivator was typically defined by three pillars: the Physical Body, Cultivation, and Comprehension. Lacking any one of these would result in a fatal flaw. Some, like Lin Xuan, possessed great insight but struggled with slow Cultivation. Others, like Bai Xueqing, had the talent and mind but lacked a sufficiently powerful physique. While her body wasn't weak, it didn't quite match her other gifts.

But Bai Zihan? His Cultivation and physical strength were beyond question—he had, after all, endured a direct blow from Gou You. And now, his comprehension had proven to be superior even to the Grand Elders.

They could not envision anything holding him back. He was destined to rise above all else.

[ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 5 Seconds Remaining! ] [ Martial Arts Enlightenment Card (Active) — 4 Seconds Remaining! ]

"Huuu..."

Bai Zihan exhaled a long breath as the effects of the card expired. A full twenty-four hours had passed since he began his intensive session of teaching and training. Even without the card's end, he was reaching the limits of his endurance. The Fate Severing Slash consumed Qi at an alarming rate. However, thanks to his improved mastery and higher Cultivation, he could now perform three or perhaps even four slashes in succession. A day of constant demonstration had left him thoroughly spent.

"System!"

************************* [ Host Info ] Host: Bai Zihan Age: 18 Cultivation Realm: Spirit Severing (Top) Constitution: Supreme Dao Bone Martial Arts: Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword (Major Mastery) Eternal Flowing Water Sword (Greater Mastery) Fate Severing Slash (Greater Mastery) Heaven's Mandate Reversal (Beginner Mastery) *************************

The Nine Shadows Flowing Light Sword had leveled up, nearing the stage of Perfection. The Eternal Flowing Water Sword had also ascended one level to Greater Mastery. Most impressively, the Fate Severing Slash had jumped two levels, rising from Beginner to Greater Mastery. This was the fruit of his labor while instructing the Grand Elders. Had he not focused so much on that specific technique, his other skills might have progressed even further. Regardless, the Fate Severing Slash was his most potent attack; he had no regrets. Furthermore, he had successfully initiated his understanding of Heaven's Mandate Reversal. Under the influence of the Enlightenment Card, grasping it had been simple.

He now understood the constraints of that technique. At his current level, he could maintain the strength of the Top Void Refinement Realm for about twenty minutes. However, attempting to reach the Great Ascension Realm would last three minutes at most, even with a full Dantian of Qi. The resulting backlash would cause grievous harm to his body. He resolved not to use it unless it became an absolute necessity.

He briefly pondered teaching the move to the Grand Elders but quickly dismissed the thought. Their physical bodies lacked the resilience to survive the backlash. With the Fate Severing Slash alone, they were already capable of slaying enemies in higher realms. There was no reason to jeopardize their lives with such a high-risk technique.

The Grand Elders slowly sheathed their weapons. Bai Zihan let out a quiet sigh, his work here finished. He turned toward his elders and offered a respectful cupped-fist salute.

"We shall conclude for today," Bai Zihan stated. "You require time to process these insights. Pushing yourselves further now would be counterproductive."

The Grand Elders gazed at him with a mixture of gratitude, reverence, and disbelief. Bai Chu let out a soft laugh while shaking his head.

"A Spirit Severing Realm youth instructing Immortals in the way of the sword..." he remarked. "The world would think us mad if they witnessed this."

Bai Ren looked at Bai Zihan with a solemn expression. "You have done more than enough. Go and rest. We will handle the rest."

Bai Yui nodded in agreement. "When the next conflict arises, we shall not fail you."

Bai Zihan gave a thin smile. "I am counting on it."

Without another word, he turned away. With a light step, his body became a blur, vanishing from the plains as he made his way back to the camp.

The encampment was peaceful and well-organized. There were no alarms or signs of a demonic breach. As he reached his quarters, a familiar Bai Clan disciple straightened his posture and bowed low.

"Young Master!"

Bai Zihan stopped and looked at him. "You again?" he asked casually.

"Hehe... Please, allow me the honor of guarding your tent."

After observing the disciple for a moment, Bai Zihan gave a slight nod. "Very well."

The disciple’s face brightened immediately. "Yes, Young Master!"

As Bai Zihan walked past, he paused. "If there is any movement from the Demonic Beasts, notify me at once."

"Understood!" the disciple replied with conviction. "I will ensure not a single disturbance goes unnoticed!"

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Bai Zihan pulled back the curtain and entered his tent. The noise of the outside world vanished. Alone once more, he sat down cross-legged, his face settling into a mask of focus. As his Qi began to flow, he prepared to stabilize his gains and continue his Cultivation.

Two days slipped by in silence. Bai Zihan stayed within his tent, firming up his foundation and internalizing his new insights. His Qi moved steadily through his Meridians, becoming more concentrated. Outside, the loyal disciple remained at his post without rest.

Then—

"Young Master!"

Bai Zihan’s eyes snapped open. "Speak."

The disciple’s voice was filled with urgency. "The Demonic Beasts and Demonic Cultivators are attacking again!"

Bai Zihan stood up calmly. "I see. Then it is time we went out to meet them!"