Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 440 Beauty Beneath a Mask

The Emperor didn't linger much longer.

Soon after the initial glasses of wine had been filled and the performers started adjusting their strings, an elderly eunuch advanced and declared, in his ritualistic tone, that His Majesty's chronic wounds had flared up once more, forcing him to withdraw for recovery.

Not a soul questioned the excuse.

In fact, it seemed far more astonishing that the Emperor had managed to endure in this place without issue up to this point.

With the imperial seat vacated, the air shifted in a subtle yet profound manner.

The strain eased away.

And the festivities kicked off in earnest.

Wine poured abundantly.

Exotic spirit fruits arrived on shimmering jade trays.

Harmonies swelled softly, flutes and zithers blending seamlessly—subtle enough to avoid bothering the cultivators, but vibrant enough to kindle the spirits.

Laughter echoed forth.

Conversations turned more daring.

Once more, Bai Zihan drew all eyes to himself.

It bordered on the ridiculous.

He remained seated at a modest table close to the hall's heart, his form at ease, his face impassive—Chu Ziyan still at his side.

But encircling him—

Maidens clustered.

They drew near in succession now, goblets raised, grins meticulously shaped.

A few acted with daring.

Others showed timidity.

Some feigned chance encounters.

"Senior Brother Bai, might I propose a toast?"

"I learned you traversed half a warzone by yourself—this junior holds you in great esteem."

"Despite your wounds, your presence remains... remarkable."

Bai Zihan replied with courteous inclinations and brief replies—never impolite, yet never inviting further.

This held true even following the Ninth Princess's open rebuff.

Even after his overt show of fondness toward Chu Ziyan.

Even with the whole realm aware he was deemed "ruined."

Plenty of young women pursued Bai Zihan regardless.

The reality shone clear for all to see.

This had little to do with romance.

It scarcely concerned Bai Zihan as an individual.

It centered on the Bai Clan.

The family whose power had risen sharply.

Despite the scandals surrounding Bai Zihan, forging ties with the Bai Clan proved worthwhile.

Thus, they approached.

Time and time again.

To Chu Ziyan's mounting irritation.

Yet one element did brighten her spirits—and that was Bai Zihan's rare display of warmth at this moment.

"Ziyan, try these grapes!"

With those words, he offered them to her himself.

Chu Ziyan couldn't quite grasp why Bai Zihan behaved so now.

The Emperor had left, so no need persisted for pretense.

Bai Zihan wouldn't typically act this way, but regardless of motive, she chose to savor it.

Bai Zihan kept up his show of closeness with Chu Ziyan.

For opposite the chamber—

Yu Feiyan observed.

No.

Qin Lingxiao.

She too found herself ringed by numerous figures—her allies and those eager to align with her group.

Marriage proposals came her way as well, particularly after she had drawn in several young talents through her prior bid to entice

Bai Zihan.

Her seduction of Bai Zihan had fallen short, yet it triumphed with countless other youths.

Bai Zihan remained in the dark about Qin Lingxiao's real identity, nor her

aims.

But no matter what Qin Lingxiao sought—

It surely spelled trouble.

***

The melodies intensified.

A group of performers glided into the cleared area amid the hall, their sleeves wafting like floating mists, hems carving graceful curves over the polished jade ground.

They were youthful and alluring.

Quiet buzzes instantly stirred among the assembled cultivators.

"Impressive!"

"They don't quite match Bai Xueqing or the Ninth Princess, but they're

undeniably elite in beauty."

"Mmm... at minimum, they're sufficient to render this feast truly engaging."

The performers flowed in flawless unison, their footwork airy, faces serene, gazes sparkling under sweeping lashes.

Their allure wasn't overpowering—but it beckoned. The sort that disarmed folks unwittingly.

As the tune quickened with energy, the dancers parted ways.

Individually, they neared the attendees.

Giggling lightly and reaching out their palms.

"Young Master, could you grace this lowly one with a turn on the floor?"

"Haha, how could I turn that down?"

Multiple young nobles rose at once, eager to partake.

The mood lightened even more.

And then—

One performer pivoted.

Her eyes scanned the room.

And fixed on Bai Zihan.

She stood out as the loveliest of the bunch.

Not merely in looks, but in aura.

Her gaze shone vividly, mouth arched in a soft grin, her silhouette elegant without excess allure.

She advanced toward him.

Chu Ziyan spotted it right away.

Her hold on the goblet clenched.

The performer halted in front of Bai Zihan and dipped in a slight curtsy, her tone pure and tuneful.

"Young Master Bai," she murmured gently, pulling myriad stares, "champion of the

Desolate Heaven Empire."

Her grin widened.

"This unworthy one ponders... might you care to join me in a dance?"

Chu Ziyan's face grew stormy.

Bai Zihan regarded the performer.

For an instant, his demeanor stayed steady—serene, detached, nearly idle.

Yet within, his instincts signaled impending events.

He cast a quick look aside.

Chu Ziyan glared at the performer with barely hidden animosity, her clasp on the vessel so firm the jade groaned softly.

Bai Zihan assessed the moment swiftly.

Should a scheme be afoot, refusing would merely postpone it.

Moreover, his attendance here stemmed from a desire to uncover the Imperial Family's intentions.

Qin Lingxiao emerged as an unforeseen factor.

Regardless, Bai Zihan had to discern the Imperial Family's stance.

At present, based on the Emperor's conduct, they aimed to ally with the Bai Clan.

But who could say for certain?

Might the Imperial Family endure a house surpassing their own might and sway?

He let out a faint, barely noticeable breath.

Then he offered a subtle grin.

"Certainly," Bai Zihan stated evenly, setting his goblet aside. "This is a joyous occasion. It wouldn't do to spurn a beauty like you."

Chu Ziyan's eyes flared wide.

"You-"

Before she could halt him, Bai Zihan had risen.

Her frustration surged sharp and fierce.

Bai Zihan avoided her gaze. Instead, he tenderly slipped a confection into her hand.

"Eat," he whispered. "I'll return shortly."

Her mouth opened, fury and concern clashing—

But Bai Zihan had already faced away. Across the room, Qin Lingxiao's stare honed in subtly.

She observed the unfolding with intrigue and eagerness.

The performer's smile glowed as Bai Zihan took her hand.

They entered the cleared spot while the melody evolved, turning breezier and more whimsical.

The onlookers followed with fascination. Murmurs rippled out.

"Young Master Bai is joining in?"

"Seems even Bai Zihan succumbs to charm."

"After all his declarations of devotion to Miss Chu!"

Bai Zihan glided smoothly, his motions accurate yet leisurely. He neither led aggressively nor trailed blindly.

On the surface, all appeared... ordinary.

The performer's gestures flowed seamlessly, her breaths even, her touch feather-light in his.

Her Qi—should it qualify as such—barely registered. Feeble. Diffuse. The sort typical of mere mortals.

To observers, she came across as simply a skilled worldly lass hired to enliven the event.

And that very fact—

That sharpened Bai Zihan's vigilance.

They circled gently, fabrics grazing, the harmony bearing them onward.

The performer looked up at him, intrigue flashing over her refined traits.

"Young Master Bai," she inquired quietly, as though truly curious, "is the rumor accurate?"

"Oh?" Bai Zihan responded offhandedly. "What rumor?"

"That you risked your very life," she continued, her pitch dropping slightly, "for just a lowly servant?"

Nearby, multiple listeners tuned in discreetly.

Bai Zihan answered without pause.

"She merited it," he remarked nonchalantly.

The reply slipped out smoothly.

The performer paused for the briefest instant.

Then her grin warmed, a spark of tenderness in her eyes.

"Young Master truly possesses compassionate eyes," she noted. "To a man like you... even we

mortals appear valuable."

Bai Zihan merely grinned.

He offered no retort.

In truth, his honest response would've been negative.

And should she rephrase to ask if cultivators' lives held value—the reply would've echoed unchanged.

They whirled once more, this time more languidly.

Bai Zihan shifted his hold, steering the steps as though relishing the moment.

Then he voiced.

"You move gracefully," he observed. "Where did you train?"

The performer lit up, evidently delighted by the notice.

"In the southern regions," she answered fluidly. "I hail from a modest village by the Green River. My folks were performers, so I picked it up young."

Her tale unfolded seamlessly. Bai Zihan inclined his head, seeming captivated.

"Southern regions?" he queried casually. "That's a long journey. You must have journeyed extensively."

"Indeed," she affirmed. "Following my parents' death, I linked up with a performing group and roamed various spots until reaching the Capital and making it home."

She cast her eyes down precisely when apt.

Bai Zihan's smile broadened.

To those watching, it resembled intrigue.

Like fascination.

Like a noble youth swayed by allure and sorrow.

Deep down, though—

(Deception.)

Not in the narrative core.

But in the particulars.

The Southern Regions lay distant from the Capital, and even on horseback, arrival within a decade proved arduous.

True, aerial vessels existed—but a maiden such as her couldn't finance them.

She might have taken a gradual path over extended periods.

In that case, her impeccable complexion posed an issue. Constant wayfarers wouldn't boast such flawless hide.

Not to speak of her complexion differing notably from Southern folk.

He refrained from calling her out. Rather, he let out a light chuckle. "It appears Miss has been rather lucky."