Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 491 The Invitation That Allowed No Refusal

A short distance away from the execution platform—

Amid the hordes of onlookers packing the square—

Bai Zihan remained silent and still.

He donned simple garments today, his features hidden beneath a cloth, blending seamlessly without attracting notice.

His aura stayed fully suppressed, his demeanor understated.

To any casual observer, he appeared just like another ordinary person there to behold this historic moment.

"You and I are the same!"

Wen Haoyu roared out.

A smirk tugged at Bai Zihan's lips upon hearing that cry.

(Maybe so!)

He offered no rebuttal. In truth, righteousness often served as a facade for the mighty to rationalize their deeds.

However, Wen Haoyu had erred on one key point.

Bai Zihan's facade had never been concealed. He had no reason to skulk behind pretenses.

He observed in quiet as the executioner struck down Wen Haoyu's head.

The exultant shouts around him swelled relentlessly.

"Justice has prevailed!"

"That fiend has finally faced retribution for his sins!"

"He got what he deserved!"

Yet Bai Zihan's eyes stayed locked on the platform where Wen Haoyu's remains had been cleared away.

His face held steady composure.

He showed no joy, nor any scowl.

No sense of fulfillment.

No trace of pity, either.

For him—

Wen Haoyu's demise held scant importance.

Whether the fellow had perpetrated endless evils or remained innocent... it meant little to Bai Zihan.

The real cause behind Wen Haoyu's end was much more straightforward.

Wen Haoyu had offended him.

And once that boundary was breached—

The result was inevitable.

As the triumphant cries reverberated through the square, Bai Zihan's gaze dipped just a touch.

Were it not for one unexpected factor...

Today's events would have unfolded entirely differently.

This beheading wouldn't have served as the Empire's magnificent show of righteousness.

It would have turned into something far more horrifying.

His sight shifted to the far-off outline of the Imperial Palace towering over the capital city.

Its gilded rooftops gleamed under the midday light.

The throne of sovereign rule.

The hub of dominance that commanded the whole Desolate Heaven Empire.

For typical cultivators—

That stronghold embodied an invincible power.

For Bai Zihan?

It stood as yet another hurdle.

A subtle, barely noticeable grin curved his mouth.

To be honest, when the Imperial Court sought to crush the

Bai Clan... when they aligned with the Li-Zhao Alliance...

Bai Zihan had already pondered such scenarios.

Should the Emperor persist in opposing him—

He would merely eliminate the Emperor.

If the Imperial Family fought back—

He would wipe them out too.

And should the Li Clan or Zhao Clan meddle...

They would tumble alongside them.

Nevertheless...

Bai Zihan opted for moderation.

Not out of dread toward the Imperial Family.

Not due to any shortfall in his capabilities.

But owing to that one unforeseen element.

Qin Lingxiao!

The Heavenly Chosen.

Without her, Bai Zihan wouldn't have entertained any of this. He would have

dealt directly with whoever aimed to topple the Bai Clan.

But fate decreed otherwise.

With Qin Lingxiao disguised as Yu Feiyan, he had no choice but to bide his time.

It proved unwise to challenge Qin Lingxiao or risk any clash with her.

He ought to hold off until she finished her purpose here

or until the Bai Clan grew strong enough to confront her.

As that notion slipped from Bai Zihan's thoughts—

A soft voice rang out right next to him.

"Young Master Bai!"

The tone was gentle, poised, and clearly elegant.

Bai Zihan's eyes tightened faintly under the fabric masking his face.

He hadn't detected her nearing.

Not the slightest hint.

No ripple of Qi.

Still, she now lingered merely steps apart.

He turned his head gradually.

Yu Feiyan was present.

Her presence caught quiet glances even amid the jammed crowd.

She carried herself with grace, her attire spotless, her face serene amid the

recent turmoil that had rattled the area.

It appeared that nearly every person who spotted her had fallen under her charm and cleared a way for her.

Bai Zihan's look grew keener a bit.

He had to stay alert, given her obvious intent to approach him.

Then Yu Feiyan offered a light smile.

"I did not expect to find Young Master Bai here among the common spectators."

Her gaze held a spark of intrigue.

"Watching the conclusion of a storm you started?"

Bai Zihan gave a courteous nod in reply.

"The Princess overestimates me."

His voice stayed even, bordering on detached.

"I merely came to witness the Empire's justice like everyone else."

Yu Feiyan cocked her head a little.

"Is that so?"

Her stare rested on him a beat too long.

Afterward, she continued.

"I was actually hoping to speak with Young Master Bai."

Bai Zihan's expression held steady.

Yet inside—

His thoughts sharpened with wariness.

Among all those he preferred to evade right now...

Qin Lingxiao topped the list.

He dipped his head subtly.

"I'm afraid today may not be convenient."

He motioned faintly at the scattering throng.

"I still have to deal with the Azure Sun Holy Sect and aftermath of this. Perhaps

another time."

A solid justification.

But Yu Feiyan wasn't about to allow him to brush her off that simply.

"Another time?"

She advanced one step nearer.

Not far enough to stir alarm—

But sufficient for Bai Zihan to spot the subtle mirth in her eyes.

"Young Master Bai seems to be avoiding me."

Bai Zihan let out a quiet laugh.

"How could that be?"

Bai Zihan attempted to slip away politely. Naturally, he sought to steer clear of her

whenever feasible.

Lest anyone figure out the manner of his demise.

"It seems that way to me though. Just give me a few seconds, otherwise who

knows, I might even come to the Bai Clan if you decline."

Yu Feiyan remarked.

(Please, don't!)

Bai Zihan mused inwardly.

What schemes she harbored remained unclear, but evidently she aimed to entangle herself with the Bai Clan.

Previously, it involved a marriage proposal; now she invoked the pretext of meeting him?

Bai Zihan's eyebrows flickered almost unnoticeably.

Yu Feiyan bent forward a touch.

"Relax, Young Master Bai."

"I merely wish to chat."

Her eyes shone with a soft glow.

"Or are you afraid?"

Bai Zihan regarded her briefly.

Then he let out a soft sigh.

Turning her down appeared unfeasible. And heaven knew what antics she might unleash if he kept refusing.

Though she hid her true self and strength, persistent denial could compel her to unveil them and seize him outright.

Regardless, if she desired, she could accomplish it effortlessly.

"The Princess truly knows how to put people in difficult positions."

Yu Feiyan's grin broadened.

"I prefer to call it persistence."

She clasped her hands at her back.

"So?"

Bai Zihan paused for several moments.

Rejecting her once more would only escalate matters.

And needlessly irking Qin Lingxiao ranked as his utmost avoidance.

What tricks she could employ, given her tenacity? If cornered, she might drag him off by main force.

At last—

He agreed with a nod. "Very well!"

Yu Feiyan chuckled lightly.

"Don't worry."

Her gaze twinkled with an odd fascination.

"I won't take too much of your time!"

With that, she pivoted and headed from the square, not glancing back

to see if he trailed her.

As though the outcome was already certain.

Bai Zihan eyed her departing form for an instant.

Then whispered to himself. "...Troublesome woman."

Even so—

He trailed after her.