Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 500 Back at Falling Star Empire!

Upon receiving the news, Bai Zihan arrived at the Falling Star Empire without delay.

In truth, there was little for him to focus on lately other than preparing for the mantle of Clan Leader.

While his father had begun assigning him administrative duties, Bai Zihan found the work mundane and tiring.

By comparison—

Hunting a Heaven Chosen One was far more engaging.

And, ultimately, much more vital.

Having reviewed the briefing provided by Sun Yaoqing, Bai Zihan realized the reality of the situation.

Chong Sheng had advanced quite remarkably.

While the progression was somewhat expected, the speed of his growth remained suspicious.

Bai Zihan narrowed his eyes, a flicker of thought crossing his mind.

(A former Supreme Immortal...)

Such individuals could never be treated lightly.

Even with a new body and diminished cultivation, his past insights and retained knowledge made soaring through the realms a trivial task.

If Chong Sheng had reached such heights in only a few months, Bai Zihan shuddered to imagine his potential a few years down the line.

Fortunately—

He had managed to pin the man down while he was still vulnerable.

Because of this timing, Bai Zihan had ordered his subordinates to track every movement of their target.

Otherwise—

If Chong Sheng were allowed to evolve unchecked—

Who could say what kind of disaster he might become?

A brief flash of killing intent ignited in his gaze before vanishing into emptiness.

Though no personal vendetta existed between them, Bai Zihan recognized that neutralizing Chong Sheng was a necessity.

This situation differed from the likes of Lin Xuan or Bai Xueqing.

At his core, the man was still a demonic cultivator.

His methods were vicious, and his path was paved in carnage.

More importantly—

Chong Sheng remained a Heaven Chosen One.

If destiny played its hand, a clash between them was inevitable.

Even if it didn't, there was no guarantee he wouldn't turn his gaze toward the Desolate Heaven Empire once his strength matured.

Combat was all but certain, and, in truth, Bai Zihan had developed a deep disdain for these demonic cultivators.

Though he knew the link was tenuous, it was people of that ilk who had abducted Luo Qing.

Moreover, if he left everything to chance—

He might one day fall like a secondary villain, existing only to provide a stepping stone for the protagonist.

That was an outcome Bai Zihan would never accept.

So, given the opportunity—

He would dismantle the threat before it truly bloomed.

A frigid smile played on his mouth.

"This is undoubtedly the optimal moment."

If he missed this window, a few years would be all it took for Chong Sheng to potentially reach the Immortal Realm.

The process might even be faster than that.

He understood that once he made his move, he had to secure a total victory.

Failure would only create deep resentment and provide Chong Sheng with the drive to seek bloody retribution.

His journey to the empire had been straightforward.

He traveled alone.

Being in the Void Refinement Realm, he simply tore through the fabric of space, finding it the most efficient method.

At his current power level, traversing empires was no longer a hurdle.

He could have brought the Grand Elder to ensure perfect success, but he opted against it. For one, he could not risk the Grand Elder leaving the Bai Clan during such a volatile period.

The Desolate Heaven Empire was currently swarming with high-level foreign experts.

Xi Yu was one potential threat, though she might have departed. Then there was Qin Lingxiao, who clearly held an interest in the Bai Clan.

It was likely others were lurking as well.

Therefore, he could not afford to weaken his defenses.

The secondary reason was simpler.

He did not believe anyone within the Falling Star Empire possessed the strength to challenge him.

Not given his current capabilities.

Moments later—

A slight ripple pulsed through the air above the Imperial Palace.

Space distorted and folded until a figure emerged from the void.

It was Bai Zihan.

He wore a calm expression, as if tearing across space were as effortless as walking down a path.

Below, the vast Imperial Palace of the Falling Star Empire sprawled in majesty, with golden rooftops catching the light and patrolling guards scanning the perimeters.

The guards sensed his descent immediately.

However—

Before they could react, a figure intercepted them.

It was Mingzhu.

Having just finished an errand, she caught the faint trace of his presence and stepped forward immediately.

Her eyes widened momentarily.

Recognition dawned on her face.

Maintaining her composure, Mingzhu approached him with humility.

"Young Master Bai!"

She performed a respectful bow.

Her voice was measured and cautious.

Despite serving as the Empress's close attendant and witnessing many grand figures, standing before Bai Zihan put her under heavy psychological pressure.

This was a man capable of obliterating Sects and cutting down Great Ascension experts.

Furthermore, the clan standing behind him was widely considered the most formidable in the Desolate Heaven Empire—an entity even the Imperial Yu Family could not suppress.

A single misstep in speech could result in catastrophe for the empire.

"Please, follow me!"

She gestured with deference and began to lead him within the palace walls.

Bai Zihan remained silent, trailing her as the guards watched in quiet observation. Before long, he was ushered into a serene reception parlor.

Mingzhu gestured to a chair.

"Young Master Bai, please, take a seat."

Bai Zihan sat down with indifferent poise.

A servant appeared instantly to serve tea before retreating.

Mingzhu stood nearby, posture rigid and attentive.

A moment of silence drifted between them before she finally broke it.

"Young Master Bai... if I may inquire, what brings you to the Imperial Palace today?"

Her tone was polite, bordering on fearful.

It was not a challenge, but an offer of service, indicating she would assist him with whatever mission he had arrived for.

Bai Zihan lifted his teacup but chose not to drink.

His gaze remained steady.

"I have urgent matters to address with Princess Sun Yaoqing."

His voice was plain and direct.

Mingzhu made no move to correct Bai Zihan on the matter of the Empress's title.

Had it been anyone else, she would have reprimanded them for such blatant disrespect.

Instead, Mingzhu bowed once more.

"Please wait a moment, Young Master Bai. I shall notify Her Majesty immediately."

With that, she turned and departed, walking with a quicker pace as she headed toward the Empress's private quarters.