Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 544 Even a Grandmaster Must Lower His Head

Huo Zhouchen made his entrance, drawing the attention of all eyes.

A wave of pity swept through some observers.

It was an uncommon spectacle to witness a celebrated alchemist, a figure held in high regard throughout the region, compelled to perform a demeaning bow even before crossing the threshold. Such a sight was not easily come by.

Conversely, others found themselves suppressing laughter and reveling in the schadenfreude.

After all, in times past, when they encountered someone of Huo Zhouchen's stature, they were treated as if they were indebted and looked down upon. Now that they had experienced a similar humiliation, the feeling that karma had finally caught up to them was undeniable.

Zhao Wutian and Li Jianhong exchanged significant glances, their faces alight with a peculiar sense of vindication.

So, even the esteemed Huo Zhouchen of the Vermillion Pill Empire couldn't handle that brat.

For the first time, they didn't feel so alone in their misfortune. In fact, a subtle thread of camaraderie with Huo Zhouchen seemed to form. They almost felt the urge to inquire about his experience.

Naturally, they dared not voice these thoughts.

Meanwhile, as Huo Zhouchen entered, Bai Zihan sensed a penetrating gaze fixed upon his back.

He turned his head slightly, only to find Huo Shenyu observing him.

The young alchemist's eyes blazed with hostility and murderous intent, directed squarely at Bai Zihan. The reason was quite apparent.

The father he revered had just been forced into a humiliating bow, and the person responsible stood directly before him.

Bai Zihan merely cast a cursory glance at Huo Shenyu before looking away, utterly indifferent.

In Bai Zihan's estimation, Huo Shenyu was merely a fledgling phoenix, yet to spread its wings.

While others might laud his innate talent, perhaps even proclaiming him peerless among his peers, such accolades held little weight in Bai Zihan's eyes.

Furthermore, when contrasted with Mu Linyue, his supposed genius was hardly worth mentioning.

Bai Zihan gave a subtle shake of his head.

Should this Huo Shenyu ever encounter Mu Linyue and still cling to his belief of being unmatched, his Dao Heart might shatter under the strain. It wouldn't be surprising if a Heart Demon were to manifest.

Of course, this scenario presumed he retained the arrogance to consider himself without equal.

Bai Zihan didn't linger on the thought.

He moved forward, stepping into the grand hall.

Then, as if the preceding events were mere trifles, his voice resonated casually through the space.

"My apologies for the interruption. Now that we've dealt with some impudent individuals, let the festivities resume."

A flicker of annoyance crossed the faces of many present, yet no one voiced their displeasure.

The brief moment of palpable tension thus dissipated quickly.

The celebration proceeded as if the disruption had never occurred.

One by one, guests stepped forth to extend their congratulations to Mu Tianxuan.

A renewed chorus of commendations filled the hall.

"Grandmaster Mu, your recent breakthrough has sent ripples across the entire region."

"The future of the Mu Clan is undeniably boundless!"

"To bear witness to such a momentous occasion is indeed a profound honor!"

Goblets were raised once more.

Laughter echoed anew.

The melodies picked up their former cadence.

The hall recaptured its initial vibrant ambiance.

Mu Tianxuan offered calm acknowledgments, inclining his head to each guest, occasionally engaging in brief exchanges. His composure remained unruffled, exhibiting neither arrogance nor excessive humility, yet his presence now commanded an undeniable gravitas.

However, not all attendees basked in this harmonious atmosphere.

At the far side of the hall, Huo Zhouchen and his entourage found themselves conspicuously isolated.

Attendees actively steered clear of them.

No one ventured close, and even those with only passing familiarity made a point of maintaining a deliberate distance.

Even individuals who would typically scramble to ingratiate themselves with the Vermillion Pill Empire now kept their distance.

After all -

Who could be certain if Bai Zihan had truly dismissed the incident?

What if Bai Zihan’s attention were to suddenly shift towards them?

Would they not find themselves entangled in unwelcome trouble?

Such a predicament was something no one desired.

Consequently, the most prudent course of action was chosen: complete avoidance of the Vermillion Pill Empire's representatives.

For the alchemists affiliated with the Vermillion Pill Empire, this ostracization was deeply galling.

Dark clouds gathered on their expressions.

Under different circumstances, these same individuals would be flocking around them, eager to offer flattery.

Yet today, they were treated as if they carried a contagion.

When had they ever endured such a profound insult?

Although Huo Zhouchen maintained outward calm, the others struggled to suppress their intense emotions.

Their fists clenched tightly.

Fury burned unchecked in their eyes.

A strong desire to humiliate the Mu Clan consumed them.

Among the younger generation present, a significant shift occurred in how they viewed Bai Zihan.

Some regarded him with outright admiration.

In their eyes, Bai Zihan's recent actions were the stuff of their wildest dreams.

To stand before such influential figures, including emissaries from powerful empires, and speak with such unbridled boldness—utterly devoid of fear—was an accomplishment far beyond their current capabilities.

However, not all gazes held such straightforward admiration.

Some regarded him with a complex mixture of emotions.

These were individuals who had once vied with Bai Zihan for supremacy.

Those who had shared the same competitive arena.

Those who had been vanquished by his prowess.

Now, observing him, they found themselves falling into a stunned silence.

He was the exact same age as them; some were even older. Yet, the level he had reached was on an entirely different plane. While they were still mired in generational squabbles, Bai Zihan was already engaged in a far more complex game. He was confronting Elders, clashing with figures of imperial stature, and even swaying the disposition of an entire clan like the Mu Clan. The chasm between them was no longer bridgeable, not even measurable. A few could only manage bitter shakes of their heads, having resigned themselves to the fact: whether in political maneuvering or on the battlefield, they were simply outmatched by Bai Zihan. Perhaps, they never stood a chance.

Across the hall, Bai Xueqing and Chu Ziyan had observed the entire unfolding of events. Bai Xueqing exhaled softly. The moment Bai Zihan uttered his first word, she knew he was about to stir up trouble, and not just any trouble, but trouble directed at the representative of the Vermillion Pill Empire. A group of Grade-7 Alchemists was not to be trifled with. However, the outcome mirrored her expectations precisely. Bai Zihan had not only provoked them but had managed to extract an apology.

Chu Ziyan’s reaction, conversely, was entirely distinct. Her eyes gleamed, remaining locked onto Bai Zihan. To her, every action he took only amplified his brilliance. She gazed at him, utterly captivated, as if he were the most handsome and alluring figure in the entire hall. Of course, she wasn't the sole admirer; many young ladies seemed mesmerized by Bai Zihan's display.

***

The vibrant ambiance continued to radiate throughout the grand hall, yet beneath this cheerful facade, a quiet tension began to coalesce once more. From within the ranks of the Vermillion Pill Empire, another individual advanced. Unlike Huo Zhouchen, this man was less celebrated but was also a Grade-7 alchemist. His mere presence was sufficient to capture the attention of the assembly. He stepped calmly into the open space, his robes stirring gently, before cupping his fists in a gesture towards Mu Tianxuan. "I wish to extend my congratulations to the newly ascended Grandmaster," he proclaimed, his voice clear and resonant, reaching every corner of the hall. "I have long heard commendations of the Mu Clan's mastery in alchemy." It was a courteous overture, impeccably presented on the surface. Then, a subtle inflection occurred. His gaze traversed the hall, pausing for a fleeting moment on Bai Zihan before returning forward. "As today marks such a significant occasion..." A subtle smile graced his lips. "How about we inject a little more excitement? Perhaps a small competition amongst the younger generation?"