Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 556 If You Insist, I'll Oblige

Bai Zihan blinked, a look of genuine bewilderment momentarily crossing his face.

He had been contentedly standing aside, quietly enjoying some spirit fruits, with no intention of involving himself in any way.

Suddenly, every eye in the hall fixed upon him, as if he had committed some grave offense.

"..?"

With slow deliberation, he chewed and swallowed.

Only after overhearing the recent exchange did the situation finally become clear to him.

His expression shifted into one of odd realization.

So that's what it is...

A silent grumble arose in his thoughts.

First Bai Xueqing, and now Mu Linyue as well?

(What's next? Some distant cousin I don't know will use my name to escape a marriage arrangement?)

A sense of slight injustice washed over him.

(Why didn't I have such a convenient 'shield' when I was forced into an engagement with Chu Ziyan?)

That thought flickered for a second before he internally clicked his tongue.

His relatives were truly one more cunning than the last.

Despite his thoughts, he remained silent.

Instead, he calmly reached for another spirit fruit and took a bite.

Crunch.

Sweetness exploded on his tongue.

It was far superior to the other dishes presented, a stark disappointment compared to the culinary delights he remembered from Earth.

(Perhaps I should send one of my chefs over next time.)

He seriously considered this possibility.

After all, if he was to attend such functions, the least they could do was provide him with decent food.

As for his name being used without his consent?

He couldn't address it right now, but he resolved to issue a stern warning later. His name was not to be trifled with.

What if it was used to provoke a confrontation with someone like Qin Lingxiao?

Wouldn't that be a perfect setup for him to be trounced by some so-called Heaven Chosen One?

Then again, with his current reputation, he doubted anyone would dare to challenge him.

He continued his meal, unperturbed.

That is, until—

"I challenge Bai Zihan to a match!"

The declaration echoed clearly through the hall.

"...?"

Bai Zihan's hand, holding a fruit, halted mid-air.

Slowly, he lowered the fruit.

Then, he raised his head.

His gaze met Feng Xuanye's.

(Who is this idiot?)

Judging by his attire, Bai Zihan recognized him as someone from a different Empire.

Bai Zihan regarded Feng Xuanye for a moment.

Then, with casual indifference, he took another bite of the spirit fruit.

Crunch! Crunch!

Sweet juice flowed across his tongue, as if no significant event had just transpired.

Meanwhile, all eyes remained locked on him.

Bai Zihan chewed thoughtfully.

He seemed to ponder for a moment.

"No! I don't wish to fight anyone right now."

The response was so direct it completely stunned many present.

They had anticipated that Bai Zihan, like many other prodigies, would readily accept a challenge, especially before such an audience.

Bai Zihan didn't even display a hint of interest as he continued,

"There's no value in it. Those are merely her words,"

He gestured slightly with his head towards Mu Linyue.

"What does that have to do with me?"

Feng Xuanye's eyes narrowed slightly.

This outcome was entirely unexpected. His gaze slowly shifted towards Mu Linyue.

"Then what now?"

His tone carried a definite edge of dissatisfaction.

Mu Linyue blinked, clearly surprised by Bai Zihan's easy refusal.

For a brief instant, she seemed to falter.

Then, she approached and stopped directly in front of Bai Zihan.

Her eyes lifted slightly, a flicker of pleading within them.

"Why won't you fight him?"

Bai Zihan rolled his eyes.

"Why should I fight a weakling?"

His tone was nonchalant, bordering on boredom.

"It serves no purpose."

Silence descended!

Feng Xuanye's expression immediately turned grim.

A weakling?

He, Feng Xuanye, who stood among the strongest of his generation, had just been summarily dismissed with a single word.

Mu Linyue, however, did not retreat.

She leaned a little closer, her voice dropping to a whisper.

"...Help me out a little."

It was a quiet plea.

But Bai Zihan remained unfazed.

He simply took another bite of his fruit.

As if he hadn't heard her at all.

Feng Xuanye abruptly let out a short, sharp laugh. His tone became cutting, infused with sarcasm.

"Is Young Master Bai perhaps... afraid?"

The words caused a stir among many of the guests. Observing the scene, it certainly appeared that Bai Zihan was attempting to evade the duel due to Feng Xuanye's formidable strength.

Even if that wasn't the true reason, few could conceive of any other explanation for Bai Zihan's decisive refusal.

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you."

Feng Xuanye's conviction grew. He felt certain now that Bai Zihan was avoiding the fight, confirming his suspicion that the rumors about Bai Zihan were greatly exaggerated.

"Afraid?"

Bai Zihan echoed the word, a hint of amusement in his voice.

He tilted his head slightly, regarding Feng Xuanye as if he had just heard something mildly amusing, rather than insulting.

(I gave you an opening, and this is the kind of attitude I get in return?)

He mused to himself.

Naturally, he felt no urge to retaliate or prove himself, especially not when Feng Xuanye had been the one to instigate.

Regardless, he still held the conviction that Mu Linyue was the root cause of this entire situation.

His gaze drifted to Mu Linyue, deliberately disregarding Feng Xuanye's taunts.

"He's quite amusing, isn't he?"

A subtle, playful smirk graced his lips.

"Perhaps wedding him would be a suitable option for you?"

Mu Linyue's eyes immediately narrowed in his direction.

However, instead of responding verbally, she reached within her sleeve and retrieved something.

A crystalline mirror, emanating a soft luminescence.

It was a Memory Crystal Mirror!

Initially, Bai Zihan was perplexed by her intentions.

Then—

A faint telepathic message reached his mind.

Instantly, his eyes sharpened.

He turned his head slowly towards her.

"You're merely bluffing."

Mu Linyue's lips curved upwards, a small, almost impish smile forming.

"I truly possess it."

She inclined her head slightly.

"You know well whether I'm fabricating this or not."

Bai Zihan's brow furrowed.

(Is this the recompense for my tutelage?)

Bai Zihan inquired.

(That matter and this are distinct. Please, just assist me this one time!)

Mu Linyue pleaded, despite the leverage she was holding.

A moment of quiet ensued.

Then—

"Tsk!"

He made a clicking sound with his tongue.

Gradually, his gaze shifted back towards Feng Xuanye.

The surrounding aura about him subtly altered.

"My mood is currently rather foul..."

His voice carried an almost imperceptible weight, a tangible shift that everyone present could feel.

"Since you are so keen on experiencing a thorough beating..."

He lifted his eyes fully now, fixing them directly on Feng Xuanye.

"I shall be pleased to oblige."