Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan! Chapter 574 Bai Zihan's Preference

Bai Zihan's attention was drawn, not towards Yu Feiyan, but to the attendant beside her.

His gaze lingered longer than propriety dictated.

Qin Lingxiao sensed it almost instantly.

(Was I discovered?)

The question flashed through her mind involuntarily.

Yet, it was dismissed just as swiftly.

Throughout her existence—over a century spent in the shadows, adopting new identities, altering her very appearance—no one had ever seen through her facade.

Never.

Not even individuals possessing far greater experience and power than Bai Zihan.

And him?

A mere junior!

Hailed as a genius, perhaps—but still no match for the formidable figures she had encountered.

How could he possibly perceive anything?

Furthermore, what was there to perceive?

He had never witnessed her true visage.

She had never interacted with her real persona.

He remained unaware that Yu Feiyan had been replaced months prior.

There existed no link.

No pathway for him to follow.

No hint to grasp.

Her disguise was impeccable.

Even her mannerisms, her stance, her very breathing—every detail had been meticulously altered.

There were no imperfections.

There could be no flaws.

Qin Lingxiao's thoughts settled into a calm certainty.

(It's impossible.)

Still, his stare persisted.

A ripple of bewilderment surfaced this time.

If not suspicion, what else could it be?

Her eyebrows drew together almost imperceptibly.

(Why is he looking at me in such a fashion?)

At this very moment, she was merely an unremarkable attendant.

Her current visage had been deliberately crafted to be profoundly average.

Not unattractive, but certainly not captivatingly beautiful.

The type of face one might easily overlook in a bustling crowd.

Even her inherent allure, once potent enough to sway anyone, had been deliberately suppressed alongside her current appearance.

Moreover, previously, even when embodying Yu Feiyan's form and employing her charm, Bai Zihan had remained entirely unaffected.

(Could it be...)

A peculiar notion began to form.

Yet, it clung persistently.

(His preference... is for someone like this?)

She paused her internal monologue.

Then, she considered the possibility with genuine seriousness.

After all, individuals possessed diverse tastes.

Even a personage like Bai Zihan would not be an anomaly to this rule.

Not everyone sought unparalleled beauty.

Not everyone was captivated by stunning figures.

Some found appeal in simplicity.

Then, a fragment of information surfaced in her mind.

Details regarding Bai Zihan from his past, before his ascent to prominence.

(Bai Zihan used to harass his maids...)

At that time, she had dismissed such rumors as trivial gossip.

Given his status, what kind of exquisite beauty couldn't he attain? It seemed unnecessary for him to...

harass some common maid.

But now...

Viewed against the backdrop of the present circumstances...

It presented a vastly different interpretation.

He had displayed no particular fascination with the Empire's most beautiful women.

Yet, here he was, fixated on her—an attendant.

Qin Lingxiao's thoughts began to coalesce along an entirely new trajectory.

(Such preferences do indeed exist.)

It was not an improbable scenario.

In fact, throughout her extensive lifetime, she had witnessed far stranger proclivities.

Potent individuals who eschewed elegance, preferring instead the assertion of dominance.

Who found intrigue not in brilliance—but in subservience.

(So, this is the situation?)

A subtle transformation occurred in her comprehension.

The confusion diminished, supplanted by a feeling closer to profound understanding.

And perhaps, a faint undercurrent of amusement.

Bai Zihan observed Qin Lingxiao, who offered a gaze that seemed to convey understanding, a reaction he found peculiar.

He was oblivious to her inner musings; regardless, he had already solidified his suspicion and departed.

***

The pervasive atmosphere of mourning had begun to dissipate.

In its stead, a palpable tension emerged.

Bai Zihan's gaze swept across the grand hall before focusing intently on a familiar direction.

There stood his father.

Bai Tianheng was positioned not far away.

And beside him...

Li Jianhong!

Zhao Wutian!

"Hahaha!"

Bai Tianheng's booming laughter erupted, showing utter disregard for the solemnity that had recently concluded.

"Li Jianhong, Zhao Wutian!"

His voice boomed, unashamed and unapologetic.

"You two are still languishing in the Great Ascension Realm?"

A brief silence followed.

Then, with an unmistakable tone of mockery-

"Have you two been neglecting your Cultivation all these years?"

His words landed like a stinging rebuke.

Li Jianhong's expression instantly soured.

A faint vein throbbed noticeably at his temple.

Zhao Wutian's eyes narrowed slightly, though his face largely retained its composure.

However, beneath that placid exterior, clear displeasure simmered.

They belonged to the same generational cohort.

At one point, they had stood as equals.

Yet, Bai Tianheng had consistently maintained an edge.

And now, he had achieved a breakthrough into the Immortal Realm while they had yet to even reach the pinnacle of the Top Great Ascension Realm.

He had left them far behind, completely eclipsed.

That gulf in power was no longer a disparity easily bridged by sheer effort alone.

"Bai Tianheng!"

Li Jianhong's voice trembled with suppressed rage.

"Do not act so insufferably arrogant."

His imposing aura flared faintly.

"Do you presume yourself invincible simply because you breached the Immortal Realm?"

Without a moment's hesitation-

"Duh!"

Bai Tianheng responded instantly, as if stating the most obvious truth in existence.

Li Jianhong's teeth ground together audibly.

His hands clenched tightly within the folds of his robes.

So utterly arrogant!

Unbearably so!

The most aggravating part? Bai Tianheng possessed the power to back up his swagger.

Before the situation could further deteriorate, Zhao Wutian interjected.

"Bai Tianheng."

A brief pause followed.

"Have you come merely to flaunt your might?"

His gaze remained fixed and unwavering.

"If there is nothing further... we shall take our leave."

Unlike Li Jianhong, Zhao Wutian had no intention of indulging Bai Tianheng's inflated ego.

Engaging in a dispute with him now would be futile.

It would only serve to gratify the other man.

And that was the very last outcome he intended to facilitate. Bai Tianheng emitted a soft clicking sound with his tongue. Then, as if his interest had waned, he made a dismissive gesture with his hand.

The sneering smile vanished from his face.

It was replaced by an air of greater composure.

More seriousness permeated his demeanor.

"Very well, very well."

His tone underwent a noticeable shift.

"Let us discuss this amicably."

His gaze intensified slightly as it swept between the two individuals.

"Do you lend your support to any particular prince or princess?"

The inquiry hung in the atmosphere, direct and unvarnished.

Zhao Wutian offered his response without a moment's hesitation.

"No!"

Zhao Wutian’s reply was immediate.

Bai Tianheng observed him intently for a few moments.

Subsequently, a smirk began to spread across his features. "Given your disposition..." He inclined his head slightly.

"How could that possibly be the case?"

A subtle gleam ignited within his eyes. "You are undoubtedly backing someone in secret."

Without the slightest pause.

Without any attempt at subtlety.

He laid bare his deduction.

Zhao Wutian's expression remained impassive.

However, for a fleeting instant, a flicker of something unreadable appeared in his eyes.

Bai Tianheng's demeanor gradually adopted a more solemn aspect.

The playful arrogance began to dissipate.

In its stead... emerged something considerably more chilling.

His gaze shifted, moving between Li Jianhong and Zhao Wutian.

"It matters little who receives your allegiance. But heed this one thing-"

A subtle wave of pressure radiated outwards.

"Ensure you comprehend your standing. Regardless of who ultimately claims the throne, know that we, the Bai Clan, stand unassailable."

For a brief period, the surrounding ambiance seemed to congeal, almost freezing.

"Should you dare to raise your hostilities against us..."

A faint smile graced Bai Tianheng's lips.

"...your entire clans might simply cease to exist."

And then—

"Haha!"

He erupted into laughter.

As if recounting a particularly humorous anecdote.

Yet, neither Li Jianhong nor Zhao Wutian joined in the mirth. This was no jest.

It was a stark warning. Li Jianhong's countenance instantly darkened.

His fists clenched subtly within the folds of his sleeves.

Fine veins became faintly visible, bulging across his forehead. "Hmph!"

A frigid exhalation escaped him.

"I shall depart!"

He pivoted abruptly.

His silken robes swirled through the air as he strode away without uttering another syllable.

However, the incandescent anger etched upon his face was undeniable, held barely in check.

Following closely behind him were the elders from the Li Clan, their expressions mirroring his own somber intensity.

The Grand Elders, however, were taken aback by a profound sense of shock.

Despite Bai Tianheng's recent breakthrough into the Immortal Realm, the aura he projected was akin to that of an ancient cultivator who had resided in this plane for centuries.

His preceding declaration did not feel like mere bravado.

Even as a newly ascended being, Bai Tianheng might not be outmatched by other cultivators in the Immortal Ascension Realm. How could this be possible?

Why are all the members of this Bai Clan such unfathomable prodigies?