Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 252: Fourth Round Starts!

Three days had passed since the explosive third round of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition, and the Arena buzzed with a tension sharper than ever.

The previous matches—especially Chu Ziyan’s stunning victory over Lei Zhensheng—had set tongues wagging across the empire.

Defeating the former strongest genius wasn’t a feat that just anyone could achieve.

The waiting area of the Heaven Sword Sect was quieter than the roaring arena, a sanctuary of calm before the storm.

Chu Ziyan leaned back in her chair, her posture relaxed, a small, genuine smile playing across her lips.

”Hehe... ”

The necklace gifted by Bai Zihan—a delicate chain of silver with a pendant that seemed to shimmer with faint starlight—rested lightly against her chest.

Bai Xueqing, seated across from her, noticed the glimmer at Chu Ziyan’s throat immediately. A mischievous smirk curved her lips.

”Are you really that happy?”

Bai Xueqing asked, tilting her head slightly, eyes glinting with amusement.

”Because of the little gift from Bai Zihan?”

Well, one couldn’t call it a little gift, considering Bai Zihan had won it at a cost of three million gold—enough to buy a top-tier Earth-Grade Artifact.

Chu Ziyan flushed faintly, brushing a hand over the necklace as if to dismiss it.

”That’s not it!”

She said lightly, her tone betraying a hint of defensiveness.

But Bai Xueqing was relentless. Her teasing continued, voice low and playful.

”Really? You look far too pleased for someone dismissing it. Tell me, Chu Ziyan... are you secretly in love with Bai Zihan?”

Chu Ziyan huffed softly, attempting to shake off the comment, her cheeks warming.

”You’re imagining things. I’m focused on the match.”

”Focused, huh?”

Bai Xueqing’s smirk widened. She leaned back casually, eyes sparkling with amusement.

”I see, I see... So that little shine at your throat is merely a coincidence? It just happens to brighten your mood at the most inconvenient time?”

Chu Ziyan’s lips pressed into a thin line, but the stubborn smile still lingered.

”Well, he paid so much for this. I would feel bad if I didn’t wear it. There is no other reason.”

Bai Xueqing, sensing that her teasing had struck a chord, finally let out a soft laugh.

”Alright, alright... I’ll leave you to it—for now.”

Chu Ziyan could only roll her eyes faintly, hiding the blush that threatened to betray her mood.

”Anyway, shouldn’t you be worried? Your opponent isn’t going to be easy!”

”Well, I don’t know! But there shouldn’t be a problem!”

Bai Xueqing replied confidently. After all, she had no intention of losing to anyone and was determined to win the bet against Bai Zihan.

In the arena, people cheered for whom they believed would win or whom they supported.

”Bai Xueqing! Bai Xueqing!”

”Zhao Chen! Zhao Chen!”

”Shui Lian’er! Shui Lian’er!”

...

The stakes had risen, and the cultivators who had survived to the Top Sixteen were now regarded as the true titans of their generation.

Three fights in particular had everyone waiting in anticipation, drawing whispers and murmurs throughout the arena: Li Meiying versus Sui Lianer, Jin Yuanzhan against Nie Fengzhuo, and Zhao Chen facing Bai Xueqing.

Each pairing promised a clash so fierce and skillful that it could easily have been the finale of the competition.

The excitement in the arena was electric, higher than ever before.

Yet, for the six cultivators involved, the stakes were cruel: only three could advance to the next round.

Still, that mattered little to the spectators.

What awaited them was a legendary series of battles, one that would be talked about for years to come, a true testament to the peak of youthful genius in the Desolate Heaven Empire.

The announcer’s voice rang out clearly across the arena.

”Three days have passed, esteemed guests and cultivators alike. The Top Sixteen now face the next challenge—Round Four of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition. Prepare yourselves!”

A murmur ran through the crowd, growing into a ripple of cheers and gasps as the first match was called.

”Zhao Chen Vs Bai Xueqing!”

Bai Xueqing stood up as her name was called.

Chu Ziyan stepped closer to the edge of the waiting area, her eyes following Bai Xueqing as she moved toward the arena entrance.

”Good luck,” Chu Ziyan called softly, a faint smile on her lips.

Bai Xueqing shot her a confident glance over her shoulder.

”Don’t worry. I’ll be back quickly.”

Across the arena, Zhao Chen’s eyes gleamed with excitement. His fists clenched instinctively, his heart hammering in anticipation.

”Finally... my chance has come,” he muttered under his breath, a fierce grin spreading across his face.

Facing Bai Xueqing, princess of the Bai Clan, this was almost as significant as confronting Bai Zihan himself.

If he could win against her, he could humiliate her thoroughly before everyone—a long-awaited revenge.

The crowd’s chatter rose, a symphony of speculation and excitement.

”Bai Xueqing’s strength is unmatched. No way Zhao Chen stands a chance.”

”Don’t be so sure. He’s improved drastically since last year. Remember how surprising the last round was? Chu Ziyan defeating Lei Zhensheng? There could be another upset.”

”Bai Xueqing’s technique is flawless, and her reflexes... She’s beyond anyone in her generation. Zhao Chen... he’s good, yes, but can he really handle her?”

”Good point, but you can never underestimate him. His growth over the past year has been remarkable. If he catches her off guard, who knows what might happen?”

”Well, we will see about that.”

As the arena settled into a tense hush, all eyes turned to the center stage.

The announcer’s voice boomed once more, cutting through the murmurs.

”Prepare yourselves, esteemed spectators! Zhao Chen Vs Bai Xueqing—the first of our Top Sixteen’s Round Four clashes. Witness the birth of legends!”

Bai Xueqing’s figure radiated calm confidence as she stepped into the arena, while Zhao Chen’s eager energy practically crackled through the air.

The battle was about to begin—and whether it ended in a predictable victory or an unexpected upset, one thing was certain: this clash would be remembered long after the dust settled.

”Let’s Begin!”