Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 281 The Azure Sun Elderʼs Demand!

The thunder of cheers had yet to subside when Yan Minglan, the overseer, raised his hand for silence. ”Today marks the conclusion of the Dragon and Phoenix Competition!”

His voice boomed, echoing across the grand coliseum. ”A stage where the brightest geniuses of our empire gather to prove themselves. This yearʼs battles were fiercer than ever, and yet, Heaven Sword Sect has once again stood tall at the summit. This is the pride of our empire!”

Polite applause rippled through the stands. Soon after, he bowed slightly toward the imperial dais. ”Now, I invite His Highness, the First Prince, to give his words and officially close this yearʼs competition.”

A hush fell over the coliseum as the First Prince, Yu Zidi, clad in flowing golden robes, rose to his feet. ”Today, we have witnessed not only battles, but the unyielding spirit of our empireʼs youth. This is the strength that will uphold the future of the Desolate Heaven Empire. I am honored...”

The crowd listened with reverence, many eyes shining with admiration.

But in the Bai Clanʼs seats, Bai Zihan rose to his feet. ”Time to leave!”

The elders quickly noticed, panic flickering in their gazes.

They knew all too well that leaving in the middle of the imperial princeʼs speech was considered the height of disrespect.

But this is Bai Zihan that they are talking about.

Leaving while the Prince is giving a speech might be the least disrespectful thing he has done.

There were a plethora of more disrespectful things that he had done.

The elders exchanged glances but did not move.

Bai Zihan leaving might still be fine, but if they followed him then the First Prince would definitely see this as giving the Imperial Family no face.

As for Bai Zihan, well, they could always give an explanation and even make up lies to appease the Royal Family.

Two figures, however, did rise and follow after him.

Kong Zhanghong-ever loyal, ever at Bai Zihanʼs side-did not hesitate, striding after his young master without sparing a glance back.

And trailing behind, her steps small and hesitant, was Jin Yuelin.

She couldnʼt afford to be left behind by Bai Zihan and held his hand as soon as he stood up to leave.

As the First Princeʼs voice rang out across the arena, filled with lofty promises and flowery words, Bai Zihanʼs figure slipped away into the corridors beyond- his back straight, his pace steady, utterly indifferent to the spectacle he left behind. ”Elder, Bai Zihan is leaving!”

One of the disciples of Azure Sun Holy Sect immediately informed the Elder. ”Good!”

He thought that he would never get a chance to deal with Bai Zihan alone, but it seemed like being patient had paid off. ”You all stay here! I will go and deal with that brat myself!”

He announced. Just like Bai Clanʼs Elder, he didnʼt want to show off the image of being disrespectful to the Imperial Family.

But there would be no major backlash as long as it was only him that was leaving and he canʼt miss such an opportunity. ***

The further they walked from the coliseum, the fainter the First Princeʼs voice became, swallowed by the echo of footsteps in the halls.

Outside, the roar of the crowd was still faintly audible, the empire celebrating its champions. But here, it felt as though that world was far away, cut off from their steps.

Jin Yuelin finally dared to look up at him. His figure was tall and composed, every step deliberate.

To her, it felt as though he walked not away from a princeʼs speech, but toward a path only he could see. ”You didnʼt congratulate your sister!”

She asked softly, almost confusedly.

For a moment, there was silence. Then, a faint smile tugged at Bai Zihanʼs lips- distant, unreadable. ”She doesnʼt need my words. Her victory is hers alone.” (If I meet her, who knows what kind of order she would give.)

He remembered that she had said that she would make him work like a servant, and he didnʼt dare doubt her words.

Better slip away when thereʼs a chance!

The three of them moved deeper into the marble halls, light from hanging spirit-lanterns casting long shadows on the floor.

The festive roar of the coliseum receded until it was nothing but a dull hum behind them.

But suddenly-

Step! Step!

A new presence echoed in the corridor ahead. Heavy, steady, and filled with the oppressive weight of a cultivatorʼs intent.

Kong Zhanghong instantly moved to the side, his hand on his blade, eyes narrowing. ”Young Master... someoneʼs coming.”

Out of the dimly lit passage emerged an old figure clad in flowing azure robes, his sleeves embroidered with sun-like motifs.

His hair was long, white as frost, but his eyes burned with sharp hostility.

Azure Sun Holy Sect Elder!

Jin Yuelin held Bai Zihanʼs hand tighter. She must have met the Elder before and clearly didnʼt have a good opinion of him.

The Elderʼs lips curled into a cold smile. ”Young Master Bai, please wait!”

Bai Zihan stopped and looked at him. ”Who are you?”

Bai Zihan asked.

Well, he did know he was the Elder from Azure Sun Holy Sect just from his attire, but still he feigned ignorance.

The old man clasped his hands behind his back, posture straight, voice dripping with authority. ”I am Elder Wu Zhankong of the Azure Sun Holy Sect.”

His tone carried the weight of someone used to commanding obedience.

Bai Zihan regarded him with mild interest, already knowing why he must be here. (Must be because of Jin Yuanzhan and what he knows about Sectʼs illegal practice!) ”Oh? So it is Elder Wu. Then tell me-what does an elder of Azure Sun Holy

Sect want from me?”

Wu Zhankongʼs gaze flicked briefly to Kong Zhanghong, then to the small figure half-hidden behind Bai Zihan.

Jin Yuelinʼs face paled as his sharp eyes fell on her, his lips curling into a knowing sneer. ”I heard rumors that you have taken custody of Jin Yuanzhan. Seeing you leave with his sister only confirms the truth.”

His voice hardened, commanding and almost threatening. ”I am here to take her back! And I also want you to hand over Jin Yuanzhan!”

Jin Yuelinʼs fingers dug into Bai Zihanʼs sleeve, her eyes widening in fear.

For a moment, silence stretched. Then-

Pfft!

A low chuckle escaped Bai Zihanʼs lips, sharp and mocking. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze locking on Wu Zhankong with open disdain. ”Take her back?”

He repeated as though testing the words, his smile growing colder. ”Elder Wu, you seem to be under a misunderstanding.”

He straightened, his eyes glinting like polished steel. ”Why,” he asked, his voice calm yet cutting, ”should I listen to you?”