Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 290 Lanterns of Victory ”How is that possible?”

Bai Xueqing muttered to herself.

Even through the history of 10,000 years there was no mention of a person who could do such a thing. ”Is that all? Then I will go and rest,” Bai Zihan said lazily. ”Wait!”

But Bai Xueqing didnʼt let him escape.

There was no way she would let him leave as she still had questions that needed answers. ”How did you do that?”

Bai Xueqing asked. ”What do you mean?”

Bai Zihan asked, feigning confusion. ”You know what I mean. How did you manage to advance from Core Formation Stage to Soul Formation Realm in a year-despite previously struggling to cultivate?”

Bai Xueqing asked. ”Even if I answer, you wonʼt understand.”

Bai Zihan answered, which was somewhat true.

Would Bai Xueqing even know what a System was?

He could explain and perhaps she might understand, but there was no way he wanted to. Not to mention, that was the honest answer, not a lie.

So it wasnʼt like he was breaking his word either.

Bai Xueqing narrowed her eyes. ”Bai Zihan, you promised to answer me honestly.” ”And I am being honest!”

Bai Zihan declared. ”I want you to explain to me clearly how you went from the Core Formation Stage to Soul Formation!”

Bai Xueqing demanded, not giving him any chance to change the narrative or leave without answering. ”Is that your second request?”

Bai Zihan asked.

After all, giving an honest answer and giving a full explanation werenʼt the same, were they? !!! ”You...”

Bai Xueqing could clearly see that Bai Zihan didnʼt want to answer. ”You really donʼt want to answer this, isnʼt that right?”

Bai Xueqing assumed. (Not really! But explaining everything would take quite a long time and even then, who knows whether she could even comprehend or believe it.) ”Whatever you think.” ”Answer me!” ”Not really.” Bai Zihan replied. ”So it isnʼt that youʼre bothered by the question, but that you just donʼt want to answer it?”

Bai Xueqing asked. ”Yes! Now, can you stop asking me questions like an interrogation? Iʼd like to repeat-I have nothing to hide and donʼt mind answering questions, but itʼs annoying being doubted again and again.”

Bai Zihan said with annoyance.

Bai Xueqing was silent for a second, thinking deeply about something. ”So, do you really want to know? I can tell you, but that would count as your second request.”

Bai Zihan finally said.

Bai Xueqing thought for a while but then shook her head. ”No!”

She thought that if Bai Zihan was confident she wouldnʼt understand, then if she believed his words, she really wouldnʼt.

And in case he explained in a way that she couldnʼt understand, then she would only be wasting her two chances of having Bai Zihan do whatever she wanted. ”Then if you donʼt have any other questions, my dear sister, I will be resting!” ***

After a few hours, their flying ship had already reached the Bai Clanʼs estate.

The massive gates swung wide, and the clanʼs grand courtyard spread before them, glittering beneath lantern light.

The air was festive, filled with laughter, music, and the aroma of wine.

News had already reached the Bai Clan about the triumphant victory of their Young Miss, and they all awaited Bai Xueqingʼs arrival.

The Bai Clan had spared no effort.

Bai Tianheng, having received the message about their arrival, was also waiting for them.

At his side were elders and honored guests, all gathered to witness the return of their victorious young miss. ”Xueqingʼer,” Bai Tianhengʼs voice boomed warmly, pride gleaming in his eyes. ”You have brought glory to our clan. You did well!”

Bai Xueqing bowed deeply. ”Thank you, Father!”

Congratulatory voices rose from the elders and retainers. Cheers swept through the courtyard like a wave. ”As expected of Miss Bai Xueqing, you have brought honor to us all!” ”Congratulations, Lady Bai Xueqing! Truly, your talent is unmatched.” ”Miss Xueqing, you are indeed the pride of our younger generation.” ”Remarkable! With such strength, the Bai Clan will surely rise even higher!” ”Congratulations, Young Miss! The heavens themselves must favor you!” But amidst the celebration, one figure couldnʼt help but walk away.

Bai Zihan!

Without a word, he stepped off the flying ship and stormed past the gathered crowd.

Bai Tianhengʼs brow furrowed slightly as he watched his sonʼs retreating back. ”Now, whatʼs up with him?”

Bai Tianheng muttered.

Bai Xueqing almost laughed.

Bai Zihan, who always thought he was invincible and right, had finally been brought down by her.

And she still had two opportunities to order Bai Zihan to do whatever she wanted.

He would certainly not be in a good mood. (Hmph! Who told him to bet against his sister?)

Bai Xueqing thought.

Then she remembered Bai Zihanʼs strange obsession with Nie Fengzhuo and his insistence on bringing him to the Bai Clan.

Although she acknowledged that Nie Fengzhuo was indeed powerful and also had trump cards she didnʼt know of-ones that almost made him invincible. Without that mysterious person helping her, she would have lost. (Did Bai Zihan know about Nie Fengzhuo and his mysterious power? Is that why he wants to bring him to the Bai Clan?) (I should ask about that next time.)

For now, she needed to deal with all the elders and people who were here to see her after her victory.

The celebration carried on in waves of cheer, the courtyard alive with laughter, praise, and endless toasts.

Wine flowed like rivers, lanterns shone like stars, and everywhere Bai Xueqing turned, there were faces brimming with admiration.

But even as she returned their smiles and polite words, her silver-blue eyes flickered toward her father.

Bai Tianhengʼs face was unusually bright tonight.

His deep voice rumbled with warmth as he accepted congratulatory remarks from the elders and guests, but there was something more-an excitement that seemed to go beyond her victory.

Bai Xueqing narrowed her eyes slightly. (It canʼt just be because of the competition. After all, if Bai Zihan had participated, he would have surely expected him to win. Yet he didnʼt. And Father didnʼt even force him. That alone shows Father doesnʼt place as much weight on this event as others might think.)

When the crowd had thinned just enough, Bai Xueqing stepped closer. ”Father,” she said directly, her tone firm but respectful. ”You seem... unusually happy. Surely it isnʼt only because I won Dragon and Phoenix Competition?” Bai Tianheng chuckled, his sharp gaze landing on his daughter. ”Of course, I am proud of you, Xueqingʼer. You brought great honor to the clan, and as your father, how could I not be happy?” ”But,” she pressed, tilting her head, ”thereʼs something else, isnʼt there?”

For a moment, Bai Tianhengʼs smile deepened, and he stroked his beard thoughtfully. ”Didnʼt Zihanʼer tell you?”

Bai Xueqing blinked, confusion flashing across her features. ”Tell me... what?”

Bai Tianheng sighed, shaking his head lightly. ”That boy... he doesnʼt like to bother with such things.”

Her curiosity sharpened. ”Father, what is it?”

Bai Tianheng leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough so that only she could hear. ”We have found a method to control your power.”