Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 320 A Golden Opportunity for the Quan Clan

The confrontation ended without an official judgment.

Despite the mounting tension, Princess Sun Yaoqing found herself without solid evidence directly linking the Quan Clan to the hidden organizationʼs operations.

Their involvement-if any-was buried beneath layers of plausible deniability and excuses polished by decades of political experience.

Thus, she had no choice but to settle for a stern warning.

The Quan Patriarch, Quan Lingshu, swore before his ancestors and clan seal that he would personally oversee an investigation, root out the culprits, and deliver them to the royal authorities.

His words were humble, his demeanor contrite-but to Sun Yaoqing, it all rang too perfectly rehearsed.

She suspected he would find a scapegoat soon enough-a few unfortunate officials or minor cultivators to shoulder the blame while the true players vanished deeper underground.

Yet, with no concrete proof, there was little she could do here and now.

All she could do was chastise him for negligence and failure of duty-hardly enough to shake the Quan Clanʼs foundations.

But there was no way Princess Sun Yaoqing would simply let the matter rest.

Her decision was clear: once she returned to the capital, she would report everything to the Emperor.

The Quan Clanʼs influence over the southern territories had lasted long enough -perhaps it was time to consider their replacement.

Having said what she intended, Princess Sun Yaoqing prepared to leave the Quan Estate, accompanied by Quan Lingshu.

Just as they were stepping out, a burst of cheers and applause echoed through the courtyard.

Princess Sun Yaoqing paused mid-step, her brows knitting slightly. She turned toward the sound, her gaze calm but curious. ”...Is something happening?”

She asked, her voice light but tinged with quiet authority.

Quan Lingshu, who had been accompanying her to the gates, looked momentarily startled-then quickly understood what she referred to. ”Ah! Your Highness mustnʼt have heard about our clanʼs competition. Today happens to be the opening of our annual Young Scions Gathering-a friendly contest among the younger generation of the Quan Family. It is a long-standing tradition meant to encourage growth and unity among our disciples.”

His tone carried faint pride.

Seeing this as a chance to mend the earlier tension-or at least display the clanʼs prosperity before the Princess-Quan Lingshu added eagerly. ”If Your Highness is not pressed for time, it would be our greatest honor to have you witness the competition. It would surely inspire our youths to know that the Princess herself watched their display of talent!”

Princess Sun Yaoqing shook her head.

She had little interest in the small spectacles of the Quan Clan.

Moreover, she canʼt have esteem Bai Clan waiting for more than needed. She already felt guilty for taking their time for her request. ”It seems interesting,” Bai Zihan intervened, eyes half-lidded, a faint glint of amusement flickering within them. ”Since we are here, we might as well take a look.”

He hadnʼt thought deeply about it-only that the excitement in the air might mean there were some noteworthy individuals worth observing.

If it proved otherwise, he could always leave whenever he desired.

The Princess glanced sideways at him, surprise flickering in her usually composed gaze.

Since Bai Zihan was interested and was in no hurry to rush to the Royal Palace, she had no reason to object.

She exhaled softly and nodded. ”Very well. Lead the way, Patriarch Quan!”

Quan Lingshuʼs expression brightened at once. ”An honor beyond measure,

Your Highness!”

He declared, bowing deeply-but from the corner of his eye, he regarded Bai Zihan with renewed curiosity.

Earlier, he had barely paid attention to the quiet young man beside the Princess, assuming him to be a retainer or a guard of noble birth.

But now, watching how even Princess Sun Yaoqingʼs decision shifted with his words, curiosity stirred within him.

There was no way this youth was an ordinary noble-he had spoken contrary to the Princess, and she had agreed.

It was clear his status was comparable to hers, perhaps even greater.

As they walked, Quan Lingshu ventured carefully, his voice low and respectful. ”If I may be so bold to ask, Your Highness... this distinguished guest accompanying you-might I know whom we have the honor of welcoming?” His tone carried the perfect balance of deference and intrigue-befitting a man who suddenly suspected the youth before him was far more than he appeared.

Princess Sun Yaoqing did not pause long before answering. Her tone remained calm and even, but there was a subtle shift-just enough to make the introduction feel deliberate. ”He is Young Master Bai Zihan,” she said. ”Heir of the Bai Clan of the Desolate Heaven Empire. You must have heard of him, Patriarch Quan.”

Quan Lingshu froze mid-step.

For a heartbeat, he thought he had misheard. But when he saw the faint smile on Bai Zihanʼs lips and the serene expression of the Princess, the truth struck like thunder.

His composure cracked-just slightly-but to a man seasoned in diplomacy, that was already saying much. ”Of... of course I have heard of the esteemed Young Master Bai!”

He said quickly, forcing a smile that trembled at the edges. ”The Bai Clan of the Desolate Heaven Empire is known throughout the continent for its unmatched heritage and power. I did not expect that such a distinguished guest would grace our humble city.”

He bowed again, deeper than before, his hands almost trembling as he clasped them before his chest.

To think the heir of the Bai Clan-one of the ancient, unfathomably powerful families said to rival their entire empire-was here, it was beyond anything he could have imagined.

Inside, his mind churned in disbelief and awe. (So thatʼs who he is... No wonder even Her Highness listened to him.)

In terms of status, Bai Zihan status was way higher than a Princess of the

Falling Star Empire.

After all, the value of oneʼs status depends on their backer-and in terms of power between the Falling Star Empire and the Bai Clan, the Bai Clan was the clear winner.

Quan Lingshuʼs pulse quickened. Fear and opportunity warred within him. (If I can form even the slightest connection with Bai Zihan, then even the Royal

Family wouldnʼt be able to touch me.)

His expression smoothed into one of reverence and composure, concealing the greed and calculation that had begun to stir beneath. ”Truly, this is an honor unlike any other,” he said smoothly. ”Young Master Bai, please permit my clan the privilege of offering our hospitality in full measure. If there is anything the Quan Family can provide during your stay in the Falling Star Empire, we will do so without reservation.”

Bai Zihan only gave a faint, indifferent nod, as though such deference were expected-no more than a passing breeze.

Quan Lingshuʼs eyes gleamed briefly, though he quickly hid it beneath a courteous smile.

What had begun as a disastrous royal visit was now turning into a golden opportunity for them to rise.

The grand arena of the Quan Clan was alive with energy.

Rows upon rows of disciples filled the viewing stands, their excited chatter creating a wave of sound that echoed beneath the high, open sky. The air shimmered faintly with spiritual energy-young cultivators had been clashing since morning, their duels leaving the stage marred with shallow cracks and residual qi.

At the highest platform overlooking the entire arena sat Quan Lingshu, flanked by Princess Sun Yaoqing and Bai Zihan.

It was a seat usually reserved for the Patriarch alone, but today, even the most senior elders stood respectfully to the side.

Servants hurried quietly behind them, setting tea and light refreshments, though none dared make unnecessary noise.

As the three figures appeared at the dais, murmurs rippled through the crowd like wildfire. ”The Patriarch himself has come!” ”Wait-whoʼs beside him? That woman... thatʼs Princess Sun Yaoqing!” ”The Princess? Here? Watching our competition?”

Cheers erupted, the younger disciples practically glowing with excitement. To be seen by the Princess of the Empire was already a glory few could imagine.

As for Bai Zihan, nobody recognized him nor they cared since Princess Sun Yaoqing was here.

Below, on the wide expanse of the arena, multiple battles were unfolding at once.

The air thrummed with spiritual energy-waves of heat, lightning, and sword qi intermingling as cultivators clashed across the numerous platforms.

Dust and sparks danced in the air, the roar of combat blending with cheers and gasps from the spectators.

Some duels were already at their peak, fierce exchanges shaking the reinforced stages, while others were just beginning-disciples bowing, summoning their weapons, or measuring one another with sharp, calculating eyes.

Among them, one particular youth stood out-not because of power, but because of his loud, unrestrained excitement. ”Hahaha! Who couldʼve imagined that Princess Sun herself would come here to watch me fight?”

He boasted, voice rising above the surrounding noise.

His grin stretched wide, arrogance dripping from every word. ”Not only did I draw such a weak opponent, but I also got the chance to show off before royalty. Looks like my moment of glory has finally arrived!”

A few nearby disciples laughed along, either out of flattery or mockery-it was hard to tell which.

The youth, however, paid them no mind. His self-satisfaction was absolute, his spiritual aura already flaring as if the fight were decided before it began. Across from him stood his opponent-a lean figure, hands resting calmly at his sides.

He neither smiled nor reacted to the provocation. He was simply focused on one thing and that was victory.

He was Chong Sheng!