Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 483 Imperial Court Convenes

The Imperial Court of the Desolate Heaven Empire had not seen such a gathering in years.

Golden pillars carved with coiling dragon motifs rose toward the vaulted ceiling. Vast curtains of crimson silk draped behind the throne platform.

The air itself felt heavy-thick with suppressed auras and restrained hostility. Today was no ordinary court session.

Today was judgment day for the Bai Clan.

One by one, the most powerful figures of the Empire took their places.

The Clan Leader of the Li Clan, Li Jianhong, stood near the front, robes embroidered with silver qilin patterns.

His expression was stern, his eyes sharp with undisguised anticipation.

Not far from him stood the Zhao Clan Leader, Zhao Wutian, hands folded within wide sleeves, his gaze calm but cold.

The Sect Leader of the Heaven Sword Sect, Han Sha, was also present. It was clear-

They had not come merely to observe.

They had come to ensure that the Bai Clan would not walk away untouched. Not only those from the side of the Bai Clanʼs enemies were present, but also those from their own side, including the Chu Clan Leader, Chu Xing.

Today, the Imperial Family was determined to make the Bai Clan and its alliance understand that no one was above the law.

Perhaps it was also to show exactly what kind of clan the Bai Clan was-and to divide their alliance.

At the very top of the hall, upon the elevated dragon throne, sat the Emperor of the Desolate Heaven Empire.

His expression was mildly irritated.

The reason was obvious to everyone present.

One party still remained absent.

The Bai Clan-the ones to be judged.

A faint murmur rippled through the hall.

Li Jianhongʼs brows furrowed. ”What is Bai Tianheng doing?” he said coldly. ”Does he intend to make us wait forever?”

Zhao Wutian glanced toward the throne before speaking evenly. ”To make even His Majesty wait... does the Bai Clan believe itself above the Empire?”

While he said those words, he was smiling inwardly.

The more the Bai Clan behaved this way, the more they would estrange themselves from the Imperial Family-which was good for him.

Many nodded in agreement.

Of course-

There was still time.

The official session had not yet begun.

One minute remained.

But when summoned by the Emperor, one should arrive early-not at the final second.

Especially not when standing accused.

A court official stepped forward and struck the ceremonial staff lightly against the floor.

The sound echoed. ”Court will begin in one minute.”

The murmurs grew louder. ”Arrogant.” ”Presumptuous.” ”If they do not arrive, it will be considered defiance.” ”Declining an Imperial Summons is rebellion.”

The air grew colder.

Thirty seconds remained.

Twenty-nine.

Twenty-eight.

Li Jianhong folded his arms. ”Let us see whether Bai Tianheng dares not to appear.”

Twenty seconds.

The tension thickened. ”Perhaps they realized their guilt.” ”Or perhaps they fear facing the Emperor.”

Fifteen seconds.

Ten seconds.

A few peopleʼs lips curved faintly.

Li Jianhongʼs gaze sharpened. ”If they do not arrive-”

Four... Three... Two-

Thud!

The sound was not loud.

But in the silent hall, it struck like a falling mountain.

The massive court doors swung open.

Every head turned.

Golden light from outside filtered in briefly before a figure stepped across the threshold.

Bai Zihan!

He walked forward unhurriedly.

Each step echoed softly against the polished floor.

No guards accompanied him.

No elders followed.

No Bai Tianheng.

He came alone.

A ripple of surprise passed through the gathered powers.

Li Jianhongʼs eyes narrowed immediately. ”Where is Bai Tianheng?”

He demanded.

Bai Zihan did not even glance at him and completely ignored his question. It was not as if he was required to answer him. ”YOU!”

Li Jianhong could not hold his anger. Even a young Bai Clan heir was blatantly ignoring him.

Bai Zihan walked to the center of the court floor.

His eyes met the Emperorʼs.

The entire hall felt it-

That subtle, oppressive aura surrounding him.

He appeared to be a youth before them, yet the pressure he exuded was that of a Clan Leader of a top-tier clan.

Li Jianhongʼs expression darkened. ”The Bai Clan dares send a mere fledgling? It seems the Bai Clan is looking down on the Imperial Court.”

He said coldly.

This time, Bai Zihan glanced at him briefly.

His gaze was indifferent. ”For such small matters, why would our Clan Leader need to come here? I am more than enough!”

The simple reply stirred the hall once more.

Arrogance!

Unmistakable arrogance.

Not to mention, it was blatantly dismissive of the Emperor who had summoned

Bai Tianheng.

Although Bai Zihan had come, was that enough?

Obviously not-when every sect and clan had sent their leaders and even the Emperor himself was presiding over the matter.

Yet the one being accused of breaking the law had not even sent their leader.

That meant the Bai Clan was looking down on everyone present-including the

Emperor. ”The Imperial Court now convenes!”

The Court Official declared, despite being mildly irritated by the Bai Clanʼs arrogance.

Since it was time, they had to proceed with procedures.

Silence fell instantly.

All eyes shifted toward the dragon throne.

The Emperorʼs gaze rested on Bai Zihan. ”Where is the Bai Clan Leader?”

The Emperor asked solemnly. ”My father remains within the clan attending to more important matters.”

A faint stir spread through the hall.

The implication was clear. This session with the Emperor was less important than whatever Bai Tianheng was doing.

The Emperor immediately frowned.

Bai Zihan seemed to have no intention of hiding it-his words clearly carried a hint of disregard for the throne.

No!

He was deliberately implying it.

The Emperorʼs eyes narrowed slightly.

His voice, when he spoke again, was calm-but the pressure behind it deepened. ”Can you represent the Bai Clan and accept todayʼs result?”

The question was simple.

But everyone understood its weight.

If Bai Zihan answered yes, then whatever judgment fell today—punishment, reparations, or condemnation-would bind the entire Bai Clan. Hundreds of gazes locked onto him.

Bai Zihan stood straight beneath the dragon throne. ”If the result is fair and reasonable,” he replied evenly, ”why not?”

The hall froze.

It was subtle.

But not subtle enough.

Zhao Wutianʼs eyes flickered faintly.

Fair and reasonable?

The implication hung heavily in the air.

If the result was fair, the Bai Clan would accept it.

If not-

Then what?

Moreover, he was implying that the Imperial Court isnʼt always fair and reasonable.

The Emperorʼs expression darkened slightly.

It was not open defiance.

But it was unmistakably a line drawn.

Bai Zihan was not here to plead. For a brief moment, the Emperor said nothing.

Bai Zihan was obviously not going to accept anything from the Emperor.

When the Li and Zhao Clans had invaded the Bai Clan under the pretense that

Bai Xueqing had seized the Immortal Emperorʼs Inheritance...

The Imperial Family had not intervened.

They had not condemned them.

They had not summoned a court to question their action.

They had even shown signs of willingness to participate. After all-

An Immortal Emperorʼs Inheritance was no small matter.

In the cultivation world, strength dictated morality.

The Empire had not acted then because Bai Xueqing was taken away by Flowing Moon Sect.

Moreover, now that they were effectively aligned with the Li-Zhao Alliance, he did not expect anything beyond an attempt to punish the Bai Clan-whether they were in the right or not.

So Bai Zihan did not expect justice now.

He had come for one reason only-

To see what justification they would construct.

And to respond accordingly. The Emperor exhaled slowly. ”Since you claim to represent the Bai Clan,” he said, ”then this court shall proceed.”

A court official struck the ceremonial staff. ”Bring forth the Azure Sun Holy Sect Leader!”

The massive doors opened once more. Footsteps echoed across the polished stone floor.

Wen Haoyu entered.

He wore formal sect robes, though his complexion was slightly pale. His eyes flickered briefly toward Bai Zihan.

For the briefest moment-

A trace of fear surfaced. Then it vanished.

Replaced by indignation.

He stepped forward and bowed deeply toward the throne. ”This humble sect leader greets Your Majesty.” ”Rise,” the Emperor said.

Wen Haoyu straightened and turned slightly so that his voice carried clearly across the hall. ”Your Majesty, honored leaders,” he began solemnly, ”the Azure Sun Holy Sect has served the Empire faithfully for generations. We have abided by Imperial law and upheld sect conduct.”

He paused deliberately.

Then his tone sharpened. ”But ten days ago, without any justification, the Bai Clan invaded our sect.”

Murmurs rippled through the court. ”They broke through our mountain gates, slaughtered elders, destroyed formations, and seized countless resources.”

His fists clenched. ”Our ancestors were gravely injured. Our disciples perished in large numbers.”

He turned fully toward Bai Zihan. ”And the one who led this invasion-was him.”

All eyes shifted back to Bai Zihan.

Wen Haoyuʼs voice trembled slightly-but whether from anger or something else, no one could tell. ”We had no intention of conflict. Yet he attacked without reason.”

Then he bowed before his majesty. ”Today, I ask the Imperial Court to deliver justice.”