[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan":3,"chapter-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-208":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},60416,84,"Chapter 208: The Royal Proposal","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-208",208,"\u003Cp>Just as the last elder of Bai Clan stepped back, a tall figure in regal purple robes approached, his posture upright and his eyes carrying a noble sharpness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Prince of the Desolate Heaven Empire, Yu Wenzhao, exuded a calm and composed aura—one befitting imperial blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips curled into a polite smile as he stopped before Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Happy birthday, Young Master Bai!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said, offering a long, narrow case made of dark ironwood, etched with cloud patterns and the royal crest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is but a token of appreciation from me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan accepted it calmly and opened the case.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside rested a finely forged Low Earth-grade sword, its blade sheathed in a deep blue scabbard, subtle runes flickering along the surface like flowing water under moonlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao gestured toward it lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The sword is named Clearflow. Forged in the inner halls of the Imperial Arsenal and tempered with glacial steel from the Northern Abyss.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd murmured once again. This item was very rare and very precious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could even be an heirloom of some medium clan but to Bai Zihan, it was one of the least exciting gifts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having Heaven-Grade Sword, what’s the use of Low Earth-Grade Sword?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But of course, the people at the party would be shocked because Earth-Grade Artifacts are still valuable to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for what they had already seen, this gift could have caused a big commotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it wasn’t normal for a prince to give such a thing to someone else—it was usually the other way around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao was a bit disappointed, as he had thought his gift would be the best among all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had greatly underestimated the Bai Clan—especially Mu Yuelan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, it was still among the most valuable gifts, and he thought Bai Zihan would appreciate it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But of course, there wasn’t much change in Bai Zihan’s expression—almost as if he were looking at some trash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I thank Your Highness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan still thanked him politely. But no one could tell whether the gift had made any impression on him at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao’s eyes narrowed slightly at Bai Zihan’s composed reaction. He leaned in ever so slightly, lowering his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The court watches the rise of dragons. There are many who would rather fear than support you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled faintly—like a blade hidden behind silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But not me. The Empire needs true pillars—those who don’t just shine, but hold the heavens up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A veiled proposition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle rope extended in the form of flattery and promise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could say more, Bai Zihan tilted his head slightly, as though confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the sword again, then at the prince.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Empire truly spares no effort in craftsmanship,\" he said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To receive something forged from the Imperial Arsenal is... an honor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao’s smile stiffened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had carefully woven his words to hint at an alliance—flattery, veiled loyalty, subtle positioning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Bai Zihan responded like he hadn’t heard a thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still polite, but utterly noncommittal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tried again, voice a shade deeper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zihan,\" he said, \"what I mean is, the time will come when men of vision must stand together. Gifts are but gestures. What matters is understanding one another.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan blinked once, brows drawing together in apparent puzzlement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah,\" he said slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"\"So... Your Highness means that... We share the same appreciation for craftsmanship?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no malice in his tone—only sincere confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or rather, perfectly feigned confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao’s jaw tightened, but he kept his smile in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd didn’t notice much, but to the prince, it was clear: this brat was mocking him—politely, carefully, but unmistakably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Right,\" Yu Wenzhao said after a pause. \"May it serve you well.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for a further response, he turned sharply and walked off, his sleeves billowing with restrained irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew that Bai Zihan wasn’t an idiot and was deliberately avoiding the topic, which could only mean one thing—he had no interest in forming an alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Wenzhao might have acted out, if not for being in the Bai Clan’s territory—with so many eyes watching him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few sharp-eyed elders noticed the Third Prince’s clenched fist as he passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the tension began to settle, a delicate hush fell over the courtyard—a subtle shift in the wind, as though even the air sensed a new presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From among the guests, a figure stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clad in flowing lavender silk that shimmered like moonlight on still water, Yu Qingya, the Fourth Princess of the Empire, entered with quiet grace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze was calm, her expression unreadable—beautiful, but distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not even glance at her brother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her steps were light, each one measured with imperial poise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the Third Prince’s performative confidence, hers was effortless—etched into every gesture, every breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stopped before Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Happy birthday, Bai Zihan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She said, her tone soft but cool—like porcelain kissed by frost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her hands, she held a long, rectangular box tied with a golden ribbon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a rare spirit armor. Qi-sealed, woven with starlight silk. Top Earth-grade. It can endure the strikes of even a Great Ascension cultivator.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps rippled through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gift clearly outshone the Third Prince’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone could tell that the prince and princess were serious about trying to win Bai Zihan to their side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, they wouldn’t have dared to spend so much on a single person.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Third Prince glanced at Yu Qingya with anger and frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only had he failed, but now his gift was overshadowed by his sister’s—a blow to his pride that made him appear inferior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan accepted the box with both hands and gave a slight bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Your Highness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was polite and composed—neither cold nor welcoming. Just perfectly balanced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Qingya’s gaze lingered on him, eyes as calm as deep water. Her fan opened with a faint flick, and she leaned in—not too close, but close enough to signal intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But even armor blessed by starlight,\" she murmured, \"cannot shield one from all dangers.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes gleamed with something subtle. Then, in a voice only a few nearby could catch, she added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what if you are married to a Princess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps spread like ripples across still water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many of the gathered nobles, elders, and envoys froze in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An imperial proposal!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Qingya had just offered herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, she had offered the Bai Clan an unshakable alliance with the Imperial Family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A future secured by marriage and imperial blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even some of the older Bai Clan elders, who had remained passive through the previous exchanges, shifted in their seats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some straightened. Some furrowed their brows. Some... smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They understood what was being placed on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Security!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, that would also mean getting invovled in succession war which they don’t want.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And there was also a fact that Bai Zihan was already engaged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Qingya’s gaze never wavered. Her voice, though cool, was firm with intention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zihan,\" she said softly, \"join me, and the Bai Clan will never stand alone again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She glanced once—just once—toward Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her meaning was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan’s face paled. Her fingers curled slightly into the silk of her sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had always known others desired Bai Zihan. After all, his reputation was completely different than when she was engaged to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her title as his fiancée kept many away, but it was clearly not enough to deter someone like a princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be so thoroughly dismissed—to be ignored as though she didn’t even exist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The humiliation bit deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was obviously angered but she forced a calm expression. She looked toward Bai Zihan, uncertain, expectant... afraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Bai Zihan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A warm, gentle smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then turned slightly—just enough for the crowd to see—and reached out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a swift, casual motion, he took Chu Ziyan’s hand in his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness,\" he said lightly, \"this one is flattered beyond words. Truly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to face Yu Qingya fully now, still holding Chu Ziyan’s hand as if it were the most natural thing in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I’m afraid the position beside me has already been claimed... by my beautiful fiancée.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then a deeper silence than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan blinked in shock, her lips parting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t expected him to say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Certainly not with that tone—warm, teasing, real.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her heart pounded wildly in her chest, and her face flushed deep red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(I almost fell for it—)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She thought. It is clear that Bai Zihan was using her to reject the princess, though she can’t deny that she felt a bit happy when he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Qingya’s eyes narrowed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her gaze to Chu Ziyan, expression as smooth as ice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"An engagement,\" she said softly, \"is a matter of the past. It can be broken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She took a graceful step forward, gaze cutting through the space between them like a sword sheathed in silk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I offer more than affection or beauty. Something no other girl can.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was clearly suggesting the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should consider it seriously, Young Master Bai Zihan. And give me a proper answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, she turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No theatrics. No lingering glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She simply walked away—flowing like moonlight through a field of trembling grass, vanishing back into the noble court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But her presence lingered. Pressing. Heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elders whispered. The guest took mental notes. The young nobles stared in awe and envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Bai Zihan?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood calmly in the courtyard, holding a flustered Chu Ziyan’s hand, as though he hadn’t just refused the Fourth Princess of the Empire.\u003C\u002Fp>",1622,"2026-05-28T18:17:14.491Z","2026-06-01T04:28:34.960Z",1,"novelbin.me","0c5e3847c5f0b11fccfe41c0ee7e64af480d412d1efc18790f86360791d6f26a","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-209","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-207",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fturns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-cover.jpg"]