[{"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-438":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},60496,84,"Chapter 438: The Ninth Princess’s Mask","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-438",438,"\u003Cp>\"Very well! If that will make you give up on Zihan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan said without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice rang clear and firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She stepped forward, her posture straight, her expression calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor was it the desire to bully someone weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In her eyes, Yu Feiyan was nothing more than a spoiled princess who had never been told no—someone who needed a firm answer she couldn’t twist with words or charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if a battle was what it took to make her retreat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then so be it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, it was Yu Feiyan herself who dared to challenge her—and that too with Bai Zihan on the line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Yu Feiyan to take things this far, Chu Ziyan understood that Yu Feiyan was not going to give up easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall erupted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?! Princess Yu is challenging Chu Ziyan?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is absurd! Princess Yu is only in the Nascent Soul Realm!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why would the Princess even suggest such a battle?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She’s bound to lose—what kind of decision is this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Controlled laughter rippled through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone present, the outcome was obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan was stronger in almost everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Be it cultivation realm, techniques, or experience, Chu Ziyan was far superior to Princess Yu Feiyan, who had been sheltered and protected since youth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This fight would end in moments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even shook their heads in pity at Yu Feiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Bai Zihan felt none of that ease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even for a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart sank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They didn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To them, Yu Feiyan was a Nascent Soul cultivator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was a monster wearing innocent smiles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had the highest cultivation among anyone here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was also more than two hundred years old, so there was no need to even discuss experience—and not to mention, she had already used a Saint-Grade technique on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it was certain that she knew higher-grade techniques than almost everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was definitely a battle that would end in a moment—but the victor would definitely not be Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lingxiao’s lips curved ever so slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(As expected!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her taking the identity of the fragile Ninth Princess, there was no one who thought she would win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So naturally, she had already expected Chu Ziyan to accept—especially since she was going after her fiancée.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew Chu Ziyan would want to prove that she was more worthy than herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ninth Princess had challenged, and Chu Ziyan had accepted. Everyone knew what was coming next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was time for their agreement—and the duel—to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could move—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enough!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood between Chu Ziyan and Yu Feiyan, his expression resolute, his aura steady but unyielding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is unnecessary,\" he said flatly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned slightly, looking at Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze softened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My heart is already set on Chu Ziyan,\" Bai Zihan declared calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So no matter the outcome of any battle—my decision will not change.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of murmurs swept through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To outsiders—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded like devotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a man publicly declaring his love, refusing to be swayed by anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even felt moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan’s thoughts were ice-cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This isn’t a duel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s a trap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter who stood here—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Grand Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone in this room—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>None of them could win against Qin Lingxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had deliberately provoked Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offered a challenge that looked like certainty—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only to lead her straight toward inevitability.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Bai Zihan would not allow it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze snapped to Yu Feiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Princess—let’s ends here!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lingxiao’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she thought things would return to their track, Bai Zihan disrupted her again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, silence reigned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Yu Feiyan smiled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if Bai Zihan’s interruption had merely amused her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Young Master Bai interfere?\" she asked softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned her gaze to Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is between two women,\" Yu Feiyan continued, her voice gentle yet resolute, \"who wish to prove who truly deserves Young Master Bai’s heart.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple ran through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some nodded unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some leaned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Romantic rivalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A duel of affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sounded... reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan felt a surge of revulsion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The single word was sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze locked onto Yu Feiyan, cold and unwavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You misunderstand something, Princess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not raise his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet every word cut cleanly through the murmurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I did not fall in love with Chu Ziyan because of her cultivation, her talent, or her background.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan’s eyes widened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan continued, his tone calm but absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And I will not choose a woman based on power, status, or who can defeat whom.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned fully toward Yu Feiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I am grateful for the favorable feelings the Ninth Princess holds toward me,\" he said formally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But I cannot—will not—reciprocate them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall grew deathly still.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Feelings are not trophies to be claimed,\" Bai Zihan said coldly. \"Nor are they prizes to be fought over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words landed heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feiyan’s smile stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And most importantly,\" he said, sweeping his gaze across the hall, \"this is a day of honor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A celebration for the heroes of the Northern Battlefield.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To turn it into a farce over personal obsession is disrespectful—to the fallen, to the living, and to everyone who sacrificed themselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most nodded. Indeed, what Bai Zihan said was reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan’s eyes returned to Yu Feiyan one last time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, Princess,\" he said plainly, \"this matter ends here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan did not wait for a response from Yu Feiyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned and faced the imperial throne directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cupped his fist, his posture straight despite the faint stiffness in his movements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor’s gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan spoke calmly, without resentment or grievance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior has already received the rewards bestowed for the Northern Battlefield,\" he said evenly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The merit, the treasures, the recognition—I accept them with gratitude.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall listened, breath held.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But as for matters beyond that,\" Bai Zihan continued, his voice steady, \"this junior will have to decline!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lifted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A wave of shock swept through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned to the Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor studied Bai Zihan for a long moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A quiet, weary sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" the Emperor said at last, nodding slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no anger in his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only acceptance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This matter... is not something I can force. Since you have already set your heart on someone then what can I do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple ran through the ministers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan had refused—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Emperor had allowed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because he wished to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But because he could not do otherwise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even crippled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even withdrawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even standing there with damaged meridians and a future clouded by uncertainty—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan was still Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things always went the way he wanted and today was no different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan cupped his fists once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior thanks Your Majesty for your understanding.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was calm, steady—neither triumphant nor resentful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor waved a hand lightly, as if dismissing not Bai Zihan, but the matter itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go,\" he said. \"Take care of your health.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan bowed deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not look at Yu Feiyan again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out, his hand closing around Chu Ziyan’s wrist as naturally as if it had always belonged there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let’s leave,\" he said quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no room for refusal in his tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Chu Ziyan... didn’t refuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan stiffened for half a breath—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She nodded faintly and followed without resistance, the faintest trace of warmth blooming on her cheeks despite her composed expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two walked side by side through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd parted instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some gazes were filled with awe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some with disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some with complicated envy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crippled hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rejected imperial marriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman willingly followed him without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could decide which part was more shocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feiyan remained where she stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her posture unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But deep within her eyes, something cold shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not humiliation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Interest!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Bai Zihan walked, his senses remained stretched to their limit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not look back openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the corner of his vision, from the faint shifts in Qi and intent, he quietly observed Qin Lingxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feiyan stood where she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even the faintest ripple of killing intent appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan’s grip on Chu Ziyan tightened imperceptibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(If she wanted to act...)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew the truth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lingxiao did not need a sneak attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not need schemes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She did not need excuses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she wished to kill him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would already be dead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Right here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surrounded by emperors, elders, and heroes alike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And none of them would be able to stop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least, Bai Zihan realized that Qin Lingxiao has no intention of throwing away her mask, not yet.\u003C\u002Fp>",1522,"2026-05-28T18:17:14.491Z","2026-06-01T04:28:34.960Z",1,"novelbin.me","881cde418bd1ddcbdb687fc8e4a955863a540e398f7b0eebd96967780ab78726","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-439","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-437",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fturns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-cover.jpg"]