[{"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-440":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},60498,84,"Chapter 440 Beauty Beneath a Mask","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-440",440,"\u003Cp>The Emperor did not remain long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shortly after the first cups of wine were poured and the musicians began tuning their instruments, a senior eunuch stepped forward and announced, with practiced solemnity, that His Majesty's old injuries had acted up and that he would be retiring to rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one doubted the reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, it was more unbelievable that the Emperor had been able to stay here without any problems until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the dragon throne was empty, the atmosphere subtly-but decisively- changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension loosened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the celebration truly began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wine flowed freely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spirit fruits were served on jade plates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Music rose in gentle waves, flutes and zithers weaving together-soft enough not to disturb cultivators, yet lively enough to stir the mood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughter appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Voices grew bolder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, Bai Zihan became the center of attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was almost absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sat calmly at a low table near the center of the hall, posture relaxed, expression indifferent-still with Chu Ziyan beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet around him-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Girls gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now they approached one after another, wine cups in hand, smiles carefully practiced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were bold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some were shy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some pretended coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Senior Brother Bai, may I offer a toast?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I heard you once crossed half a battlefield alone-this junior truly admires you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even injured, your aura is still... extraordinary.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan responded with polite nods and minimal words-never rude, but never encouraging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after the public rejection of the Ninth Princess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after his blatant display of affection for Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after the entire empire knew he was \"crippled.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many girls were still after Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The truth was obvious to anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn't about affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't even about Bai Zihan himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was about the Bai Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clan that had surged in strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with all the negativity about Bai Zihan, it was good as long as they could form a strong relationship with the Bai Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so they came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Much to Chu Ziyan's growing displeasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, there was one thing that managed to lift her mood-and that was Bai Zihan being unusually affectionate right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ziyan, have these grapes!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saying that, he fed her personally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan didn't really understand why Bai Zihan was acting this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no Emperor anymore, and he didn't need to keep up the act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan would never normally behave like this, but whatever the reason, she decided to enjoy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan continued his act of affection toward Chu Ziyan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because across the hall-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu Feiyan was watching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lingxiao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She too was surrounded by quite a lot of people-her supporters and those who wished to join her faction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were also people offering marriage to her, especially since she had managed to attract quite a few young men with her earlier attempt to seduce\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She failed in seducing Bai Zihan, but succeeded with many other young men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan still didn't understand who Qin Lingxiao truly was, nor what she\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whatever Qin Lingxiao wanted-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It definitely wasn't good.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>***\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The music swelled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A troupe of dancers stepped into the open space at the center of the hall, sleeves fluttering like drifting clouds, skirts tracing elegant arcs across the jade\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were young and beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft murmurs immediately rose among the gathered cultivators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not bad!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They may not be on the level of Bai Xueqing or the Ninth Princess, but they're\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>definitely top-tier beauties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Mmm... at the very least, they're enough to make this celebration feel\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>worthwhile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancers moved in perfect coordination, their steps light, expressions\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>gentle, eyes shimmering beneath long lashes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their beauty was not overwhelming-but it was inviting. The kind that made\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>people lower their guard without realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the music reached a lively rhythm, the dancers began to separate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One by one, they approached the guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Laughing softly and extending their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master, would you honor this humble one with a dance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha, how could I refuse?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several young masters stood immediately, more than willing to join.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere relaxed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the dancers turned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her gaze swept across the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And stopped at Bai Zihan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the prettiest among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just in face, but in presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were bright, lips curved in a gentle smile, her figure graceful without\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>being overly provocative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She walked toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan noticed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her fingers tightened around her cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer stopped before Bai Zihan and bowed lightly, her voice clear and\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>melodious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Bai,\" she said softly, drawing countless looks, \"hero of the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Desolate Heaven Empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her smile deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This humble one wonders... would you be interested in sharing a dance?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan's expression darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan looked at the dancer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a brief moment, his expression remained unchanged-calm, indifferent,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>almost lazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But inside, his intuition warned him that something was about to happen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He glanced sideways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan was staring at the dancer with poorly concealed hostility, her grip on\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the cup tight enough that the jade creaked faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan weighed the situation quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone was planning something, declining now would only delay it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he had come here precisely because he wanted to find out what the Imperial Family was thinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lingxiao was a variable he hadn't expected to encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, Bai Zihan still needed to figure out the Imperial Family's decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, judging from the Emperor's actions, they wanted to form an alliance\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>with the Bai Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But who knew?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the Imperial Family truly tolerate a clan more powerful and influential\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>than themselves?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well,\" Bai Zihan said calmly, placing his cup down. \"Today is a day of\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>celebration. Declining such a beauty as yourself wouldn't be right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Ziyan's eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before she could stop him, Bai Zihan was already standing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her displeasure was immediate and intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan didn't look at her. Instead, he gently placed a sweet into her palm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eat,\" he said softly. \"I'll be right back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her lips parted, anger and worry colliding-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Bai Zihan had already turned away. Across the hall, Qin Lingxiao's gaze sharpened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She watched the scene with curiosity and interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer's smile brightened as Bai Zihan accepted her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They stepped into the open space as the music shifted, becoming lighter and\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>more playful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding crowd watched with interest. Whispers spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Bai is participating?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like even Bai Zihan couldn't resist beauty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After all that talk about loving Miss Chu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan moved with ease, his steps precise but unhurried. He neither tried to\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>dominate nor blindly follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, everything seemed... normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer's movements were smooth, her breathing steady, her hand light in\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her Qi-if it could even be called that-was almost nonexistent. Weak. Scattered. The kind only mortals possessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the outside, she was nothing more than a talented mortal girl brought in\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>to liven the celebration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was precisely what made Bai Zihan more alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They turned in a gentle circle, sleeves brushing, the music carrying them along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer glanced up at him, curiosity flickering across her delicate features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Bai,\" she asked softly, as if genuinely puzzled, \"is it true what they say?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" Bai Zihan replied lightly. \"Which part?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That you were willing to sacrifice your life,\" she said, voice lowering just a\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>little, \"for a mere servant girl?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around them, several ears subtly perked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan didn't hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"She was worth it,\" he said casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words came easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer froze for a fraction of a heartbeat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then her smile softened, something warm appearing in her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master truly has kind eyes,\" she said. \"To someone like you... even we\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>mortals must look precious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan only smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were being honest, the answer would have been no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even if she changed the question-asking whether cultivators' lives were precious-the answer would still be the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They spun again, slower this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan adjusted his grip, guiding the dance as if he were enjoying himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You dance well,\" he said. \"Where did you learn?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dancer brightened, clearly pleased by the attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the southern provinces,\" she replied smoothly. \"I was born in a small town\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>near the Green River. My parents were entertainers, so I learned early.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her answer flowed naturally. Bai Zihan nodded, as if impressed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Southern provinces?\" he asked lightly. \"That's quite far. You must have traveled\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes,\" she said. \"After my parents passed, I joined a troupe and wandered from\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>place to place until I arrived at the Capital and settled down.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She lowered her gaze at just the right moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan smiled wider.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the outside, it looked like interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like a young master taken in by beauty and tragedy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside, however-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Lie.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not in the story itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Southern Provinces were very far from the Capital, and even riding a\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>horse, it wouldn't be easy to reach it within ten years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yes, there were flying ships-but a girl like her couldn't afford them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was still a chance she traveled slowly over many years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, then her flawless skin was a problem. Someone who traveled constantly\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>wouldn't possibly have such smooth skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, her skin tone was quite different from that of people from the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Southern Provinces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn't expose her. Instead, he chuckled softly. \"Looks like Miss is quite fortunate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1603,"2026-05-28T18:17:14.491Z","2026-06-01T04:28:34.960Z",1,"novelbin.me","9a52dd6599508ce52b2feb666f43d8dcf54c433a22029c7981e3b607ffcfc031","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-441","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-439",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fturns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-cover.jpg"]