[{"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-487":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},60245,84,"Chapter 487 Foolish Decision","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-487",487,"\u003Cp>Across the hall-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianhong's fingers tightened imperceptibly within his sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(Idiot!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The word echoed sharply within his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had thought this would be a good opportunity to bring down the Bai Clan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything had been aligned perfectly-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Until that mirror lit up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With such clear-cut evidence laid bare before the entire court, if he dared to continue supporting Wen Haoyu, suspicion would inevitably fall upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kidnapping and experimenting on children. There was grave consequence for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he spoke now in Wen Haoyu's defense-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many might even suspect that the Li Clan was involved with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianhong slowly exhaled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The opportunity to bring down the Bai Clan was tempting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after this revelation-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Continuing to support Wen Haoyu wouldn't just be bad, it would be utterly\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wutian's thoughts were strikingly similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no point in helping Wen Haoyu, and doing so would be equivalent to digging one's own grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court's sentiment had shifted completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moral high ground now stood firmly beneath Bai Zihan's feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To oppose him here-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was to oppose public righteousness itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wutian's jaw tightened faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu was finished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no salvaging him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No turning this around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only sensible course-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was to distance themselves completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the hall-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu was still speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still grasping at threads that no longer existed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This recording must have been altered-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The children could have been placed there by the Bai Clan-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is a conspiracy-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one responded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one backed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The silence he once commanded now swallowed him whole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Li Jianhong did not look at him anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wutian stood still as a statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Emperor-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remained seated upon the dragon throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a faint shadow of disappointment flickered across his otherwise unreadable face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not a disappointment for Wen Haoyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But disappointment at the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been meant to curb Bai Zihan's growing influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To remind the Bai Clan of Imperial authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had turned into a spectacle exposing rot beneath the Empire's nose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the Bai Clan would be revered as the hero who helped expose such rot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone has witnessed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court had witnessed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sect leaders had witnessed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he attempted to suppress this matter-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then even as the Emperor, many would question his decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall quieted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze descended upon Wen Haoyu coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wen Haoyu,\" the Emperor said calmly, though the weight in his tone was\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>immense, \"the evidence presented today is grave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stand accused not only of deceiving this Court, but of overseeing crimes\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>that shake the foundation of the Empire.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Explain yourself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu's knees trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, I-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could he say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation,\" the Emperor continued evenly, \"then the Azure Sun Holy Sect shall be punished and dissolved under\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial decree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And you will face the highest punishment under Imperial law.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu's face drained of what little color remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Highest punishment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That would mean his execution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His thoughts spun wildly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He definitely could not admit it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not deny it convincingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not overturn the evidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he had to survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to separate himself from the crime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, his expression shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then grief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty!\" he cried, forcing hoarseness into his tone. \"I... I had no\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>knowledge of such atrocities!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gasps rose faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I swear upon my Dao-I was unaware!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dropped to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If such things truly occurred within the Azure Sun Holy Sect... then I have\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>been deceived!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tremor entered his voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It must have been the Grand Elder... or certain elders abusing authority in\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>secret!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his fists dramatically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will investigate personally! I will uncover the culprits and present them to the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Imperial Court!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He lowered his head deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If there are traitors within my Sect... I will purge them myself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell into uneasy murmurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many scoff at the audacity of Wen Haoyu, still trying to feign ignorance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under normal circumstances-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such blatant shifting of blame would have been laughed out of the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Sect Leader claiming ignorance of underground chambers within his own\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>territory?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Absurd!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor did not immediately rebuke him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze remained unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind that calm expression, calculations moved swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Sun Holy Sect was not small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also one of the major pillars within the Li-Zhao sphere of influence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it collapsed entirely-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The balance between factions would tilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And who would benefit most?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Bai Clan! After today's events, Bai Zihan's prestige had already surged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Azure Sun were erased outright-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Li-Zhao alliance would weaken significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor could not allow any single power to rise unchecked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slowly-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He gave a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very well!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall stirred with confusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was the Emperor truly this foolish?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was certain that Wen Haoyu was the biggest culprit, and now the Emperor\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>wanted the criminal to investigate his own crime?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu, on the other hand, was first surprised, then filled with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt that being on the Emperor's side was indeed advantageous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even when he was caught committing such crimes, he could still wiggle his way\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu knew well why the Emperor was making such a decision, even though it would be questioned by many people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, despite righteousness, in the end, it was authority that mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he and the Azure Sun Holy Sect were to be dismantled, it would only help his\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>enemies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You will be granted a period of investigation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple passed through the gathered leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it is proven that certain elders acted without your knowledge, and you bring\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the culprits before this Court-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes sharpened. \"Then leniency may be considered.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu kowtowed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Your Majesty! I will not fail! I will definitely bring those culprits!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the hall-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Jianhong's gaze flickered subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Wutian's shoulders eased by the slightest margin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was good for them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Azure Sun might lose a few sacrificial pieces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Sect itself could survive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew that finding a scapegoat was fairly easy, and even if they couldn't\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>accomplish their original goal, it was good enough if their alliance didn't suffer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty-\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chu Xing was obviously not going to let that happen. However, the Emperor\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>raised his hand before he could even protest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I know your concern. However, we cannot fully be certain who is behind this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Haoyu knows well about the Azure Sun Holy Sect and should be able to\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>find those involved.\"\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We can't punish the innocents as well. Giving Wen Haoyu a second chance is\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>also a kind of redemption for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the Emperor had already made up his mind, others could not raise\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>their voices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of the court-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan was holding back his laughter but in the end couldn't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amidst the silence, one person laughed hysterically-and that too before the\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor obviously did not like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zihan, you have something to say about my decision?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor asked with a stern expression. \"Of course! Who would agree with your foolish decision?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan blatantly insulted the Emperor before everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zihan, how dare you!\" \"Watch your mouth!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bai Zihan, apologize immediately!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several ministers stood up in anger. Even if the Emperor made a mistake or bad\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>decision, it wasn't the time for someone like Bai Zihan to insult him publicly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But obviously, Bai Zihan didn't give a damn about them and ignored them\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor frowned and was visibly fuming with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he be insulted by a teenager in his own Empire?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor's eyes darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have tolerated you long enough, Bai Zihan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was no longer merely stern-it carried the unmistakable edge of\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>imperial authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You stand in my court. Before my throne. And yet you dare insult my decision\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>openly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A suffocating pressure descended from the dragon platform, spiritual might\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>rolling outward like a gathering storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is direct disrespect to the throne.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One more and you will face punishment. There won't be a second chance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the ministers who had shouted moments ago felt their hearts tighten. The\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor was truly angered this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the center of that oppressive aura-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan showed no concern whatsoever.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He smirked, almost amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Punished?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not even bother responding to that threat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he tilted his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whatever,\" he said casually, as if discussing something trivial, \"there's no need\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>for an investigation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ripple of confusion passed through the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor's brows knit together. \"What do you mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Zihan's smile widened faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've already done it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone could process his words-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He snapped his fingers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doors of the Imperial Court opened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ren entered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere shifted the moment he stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Emperor's face darkened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who allowed him to enter without my permission?!\" His voice thundered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial guards stationed at the entrance stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweat formed on their foreheads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Allowed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they stop someone like Bai Ren?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they tried-\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they still be standing?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The guards lowered their heads in silence, caught in an impossible position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bai Ren, however, appeared completely unbothered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked forward at an unhurried pace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Offering a shallow nod-not quite a bow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty,\" he said evenly, \"relax.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The casual tone caused several ministers to inhale sharply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'm here for a reason!\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1623,"2026-05-28T18:17:14.492Z","2026-06-01T04:28:34.960Z",1,"novelbin.me","95d4ee7385e35354143c720d03c4b425a33993c5d62c835815231586ff57acdb","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-488","turns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-chapter-486",580,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fturns-out-i-m-in-a-villain-clan-cover.jpg"]