Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 325 The Probing of Qi

Quan Lingshuʼs forced laughter faded, but the echo of Bai Zihanʼs words. lingered in the air like a poisonous mist.

Even Princess Sun Yaoqing thought that while Bai Zihan didnʼt have any proof, his words made sense.

After all, for a slave to gain cultivation and then be able to defend against a Core Condensation Realm expert was literally impossible-unless he had some forbidden technique or, like Bai Zihan said, practiced demonic cultivation.

Princess Sun Yaoqing, who had remained quiet so far, finally spoke.

Her tone was calm, but her brows were faintly furrowed. ”Clan Head Quan,” she said softly, ”Young Master Bai raises a fair question. It doesnʼt hurt to be more cautious. Why donʼt you check whether he has practiced Demonic Art or not?”

Her words were diplomatic-neither accusatory nor defensive-but they carried undeniable weight.

Quan Lingshuʼs smile stiffened. (Princess Sun as well?)

He didnʼt dare defy her suggestion outright.

To do so would seem like he was hiding something-or worse, protecting a demonic cultivator under his roof.

His gaze flicked toward Bai Zihan, who remained seated, expression calm and unreadable.

A faint unease stirred in Quan Lingshuʼs chest. ”Of course,” he said smoothly, his tone respectful. ”Young Master Bai and the Princess are right. It would be negligent of me not to verify such an extraordinary case”

Then he stood, his robes sweeping softly against the marble floor. ”Stop the matches immediately!”

He ordered.

The fights that had resumed came to an abrupt halt once again. Dozens of participants froze mid-motion, confusion rippling through the crowd. ”Whatʼs happening?” ”Why did the Clan Leader stop the competition?” ”Did someone break the rules again?”

Speculation spread like wildfire, but before it could grow louder, Quan Lingshu raised his hand. ”Chong Sheng!”

He called, his voice calm but carrying authority that silenced the noise instantly. ”Come forward!”

Chong Sheng, who had been standing silently near the edge of the arena, lifted his head in surprise.

He looked up toward the viewing platform where Quan Lingshu, Princess Sun Yaoqing, and Bai Zihan sat. (What now?)

For a moment, confusion flickered across his eyes-but no fear.

He thought perhaps the Clan Leader wanted to recognize his achievement officially, or even grant him the promised disciple status in front of everyone.

After all, Quan Lingshu had already said he would make him a disciple.

So, he stepped forward without much thought.

Dozens of eyes followed him-some curious, some skeptical, some outright hostile.

He reached the center of the stage and bowed respectfully toward the elevated platform. ”This lowly one greets the Clan Leader and Princess Sun.”

His tone was calm, neither servile nor arrogant.

Quan Lingshu nodded faintly, masking the tension under his composed expression.

He looked toward the two guests, then back at Chong Sheng. ”Raise your head,” Quan Lingshu said, his voice steady but his mind whirling.

Chong Sheng lifted his head obediently, meeting Quan Lingshuʼs gaze.

For a brief moment, the world seemed to still.

The arenaʼs heat, the whispering crowd, the flickering lanterns-everything fell silent as the Clan Leaderʼs spiritual sense swept over the youth.

It was a subtle, invisible wave of pressure-a probing of Qi.

To most, it would have gone unnoticed.

But to Chong Sheng...

A faint chill crept up his spine.

He instantly realized what was happening. (Theyʼre probing me...)

His mind sharpened, cold and calculating.

Outwardly, he remained still, his breathing calm, his expression unflinching.

Inside, however, his thoughts raced with panic. (Did someone notice?)

He was confident that although he cultivated using a demonic technique, as long as he didnʼt deliberately reveal it or use it to its full extent, it would be impossible for anyone to tell it apart from normal Qi.

This was especially true since he was very weak at the moment.

But by the looks of it, Quan Lingshu was suspicious of him and was trying to check his body.

If he succeeded, Chong Shengʼs identity as a demonic cultivator would be exposed. (I need to do something.)

Quan Lingshuʼs spiritual sense was still brushing faintly over Chong Sheng when he suddenly winced.

His face paled slightly, and he clutched his chest as if in pain. ”C-Clan Leader,” he said, voice strained, ”forgive me, but my earlier injuries... they seem to be acting up again. Could the Clan Leader perhaps allow me to rest for a while and report to you later?”

He lowered his head respectfully, masking his rising dread behind a facade of humility. (If I can just step away for a moment...)

But before Quan Lingshu could respond, Bai Zihanʼs calm, melodic voice cut through the air. ”It will only take a few seconds.”

The words carried effortlessly across the arena, light but with an authority that brooked no refusal.

Bai Zihanʼs lips curved faintly as he added, ”Besides, I will personally reward you with a Grade-4 Healing Pill.”

The murmurs that followed were instant-and thunderous. ”Grade-4?!” ”Did he just say Grade-4 Healing Pill?” ”Even those in the top clans canʼt easily obtain one of those!”

Envy flashed in countless eyes.

Even Princess Sun Yaoqingʼs brows rose slightly, a hint of surprise flickering through her calm expression.

Grade-4 pills were rare even in royal stores-treasures used to heal serious wounds or even stabilize oneʼs cultivation foundation.

Her gaze lingered briefly on Bai Zihan.

Quan Lingshu, meanwhile, could barely conceal his admiration. (As expected of the Bai Clanʼs heir... even his gestures are extravagant. If I can earn his favor here, my Quan Clan will rise!)

His resolve hardened immediately. ”Indeed,” he said with a polite smile, glancing toward Chong Sheng. ”Young Master Bai is being most gracious. Endure for a bit and-consider it an opportunity.”

Chong Shengʼs heart sank. Rather than gratitude, he looked at Bai Zihan as if he wanted to kill him.

But still, he didnʼt think that Bai Zihan had truly discovered anything about him.

He assumed Bai Zihan only wanted to show off.

He hesitated for a long moment, his fists tightening at his sides.

Then he shook his head slowly. ”I... I appreciate the kindness, but something doesnʼt feel right.”

His gaze swept across the stands, then up to the viewing platform. ”There must be some scheme at play here. Why stop the matches and summon me before everyone just to ʼcheck my injuries”?”

His words were cautious, but his tone carried a faint challenge.

A ripple of shock ran through the audience. (Did he just question the Clan Leader?) Quan Lingshuʼs expression darkened instantly. ”Scheme?”

He repeated softly, his voice laced with warning. ”You dare accuse your Clan Leader of scheming, boy?”

Chong Sheng immediately bowed, but his voice trembled. ”I wouldnʼt dare. I only meant-” ”Silence!”

Quan Lingshuʼs voice boomed, shaking the arena.

His earlier politeness evaporated, replaced by the cold, imperious weight of authority. ”I was merely checking your condition to ensure your injuries are stable. Yet you question my intentions? Do you take my concern as mockery?”

The crowd went still.

Even the air seemed to tighten around Chong Sheng.

He clenched his jaw, trying to calm the storm within him.

He knew the truth already-the only hope was that Quan Lingshu wasnʼt certain about him being a demonic cultivator.

He couldnʼt fight here. Not without exposing himself.

But neither could he stay still and let them probe his body.

His eyes darted briefly toward the side exits-his only escape route.

Quan Lingshuʼs voice struck again, sharp and final. ”Enough! If you continue resisting, I will take it as defiance against the Quan

Clan itself!”