Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 487 Foolish Decision

Across the hall-

Li Jianhongʼs fingers tightened imperceptibly within his sleeve. (Idiot!)

The word echoed sharply within his mind.

He had thought this would be a good opportunity to bring down the Bai Clan.

Everything had been aligned perfectly-

Until that mirror lit up.

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.

Kidnapping and experimenting on children. There was grave consequence for that.

If he spoke now in Wen Haoyuʼs defense-

Many might even suspect that the Li Clan was involved with them.

Li Jianhong slowly exhaled.

The opportunity to bring down the Bai Clan was tempting.

But after this revelation-

Continuing to support Wen Haoyu wouldnʼt just be bad, it would be utterly foolish.

Zhao Wutianʼs thoughts were strikingly similar.

There was no point in helping Wen Haoyu, and doing so would be equivalent to digging oneʼs own grave.

The courtʼs sentiment had shifted completely.

The moral high ground now stood firmly beneath Bai Zihanʼs feet.

To oppose him here-

Was to oppose public righteousness itself.

Zhao Wutianʼs jaw tightened faintly.

Wen Haoyu was finished.

There was no salvaging him.

No turning this around.

The only sensible course-

Was to distance themselves completely.

Meanwhile-

At the center of the hall-

Wen Haoyu was still speaking.

Still grasping at threads that no longer existed. ”This recording must have been altered-” ”The children could have been placed there by the Bai Clan-” ”This is a conspiracy-”

But no one responded.

No one backed him.

The silence he once commanded now swallowed him whole.

Even Li Jianhong did not look at him anymore.

Zhao Wutian stood still as a statue.

As for the Emperor-

He remained seated upon the dragon throne.

But a faint shadow of disappointment flickered across his otherwise unreadable face.

Not a disappointment for Wen Haoyu.

But disappointment at the situation.

This had been meant to curb Bai Zihanʼs growing influence.

To remind the Bai Clan of Imperial authority.

Instead-

It had turned into a spectacle exposing rot beneath the Empireʼs nose.

While the Bai Clan would be revered as the hero who helped expose such rot.

Everyone has witnessed it.

The court had witnessed it.

The sect leaders had witnessed it.

If he attempted to suppress this matter-

Then even as the Emperor, many would question his decision.

Slowly-

The Emperor raised his hand.

The hall quieted instantly.

His gaze descended upon Wen Haoyu coldly. ”Wen Haoyu,” the Emperor said calmly, though the weight in his tone was immense, ”the evidence presented today is grave.” ”You stand accused not only of deceiving this Court, but of overseeing crimes that shake the foundation of the Empire.” ”Explain yourself!”

Wen Haoyuʼs knees trembled. ”Your Majesty, I-”

What could he say? ”If you cannot provide a satisfactory explanation,” the Emperor continued evenly, ”then the Azure Sun Holy Sect shall be punished and dissolved under

Imperial decree.”

A pause. ”And you will face the highest punishment under Imperial law.”

Wen Haoyuʼs face drained of what little color remained.

Highest punishment?

That would mean his execution.

His thoughts spun wildly.

He definitely could not admit it.

He could not deny it convincingly.

He could not overturn the evidence.

But he had to survive.

At least-

He had to separate himself from the crime.

Suddenly, his expression shifted.

Shock.

Then outrage.

Then grief. ”Your Majesty!” he cried, forcing hoarseness into his tone. ”I... I had no knowledge of such atrocities!”

Gasps rose faintly. ”I swear upon my Dao-I was unaware!”

He dropped to one knee. ”If such things truly occurred within the Azure Sun Holy Sect... then I have been deceived!”

A tremor entered his voice. ”It must have been the Grand Elder... or certain elders abusing authority in secret!”

He clenched his fists dramatically. ”I will investigate personally! I will uncover the culprits and present them to the

Imperial Court!”

He lowered his head deeply. ”If there are traitors within my Sect... I will purge them myself!”

The hall fell into uneasy murmurs.

Many scoff at the audacity of Wen Haoyu, still trying to feign ignorance.

Under normal circumstances-

Such blatant shifting of blame would have been laughed out of the court.

The Sect Leader claiming ignorance of underground chambers within his own territory?

Absurd!

But this time-

The Emperor did not immediately rebuke him.

Instead-

He fell silent.

His gaze remained unreadable.

Behind that calm expression, calculations moved swiftly.

The Azure Sun Holy Sect was not small.

It was also one of the major pillars within the Li-Zhao sphere of influence.

If it collapsed entirely-

The balance between factions would tilt.

And who would benefit most?

The Bai Clan! After todayʼs events, Bai Zihanʼs prestige had already surged.

If Azure Sun were erased outright-

The Li-Zhao alliance would weaken significantly.

The Emperor could not allow any single power to rise unchecked.

Slowly-

He gave a small nod. ”Very well!”

The hall stirred with confusion.

Was the Emperor truly this foolish?

It was certain that Wen Haoyu was the biggest culprit, and now the Emperor wanted the criminal to investigate his own crime?

Wen Haoyu, on the other hand, was first surprised, then filled with excitement.

He felt that being on the Emperorʼs side was indeed advantageous.

Even when he was caught committing such crimes, he could still wiggle his way out.

Wen Haoyu knew well why the Emperor was making such a decision, even though it would be questioned by many people.

After all, despite righteousness, in the end, it was authority that mattered.

If he and the Azure Sun Holy Sect were to be dismantled, it would only help his enemies. ”You will be granted a period of investigation.”

A ripple passed through the gathered leaders. ”If it is proven that certain elders acted without your knowledge, and you bring the culprits before this Court-”

His eyes sharpened. ”Then leniency may be considered.”

Wen Haoyu kowtowed immediately. ”Thank you, Your Majesty! I will not fail! I will definitely bring those culprits!”

Across the hall-

Li Jianhongʼs gaze flickered subtly.

Zhao Wutianʼs shoulders eased by the slightest margin.

This was good for them.

Azure Sun might lose a few sacrificial pieces.

But the Sect itself could survive.

They knew that finding a scapegoat was fairly easy, and even if they couldnʼt accomplish their original goal, it was good enough if their alliance didnʼt suffer. ”Your Majesty-”

Chu Xing was obviously not going to let that happen. However, the Emperor raised his hand before he could even protest. ”I know your concern. However, we cannot fully be certain who is behind this.

Wen Haoyu knows well about the Azure Sun Holy Sect and should be able to find those involved.””

The Emperor continued. ”We canʼt punish the innocents as well. Giving Wen Haoyu a second chance is also a kind of redemption for him.”

Seeing that the Emperor had already made up his mind, others could not raise their voices.

But-

At the center of the court-

Bai Zihan was holding back his laughter but in the end couldnʼt. ”Hahaha...”

Amidst the silence, one person laughed hysterically-and that too before the

Emperor.

The Emperor obviously did not like that. ”Bai Zihan, you have something to say about my decision?”

The Emperor asked with a stern expression. ”Of course! Who would agree with your foolish decision?”

Bai Zihan blatantly insulted the Emperor before everyone. ”Bai Zihan, how dare you!” ”Watch your mouth!” ”Bai Zihan, apologize immediately!”

Several ministers stood up in anger. Even if the Emperor made a mistake or bad decision, it wasnʼt the time for someone like Bai Zihan to insult him publicly.

But obviously, Bai Zihan didnʼt give a damn about them and ignored them completely.

The Emperor frowned and was visibly fuming with anger.

How could he be insulted by a teenager in his own Empire?

The Emperorʼs eyes darkened. ”I have tolerated you long enough, Bai Zihan.”

His voice was no longer merely stern-it carried the unmistakable edge of imperial authority. ”You stand in my court. Before my throne. And yet you dare insult my decision openly.”

A suffocating pressure descended from the dragon platform, spiritual might rolling outward like a gathering storm. ”This is direct disrespect to the throne.”

His gaze sharpened. ”One more and you will face punishment. There wonʼt be a second chance!”

The hall fell silent.

Even the ministers who had shouted moments ago felt their hearts tighten. The

Emperor was truly angered this time.

Yet-

At the center of that oppressive aura-

Bai Zihan showed no concern whatsoever.

Instead-

He smirked, almost amused.

Punished?

He did not even bother responding to that threat.

Instead, he tilted his head slightly. ”Whatever,” he said casually, as if discussing something trivial, ”thereʼs no need for an investigation.”

A ripple of confusion passed through the hall.

The Emperorʼs brows knit together. ”What do you mean?”

Bai Zihanʼs smile widened faintly. ”Iʼve already done it.”

Before anyone could process his words-

He snapped his fingers.

And then-

The doors of the Imperial Court opened.

Bai Ren entered.

The atmosphere shifted the moment he stepped inside.

The Emperorʼs face darkened instantly. ”Who allowed him to enter without my permission?!” His voice thundered.

The imperial guards stationed at the entrance stiffened.

Sweat formed on their foreheads.

Allowed?

How could they stop someone like Bai Ren?

Even if they tried-

Would they still be standing?

The guards lowered their heads in silence, caught in an impossible position.

Bai Ren, however, appeared completely unbothered.

He walked forward at an unhurried pace.

Then stopped.

Offering a shallow nod-not quite a bow. ”Your Majesty,” he said evenly, ”relax.”

The casual tone caused several ministers to inhale sharply. ”Iʼm here for a reason!”