Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 439 Twice Refused Beneath the Dragon Throne

The ceremony continued in an orderly fashion.

Treasures were presented.

Titles were announced.

Imperial records were read aloud with solemn clarity.

After Bai Zihan, it was mostly Great Ascension Realm cultivators who stepped forward-veteran powerhouses whose names carried weight across the empire.

Each received their due recognition before retreating calmly to their places.

Then came the Void Refinement Realm cultivators.

Their contributions were substantial, their rewards correspondingly rich. And then-

"Bai Xueqing of the Bai Clan," the official announced.

A faint ripple stirred through the hall.

Many were surprised.

Not because Bai Xueqing was undeserving-

But because she was announced before several Spirit Severing Realm cultivators who were, on paper, stronger than her.

Yet no one truly objected.

Because everyone here knew why.

Bai Xueqing walked forward, her steps light, her expression cool and composed.

Frost-like Qi lingered faintly around her, restrained but unmistakable.

The official continued reading her merits.

During the Northern Battlefield campaign, Bai Xueqing had not simply fought.

She had controlled the battlefield wherever she went.

Her ice techniques had immobilized entire clusters of demonic beasts.

Frozen terrain had cut off enemy advances.

Several Void Refinement Realm cultivators had been able to finish their battles only because their opponents had first been locked in her frost.

Despite being in Soul Formation Realm, she has also killed several Grade-7 and even Grade-8 Demonic Beasts.

Her contribution was not measured by not only raw kills, but by how many lives had been saved-and how many battles had been decisively tilted.

In terms of battlefield value-

Her contribution was already comparable to Void Refinement Realm cultivators.

Bai Xueqing accepted the rewards with grace.

Then-

The Emperor paused.

A pause just long enough for those perceptive to feel it coming.

"Bai Xueqing," the Emperor said, his voice calm yet deliberate, "you are currently unengaged, are you not?"

A subtle stir passed through the hall.

Déjà vu!

Bai Xueqing's eyes narrowed-just slightly.

"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied calmly.

"The previous engagement," the Emperor continued, as if discussing the weather, "has already been annulled."

Several ministers exchanged knowing looks.

The Emperor's gaze softened.

"You are young, talented, and possess exceptional merit," he said.

Then came the words everyone expected.

"If you are willing," the Emperor said slowly, "you may choose any prince you find suitable and marry into the imperial family."

The hall fell silent.

Again!

Eyes shifted-this time not toward Bai Zihan, but toward Bai Xueqing.

However, this time it wasn't unexpected. Anyone would want Bai Xueqing as their daughter-in-law.

She was talented and beautiful, and she was also the precious daughter of Bai Tianheng.

More importantly, she wasn't a cripple like Bai Zihan.

So, marrying her would mean gaining the support of the Bai Clan.

And with the Bai Clan's recent surge in strength, even the Imperial Family desired that connection.

Others watching couldn't help but whisper that the Emperor looked desperate to secure a marriage tie with the Bai Clan.

One rejection-then shifting to another person who was equally important and precious to the Bai Clan.

Bai Xueqing did not hesitate.

She did not look flattered.

She cupped her fists calmly.

"This one thanks Your Majesty for the honor," Bai Xueqing said evenly.

Then-

"However, I must also decline."

Compared to when Bai Zihan rejected the offer, the astonishment wasn't there.

With Bai Xueqing's status and talent, there was no one she couldn't get. Perhaps there wasn't a single man at the moment who was truly worthy of her.

So even if it were princes, when compared to her, falls below.

The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" he asked. "And why is that?"

Bai Xueqing's voice remained cool, almost indifferent.

"I have no time for such matters," she said plainly.

The words were simple and blunt.

Bai Xueqing had good manners, but she realized that the Emperor wouldn't

understand unless she was direct.

Not to mention, being told she could marry any prince-what kind of

suggestion was that, anyway?

At least in Bai Zihan's case, they had disguised it as Princess Yu Feiyan being in

love with him.

She didn't think that was true though.

Bai Xueqing didn't think there should be any girl who would truly love Bai

Zihan.

Well-except for one.

Bai Zihan was cruel and didn't know how to sugarcoat his words.

He didn't care about others' feelings.

He looked down on everything and was arrogant beyond words.

Bai Xueqing didn't believe a princess would fall for such a person-especially

now that he was crippled, his greatest virtue, his talent, seemingly gone.

More importantly, how can she fall in love with Bai Zihan when in Ancient Ruins, Bai Zihan mercilessly and cruelly beat Mo Tianji.

And later he killed one of the geniuses and threatened almost everyone present

there for Bai Xinyue?

There wasn't a girl that could fall for such behaviour. At least, Princess Yu

Feiyan who was timid didn't seem like someone who would fall for such a thing.

So she saw it as a farce-an excuse to get their hands on Bai Zihan, and

ultimately, the Bai Clan.

And now, the same thing was happening to her.

Except the Emperor didn't even bother crafting a story this time.

Well, she didn't care.

But she also didn't think she needed to give too much face.

"My cultivation is low. I realized this after fighting demonic beasts," she

continued.

"Marriage is a distraction I cannot afford."

She lifted her gaze slightly-not challenging, but unwavering.

"Therefore, I will not be marrying anyone yet."

The hall was utterly silent.

Bai Xueqing wasn't just rejecting the Emperor.

She was rejecting all the clans that had been continuously sending marriage

proposals.

The Emperor sighed, then laughed.

A short, helpless laugh.

"It seems," he said slowly, shaking his head, "the Bai Clan truly does not raise

ordinary people."

Another refusal.

Another opportunity slipping through imperial fingers.

Moreover, this also determined what kind of relationship the Imperial Family

and the Bai Clan would have moving forward.

Since both Bai Xueqing and Bai Zihan rejected the Emperor's proposal then everyone knew that there can be no alliance between the two.

The Imperial Family obviously would be wary of the Bai Clan considering their

strength.

Without the alliance, no matter what the Bai Clan did, the Imperial Family would always be afraid of them.

"Very well," the Emperor said at last. "I will not force what you do not desire."

Bai Xueqing bowed once.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

She turned and returned to her place without another word.

As she passed Bai Zihan, their gazes met briefly.

Bai Xueqing's eyes fell on his hand, which was still holding Chu Ziyan's.

Bai Zihan thought that letting go would look fake, so he continued displaying

his affection for Chu Ziyan.

Bai Xueqing narrowed her eyes.

Beside Bai Zihan, Chu Ziyan was smiling like an idiot and didn't even seem to

notice her.

Bai Xueqing returned to her place with annoyance.

She didn't know why it annoyed her.

She didn't want to think about it.

A soft snort escaped her nose before she could stop herself.

"Hmph!"

Bai Zihan noticed it as well.

He glanced sideways, just in time to catch the tail end of Bai Xueqing's

retreating figure-and that unmistakable look of displeasure.

He frowned slightly. (What made her angry now?)

After a moment, Bai Zihan arrived at a conclusion that felt... reasonable.

She must truly hate engagements and marriage.

Perhaps the Emperor's words had reminded her of her previous engagement

with Nie Fengzhuo.

"Tsk, tsk. Looks like she's going to be single for the rest of her life," Bai Zihan

thought.

The ceremony continued.

One by one, names were called.

Then-

"Chu Ziyan of the Chu Clan," the official announced.

She calmly stepped forward.

Her merits were read clearly-her leadership, her decisive strikes, her role in

holding the line during multiple critical engagements.

The Emperor listened quietly.

He did not bring up previous disagreements or the topic of marriage, focusing

solely on bestowing her deserved reward.

Chu Ziyan accepted it with composure, bowing deeply.

"This one thanks Your Majesty!" She returned to Bai Zihan's side without incident.

The rest of the awards passed without disturbance.

At last, when the final name had been read and the final treasure bestowed, the

Emperor rose from his throne.

The hall stilled instantly.

"Heroes of the Northern Battlefield," the Emperor said, his voice resonant,

carrying effortlessly through the grand hall.

"Today, you have been rewarded not merely for strength-but for courage,

sacrifice, and resolve."

His gaze swept across the gathered cultivators.

"Because of you, the borders stand firm. Because of you, countless citizens

sleep in safety."

He inclined his head slightly.

"For that, this Emperor offers his sincere thanks."

A wave of respectful silence followed.

Then the Emperor continued, his tone easing.

"The award ceremony ends here." Subtle relief spread through the hall.

"However," he added, a faint smile appearing, "a celebration has been prepared."

Soft murmurs rose.

"There will be food, wine, and music," the Emperor said. "I hope all heroes

present will participate freely."

"Tonight, set aside cultivation and conflict. Enjoy what you have protected."