Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 367 Who Wants To Be Vanguard?

The jade map flickered, illuminating the faces of every clan leader and sect master with green light.

Lines shifted. Markers rearranged.

The frontlines were drawn in bold crimson.

Those crimson lines felt like death warrants.

Xiu Yucheng clasped his hands behind his back.

“We will now determine which forces will take the vanguard.”

A faint tremor passed through the gathering.

No one dared show fear-yet no one wanted that position.

First to move was the Celestial Jade Hall Sect Leader. She stepped forward gracefully, bowing lightly.

“Our sect’s strength lies in high-speed support and wide-area effects. I think it would be best for us to stay behind the line for maximum efficiency.”

Ning Shuqing, Celestial Jade Hall’s Sect Leader, said calmly.

She really didn’t have any ulterior motive, and it was indeed true that the disciples and elders of their sect weren’t suited for being the vanguard.

Everyone agreed to that. Xiu Yucheng also arranged a position where they could support the best.

But of course, not everyone was like Ning Shuqing.

One by one, sects and clans stepped forth, all dressed in politeness and honor, yet each sentence crafted meticulously to avoid the lethal front.

“We can provide aerial support.”

“Our formations need time to activate.”

“Our alchemists must remain near the rear lines.”

Beautiful words. Cowardly intentions.

Most of them were clearly afraid of being sent as Vanguard yet they didn’t admit that and rather made beautiful excuses.

Wei Zongyuan’s jaw twitched, but he said nothing.

This was expected. Being the vanguard was the most dangerous position, and no one wanted their own forces to suffer more compared to others.

Finally, the War Minister raised his hand, quite annoyed that almost everyone was avoiding the vanguard position and trying to secure other placements.

“If no one volunteers for the vanguard, we will—”

Before he could finish, Zhao Wutian stepped forward, smiling broadly.

“Minister Xiu, allow me to speak.”

All eyes turned to him.

Zhao Wutian cupped his fist humbly, but everyone knew he wasn’t stupid enough to volunteer his own clan.

“Although our clan’s strength is indeed great… it pales compared to others here.”

A lie so obvious even the stones wanted to roll their eyes.

They were in the Top Three Clans; only three forces, including the Imperial Family, might surpass them.

“In fact, I must praise the Heaven Suppression Pavilion,” he said, pointing toward a sect master who immediately stiffened, “whose battle formations are unparalleled against Beast Tide assaults!”

The Heaven Suppression Pavilion Master forced a smile.

“That is… a generous compliment, Patriarch Zhao, But our formations are support-oriented. Without a powerful frontline to anchor us, we might be unable to exert our full power.”

“Indeed?”

Zhao Wutian chuckled lightly.

“Well then, perhaps the Golden Flame Valley-renowned for their offensive might should take the vanguard instead?”

The Valley Master coughed sharply.

“Ahem-Demonic Beasts resist fire-type attacks quite effectively. Surely you would not waste our strength where it would be least effective?”

Zhao Wutian nodded sagely, as if the answer truly enlightened him.

“Ah, yes, yes… then perhaps-“

He smiled even more gently.

“-the Azure Sun Holy Sect?”

Azure Sun Holy Sect Leader, lifted his chin with pride.

“Our clan is naturally willing to bleed for the Empire.”

He paused.

“However our forces specialize in disrupting enemy formations. That only works if someone else holds the line. We would hate to see our abilities wasted.”

Everyone could feel it-

Zhao Wutian was circling the real target.

Every clan was refusing the front politely…

But someone would eventually be cornered.

And Zhao Wutian’s eyes drifted-subtly, but unmistakably-toward the Bai Clan representatives.

Bai Tianheng’s expression remained unreadable.

Zhao Wutian’s smile widened.

“At times like this,” he said gently, “the Empire requires a truly powerful clan to step forward.”

He let the words hang.

A powerful clan.

And then-

“The Bai Clan,” he declared loudly, voice echoing across the meeting hall.

“is known across the Empire as the strongest clan of this generation. Their younger generation dominates every tournament, and their Patriarch’s strength is unquestioned.”

He turned fully toward Bai Tianheng.

“With such glory behind them… surely this is the perfect opportunity for the

Bai Clan to demonstrate their might.”

Li Jianhong chimed in immediately.

“Yes! The Bai Clan standing at the vanguard would inspire every soldier and cultivator on this battlefield.”

A murmur rippled through the assembly.

The trap had snapped shut.

And everyone knew it.

For the Bai Clan to refuse… would be admitting weakness.

Cowardice and a great loss of face.

And the Bai Clan were the most arrogant-those who never backed down before a challenge.

Dozens of eyes turned toward Bai Tianheng.

Waiting.

Watching.

Some were sympathetic while others were waiting to enjoy the spectacle.

At least if the Bai Clan were sent as vanguard, they wouldn’t have to worry about being chosen.

Bai Tianheng’s eyelids lowered slightly.

(Scheming bastards.)

Of course he knew.

Of course everyone knew.

Zhao Wutian and Li Jianhong weren’t even trying to hide the trap. It was a

blatant attempt to make the Bai Clan suffer more in this battle.

But Bai Tianheng had no choice.

No matter how well he argued, it would either cause the loss of face or they would be forced to become Vanguard.

Because the Bai Clan were the strongest.

Because they were the most suitable for taking the vanguard position.

The Bai Clan’s image demanded they accept.

The Empire demanded they accept. And his own pride demanded he accept.

Slowly, Bai Tianheng stood up.

Zhao Wutian’s smile sharpened.

Li Jianhong’s eyes brightened with satisfaction.

Xiu Yucheng straightened slightly, watching closely.

Although Zhao Wutian was trying to make the Bai Clan take the Vanguard position, he couldn’t argue that there was anyone else better than them to take the position.

Bai Tianheng cupped his fist with a perfect mix of politeness and boldness.

“The Bai Clan,” he said, voice steady and confident, “has stood at the forefront of the Empire for generations.”

The leaders nodded.

He continued.

“If others are too afraid to become vanguard for this battle… then the Bai Clan shall do it for you.”

Bai Tianheng had insulted almost every clan and sect present. Of course he had -and it was true.

Zhao Wutian smirked.

Li Jianhong folded his hands behind his back, pleased.

After all, words and insults faded quickly, but the loss of manpower would significantly weaken the Bai Clan’s overall power.

Xiu Yucheng inclined his head deeply.

“Patriarch Bai, your sense of duty and courage brings honor to the Empire.”

But Bai Tianheng didn’t return the smile.

He simply lowered his hand slowly.

Then-

He spoke again.

“However!”

Zhao Wutian’s eyes narrowed.

Bai Tianheng’s gaze swept the jade map, then the faces of the assembled leaders.

“The Beast Tide this time is unlike any before. A hidden intelligence commands them, and the Demonic Cultivators lurk behind, waiting for our weakest moment.”

He clasped his hands behind his back-the same posture Xiu Yucheng had taken earlier, but with far more authority.

“Even if the Bai Clan is willing to take the vanguard… we must ensure there will be no collapse. No break in formation. No opportunity for Demonic Cultivators to exploit.”

Everyone leaned in.

Zhao Wutian’s brow twitched.

Li Jianhong’s smile froze.

Bai Tianheng’s voice deepened.

“So I would like to suggest-“

His eyes locked onto the two patriarchs.

“-that the Zhao Clan and Li Clan stand with us at the vanguard.”

Bai Tianheng continued, expression unchanging.

“With the Top Three Clans united on the front lines, any Beast Tide, no matter how fierce, will crumble. With our strength combined, even the Demonic

Cultivators will not dare interfere.”

He paused deliberately.

“And since both Patriarch Zhao and Patriarch Li have spoken so highly of the Bai Clan’s power… surely they will not hesitate to join us?”

A perfect reversal.

If I die, you die as well. Bai Tianheng wants to take Li and Zhao Clan with him as well.

Zhao Wutian’s face stiffened instantly.

Li Jianhong’s lips twitched violently.

They too were in the similar position as Bai Tianheng was previously.

But Bai Tianheng wasn’t done.

He turned toward Xiu Yucheng.

“Minister Xiu,” he said clearly, “for the sake of the Empire’s stability and the safety of our combined forces, the Bai Clan is willing to take the center position of the vanguard.”

He pointed at the jade map.

“But the flanks should be entrusted to the Zhao and Li Clans-whose abilities in large-scale warfare are, without question, among the greatest of this generation.”

With that remark, Li and Zhao Clan can’t decline and if they did, it would be more than a loss of face especially since Bai Clan was willing to take the Center

Position of the Vanguard.

“You two don’t have a problem, do you?”

Bai Tianheng asked.

Zhao Wutian tried one last escape.

“Bai Tianheng, surely there’s no need for such a large force at the vanguard? Concentrating the Top Three Clans together is… too much.”

Li Jianhong followed quickly.

“Yes, yes. Too much strength in one place may unbalance the formation—”

Bai Tianheng cut them off.

“Unbalanced?” His tone was flat.

“Most positions already have other Clan or Sect who are more suitable. We already heard from almost all the Clans and Sects why they are suitable for other positions. That leaves us with Li and Zhao Clan who aren’t as strong as

my Bai Clan but are equally suitable.”

Zhao Wutian’s expression froze.

Li Jianhong’s hands tightened behind his back.

Bai Tianheng continued calmly.

“So, I think it would be best if Li and Zhao Clan can also take part in Vanguard.”

Silence!

Zhao Wutian’s lips twitched.

“For the Empire, the Zhao Clan will comply.”

Li Jianhong bowed stiffly.

“The Li Clan has no objections.”

They had no way out.

Bai Tianheng inclined his head.

“Good. With our three clans at the front, the Beast Tide will break easily.”

Zhao Wutian and Li Jianhong’s expressions were sour, but they said nothing.

Xiu Yucheng exhaled slowly.

(This was beautiful.)

Everyone here knows what Zhao Wutian was aiming for and why Bai Tianheng suggested Li and Zhao Clan as well.

And it is indeed good if the Top 3 Clan can be Vanguard as that would result in fewer casualties for others.

He nodded firmly.

“A sound and reasonable suggestion!”

Zhao Wutian’s jaw clenched.

Li Jianhong’s face darkened.

Bai Tianheng had dragged them onto the battlefield with him.

Xiu Yucheng lifted his hand.

“Very well. The vanguard shall be composed of the Bai Clan at the center, with the Zhao Clan on the left flank, and the Li Clan on the right.”

The jade map shifted to reflect the new formation.

Source: .com, updated by novlove.com