Turns Out, I’m In A Villain Clan!

Chapter 571 The Empire Reacts to the Emperor's Death

The announcement was made immediately.

From the capital...

To the farthest borders of the Empire...

Within a single day, the news had reached nearly every corner.

"The Emperor is dead?!"

"Is that true?!"

Shock!

Disbelief!

Confusion!

At first, many refused to believe it.

How could they?

Just months ago, the Emperor had appeared healthy, and it was said that he had recovered.

And now the opposite was being said.

Yet now-being an official decree-even those who didn't believe had to accept it.

With this being announced to every city, town, and even village, there was no room for doubt.

In the capital, crowds gathered in the streets.

Voices overlapped endlessly as everyone discussed the death of their Emperor. Many mourned.

Incense burned in homes.

Prayers were offered.

Heads were lowered in respect.

To them, the Emperor-regardless of his flaws-was still the ruler who had held

the Empire together.

A symbol of stability.

But not everyone felt the same.

There were those who did not care.

Commoners who had never seen the Emperor.

Never felt his presence.

Never been touched by his decisions.

To them, it changed nothing.

They might be surprised, exclaiming "oh," but then go back to their everyday tasks.

And then, there were those who smiled.

Those who had suffered under his rule.

Those who had lost because of his decisions.

Those who had long waited for this day.

Because no matter who a ruler was-loved or hated-there would always be both sides.

But for the majority... their concern quickly shifted.

"How did he die? Was it naturally, or was he...?"

"Did he leave any Imperial decree?"

"Was a Crown Prince named?"

Questions rose like waves, one after another.

But the answer was obvious after no such decree was announced.

"What happens now? Will the princes fight?"

"Is a civil war coming?"

"Looks like the future will be grim for a bit."

Fear began to spread slowly.

Because everyone knew-

Every time a new Emperor rose... blood followed.

Power was never passed peacefully.

Not in an empire like this.

And this time, it was worse.

No Crown Prince.

No chosen successor.

Only multiple princes and princesses, each powerful and influential.

Each unwilling to bow.

No one believed they would step back.

No one believed they would yield.

Which meant conflict was inevitable.

In taverns, in markets, in sect halls, the same discussions echoed.

"This won't end peacefully."

"Prepare yourselves."

"Stock up on resources."

"Something big is coming..."

The atmosphere across the Empire shifted subtly but unmistakably.

And while the common people whispered and worried...

The true powers of the Empire reacted differently.

***

Deep within a snow-covered mountain range, where frost lingered all year

round, stood a serene and elegant sect.

Frost Lily Pavilion!

Cold winds brushed past jade halls.

White petals drifted through the air like falling snow.

Yet beneath that calm beauty... a decisive will was already forming.

Inside the main hall, the Sect Master stood with her hands behind her back.

Her gaze was distant.

Before her, a disciple knelt.

"Reporting to Sect Master... the Emperor of the Desolate Heaven Empire has

passed."

Silence followed.

Then-

"I see..."

Her voice was calm and unmoved.

As if she had already expected this.

"Inform all elders. Begin preparations!"

Although they couldn't act openly due to the mourning period, they all knew

that preparation needed to begin.

Because once this ended, it would be full-scale war.

"We will support Yu Qingya. See what her plans are and coordinate with her."

The Fourth Princess.

Their chosen candidate.

"If she ascends the throne... Frost Lily Pavilion will rise with her."

***

Far from the icy mountains...

In a land where thunder roared endlessly and lightning split the skies stood

another great power.

Crimson Thunder Palace!

Unlike the quiet tension of Frost Lily Pavilion... this place was filled with

excitement.

"Hahahaha!"

A booming laugh echoed through the grand hall.

"So it has finally begun!"

An elder slammed his hand against the table, his eyes blazing with anticipation.

"The Emperor is dead! The era of chaos is here!"

Lightning crackled faintly around the pillars.

The air itself seemed to vibrate with energy.

"At last..."

Another elder grinned.

"We've waited long enough!"

At the center of the hall, the Palace Master sat with a fierce expression.

His gaze burned with ambition.

"Prepare everything. Notify Yu Longxuan and increase his security"

Everyone knew that while none of the sects dared act openly during this period, they could always act from the shadows.

Assassinations of potential candidates weren't rare during such times.

On more than one occasion, many princes and princesses had lost their lives

during this period.

So it was essential for those sects or clans to protect the candidate they

supported.

"If he takes the throne... Crimson Thunder Palace will stand above all!"

A wave of excitement surged through the hall.

"Finally!"

"Time for chaos!"

"Let the world tremble!"

***

Bai Zihan also got the news immediately.

"Oh!"

Bai Zihan exclaimed without any change in his expression.

It was definitely a surprise to hear the news, as he hadn't anticipated this.

He had previously thought that perhaps someone like Qin Lingxiao had replaced the Emperor, but it seemed that wasn't the case.

His other speculation-that forbidden pills were used-must be true, he

thought.

Anyway, it was a relief to him that it wasn't Qin Lingxiao; otherwise, things would have been much more difficult.

Across from him, Kong Zhanhong stood with a serious expression.

His gaze was steady, but beneath it was urgency.

"Young Master... the entire Empire is already preparing for a civil war."

He paused briefly before continuing.

"What shall we do?"

Bai Zihan didn't think much about it. He shook his head.

"We're not supporting anyone in this battle. There's no need to give it much

thought."

Bai Zihan's thoughts were simple.

The Bai Clan stood at the peak of the Empire.

No one would dare make a move against them.

None of the princes or princesses would risk offending them, fearing that the

Bai Clan might support their rivals instead.

Of course, once one of them ascended the throne, resentment might linger in

their hearts.

But resentment meant nothing without power.

And against the Bai Clan, there was little they could do.

Because in the end, strength dictated everything.

Bai Zihan had no fear.

Nor did he have anyone he particularly wished to support.

However, there was one exception.

Yu Feiyan-or rather, Qin Lingxiao.

She was the one he did not want to ascend the throne.

Her rise had been rapid.

Support from neutral clans. Support from sects.

Even the favor of the common people.

Bai Zihan knew that it must be due to her technique.

Anyone could become the Emperor. But not her!