Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control

Within the rear hall of Purple Cloud Peak, Xu Yang was like an endless abyss, relentlessly drawing the spiritual energy of the entire Qingming Sect into his body. The energy was devoured by his Nascent Soul without pause.

Threads of hidden Supreme Yang Dao force cascaded like waterfalls, washing over the Nascent Soul again and again.

Boom!
Boom!

The Nascent Soul began to swell, its previously juvenile features maturing rapidly. A cloak of condensed spiritual energy formed around it, exuding an aura of dignity and power.

It was a transformation visible to the naked eye. The previously draconic and robust aura of his Nascent Soul became more ethereal, yet it didn’t lose its potency. It was as though an immortal figure had descended into his Purple Mansion, with the surrounding purple mist rushing toward the Nascent Soul in an unyielding stream.

As purple energy surged from the east, a great sun pierced through the sky.

Suddenly, the Nascent Soul erupted in a blinding display of brilliance. Its form expanded infinitely, illuminating the entire Purple Mansion. It radiated divine splendor, akin to a sun that bathed all in its majestic light.

The first step of the Nascent Soul to Primordial Spirit transformation had succeeded!

Now came the Heart Demon Tribulation.

Xu Yang opened his eyes, retrieving an artifact from his system space—the Mirror of Illusions. He infused it with spiritual power and swiftly activated it.

A wave of refreshing energy washed over him, emanating from the mirror. Xu Yang felt his mind settle, as tranquil as a still lake, unblemished and serene. His Primordial Spirit became weightless, transparent, and imbued with clarity.

“Come, Heart Demon Tribulation!”

Closing his eyes, Xu Yang allowed himself to be drawn into the illusion created by his inner demons.

When Xu Yang opened his eyes again, he found himself in a familiar room. The desk was cluttered with magazines, a poster of a certain pop idol adorned the wall, and scattered jerseys lay across the bed.

He sat at the desk, a half-finished energy drink beside him, a tablet in his hands showing a novel. His expression twisted into an odd mix of nostalgia and disbelief.

“Am I… back to the moment before I transmigrated?”

Glancing at the tablet, he noted the time: 11:59—exactly one minute before the infamous “heavenly truck” incident.

“So this is my Heart Demon?”

Xu Yang shook his head in disbelief. Heart Demon Tribulations were said to be the most perilous aspect of breaking through to the Divine Transformation stage, often claiming the lives of the most brilliant cultivators. Yet, this…?

He surmised it was related to his status as a transmigrator. Perhaps the rules of this world’s heavens had limited sway over him, making his Heart Demon unusually simple.

A glance at the clock showed only ten seconds left.

10.
9.
…
3.
2.
1.

The fateful moment arrived.

A deep rumble announced the arrival of the legendary mud truck. Xu Yang looked up, seeing a massive vehicle hurtling toward him with sparks flying and thunderous noise.

“Seriously, this is your big play?” Xu Yang stood, clenching his fist. An overwhelming surge of vital energy erupted from him, blazing like a radiant sun, as he unleashed a punch.

Bang!

The truck disintegrated under the force of his blow, scattering debris. Xu Yang dusted off his hand. “I’ve already transmigrated. You think you can send me back?”

As he finished speaking, a sound like shattering glass echoed.

Crack!

The scene splintered and dissolved. Xu Yang’s vision went dark, and he lost consciousness.

When he woke, he found himself seated on a high platform, surrounded by five fellow peak leaders of equal cultivation. Behind them, thirty other Divine Transformation cultivators stood in formation.

A middle-aged man with a greasy mustache sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “Congratulations, Xu Yang. It seems Purple Cloud Peak continues to dominate. Not only do you have seven prodigious disciples, but now another genius has emerged.”

Another elder, his white beard trailing down to his chest, added, “This disciple, Xiao Ye, hasn’t formally joined Purple Cloud Peak yet, has he? Will you be officially taking him in?”

Before Xu Yang could respond, another peak leader chimed in lazily from the back, “I heard Xu Yang didn’t even allow Xiao Ye to join the Six Peaks Tournament this time. The boy had to sneak in on his own.”

The remarks drew the attention of all the peak leaders, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and disdain.

To some, it was puzzling why Xu Yang would reject such a prodigious talent. To others, especially those harboring ill intentions, it was an opportunity. If Xu Yang refused to take Xiao Ye as a disciple, they could swoop in and recruit him.

“Xu Yang, this Xiao Ye is quite a gem. My lineage is in need of someone to inherit my mantle. How about letting me take him under my wing?” A kindly-looking elder descended onto the platform with an amicable smile.

This was the sect’s Grand Elder, who had been in seclusion for decades. His emergence was a testament to Xiao Ye’s monstrous talent.

Even the last time the Grand Elder had taken action, it had been to recruit Xu Yang himself.

Gasps rippled through the gathered disciples as they realized the gravity of the situation.

“Goodness, the Grand Elder has come out of seclusion just to take Xiao Ye as a disciple?”

“What incredible luck Xiao Ye has!”

“It’s not luck. His talent is simply extraordinary.”

Hearing the murmurs, Xu Yang narrowed his eyes but maintained a composed expression. “Grand Elder, it’s not about ‘painfully letting go.’ Your request is an honor I dare not refuse.”

Gasps turned into stunned silence. Xu Yang agreed so easily?

“Xu Yang, you—” The Grand Elder began, only for Xu Yang to cut him off.

“But before he becomes your disciple, there’s something I must retrieve from him,” Xu Yang said coolly. “I hope you won’t mind.”

The Grand Elder chuckled. “Of course not, young Xu. Do what you must.”

Xu Yang descended the platform and walked toward Xiao Ye. The young man feigned humility, bowing slightly. “What does the Peak Master wish to retrieve?”

“Your life,” Xu Yang said, his tone chilling.

With that, an overwhelming pressure descended upon Xiao Ye. It was as if the heavens themselves bore down, threatening to obliterate him. Even the arena’s defensive arrays groaned under the strain.

“Xu Yang, stop this madness!” the Grand Elder roared, but Xu Yang’s killing intent was unwavering.

“Help me!” Xiao Ye mouthed desperately, but the force crushing him silenced his cries.

Just as Xu Yang was about to land the finishing blow, a divine force intervened, shattering his momentum and saving Xiao Ye. The protagonist, drenched in blood and rage, spat out a declaration before fleeing the sect in a streak of light.

“Xu Yang, three years from now, I will kill you!”

Xu Yang tried to pursue, but an invisible force bound him. Looking to the heavens, his face twisted in frustration.

“Even in my Heart Demon Illusion, I can’t kill him? Damn you, Heavenly Dao!”