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

Purple Cloud Hall.

“Master, is your poison cured now?” Yuan Kouxuan asked softly, her usually composed face tinged with a rosy blush. She clung to Xu Yang’s neck, her gaze a mixture of shyness and worry.

‘There was no poison to begin with…’

At that moment, Xu Yang’s mind only wanted to sing: But oh, the snow, it falls into my eyes…

“It’s cured now, thanks to your attentiveness, Kouxuan. Without you, I might have been left with lingering aftereffects,” Xu Yang said with a warm smile, his hand gently pinching her soft, flushed cheek.

“Mmh~” Yuan Kouxuan closed her eyes, her lashes trembling lightly like a small kitten being affectionately stroked, emitting a soft, almost purring sound.

Seeing his ever-composed disciple acting so obedient and docile, Xu Yang felt his heart skip several beats.

‘My disciple is simply too sweet to handle!’

“Master.”

“Hm?”

“Shouldn’t you start cultivating again?”

“There’s no rush.”

Xu Yang paused. Dismissing Xuan’er right after this? That would be too heartless. Instead, he pulled her closer and planted a soft kiss on her lips.

“It’s alright, Master. You don’t need to worry about my feelings. Your disciple understands.”

Although still dazed from the kiss, Yuan Kouxuan rose from his lap, carefully straightening her clothes as if to reassure him.

“Master, I’ll take my leave now. But if you end up poisoned again during your cultivation, you must tell me!”

As she stepped down, her legs wobbled slightly, and she nearly stumbled.

Xu Yang reacted swiftly, catching her by the waist.

“Kouxuan, do I still need to… cure the poison?” he teased.

Yuan Kouxuan’s eyes sparkled mischievously as she poked his chest with a slender finger.

“Master, I was only joking. But you’re getting stronger by the day. If I don’t hurry and break through to the Nascent Soul realm, I won’t dare help you cure your poison anymore!”

With that, Yuan Kouxuan gracefully left, though her footsteps remained unsteady.

Xu Yang sat frozen for a long while before finally regaining his senses.

“I knew it! That couldn’t have been my illusionary trial. With my eldest disciple here, how could my eyes possibly be empty?”

Shaking his head, Xu Yang grabbed the Enlightenment Bodhi Seed and began retrieving techniques and martial skills from his system space.

“Let’s get to work!”

The hall was soon alive with roaring energy, as if tigers and dragons danced amidst the swirling clouds. Martial paths and laws began to weave through the air like intricate tapestries.

Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Secret Mountains.

The Qingming Sect’s contingent had just arrived when they sensed a violent spatial fluctuation. Entire mountain ranges collapsed, ancient trees snapped like twigs, and terrified beasts fled in all directions.

The chaos rippled outward, affecting cities thousands of miles away. Families, sects, and wandering cultivators alike were drawn to the disturbance, quickly dispatching their strongest to investigate.

As these experts reached the scene and saw the Qingming Sect’s overwhelming presence, they didn’t even need to look further. The answer was obvious:

This was a monumental opportunity.

One after another, they pulled out communication jade slips, sending four simple words to their leaders:

“Fortune, come quickly!”

“Master Xu, was this all within your calculations?”

“Judging by the commotion, the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion must indeed exist!”

“If so, the thirty-five peaks will reap an unimaginable harvest this time!”

“All thanks to Master Xu for providing the information!”

“Knowing the cavern’s emergence yet refraining from sending disciples ahead—Master Xu truly prioritizes the sect above all!”

“Master Xu really is such a kind and selfless person!”

The elders in charge of their respective peaks expressed their gratitude one after another, showering Xu Yang with praise and even bestowing upon him the unofficial title of “Model Disciple.”

Without delay, they descended with their spiritual vessels, organizing their disciples to prepare for entry into the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion.

On the Heavenly Thunder Peak’s spiritual vessel.

Inside the finest cabin, Xiao Ye lounged leisurely, his legs propped on the table as he toyed with a storage ring, a smug grin plastered across his face.

“Elder Li, didn’t I say Qingming Sect is my lucky ground? Even random rings I pick up here are full of hundred-year-old spiritual treasures! Though incompatible with my constitution, they’ll sell for a fortune among my useless peers.”

“Ah yes, yes, my mistake entirely!” Elder Li replied dismissively, though inwardly, his thoughts raged.

‘How could it be coincidence? Every spiritual item in that ring conflicts with your cultivation path, and the rest are just random clothes. Can’t you tell this is a trap? Xiao Ye, you’re dumber than a pig! No—pigs are smarter than you!’

After countless similar episodes, Elder Li had long given up on advising him, lest he get blamed yet again.

He could only hope that the mastermind behind the schemes would keep their collateral damage minimal. If not, Elder Li resolved he’d be the first to switch sides, even if it meant calling someone else “father.”

“Watch me, Elder Li. This ring is just the beginning. Once we enter the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion, I’ll claim every treasure within!”

“Core Formation is at my fingertips. The Nascent Soul realm isn’t far off, and Divine Transformation is practically inevitable!”

“I, Xiao Ye, will become invincible across the realms!”

Elder Li: “…”

‘Anyone overhearing you would think you’ve already ascended to sainthood.’

Before Elder Li could conjure a perfunctory compliment, a voice came from outside the cabin:

“Senior Brother Xiao, it’s time to gather. The elder has sent me to fetch you.”

“Go on ahead. I’ll join you shortly,” Xiao Ye said dismissively.

As the destined “Child of Fate,” naturally, he had to make a grand entrance—how else could he highlight his exceptional status?

“Understood, Senior Brother Xiao.”

After the disciple left, Xiao Ye looked at Elder Li with a gleam in his eye.

“Elder Li, once I inherit the legacy of the Venerable Qi Yuan, do you think I’ll stand as the peerless ruler of the world, admired by all major powers?”

‘Enough already.’

With an obviously strained smile, Elder Li replied, “As the Child of Fate, how could you fall short of a mere tomb-raiding sovereign?”

“Exactly what I was thinking!” Xiao Ye nodded in satisfaction. “Elder Li, you’ve been far more agreeable lately. It’s a shame you no longer qualify to be my master!”

“Yes, I’m unworthy!” Elder Li declared earnestly.

Thankfully, he had distanced himself from that title. Otherwise, his ancestors would surely be spinning in their graves.