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

Xue Jinli cast a dispassionate glance at Shangguan Shu. “City Lord Shangguan, continue with the selection.”

Without waiting for a reply, she flew back toward the City Lord’s mansion. After all, the selection process would be long, and as a direct disciple of Purple Cloud Peak, she didn’t need to be personally involved. Once the trials whittled down the candidates, she would reappear to examine the final prospects herself.

Shangguan Shu felt a chill run down his spine, instinctively bowing lower. “Understood, Lady Xue!”

It felt as though she’d seen right through his hidden intentions. He dared not slack off any further, lest his position as City Lord be jeopardized.

Turning to the crowd below, Shangguan pointed to a massive black stone pillar and announced loudly, “Those who meet the selection requirements, form a line and approach the stage to test your spiritual roots. Only those with high-grade roots will pass; the rest will be dismissed!”

Nobody dared to complain anymore, especially with the memory of Luo Kuang’s public humiliation fresh in their minds. Not only had he been beaten to a pulp by Lady Xue, but he’d also drawn the attention of past rivals. The infamous Bloodthirsty Blade would likely vanish from the ranks of rogue cultivators forever.

Below the platform, the eligible young cultivators quickly lined up. Those hoping to sneak in, seeing the stone’s ominous gleam, grudgingly abandoned their plans.

The black stone pillar was a treasure crafted by Qingming Sect, designed specifically to gauge bone age, cultivation, and root quality—a foolproof measure.

Before long, a line of several dozen cultivators had formed, far more than Shangguan Shu anticipated.

“Purple Cloud Peak’s name truly has weight,” he thought to himself. “If it were any other peak, I doubt this many young talents would be drawn here.”

Clearing his throat, Shangguan then motioned for the first candidate to step forward.

The first was a bright-eyed girl from the Li family, a prominent family in the city. Recognizing her, Shangguan gave her a nod of encouragement. Visibly relieved, the Li family girl took a deep breath, placed her hand on the stone pillar, and waited.

Suddenly, the pillar lit up with a radiant glow, and lines of text appeared.

[Li Family of Heavenly Origin City, Li Xiwei]
[Bone Age: 17]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, Third Level]
[Root Quality: High-Grade]

“I have high-grade roots!” Li Xiwei practically bounced with joy, nearly unable to contain her excitement.

“Very good,” Shangguan praised, directing a guard to guide her to a reserved area where she could await the next round.

“Next,” Shangguan called.

Xiao Ye, who had been eyeing the lovely Li Xiwei, licked his lips and muttered, “Not bad. She might make a fine concubine if she lives up to her looks.”

Li Lao sighed in exasperation from within the jade pendant. “Focus, disciple.”

“Master, don’t you trust me by now? My roots will surely be top-grade!” Xiao Ye replied confidently.

Li Lao declined to comment.

[Yan Family of Heavenly Origin City, Yan Nanqing]
[Bone Age: 17]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, Fourth Level]
[Root Quality: Mid-Grade]

A well-dressed youth stared at the results, his face drained of color. “How can this be? My cultivation is higher than Li Xiwei’s—why is hers high-grade while mine is only mid-grade?”

“Your roots don’t qualify,” Shangguan said curtly. “Step down.”

“Please, City Lord Shangguan, let me try again. There must be some mistake!” the young man pleaded.

But Shangguan’s face turned cold. “Guards, remove him from the stage!”

The guards quickly seized the youth, who struggled in vain as he was dragged away.

“Next!”

Seeing the display, Xiao Ye sneered, muttering, “Corruption at its finest. Playing the impartial judge, are we? Once I become a disciple of Purple Cloud Peak, I’ll ensure Shangguan loses his position as City Lord!”

Li Lao tried to intervene, worried. “Disciple, be cautious with your words.”

One by one, candidates took the test, with results varying:

[Chen Chao of the Rowing Gang]
[Bone Age: 16]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, First Level]
[Root Quality: Mid-Grade]

[Qin Yuan of the Broadsword Sect]
[Bone Age: 17]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, Third Level]
[Root Quality: Mid-Grade]

Throughout the process, Xiao Ye remained critical, muttering insults about the other candidates. Li Lao was left speechless by his disciple’s lack of restraint.

Finally, it was Xiao Ye’s turn. By then, he had attracted no small amount of animosity, with several disgruntled candidates glaring at him, eager for him to fail.

“So I’m the one taking pills now? Let’s see what this ‘master’ shows us!” sneered one rejected youth.

“Bet he has low-grade roots,” another mocked.

Xiao Ye ignored them all, brimming with confidence as he strutted toward the stone pillar.

“Go ahead, place your hand on the stone,” Shangguan Shu ordered, barely concealing his irritation.

With a smirk, Xiao Ye slapped both hands onto the pillar, causing it to tremble slightly.

Shangguan Shu was about to scold him when the pillar suddenly shone with an intense, dazzling light.

When the text appeared, Shangguan froze, utterly stunned.

[Xiao Family, Xiao Ye]
[Bone Age: 17]
[Cultivation: Foundation Establishment, Fifth Level]
[Root Quality: Supreme-Grade]

The crowd erupted.