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

At that moment.

“Ice-Rock Defense!”

A brilliant light shone from Xiong Man’s body, as thick layers of crystalline ice enveloped him, forming a suit of armor as hard as rock, created from his powerful energy.

Then, he took a massive step forward, his momentum akin to a fierce tiger charging down a mountain, aiming directly at Xiao Ye.

“Boom!”

A deafening crash resounded, followed by the sharp sound of breaking bones, and then—

“Argh!”

A miserable scream echoed as a figure flew through the air like a broken kite. Xiong Man, who had been standing tall moments before, now lay sprawled several yards away.

What was even more shocking was that his body was engulfed in an unextinguishable flame, charring his skin. His face turned pale from the searing pain, looking like a tortured soul in the depths of hell.

The onlookers widened their eyes in horror, murmuring in disbelief.

“How is this possible? Even an Ice-Rock Physique couldn’t withstand that fire lotus?”

“Even more terrifying, a second-level Core Formation cultivator like Xiong Man was defeated in a single move by Xiao Ye!”

“This is shocking! With power like this, Xiao Ye could be one of the strongest in all of Qingming Sect!”

Almost every disciple was stunned by Xiao Ye’s strength. After all, Xiong Man was no weakling, and yet he was defeated in just one move! It was utterly terrifying and almost incomprehensible.

“Pathetic.”

Xiao Ye casually rubbed his nose, a dismissive expression on his face.

Ignoring Xiong Man’s feeble cries for help, he turned and left, leaving behind what he thought was an impressively cool, nonchalant silhouette for the onlookers.

After he departed, the surrounding disciples finally dared to speak freely.

“Ever since Xiao Ye arrived, Heavenly Thunder Peak has known no peace!”

“He must be holding a grudge against the senior disciples who took his cave residence, which is why he’s using such ruthless methods in his challenges!”

“Why don’t you mention how Xiao Ye snatched others’ residences too?”

“It’s over, it’s over! Even Xiong Man was defeated. I might as well give up my position as a core disciple and leave Heavenly Thunder Peak while I still can!”

Some disciples began discussing the idea of relinquishing their status as core disciples, even if it meant being expelled from Heavenly Thunder Peak. As for Xiong Man, who lay on the ground weakly calling for help, he was entirely ignored.

It wasn’t that they didn’t want to help. Xiao Ye’s strange fire lotus was too terrifying; even the slightest contact would sear the skin and ignite one’s own power from within—a truly horrifying technique.

Meanwhile,

Walking back toward his cave in high spirits, Xiao Ye’s lips twisted into a crooked, arrogant smile.

“See that, Elder Li? Heavenly Thunder Peak is practically my domain now—I’m unstoppable here!”

“So, Elder Li, you were wrong, and how wrong you were. If there really were some great presence trying to hold me back, would they allow me to get this strong without throwing obstacles my way?”

The spirit in the jade pendant, Elder Li, simply sighed.

‘Humph, as long as you don’t drag me down with you,’ Elder Li thought, remaining silent.

This brat was already courting disaster, using his Fiendish Flame Lotus over and over to defeat his opponents, oblivious to the fact that every time he used it, he burned through his lifespan and strained his potential.

…

…

In the back hall of Purple Cloud Peak.

For the past few days, Xu Yang had been entirely immersed in cultivation.

“Master, is the pressure just right?” Yuan Kouxuan asked, standing on Xu Yang’s broad back as she gently kneaded it with her bare feet.

Lying on a cushion, Xu Yang replied with his eyes closed, “Perfect, Xuan’er. Are you tired? Would you like me to—”

“No need, Master. I’m not tired at all,” Yuan Kouxuan replied, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

For the past two days, her master had asked her the same question, and each time, she agreed wholeheartedly. She cherished the attention from her master, even if it required a little extra stamina to keep up.

At that moment.

“Master, there’s an urgent message from Second Sister!” called Situ Qingqing from outside the hall.

“Master, what should we do? Qing’er is here!” Yuan Kouxuan’s face flushed as she scrambled around, momentarily panicking as if she wanted to hide in the wardrobe.

“Kouxuan, you’re fully dressed—what’s there to worry about? Besides, you’re the eldest disciple, so you need to stand tall… I mean, stay calm. With me here, you have nothing to fear!” Xu Yang almost let his inner thoughts slip, but he quickly recovered and reassured her.

Right! She was fully clothed; why should she be afraid?

Even if she weren’t, what would it matter?

Her loyalty to her master was as clear as day to everyone.

…

…

Wearing a pale yellow dress, Situ Qingqing hesitated when no one responded from inside the hall, peeking inside to check on the situation.

She saw her eldest senior sister, Yuan Kouxuan, standing barefoot on their master’s back, dressed in her white gown.

“…”

Situ Qingqing wanted to be angry, but since her senior sister’s gown was intact and their master was simply bare-chested, nothing seemed particularly out of line. Yet, something just didn’t sit right with her.

Yuan Kouxuan noticed Qingqing’s arrival and spoke coolly, “Qing’er, what are you sneaking around for?”

“Eldest Sister, I wasn’t sneaking! I clearly announced myself,” Situ Qingqing muttered softly, momentarily distracted from her original intent by her senior sister’s chiding.

“Qing’er, what did Yuer say in her message?” Xu Yang asked.

“Master, Second Sister said she’s made progress on your task. For now, no one else has noticed, but she’s asking what you would like her to do next,” Situ Qingqing replied, with a slight hint of resentment in her tone.

‘So, Yuer has indeed located the Primordial Cavern,’ Xu Yang thought with a raised eyebrow.

A few days earlier, Xu Yang had set his plans for the future in motion and sent a message to his second disciple, Ruan Yuer, who was exploring the Azure Cloud Secret Realm.

Though the surroundings of the Azure Cloud Secret Realm had been thoroughly investigated over the years, Yuer, ever obedient to her master’s instructions, followed his directions and diligently searched north of the Azure Cloud exit.

“Kouxuan, go and gather Jinli and Beifeng. Tell them to come to Purple Cloud Hall for a discussion,” Xu Yang instructed.

“Yes, Master,” Yuan Kouxuan responded immediately.

Qingqing was as sharp as a hound; if she stayed around any longer, she might pick up on something she shouldn’t.

Dressed in her white gown, Yuan Kouxuan lightly hopped off Xu Yang’s back, moving gracefully like a butterfly as she left the back hall.

Watching her leave, Xu Yang regained his composure, preparing himself for Qingqing’s presence. But just as he sat up on the bed—

A delicate figure fell into his arms.

“Master, Eldest Sister is too much! She’s like a lord with her own set of rules!” Situ Qingqing whimpered, tears streaming down her face as she sought refuge in Xu Yang’s embrace.

“Not only does she make her own rules, but she’s also pretty good at handling… rules,” Xu Yang mused silently as he gently patted Qingqing’s back, comforting her.

“Qing’er, your eldest sister may be strict, but she has no ill intentions.”

“She absolutely has ill intentions! She’s been monopolizing you…” Situ Qingqing started to complain but quickly realized that this would only benefit her eldest sister. She stopped herself, glancing up at her master with admiration in her eyes.

“She may be loyal to you, Master, but she’s not as considerate as I am. I always ensure every part of your needs is met,” Qingqing said softly.

“Qing’er, your eldest sister will be back soon!” Xu Yang warned, trying to curb his mischievous disciple’s behavior.

“No need to worry, Master. Eldest Sister won’t be back that quickly,” Situ Qingqing said, her cheeks tinged with a rosy blush as she gazed at her master with heartfelt affection.

“Master, without me around, I bet you’ve been struggling. Don’t worry—I’ll find a way to avoid her watchful eyes…” she said, biting her lip shyly.

‘Not exactly struggling…’ Xu Yang thought, nodding seriously.

“Qing’er, I appreciate your dedication, but don’t overextend yourself. I can handle things,” he assured her gently.

“Master, you’re so good to me…” Qingqing gazed at him, her eyes brimming with emotion.

Despite the circumstances, her master still showed her such concern… She blinked, batting her eyelashes. “Master, would you like some compensation?”

Xu Yang chuckled, “Enough of that. I’m not some ravenous beast. Go on now; it’s about time your eldest sister returns with everyone.”

‘You may not be, Master, but I certainly am…’ Situ Qingqing thought, standing up and straightening her dress. She walked toward the wardrobe, intending to retrieve Xu Yang’s robe.

She didn’t think much of it, but Xu Yang suddenly remembered something. His wardrobe contained… certain items. If Qingqing were to see them, that would certainly…

TN// Okay, I’m back now. I wanted to upload last night but the site went down so I couldn’t. Expect a lot more chapters now!