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

Purple Cloud Hall.

“Are you truly willing to take me as your master?” Xu Yang’s gaze rested on Liu Beifeng, his tone casual yet probing.

“Beifeng is willing!” Liu Beifeng immediately responded, bowing in respect.

“No need to rush,” Xu Yang replied calmly. “Before formally accepting you, there’s something you should know. Just a few days ago, my cultivation suffered a setback, causing me to lose all my progress. Currently, I’m merely at the ninth level of the Foundation Establishment realm. If you feel I’m unworthy, you still have the chance to leave Purple Cloud Peak now.”

“But remember, if you choose to become my disciple, once a master, always a father. Betrayal will not be tolerated, and all of Purple Cloud Peak will stand against it.” Xu Yang’s tone was serious, emphasizing the gravity of her decision.

Nearby, Xue Jinli’s eyes widened in shock upon hearing that her master’s cultivation was lost. She quickly turned to Situ Qingqing, mentally questioning her through a spiritual voice transmission:

“Qing’er, why didn’t you tell me about something this big?”

Caught up in… other matters, Situ Qingqing shrugged and replied, “Master didn’t want anyone worrying. He specifically mentioned that he didn’t want you to be distracted, especially since Yaoyao is undergoing her clan’s inheritance ritual.”

‘Not that he actually said this to me…’ Situ Qingqing thought, deciding that if she had to take another scolding to protect the secret, so be it.

“Still, you should’ve told me something!” Xue Jinli felt a mixture of guilt and frustration.

“I gave you a hint, didn’t I? Didn’t you see my look when you disembarked from the flying ship, telling you not to provoke that old thief Wanjun?” Situ Qingqing shot back.

Xue Jinli was speechless and indignant, unable to argue with her reasoning.

“But wait a minute… Master is only at the ninth level of Foundation Establishment?” Xue Jinli raised a brow in suspicion. “How did he manage to ‘punish’ you so severely for half an hour?”

Situ Qingqing’s expression turned a little wry. “Do you think Master’s ninth-level Foundation Establishment is normal?”

Xue Jinli looked at Xu Yang again, her gaze growing serious. Even from a distance, she could sense a deep, dragon-like vitality radiating from him—so strong that, even as a phoenix-descended spirit, she could barely withstand it.

“Master’s aura is so immense, his presence so unfathomable… This doesn’t feel like a mere ninth level of Foundation Establishment!” Xue Jinli murmured, stunned.

“Rising to the Core Formation stage won’t make you any less in awe of him,” Situ Qingqing said, secretly pleased to finally have someone to share in her reverence.

For the first time in her life, Xue Jinli felt motivated to train earnestly, if only to verify Situ Qingqing’s claims. She wanted to see if, once she reached the Core Formation stage, her master would indeed appear even more mysterious and unfathomable.

Meanwhile, Liu Beifeng bowed low once more, her voice earnest as she affirmed, “My devotion to becoming Master’s disciple is unwavering.”

She had always known she was different; a peculiar spirit imprint lay dormant in her sea of consciousness. Upon meeting the master of Purple Cloud Peak, this imprint began to pulse with an almost eager energy, a rare occurrence that only ever happened when a great fortune was near. With such an unmistakable sign, Liu Beifeng was certain she stood to gain immensely from following Xu Yang.

“Good. From this day forth, you are the eighth personal disciple of Purple Cloud Peak,” Xu Yang declared, his gaze deep and timeless as he added, “Rise, Beifeng.”

“Thank you, Master!” Liu Beifeng said joyously.

Xu Yang gave a small, gentle smile. “You’ve been kneeling for a while now; no need to strain yourself.”

His voice was soft, calming. Listening to it felt like basking in a light breeze, gentle and refreshing. Even Xue Jinli found herself nearly swooning at the sound.

Turning to Situ Qingqing, Xue Jinli whispered through a transmission, “Has Master… softened after his setback?”

“Master says he realized he was too focused on pursuing immortality, neglecting his disciples. Now, he’s decided to be a gentler, kinder teacher,” Situ Qingqing answered, her words edited for certain embellishments.

“Does this mean I can finally…?” Xue Jinli was almost giddy with excitement. She’d longed to dance atop her master’s abs without consequence, ever since the time she was punished for a mere pinch that had left her sore for days.

Clearing her throat, Situ Qingqing quickly reminded her, “Master’s kinder, yes, but that doesn’t mean he won’t still punish you. I only took your place because you were too afraid to come in. Have you forgotten?”

Undeterred, Xue Jinli smirked. “It’s fine! My skin is tougher than yours. Testing Master’s limits is worth a try!”

Nearby, Liu Beifeng suddenly stepped forward, her gaze respectfully on Xu Yang. She retrieved a dragon-shaped herb from her storage ring, kneeling and offering it with both hands. “Master, I once came across a beast’s den, where I found this millennium-old spiritual herb. I present it to you as my token of apprenticeship.”

Xu Yang’s other disciples stared in shock.

“Oh? Let me see,” Xu Yang said, reaching for the herb. Outwardly composed, his inner excitement surged as the system notification sounded in his mind:

[Ding! Liu Beifeng has gifted you the Millennium Dragon Blood Grass. Ten thousandfold return triggered—Ten-Thousand-Year True Dragon Dao Fruit obtained!]

The Dragon Blood Grass was a relatively common spiritual plant that evolved after absorbing the blood of a dragon beast. Many beast-taming sects could cultivate it by drawing blood from their dragon beasts in controlled quantities. Although rare, it was certainly not a once-in-a-lifetime treasure.

But the True Dragon Dao Fruit—that was something entirely different.

The True Dragon Dao Fruit was cultivated from the essence of a true dragon’s blood, maturing over centuries. Each thousand-year period it survived brought with it a tribulation of heavenly lightning. Only after ten tribulations could it fully develop into a Ten-Thousand-Year True Dragon Dao Fruit, taking on the form of a dragon itself.

The Dao Fruit’s power was unparalleled. It could purify one’s physique, enhance blood essence, and even bestow partial dragon traits. In Xu Yang’s case, it would enable him to achieve Core Formation with utmost perfection, fortifying his already formidable body.

Thinking about his cultivation benefits, Xu Yang couldn’t help but smile faintly. And once his strength was fully restored, little Qingqing would struggle even more against his formidable… aura.