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

“What’s wrong with me?” 

Xu Yang muttered, a bit dazed, looking down.

‘Wait a minute…’

‘How did Xuan’er end up in my arms?!’

Startled, he quickly released her. “Xuan’er, I didn’t mean anything by this—I was just… affected.”

“It’s alright, Master. As your disciple, it’s only right for me to comfort you,” Yuan Kouxuan replied softly, her lips trembling slightly. Her long lashes quivered, a blush coloring her cheeks.

“So… if helping Master means I can ease your poison, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Xu Yang took in the details of her face. Her brows were finely shaped, her cheeks delicately flushed. A soft rouge tinted her lips, glossy and bright like a dewy cherry in the morning. He swallowed, hesitating. “Disciple, what kind of rouge did you use on your lips? It smells… really nice.”

“It’s a special blend I made myself,” she replied, her blush deepening. “It’s crafted from rare spirit flower petals… and yes, it’s edible, too.”

Xu Yang raised his brow at that. “Disciple, would you… mind if I tried it?”

As he leaned in, drawn to her inviting gaze, he was about to close the distance when her slender finger pressed gently against his lips, stopping him.

Xu Yang furrowed his brow. “…?”

“Not like that, Master,” she teased. “Like this.” She lifted her finger to her own lips, brushing it lightly over the rouge.

“Did you get a taste that time?” she asked, an amused gleam in her eyes.

Xu Yang sighed in frustration. Though her finger carried a faint hint of fragrance, it was nothing like tasting the real thing. But he kept his expression serious and nodded. “It was… pleasant.”

“Master, lying doesn’t suit you,” she chuckled, mischief dancing in her eyes.

‘What? She’s teasing me?’

As Xu Yang processed her words, she suddenly pulled her finger away, and in the next moment, his lips brushed against hers. The scent of her rouge lingered, soft and sweet. He was momentarily stunned, the taste as intoxicating as he had imagined, stirring something deeply within him.

Yuan Kouxuan’s eyes held a hint of shyness, her blush spreading across her face. After a few moments, she pulled back, her gaze still fixed on him, and asked, “Master… do you like it?”

“It’s… delightful. I actually feel much better now,” he admitted with a slight nod, feeling surprisingly light. It was as though the discomfort from the poison had completely faded.

Kouxuan, however, let out a soft sigh. “Master, I think the poison may have only gotten deeper…”

“Hmm?” Xu Yang looked at her, puzzled.

“Master, if things keep going like this, we’ll need to find a way to cleanse this poison once and for all,” she replied, her voice gentle but with a tinge of worry.

Xu Yang was tempted to protest, but he sighed. “You’re right. But my mind feels so muddled that I can’t seem to think of any solutions.”

“That’s fine, Master. I’ve already thought of a plan. You don’t need to worry about anything—just trust me and follow my lead,” Kouxuan reassured him.

Taking a small jade bottle from her storage ring, she began preparing the next steps. After a few moments, she returned to Xu Yang with a calm expression, as if taking on the role of a caretaker. “Master, please relax. Just close your eyes and let me handle everything.”

Xu Yang, taking her advice, closed his eyes, allowing her to begin the treatment. The cool, soothing touch felt refreshing, clearing the remnants of the chaotic energy within him.

…

“Master,” Kouxuan’s voice broke the silence after a while. “Out of all your disciples… who do you care about the most?”

Xu Yang’s mind drifted for a moment before he caught the weight of her question. Thinking carefully, he replied, “I care for each of you in different ways. Every disciple has their own unique qualities. Take Jinli, for instance. She may appear clumsy and reckless, but she has a great sense of order and knows when to advance or retreat. Or Qing’er—she seems lazy, but secretly works harder than anyone…”

As he continued, Kouxuan’s gaze fell, disappointment evident in her eyes. He’d mentioned every disciple—even the newest one, Beifeng—but hadn’t said a single word about her.

After a pause, she asked quietly, “What about me, Master?”

“Xuan’er,” Xu Yang said gently, reaching out to place a hand on her head. “You’re the one I feel the most responsibility and guilt for.”

Kouxuan’s eyes grew misty, her voice trembling. “Master, why would you feel that way?”

“Because you were the first disciple I took in after establishing Purple Cloud Peak, yet I’ve spent the least time guiding you.” His voice softened with regret. “During my seclusion, the responsibilities of the peak fell onto your shoulders. You took on everything—managing the peak, overseeing your junior sisters’ training, handling emergencies for the sect—and yet, you’ve never once neglected your own cultivation.”

He continued, “Among all my disciples, you’re the one who bears the heaviest burdens. But you’ve always been the most diligent and caring. That’s why, Kouxuan… even though I haven’t been the best master, promise me that you’ll never leave. Let’s stay together, no matter what.”

‘Stay together… forever? Is Master… confessing to me?’

Her face turned crimson, her heart pounding as she nodded firmly. “Yes, Master. I’ll stay by your side for as long as I live… and even beyond…”

Her last words were barely audible, almost a whisper meant for herself alone.

“Hmm? Disciple, what did you say?” Xu Yang asked, unsure he had heard correctly.

“N-nothing,” she stammered, her face flushed. In an attempt to change the subject, she adopted a more serious tone, masking her emotions with a nurse-like demeanor. “Master, we’ve completed the first round of treatment. Now, it’s time for the second.”

“…”

TN// Sorry yall, I’ve been swamped with work and school, after tomorrow I’ll be able to release more frequently.