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

Aboard the spirit boat.

The white-robed woman removed her veil, revealing a face as fair as snow and radiant with an ethereal beauty.

Her face was graceful, with bright, delicate lips, a fine nose, and brows shaped like gentle brushstrokes. Her eyes sparkled with the clarity of spring waters, carrying a serene beauty, and her neck was long and graceful like a branch draped in fresh snow.

Her figure was on par with Yuan Kouxuan, both in terms of curves and proportions. Her white robes traced every line with perfect elegance, making her look like a vision of timeless allure, a beauty that could stop any passerby in their tracks.

‘No wonder the original novel described her as a mature beauty with a hint of youth’, Xu Yang thought as he exited the cabin and looked at the white-robed woman, a trace of admiration evident in his gaze.

“Master, did I do well?” Her voice was soft and sweet, like melted sugar, alluring yet delicate.

“Yes, well done. Come in and sit,” Xu Yang replied, inviting Ruan Yuer into the cabin.

Inside, she greeted her fellow disciples one by one, her demeanor shy yet respectful, even toward Liu Beifeng, whom she’d only heard about through messages.

“Senior Sister Yuer!” Xue Jinli beamed warmly at her.

“Second Sister,” Situ Qingqing greeted gently.

“Senior Sister Yuer,” Liu Beifeng said, more timidly than the others.

“Sit down,” Xu Yang said, pouring a cup of tea and handing it to Ruan Yuer. “Tell me, Yuer, what led you to pursue the Mystic Heaven Sect’s heir, Wang Teng?”

In the original story, Wang Teng was an infamous character, known for causing trouble for the protagonist time and again. His line, “My disciple Wang Teng has the potential to ascend,” became an ironic phrase, widely quoted among readers.

Holding the cup with both hands, Ruan Yuer sat down, flattered and slightly shy. “Master, I was carrying out your orders to search for the Qi Yuan Cavern. But as soon as I the exited Azure Cloud Secret Realm, that scoundrel Wang Teng started following me!”

“At first, I wasn’t certain he was up to no good, so I remembered Master’s instructions about catching someone red-handed and secretly hid a recording jade pendant at my waist…”

“When I confronted him with the evidence, not only did he deny it, but he tried to turn the blame on me. Angered, I struck him, and he warned me that I’d pay with my life.”

At this point, Ruan Yuer’s voice turned defiant. “Master, you’ve always advised, ‘If you hold a grudge, never think of resolving it—strike decisively and leave no lingering threats.’ So I pursued him until I ran into you.”

Yuan Kouxuan’s gaze flickered, prompting her to silently reflect. Her Master’s teachings were remembered with crystal clarity by Yu’er, and she followed his instructions without hesitation. Compared to that, Yuan Kouxuan felt she had much to improve.

Xue Jinli, eyes shining with admiration, marveled at her second sister. ‘Wow, Sister Yuer is truly fearless! Even the Mystic Heaven Sect’s heir didn’t make her hesitate.’

Meanwhile, Situ Qingqing silently raised Ruan Yuer’s threat level to match Yuan Kouxuan’s. After all, who wouldn’t be drawn to a woman like Second Sister—obedient, loyal, and capable?

Xu Yang was silent for a moment, inwardly surprised that Wang Teng’s own actions had led to his demise.

In the original story, Wang Teng had obtained a treasure capable of sensing fate and opportunity, allowing him to intercept many fortunes. Despite having average talent, his fate-sensing treasure helped him become the Mystic Heaven Sect’s heir. In another novel, he might even have been the protagonist.

However, in this particular novel, the author used Wang Teng as a convenient “delivery boy,” always presenting him as a nuisance and an eventual source of treasure for the protagonist. It was no surprise that readers actually looked forward to his appearances.

Xu Yang couldn’t help but think, ‘By killing off Wang Teng, did I just reduce the protagonist’s fortune?’

After all, Wang Teng’s treasures were crucial in the original plot.

The first significant artifact, the Magnetic Earth Heart, helped the protagonist shine during the Six Peaks Competition. This victory caught the attention of the Qingming Sect’s elder, triggering major story events. Without the artifact, the protagonist might not even secure his position in the Six Peaks, let alone gain the elder’s favor.

Reducing the protagonist’s fortune might be an added benefit, but Xu Yang knew his main focus should be restoring his own cultivation. Once he regained his strength, he would be prepared to face any future challenges.

Seeing her master lost in thought, Ruan Yuer became anxious. ‘Have I caused trouble for Purple Cloud Peak?’ She bowed her head, her hands trembling slightly. “Master… have I brought unnecessary trouble to the sect?”

‘Why lower your head? Even if I wanted to look, I wouldn’t see anything from here’, Xu Yang thought, amused. He laughed and said, “What trouble? That Wang Teng was trying to harm you; of course he deserved to die.”

“Besides, if any elders from his sect come looking for trouble, I will deal with them.”

Xu Yang was confident that after entering the Qi Yuan Secret Realm, his cultivation would soar. Even if he couldn’t recover his previous level, his battle strength would only improve.

If the Mystic Heaven Sect wanted to reason, he’d welcome it. If not, well, he knew a bit about other forms of reasoning.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ruan Yuer’s eyes softened as she looked at her master, emotions brimming as though hearts danced in her gaze. She seemed to be on the verge of saying something when she suddenly stood up.

“Master, please wait! I’ll be right back!”

Before anyone could react, Ruan Yuer dashed out of the cabin.

Yuan Kouxuan and the other disciples looked puzzled, unsure why she’d suddenly left.

Maybe Sister Yuer needed the restroom? This thought, of course, came from Xue Jinli’s playful mind.

Xu Yang, however, felt a delightful premonition. It seemed… something big was coming!