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

In just a few moments, Ruan Yuer re-entered the cabin, carefully holding a small seal in her hands.

“Master, this treasure once blocked a strike for Wang Teng, but I noticed that he couldn’t fully utilize its power. Otherwise, I may not have been able to defeat him,” she explained.

“That’s why I believe this treasure has an extraordinary origin.”

Saying this, Ruan Yuer presented the small seal to Xu Yang with both hands, respectfully adding, “Master, I didn’t acquire any great fortune in the Azure Cloud Secret Realm, so I offer this treasure to you instead.”

Situ Qingqing turned her gaze toward Xue Jinli.

Xue Jinli’s cheeks turned pink with embarrassment, feeling somewhat ashamed. Of all the disciples, she was the only one who hadn’t offered anything to their master. Perhaps she should give herself to him as tribute instead, she mused inwardly, trying to mask her discomfort by glaring back at Situ Qingqing.

Situ Qingqing just grinned, satisfied.

“Yuer, that is very thoughtful of you.”

As Xu Yang took hold of the small seal, a system notification echoed in his mind:

[Ding! Ruan Yuer has gifted the host the earth-rank spiritual treasure “Magnetic Earth Heart,” triggering a ten-thousand-fold critical return—”Heavenly Desolation Pagoda”!]

“The Heavenly Desolation Pagoda?”

Xu Yang’s composed demeanor rippled with excitement.

The Heavenly Desolation Pagoda—legendary in ancient texts, known as the supreme treasure of humanity!

It was said that, in ancient times, a young supreme genius named Tian Huang wielded this pagoda, subjugating all opponents. Even those wielding the might of immortals were crushed beneath its towering weight, clearing the path for Tian Huang’s unstoppable ascent to power.

In front of this pagoda, none would dare claim invincibility or stand undefeated!

“Fantastic!” Xu Yang felt incredibly pleased.

The so-called Magnetic Earth Heart, even as the grand treasure of the Mystic Heaven Sect, was nothing compared to the Heavenly Desolation Pagoda—it was like comparing a common iron tool to a divine artifact.

“Indeed, this is a remarkable treasure. If I’m not mistaken, it’s Mystic Heaven Sect’s own ‘Magnetic Earth Heart.’ I’ll gladly accept it, Yuer,” Xu Yang said with a serene smile as he placed the Magnetic Earth Heart into his system space.

This gentle smile radiated warmth like the first thaw of spring, a sight so dazzling it made the rest of the world seem dull by comparison.

Ruan Yuer blushed and lowered her gaze, afraid that she might lose herself in her master’s charm—a most improper feeling for a devoted disciple.

Yuan Kouxuan felt her heart melt, wishing she could let her master savor the touch of her lips once again.

Situ Qingqing realized with a start that her master’s charm could potentially mean yet another rival for her affection.

Xue Jinli caught that soft smile and felt a pang of jealousy. She resolved that once they entered the Qi Yuan Cavern, she would dig through every inch of it if necessary to find a worthy treasure for her master—at least something at the earth-rank!

“Yuer, where is the Qi Yuan Cavern located? Lead the way,” Xu Yang instructed, refocusing on the matter at hand.

Compared to Wang Teng, the bringer of occasional treasures, the Qi Yuan Cavern was the real attraction. Xu Yang had been looking forward to this opportunity for a long time.

“Understood, Master.” Ruan Yuer rose and led the way outside, setting their course for the spiritual vessel.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Wilderness, at Mystic Heaven Sect…

Majestic mountains stretched far and wide, with ancient peaks towering above and silver waterfalls painting a picturesque scene.

Inside a grand palace adorned with painted beams and flying eaves, an overwhelming aura suddenly erupted.

“Who dared to steal Mystic Heaven Sect’s grand treasure, the Magnetic Earth Heart?!” A voice rang out, thick with fury, and a vast pressure swept through the mountains, causing every disciple in its reach to go pale and feel as if they were trapped in quicksand, unable to escape.

“Is that the Sect Master’s voice? Has the Sect Master come out of seclusion?”

“Such power! Even the elders can’t withstand this—did the Sect Master reach a new level in his cultivation?”

“Perhaps, but he said the Magnetic Earth Heart has been stolen. How is that possible? Isn’t it an artifact only the Sect Master can fully control?”

“It seems serious, given the Sect Master’s anger!”

“Could it be that… the one who stole it is none other than our Sect Heir?”

“Oh… if that’s the case, no worries then!”

The Mystic Heaven Sect disciples muttered among themselves. In their eyes, their Sect Heir was notorious for his reckless ways, and this seemed exactly like something he’d do. And given his talent, even if he did take the sect’s grand treasure, he probably wouldn’t face any punishment.

In the hall, a grand elder sat upon a throne, his aura immense, a swirling vision of landscapes appearing behind him. His expression was severe as he demanded, “If I hadn’t sensed the Magnetic Earth Heart’s power while in seclusion, were you planning to hide this from me forever?”

The elders below exchanged uneasy glances, each unwilling to answer. Finally, one younger elder, who was just over two centuries old, stepped forward reluctantly.

“Honored Sect Master, the Heir wished to train in the Northern Province. Fearing he might face danger, we turned a blind eye and let him take the Magnetic Earth Heart,” he mumbled.

“Why didn’t you assign protectors to him?” the Sect Master’s tone softened slightly upon learning it was the Sect Heir but still carried an edge of irritation.

“The Heir claimed he had the potential to reach immortality and insisted he’d sweep through any obstacles unaided,” the young elder replied weakly.

“If he claims such authority, shall we let him take your place as elder then?” the Sect Master retorted sharply.

The young elder recoiled, unable to respond.

The Sect Master’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, a flicker of disappointment evident. Then, he declared, “Since the Sect Heir used the Magnetic Earth Heart, he must have encountered danger. Send three Nascent Soul elders to the Northern Province to rescue him.”

Before he could finish, hurried footsteps approached from outside.

The Sect Master’s expression darkened, about to rebuke the disturbance, when a distressed official, face pale and solemn, rushed in and knelt.

“Sect Master… the Heir’s soul lamp… has extinguished!”

“What?!” The Sect Master leapt to his feet, his face red with anger, eyes wide and wild, like a raging beast. His fury filled the hall like molten lava bursting from the earth, a suffocating pressure weighing on the elders’ chests.

For centuries, the Mystic Heaven Sect’s disciples had not produced many cultivators capable of reaching the Nascent Soul realm, let alone elders of a high rank.

The Sect Master had placed all his hopes on Wang Teng, a prodigy whose talent and character were extraordinary. Wang Teng had been favored, granted every resource he desired, and was praised as a disciple with the potential to ascend to immortality.

But now, after only a few months in seclusion, the Sect Master’s most promising disciple had met a mysterious end in the Northern Province!

How could he not be furious?

With killing intent surging around him, the Sect Master bellowed, “Whoever killed my disciple, no matter where they hide, I swear I will grind them into dust, down to the last bone!”

Moments later, the Sect Master and several elders flew from the hall, making their way to the teleportation array to journey northward.