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

Xu Yang noticed Situ Qingqing’s subtle, resentful glances and decided it was best to temporarily set aside the growing tension among his disciples for the sake of peace in his harem.

“The Venerable Qi Yuan’s inheritance is beneath this jade throne,” Xu Yang declared.

Rather than taking an active stance, Xu Yang chose neutrality—neither offending anyone nor encouraging their antics. His strategy was simple: stay passive and avoid creating unnecessary tension.

Situ Qingqing exhaled in relief, thankful her third senior sister hadn’t managed to overstep her boundaries.

Meanwhile, Xue Jinli wasn’t the least bit discouraged. She replayed the moment when Xu Yang’s hand lingered on her head for several seconds, convinced her master was intrigued by her boldness.

Approaching the jade throne, Xu Yang applied slight pressure and easily lifted it. Beneath it was a square opening, large enough for a single person to pass through.

“I’ll go first. Qing’er, Jinli, follow behind me closely,” Xu Yang instructed.

Familiar with the original novel, Xu Yang knew the space below concealed a vast hidden chamber. Due to the Venerable Qi Yuan sealing himself with a massive formation, he was confident there were no immediate dangers.

With that, Xu Yang jumped down. Situ Qingqing immediately followed, but Xue Jinli lingered. Her gaze lingered on the jade throne, which radiated an air of grandeur.

“This throne’s quality is quite high,” she mused. Pulling out her storage bag, she promptly stored it. She planned to replace her master’s current chair with this treasure later, as an act of filial piety.

Xu Yang led the way down a narrow corridor, the oppressive aura of malice growing stronger with every step.

“Master, I’m scared,” Situ Qingqing said softly, her voice trembling as she clung to Xu Yang’s arm. Her soft, warm form pressed tightly against him, impossible to ignore.

Not to be outdone, Xue Jinli stepped up to Xu Yang’s other side and leaned against him. “Master, this aura feels so sinister. Could it be the so-called cursed energy?”

Xu Yang’s body tensed. He didn’t know about curses, but if his disciples continued pressing against him like this, he was about to lose all rationality. Taking a deep breath, he steadied himself. With his Supreme Yang Physique, losing control could have disastrous consequences.

Without hesitation, he grabbed both disciples, lifting them into his arms like sacks of rice.

!?

Situ Qingqing was stunned. She thought her master had succumbed to their teasing and was about to act on his emotions.

Xue Jinli’s ears flushed red. She had intentionally provoked him, but his reaction was bolder than she had expected. Her confidence wavered, and now she felt as though she had shot herself in the foot.

Both disciples braced themselves, expecting Xu Yang to act beastly.

Instead, Xu Yang carried them forward, charging down the corridor at full speed.

Within seconds, Xu Yang reached the end of the passage and emerged into a dimly lit chamber. Gently, he set the two disciples down and surveyed his surroundings. Ahead, a sinister red glow pulsed ominously. A faint yet overwhelming malevolence emanated from its source.

Situ Qingqing: Beast!

Xue Jinli: Not even worthy of being called one!

“You two stay here. Let me investigate first. Once I confirm it’s safe, you can follow,” Xu Yang said.

According to the original story, Venerable Qi Yuan’s curse had no effect on the protagonist due to his Yang Flame War Body. Xu Yang, with his superior Supreme Yang Physique, was even less susceptible. However, he couldn’t guarantee his disciples’ safety and decided not to take any risks.

Having reassured his disciples, Xu Yang approached the red glow.

Meanwhile, Situ Qingqing grabbed Xue Jinli’s ponytail to stop her from following.

“What are you doing?” Xue Jinli snapped.

“When Master pulled your hair, you didn’t seem to mind,” Situ Qingqing retorted.

“Are you comparing yourself to Master?”

“Do you want my help or not? Watch your tone!”

Situ Qingqing aimed to take control of the situation.

“Hah! What if I don’t? First, I’m your senior sister. Second, I still have your secret.”

“You…!”

“Yes, me. Now, say ‘Senior Sister!’”

“I won’t stoop to your level!”

Situ Qingqing huffed, already plotting to reclaim the voice-recording stone from Xue Jinli after leaving the Qi Yuan Cave. When that day came, she’d see how her senior sister would dare lord over her again!

Xu Yang reached the source of the red glow. Before him was a humanoid figure covered in crimson fur, shackled by hundreds of black chains. Behind it lurked countless shadowy, grotesque entities, their eerie laughter filling the chamber like a chorus of nightmares.

“Ke ke ke…”

Xu Yang’s blood surged. His body emitted a radiant energy as his bones reverberated like a drawn bow. A blaze of vitality erupted around him, annihilating the encroaching shadows in an instant.

“Ah… after thousands of years, someone has finally arrived,” a weary voice echoed from the bound figure.

Xu Yang looked at it with cautious curiosity. Though its features were obscured, he could sense its gaze fixed on him. Tentatively, he asked, “Have you awakened, Senior?”

“A man consumed by misfortune, barely clinging to life, is not fit to be called ‘Senior.’ Call me a fellow traveler, if you will,” it replied bitterly.

“A fellow traveler?”

Xu Yang was taken aback. In the original story, the Venerable Qi Yuan was described as proud and aloof, treating even powerful figures with disdain. Why was this entity now so humble toward him?

The figure sighed deeply. “But you… you have transcended the cycle of reincarnation. I, a pitiful soul trapped by curses, am unworthy of addressing you as an equal. If it pleases you, call me ‘Junior.’”

“Reincarnation?” Xu Yang muttered, confused. Every word made sense individually, but together, they formed an incomprehensible statement.

The crimson figure stared at him intently before its expression shifted to one of disbelief.

“No… this can’t be. You… you haven’t awakened yet, have you?”