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

The Venerable Qi Yuan departed quietly, just as he had arrived. His essence faded like a wisp of cloud, leaving no trace behind.

Once the sinister aura in the room dissipated, Situ Qingqing rushed to Xu Yang’s side. Her gaze darted around before she asked, “Master, what just happened here?”

Xu Yang explained casually, “The Venerable Qi Yuan was tormented by misfortune for thousands of years. Out of kindness, I granted him a release with a single punch. You could say I sent the Buddha all the way to the West.”

‘Master, you’re truly a benevolent soul…’ Situ Qingqing blinked in disbelief but followed up with another question.

“And what about the Venerable Qi Yuan’s inheritance?”

“Your Third Senior Sister possesses the Four Symbols Spirit Constitution, making her an excellent candidate for the Dao of Formations. The Venerable Qi Yuan was pleased with her potential and entrusted all his lifelong insights and techniques to her in the form of a jade slip.”

Hearing this, Situ Qingqing glanced at Xue Jinli and thought to herself.

‘The Venerable Qi Yuan wasn’t an ordinary figure. With his inheritance, Third Senior Sister will be even more formidable. Once she breaks through to the Core Formation stage, dealing with her will be nearly impossible. I must seize that recording jade before it’s too late!’

As Situ Qingqing resolved to act, Xue Jinli suddenly approached Xu Yang, holding the jade slip with both hands.

“Master, this disciple is of mediocre talent and may struggle to comprehend the Dao of Formations from this inheritance. However, Master, you are unparalleled in wisdom and potential. You illuminate the heavens like the sun and moon, shining through the ages.

I believe that if you, Master, were to possess this inheritance, you could surely master the Dao of Formations and become a grandmaster of formations. Under your guidance, this disciple could learn by listening to your teachings and observing your insights, perhaps even stepping into the path of formations myself.”

Xue Jinli’s expression was entirely sincere.

Situ Qingqing, watching this display, suddenly felt that her earlier comparison of Xue Jinli to Little Black the beaver had been unfair—to the beaver.

Her Third Senior Sister’s skill in flattering their master could only be described with one word: masterful.

Xu Yang hadn’t expected Xue Jinli to possess such a remarkable quality of honesty—always speaking what she truly thought. Without any pretense, he accepted the jade slip.

“Alright, let me inspect this jade slip for any hidden dangers.”

He wasn’t above tarnishing the Venerable Qi Yuan’s reputation if it served his purposes.

As Xu Yang grasped the jade slip, a familiar chime echoed in his mind:

[Ding! Xue Jinli has gifted the host Heavenly Tier Formation Insights x1. Activating ten-thousandfold critical return—reward: Ancient Rune Third Killing Formation!]

[Bonus Reward: Formation Insight Card x1.]

Ancient Rune Third Killing Formation: The third killing formation from the chaos of primordial times, once mastered by the Burial Immortal Emperor. Capable of annihilating multiple Immortal Emperors of the same realm, its power is unimaginable.

Formation Insight Card: Grants a hundredfold increase in comprehension of formations for a duration of twelve hours.

‘So this is the luck of a koi? It really does bring good fortune!’ Xu Yang thought to himself, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Unlike gifts from his other disciples, Xue Jinli’s gift triggered an extra bonus reward. The Ancient Rune Third Killing Formation was a supreme method of destruction. If he could master it, he’d possess an unrivaled trump card.

“Too bad the Qi Yuan Cavern is about to manifest in the world. Otherwise, I’d consider cultivating this formation here and now,” Xu Yang murmured. He briefly entertained the idea of retreating for five hundred years to achieve invincibility but dismissed it. With eight devoted disciples, retreating would be absurd.

Looking at Xue Jinli, Xu Yang softened his gaze. “I’ve examined the jade slip. There’s nothing wrong with it. You may cultivate it as you see fit.”

‘As a master, how could he covet his disciple’s inheritance?’ Xu Yang handed the jade slip back to Xue Jinli, patting her head affectionately before turning to Situ Qingqing.

“Qing’er, the Cavern is about to manifest. Inform your sisters to gather here; it’s time for us to leave.”

“Yes, Master,” Situ Qingqing responded, moving to a corner to relay the message via her communication jade.

Xue Jinli bit her lip as she gazed at the jade slip in her hands, her mood conflicted.

When she first entered the Cavern, she’d vowed to find a treasure worthy of presenting to her master. While she had collected many treasures, none seemed impressive enough for someone who possessed the Heavenly Desolation Pagoda.

Finally, the Venerable Qi Yuan’s inheritance seemed promising. In her mind, it was an unrivaled gift, one that could even shake the outside world. Yet her master had barely glanced at it before returning it to her.

This was a devastating blow.

If her master didn’t cultivate the Dao of Formations, she’d lose her best excuse to seek his guidance, to engage in heartfelt exchanges, to be close to him…

She had envisioned an intimate journey of learning but now felt utterly deflated.

Noticing her disciple’s dejection, Xu Yang chuckled inwardly. ‘Is she actually upset about having to cultivate?’

Gently, he asked, “What’s troubling you, my dear disciple?”

“Master… I’m afraid I’ll never understand the dao of Formations,” Xue Jinli whimpered, taking the opportunity to throw herself into his arms. Her hands fumbled aimlessly.

“…?”

Xu Yang was momentarily stunned. Is this the same lazy Xue Jinli who avoids effort at all costs?

‘Could she have turned over a new leaf?’

If so, as her master, it was his duty to encourage her newfound determination. Patting her back reassuringly, Xu Yang said, “It’s alright. If you have any questions, you can always come to me.”

“Really?” Xue Jinli looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with hope.

“Of course.”

“Will you teach me personally, Master?”

“I can hardly teach you formations without guiding you step by step, can I?”

“That sounds perfect!”

From a short distance away, Situ Qingqing had just finished transmitting the message. Turning back, she froze at the sight of her master and Xue Jinli in an intimate embrace.

Her face turned red with anger, her chest heaving with frustration. Clenching her fists, she stomped over and shouted, “Master!”

The sheer volume and trembling tone of her voice hinted that tears were on the verge of falling.

Xu Yang, caught off guard, felt a headache coming on. He had barely managed to console Xue Jinli, and now Qing’er was upset too.

Just as he was about to speak, Xue Jinli lazily remarked, “Qing’er, Senior Sister should be arriving soon, right?”

Situ Qingqing’s anger instantly dissipated. Her gaze flickered to the recording jade on Xue Jinli’s waist. Swallowing her fury, she forced a smile and reported, “Master, I’ve completed your task. Senior Sister and Junior Sister Liu will arrive shortly. Second Senior Sister is a bit farther away and will need more time.”

Xu Yang: “…”

Situ Qingqing, was that moment of anger all you had?