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

Inside the Cave Residence

Xiao Ye’s eyes sparkled. “Is it true, Master?”

Master Wanjun nodded solemnly. “The information is reliable and not fabricated.”

Though he loathed Xu Yang, Master Wanjun never doubted his loyalty to the sect. Xu Yang was a passionate fool, after all, albeit a dangerous one.

“But…” Master Wanjun hesitated as he glanced at Xiao Ye. “Your current state?”

“It’s nothing, Master. I’ve just been battling tirelessly these past few days. A few hours of rest, and I’ll be fine,” Xiao Ye declared, rallying his spirits.

‘Really? Just plagiarizing my lines now?’ thought Elder Li, the spirit within the jade pendant.

‘Fine, fine! Two-faced brat! If I help you again, I’m a fool!’

Elder Li fumed internally, feeling utterly betrayed.

“So, that’s it…” Master Wanjun stroked his greasy beard and eventually said, “For this venture into the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion, I’ll send you alongside the other twenty-nine direct disciples.”

“Remember this well: no matter the conflicts within the peak, once you step outside, you are all one family. There must be no infighting, let alone betrayal. You must present a united front to outsiders.”

“Master, why bring along such burdens? I alone am enough,” Xiao Ye complained, displeased.

As the chosen one, he believed all fortuitous encounters would belong to him. If his peak’s other disciples eyed the treasures he wanted, he’d be constrained from acting freely.

“Let me teach you a principle, my disciple,” Master Wanjun said patiently. “A single handful of sand cannot build a tower. While you may have exceptional combat strength, even a lone hero can be overwhelmed. Do you understand my intentions?”

Xiao Ye reluctantly nodded, though he had one request. “Then, Master, let me lead the Heavenly Thunder Peak disciples on this expedition.”

“Granted,” Master Wanjun agreed without hesitation.

As long as the disciples didn’t turn on each other, Xiao Ye could lead however he wished. After all, each of them was excellent nourishment for the Bone Refining Demonic Sutra. He couldn’t afford to lose a single one.

Master Wanjun reminded Xiao Ye to join the disciples at the sect’s main plaza the following morning, then quickly left. His soaked trousers were growing unbearably sticky.

Once Master Wanjun departed, Xiao Ye’s face lit with a triumphant grin, his aura brimming with the confidence of a prodigy.

“Did you hear that, Elder Li? The Qi Yuan Cave Mansion!”

“You always claimed this sect wasn’t meant for me, but I’ve proven you wrong!” he boasted. “In mere days, I’ve advanced through several minor realms and crushed Heavenly Thunder Peak’s so-called elites. Now, a grand opportunity like the Qi Yuan Cave Mansion awaits!”

“I will climb to the summit of the immortal path, leaving all beneath me in awe!” Xiao Ye declared passionately. “Xu Yang won’t stand a chance. He’ll merely be my stepping stone!”

He clenched his fists, his eyes ablaze with fervor. “And my senior sisters… I’ll rescue them all!”

Elder Li remained silent, thoroughly unimpressed. ‘Back to the same old speech’, he thought.

‘Fine, dream big, brat. Just don’t cry for me when reality smacks you down.’

In the Qingming Sect’s Rear Hall

“Little Flower, what message should I send? If I also use a hidden message, do you think that fool will notice?” Ji Hongluan lay sprawled across her bed, her chin resting on her fluffy feline companion.

She held a jade slip, repeatedly editing and deleting her message until only two words remained:

“Are you there?”

The cat meowed faintly, seemingly exasperated by her indecision.

“What do you mean, you’re just a cat and don’t understand human emotions? That’s no excuse!” Ji Hongluan retorted, stroking the cat’s head earnestly. “As my feline strategist, you should provide advice from your perspective!”

‘Life as a cat is so hard…’ Little Flower sighed internally, her whiskers twitching in thought.

Finally, she meowed again.

“Huh? You think it’s fine to keep it simple?” Ji Hongluan hesitated.

The cat stared silently, its eyes saying everything.

“Alright, alright, I’ll send it!” Ji Hongluan quickly typed four words and sent the message with a whoosh.

After sending it, she clasped her hands against her forehead, eyes closed, her long lashes trembling. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Little Flower watched, bewildered. How can such a powerful Void Shattering Venerable be so naive about romance? She’s as clueless as a kitten!

Aboard the Spirit Boat

In his cabin, Xu Yang dismissed his disciples under the pretense of cultivating, trying to calm his chaotic energy. His condition wasn’t helped by their overly attentive massages.

As he sat in meditation, trying to restore his composure, his jade slip buzzed. He picked it up and saw Ji Hongluan’s name flashing.

Curious, he read the message:

“It must’ve been hard for you.”

Xu Yang blinked, puzzled. ‘Hard? Not really. If anything, it’s been quite… pleasant.’ He glanced down, realizing it had been a bit much.

But then it clicked. Ji Hongluan must’ve been referring to the Sect Leader’s council and the disparaging remarks the peak leaders likely made about him.

Smiling faintly, Xu Yang quickly composed a reply.

Back at the Qingming Hall

Ji Hongluan’s jade slip vibrated, and she immediately opened her eyes, joy lighting her face. She clutched Little Flower tightly.

“He replied so quickly! He must’ve been waiting by his jade slip, hoping for my message!” she exclaimed.

The cat, whose head was being unceremoniously patted, looked thoroughly dazed. Why do I have to suffer every time that idiot replies?

Another hit like this, and I’ll be just as foolish as him!