Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 100

At the Border Between Two Territories

The Void Demon Palace loomed in the sky, radiating a sinister aura. Thick demonic energy churned, forming a hundred-mile stretch of ominous black clouds.

Yet, as quickly as this oppressive force emerged, it dissipated just as suddenly, leaving an eerie stillness behind.

Within one of the palace chambers, Xiao Ye sat cross-legged, holding a now-emptied black orb. The blood-red serpentine energy that once swirled within had been completely absorbed, leaving the orb crystal clear.

With this, Xiao Ye had finally broken into the Core Formation realm. However, unlike other cultivators whose cores glowed with brilliance, his was jet-black, emanating a sinister, spine-chilling aura. The core’s surface was adorned with serpentine patterns that seemed to writhe and shift under close scrutiny.

“If only there had been more than ten sources of genius essence,” he muttered, frustration flickering across his eyes. “I could have advanced even further.”

Still, having ascended from the peak of the Foundation Establishment realm, his breakthrough was a natural progression that took only two days.

“I need to hunt more geniuses to refine their essence and grow stronger,” Xiao Ye said, his eyes glinting with malevolence.

At that moment, a mass of black mist coalesced in the chamber. From within the swirling mist came a voice, low and commanding.

“You’ve done well to reach the Core Formation realm so quickly.”

Xiao Ye immediately stood, bowing deeply. “This disciple thanks Master for the opportunity.”

“Hmph, your ambitions are commendable. But remember, in the Holy Hall, everything must adhere to the rules. Those ten sources of essence I granted you were an exception—don’t expect it to happen again.”

The mist rippled as the voice continued, “For now, I shall grant you a new identity: Wang Chen, a true disciple of the Grand Void Sect. Although a second-tier sect in the Northern Province, it houses many promising disciples. Your task is to refine as many sources of essence as you can.”

A dark light shot from the mist, enveloping Xiao Ye entirely. In moments, his appearance transformed. His plain features became sharp and striking, his once-average presence now exuding an aura of allure and mystique.

“This… Is this me?” Xiao Ye touched his face in disbelief, gazing at his reflection on the smooth, mirror-like floor.

The new visage was strikingly handsome, radiating a dark charm.

“So this is what it feels like to be good-looking…” he muttered, a smirk creeping onto his lips.

“Don’t get carried away,” the voice warned. “This isn’t truly your face—it’s a result of my Heaven-Altering Technique. Remember, should you indulge in carnal desires or fail to restrain yourself around women, this disguise will immediately dissipate, exposing your original appearance.”

Xiao Ye’s smirk froze. “Not even a little indulgence?” he muttered under his breath but quickly masked his disappointment.

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

“Good. Now, go.”

With a wave of the mist, Xiao Ye was swept away, his surroundings spinning until he found himself standing in a bustling city under the jurisdiction of the Grand Void Sect.

Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Thunder Peak…

In a dilapidated cave, the spiritual energy of the area seemed to spiral unnaturally, pouring into the broken form of Li Cangxuan. His slow, heavy breaths grew stronger, and a faint white mist emanated from his mouth with every exhalation. His body shimmered faintly, the surrounding air alive with celestial light and spiritual resonance.

Hours passed.

With a sharp hum, Li Cangxuan’s eyes shot open, brimming with clarity and purpose.

“Time in the Cloud Dream Immortal Realm flows differently. A single day outside equals a month within. I’ve cultivated for an entire month and finally broken through to the seventh level of Foundation Establishment!”

He leapt to his feet, feeling the immense power coursing through him. The once-faint embers of hope within him now burned brightly.

“A blessing in disguise,” he murmured. “Though beaten to the brink of death, fate granted me the opportunity to meet Daoist Mad and obtain the Eternal Life Scripture. With this, my destiny is no longer bound by others.”

Li Cangxuan’s newfound confidence surged. “From this day forth, the skies are my limit. No one can suppress me again!”

Outside the cave, faint voices echoed.

“Do you think he’s dead yet?”

“No clue. Doesn’t seem like there’s any movement inside. Either way, we’ve got orders to check. If he’s alive, drag him out to feed the spirit beasts. If he’s dead, toss him somewhere far enough to avoid trouble.”

“But didn’t his bones all get shattered?”

“Doesn’t matter. Even if he’s got only a single breath left, he’ll crawl to feed the beasts if we say so!”

Li Cangxuan’s eyes narrowed as he listened. A cold light flickered in his gaze. His first instinct was to rush out and strike them down, but he forced himself to remain calm.

“Fools,” he muttered under his breath. “Killing you solves nothing. My time will come.”

With a sigh, he punched himself square in the chest.

Thud!

Blood spilled from his lips, his face turning ghostly pale.

When the two disciples pushed the door open, they were greeted by his frail, crumpled form.

“Still alive, huh?”

“Barely,” the other muttered. “Get up. You’ve got beasts to feed.”

“Yes, Senior Brothers,” Li Cangxuan wheezed, staggering to his feet, his body trembling as if it might collapse at any moment.

“Pathetic,” one of them scoffed, shoving him forward. “Hurry up!”

That night, in the Peachwood Pavilion…

Under the pale glow of the moon, Xu Yang strode into the pavilion, his black robes adorned with intricate cloud patterns, a jade pendant swaying at his waist. His every step exuded an ethereal grace, like a celestial being descended to the mortal world.

“I wonder what surprise Qing’er has prepared for me this time?”

He quickened his pace, anticipation lighting up his eyes as he approached the warmly lit pavilion.