Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 104

After a long, sleepless night, Xu Yang finally returned to Purple Cloud Peak.

He hadn’t even managed to sit on his meditation cushion when his transmission jade flickered to life at his waist.

Opening it, he saw a message from Ji Hongluan:

Ji Hongluan: “Rebellious disciple, I have an urgent matter. Come to the Sect Master’s Peak immediately!”

“An urgent matter?”

Xu Yang pondered for a moment, his thoughts drifting to a familiar event.

“Could it be related to the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering?”

From what he recalled of the original plotline, the reclusive celestial Jiang family had emerged, and their divine heir hosted a grand event, inviting young geniuses from across the Northern Province. Naturally, Xu Yang, being the youngest Divine Transformation cultivator in the region, had been among the invitees.

However, in the original story, he had ignored the invitation and casually tossed the gilded card aside. The protagonist had stumbled upon it and attended the gathering in his stead, earning the favor of the Jiang divine heir. This had even led to the two becoming sworn brothers.

The Jiang family had been instrumental in the protagonist’s meteoric rise after his expulsion from the Qingming Sect. Unfortunately, the family later met its tragic end—ironically at the hands of the protagonist himself.

Recalling the plot, Xu Yang’s lips curled into a faint smile.

“Seems like this ‘urgent matter’ must be about the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering,” he mused.

He quickly typed out a reply:

Xu Yang: “On my way!”

Without hesitation, he left Purple Cloud Peak and flew toward the Sect Master’s Peak.

Qingming Hall

Ji Hongluan sat atop her throne, her posture radiating authority. She worked hard to maintain her dignified demeanor, silently coaching herself.

“Stay composed, Ji Hongluan. You summoned that rebellious disciple for serious sect business, not to…”

But her resolve faltered the moment she saw him.

“Master, what matter do you wish to discuss?”

Xu Yang’s voice carried a playful lilt as he strode confidently into the hall. Clad in his black robe, his handsome features and noble demeanor shone even brighter than usual.

Ji Hongluan was momentarily stunned, her composure slipping.

‘When did this rebellious disciple get so… charming?’

“Master?” Xu Yang teased with a knowing smile. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

Ji Hongluan snapped back to reality, her face flushing crimson.

“W-Who’s staring at you?” she retorted sharply, trying to mask her embarrassment. “And didn’t I tell you to stop calling me ‘Master’?”

“But you call me your ‘rebellious disciple.’ If I don’t call you ‘Master,’ what should I call you?”

“Call me whatever you want!”

“How about… ‘Little Hongluan’?”

“Y-You insolent brat!” Ji Hongluan’s ears turned red as she glared at him, flustered.

“Since I’m already insolent, let me take it a step further,” Xu Yang said with a smirk. He stepped closer, conjuring a chair with a flick of his fingers and sitting directly across from her. Their gazes locked.

“Why are you sitting so close?”

“Being close makes it easier to admire Master’s unparalleled beauty,” he replied, reaching out to gently grasp her soft hand.

Ji Hongluan weakly resisted, her fingers twitching as if to pull away, but ultimately she let him hold her hand. Her words, however, were far less yielding.

“You insufferable brat! I summoned you for an important matter, and here you are taking liberties!”

“Master, this is my most important matter,” Xu Yang said with a grin, his gaze unwavering.

Her heart melted at his words, though she worked hard to suppress the smile threatening to surface. “Fine! But don’t push your luck!”

Meanwhile, Little Flower, perched nearby, could no longer stand the sight of their affectionate exchange.

“Meow!” it spat in disgust, as if saying: This is what you call ‘not giving in’? You’re already holding hands—how much closer could you get?

‘Ugh, forget it! I’m not a dog, and I’m not here to eat your love-struck leftovers!’

The cat stomped off toward the back chamber, carefully closing the door behind it to escape the lovey-dovey scene.

“Master, what’s this important matter?” Xu Yang asked, his expression turning more serious.

Ji Hongluan’s cheeks were still flushed as she handed him a gilded invitation.

“See for yourself.”

The moment Xu Yang saw the Jiang family’s insignia on the envelope, he confirmed his earlier suspicions. Without a word, he opened it and skimmed its contents before looking up at her.

“Master, is this Jiang family…?”

“Yes,” Ji Hongluan said, nodding. “It’s the same Jiang family you’re thinking of.”

“I didn’t expect them to send me an invitation,” Xu Yang remarked, a faint chuckle escaping his lips.

“Well, you are the youngest Divine Transformation cultivator in the Northern Province, not to mention you’re under forty. Of course, they’d want to invite you.”

Ji Hongluan’s tone carried a trace of jealousy.

“That’s true,” Xu Yang replied matter-of-factly, earning him a glare.

“Not even a shred of humility, I see!”

“Why should I be humble?” he asked, squeezing her hand lightly. “Isn’t my success proof of Master’s excellent teaching?”

Ji Hongluan scoffed. “You’re spouting nonsense. I haven’t taught you anything!”

“Didn’t you personally demonstrate a thing or two?” Xu Yang teased, leaning in slightly.

Before he could say another word, Ji Hongluan clamped her hand over his mouth, her face glowing red.

“You little rascal! Do you have a death wish?”

Xu Yang blinked innocently, his gaze questioning.

“Since when did you become such a flirt?” Ji Hongluan muttered, releasing him.

“Didn’t you spar with me before, Master? If flirting counts as rebellion, I’ll take the blame.”

Ji Hongluan froze, memories flooding back.

‘Wasn’t it… me who started the flirting back then?’

Her face burned even brighter. She hurriedly changed the subject.

“A-Anyway, are you planning to attend the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering? If not, it’s fine. The Jiang family, for all their prestige, can’t force the Qingming Sect into anything.”

Xu Yang nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll go.”

Ji Hongluan’s heart sank. “Why?”

“I’d like to see if their divine heir lives up to his reputation,” he replied honestly.

His thoughts drifted to the original story. The Jiang family’s divine heir had been a tragic yet admirable figure—loyal to his friends, only to be betrayed in the end. Xu Yang was curious to meet him in person and see how the events might unfold differently without the protagonist’s meddling.

Moreover, his fifth disciple, Qin Kewan, was bound to encounter trouble at the gathering. Knowing this, Xu Yang couldn’t sit idly by.

“But…” Ji Hongluan started, her voice hesitant.

Xu Yang leaned closer, his voice soft as he whispered:

“Master, distance makes the heart grow fonder. I’ll return soon, and with the transmission jade, you can reach me anytime. If you miss me, just send a message—I’ll come running.”

“Who’d miss you?” Ji Hongluan shot back, though her tone lacked conviction.

“But what if you do?”

“Then I’ll… I’ll…” She faltered, looking down at her lap.

“If I don’t come back, you can punish me however you want,” Xu Yang said with a grin.

“Ugh, you’re impossible!” Ji Hongluan’s soft fist thudded against his chest, her embarrassment barely masked by her exasperation.