Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 105

Qingming Hall

Ji Hongluan’s cheeks flushed a rosy pink, her delicate features brimming with both shyness and annoyance. She gazed at Xu Yang with a pout.

“Rebellious disciple, you won’t regret this?”

“Regret?” Xu Yang teased, a sly grin on his lips. “If anything, I regret not being gentler back then. Maybe Master’s waist wouldn’t be hurting now.”

He pulled her into his arms, his hands gently massaging her waist.

Ji Hongluan leaned into him, a sense of peace enveloping her like the embrace of a safe harbor. After a moment of comfortable silence, she tilted her head and spoke softly, her tone serious:

“The heirs of the reclusive immortal clans are all prideful and arrogant—spoiled scions to the core. Even if you’re a Divine Transformation cultivator, they won’t take you seriously. So let me make this clear: if you face any disrespect in White Emperor City, don’t hold back. Do what needs to be done, and I’ll back you up.”

Xu Yang chuckled, his tone laden with meaning:

“Master, aside from you, who in this world could possibly give me a hard time?”

Ji Hongluan’s face burned crimson as she sputtered, “You shameless brat! Who’s giving you a hard time? I—”

“What about you?” Xu Yang leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Ji Hongluan lowered her head in embarrassment, her voice barely above a whisper. “You… you just feel sorry for me…”

“Then can your disciple collect a little interest in advance?” Xu Yang asked, his tone light yet teasing.

“What kind of interest?” Ji Hongluan asked warily.

Meanwhile, outside White Emperor City, a young nobleman in an azure robe strolled casually, folding fan in hand.

His features were exquisite—rosy lips, pearly teeth, and a face like polished jade. His eyes, deep as the stars and crescent moon, carried a hint of mischief without any vulgarity.

With a graceful posture and elegant demeanor, he exuded an ethereal charm, akin to a precious branch adorned with blossoms or a jade stone atop a mountain. His every move brimmed with a natural charisma, a perfect portrayal of a refined gentleman.

“I’ve been sneaking around for days now. If I go back now, I’m definitely getting scolded.”

The nobleman sighed dramatically before brightening up:

“Well, since I’ll get scolded anyway, might as well enjoy myself a bit longer! The Jiang family’s Heaven’s Chosen Gathering in White Emperor City is bound to have amazing food!”

With a dreamy smile, he muttered, “There’s nothing in this world more important than love and good food! Delicious treats, here comes Young Master Qin!”

Wiping away imaginary drool, the nobleman strode toward White Emperor City, excitement lighting up his expression.

Elsewhere, in White Emperor City’s most majestic pavilion, a retainer knelt before an imposing young man.

“Divine Heir, as instructed, the invitations have been delivered to the Qingming Sect.”

The young man, Jiang Haoyu, exuded grace and poise, his demeanor that of a noble gentleman. His crown of crimson jade shimmered faintly, and his eyes sparkled with boundless confidence—though never arrogance.

Standing tall in the Northern Province, Jiang Haoyu was a peerless talent. At only twenty years old, he had already reached the Nascent Soul realm and had bested numerous celestial clan heirs in duels.

“Excellent. Take a rest,” Jiang Haoyu said with a wave of his hand.

Once the retainer left, a stunning woman with crystal-clear skin and radiant beauty spoke up.

“Brother, aren’t you placing too much importance on the Qingming Sect? They may call themselves the Northern Province’s greatest sect, but let’s be real—if families like ours weren’t in seclusion, they’d never hold that title.”

This was Jiang Haoyu’s younger sister, Jiang Yaomeng, known for her sharp tongue and fiery personality.

“You underestimate the Qingming Sect,” Jiang Haoyu chided. “Consider Ji Hongluan, for instance. And as for Xu Yang, he’s no ordinary cultivator. He’s the youngest Divine Transformation cultivator in the region and has even retrained his cultivation to reach his current stage. Such determination is rare, even among us.”

“So rare, in fact,” Jiang Haoyu continued, “that I considered inviting him personally. But I feared my presence might be misconstrued as hostile.”

Jiang Yaomeng’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Ah, I see. You want to recruit Xu Yang as a follower! That’s what they call… what’s the phrase? ‘Lowering oneself to raise others?’”

Jiang Haoyu sighed, shaking his head. “No, Yaomeng. I merely wish to befriend him.”

“Hmph! He’s just a Divine Transformation cultivator,” Jiang Yaomeng scoffed. “You’re the divine heir of the Jiang family. Letting him serve you would already be a blessing. When you become an immortal emperor someday, he’ll be lucky to bask in your glory!”

Jiang Haoyu frowned. “He’s no ordinary talent. Show some respect.”

“But—” Jiang Yaomeng began, only to stop abruptly as commotion erupted outside.

Curious, she rushed to the window and peered down.

In front of the bustling Spring Fragrance Pavilion, a crowd of extravagantly dressed courtesans surrounded the azure-robed nobleman.

“Handsome young master, our girls are the finest in White Emperor City! Sweet, sultry, playful, or dignified—we have it all!” an enthusiastic madam exclaimed.

“And they’re all cultivators too! Skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Whatever your desires, we’ll fulfill them!”

“Come on, young master, don’t be shy!” a courtesan added, batting her lashes.

Another chimed in, “Oh, look at that face. A fresh young master, aren’t you? Don’t worry—big sister will take good care of you.”

“We’ll even give you a discount—just 800 spirit stones!”

“Make it 400 for me!”

“300 from me! Take that, you hussy!”

The nobleman’s face turned scarlet as the ladies began to squabble. Finally, raising his hands in protest, he stammered:

“Uh… sorry, but… I don’t like women!”

The air went still.

The previously noisy Spring Fragrance Pavilion fell into an awkward, deathly silence.