Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 111

White Emperor City.

The city walls were weathered and towering, hundreds of feet high, piercing through the clouds. At a glance, they stretched endlessly to both sides, disappearing beyond the horizon, making it impossible to see where they ended.

Streams of divine light flew in from the distance—wandering cultivators who had heard of the Jiang family’s divine child hosting the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering. Though they were not on the invitation list, most came with a sliver of hope. If they were fortunate enough to be noticed by a saintly sect or holy land heir and accepted as a follower, their family might one day ascend to prominence, much like the Wei family of White Emperor City. With wealth and power in hand, even the top forces in the Northern Province would have to show them respect.

Countless spirit ships landed outside the city, bearing young geniuses from various Northern Province factions who had come to attend the grand event.

Lavish carriages pulled by powerful beasts rumbled across the skies, heading straight into White Emperor City. These belonged to the direct descendants of hidden immortal clans, for whom the city’s no-flight rule was entirely irrelevant.

As numerous young elites arrived, the city grew lively and bustling.

In various corners of the city, many talents sat and exchanged their insights on Dao, drawing large crowds of spectators.

“My goodness, these true inheritors of great sects are terrifying! Just listening to them casually point out a flaw has me feeling like I’m about to break through!”

“Hahaha, I just led one of them to their destination, and they rewarded me with a bottle of pills. With these, I can easily break through two minor realms! Who knows, I might even reach the Core Formation realm. At that point, I’ll pick a remote place, establish myself as a Core Formation patriarch, and create my own legacy!”

“Unfortunately, we can’t hear those heirs from the holy lands discussing the Dao. Otherwise, my fist technique would definitely improve leaps and bounds!”

“You should just keep dreaming! Forget hearing them; without the proper status, you can’t even step onto the highest floor of Ascending Heaven Tower!”

“No time to chat. Another group of great sect talents is about to start a discussion. I need to hurry before all the spots are taken!”

“Where is it? Take me with you!”

“They call it the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering, but honestly, it’s a festival for us wandering cultivators.”

“This is truly the grandest event the Northern Province has seen in a thousand years!”

The wandering cultivators bustled about the city, overwhelmed with excitement. Most of them had stumbled their way onto the path of cultivation without proper guidance. To have the opportunity to listen to these great sect talents debate and discuss the Dao was a dream come true.

…

Atop Ascending Heaven Tower, on the highest floor.

“Brother Haoyu, your Heaven’s Chosen Gathering has certainly attracted some true monsters this time!”

A golden-haired man, whose eyes glimmered with divine light, stood by the window, gazing down at the bustling scene below.

This was Ying Wudi, the divine child of the hidden immortal clan Ying family. He was also at the Nascent Soul realm and a close friend of Jiang Haoyu.

Tracing back to ancient times, the Ying family’s glory once surpassed even that of the Jiang family. They had founded the first immortal dynasty of the human race, the Great Qin. With their military might, they swept across the Eight Desolations and unified the Six Directions, turning the Five Regions of the world into their territory. However, due to a degenerate ancestor, their dynasty eventually crumbled, causing the Ying family to decline. Even so, their deep foundations ensured that no one dared underestimate them.

“Brother Jiang, this grand event seems to be aimed at gathering all of the Northern Province’s heroes. But if I see someone I like, don’t blame me for competing with you,” Ying Wudi said with a smile.

Another heir from an immortal clan chimed in, “I feel the same. With the arrival of a golden era, it’s essential to gather a few followers to ensure future success.”

“I hope Brother Jiang doesn’t mind. I came to this gathering specifically to recruit some exceptional talents to strengthen my chances of achieving Dao.”

“Haoyu is the most disinterested in gathering followers among us. He prefers making friends instead,” Ying Wudi added with a laugh, turning to Jiang Haoyu.

“Ying, you truly understand me,” Jiang Haoyu replied with a faint smile.

“Since you’re so understanding, I feel reassured,” said another immortal clan heir. “To be honest, I’ve already set my sights on a few individuals. They’re all extraordinary talents. I hope everyone can let me have them without a fight.”

“That’s impossible. I’ve also identified a few. If we overlap, I won’t back down!”

“It seems we’re all thinking the same. Let’s rely on our abilities when the time comes.”

“Hmph! When the gathering begins tomorrow, I’ll simply announce my Zhu family’s name. They’ll all kneel and willingly follow me!”

The one who spoke was Zhu Ang, the divine child of the hidden Zhu clan. His confidence stemmed from his clan’s illustrious past—they had once founded the Great Ming Immortal Dynasty, ruling vast territories under heaven.

Even though their dynasty fell due to weak ancestors, their foundation remained unparalleled.

The group nodded in agreement. No one doubted Zhu Ang’s claim, as the Zhu family’s legacy included numerous legendary figures and even several ancestors who had ascended to immortality.

However, Ying Wudi interjected, “Unlike you all, I only have one target: Xu Yang, the Peak Lord of Purple Cloud Peak in the Qingming Sect. He is the Northern Province’s youngest Divine Transformation cultivator, with limitless potential. If he joins me, he’ll undoubtedly become my strongest supporter!”

Ying Wudi’s words caused the group to exchange looks, each reading the same thought in the others’ eyes.

“Wait,” one holy land heir said, his tone uncertain. “Don’t tell me… everyone’s here for Xu Yang?”

“Of course. Among the Northern Province’s talents, only Xu Yang stands out. It’s said that he severed his cultivation and started anew to stabilize his foundation, then advanced back to the Divine Transformation realm. Such a monstrous talent must not be left adrift!”

“I agree with Ying. All other so-called geniuses can be set aside. Xu Yang is my top priority!”

“Obtaining Xu Yang is worth more than recruiting hundreds of other talents. Speak up—what will it take for you to let me have him?”

“…”

Before Jiang Haoyu could speak, Qin Wan, who had been quietly savoring his meal, suddenly wiped his mouth and sneered. His cold gaze swept across the group as he said:

“Heh.”

“What makes you think Xu Yang would even consider being your follower?”

“If I’m not mistaken, the strongest among you is at the Nascent Soul realm, correct?”

“And Xu Yang is a Divine Transformation cultivator—a true sovereign. Whether in terms of cultivation or talent, he surpasses you all. Tell me, what qualifications do you have to make him your follower?”

The room fell into stunned silence.