Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 148

“Master, Master Xu Yang is back!”

The excited voice of the Qingming Guard echoed from outside the hall.

The evil disciple is back?!

Ji Hongluan subconsciously stood up from her seat, a hint of excitement flashing in her eyes. But then she remembered her troublesome sister was still present. She quickly suppressed her emotions, raised her chin slightly, and looked at the three people before her. In a calm tone, she said, “I suddenly remembered there are some sect affairs I haven’t dealt with yet. I won’t see you off—goodbye.”

Sect affairs?

It was obvious she was eager to see her lover!

The two Ji family elders, being seasoned individuals, saw through her thoughts immediately. Understanding her shyness, they didn’t expose her. Instead, they smiled kindly.

“Since Hongluan has sect matters to handle, we won’t disturb you any further.”

“If you encounter any troubles you can’t resolve, remember to contact the clan. You are a member of the Ji family, and the Ji family’s blood flows through your veins. The Ji family will always support you!”

“And remember to get along well with Xu Yang. The ancestor has said he has a high chance of breaking through to the Mahayana realm in the future…”

The two elders continued to chatter, a common trait among elders when speaking to the younger generation. However, when they noticed Ji Hongluan’s brows slightly furrow in impatience, they promptly concluded their remarks. Bidding farewell, they prepared to take Ji Xiyao away.

“Xiyao, let’s go.”

The Ji family elder who shared the same lineage as Ji Xiyao spoke gently. Although he felt regretful, there was nothing else to be done. They had simply arrived too late.

“Elders, you go ahead. I want to stay,” Ji Xiyao said firmly, standing her ground. Her posture made it clear she had no intention of leaving.

Ji Hongluan, seated in the first chair, narrowed her eyes slightly. Her gaze turned icy, sharp as tempered steel, as she stared at Ji Xiyao and asked softly, “Are you trying to steal my man?”

The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly. The temperature seemed to plummet as a bone-chilling cold enveloped the space.

The two Ji family elders shivered as a deep chill ran from the soles of their feet to the tops of their heads.

This was Ji Hongluan, the most outstanding member of the Ji family. Even though they were all in the Void Shattering Realm, her icy aura was so intense that even these seasoned elders felt their blood run cold.

One elder reacted quickly, his face stern as he scolded.

“Xiyao, don’t joke around. Apologize to Hongluan!”

Though he appeared to be reprimanding her, it was clearly an attempt to defuse the situation and even save her from harm.

“Xiyao, staying in Qingming Sect will only cause trouble for Hongluan. Come with us,” the other elder urged, hoping to smooth things over.

Although Ji Xiyao was excellent in many ways, she couldn’t compare to Ji Hongluan in terms of cultivation. If she truly tried to compete with Ji Hongluan over a man, she wouldn’t die, but she would undoubtedly suffer.

“Two elders, you misunderstand. I’m not staying to compete with Sister Hongluan for a man. I know my place. Compared to Sister Hongluan, I’m nothing!” Ji Xiyao’s face flushed as she hurriedly explained.

Ji Hongluan said nothing, her cold gaze fixed on Ji Xiyao, silently observing her performance.

The two elders exchanged confused looks.

If she wasn’t staying to compete with Ji Hongluan over a man, what reason could she possibly have?

The Qingming Sect was indeed a blessed land, but it couldn’t compare to the Ji family’s ancient lands. Using the excuse of wanting to cultivate in the Qingming Sect was clearly unconvincing—not only to them but to Ji Hongluan as well.

“Sister Hongluan, no matter what, I am your family. As your family, I naturally want to ensure Xu Yang is worthy of you. What if his character doesn’t live up to his reputation?” Ji Xiyao said sincerely, looking at Ji Hongluan.

Moments ago, she had racked her brain to come up with a reasonable excuse to stay.

She wasn’t here to steal a man—she simply wanted to vet him for Sister Hongluan’s sake. With such a valid reason, surely Sister Hongluan wouldn’t insist on driving her away.

Did she not already know Xu Yang’s character? Apart from being slightly flirtatious, he had no faults. And even that wasn’t a flaw—it was proof of good taste. If he weren’t interested in her, she wouldn’t have been so willing to… Ji Hongluan’s expression turned colder, her tone indifferent as she responded.

“Sister, are you implying my judgment of people is inferior to yours?”

The two Ji family elders nearly broke out in cold sweat at her words.

If Ji Xiyao truly believed that, it would undoubtedly ruin her relationship with Ji Hongluan.

“How could I dare to think that? A bystander sees things more clearly than those involved. I’m only thinking of your best interest, Sister Hongluan,” Ji Xiyao replied smoothly.

“Yes, yes, a bystander sees things more clearly!” one elder quickly chimed in.

“Hongluan, your sister is only looking out for you. The ancestor has always praised Xiyao for her pure heart and keen mind. She means no harm—don’t overthink it!”

Another Ji family elder invoked the ancestors to bolster his argument. Looking at Ji Hongluan, who was seated on the first chair, he spoke earnestly.

“You are a member of the Ji family, and you must not suffer any grievances. If Xu Yang is not a good person, no matter how talented he may be, we elders will not stand by and watch you jump into a fire pit!”

“Here’s what we’ll do—Xiyao will stay in Qingming Sect for now and assist you in evaluating him.”

“I will report this to the ancestors.”

The elder then turned to Ji Xiyao, his expression serious, and instructed:

“Xiyao, although you will stay in Qingming Sect, you must harbor no improper thoughts about Xu Yang. If you do, you will face punishment from Hongluan. Do you agree?”

Ji Xiyao immediately replied: “Elder, rest assured. I am only here to assess Xu Yang’s character for Sister Hongluan. If I find his character acceptable, I will return to the Ji family immediately and will not linger in Qingming Sect even a moment longer!”

“Hongluan, what do you think?”

The Ji family elder turned to Ji Hongluan, seated at the head, and asked for her opinion.

“…”

Ji Hongluan regarded Ji Xiyao with a measured gaze before responding calmly:

“Without my permission, you are not allowed to meet with Xu Yang privately, nor are you permitted to leave the main peak of the sect.”

Her decision to allow Ji Xiyao to stay stemmed from a desire to resolve the matter once and for all. After all, ensuring that Ji Xiyao failed in her endeavor would put an end to any lingering thoughts she—or any other woman—might harbor.

Ji Hongluan was acutely aware that beyond the Ji clan, many immortal clans and holy places likely had similar ideas of “marriage.”

Xu Yang’s accomplishments in White Emperor City were too remarkable to ignore. If he continued to rise without setbacks, he was certain to become a Mahayana realm powerhouse in the future.

Offering up a saintess in exchange for the goodwill of a future Mahayana saint was a deal no one would refuse.

“Alright. I promise not to meet Brother-in-law Xu Yang in private or leave the main peak of the sect,” Ji Xiyao replied decisively.

“In that case, you may stay.”

Ji Hongluan’s mood inexplicably brightened. Her lips curved into a smile, and her eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she spoke.

Seeing this, the two Ji family elders visibly relaxed. They offered a few parting words to Ji Xiyao and quickly departed Qingming Sect, eager to report the matter to the ancestor in person.