Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 152

Xu Yang flew swiftly toward the main peak.

Before long, he landed before the Qingming Palace. Straightening his robes, he strode toward the grand hall with calm confidence.

As soon as he entered, his eyes fell on Ji Hongluan seated on the first seat. Her yellow robe, embroidered with fiery red phoenixes, gave her the air of an empress—majestic and domineering.

Xu Yang was about to tease her with his usual charm when his gaze shifted to another woman standing nearby. She bore a striking resemblance to Ji Hongluan, though softer in demeanor. His expression instantly turned serious, and he gave a slight bow toward Ji Hongluan.

“Disciple greets Master!”

Hearing the word Master, Ji Xiyao’s gaze flickered with a mix of emotions—surprise and disbelief.

She hadn’t expected Xu Yang, a fellow reborn like herself, to have taken down Ji Hongluan, her sister, in such a manner. Becoming the lover of one’s own master? How taboo!

“Xu Yang, don’t joke around! What Master or not?” Ji Hongluan’s face flushed with embarrassment. She hastily explained, “This is my younger sister, Ji Xiyao. I’ve already informed the clan about our relationship. The elders have agreed that we should become Daoist partners!”

Her cheeks turned a shade darker. The casual “Master” from Xu Yang in public had thoroughly embarrassed her. She shot him a sharp, meaningful glance, silently warning him not to call her that in front of others again.

It was fine in private—as a playful quirk between Daoist partners—but in public, such a title could spark scandal!

“Ahem.” Xu Yang cleared his throat awkwardly. Ji Hongluan’s revelation caught him off guard. However, he quickly adjusted, casting a polite nod toward Ji Xiyao and greeting her with a gentle smile, “Greetings, Sister Xiyao!”

Ji Xiyao bowed slightly, her tone formal but carrying an undercurrent of urgency.

“Xiyao greets Brother-in-law Xu Yang.”

She then sent a spiritual voice transmission, “Xu Yang, are you reborn like me?”

Xu Yang’s expression remained composed, as if he hadn’t heard her question. Turning to Ji Hongluan, he spoke sincerely, “Hongluan, it feels like an eternity since I last saw you. During my time away from Qingming Sect, I thought of you every moment.”

Ji Hongluan’s heart fluttered at his words, though she also suspected his hidden intentions. His simple phrase about “every moment” made her legs feel unsteady. She instinctively glared at him but softened when she realized he hadn’t spared Ji Xiyao a glance.

Her lips curved into a gentle smile, and her voice turned uncharacteristically shy, “I… I missed you a lot too, Xu Yang.”

If her pet Little Flower were present, it would undoubtedly roll its eyes at such hypocrisy.

Miss him a lot?

More like suffering from outright lovesickness!

“Oh, Sister Hongluan and Brother-in-law truly share a deep bond. I can’t help but feel a little envious,” Ji Xiyao interjected with a light smile.

In truth, she didn’t wish to interrupt, nor did she want to be a third wheel. However, her desire to confirm whether Xu Yang was a fellow reborn like herself compelled her to act.

Again, she sent him a spiritual voice transmission.

“Xu Yang, why aren’t you replying? Are you reborn too?”

Still, Xu Yang maintained a composed façade, giving no indication he heard her. Inside, however, alarm bells rang.

Ji Xiyao’s sudden arrival was far too peculiar.

He hadn’t read anything about a character named Ji Xiyao in the original story.

This made him deeply suspicious of her identity—and her purpose for coming here.

What if she was sent by the Heavenly Dao…

Until he could confirm Ji Xiyao’s true intentions, Xu Yang decided he would not respond to her questions, not even with a single word.

Xu Yang turned toward Ji Xiyao, his expression warm yet detached. “Sister Xiyao, why envy? Your time will come, too.”

With that, he casually walked to Ji Hongluan’s side. Reaching out, he took her smooth, soft hand into his.

Ji Hongluan’s cheeks reddened slightly. She rolled her eyes at Xu Yang in mock annoyance, but her heart surged with joy. The act of showing affection in front of Ji Xiyao gave her a sense of sovereignty that she secretly relished. She did not pull her hand away, allowing the “evil disciple” to knead her hand at will.

“Xu Yang is right,” Ji Hongluan said with a gentle smile. “Sister Xiyao, as a direct descendant of our Ji family, you’re destined to find a remarkable and talented partner from the immortal families.”

She added silently to herself, Although no matter how talented they are, they can’t compare to even one ten-thousandth of my Xu Yang!

Ji Xiyao clenched her fists. Forced to endure this display of affection, she felt as though she had swallowed a mouthful of bitter “dog food.”

She wanted nothing more than to leave the Qingming Palace immediately. Out of sight, out of mind. Let whoever wanted to endure this dog food eat it in her place!

However, she still hadn’t gotten the answer she was seeking from Xu Yang. Forcing a smile, she said, “Sister, Brother-in-law, no one knows what the future holds, or perhaps—”

Before she could finish her thought, Ji Hongluan’s voice rang out, laced with both surprise and joy.

“Xu Yang, this ring?”

Ji Hongluan’s eyes sparkled as she noticed an exquisite ring on her finger. It shone brilliantly, the craftsmanship so delicate and refined that it seemed otherworldly.

“I attended the Heaven’s Chosen Gathering held by the Jiang family in White Emperor City,” Xu Yang explained. “There, I discovered a piece of Ice Soul Crystal Iron hidden in a source stone. On the way back, I thought of giving you a gift, Hongluan. So, I forged this ring myself.”

His voice softened as he continued, “I also engraved a killing formation into it. It can kill a late-stage Venerable cultivator. If you’re ever in danger, just activate it.”

He added with a teasing smile, “The formation can be triggered three times. After that, it will lose its effect.”

“Xu Yang, you made this yourself?” Ji Hongluan’s eyes brimmed with joy. The emotions in her gaze were impossible to hide.

“Of course I did. Look inside the ring,” Xu Yang said. “I even engraved your name.”

“Really?” Ji Hongluan quickly took off the ring, peering inside. Sure enough, the word “Hongluan” was engraved within.

Her beautiful eyes softened as she looked at Xu Yang. Overwhelmed by emotion, she turned to Ji Xiyao with a bright smile and said, “Sister Xiyao, please go take a walk outside. I need to discuss something privately with your brother-in-law.”

Ji Xiyao was stunned.

No! I haven’t even had a chance to confirm whether Xu Yang is a reborn person!

She didn’t want to leave, but the subtle yet sharp look Ji Hongluan gave her made it clear she had no choice. When you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head.

Why does this sister of mine have to be so much stronger than me?

“Little Flower, take my sister around the Sect Master’s Peak. Don’t come back for two hours,” Ji Hongluan instructed.

A yawning Little Flower padded out of the back hall. Stretching lazily, the little cat gave Ji Hongluan a resentful look that seemed to say, You only know how to boss me around. You’re insufferable!

Still, it dutifully meowed at Ji Xiyao, motioning for her to follow, then began walking away with a cat’s distinctive swagger.

Ji Xiyao trailed behind reluctantly, casting lingering glances back at Xu Yang as she left the hall.

Finally, with the troublemakers gone, Ji Hongluan turned her full attention to Xu Yang. She cupped his face in her delicate hands, her eyes shining with affection and something more.

“Xu Yang,” she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of mischief. “You’ve been so exceptional lately. How do you think I should reward you?”

TN// I’m sure most of you have noticed already, but I’ll clarify here. If you were unaware, a Venerable is just another way the author refers to Void Shattering realm cultivators. In some earlier chapters I mistranslated it as Sovereign a few times, just make note that those Sovereigns are the same as Venerables.