Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 187

The words of the Great Sage Xuanwu caused an uproar across the five regions of the world, alarming almost every force.

“Who said earlier that the Great Sage Xuanwu would apologize in a friendly manner? Stand up now!”

“Are you joking? The Great Sage Xuanwu must have lost his mind.”

“Honestly, this is normal. The Black Tortoise Emperor is a pure-blood descendant. He is not only the nephew of the Great Sage Xuanwu but also highly valued by the demon clan. With the entire demon clan pressuring the Ji family, even Ji Daoxuan has to give in!”

“This isn’t about giving in. Although Xu Yang acted a bit domineering, he still saved the Black Tortoise Emperor’s life. For the Great Sage Xuanwu to demand Xu Yang’s suicide—this is simply ignoring Ji Daoxuan’s pride!”

“Five days from now, the Great Sage Xuanwu will arrive. Isn’t that the same day as the Qingming Sect’s annual Six Peaks Competition? Good grief, he’s clearly doing this to disgust the Qingming Sect!”

“Disgust? Didn’t you hear him say that if Xu Yang doesn’t commit suicide, he’ll slaughter the entire Qingming Sect?”

“I doubt it. Xu Yang is the Ji family’s son-in-law!”

“What’s impossible about that? If the demon saints act together, wiping out a mortal force is child’s play.”

“Hah! As if the human race would just sit back and watch.”

The entire world buzzed with discussions. Some cultivators even broke into fights over differing opinions, battling to the death.

Many forces looked on coldly, hoping for Xu Yang’s demise. After all, in this era of chaos, the death of one prodigy would mean one less formidable rival for their own godly and saintly descendants.

Of course, there were also those who sought to rescue Xu Yang, such as the Jiang family and the Zhu family.

Most of these were descendants of immortals who had listened to Xu Yang’s teachings in Baidi City. They believed that Xu Yang would never fall to the Great Sage Xuanwu and saw this as a rare chance to help him, strengthening their relationship. Yet, when they approached their ancestors for assistance, many of the elders remained noncommittal, neither agreeing nor refusing. This indecisiveness infuriated the younger generations, who wished they could seize power and banish their ancestors to secret realms for retirement.

Qingming Sect, Purple Cloud Peak

Xu Yang ignored the commotion outside, focusing solely on pacifying his disciples.

Since the truth had come out, his relationship with Xiao Hongluan was now known to the entire Qingming Sect. Naturally, his disciples were also aware of it.

Qing’er was the first to confront him, seeking punishment.

“Master, how could you be with the Sect Master…”

Situ Qingqing’s peach blossom eyes were misty as she stared at her master, her lips pouting in grievance.

“Ahem, Qing’er, Master and Hongluan…” Xu Yang began awkwardly.

“Hmph! You actually call the Sect Master ‘Hongluan.’ Why does it sound more intimate than how you call me, Qing’er?”

Situ Qingqing curled her lips, her brows furrowing in jealousy.

“How could that be? Master treats you and Little Hongluan equally!” Xu Yang said seriously, stretching out his hand to hold Situ Qingqing’s slender waist.

Situ Qingqing twisted her shoulders, pretending to break free. Yet when her weakness was seized by her master, her face instantly turned crimson. Flustered, she protested shyly:

“Master, I’m angry…”

“Don’t be angry. How about I give you a kiss?” Xu Yang teased shamelessly.

“No way!”

Although Situ Qingqing said so, her body betrayed her. She reached out, cupped Xu Yang’s face, and kissed him.

Pop!

“Hmph! Master, don’t think you can buy me off with a kiss. Tell me, when did you and Hongluan—bah, the Sect Master…”

Situ Qingqing puffed up her cheeks, crossing her arms over her chest in mock arrogance.

Deep down, she knew the truth. As much as she adored her master, she alone couldn’t handle his overwhelming constitution. She had once considered seeking help from Senior Sister Xue, but that now seemed unnecessary. Being the direct disciple was enough for her.

“After you,” Xu Yang replied with a faint smile, knowing exactly what she wanted to hear.

“Really?”

Situ Qingqing’s eyes lit up instantly. Realizing she was being too obvious, she quickly schooled her expression, feigning calmness as she replied in a composed voice.

“Of course it’s true.”

Xu Yang looked into Qing’er’s eyes and said sincerely.

‘Little Hongluan is not only behind you, but also behind Xuan’er,’ he silently added in his heart.

“Doesn’t that mean the Sect Master should call me sister?”

Situ Qingqing’s eyes lit up with joy.

“It stands to reason that this is the case.”

Xu Yang nodded.

“But… your disciple can’t beat her…”

Excited at first, Situ Qingqing suddenly remembered something, and it was as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on her. Her excitement faded, and she became visibly dejected.

“It doesn’t matter. With me here, Hongluan won’t bully you…” Xu Yang said seriously.

To him, both Xiao Hongluan and Qing’er were his treasures, and he wouldn’t let anyone bully either of them.

Situ Qingqing shook her head and looked up at her master. Her eyes burned with endless fighting spirit as she declared:

“No, Master, this is a war between women! If you intervene, it means that your disciple has already lost!”

“…?”

“Then what do you plan to do, Qing’er?” Xu Yang asked, holding her waist gently.

He hadn’t expected Qing’er to be so ambitious. She refused his help, but with Xiao Hongluan’s extreme personality, Qing’er would surely be defeated in seconds. After all, the combat power of the Void Shattering realm was no joke.

Situ Qingqing blinked her eyes and asked curiously, “Master, how strong is the Sect Master?”

If surpassing the Sect Master in cultivation was impossible for the time being, she had to find another way.

Xu Yang looked at the girl in his arms and said truthfully, “Two hours.”

Situ Qingqing’s pupils shrank sharply. Her legs turned weak, and she stammered in shock:

“Two… two hours?!”

She herself could only last half an hour at most, yet the Sect Master could go for two hours—four times as long as her. Was there any other way? Was she destined to be a little sister forever?!

“At least two hours,” Xu Yang added.

“…”

Situ Qingqing stopped talking. Her heart felt shattered into pieces.

She was completely and utterly defeated.

“It’s okay. Hongluan is at the Void Shattering realm after all. Her foundation is solid, but Qing’er, you’re only at the Nascent Soul realm. That’s normal. Don’t be sad. Once you reach the Void Shattering realm, you’ll definitely be much stronger than Hongluan!”

Xu Yang gently stroked Qing’er’s back, comforting her softly.

“Mm…”

“When I reach the Void Shattering realm, I’ll definitely be stronger than the Sect Master. At that time, I’ll make her call me sister!”

Situ Qingqing lay on Xu Yang’s shoulder, her fighting spirit reignited.

Master was right. She was only at the Nascent Soul realm, while the Sect Master was already an old Venerable. Though she was crushed in terms of cultivation and combat strength now, she was still young!

She was also confident that the Sect Master didn’t have as many tricks up her sleeve as she did!

Wasn’t that also a kind of victory?!