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

Qingming Hall.

For the first time in days, the peak masters of the Qingming Sect gathered again.

The tension was palpable. The absence of Master Wanjun from the ranks of the Six Peaks Masters was a glaring anomaly, and Xu Yang’s sudden presence among them only heightened the intrigue.

Whispers filled the hall, “Could Master Wanjun have been involved with Xiao Ye, the demonic infiltrator?”

“Even if he wasn’t directly involved, his failure to recognize the truth behind Xiao Ye’s massacre of over thirty personal disciples is a monumental lapse in judgment!”

“Such negligence is unforgivable. Master Wanjun has betrayed the trust placed in him by his disciples!”

Elder Qian, one of the Six Peaks Masters, spoke with stern conviction:

“I will propose to the Sect Master that Master Wanjun be stripped of his position as Heavenly Thunder Peak Master. He is no longer fit to hold such a post. He should be relegated to a mere elder, free to reflect on his failures!”

However, Master Wanjun’s loyalists were quick to interject.

“Elder Qian, you’re being too harsh! Master Wanjun has dutifully served as Heavenly Thunder Peak Master for years, ensuring its place among the Six Peaks. This incident alone shouldn’t overshadow his contributions!”

“Exactly! Moreover, those disciples weren’t killed outright by Xiao Ye; they succumbed to their injuries later. How can you place the blame entirely on Master Wanjun?”

“At most, he should submit a written apology for his oversight!”

The room erupted into chaos as the two factions began hurling accusations at one another.

“Elder Qian, do you think you’re above the rest of us?”

“Heavenly Thunder Peak’s fall wouldn’t be surprising, given Master Wanjun’s incompetence!”

“Bah! As long as I oversee Heavenly Origin Peak, it will never drop from the Six Peaks!”

The argument intensified, and insults flew freely. Neutral peak masters watched from the sidelines, their eyes glinting with amusement at the spectacle.

Many were aware of the ulterior motives behind Elder Qian’s push to oust Master Wanjun—it wasn’t just about justice. If Master Wanjun were removed, Elder Qian’s family would likely maneuver one of their own into the vacant position, consolidating their power in the Qingming Sect.

Meanwhile, Xu Yang sat quietly, seemingly unfazed by the commotion. His calm demeanor was not due to a lack of interest in the drama but because he was preoccupied—fending off the playful teasing of the Sect Master herself.

A sultry voice echoed in his mind.

“Xu Yang, you’re incredible. Even I might not be your match!”

Xu Yang responded via sound transmission:

“Sect Master, you’re too modest. You’re one of the only two Venerables in our sect. Whether I’m stronger or weaker would need to be tested in combat.”

“Oh? But we’ve already tested that, haven’t we? My lip is still swollen, and it hasn’t healed yet.”

Ji Hongluan smirked, her lips curving as she traced her fingers along her neckline, feigning discomfort.

Xu Yang was momentarily speechless. ‘Is she being provocative on purpose?’

“You misunderstood me, Sect Master. I thought you were referring to martial strength, not…this.”

“Hmm, I could mean either. But if you’d like to test our martial strength, stay after the meeting. We could have a private sparring session.”

Her smile was dazzling, her eyes filled with playful mischief.

Xu Yang hesitated, unsure of her true intent. Was she serious or merely teasing? He was about to respond when Elder Qian’s thunderous voice interrupted the banter.

“Sect Master, this man insulted me, calling me an old dog! I demand a duel to settle this disgrace!”

The hall fell silent as all eyes turned to Elder Qian. His outburst was shocking, given his advanced age and deteriorating vitality.

Ji Hongluan, who had been thoroughly enjoying teasing Xu Yang, suddenly grew cold. Her piercing gaze swept across the room.

“Enough!”

Her voice carried an undeniable authority, silencing the hall immediately.

“I did not summon you all here to bicker like children. If you wish to duel, do it outside the Qingming Hall. I care not for your grievances, nor will I intervene.”

Elder Qian, though visibly enraged, swallowed his retort. The murderous intent in Ji Hongluan’s gaze was not something he dared to challenge.

Once the hall settled, Ji Hongluan spoke.

“Today, I have summoned you to address an urgent matter. Xu Yang has uncovered evidence that Master Wanjun fell to demonic cultivation and was planted as a spy in our sect by the demonic faction.”

A collective gasp swept through the hall. Many peak masters exchanged incredulous glances. Even Elder Qian, who had been pushing for Master Wanjun’s removal, frowned in disbelief.

“Master Wanjun? A demonic cultivator? That’s absurd!”

“It’s impossible! He cultivated thunder techniques, which are inherently antithetical to demonic energy!”

“Could this be a misunderstanding, Sect Master? Such a serious accusation requires undeniable proof!”

“Sect Master, where is Master Wanjun now? Perhaps he should be brought here to face Xu Yang directly.”

Ji Hongluan opened her mouth to respond, but Xu Yang rose from his seat, his voice calm but commanding.

“There will be no confrontation. Master Wanjun is dead. I killed him.”

His words sent shockwaves through the hall. Anger and shock mingled on the faces of many peak masters.

“You…you dare to kill a peak master without consulting us?!”

“If we allow this, who’s to say you won’t target the rest of us next?!”

Just as the accusations began to fly, Xu Yang’s voice cut through:

“I know you’re eager to condemn me, but don’t be hasty.”

He turned to Ji Hongluan, retrieving a recording jade slip from his sleeve.

“This contains evidence of Master Wanjun’s transformation into a demonic cultivator. Sect Master, please review it.”

Ji Hongluan accepted the jade slip, her expression darkening slightly. Why is Xu Yang so well-prepared? How am I supposed to save him if he doesn’t need saving?

Meanwhile, one of Master Wanjun’s loyalists sneered:

“Recordings can be fabricated. Xu Yang’s actions remain rash and unjustified!”

“Silence!” Ji Hongluan’s voice was sharp, her gaze icy.

“Xu Yang acted under my orders and with my authority. He carried the Sect Master’s token, granting him the right to act as he saw fit. Are you questioning my judgment?”

The peak master faltered, lowering his gaze.

At that moment, Xu Yang smiled faintly.

“Sect Master, if the recording isn’t enough, I also have a witness.”

The doors of the hall opened, and a middle-aged man entered.

“Greetings, Sect Master and peak masters. I am Qian Du, a Heavenly Thunder Peak elder. I can testify that Master Wanjun had indeed succumbed to demonic cultivation.”

The hall erupted into murmurs as Ji Hongluan activated the recording jade slip, projecting the events at Heavenly Thunder Peak for all to see.

The truth was undeniable.