Reborn as the Novel’s Villain: Cultivation Lost, Female Leads Take Control - Chapter 92

In the Qingming Hall, Ji Hongluan, seated at the head, spoke in a cold tone:

“When a demonic infiltrator is discovered within the sect, it signifies that the Qingming Sect has been deeply penetrated by demonic forces. Master Wanjun will certainly not be the last. I order all of you to thoroughly investigate every elder and disciple upon your return. Root out all demonic infiltrators embedded within the sect!”

“Additionally, during the Qingming Sect’s campaign to purge the demonic infiltrators, Peak Master Xu will hold the Sect Leader Token. If any demonic spies are identified, he can execute them on the spot without reporting to anyone. No peaks are allowed to interfere!”

Her commanding aura filled the hall, displaying the full power of a Void Shattering expert and living up to her title of the “Fairy Hongluan.”

The peak masters who had previously questioned Xu Yang felt their eyelids twitch uncontrollably. Ji Hongluan’s decree was tantamount to placing their lives in Xu Yang’s hands, to be controlled as he saw fit.

What if Xu Yang…

“Yes, Sect Master!”

The peak masters lowered their heads and complied, then left cautiously, trembling with fear.

They wanted to ease the tension with Xu Yang, but they worried that approaching him might make matters worse if he hadn’t harbored resentment to begin with.

Once all the peak masters had departed, Xu Yang rose, preparing to return to Purple Cloud Peak.

But Ji Hongluan’s teasing voice drifted from the head seat:

“What’s this? Xu Yang doesn’t want to test my strength?”

Sensing the double meaning, Xu Yang replied, “Sect Master, this venue is inappropriate. I fear that with just a few moves, the Qingming Hall would be reduced to rubble, and the ancestors might rise from their graves in fury.”

“Then let’s go to the rear hall. My bed is soft, and we can even watch Little Flower do somersaults,” Ji Hongluan said, stepping down from the seat and approaching him, her long lashes fluttering.

Xu Yang was about to respond when—

Boom!

Ji Hongluan’s aura surged, freezing the surrounding space. She reached out with her hand, an overwhelming force targeting Xu Yang’s shoulder.

Xu Yang reacted swiftly, slapping the chair beside him as his inner energy surged. The Yang Dao’s essence burst forth, dispelling the pressure as he dodged to the side. He looked at her with a peculiar expression.

“Sect Master?”

“What’s there to wonder about? Didn’t I say I wanted to test your limits?” Ji Hongluan’s almond-shaped eyes gleamed as she attacked again. Her claw-like strike, laced with fierce energy, sought to seize him.

Seeing this, Xu Yang stopped speaking. If she wanted to test him, he might as well let her. Besides, he was curious to see if his current combat prowess could surpass her Xuanyin Fiend Body.

Boom!

The Qingming Hall trembled.

As Ji Hongluan’s claw strike descended, Xu Yang unleashed a formidable aura, his left hand radiating blinding heat that dispelled her attack. Undeterred, he reached for her wrist with unstoppable force.

But instead of retreating, Ji Hongluan advanced. Following his movement, she allowed her wrist to be caught, her delicate form falling into his embrace.

Xu Yang had intended to follow up with a shoulder throw, a seamless combination to overpower her. But now, with this unexpected softness in his arms, he hesitated.

“Sect Master, what are you doing?” he asked, baffled.

“Husband, you’re too strong. I surrender,” Ji Hongluan replied playfully, nestling into his arms.

“That’s it? After just two moves?” Xu Yang felt slightly exasperated. “Isn’t this a bit too hasty?”

“What’s this? Does Xu Yang truly wish to hit me? Go ahead. I promise not to cry,” Ji Hongluan teased, closing her eyes and presenting a vulnerable pose.

“You said it yourself!” Xu Yang didn’t hold back.

Ji Hongluan opened her eyes, her cheeks flushed. Pouting, she muttered, “You really don’t know how to show mercy.”

“Well, I’ll make you pay for that,” she declared, twisting around in his arms to deliver a soft, ineffective slap.

It didn’t hurt at all.

But Xu Yang’s breath hitched slightly.

Ji Hongluan noticed his reaction, her eyes glinting with mischief, though her tone turned serious. “Xu Yang, I’ve found a critical flaw in your defenses. If an enemy exploits it, your life could be at risk.”

“What flaw?” Xu Yang asked, suppressing the turbulence within.

“You’re too easily stirred,” Ji Hongluan said matter-of-factly. “If an enemy uses beauty as a weapon, I fear you won’t last long before succumbing.”

Xu Yang looked her straight in the eye, his expression sincere. “Sect Master, I admit I am a man drawn to beauty. But I will only yield to those I truly admire. No amount of tricks from others will sway me.”

‘Only yield to those he truly admires?’

Ji Hongluan glanced down for a moment, her cheeks reddening as her heart raced.

‘This fool—he’s finally learning how to flirt.’

“Hmph.” She snorted lightly, tilting her head to look at him. “Don’t think I’ll just believe you because you said that. Follow me to the room!”

Without waiting for his reply, Ji Hongluan grabbed Xu Yang’s arm and pulled him toward the rear hall.

“What for?” Xu Yang asked.

“What do you think? If you’ve tied the bell, you must untie it. I need to tame it.”

“You sure?”

“Forget it if you don’t want to!”

“Wait, wait! I’m willing!”

“Then call me ‘Master.’”

“Master?”

“Yes, good disciple.”

“Something about this feels off…”

Bang!

Little Flower, the spirit cat, was unceremoniously thrown out of the hall.

The feline stared blankly at the tightly shut door before rushing up and angrily scratching it with its claws.

“Meow meow!!!”

Roughly translated: What did I do to deserve this?

Meanwhile, by Heavenly Heart Lake, Xue Jinli had returned to her residence.

Waiting for her, Situ Qingqing rushed up, noticing the joy radiating from her. Curious, she asked, “Third Senior Sister, you look so happy. Did Master give that old scoundrel Master Wanjun a good beating?”

Xue Jinli shook her head. “Not exactly.”

“He didn’t beat him? Then why are you so happy?”

“Take a guess.”

“I’m not three years old! Just tell me!”

“Well, Master simply punched Master Wanjun twice and killed him.”

“Killed… him?” Situ Qingqing’s cherry lips parted in astonishment, her eyes wide with shock.

As the realization sank in, her first thought was:

With Master’s power so terrifying even at the Divine Transformation level, could she still last half an hour in a duel with him?

Did she even stand a chance?

Shaking off her thoughts, Situ Qingqing spoke with a hint of jealousy. “Third Senior Sister, Master really does favor you.”

Hearing this, Xue Jinli suppressed a laugh. That was exactly the reaction she wanted. Outwardly, she maintained her composure. “Not at all. If it were you, Master would do the same.”

Situ Qingqing found this reasonable. Then, recalling something, she asked worriedly, “Third Senior Sister, won’t Master face punishment for killing Master Wanjun?”

“No, not at all. Master Wanjun had already fallen into demonic cultivation. By killing him, Master didn’t commit a crime; he actually made a great contribution.”

Hearing this, Situ Qingqing sighed in relief, patting her chest. “That’s good. Master truly is blessed with great fortune.”