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

Buzz!

Three items floated before Xiao Ye, radiating an intense demonic aura that agitated the liquid spiritual power in his dantian.

These three items consisted of a book, a black orb, and a five-inch banner.

The book was inscribed with illegible, distorted characters that seemed like smeared ink pooling on paper. A palpable demonic energy writhed violently around it.

“This is the core scripture of our Holy Hall, called The Myriad Refinement Scripture. Based on worldly grading, it would be considered a high-grade heavenly-ranked technique,” the voice from the black fog atop the throne declared.

‘What?’

A high-grade heavenly-rank technique!

Xiao Ye’s entire body trembled, as if his soul were about to leave his body.

A heavenly-rank technique of such caliber!

Even the Qingming Sect, the largest sect in the Northern Province, didn’t have a heavenly-rank high-grade technique.

Much less Elder Li, the treacherous old dog who betrayed him. The technique Elder Li gave him wasn’t just of inferior quality—it had severe flaws that damaged his foundation. If his new master hadn’t pointed it out, Xiao Ye would have remained oblivious!

Such techniques were exclusive to reclusive immortal sects and holy lands, restricted to their true disciples.

And now, he had obtained one so effortlessly. This was truly a blessing in disguise!

“The black orb contains the essence of ten geniuses with superior aptitudes, which can be used alongside The Myriad Refinement Scripture.”

The voice in the black fog continued its calm explanation.

Xiao Ye stared at the orb, within which scarlet serpents slithered, exuding immense and boundless energy. He could feel it—refining these serpents would not only push him to Core Formation but might even propel him to the late stage of that realm!

Xiao Ye’s heart was brimming with joy.

Joining the Holy Hall was the best decision of his life!

“As for the banner, I forged it specifically for you. Modeled after the ancient Human Emperor Banner, I call it the Demon Refinement Banner. Any opponent of the Holy Hall is a demon to be refined.”

“I’ve already fused the remnant soul of that elder from your body into this banner. With it, you can summon and command that remnant soul. Even against a Nascent Soul cultivator, you’ll be able to fight on equal footing.”

“Now, drip your blood onto the banner to claim it as your own.”

The voice from the black fog issued its instruction.

“Yes, Master!” Xiao Ye replied respectfully.

He stared at the Demon Refinement Banner with twisted glee, as though he could see the face of the person he despised most within the swirling demonic aura. His expression turned vicious as he sneered,

“Kehehe, old dog Li, when you betrayed me, did you ever imagine this would be your fate?”

“From now on, you’ll be trapped in this banner, never to see the light of day, at my mercy, unable to live or die!”

Channeling his spiritual power, Xiao Ye pricked his fingertip, allowing a drop of blood to fall onto the banner.

The moment his blood touched it, demonic energy surged violently, and dozens of remnant souls let out chilling wails that echoed through the hall.

Rather than being disturbed, Xiao Ye reveled in their cries. Soon, he forged a connection with the Demon Refinement Banner, able to summon its remnant souls at will.

“Thank you, Master, for bestowing this treasure!” Xiao Ye knelt and kowtowed sincerely toward the throne enveloped in black fog.

“Cultivate well. Soon, there will be a gathering of geniuses in the Northern Province. I expect you to refine all of them,” the voice in the black fog commanded.

“Yes!” Xiao Ye agreed, backing out of the hall to focus on his cultivation.

The following morning.

As the first light of dawn broke, in the rear halls of Qingming Sect, Xu Yang gazed at the alluring beauty sleeping in his arms. Her delicate, radiant face resembled that of a celestial maiden.

Reflecting on the events of the previous day, Xu Yang’s lips curved into a slight smile.

“You said you belong to me alone—then let’s continue,” Ji Hongluan had declared with stubborn insistence.

“Forget it, then!” Xu Yang firmly refused to compromise on his principles.

“You… ungrateful disciple! Are you trying to anger your master to death?”

Ji Hongluan’s fury caused her chest to heave, her brows knitting tightly.

Seeing her immersed in the role, Xu Yang decided to play along. “Master, there’s no need for anger. At worst, I’ll fend for myself. I won’t blame you.”

“You…”

Frustrated beyond words, Ji Hongluan eventually sighed and lay beside him, her face sullen and her eyes shut.

After a long pause, she suddenly opened her eyes, brimming with annoyance.

“You idiot! Are you really going to make me beg you?”

“Master, does this mean you’ve agreed?”

Xu Yang chuckled, leaning closer to her.

Ji Hongluan turned her face away, unwilling to meet his gaze. “Fine. I’ll pretend I was bitten by a pig this once. But this is the only time!”

If she wanted to think of him as a pig, so be it—he’d been called worse. Xu Yang lowered his head and kissed her forehead gently.

Ji Hongluan squirmed. “If you’re going to bite, do it properly. Stop dragging it out…”

“Master, do you like my blood?” Xu Yang teased, mimicking her words from before.

“No.”

“Really? Or are you just pretending not to?”

“Why don’t you try again and find out?”

Reflecting on Ji Hongluan’s exaggerated passion from the previous night, Xu Yang couldn’t help but smile. The experience had even propelled his cultivation from the third to the fifth level of Divine Transformation.

His system had returned the favor by granting him a heavenly-rank dual cultivation technique, proving once again how considerate it was.

Perhaps this was the charm of the Yin Shura Physique.

Gazing at the serene beauty in his arms, Xu Yang couldn’t resist gently pinching her nose before stealthily getting up and leaving the hall.

Shortly after Xu Yang departed, Ji Hongluan opened her eyes, her expression a mix of fatigue and frustration. She muttered to herself, “How did I end up giving in so easily?”

At that moment, Little Flower, the cat who had scratched at the door all night, burst in angrily, ready to unleash its grievances.

Before it could meow, Ji Hongluan shot it a sharp look and snapped, “Little Flower, how could you call yourself my trusted advisor if you didn’t stop me back then?”

“…”

Little Flower’s tail drooped.

It had tried to stop her! It had scratched at the door all night, nearly wearing its claws down to nubs!