Chapter 1: Reincarnated Villain’s Dilemma

“It’s been three days, Young Master. Are you really not going to see her?”

A girl with simple attire and white hair glanced at the door, then shyly looked at the young man sitting on a rosewood chair beside her.

The girl wasn’t human; she had a pair of snowy white rabbit ears and two large double ponytails, with a fluffy tail hanging behind her.

Though her clothing was modest, her lovely face couldn’t be overlooked. Under her meticulously carved features, even the simple robe seemed to acquire an extra layer of elegance.

The young man beside her was no ordinary figure. He wore a golden robe and held a folding fan, exuding the gentle aura of a scholar. Yet, his profound gaze added a sharp edge to his appearance, complemented by his naturally handsome features, making it hard for anyone to resist his allure.

His name was Qin Yangjun, a renowned figure in the cultivation world of Da Yuzhou.

He held titles like the first place on the Inner Gate Leaderboard, the chief disciple, and a sword master. Known as the Gentleman of Jade Water, he was surrounded by admiration wherever he went.

He was the idol of many new disciples in the Yu Qian Sect and the dream man of countless female cultivators, living a life that most cultivators envied.

But now, he couldn’t find any joy in his life.

Recently, Qin Yangjun had recovered memories of his past life, recalling that he was once an ordinary otaku who loved games and novels, never imagining he’d experience reincarnation.

He didn’t know how he had reincarnated, but through exploring his past life’s memories, he discovered that he had become a character from a novel he once read. Worse, he was a villain, one level below the final boss in the book, with a high and sensitive identity that spanned the entire story.

In his past life, he had even mocked this villain’s persistence, giving him the nickname ‘Cockroach.’ Now, he was that very character.

This realization was beyond frustrating. He couldn’t even begin to process it. Worse, he remembered how brutally Qin Yangjun had died in the novel—disemboweled by the protagonist, with his soul thrown into a Flame Soul for forty-nine days of torment before finally perishing.

As an observer, he had even cheered for this fate, given the villain’s lack of humanity. But now, with his own life at stake, the situation felt different.

Upon confirming his identity, Qin Yangjun struggled with eating, sleeping, and was haunted by nightmares of being executed by strangers. Just days into his reincarnation, he already knew his fate was sealed.

Qin Yangjun couldn’t fathom what he had done in his past life to deserve such a harsh punishment. Yet, he wasn’t the type to yield to fate. He understood that only by strengthening himself could he control his destiny, so he was determined to become stronger.

However, strength wasn’t something that could be achieved overnight. For now, his plan was to avoid interacting with the protagonist’s faction. But life rarely went as planned, and the ‘trouble’ outside was relentless.

“Young Master?… Young Master?”

“Ah… Ah Ling, what is it?”

Ah Ling’s repeated calls brought Qin Yangjun back to reality, and a hint of worry appeared on the girl’s face.

“Young Master, you don’t look well. Didn’t you sleep well last night? If you’re too tired, I’ll explain to Miss Hua that you need to rest.”

Qin Yangjun pondered as he looked at the girl.

Ah Ling was a servant given to Qin Yangjun by the Sect Master, with a gentle nature and an appealing appearance. But as a half-monster, she had no surname. In the novel, she was Qin Yangjun’s devoted follower, eventually blackening to the point where she committed countless heinous acts, meeting a gruesome end. Yet, the current Ah Ling was simply a pure and lovable girl, far from the villainous figure in the book.

But times had changed. Since she now served him, it was better for her to remain pure.

“Young Master, you should rest. I’ll explain to Miss Hua and ask her to return another time.”

Qin Yangjun offered a gentle smile, reaching out to ruffle Ah Ling’s hair.

“I’m fine. Her persistence is more than I expected. If this continues, it won’t work out. I should go see her.”

With that, Qin Yangjun stood up, stretching lazily.

Ah Ling’s concern deepened as she watched. In her memory, Qin Yangjun was always mindful of his image, something he would never do.

It seemed the Young Master was truly exhausted. She decided to brew a calming tea for him that night.

At the same time, Qin Yangjun opened the door.

Warm sunlight bathed his face, bringing a touch of warmth while also stinging his eyes. He slightly raised his left hand, squinting.

In a haze, he thought he saw a small, fiery phoenix. But he quickly realized it was just a trick of the light, focusing to see the true face of the ‘little phoenix.’

Hua Yaoyao wore a practical training uniform, holding a red-sheathed spirit sword, with her long ponytail tied back. Her appearance was enchanting, and the red lotus mark on her brow added an ethereal quality to her already stunning features. She was undoubtedly one of the protagonist’s harem, with a figure and face beyond reproach.

Not long ago, Hua Yaoyao’s face had shown a hint of distress. She bit her lip, looked down, and kicked a stone, her hesitation mixed with a touch of confusion. But upon hearing the door open and seeing Qin Yangjun, her distress vanished instantly.

Like a joyful sparrow, she ran to Qin Yangjun’s side.

Qin Yangjun skillfully hid his exasperation, bowing slightly.

“Forgive me, Junior Sister. I’ve been so engrossed in my sword practice lately that I’ve neglected you. Please bear with me.”

Qin Yangjun used a formal tone to create distance between them, subtly hinting that he wasn’t interested in deepening their relationship. After all, sword training required real combat, and who trains swords indoors?

But…

Hua Yaoyao merely smiled.

“Oh, Senior Brother, it’s not a bother at all. Since you’re studying swordsmanship, I have some insights to share. Perhaps…”

Clearly, she hadn’t understood Qin Yangjun’s implication. She glanced behind him into the room, her hesitation tinged with shyness.

What does Senior Brother’s room look like? It must be very tidy… I can’t even imagine… I really want to take a look….

This girl’s thoughts were easy to read. In the novel, Hua Yaoyao admired him as her big brother, and if he invited her in, she wouldn’t refuse. Instead, it would only bring them closer…

But Qin Yangjun had no intention of doing that.

“Cough, cough. Junior Sister, what brings you to see me these past few days?”

Qin Yangjun’s cough brought Hua Yaoyao back to reality.

“Ah… Ah… Well, in seven days, the Sect will be recruiting new disciples, and the Sect Master hopes you’ll oversee the trial and attend the initiation ceremony for the new disciples.”

“New disciples?”

Qin Yangjun was taken aback, then suddenly remembered.

The initiation ceremony?! That’s when the first protagonist, Yu Lingye, enters the Yu Qian Sect!

It’s the first encounter between the protagonist and himself, the villain. He had to refuse!

He didn’t even want to appear before the protagonist. But just as Qin Yangjun was about to decline, Hua Yaoyao added:

“The Sect Master said that if you refuse, she’ll come personally to invite you.”

Qin Yangjun: Damn it!

“What’s wrong, Young Master? You look troubled.”

Ah Ling’s voice was soft and gentle, her eyes filled with concern as she looked at Qin Yangjun.

“Ah Ling, do you know about the upcoming initiation ceremony for the new disciples?”

Qin Yangjun asked, his expression serious.

Ah Ling nodded. “Yes, Young Master. The Sect is preparing to welcome new disciples in seven days. The Sect Master has requested your presence to oversee the trials and attend the ceremony.”

Qin Yangjun sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I know. But I have my reasons for not wanting to attend.”

“May I ask what those reasons are, Young Master?” Ah Ling asked, her curiosity piqued.

Qin Yangjun hesitated for a moment before replying. “It’s complicated, Ah Ling. Let’s just say I have a feeling that something unexpected might happen.”

Ah Ling’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t press further. “I understand, Young Master. You have your reasons. But remember, you can always count on me for support.”

Qin Yangjun managed a small smile, appreciating Ah Ling’s loyalty. “Thank you, Ah Ling. I know I can.”

“Qin Yangjun, are you sure about this? You seem hesitant.”

Hua Yaoyao’s voice was laced with concern as she gazed at Qin Yangjun, her eyes reflecting the warm sunlight.

Qin Yangjun met her gaze, his expression resolute. “I’m sure, Hua Yaoyao. I have my reasons. And I trust that the Sect Master will understand.”

Hua Yaoyao nodded, though a hint of disappointment flickered across her features. “Of course, Senior Brother. I respect your decision.”

Qin Yangjun offered a reassuring smile. “Thank you. Now, let’s focus on preparing for the new disciples. They’ll need our guidance and support.”

Hua Yaoyao’s face brightened, and she nodded eagerly. “You’re right, Senior Brother. We’ll make sure they feel welcome and supported.”

As Qin Yangjun and Hua Yaoyao walked away, Ah Ling watched them go, a mix of emotions playing across her face. She knew that Qin Yangjun was hiding something, and she was determined to uncover the truth. But for now, she would stand by his side, ready to support him in whatever he needed.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

One Sword Shocked the World, But the Man Behind Her Is Even More Terrifying!

ChildhoodFriendsHaremRomance

Read Now →
Not interested