The Villain: Bound by Fate, Saved by Her

"You don't need to ask," Ling Ye says.

"Yes! I understand," Zhuge Qingchan nods quickly.

As a subordinate, she knows better than to question too much. Her role is to obey orders, not ask unnecessary questions.

"There are two ways to be reborn," she continues. "The first is reincarnation through tribulation before reaching the Holy Realm. If someone fails to overcome their tribulation, they are reborn. The second is when the soul remains intact, allowing the physical body to be reforged."

She pauses before adding, "If the body is reforged, that's called fixed rebirth. But reincarnation happens randomly—when a soul is born again into any newborn across the heavens and worlds."

"Can the two methods be combined?" Ling Ye asks.

"Combined?" Zhuge Qingchan furrows her brows. "You mean… altering random rebirth into fixed rebirth?"

She thinks for a moment before shaking her head. "Logically, that should be impossible."

"Then don't make excuses," Ling Ye says, glancing sideways at her.

Zhuge Qingchan freezes.

What kind of reasoning is that?!

"One month. Find a solution," Ling Ye says, his voice calm.

He isn't expecting much—this is merely a test to gauge her capabilities. If she succeeds, great. If not, it doesn't matter. He intends to rely on himself regardless.

The rebirth of consciousness is different from both reincarnation and soul rebirth.

Reincarnation means being reborn as a new lifeform—human, beast, or something else entirely—anywhere in the infinite void of the heavens.

But Ling Ye seeks a way to fix his rebirth, ensuring that his consciousness returns to the body of the Extreme God that he plans to forge.

Zhuge Qingchan frowns.

Where did this problem even come from? Isn't this just setting her up to fail?

He expects her to figure this out in a month?

"I trust you," Ling Ye says, his gaze steady.

Zhuge Qingchan freezes again.

For a brief moment, she simply stares at him.

Then, something shifts inside her.

She suddenly feels that she can't let him down.

No—she must not let him down.

He believes in her. How could she disappoint him?

To stand beside the strongest man in the world, this is what it takes.

A month to solve an impossible problem? So be it.

"I… I will find a way," she says firmly, nodding with conviction.

Ling Ye gives a faint smile.

In truth, he doesn't expect much. This is just a bit of encouragement—nothing more.

But… who knows?

If she actually finds a solution, she would truly be a genius of the ages, worthy of being his military advisor.

After all, she has already shown remarkable insight into the grand scheme of the world.

Perhaps… it really is possible.

If she succeeds, it will ease many of his burdens. If she fails, it makes no difference.

Without another word, Ling Ye waves his hand, summoning an array of rare medicinal herbs and strange materials.

Then, he shatters them with his palm.

A surge of condensed energy forms, glowing with ethereal light.

Suddenly, he presses his palm against Zhuge Qingchan's chest.

Hum!

The energy surges into her body, radiating brilliant light.

She gasps as a strange sensation washes over her.

Her Qi Sea is healing.

Her cultivation is recovering—rapidly.

Power surges through her veins, restoring her to her previous state.

She clenches her fists, feeling the strength return to her limbs.

Though her current level is only Heavenly Profound Realm, she is no longer crippled.

"Your talent is too poor," Ling Ye says flatly. "I've reforged your Qi Sea and improved your potential. Your cultivation will progress faster from now on."

"Th-Thank you!"

A wave of gratitude floods Zhuge Qingchan's heart.

The Spirit Clan had shattered her cultivation and discarded her.

Yet with a single motion, Ling Ye has restored her.

Not only that—he has enhanced her potential beyond what it once was.

As expected of the Blood Shadow Demon Lord.

She clenches her fists, eyes burning with determination.

He has been so good to her—she will not let him down.

"Don't worry, my lord," she says firmly. "I will find a way for you. I will reach greater heights and never become a burden to the Blood Shadow Demon Army!"

Ling Ye looks away, his expression unreadable.

We'll see.

"Oh, my lord," Zhuge Qingchan suddenly remembers. "That Ye Tian… He has retreated. Once he reappears, he will have reached the Boundless Realm. Do you have a way to deal with him?"

Ling Ye gives her a sidelong glance.

"What do you think?" he asks.

"I…" Zhuge Qingchan hesitates.

Ling Ye is the strongest being in the heavens. He was born invincible.

But Ye Tian…

She can't even begin to imagine how terrifying he will be after stepping into the Boundless Realm.

"If you can reach the Boundless Realm as well, maybe you won't lose," she suggests cautiously.

Ling Ye's reply is immediate.

"I will lose this battle."

Zhuge Qingchan's expression freezes.

"What?"

Her mind goes blank.

How can that be?!

How can the Demon Lord say he will lose—before the battle has even begun?