[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-this-villain-is-too-self-destructive":3,"chapter-this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-167":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","This Villain Is Too Self-Destructive",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2282534,4465,"Chapter 167: Choices and Hidden Dangers","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-167",167,"\u003Cp>Star Fall Islet, Star-Fixing Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daylight filtered through the restored formation dome, casting pale pillars of light. The air was thick with the heavy scent of elixirs and the faint, clean aroma of burnt purification talismans. The hall was more solemn than yesterday; Wei Gong, True Person Beichen, Elder Lingshan, Old Man Hunyou, and several masters of alchemy and formations who had rushed from the Imperial Capital were all gathered. Every gaze was fixed on Lin Xuan, who had just returned, his aura clearly depleted and his expression grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan did not delay. He recounted the process of his deep-sea investigation into the \"Distortion Core\" at the Return to Ruins Sea Eye with the most concise and clear language possible. From sneaking in by following the resonance trajectory of the demonic seed, to discovering that \"void of existence\" and the viscous \"fluid,\" to the primitive will, predatory instinct, and the network of energy veins resembling root systems spreading throughout the Sea Eye’s expansion zone—he left out no detail, especially his judgment that the core seemed to be slowly \"growing\" or \"awakening.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, the expressions of those in the hall grew increasingly heavy, the atmosphere so dense it felt as if it could drip water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...That is the situation.\" Lin Xuan concluded, his voice weary yet steady. \"The 'Distortion Core' is no ordinary source of pollution. It is a 'living pollution hub' rooted in the backlash of an ancient contract, nourished by the long-term infiltration of the Demon Abyss, and already possessing a rudimentary primitive will and capacity for growth. Its energy level is extremely high, and it is located deep within the Sea Eye, an environment of extreme hostility, guarded by countless derivatives. In my current state, even if I were to strike with all my might, I have no certainty of completely purifying or sealing it. A rash attack might alert the enemy and trigger a violent counterattack, with consequences too dire to imagine.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Gong was silent for a long time, his aged fingers tapping heavily on the chair's armrest, producing a dull sound. \"A living pollution hub... capacity for growth... a monster nurtured by both an ancient contract and the infiltration of the Demon Abyss... This is a hundred times more troublesome than we anticipated!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True Person Beichen’s face turned pale. \"Through those energy veins, it is continuously absorbing filthy energy and homologous information from the entire Sea Eye expansion zone and even further afield... Does this not mean that as long as those polluted ancient ruins, nodes, and even the demonic seed within young friend Zhao Yuan exist, it can continuously obtain 'nutrients'? If left to grow, what will it become in time?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice-blue light in Elder Lingshan’s eyes was as sharp as a sword. \"We must cut off its energy supply! First, we must eradicate those extending 'roots,' clear out pollution nodes like the 'Sinking Star Ruins' and 'Ghost Tooth Bay,' and... resolve the demonic seed within Zhao Yuan!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Easier said than done.\" Old Man Hunyou’s voice was hoarse. \"Those 'roots' have already deeply fused with the Sea Eye environment and even parts of the earth veins. Forcibly severing them could trigger a chain reaction, accelerating the core's activity. As for the demonic seed in young friend Zhao, it is deeply entangled with his Nascent Soul and inherited memories, almost symbiotic. The difficulty and risk of extraction are...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An Imperial alchemy master interjected, \"According to the information brought back by Consultant Lin and our continuous observation of young friend Zhao’s injuries, the demonic seed is no longer a mere 'foreign object.' Some of its properties have even begun to inversely affect the attributes of young friend Zhao’s Nascent Soul and sword intent. A forced extraction would, at best, completely shatter his Dao foundation, leaving him a cripple; at worst, it could trigger some self-destruction or counter-mechanism preset within the demonic seed, causing young friend Zhao’s soul to be extinguished, or perhaps even... using him as a medium to transmit some signal to that 'Distortion Core' or trigger an even more terrifying catastrophe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell into silence once more. The problems were linked, one after another, and incredibly thorny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we... to just watch that thing slowly grow in the depths of the Sea Eye? Waiting for the day it fully awakens, or is completely controlled by the Demon Abyss, becoming a weapon to devour this realm?\" an Elder of the Star Palace asked, unwilling to accept this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan shook his head slowly. \"It is not that there is no way. We must simply plan carefully and act on multiple fronts.\" His gaze swept over the crowd. \"First, strengthen the monitoring and suppression of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye and the surrounding waters, especially the directions in which those energy veins extend. Map them in detail and study the feasibility of gradually weakening and isolating its energy supply without alerting the core. This matter requires the concerted efforts of the Star Palace, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, and the Imperial Ministry of Works.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, intensify the crackdown on known strongholds and pollution nodes of the 'Rebirth Sect' across the continent and the Vast Sea, cutting off the possibility of the Demon Abyss using these nodes to transport 'nutrients' or instructions to the core. At the same time, strengthen protective exploration and purification of ancient relics like the 'Sinking Star Ruins' to prevent them from becoming new sources of pollution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Third,\" Lin Xuan turned his gaze toward the side hall, where Zhao Yuan remained unconscious, \"regarding the demonic seed within Zhao Yuan, perhaps... we can change our approach.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of light appeared in Wei Gong’s eyes. \"What does Fellow Daoist Lin mean?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The demonic seed is homologous to the Distortion Core; it is its 'offspring' or 'beacon.' Since it can resonate and trigger the core, does that not also mean... that to a certain extent, it allows us to 'perceive' or even 'influence' certain states of the core?\" Lin Xuan mused. \"If we can find a way to utilize or 'deceive' this demonic seed while ensuring Zhao Yuan’s safety, we might be able to obtain more key information about the core, or even... find its weakness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old Man Hunyou was thoughtful. \"Is Consultant Lin suggesting... using the demonic seed as 'bait' or a 'bridge' to conduct reverse probing or exert influence? This plan is extremely dangerous! A slight mistake could lead to being backlashed by the demonic seed or alerting the core.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Risk and opportunity coexist,\" Lin Xuan said. \"But before that, we must stabilize Zhao Yuan’s injuries, at least to the point where he regains consciousness and can cooperate with us to a certain extent. At the same time, we need to develop a safer method to suppress and gradually purify the demonic seed. The origin-purification power of the 'Chen Cui' fragments, combined with specific soul-spirit formations and my own Chaos Tribulation Power, might be one direction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Gong made the final decision. \"We shall follow Fellow Daoist Lin’s words! Each department, prepare yourselves and act immediately! Fellow Daoist Lin, I entrust the treatment of young friend Zhao Yuan’s injuries and the handling of the demonic seed to you. Whatever you need, Star Fall Islet and the entire Alliance will support you with all our might!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd acknowledged the order and withdrew one after another, beginning their tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan returned to the side hall where Zhao Yuan lay.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the jade couch, Zhao Yuan remained unconscious, but his complexion was better than yesterday, and his breathing was slightly more vigorous. Only at the center of his brow, that dark purple mark flickered in and out of existence, showing that the demonic seed deep within his sea of consciousness was still locked in a silent tug-of-war with the sealing power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan sat by the couch. He did not cast spells immediately, but quietly watched Zhao Yuan. This young sword cultivator had a deep connection with him; from Heishuicheng to the Sinking Star Ruins, and then to the bloody battle at Star Fall Islet, the character, perseverance, and potential he had displayed were all things Lin Xuan admired. Now, due to the insidious schemes of the Demon Abyss, he was trapped in such a perilous situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He reached out and hovered his hand over Zhao Yuan’s dantian, slowly probing with his Chaos Tribulation Power. This time, he did not attempt to suppress or trigger the demonic seed. Instead, like the most precise instrument, he carefully sensed the complex and subtle network of energy and information interaction between Zhao Yuan’s Nascent Soul, meridians, sea of consciousness, and the demonic seed itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his perception, Zhao Yuan’s newborn Nascent Soul was like a gray-blue star covered in fine cracks yet still pulsing stubbornly, its core radiance woven from Nirvana Sword Intent and starlight. The dark purple demonic seed was like a tumor parasitic in the shadow of this star, extending countless fine \"tentacles\" that were entangled with parts of the Nascent Soul’s origin and even certain specific inherited memory fragments, constantly attempting to draw nutrients, release pollution, and transmit a certain \"resonance\" signal outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even more troublesome was that there seemed to be some kind of \"defense mechanism\" within the demonic seed. Once it sensed external purification or stripping power that was too strong, it would automatically trigger, either inducing Zhao Yuan’s own power to resist violently (subconscious protection) or attempting to self-destruct and \"perish together\" with the host.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A gentler, slower method is needed...\" Lin Xuan pondered. \"Using the starlight purification of the 'Chen Cui' fragments as a guide, and my Chaos Tribulation Power as a 'neutralizer' and 'stabilizer,' I will first strip away the shallower 'tentacles' from the periphery, gradually weakening the demonic seed while repairing the cracks in Zhao Yuan’s Nascent Soul and stabilizing his Dao foundation...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He withdrew his hand and began to close his eyes to deduce the specific treatment plan and risk control nodes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time passed quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sun set and the moon rose. Star Fall Islet lit up with scattered lamps in the night, like stars sprinkled across the sea. The island’s restoration and defense work proceeded in a tense and orderly manner, but a fatigue and hidden worry, unique to the aftermath of a great battle, still hung over everyone’s hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the side hall, there was only the sound of Lin Xuan’s long, steady breathing and the occasional unconscious groan from Zhao Yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unknown how much time had passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan’s eyelashes on the jade couch trembled extremely slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, they trembled again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan opened his eyes abruptly, a faint light flickering in his Chaos Tribulation Pupils.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw Zhao Yuan’s tightly furrowed brows relax slightly, his eyelids struggling as if burdened by a thousand-jin weight, extremely slowly... prying open a sliver of a gap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A dazed gaze, filled with deep fatigue and pain, gradually focused after the initial disorientation. The first thing he saw was the familiar, soft light points on the dome of the side hall that simulated the galaxy, and then, Lin Xuan, who was sitting by the couch and watching him quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lin... Senior...\" A dry, hoarse voice, barely distinguishable, squeezed with difficulty from Zhao Yuan’s throat. He tried to prop himself up, but it agitated his internal injuries, causing him to groan instantly, cold sweat beading on his forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do not move, focus and look inward.\" Lin Xuan’s voice sounded calmly, and a gentle stream of Chaos energy flowed into Zhao Yuan’s body, helping him stabilize his churning blood and Qi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan followed his instructions, struggling to mobilize a sliver of weak spiritual sense to look inward. When he \"saw\" his own Nascent Soul, covered in cracks and dim in light, and that \"tumor\" deep in his sea of consciousness, sealed by heavy chains yet still emitting an ominous purple glow, his face instantly turned even paler, and a flash of undisguised horror and... self-reproach crossed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Demonic seed... Nascent Soul...\" he murmured, his voice filled with pain and confusion. \"This junior... is incompetent...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It is not your fault; the Demon Abyss’s schemes are this insidious.\" Lin Xuan interrupted his self-reproach, his tone softening slightly. \"Rest easy and heal your injuries, stabilize your realm. As for the hidden danger within you, Wei Gong and I are working on a solution. What you must do is cooperate with us, hold fast to your original heart, suppress the demonic seed, and do not let it have another chance to trigger external evil.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan took a deep breath, suppressing the raging waves in his heart, his gaze gradually becoming firm. \"Yes, this junior understands.\" He felt the pervasive weakness and pain in his body, as well as the heavy, seemingly imminent threat deep in his sea of consciousness, and asked, \"Senior, how is the situation... outside? The Demon Abyss...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan briefly informed Zhao Yuan of the current situation, including his findings from probing the \"Distortion Core\" in the Sea Eye and the Alliance’s response strategy, but omitted some of the more cruel or desperate details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Listening to Lin Xuan’s account, Zhao Yuan’s heart sank bit by bit. He had not expected that the demonic seed within him would have a direct connection to such a terrifying existence in the depths of the Sea Eye! Even less did he expect that the Demon Abyss’s layout would be so far-reaching and sinister!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So... this thing within this junior is not only a poison, but could also become... a key or a signpost?\" Zhao Yuan said bitterly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can understand it that way.\" Lin Xuan nodded. \"But it could also become a breakthrough for us to understand or even deal with that core. The key lies in how to safely utilize this point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan was silent for a moment, a flash of determination in his eyes. \"If this junior must risk his life to probe the core’s weakness, this junior... will not shirk!\" He knew that this might be the only way for him to make up for his mistakes and contribute to the Alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now is not the time.\" Lin Xuan shook his head. \"Your injuries are too severe, and the demonic seed is unstable. To take risks now would be certain death. The top priority is to heal your injuries and allow you to recover a certain degree of self-preservation and ability to cooperate. The subsequent treatment process will be somewhat painful, and you must keep your mind clear at all times and cooperate with the guidance. Can you do it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan nodded without hesitation. \"I can!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Very good.\" Lin Xuan said no more. \"You first regulate your breathing on your own and adapt to your state after waking up. In one hour, I will begin the first attempt at treatment, using the power of the 'Chen Cui' fragments, supplemented by Chaos Tribulation Power, to gently purify the periphery of the demonic seed and repair the cracks in your Nascent Soul. During the process, the demonic seed may violently backlash, bringing intense pain and illusions. You must hold fast to your sword heart, use your Nirvana Sword Intent to protect the core of your Nascent Soul and the clarity of your soul, and simultaneously guide the purification power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior obeys!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan closed his eyes and began to follow Lin Xuan’s instructions, slowly circulating the remaining, weak Nirvana Sword Intent and starlight power within his body, attempting to communicate with the cracked Nascent Soul while remaining vigilant against the tumor lurking deep in his sea of consciousness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One hour passed quietly in tension and waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the side hall, the night grew deeper. The lamps of Star Fall Islet flickered in the distance, as if echoing the stars in the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in this quiet hall, a silent war concerning life, death, the path of the Dao, and the hope for the future was about to begin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew whether, when the first ray of \"Chen Cui\" purification light and Chaos Tribulation Power were injected into Zhao Yuan’s body, the \"Distortion Core\" hidden deep in the endless darkness of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye would be triggered again by the fluctuation of that homologous, weak \"offspring,\" and whether that cold, primitive will would cast an even more greedy and resentful glance...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hidden danger remained, and the crisis lurked in the shadows. The spark of hope was struggling to maintain its flickering light in the deepest darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>",2750,"2026-06-20T01:44:26.720Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","953d34227bb812a99ef0d21cb1d43183aa5b6a4d55ceabdfe30885a0c7933a4e","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-168","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-166",182,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-villain-is-too-self-destructive-cover.jpg"]