[{"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-173":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},2282540,4465,"Chapter 173: Tempering the Soul in the Marrow Sea","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-173",173,"\u003Cp>In the silent chamber at the earth's core, starlight was like the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan sat cross-legged before the \"Star Source Marrow,\" his entire being enveloped by that deep, dark blue, and condensed pillar of primordial starlight. Unlike the gentle nourishment brought by the \"Star Essence\" fragments, the power of the \"Star Source Marrow\" was more majestic and heavy, carrying a kind of \"immortal\" and stable Dao rhyme originating from the extinction at the heart of the stars. This power was not forcibly infused; rather, like deep-sea water, it silently permeated every corner of his body, every inch of his meridians, and every trace of his soul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the exquisite guidance and transformation of the \"Star Source Anchoring Array,\" this vast star power was tamed, purified, and perfectly blended with his own newly born \"Chaos Star Radiance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sea of consciousness now seemed to have transformed into a miniature starry sky. At the center was the Nascent Soul, covered in cracks but rapidly healing and shining ever brighter under the interwoven nourishment of the dark blue starlight and the gray, misty chaos light, like the primary star of this sky. Surrounding the Nascent Soul, countless tiny gray-blue light spots, fused with the artistic conceptions of extinction, stars, and chaos, rotated slowly like satellites orbiting the primary star, spontaneously absorbing and refining the pure power surging from the \"Star Source Marrow\" to strengthen themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for that dark purple demonic seed, it was firmly suppressed in a corner on the edge of this \"Marrow Sea Starlight.\" A thick and stable dark blue \"light cocoon,\" composed of the primordial power of the \"Star Source Marrow\" and array runes, wrapped and isolated it tightly like the sturdiest of cages. The evil fluctuations emitted by the demonic seed were layered, weakened, absorbed, and transformed by this light cocoon, eventually becoming nutrients to nourish this \"Star Sea.\" It struggled and squirmed unwillingly, its dark purple light flashing violently from time to time as it attempted to strike the light cocoon, but every strike was like a clay ox entering the sea, only to have its own light dimmed a fraction by the stable star source power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Star source as the anchor, chaos as the guide, extinction as the blade, stars as the sea...\" Understanding flowed through Zhao Yuan's heart. He had never felt his mind so clear or his control over power so delicate. With the help of the \"Star Source Marrow,\" this near-perfect \"external core\" and \"source of power,\" he was able to temporarily cast off the pain and mental interference of the demonic seed's erosion, immersing himself fully in the integration, strengthening, and comprehension of his own power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He guided the \"Chaos Star Radiance,\" washing and tempering his Nascent Soul over and over again. With each washing, the cracks on the Nascent Soul healed a fraction, its texture became more crystalline and transparent, and the gray-blue light within became deeper and more restrained. The sharpness within the Extinction Sword Intent that was too fierce and prone to damaging himself gradually became rounded and introverted under the tolerance of the star source power and the harmony of the star Dao rhyme; the characteristics of the star power that were too scattered and difficult to control became condensed and aggressive under the cohesion of the extinction intent and the integration of chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two powers, under the new framework of \"Chaos Star Radiance,\" truly began to blend like water and milk, becoming indistinguishable. He felt as if his Nascent Soul was undergoing some kind of essential transformation, no longer just an energy aggregate formed after the Golden Core shattered, but more like a... unique \"Chaos Star\" that was gestating and growing!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he attempted to guide a trace of extremely faint \"Chaos Star Radiance\" through the tiny gaps in the \"Star Source Light Cocoon\" (the \"windows\" deliberately left by the array for observation), cautiously probing toward the imprisoned demonic seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, with the absolute suppression and isolation of the \"Star Source Marrow\" power, the demonic seed's resistance was much weaker. That trace of \"Chaos Star Radiance\" was like the most dexterous probe, gently touching the surface of the demonic seed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The information fed back was still full of chaos, resentment, and cold instructions, but it was much clearer and more orderly than before. Zhao Yuan could \"hear\" the continuous \"signal\" calling to a certain deep-sea coordinate more clearly, and could even vaguely sense a \"presence\" coming from the other end of that coordinate that was more massive, more greedy, and also more... restless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It... is looking for me? Because the signal suddenly became weak?\" Zhao Yuan felt a chill in his heart. He could feel that the existence in the deep sea seemed to have become somewhat impatient, or even... angry, because it had lost him as a \"clear signal source\"?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He attempted to use the \"Chaos Star Radiance\" to simulate a trace of extremely faint \"noise\" signal, distorted by the \"Star Source Light Cocoon\" and similar to what the demonic seed normally emitted, and \"responded\" toward the direction of the coordinate. This was not a true resonance, but a form of \"disguise\" and \"misdirection,\" aimed at appeasing the other party and buying time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment the signal was sent, Zhao Yuan's heart leaped into his throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment of silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, a fluctuation that was extremely faint but carried clear \"doubt\" and \"scrutiny\" came from the direction of the coordinate, sweeping over this \"disguised signal\" as if carefully discerning it. After a few breaths, the fluctuation slowly receded, showing no further \"interest\" or \"pull.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Success! At least it was fooled for now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan felt slightly relieved, but he dared not relax in the slightest. He knew that such small tricks could not deceive that \"aberrant core\" with its primitive will for long; once the other party detected an abnormality or its patience ran out, the consequences would be unimaginable. He had to seize this precious \"safe period\" while the demonic seed was suppressed and improve himself with all his might!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flew by during his deep cultivation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day, two days...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the silent chamber at the earth's core, Star Fall Island and the entire alliance were operating at high speed to deal with the Sea Eye crisis.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fragments of the \"Zhou Tian Star Cleansing Array\" were studied day and night by array masters like True Person Beichen, and its core principles were rapidly integrated into the defense system of Star Fall Island, significantly improving the purification and anti-pollution capabilities of the outer arrays. At the same time, \"spatial anchoring\" and \"energy retardation\" arrays targeting the \"energy veins\" of the Sea Eye also began difficult installation attempts in selected areas around the Sea Eye with the full assistance of Shopkeeper Qian Wanton, Master Yan Lie, and others. Although progress was slow and full of unknown risks, the first step had finally been taken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wei Gongshen sat in the center, coordinating all sides and handling the intelligence, resources, and personnel deployment from all parts of the continent that flew in like snowflakes. The good news was that under the powerful suppression of the Imperial Dynasty and the alliance, the public activities of the \"Afterlife Sect\" within the continent had almost disappeared, and several important strongholds had been uprooted, with many evil scriptures and items related to the Demonic Abyss and ancient contracts seized and currently being analyzed. The bad news was that energy monitoring data from the direction of the Return Ruins Sea Eye showed that the activity of the \"aberrant core\" was still continuing to rise slowly; although its movement trajectory had been interfered with by the newly discovered \"energy vein\" retardation arrays and had become slightly tortuous, the general direction still firmly pointed toward the \"blind zone\" deeper within the Sea Eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone understood that beneath the temporary calm were even more surging undercurrents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the silent chamber at the earth's core, the seventh day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The aura around Zhao Yuan had already undergone a heaven-shaking change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His originally pale and weak complexion was now ruddy and full, with starlight faintly flowing beneath his skin. His breathing was long and dense, perfectly synchronized with the rhythm of the star power circulating within the silent chamber. Most notably, his eyes, though closed, seemed to have gray-blue starlight faintly flowing beneath his eyelids, and there would surely be something extraordinary when he opened them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Nascent Soul's cracks had mostly healed, its surface was as smooth as glaze, and the gray-blue \"Chaos Star Radiance\" inside rotated slowly like liquid stars, emitting a unique aura that was both ancient and newborn, both sharp and tolerant. The volume of the Nascent Soul had also increased slightly and become more solid, and at its core, a tiny \"Chaos Star Core\" that seemed to contain infinite mysteries was slowly condensing into shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the demonic seed in his sea of consciousness, under the seven days of suppression and purification by the \"Star Source Light Cocoon,\" its dark purple light had dimmed by more than a notch, and its volume seemed to have shrunk by an imperceptible fraction. Although it remained stubborn, the sense of threat it emitted was far less than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That will do.\" Lin Xuan's voice sounded in the silent chamber. He had been sitting cross-legged at the edge of the array, recovering his breath while monitoring Zhao Yuan's state and the operation of the entire array. \"The preliminary fusion of the 'Star Source Anchoring Array' is complete. Your Nascent Soul is basically stable, and the Chaos Star Radiance has taken initial shape. Continuing to cultivate in this array will certainly lead to faster progress, but relying too much on external objects may lead to a shaky foundation and excessive consumption of the 'Star Source Marrow.' It is time to leave seclusion and further consolidate through actual combat and insight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yuan slowly opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The starlight in his pupils flashed and vanished, immediately returning to clarity, yet they were deeper and sharper than before, as if they could pierce through falsehoods. He stood up and bowed solemnly toward Lin Xuan and the others, including Wei Gongshen, who was guarding outside the silent chamber (communicating through the array): \"Many thanks to you, my lord, for your fulfillment! Many thanks to everyone for your all-out assistance!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could clearly feel that his power had undergone a qualitative leap. Not only had his cultivation base recovered to the peak of the early Nascent Soul stage, just one step away from the mid-stage, but more importantly, he had gained control and understanding of the \"Chaos Star Radiance\" and an enlightenment regarding his own Dao path. Although the demonic seed had not been removed and the hidden danger remained, he was no longer the wounded man struggling in pain and despair, but someone who truly possessed the strength to fight!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How do you feel?\" Lin Xuan asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Better than ever before.\" Zhao Yuan clenched his fists, feeling the surging power within his body that moved as easily as his own arm. \"This junior is confident that if I encounter the likes of the 'Blood Charm' again, even if I am not a match, I will never be as disheveled as before. And...\" He looked at the demonic seed wrapped in the light cocoon in his sea of consciousness, \"This junior feels that the 'connection' with this thing seems clearer, perhaps... I can attempt further 'contact' and 'analysis'?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan nodded slightly: \"You may try, but you must be extremely cautious. Although the 'Star Source Anchoring Array' is strong, it is ultimately an external object. The demonic seed is rooted in your Dao foundation, and the connection with it cannot be truly severed. Your current 'Chaos Star Radiance' already possesses a certain ability to analyze and resist its pollution. You may attempt to actively contact its core information under the protection of the array to find the true hub and weakness of its connection with the Sea Eye's 'aberrant core.' But remember, do not be rash; if you feel something is wrong, withdraw immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior understands!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the array at the entrance of the silent chamber fluctuated, and True Person Beichen's slightly urgent voice sounded: \"Fellow Daoist Lin, Little Friend Zhao Yuan, urgent summons from my lord Wei! There is a major discovery in the monitoring of the Return Ruins Sea Eye! The movement of that 'aberrant core'... has suddenly accelerated! Moreover, its energy activity elevation curve has shown an abnormally steep increase! The latest deduction from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion shows that the signs of 'fetal movement' inside it... are becoming increasingly obvious and... frequent!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan looked at each other, gravity flashing in their eyes simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Intensified fetal movement... Was it because it sensed that Zhao Yuan's \"disguised signal\" had failed? Or had its own gestation process reached a critical node? Or perhaps... had the Demonic Abyss made new moves behind the scenes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let's go!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two no longer delayed, quickly leaving the silent chamber at the earth's core and rushing toward the Star Observation Platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew that the short period of calm was likely to end ahead of schedule.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The true storm was approaching at a speed that exceeded everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>",2216,"2026-06-20T01:44:26.720Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","66576d385e56ae4d118775c69ed06e6f8faaf70b8fd9ac68f5da44bbf8e001e9","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-174","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-172",182,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-villain-is-too-self-destructive-cover.jpg"]