[{"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-36":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},2282403,4465,"Chapter 36: Returning to the Imperial Capital? I","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-36",36,"\u003Cp>The mopping-up operations in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range were still ongoing, but the main hostilities had come to an end. Having rendered great service and suffered no small \"consumption,\" Lin Xuan, after seeking permission from Zhao Lie and his superiors, successfully obtained approval to return to the Imperial Capital early for rest and recuperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not travel with the other conscripted cultivators, choosing instead a small but extremely fast spirit boat arranged by the Four Seas Trading Firm. Qian Duoduo personally accompanied him, ostensibly to \"escort a hero,\" but in reality, he spent the journey fishing for information, his mind still fixated on those few pieces of Nether Profound Stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan laughed it off, neither agreeing nor refusing, saying only that he would consider it. He was not lacking for buyers for this item now, so naturally, he would wait for the best price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit boat’s speed far exceeded that of a Cloud-Piercing Ship; in just a few days, the majestic and magnificent Tianhe Imperial Capital appeared in his field of vision once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to when he left, Lin Xuan’s state of mind upon this return was entirely different. He was no longer the \"connected individual\" who had to sneak in with caution and disguise, but a \"hero\" who carried military merit and rewards, and who had, to a certain extent, received official recognition from the dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, trouble would likely follow in its wake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The spirit boat landed directly in the backyard of the Four Seas Pavilion. The moment he stepped off, Lin Xuan sensed an unusual atmosphere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The looks he received from the stewards and clerks of the Four Seas Pavilion held not only their usual respect but also a newfound intensity and curiosity. Clearly, his exploits in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range had already been transmitted back to the Imperial Capital ahead of him through military channels and other covert means.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Mu, your arrival is a great honor; please forgive our lack of a proper welcome!\" A chubby, beaming deacon had been waiting for a long time—it was the very same one who had received him previously. \"The pavilion has already prepared a new residence for you, with much richer spiritual energy. Please, follow me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The new residence was located deep within the Four Seas Pavilion, an independent three-story building with its own garden and cultivation room; the effect of the Spirit-Gathering Array inside was several times stronger than the previous small courtyard. This treatment was already comparable to that of some senior stewards within the firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The pavilion has given orders: Elder Mu has had a difficult journey, so please rest well. If you have any needs, just say the word,\" the chubby deacon said with a smile, his attitude bordering on sycophantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan knew this was the inevitable change brought about by strength and \"value,\" and he accepted it calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the chubby deacon left, Qian Duoduo leaned in and whispered, \"See that? You’re the talk of the town now! Military background (even if just conscripted), military merit, and close ties with our firm. There’s no telling how many eyes are fixed on you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused, a look of anticipation on his face: \"Especially... that fellow Ye Chen. He returned a few days ago and supposedly went into seclusion immediately. But the Snowdrift Palace and the Ye family are very 'curious' about you, the 'enthusiastic fellow Daoist' who 'bravely stepped in to help at the critical moment' (whether they believe that or not is another matter)!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan’s mouth twitched; he knew that matter wasn't over. Ye Chen was one thing, but the attitudes of Saintess Yun Yao and the Snowdrift Palace were the real crux.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also,\" Qian Duoduo added, \"the date for the Heavenly Treasure Pavilion auction has been set for half a month from now! I’ve already secured an invitation for you; it’s a top-tier VIP box! There will be a fierce struggle for that Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid; I hear even the Imperial family and several protector families have people interested.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half a month! Lin Xuan’s gaze sharpened; time was tight. He had to raise as much capital as possible within these fifteen days, or find something that could increase his leverage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Many thanks, Young Master Qian.\" Lin Xuan cupped his hands. \"I need more detailed information regarding the auction items, the more comprehensive, the better.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No problem, leave it to me!\" Qian Duoduo patted his chest. \"I’ll have it sent to you by tomorrow at the latest!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After seeing Qian Duoduo off, Lin Xuan walked around his new residence. Once familiar with the environment, he activated all defensive arrays and began to take stock of his assets to plan his next move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The five thousand high-grade spirit stones rewarded by the dynasty were hard currency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three bottles of Spirit-Nourishing Elixir could be kept for personal use to strengthen his spiritual sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would leave the three thousand contribution points untouched for now; the dynasty’s treasury might have something more suitable to exchange for later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Grade-B military merit was an even longer-term investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His greatest confidence still came from the system shop and those hundred-plus thousand 'slacker points,' as well as... the Phoenix Wood remains and the few pieces of Nether Profound Stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"System, evaluate the value of the Phoenix Wood remains and whether it is possible to sell a portion at the auction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ding! Deep scan analysis complete... Phoenix Wood (remains of a failed Nirvana), containing a trace of undying vitality, is of extremely high value. Suggestion: You may cut off about one-tenth for auction; it is estimated to fetch 800,000 to 1,200,000 high-grade spirit stones (depending on the auction’s scale and the bidders' demand). Retaining the main body is recommended for greater future utility.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight hundred thousand to 1.2 million! And in high-grade spirit stones at that! Lin Xuan gasped! And that was only for one-tenth! The value of this Phoenix Wood was simply terrifying! No wonder the system had initially judged it as \"extremely high value\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With this potential fortune, his confidence in bidding for the Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid increased significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, auctioning the Phoenix Wood directly is too eye-catching; I must find a secure channel.\" Lin Xuan pondered. \"Perhaps I can continue to cooperate with the Four Seas Trading Firm? Have them handle the auction while I take a cut, or sell a portion to them outright?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a viable approach. The Four Seas Trading Firm had a good reputation and extensive channels, which could best ensure his safety and interests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Nether Profound Stones, he was in no rush to sell them; perhaps they could play a greater role with the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having made up his mind, Lin Xuan began to use this rare moment of tranquility to go into seclusion to consolidate his cultivation, while also taking the Spirit-Nourishing Elixir to nourish and strengthen his spiritual sense. For Golden Core cultivation, the strength of one's spiritual sense was crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the next few days, Lin Xuan kept a low profile. Aside from occasionally learning about external information and auction trends through Qian Duoduo, he spent most of his time in cultivation and research.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Qian Duoduo had expected, his name, \"Mu Xuan,\" had already begun to circulate within certain circles in the Imperial Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Have you heard? That Mu Xuan who helped Ye Chen in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They say he’s only at the first level of the Golden Core, but he has extraordinary courage and even dared to break into the Nether Ghost Domain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Four Seas Trading Firm thinks highly of him and has given him top-tier guest elder treatment!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This kid doesn't seem simple; perhaps it's worth making contact...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Various rumors, true or false, circulated in the shadows. During this time, several groups indeed tried to visit Lin Xuan through the Four Seas Trading Firm or by delivering invitations directly, all of which he politely declined under the pretext of \"seclusion and recuperation.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had no interest in participating in these social engagements; everything would wait until he obtained the Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid and made his breakthrough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this day, Lin Xuan was in his quiet room pondering the mysteries of \"Shrinking Ground to an Inch,\" attempting to improve his proficiency, when Qian Duoduo burst in, his face showing a mix of excitement and gravity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder Mu, I’ve heard some important news!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? About the auction?\" Lin Xuan opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s about Ye Chen!\" Qian Duoduo lowered his voice. \"He has come out of seclusion! Moreover, his cultivation seems to have improved again; he’s only a step away from the mid-stage of the Golden Core! More importantly, he has publicly stated that he is... determined to win the 'Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid' at this auction!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan’s gaze sharpened. Ye Chen also wanted to compete for the Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid? This was not unexpected; given his cultivation speed, he certainly needed it to break through to higher realms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Also,\" Qian Duoduo continued, \"Saintess Yun Yao doesn't seem to have made any moves. It seems that even if they don't fully believe your 'assistance' story, they haven't found evidence to cause you trouble. However, the Ye family has let it be known that they are grateful for Fellow Daoist Mu Xuan’s 'righteous help' in the Ten Thousand Beasts Mountain Range and hope to thank you in person.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank him in person? More like testing him, he thought. Lin Xuan sneered inwardly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides that, there is some bad news.\" Qian Duoduo’s expression turned serious. \"We’ve received word that the remnants of the Nether Sect in the Imperial Capital seem to be stirring, and it likely has to do with you. Additionally, the Zhao family, through some unknown channel, seems to have discovered a possible connection between 'Mu Xuan' and the 'Lin Xuan' from Qingyun City, and they are investigating in secret.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The retaliation of the Nether Sect, the prying of the Zhao family... what was meant to come had indeed arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his gaze becoming increasingly calm. The Imperial Capital was a dragon’s den and a tiger’s lair; he had been mentally prepared for this long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Soldiers come to block, water comes to cover,\" he said calmly. \"The top priority is the auction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Qian Duoduo: \"Young Master Qian, regarding the Phoenix Wood remains, I intend to cut off a portion and entrust your firm to auction it, or have your firm purchase it directly. Is it possible to arrange a meeting with the Ninth Elder?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Duoduo’s eyes lit up instantly: \"Of course! The Ninth Elder has been wanting to see you! I’ll go arrange it right now! With a rare treasure like the Phoenix Wood, our chances of securing the Elixir-Condensing Jade Liquid will be even greater!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Duoduo left in high spirits.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan stood alone by the window, looking at the bustling and complex streetscape of the Imperial Capital.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ye Chen was determined to win, all parties were eyeing him covetously, and in the shadows, the Nether Sect and the Zhao family were lurking...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heavenly Treasure Pavilion auction in half a month was destined to be anything but calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this would be the first battle for him, Lin Xuan, to truly make a name for himself in the Imperial Capital, or rather, to begin \"stirring up trouble\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter 36)\u003C\u002Fp>",1910,"2026-06-20T01:44:26.720Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","2d7c9edc84be5b128fa2a893d5166545b3e230a2172408977b1dfaa449212c77","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-37","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-35",182,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-villain-is-too-self-destructive-cover.jpg"]