[{"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-99":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},2282466,4465,"Chapter 99: Initial Appearance of Secret News","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-99",99,"\u003Cp>The Azure Phoenix soared through the sky, the Imperial City in sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The closer one drew to the heart of the Imperial City, the more vast and majestic the Imperial Dragon Qi—which suppressed the eight wildernesses and ruled over all spirits—became. It permeated the air like a physical substance, stirring awe in the heart and causing even the circulation of spiritual power to be faintly suppressed. Below lay a continuous expanse of golden, magnificent palace complexes; the flying eaves, arched beams, and carved pillars all manifested the prosperity and majesty of the Tianyuan Dynasty. The patrolling Imperial Guards were clad in bright armor, their discipline strict and their auras fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the guidance of Wang Gang, Feng Xi descended onto a massive plaza in the outer court area of the Imperial City. Palace attendants were already waiting there. Lin Xuan stepped down from the phoenix's back, and Feng Xi shrank its size again, landing back on his shoulder, its blue-gold eyes curiously observing this core of human power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fellow Daoist Lin, please follow me. The Imperial Lord is waiting in the 'Heart-Nurturing Hall',\" Wang Gang said solemnly, leading Lin Xuan through layer after layer of heavily guarded palace gates and long corridors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along the way, they saw layers upon layers of arrays and restrictions, with no telling how many experts hidden in the shadows. Lin Xuan swept his spiritual sense slightly and could sense no fewer than ten auras at the late Nascent Soul stage or even its peak. In several places, the auras were as obscure as an abyss—they were surely guarded by Soul Transformation cultivators!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The foundation of the dynasty is indeed unfathomable,\" Lin Xuan thought with a start, becoming even more cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Heart-Nurturing Hall was not the main hall for court assemblies, but a relatively secluded palace with an elegant environment, often used by the Emperor to summon close ministers or handle confidential matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall doors opened. Wang Gang stopped outside and bowed, saying, \"Imperial Lord, Lin Xuan has been brought here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come in,\" a peaceful yet supremely majestic voice came from within the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan straightened his robes and stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The light inside the hall was soft, and dragon-saliva incense that cleared the mind and focused the spirit was burning. The furnishings were antique and grand, without excessive luxury. A middle-aged man wearing plain bright-yellow robes and a jade crown, who appeared to be in his forties, stood with his hands behind his back in front of a massive map of the realm. His eyes seemed to contain the rotation of the sun, moon, and stars as they opened and closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His aura was restrained, as if he had merged with the very destiny of the entire dynasty; standing there, he was like the center of this world. He was none other than the current master of the Tianyuan Dynasty—Huangfu Tianji!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him stood an old eunuch with a pale, hairless face, deep eyes, and an aura as silent as an ancient well. Lin Xuan could not see through his cultivation at all; he was definitely an existence above the Soul Transformation stage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Junior Lin Xuan, pays respects to the Imperial Lord,\" Lin Xuan said, cupping his hands in a standard greeting between cultivators, neither servile nor overbearing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huangfu Tianji turned slowly, his gaze falling upon Lin Xuan. That gaze seemed capable of piercing through all disguises to reach the origin. Lin Xuan immediately felt an invisible pressure envelop his entire body, as if the weight of the entire dynasty were pressing down, forcing him to bend his knees in submission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Chaos Dao Seed within his dantian trembled slightly, and a faint Dao rhyme—originating from the dawn of the primordial chaos and transcending all Daos—flowed naturally, quietly dissolving the magnificent imperial pressure into nothingness. He stood straight, his gaze meeting Huangfu Tianji's calmly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\" A flicker of imperceptible surprise flashed in Huangfu Tianji's eyes, immediately turning into appreciation. \"A hero indeed emerges from the youth. I have heard of your name for a long time; seeing you today, you are even better than your reputation. No need for formalities, sit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed to a sandalwood chair nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you, Imperial Lord.\" Lin Xuan sat down composedly. Feng Xi, on his shoulder, also stood quietly, showing no fear despite being in the Imperial Palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This Azure Phoenix of yours is not bad.\" Huangfu Tianji glanced at Feng Xi, seemingly seeing through its past injuries and current state. \"Those people in the Star Palace are becoming increasingly lacking in discretion.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan's heart stirred; the Imperial Lord indeed knew about the Star Palace and the Azure Phoenix.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"By chance and coincidence, I merely saved it,\" Lin Xuan said indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huangfu Tianji smiled slightly, no longer dwelling on this, and instead asked, \"Lin Xuan, do you know why I summoned you here today?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior does not know. Please enlighten me, Imperial Lord,\" Lin Xuan said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Firstly, it is for your victory over Ye Chen at the Dao Discussion Platform, which raised the prestige of our dynasty's younger generation,\" Huangfu Tianji said in a calm tone. \"That child Ye Chen is arrogant; suffering some setbacks is a good thing. It is not easy for you to have reached your current level as a rogue cultivator. I am very pleased.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Lord is too kind, this junior was just lucky,\" Lin Xuan said modestly, though he knew in his heart this was by no means the main purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Secondly,\" Huangfu Tianji changed the subject, his gaze becoming deep, \"it is about your 'Dao', and... the 'variable' you have brought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan's heart tightened; he knew the real topic had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Dao of Chaos is rare throughout the ages, governing life and death, evolving all things. Ancient records state that the last time a Chaos lineage appeared was before the distant 'Heaven-Slaying Era',\" Huangfu Tianji said slowly, his words shocking. \"And the appearance of every successor of Chaos signifies the beginning of an era of great change—it is a catastrophe, and also a rebirth. You are the 'variable' of this world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan listened in silence; this information faintly matched his previous guesses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Does the Imperial Lord know of the 'Hunyuan Dao Ancestor'?\" Lin Xuan asked tentatively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A flash of brilliance appeared in Huangfu Tianji's eyes: \"Naturally, I know. The Hunyuan Dao Ancestor was the last brilliant master of the Chaos Dao at the end of the Heaven-Slaying Era, and also... one of the sages of our human race. It is a pity that after the final battle, the Dao Ancestor's trail became a mystery, and his lineage was severed along with him. Since you have inherited the Chaos, you must have a deep connection with the Dao Ancestor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He paused and continued: \"Do you know why the Star Palace wanted to strike at the Azure Phoenix? And why they are so concerned about you, a successor of Chaos?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please enlighten me, Imperial Lord.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because of the 'Star Tower' and the 'Ruined Abyss',\" Huangfu Tianji's voice dropped a few degrees. \"The Star Palace has guarded the 'Star Tower' for generations. It is rumored that this tower concerns the stability of this world's star core and connects to the heavens and stars. The 'Ruined Abyss' is a demonic abyss left over from the ancient Heaven-Slaying War, sealing great horrors within; its demonic energy can erode the foundation of the Star Tower. In the last thousand years, the Ruined Abyss has moved frequently, and the Star Tower has been unstable, leaving the Star Palace in a state of panic. Seizing the origin of the Azure Phoenix may be one of their extreme methods to attempt to stabilize the Star Tower.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And the Dao of Chaos, due to its characteristics, may possess the ability to restrain or even purify the demonic energy of the Ruined Abyss. This is the reason why the Star Palace and other forces are so concerned about you. Whether they want to use you, or... fear you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan's mind suddenly cleared! So that was it! The Star Palace's pursuit of the Azure Phoenix and their focus on him both pointed to the mysterious \"Ruined Abyss\"!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Lord has told this junior these secrets, I wonder...\" Lin Xuan looked at Huangfu Tianji.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I tell you these things so that you understand the whirlpool you are in,\" Huangfu Tianji's gaze was like a torch. \"The dynasty needs stability. Whether it is the Star Palace, the Ruined Abyss, or other hidden hands in the dark, none wish for the dynasty to fall into turmoil. As a variable, it is naturally a good thing if you can stand on the side of the dynasty. But if you act too ruthlessly and bring about uncontrollable consequences, I cannot sit idly by.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His words carried both an intent to recruit and a warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior has his own principles in acting. If others do not offend me, I do not offend them,\" Lin Xuan replied calmly. \"As for the dynasty, as long as it does not touch this junior's bottom line, this junior is also willing to uphold the order here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not explicitly agree to defect, but he also indicated that he would not take the initiative to become an enemy of the dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huangfu Tianji looked deeply at Lin Xuan, knowing that this youth had a firm will and was by no means someone easily controlled. He nodded: \"That is good. I saw you today, firstly to tell you these secrets so you are aware; secondly, there is a matter where we might cooperate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three months from now, at the Falling Star Lake in the northern suburbs, the 'Star-Gazing Platform' on the periphery of the Starfall Secret Realm will appear.\" Huangfu Tianji's words were shocking, directly pointing out one of Lin Xuan's biggest secrets!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan's pupils shrank, but he remained calm on the surface: \"The Imperial Lord is well-informed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The dynasty has stood for ten thousand years and has its own foundation,\" Huangfu Tianji said indifferently. \"The Star-Gazing Platform is a sacred site from ancient times for observing stars and deducing heavenly secrets; it may contain clues on how to deal with the Ruined Abyss. I wish to send someone to go with you to explore this secret. Are you willing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Xuan's thoughts raced. Cooperating with the imperial family had its pros and cons. The benefit was being able to use the imperial family's power to deal with potential obstruction from the Star Palace or other forces; the disadvantage was that his actions would be constrained, and secrets might have to be shared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since the Imperial Lord had already pointed it out, a flat refusal might create a rift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can,\" Lin Xuan pondered for a moment and then agreed. \"However, how we act must be led by me. The information obtained can be shared with the dynasty, but if it involves the secrets of the Chaos inheritance, I am afraid this junior cannot disclose it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Agreed,\" Huangfu Tianji replied readily. \"At that time, I will send the Third Imperial Prince, Huangfu Hao, to accompany you. He is familiar with all the forces in the Imperial Capital and can also represent the imperial family. You can discuss the specific details yourselves.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Letting Huangfu Hao accompany him? Lin Xuan understood that this was both cooperation and a form of supervision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This junior obeys.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After chatting for a while longer and asking some questions about Lin Xuan's cultivation and his views on the Imperial Capital, Huangfu Tianji signaled that Lin Xuan could withdraw.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the Heart-Nurturing Hall and walking out of the Imperial City under the escort of Wang Gang, Lin Xuan looked back at the towering palace walls, his heart surging with waves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Imperial Lord's words had unraveled many of his doubts, but they had also brought greater pressure. The Ruined Abyss, the Star Tower, the Heaven-Slaying War, the mission of the Chaos successor... a grander and more dangerous picture was slowly unfolding before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And whether this cooperation with the imperial family would be a blessing or a curse remained to be seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Three months, the Star-Gazing Platform...\" Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his eyes becoming incomparably firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what lay ahead, he only had to grip the sword in his hand and, by the Dao of Chaos, carve out a path to the heavens that belonged to him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped onto Feng Xi's back, and the Azure Phoenix let out a long cry, carrying him as it turned into a blue rainbow and disappeared into the sky above the Imperial City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Heart-Nurturing Hall, Huangfu Tianji stood with his hands behind his back, watching the direction in which Lin Xuan had left, and said to the old eunuch beside him: \"Companion Wei, what do you think of this child?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old eunuch, Eunuch Wei, had a sharp yet steady voice: \"Unfathomable, a variable without a doubt. The antiquity and purity of his Dao rhyme is something this old servant has only seen once in his life. If he can be used by Your Majesty, it is the dynasty's fortune; if not... he may become a great disaster.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huangfu Tianji's gaze was deep: \"Whether he is a great disaster or not remains to be observed. Pass down the order: regarding Lin Xuan, prioritize winning him over and soothing him, and temporarily suspend all hostile actions. Also, tell Hao'er to prepare well; this trip to the Falling Star Lake is also a stroke of fortune and a test for him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This old servant obeys the decree.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deep within the Imperial City, the undercurrents remained, but because of Lin Xuan's arrival, their flow had quietly changed.\u003C\u002Fp>",2290,"2026-06-20T01:44:26.720Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","12283da713c76897ab7f66f1320995b912108c921783ee30d95d0292bd1dfeb7","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-100","this-villain-is-too-self-destructive-chapter-98",182,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthis-villain-is-too-self-destructive-cover.jpg"]