[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system":3,"chapter-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-183":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Villain of Fate: The Tyrant System",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},560671,810,"Chapter 183: A Game of Shadows","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-183",183,"\u003Cp>A Game of Shadows\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Obsidian Wing had records about it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient, fragmented records—half-forgotten texts buried in the depths of history—yet still enough to make a man like Lucas believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And he did believe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For him, the Nine Way Cleansing Elixir was not just a treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a turning point.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A weapon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With it, he could break through to the Gold Realm in one go.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No bottleneck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A clean, overwhelming leap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers tightened faintly around the fishing rod as that thought passed through his mind again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint ripple disturbed the still surface of the artificial lake before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his gaze remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Patient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That Julian D’Aurelius would be dead for sure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The corner of his lips curved upward, slow and cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why would he need to care about Julian’s inexplicable power?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever strange tricks that man possessed—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would mean nothing once absolute strength crushed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Strength...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only truth that mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After killing him...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s eyes darkened slightly, a different kind of desire surfacing beneath the ambition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would even have his way with Julian’s fiancée.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slow breath left him, almost satisfied just imagining it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in doing so—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could humiliate Evan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That so-called favored son of fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That man who always seemed to stand above everyone else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lucas’s grip tightened again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not for long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Therefore—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was determined to get this item.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how expensive it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter who stood in his way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what it took.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Antique shop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bell above the door gave a soft chime as Julian D’Aurelius stepped inside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The scent of aged wood and polished stone greeted him instantly, wrapping around him like a familiar memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shop was quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Orderly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, catching dust motes that drifted lazily in the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything felt calm—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But beneath it, something was already moving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment Julian entered, a figure straightened quickly from behind the counter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An elderly man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thin, sharp-eyed, with hands that looked fragile—but carried the steady precision of decades of craftsmanship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Pang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Young Master Julian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was respectful, almost eager, as he stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A slight bow followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not dare be careless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The previous manager—Zain—had been sent far away after assisting Julian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not only had he survived—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had prospered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumor had it he received a reward worth a billion Euro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And was promoted overseas.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone like Manager Pang...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not just a job.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To serve Julian D’Aurelius—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was fortune earned over eight lifetimes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian gave a small nod, hands slipping casually into his pockets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manager Pang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His golden eyes swept the shop briefly before returning to the old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How’s the lion Gem statue I asked you to work on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there was intent beneath it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh—yes, that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Pang’s expression brightened instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s almost done, Young Master Julian. Please, take a look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned quickly, gesturing with both hands as he led the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His steps were careful, respectful—yet tinged with a subtle urgency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few days ago, he had received the instructions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with a photo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t question it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately gathered several skilled craftsmen and worked day and night to recreate exactly what Julian wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every hidden mechanism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All reproduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At all costs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The result stood before them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On a velvet-covered table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lion Gem statue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Roughly the size of a coconut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Its surface gleamed faintly under the light, intricate carvings flowing across its body like living patterns.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Powerful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Majestic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subtle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deceptively ordinary to an untrained eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stepped closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze sharpened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers brushed lightly across the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smooth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfectly weighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A faint smile appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the cost was high—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the materials expensive—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That had never been the problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He crouched slightly, turning the statue just enough—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes flicked to the base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There it was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mechanism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Nine Palace Lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perfectly replicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just in appearance—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in structure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Precision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Function.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Exactly as he remembered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The original lion Gem statue—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one that was supposed to appear at the auction—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had this exact mechanism hidden beneath it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the original story—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could open it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Except Evan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s smile deepened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Damn it... Fortune’s Chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It really did seem like the entire world had been prepared for that man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every treasure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All placed neatly in his hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Things were different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because Julian knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen the script.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And more importantly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered how to open it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fingers tapped lightly against the base.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words came easily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Pang immediately straightened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relief flickered across his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, Young Master Julian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stepped back, dusting his hands lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pack it up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone shifted—calm, but precise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Send it to the auction.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Pang nodded quickly, already signaling the staff nearby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s lips curved again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A different smile this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sharper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’m not going to compete with you directly...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He let out a quiet chuckle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll do a switcheroo.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Manager Pang froze for a fraction of a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then lowered his head further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Didn’t question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some things—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Were better left understood without words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian reached into his pocket and pulled out a small packet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fine powder sealed within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held it between two fingers and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Manager Pang...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice dropped slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here came the real instruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here’s a packet of medicinal powder.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The old man accepted it carefully, as if it were something fragile—and dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please help me make it into pills.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s gaze lingered on him for a moment longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost playful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can add something disgusting inside the pills...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...and then send it to the auction house.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1014,"2026-05-30T15:14:55.253Z","2026-06-01T04:31:33.482Z",1,"novelbin.me","f21579f6dd4357007d28f5dbcf200164143b8fb1d841f0dd19ee33c4f9807ffc","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-184","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-182",232,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-cover.jpg"]