[{"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-55":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},560561,810,"Chapter 55: The Calm Before the Counterattack","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-55",55,"\u003Cp>The Calm Before the Counterattack\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After passing the hotel test, Julian D’Aurelius did not relax.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he leaned back in the leather chair of the general manager’s office at Lunar Citadel, golden eyes half-lidded, fingers lightly tapping the armrest. The lake outside reflected the curved towers like a silver blade cutting through still water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the original plot, to showcase his strength, Evan would help the Aurevale Household acquire that piece of land in the west of the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Crest Development Zone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s lips curved faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That land had already been taken by his own household.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Bear left the hotel, his next move would be handling that land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Bear was not the type to accept failure quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mad dog, loyal to the bone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian exhaled softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To avoid unnecessary friction too early, he decided to use the same old trick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned his gaze toward Cillian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"President Cillian,\" Julian said calmly, \"give President Liam another call and have him let the Aurevale Household take that piece of land in the west of the city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cillian blinked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let them... take it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian stood and walked toward the window, hands clasped behind his back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let Evan flaunt his strength for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was almost amused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the birthday banquet collapses, we’ll take the land back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Aurevale Household would feel as if they had been lifted high... only to be dropped face-first into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Played like monkeys.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And when that happened—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they still dare to look at Evan with admiration?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would they still show him a good face?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s eyes darkened slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not allow this dog to continue growing in Valemont.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Understood, Young Master Julian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cillian nodded vigorously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He misunderstood slightly—but in a way that pleased him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Young Master was using the land as a birthday gift for Miss Selene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A grand romantic move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected of Young Master Julian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Always playing at a higher level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Arrangements must be flawless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A mechanical voice echoed inside Julian’s mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ding. Host, you are truly shameless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian rolled his eyes internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Triggered special reward for shameless behavior: Mastery of the ancient martial art ’Undestroyable Barrier Skill’ (usable once).\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian’s fingers paused mid-motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ancient martial arts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an urban feel-good novel with no immortals or cultivators flying on swords, ancient martial arts were already peak combat existence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His brows lifted slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He opened the system interface mentally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undestroyable Barrier Skill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A defensive supreme technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the system description—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once activated, the body would become as solid as the legendary Undestroyable barrier. Muscles condense like forged steel. Bones resonate like tempered iron. External force disperses upon contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In simple terms—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can’t break through my defense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian smirked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So even if someone punched him—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact would disperse across the surface of his body like ripples on water.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only usable once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His smile stiffened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"System,\" Julian said mentally, voice dripping with fake friendliness, \"how about removing the one-time use limit?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dead silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stingy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly stingy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One time was better than none.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this world of martial prowess, where ancient techniques were divided into three realms—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Foundation Body Tempering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Internal Qi Refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Master-Level Martial Integration—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a brief activation of a supreme defensive skill could mean the difference between life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most martial artists spent years tempering their flesh in the Foundation stage—training tendons, strengthening bones, condensing muscle fibers until their skin felt like leather and their fists struck like hammers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after that could they step into Qi Refinement—cultivating internal force, circulating breath through meridians, condensing energy within the dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Masters?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They blended body and qi into a unified existence. Every movement carried force. Every breath carried pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Julian himself was not a martial genius.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with this skill—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a master-level strike wouldn’t kill him in one blow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two punches.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He chuckled quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"From today onward,\" he murmured under his breath, \"no matter how strong the expert... they can’t kill me with one punch.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes gleamed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least two.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He straightened his suit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wonder what reward I’ll get after the birthday banquet. That’s a major plot point.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The anticipation warmed him more than the afternoon sun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked toward the door, laughter spilling freely from his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost villainous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knew he was coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Julian left, Cillian remained in the office, heart pounding with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Managing Lunar Citadel was already a promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was personally executing Young Master’s grand strategy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A ladder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chance to prove loyalty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cracked his knuckles and sat before the computer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The task was clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crush that rival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Make Young Master Julian shine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two hours later—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An email arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From Bear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cillian opened it eagerly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The birthday banquet plan unfolded across the screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rose petals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fireworks over the lake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A live orchestra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A projection montage of \"shared memories.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Romantic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Calculated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cillian burst into laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little bastard... the plan is quite romantic.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned back, eyes narrowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Evan, huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cracked his neck slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I don’t stomp your face into the ground at this banquet...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His grin widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...then I’m not Cillian.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He began drafting silent countermeasures immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving Lunar Citadel, Bear moved with decisive efficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the acting head of Bear Group, he contacted a powerful figure connected to land approvals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Azure Crest Development Zone was politically sensitive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acquiring it should have required leverage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was prepared to apply unconventional means if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when he made the call—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other party agreed almost immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No resistance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’ll give Bear Group face,\" the man said smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bear paused for half a second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both the hotel booking and the land matter resolved without friction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A subtle pride rose in his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five trillion Euro.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And already Valemont trembled slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He allowed himself a thin smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This small city—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No wonder the Obsidian King chose this as his first conquest upon returning to Europe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conquering Valemont?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As easy as slicing tofu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He dialed Evan’s number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The call connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bear straightened instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Obsidian King,\" he reported respectfully, \"everything has been taken care of.\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1047,"2026-05-30T15:14:55.253Z","2026-06-01T04:31:33.482Z",1,"novelbin.me","fc9983b46190d161ab55ceec3e936b1e0bd6f32d78923f3e10f285e98d36b216","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-56","villain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-chapter-54",232,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fvillain-of-fate-the-tyrant-system-cover.jpg"]