Villain: After Slacking Off, The Protagonist Collapse

After the events in the ancient city, several months had passed. During this time, nothing earth-shattering had occurred.

However, the entire Nine Heavens Realm was rife with undercurrents, akin to the calm before a storm, leaving all major factions feeling an odd sense of unease.

This was especially true for the Southern Region, where tension and apprehension grew heavier with each passing day. The closer one got to the territory of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan, the more oppressive the atmosphere became.

As time went on, the pressure from the ancient imperial clans on the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan reached a critical point.

Some members of the fox clan were mysteriously dying while outside, forcing their leadership to recall everyone back to their ancestral land for safety, forbidding them from venturing out.

Under this oppressive environment, the fox clan split into two factions. One side advocated surrendering to their oppressors to avoid further harm, while the other chose resistance, vowing not to yield even if the heavens collapsed. These two opposing views grew increasingly intense within the clan.

Everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before drastic changes erupted in the Southern Region.

Meanwhile, as everyone's focus was fixed on the South, significant but subtle transformations were occurring in the Northern Territory. Some factions inexplicably vanished without a trace, completely disappearing from the outside world.

These groups were not major forces, and with the Southern Region's turmoil dominating attention, their absence went largely unnoticed. Yet, these mysterious occurrences were steadily unfolding behind the scenes.

At Banished Immortal Peak, the situation remained tranquil despite the chaos elsewhere. The external disturbances had little effect on Jiang Chen.

"The key positions of the Heavenly Fiend Demon Array have been fully identified!" the Grand Elder said gravely. "If we wish, we can destroy several critical nodes of the array in a short time, rendering it inoperable."

The thought of the consequences brought by this demonic array made the Grand Elder's hands itch to take action. Were it not for their carefully laid plans, he would have acted long ago.

"The array should be nearly complete by now. The Heavenly Demons from the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm are likely to emerge soon. Grand Elder, how many Heavenly Demon experts have appeared, and have we identified their strengths?" Jiang Chen asked with a calm yet probing gaze.

Setting up the Heavenly Fiend Demon Array was no simple task. This peculiar formation required the sacrifice of all life in the Northern Territory to open a gateway between two realms.

To fully activate it, however, it needed multiple powerful cultivators to suppress and stabilize the core of the array.

According to the original narrative, the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm had deployed numerous experts for this purpose. These included several Great Saints from the Demon Sect, over a dozen Great Saint-level Heavenly Demons, and even several Quasi-Emperor-level figures, one of whom was a Quasi-Emperor at the eighth stage.

The manpower they dispatched to construct this array was enough to shock the Nine Heavens Realm. While this force fell short of being an immortal-level faction, it was still daunting enough to invoke widespread fear.

Particularly alarming was the presence of an eighth-stage Quasi-Emperor, as reaching such a level was nearly impossible without monstrous talent or favorable conditions.

The Nine Heavens Realm itself had numerous inherent flaws, including concealed Dao principles and a scarcity of spiritual energy, making the path to supreme heights arduous.

Without the appearance of an Emperor Era, ascending to such levels required almost divine talent. This was why Quasi-Emperors of this caliber were so rare.

Even the Primordial Holy Land only had two Quasi-Emperors at the seventh stage or above, and both were on the verge of the end of their lifespans.

They only showed themselves during times of extreme danger or when an Emperor Era began, vying for a chance at the Emperor's throne to extend their lives.

The old True Dragon Clan had similar foundations, but many of their ancestors sacrificed themselves for a grand plan. Otherwise, their extinction would not have come so easily.

Aware of the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm's extensive preparations for the Heavenly Fiend Demon Array, Jiang Chen decided to lay a trap, waiting for their forces to fully reveal themselves before striking decisively. Acting prematurely would alert the enemy, potentially preventing significant damage and wasting the opportunity to cripple them.

"Three Quasi-Emperors, one at the eighth stage and two at the second and third stages, respectively. The rest are Great Saints, including two at the ninth stage, holding positions at critical nodes of the array," the Grand Elder replied solemnly.

"Only three Quasi-Emperors?" Jiang Chen was momentarily stunned.

When had the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm become so feeble? Even though their realm had suffered heavy losses in previous confrontations, their foundations should still be intact. How could they fail to muster five Quasi-Emperors?

Unbeknownst to Jiang Chen, his actions had prompted the Demon Emperor to divert significant resources, resulting in much of their power being devoured by the Ancient Emperor of the Chaotic Star Sea.

Several individuals knew the secret, but the number was extremely limited. Only a handful were aware, which explained why Jiang Chen remained in the dark.

The experts dispatched this time represented the last formidable force of the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm. Should this group fall, while the Demon Emperor wouldn't be left entirely alone, he would lose his most powerful warriors, leaving behind only minor forces.

"Just three Quasi-Emperors?" Jiang Chen remarked lightly. "It seems the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm has grown cautious."

Compared to the forces described in the original account, the current strength mobilized for the Heavenly Fiend Demon Array was underwhelming. Only the eighth-stage Quasi-Emperor was noteworthy, with the rest barely worth mentioning.

Hearing this, both the Grand Elder and the Third Ancestor couldn't help but twitch their lips. What kind of statement was that? Three Quasi-Emperors and over a dozen Great Saints—was that considered inadequate?

Without an Emperor Weapon in play, this force could easily sweep through any faction outside the immortal-level forces. Even immortal-level factions would think twice before challenging them, especially given the eighth-stage Quasi-Emperor's power.

"By the way, we recently received new information," the Grand Elder said quietly. "The conflict between the Ancient Imperial Clans and the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan is being subtly instigated by the Demon Sect."

"If our guess is correct, the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm likely aims to escalate their conflict, ensuring both sides are embroiled in a struggle. Then, under the cover of chaos, they can activate the demon array unnoticed."

"When that happens, everyone's focus will be on the Southern Region, and no one will pay attention to the Northern Territory."

The tensions between the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan and the Ancient Imperial Clans were already intense. With deliberate manipulation, all the major forces turned their eyes to the Southern Region, anticipating an all-out war between the two.

The Ancient Desolate Demon Realm's tactics weren't surprising; activating the demon array generated enormous fluctuations that would inevitably draw attention unless guarded. If the Southern Region erupted into war, however, few would spare a glance toward the North.

"This isn't surprising," Jiang Chen said, stretching and reclining with his hands behind his head.

"Once the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan and the Ancient Imperial Clans tear into each other, war will be unavoidable. At that point, the Nine Heavens Realm's attention will be on the Southern Region, and even if anyone notices the Northern Territory, it will likely be too late.

"For us, this is actually advantageous. The Ancient Desolate Demon Realm will believe no one is paying attention to the Northern Territory, making them less vigilant against us. Now that we've assessed their combat strength, it's time to act."

"If we wait until the Nine-Tailed Fox Clan and the Ancient Imperial Clans start their full-scale war, we might not have enough manpower to intervene. Both matters demand our involvement."

In the past, Jiang Chen wouldn't have concerned himself with the affairs of the Ancient Imperial Clans. However, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan was unique, and incorporating them under his influence would be ideal. The timing of the two factions' war also presented an opportunity for recruitment.

At the same time, the demon array remained critically important. Defeating the Heavenly Demons required substantial manpower. If they prioritized the demon array, they wouldn't have resources left to handle the fox clan's affairs.

Thus, Jiang Chen decided to resolve the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm's plans first before addressing the conflict involving the fox clan.

The Third Ancestor and Mu Jianxue's eyes sparkled with anticipation. Jiang Chen was finally preparing to take action. They had waited too long. Ever since learning about the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm's plans, they had yearned to strike and eliminate the threat. Now, after months of patience, the moment had arrived.

"Proceed according to the plan," Jiang Chen said, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Contact the Pure Yang Holy Land and prepare to move. Leave the eighth-stage Quasi-Emperor to me; the rest of you handle the four main array nodes!"

Only Jiang Chen had the means to deal with the eighth-stage Quasi-Emperor. With his Great Accomplishment Dao Body and the Heaven Execution Gauntlets, he could easily crush such a Heavenly Demon.

As for the four remaining array nodes, they were guarded by two Quasi-Emperors of lower levels and two Great Saints. The team could handle them without issue.

"If the Ancient Desolate Demon Realm learns we've known their plans all along, they'll probably be scared out of their wits," the Third Ancestor said with a smirk.

Hearing this, the group chuckled.

"A mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!"