Villain: After Slacking Off, The Protagonist Collapse

As time passed, the secret realm finally opened. Powerful cultivators from all factions gathered, pouring into the secret realm. Numerous prodigies assembled there, including Yan Ruyu and Jing Muyu. Jing Muyu had notable potential, but she still lacked the experience required to grow stronger.

To become truly powerful, one must engage in battle; endless secluded cultivation would only make her a fragile flower in a greenhouse.

Jiang Chen had already informed Yan Ruyu about the Heavenly Soul Flower and instructed her to cripple Du Guyun. Now that Du Guyun had reached the Great Master Realm, Jiang Chen wanted Yan Ruyu to make him start over from scratch.

In an ornate pavilion, Jiang Chen stood by the window, observing the ancient city. With the secret realm open, the city, previously bustling with activity, had quieted down.

"Just as you predicted," Mu Jianxue remarked beside him.

She stood in a flowing green-and-white dress, her aura cold and refined, like a goddess from the moon palace, untarnished by the world.

"The ancient imperial clans seem to have run out of patience. They're preparing to force the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan to make a choice."

"Not surprising," Jiang Chen replied calmly. "For five years, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan has refrained from making a decision, and they're the only ancient clan unwilling to join in."

"This was bound to cause dissatisfaction among the other ancient clans. The fact that they tolerated it for five years is an exception in itself."

"Then there's the minor incident caused by the Vermillion Bird Goddess. Though it's small, and would usually go unnoticed, it's likely to act as a catalyst to ignite tensions between them."

Jiang Chen continued, "Knowing the temperament of the ancient imperial clans, they may even take action against the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan, giving us a chance to win them over as allies."

Everything was proceeding according to Jiang Chen's plan, with only minor deviations. The incident with the Vermillion Bird Goddess had accelerated things, but Jiang Chen didn't mind, as he had already secured the Heavenly Fox Empress.

As he mused, he reached out and gently patted the head of the Heavenly Fox Empress, who merely looked out the window quietly, not resisting his touch.

"What if the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan doesn't join us and instead sides with the ancient imperial clans?" Mu Jianxue asked, glancing at the Heavenly Fox Empress. This would be the worst outcome.

"If that happens, let them," Jiang Chen said with indifference. "It's the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan's own decision, and we're not obligated to interfere. Besides, they aren't our allies yet."

Jiang Chen wasn't concerned whether the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan joined them or not. He had already secured the Heavenly Fox Empress, and if her clan decided to ally with the ancient imperial clans, it wouldn't change much for him.

At most, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan would suffer more, but their overall threat would remain the same.

—

In the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan's territory, Tian Mingyue stood atop a mountain peak. She hadn't participated in the secret realm but had returned to her clan immediately after watching Jiang Chen's battle with Ye Tian. An unexpected situation had forced her to change her plans.

"Father!" Tian Mingyue greeted, addressing Tian Ye.

"You've returned! Not interested in the secret realm? I heard this one was rather exceptional," Tian Ye said, puzzled by his daughter's decision, knowing how much she usually longed for combat experience.

"I've given up on it," Tian Mingyue said after a moment of contemplation. "Father, I heard the ancient imperial clans are pressuring us to join them, even threatening us. Is that true?"

Tian Ye's expression darkened, and he replied in a low voice, "Yes, it's true. The elders within our clan are also putting pressure on me to accept the alliance."

"We're at a critical juncture; if we refuse, the ancient imperial clans will likely wage war against us. And there's also a risk of internal division within our clan."

This issue had given Tian Ye no small amount of headache, especially with the threat of internal conflict weighing heavily on him.

"Father!" Tian Mingyue's eyes glinted with resolve as she proposed, "I suggest we join the Primordial Holy Land instead."

She then recounted everything that had happened in the ancient city: how Jiang Chen had saved the Heavenly Fox Empress, his confrontation with the Vermillion Bird Goddess, and his overall favorable stance toward the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan.

Most importantly, she emphasized Jiang Chen's prowess in his battle with Ye Tian.

"The Primordial Holy Land surpasses the ancient imperial clans in every respect," Tian Mingyue explained.

"And the power of the Holy Son of Primordial is clear for all to see; his unmatched talent means he will likely achieve Daohood in this lifetime. If we align ourselves with the Primordial Holy Land before that happens, the protection of their faction will keep the ancient imperial clans in check."

"I understand your reservations, Father," she continued, "You're worried the Holy Son of Primordial might treat us as expendable pawns. However, if that were truly their intention, they wouldn't have shown us goodwill in the first place."

"If they really wanted additional forces, they could've easily invited other human factions in the past, yet only the Qin Dynasty has been accepted as an ally."

"If we join the ancient imperial clans, we'll certainly be treated as cannon fodder. This is an unavoidable outcome. So, instead of a certain fate as pawns, why not take a chance?"

Tian Mingyue understood her father's concerns. The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan was indeed weaker than the other ancient imperial clans and lacked any strong kinship with them.

Aligning with them would likely bring only subjugation. Joining the Primordial Holy Land, however, held certain risks, as they could be used as pawns and entirely separated from the ancient clans.

Yet, to Tian Mingyue, her clan had long since been isolated from the others. Given that, they might as well take a chance on the Primordial Holy Land, hoping it wouldn't treat them like the ancient imperial clans would.

Besides, Jiang Chen's strength and talent were clear. There was a high probability he would achieve Daohood in this lifetime. If he did, they would have the protection of an Emperor, ensuring their clan's stability.

Even if Jiang Chen didn't reach the Emperor level, the Primordial Holy Land's influence was enough to deter the ancient imperial clans from making a move against them.

"I'll consider it carefully," Tian Ye replied after a pause, his eyes contemplative.

Joining the Primordial Holy Land was indeed an appealing option. However, as the leader of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox Clan, he had to weigh the decision carefully, as a single misstep could spell disaster for his people.

The current precarious situation within the clan made it difficult for Tian Ye to make a hasty decision.

—

Suddenly, a faint hum echoed in the air.

The void within the pavilion split open, and the Primordial Holy Master stepped out. Jiang Chen and Mu Jianxue were both surprised by her arrival, especially given her somewhat altered expression.

Something must have happened; otherwise, Dongfang Mingyue wouldn't have come personally.