Villain : After Slacking Off, The Protagonist Collapse-Chapter 304

Chapter 304

In these ten years, the Nine Heavens Realm underwent profound changes. The heavens and earth were in turmoil, bringing a revolution to the realm.

The laws of the world boiled, and the Dao became tangible, allowing many cultivators to break through their barriers and step into entirely new realms.

The spiritual energy of the realm grew exponentially richer, surpassing previous levels by more than tenfold. Cultivation became significantly easier, and barriers that were once insurmountable were now easily overcome. This advancement elevated the cultivation standard of the entire realm.

For monstrous prodigies, the benefits were even greater. In just a decade, the geniuses of various factions progressed at a pace that once required centuries, or even millennia.

Figures like Huang Qingtian and the Pure Yang Holy Son, initially in lower realms, had now entered the Saint Realm. Among the elite, reaching the Saint Realm had become the new standard for monstrous talents.

It was no longer surprising to hear of prodigies stepping into the Saint Realm, a feat once considered extraordinary.

During this time, some ancient prodigies who had been in slumber also awakened. These were not individuals of this era but talents from past ages who, sensing the changes in the world, emerged from their long hibernation. Their presence shifted the balance of the Nine Heavens Realm.

For the prodigies of this new era, these ancient talents posed a formidable challenge. While the younger generation enjoyed the benefits of this flourishing era, their cultivation realms were still too low to compete with the older prodigies who had long dominated the stage.

Against ancient monstrous talents, the newcomers found themselves relegated to the role of spectators, watching as their predecessors shone brightly in this era’s spotlight.

This situation caused frustration among the newer generation, who struggled to compete.

Perhaps due to Jiang Chen’s overwhelming power and previous displays, many factions chose to restrain themselves. When conflicts arose, they were often resolved through duels between prodigies.

This left the grand stage of the Nine Heavens Realm to the geniuses, who grew increasingly bold and capable through constant battles.

Reports of clashes between prodigies frequently surfaced, sparking widespread discussion and debate. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

The popularity of these battles led certain individuals to compile a ranking of the most prominent prodigies of the Nine Heavens Realm—the Prodigy Rankings. The rankings evaluated these figures based on their cultivation realms and combat strength.

Unsurprisingly, Jiang Chen ranked first.

Even without considering his recent ascension to the Great Saint Realm, his power from a decade ago was already unmatched. Now, as a Great Saint, his strength had become unfathomable.

Rumors circulated that even without using his Great Accomplishment Primordial Dao Body, Jiang Chen could easily defeat Quasi-Emperors.

The second spot, however, did not belong to Zi Qingyan or Huang Qingtian. Instead, it was claimed by the Golden-Winged Roc King, a monstrous prodigy from ten thousand years ago.

Once a fierce rival of the Heavenly Fox Empress, the Roc King had been repeatedly defeated by her and subsequently retreated into seclusion.

After slumbering for ten millennia, he reemerged from his divine source, responding to the changes in the heavens and earth.

Despite being only at the Saint King Realm, the Golden-Winged Roc King had fought against a Great Saint and emerged victorious, leading many to regard him as even more extraordinary than Huang Qingtian.

Huang Qingtian ranked third. As a prodigy of the Undying Divine Phoenix Clan, he made rapid progress in the absence of Jiang Chen’s suppression, achieving countless victories and earning the title of the second strongest of this era.

If not for the appearance of the Golden-Winged Roc King, Huang Qingtian’s claim to the second spot would have been undisputed.

Zi Qingyan, however, ranked much lower on the list. Her lack of public battles left her true strength unknown, resulting in a lower placement.

At that moment, a piece of news caused an uproar in an ancient city. The announcement of a duel between the seventh-ranked Pure Yang Holy Son and the eighth-rankedgod son of the Yin Yang Sea, Tianyang Zhenren, drew an immense crowd. Even powerful figures from immortal factions arrived to witness the event.

This clash of high-ranking prodigies was an exceedingly rare spectacle. Tianyang Zhenren, a descendant of a forbidden zone, added an additional layer of intrigue.

In the past decade, as the heavens and earth shifted, many inheritances from forbidden zones emerged, with their representatives roaming the Nine Heavens Realm. This led to the previously enigmatic forbidden zones becoming increasingly well-known.

In the highest level of a luxurious ancient tower overlooking the city, a group of prodigies had gathered.

The interior of the room was opulent, adorned with priceless treasures that reflected the status of its occupants.

Among them sat the Pure Yang Holy Son, Qin Ershi, Yan Ruyu, and the Primordial Holy Son, Jiang Chen himself.

If news of their gathering were to spread, it would undoubtedly send shockwaves throughout the Nine Heavens Realm. These prodigies, each of unparalleled renown, were now gathered in one place—a meeting that could alter the course of history.

Especially Jiang Chen.

For the past ten years, he had neither taken action nor appeared in public, leaving few to hear of his whereabouts. If he were to appear now, it would undoubtedly draw immense attention and heated discussions.

This was simply because Jiang Chen’s identity was too unique.

“This Tianyang Zhenren is no simple figure; you need to be careful,” Qin Ershi said to the Pure Yang Holy Son, hesitating slightly before offering the warning.

Their duel was indirectly caused by Qin Ershi. Not long ago, Qin Ershi had been defeated and severely injured by Tianyang Zhenren.

Losing in battle was not a big deal—after all, victories and defeats were common in clashes between prodigies. Even someone as formidable as Huang Qingtian had once lost to Jiang Chen.

But Jiang Chen was a unique existence—a monster who had been unbeaten since his emergence.

The real issue was Tianyang Zhenren’s behavior after his victory. He had mercilessly mocked and taunted Qin Ershi, which the Pure Yang Holy Son couldn’t tolerate. Determined to restore Qin Ershi’s honor, the Pure Yang Holy Son stepped forward to challenge Tianyang Zhenren.

The two shared a strong alliance and a good rapport. Although Qin Ershi was often reserved, he was known for his integrity, which had earned the Pure Yang Holy Son’s respect.

Furthermore, Jiang Chen typically rested at Banished Immortal Peak, rarely involving himself in external matters. This further strengthened the bond between the Pure Yang Holy Son and Qin Ershi.

Seeing Qin Ershi so disparaged, the Pure Yang Holy Son couldn’t stand idly by and decided to take action.

“Don’t worry,” the Pure Yang Holy Son said confidently, patting his chest. “I may not be able to defeat those ranked above me, but beating Tianyang Zhenren will be a breeze!”

He had a great deal of faith in himself when it came to Tianyang Zhenren.

“You still need to be cautious,” Jiang Chen interjected, casting a calm glance at the Pure Yang Holy Son. “Thegod sons of forbidden zones always have their own methods. Don’t underestimate them.”

Though the Pure Yang Holy Son had undergone a complete transformation after refining the Pure Yang Root, granting him incredible power, it didn’t mean he could afford to underestimate anyone.

This era was teeming with extraordinary talents, each more monstrous than the last. Carelessness could lead to defeat.

Jiang Chen’s reminder came from noticing the Pure Yang Holy Son’s slight arrogance. He wanted to ensure his ally didn’t fall into a trap.

Hearing Jiang Chen’s words, the Pure Yang Holy Son immediately became serious.

While he might dismiss the warnings of others, Jiang Chen’s advice was not something to be taken lightly. If Jiang Chen felt the need to caution him, it meant Tianyang Zhenren had some formidable capabilities.

“I won’t take this lightly,” the Pure Yang Holy Son said firmly. “This is not just about Qin Ershi’s honor; it’s about ours as well. I’ll make sure not to underestimate him.”

He paused, then added with a curious tone, “But what’s with Tianyang Zhenren? Why is he so fixated on you, Qin Ershi? Did you steal his wife or something?”

Though the Pure Yang Holy Son wouldn’t underestimate Tianyang Zhenren, he couldn’t help but wonder about the strange animosity. Tianyang Zhenren seemed to harbor more than just competitive intent—it felt personal.

“What nonsense are you spouting?” Qin Ershi’s face darkened. “I don’t even know the guy! How could I have offended him?”

“Besides,” Qin Ershi muttered, “I doubt he even has a wife!”

“Stop guessing,” Jiang Chen said, his tone measured. “This is an old grudge that spans generations.”

“In the past, the Dragon Ancestor of Great Qin suppressed the Emperor of Yin Yang Sea, which caused the latter to bear a deep grudge. The infamous curse placed on the Great Qin Royal Family was the doing of the Yin Yang Sea Supreme.

“Given this long-standing enmity, Tianyang Zhenren, as thegod son of the Yin Yang Sea, has no choice but to act against Qin Ershi. Whether he wants to or not, he’s bound to represent the Yin Yang Sea in this feud.”

Jiang Chen’s explanation left the room in stunned silence as the others processed the gravity of the revelation.

“No wonder you’re being targeted!” the Pure Yang Holy Son said, looking at Qin Ershi with a mixture of pity and helplessness.

“This is a disaster you didn’t even invite!” he added with a sigh.