Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 437 Wang Jian's Faction Loses

As the battle reached its zenith, the World Tree Elven Dominion and the Angelic Sky City began to regain their celestial dominance.

The immense power of the World Tree and the Angelic Sky City surged once more, overwhelming the Elemental Nexus Immortal Dominion and the Underground Giant Divine Dominion.

The celestial energies emanating from the Elven Tree and the floating city reverberated, causing the Immortal Realm experts on Jiang Chen's side to feel the oppressive suppression once again, reverting them to the cultivation level of the Saint Realm.

Jiang Chen, standing amidst the chaos, observed the turn of events. He knew that the artifacts containing his sealed essence were now secure in his possession. The primary objective had been achieved, and it was time to retreat before the situation became more precarious.

"Supreme Immortal Zhengyi, it's time to withdraw! We've achieved our goal," Jiang Chen shouted across the battlefield.

Supreme Immortal Zhengyi, acknowledging the success of their mission, raised his voice to command a retreat. "All forces of the Heavenly Court, fall back!"

On the opposing side, Ilyndra and Archangel Seraphim, realizing the futility of further engagement, exchanged glances.

Ilyndra, perched atop the branch of the World Tree, spoke with a tinge of reluctance, "Seraphim, we must let them go for now. The cost of continuing this battle is too high."

Seraphim, nodding in agreement, replied, "You're right, Ilyndra. We need to prioritize the safety of our forces. Let them retreat."

Jiang Chen, hearing their decision, issued the order for his faction to withdraw. "All members of my faction, retreat now!"

The Devil Race, the Giant Race, and the humans under Jiang Chen's banner swiftly disengaged from their adversaries.

The Elemental Nexus Immortal Dominion and the Underground Giant Divine Dominion initiated their retreat, ethereal currents carrying them away from the Northern Region.

Ilyndra, her gaze lingering on the departing forces, addressed her elven kin, "Stand down. The battle is over, and they've withdrawn. Our focus now is on recovery."

The celestial forces and the elven army reluctantly ceased their pursuit. The World Tree Elven Dominion and the Angelic Sky City gradually reasserted their control over the Northern Region, stabilizing the celestial energies that permeated the battlefield.

As the dust settled, Jiang Chen and Supreme Immortal Zhengyi convened in a secluded space within the Elemental Nexus Immortal Dominion. The two leaders discussed the outcomes of the battle and the implications of securing the artifacts.

"We managed to retrieve the artifacts, Jiang Chen. This is a significant achievement," Supreme Immortal Zhengyi remarked.

Jiang Chen nodded, "Indeed. With these artifacts, I can unlock more of my sealed power. The next step is to strengthen our forces further before we confront the Dragon Prince and the Ancient Beast Race again."

Supreme Immortal Zhengyi agreed, "We need a more cohesive plan. I will return to the Heavenly Court and gather our forces."

With an understanding, the two leaders parted ways. Supreme Immortal Zhengyi, accompanied by the Heavenly Court's experts, departed the Elemental Nexus Immortal Dominion through spatial rifts. Meanwhile, Jiang Chen focused on consolidating his forces and strategizing for the challenges that lay ahead.

The Northern Region, though scarred by the recent conflict, gradually returned to a semblance of calm. The echoes of the celestial clash lingered, a testament to the brewing storm that continued to unfold across the Immortal Realm.

In the aftermath of the chaotic battle, Empress Su Xian, Second Queen Fen Shuying, Third Queen Chen Yiyan, and Archangel Seraphim gathered in a secluded space within the Angelic Sky City. Frustration and disappointment were palpable among them, as they grappled with the realization that they couldn't prevent Jiang Chen from reclaiming the artifacts containing his essence.

Empress Su Xian, her expression marked by a mix of regret and determination, spoke, "We failed to protect those artifacts. Our husband will be disappointed in us."

Fen Shuying, her dark aura intensifying with her inner turmoil, added, "We couldn't fulfill our duty. Jiang Chen has grown more formidable now."

Chen Yiyan, engulfed in flames that mirrored her inner frustration, lamented, "Our dear husband entrusted us with this task, and we fell short."

Seraphim, her angelic features reflecting a sense of responsibility, said, "We must find a way to make amends. Our failure cannot be the end of our efforts."

At this moment, Elf Queen Ilyndra stepped forward, her demeanor calm and composed. She wore a sly smile that hinted at hidden knowledge. The other leaders looked at her with questioning eyes, seeking an explanation for the enigmatic statement.

"You might not understand now," Ilyndra began, "but this was all according to Wang Jian's plan."

The words hung in the air, leaving the listeners puzzled. Empress Su Xian voiced the collective confusion, "What plan are you talking about, Ilyndra? We just suffered a crushing defeat."

Ilyndra chuckled softly before revealing, "Wang Jian foresaw this. He knew Jiang Chen would come to retrieve the artifacts, and he wanted us to make it difficult for him. However, he had mentioned that the success of Jiang Chen was inevitable. It's why he strategically placed those artifacts in the treasuries of each race, allowing Jiang Chen to retrieve them with difficulty but not impossibility."

The revelation left Empress Su Xian, Fen Shuying, Chen Yiyan, and Seraphim bewildered. It seemed counterintuitive for Wang Jian to facilitate Jiang Chen's retrieval of the artifacts.

Empress Su Xian inquired, "So, you're saying that this was all part of my husband's plan? But why?"

Ilyndra's smile widened, "Wang Jian is preparing for a more significant conflict. He wanted Jiang Chen to recover his essence, knowing that Jiang Chen's full power is essential for what lies ahead. Wang Jian is anticipating a powerful clash between Jiang Chen and the Dragon Prince. Trust in his foresight."

The Elf Queen's explanation began to ease the tension among the leaders. The realization that Wang Jian had a broader strategy in mind, one that accounted for the recovery of the artifacts by Jiang Chen, offered a glimmer of understanding.

Fen Shuying, her expression softening, remarked, "So, the artifacts were intentionally placed in vulnerable locations to goad Jiang Chen into a confrontation. Our husband is planning for a battle of titans."

Empress Su Xian, now comprehending the depth of Wang Jian's foresight, nodded in agreement. "My husband always sees the bigger picture. If a battle between Jiang Chen and the Dragon Prince is inevitable, then it's better to let Jiang Chen reclaim his full strength."

Ilyndra added, "Exactly. Now, we must focus on preparing for the challenges ahead."

As the Queens and Archangel Seraphim absorbed the revelation, they realized that what seemed like failure was, in fact, a carefully orchestrated plan by Wang Jian. The strategic brilliance of their leader unfolded, and they prepared to face the imminent storm that loomed on the horizon.

In the quiet solitude of his realm within the Elemental Nexus Immortal Dominion, Jiang Chen spent the next five days immersed in the process of absorbing his essence from the artifacts that held fragments of his power. The sacred energy emanating from these relics infused his being, unleashing dormant potential and unlocking abilities that transcended his previous limits.

The first to awaken was the Law of Annihilation, a profound force that resonated with the very fabric of existence. As Jiang Chen delved into this new realm of power, he felt a surge of energy that allowed him to manipulate the fundamental laws of reality itself. The Law of Annihilation granted him control over the annihilation of matter, enabling him to disintegrate his foes on a fundamental level.

The second aspect of his essence that he reclaimed was his minor Devil Draconic Bloodline. As the dormant bloodline surged within him, it manifested as ethereal scales covering his skin, radiating a dark, demonic aura. This integration bestowed upon Jiang Chen enhanced physical attributes, heightened senses, and a subtle connection to the infernal realm, granting him a menacing presence.

The final piece of his essence to be restored was the Pure Flame Essence of the Vermillion Bird. As this fiery essence coursed through his veins, Jiang Chen felt an intense heat engulfing him. The flames brought not only destructive power but also purification and regeneration. His entire being resonated with the essence of the Vermillion Bird, granting him mastery over flames in their purest form.

The combined infusion of the Law of Annihilation, the Devil Draconic Bloodline, and the Pure Flame Essence elevated Jiang Chen's power to unprecedented heights. The ambient temperature around him rose as he emanated an aura that seemed to manipulate the very forces of creation and destruction.

In the reflective pool of his cultivation chamber, Jiang Chen observed the transformation, his eyes alight with newfound determination. The recovered essence had not only restored his abilities but had propelled him to the peak of his cultivation stage.

With a sense of renewed purpose, Jiang Chen emerged from his secluded cultivation. The air crackled with the energy he now wielded, and even the Immortal Realm experts felt the subtle shift in the balance of power.

As he stepped into the world once more, his subordinates and allies marveled at the radiant glow that surrounded him. Empowered by the reclaimed essence, Jiang Chen's every movement seemed harmonized with the laws he now controlled. The Devil Draconic Bloodline added a touch of otherworldly menace to his appearance, while the Pure Flame Essence flickered around him like a protective cloak.

Feeling the resonance of his regained powers, Jiang Chen couldn't help but grin. "The Dragon Prince won't know what hit him. It's time to face the inevitable clash with the full might of our forces. Prepare for what's to come."

The anticipation in the air was palpable as Jiang Chen's faction geared up for the challenges that lay ahead. The stage was set for a confrontation of epic proportions, and with his newfound abilities, Jiang Chen stood ready to face the looming storm head-on.