Immortality Starts With Investment

With a delighted An Yuyi by his side, Ye Chen arrived at An Miaoli’s cave abode. Shortly after, An Miaoli opened the entrance, inviting them in.

It was clear that her cultivation of the Sword Peng Heart Refining Art had brought her spiritual sense close to perfection. Her presence grew even more ethereal, serene, and fairy-like, as if she were a true immortal.

”Senior, it seems you’ll break through soon,” Ye Chen said calmly, presenting the Spiritual Soul Fruit he’d just acquired. ”This is for you.”

An Miaoli glanced at the fruit and shook her head, ready to decline. ”I’ve been at the peak of Golden Core for some time, and my spiritual sense is only two months from true perfection. This would be a waste on me. Keep it for yourself, Fellow Daoist Ye.”

Ye Chen didn’t retract the offer, instead smiling gently. ”Breaking through even a bit earlier is always worthwhile. Please accept it, Senior An.”

An Miaoli still felt it was excessive, but An Yuyi, clinging to her aunt’s arm, chimed in. ”Aunt, take it! This is Senior Brother’s heartfelt gesture. You don’t know how much he sacrificed to get this Spiritual Soul Fruit. He traded a Tyrant Body Pill, a Holy Infant Talisman, and a Clarity Jade—three treasures—just to secure it from the Magic Peak Master, all so you could break through sooner.”

An Yuyi’s words spared Ye Chen the need to boast. It sounded better coming from someone else, avoiding the air of self-praise. He mentally gave her a thumbs-up.

An Miaoli’s red forehead mole flickered as her gaze settled on Ye Chen, a hint of wonder in her eyes. She hadn’t expected him to go to such lengths—paying an exorbitant price—just to help her break through faster. It was a staggering loss, yet he’d done it to secure the perfect treasure for her. His sincerity touched her deeply. Refusing would be a disservice to his intentions.

With a nod, she accepted the jade box. ”In that case, thank you, Fellow Daoist Ye.”

Ye Chen waved off her thanks, his face beaming with a smile. At that moment, a system prompt echoed in his mind.

”Congratulations, Host, for successfully gifting an item!”

”Gift: Spiritual Soul Fruit!”

”Processing feedback…”

”Two-hundredfold feedback in progress…”

”Detected Host’s gifted item…”

”Critical reward triggered!”

”Reward: Shakyamuni Fruit!”

His efforts had paid off. The Shakyamuni Fruit, a treasure so rare it was barely a whisper outside Buddhist Holy Lands, had finally been obtained. With it, he could perfect the Shakyamuni Heart Refining Art in just half a year and begin his breakthrough to the Nascent Soul stage.

Buoyed by his success, Ye Chen’s gaze softened as he looked at An Miaoli and An Yuyi. Senior An had always been reliable, consistently triggering critical rewards. An Yuyi, too, had turned over a new leaf. Once immature, she now not only triggered critical hits but also played the perfect wingman.

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An Miaoli’s aptitude needed a boost to ensure she remained a viable gifting target after reaching Nascent Soul, especially in the unpredictable environment of a Holy Land.

As for An Yuyi, her cultivation was still too low. A little help would go a long way—otherwise, her low realm would limit her to receiving only minor treasures, useful only for occasional spirit stone grinding.

Ye Chen’s gentle gaze made An Miaoli’s thoughts wander. Clearly, he was hinting at another detoxification session. She turned to An Yuyi. ”Yuyi, these are my insights from studying Phoenix Cry. Take them and practice the technique. I need to discuss some matters with Fellow Daoist Ye regarding the Nascent Soul breakthrough.”

An Yuyi pouted, casting a reluctant glance at Ye Chen before taking the jade slip and preparing to leave.

But Ye Chen waved a hand. ”Hold on, don’t go just yet. I have something to show both of you. It’s highly confidential and must not be shared. If you’re willing, please use these Heart Command Talismans.”

Emotionally, he trusted An Miaoli not to betray him, and An Yuyi was likely the same. But human hearts were fickle. His small world, along with treasures like Soul-Swaying Mountain and the Star Pool, could tempt even Deity Transformation or Unity cultivators. A precaution was necessary.

An Yuyi didn’t hesitate, immediately activating the Heart Command Talisman. An Miaoli smiled, unbothered by the implication of mistrust, and gracefully activated hers with a pulse of spiritual energy.

Instantly, Ye Chen sensed a subtle, profound connection form between him and the two women. Their curious gazes fixed on him, eager to know what could make someone who casually gifted the True Phoenix Treasure Technique so cautious.

Seeing their cooperation, Ye Chen smiled. ”I’m taking you somewhere. Don’t resist.”

He raised both hands, directing one arm toward each woman.

In the next moment, their expressions shifted. A strange force enveloped them, pulling them as if toward a unique realm.

”It feels like a teleportation array activating…” An Miaoli remarked calmly, her heart free of resistance. To her, Ye Chen was the last person who would harm her. As for her niece? Reflecting on Yuyi’s behavior since meeting Ye Chen, An Miaoli wasn’t entirely sure she could be trusted. But no matter—she had no worries.

An Yuyi, meanwhile, trusted Ye Chen unconditionally.

A moment later, their vision went dark. When light returned, their eyes widened in astonishment.

They had been in the cave abode moments ago, but now they floated in midair. The sight before them was breathtaking.

It was an entire world.

Above, Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining immortal cranes soared in formation across the sky. In a vast lake below, spiritual fish leaped from the water. The surroundings brimmed with spiritual herbs and medicines, while gentle demonic beasts roamed freely. The world wasn’t vast, but it pulsed with vibrant life.

What shocked the women most was the center of the realm: thirty-six towering peaks floated majestically in the air, adorned with countless grand palaces. The central peak, rising at least ten thousand meters, was the most striking. Waterfalls cascaded from its slopes, shimmering like a galaxy descending from the heavens.

Even An Miaoli, seasoned and worldly, was momentarily speechless. An Yuyi, wide-eyed, stammered, ”Aunt, even a Holy Land couldn’t compare to this, could it?”

An Miaoli nodded solemnly in agreement.

At that moment, Ye Chen appeared beside them. Gazing at the majestic thirty-six floating peaks, he couldn’t suppress a smile.

Previously, he’d gifted the Champion King’s mansion from Li Feihuang to the little demoness, expecting little in return. But perhaps because he’d mentioned something about a ”wedding house,” it triggered a critical reward: these thirty-six floating peaks.

Not just the peaks themselves—each came fully equipped with buildings and arrays, ready for cultivators to move in. Their addition elevated his small world to a new level.

Upon returning from Great Chu, Ye Chen had transferred the spiritual plants and beasts Sun Ye collected into the world, creating the paradisiacal scene before them.