Immortality Starts With Investment

The fourth Holy Son’s inauguration ceremony concluded. Typically, this was the moment when disciples would step forward to join the Holy Son’s peak, showcasing his charisma.

When Hua Yunfei was named Holy Son, numerous prodigies had eagerly pledged to follow him. The second and third Holy Sons, though slightly less talented than Hua Yunfei, had influential elders or clans backing them, attracting disciples as well—some prearranged, others genuine.

Ye Chen, however, was different. His strength was undeniable, but as an outsider with no major faction behind him, he’d brought companions who would likely claim significant resources.

This could weaken Ascension Peak’s overall strength, reducing its competitiveness and access to future resources. With Hua Yunfei already dominating the Holy Land, and Ye Chen as an outsider, it was uncertain how much support he’d receive. The Holy Lord position was likely beyond his reach.

Thus, many Holy Land prodigies hesitated, wary of making a poor choice. Ordinary disciples with lesser talent lacked the courage to step forward. For a moment, the scene grew awkward and quiet.

Lin Qingtan, observing this, shook her head inwardly. Having promised Ye Chen to join Ascension Peak, she felt obliged to support him now. She sent a mental message to her disciple, Li Feihuang.

Li Feihuang stood among the direct disciples, her expression complex. She’d known Ye Chen would become Holy Son, but seeing him now, radiating overwhelming presence, receiving gifts from the Holy Lord himself, and being treated as an equal by elders she could only dream of approaching, was jarring. Even Yao Xuanji’s brother, Yao Gu, a towering figure in the outside world, admitted inferiority to Ye Chen.

This reality hit Li Feihuang hard. She and Ye Chen were now worlds apart. He stood exalted, basking in the spotlight, while she remained among the direct disciples, looking up at him. She couldn’t help but wonder: if she hadn’t followed her ancestor’s demands and imposed such harsh conditions back then, what would their relationship be like now?

Lost in thought, she received Lin Qingtan’s message urging her to support Ye Chen. Li Feihuang had already planned to follow her master to Ascension Peak, but memories of Ye Chen’s rejections and indifference left a knot in her heart. Still, the thought passed quickly. Ye Chen was no longer the same person. If she could use this chance to mend ties, it wouldn’t be a bad outcome. Let bygones be bygones.

Resolving herself, Li Feihuang looked at Ye Chen, ready to step forward and break the silence. But in that instant, her expression froze in shock. Another figure had beaten her to it, moving faster.

Her body stiffened, her emotions growing even more tangled. She was too late.

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Ye Chen wasn’t surprised or bothered by the lack of disciples rushing to join Ascension Peak. With his resources—what he privately called his ”money power”—he could easily attract the talent he needed. A temporary loss of face? That was trivial. With his current mindset, such things barely registered.

But at that moment, a disciple stepped forward, silencing the crowd. Ye Chen raised an eyebrow as he looked at her. The figure before him was a late Golden Core female disciple, delicate and charming, with dimples gracing her cheeks. Her bright eyes locked onto him, brimming with determination.

In a clear, melodious voice, she declared, ”Elite disciple Mo Yuzhu admires the Holy Son’s grandeur. Though my aptitude is modest, with only an Earth Spiritual Root and a Sharp Essence Body, I hope the Holy Son will take pity and allow me to cultivate at Ascension Peak.”

The crowd was mildly surprised. Mo Yuzhu was somewhat known in the Holy Land, just a step from Nascent Soul, nearly on par with some direct disciples. Her prospects were decent, yet she chose to join the fourth Holy Son’s Ascension Peak. If resources proved scarce, she could lose out significantly. Many, like her friend, thought her impulsive, destined to regret her choice. A strong Holy Son didn’t guarantee a resource-rich peak—her decision seemed reckless.

Ye Chen studied the first disciple to pledge herself to him. His system automatically displayed her multiplier: ”Mo Yuzhu: 300-fold!” Her Sharp Essence Body, a basic fire-aligned physique, paired with an Earth Spiritual Root, wasn’t outstanding in the Holy Land. Still, as the first to join him, with a 300-fold return, she could serve as a backup for feedback.

With a gentle smile, Ye Chen said, ”Very well. You are the first disciple of Ascension Peak.”

Mo Yuzhu’s face lit up, her dimples deepening adorably. ”Thank you, Holy Son!”

The other disciples weren’t surprised that Ye Chen accepted her. With no one else stepping up, it was natural he’d take the first volunteer. But what happened next left them stunned.

Ye Chen casually retrieved the half-volume immortal scripture the Holy Lord had gifted him and, with a flick of his finger, sent the jade slip floating to Mo Yuzhu. ”Your Golden Core and spirit sense are well-honed, not far from Nascent Soul. This half-volume immortal scripture is yours to study after your breakthrough. Cultivate diligently.”

Mo Yuzhu’s eyes widened, disbelief flooding her gaze. She knew exactly what this jade slip was—the Holy Lord’s gift to the Holy Son. She’d watched from below, filled with envy. Though only half a scripture, its value to cultivators was immense. Comprehending even a few of its mystic techniques could vastly boost combat strength, with countless other benefits that could pave a longer immortal path. She’d lamented that an elite disciple like her would never glimpse such a treasure, reserved for prodigies like the Holy Son.

Yet, in the blink of an eye, the Holy Son had bestowed it upon her.

Staring up at him, confirming he wasn’t jesting or posturing, Mo Yuzhu reached out with trembling hands, reverently accepting the jade slip. Her voice quivered with overwhelming gratitude. ”Thank you, Holy Son, for this priceless gift…”

Her excitement was palpable. Ye Chen merely smiled faintly, waving it off.

The entire scene fell silent. Even the Holy Lord was taken aback. A half-volume immortal scripture was extraordinarily precious, yet Ye Chen had given it away so casually. His magnanimity was staggering, sparking intrigue in Feng Baiyu.

Hua Yunfei smiled, unsurprised after witnessing Ye Chen’s earlier gifts of the Kun Peng Imprint and Northern Emperor War Chariot. Lin Qingtan, while amazed, cast a disappointed glance at Li Feihuang.

Li Feihuang stood frozen, her graceful figure rigid, her emotions a tangled mess.