Immortality Starts With Investment

News of the Fourth Holy Son’s sweeping purchases at the auction spread across the Great Yan Continent in no time, fueling discussions about Ye Chen being the ”son of the Heavenly Dao.”

Spending over twenty million top-grade spirit stones in a single auction was outrageously extravagant. Even Deity Transformation or Unity cultivators, and most Mahayana elders, likely couldn’t produce such wealth. This sparked growing curiosity among cultivators: whose inheritance had Ye Chen obtained?

More and more believed he was the Heavenly Emperor’s successor. His cultivation techniques, Treasure Techniques, and lavish spending mirrored the Emperor’s style.

The Emperor had forged a small cauldron from pure Black Yellow Primordial Essence; Ye Chen had crafted a small bell. If the Fourth Holy Son wasn’t the Emperor’s heir, who could he be? It was practically confirmed.

Yet, the cultivators were puzzled. Historically, the Emperor’s successors were backed by a mysterious force called the Heavenly Emperor Hall, which rarely appeared and was said to guard the Emperor’s mortal realm inheritance. It only surfaced when a successor emerged, protecting them on their path to enlightenment.

But Ye Chen, supposedly the Emperor’s heir, had joined the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, and no trace of the Heavenly Emperor Hall had been seen. Strange… Had something happened to the Hall?

Beyond debates about Ye Chen’s status, cultivators relished discussing how he’d targeted the Heavenly Intention Holy Maiden, snatching every item she desired. Rumor had it she was furious, lingering at the auction house for half a day after it ended, clearly enraged.

With the fiancée so humiliated, many believed the Heavenly Intention Holy Son wouldn’t stand for it. Once he emerged from seclusion, he’d likely challenge Ye Chen to a thunderous duel. A spectacle was brewing.

…

As the auction concluded, White Emperor City’s fervor began to wane. Many prodigies departed.

Seven days later, Yao Gu visited Ye Chen’s residence to bid farewell.

”Brother-in-law, I’m heading back to the Yao family! But after the auction, you haven’t seen the Divine Maiden. Did you two have a falling out, or have you changed your mind?”

Yao Gu’s eager question betrayed his hope that Ye Chen had given up on Fan Qinghe. If so, he’d have a chance. He didn’t care that she’d been intimate with Ye Chen in his presence—she was from the Heavenly Desire Sect, and surely had her reasons. He’d accept everything about her.

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, giving Yao Gu a strange look. ”Who said I changed my mind?”

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?

Yao Gu was stunned. He’d closely observed that the two hadn’t left the auction together. Fan Qinghe had later sought Ye Chen, but he’d refused to see her. Wasn’t that a classic case of taking advantage and then cutting ties?

Before Yao Gu could say more, a servant entered the courtyard. ”Holy Son, the Heavenly Desire Divine Maiden is here.”

Ye Chen smiled faintly and stood. ”Invite her in.”

Turning to Yao Gu, he added, ”Today is the day the Divine Maiden and I agreed to plant the divine seed. Since you’re so curious, you can be a witness. But you can’t come inside—just wait outside!”

Yao Gu’s jaw dropped. Ye Chen was really becoming her protector? How could this be? With Ye Chen’s prodigious talent, how could the Divine Maiden choose him? She was probably just after his spirit stones. When it came to choosing a protector, shouldn’t she pick someone like him? If Ye Chen and Fan Qinghe truly bonded with the divine seed, his chances would be gone.

Yao Gu stood there, unable to believe it.

Fan Qinghe glided into the courtyard, instantly captivating the two men. Her amber skin shimmered under the sunlight, radiating a wild, seductive allure. Her breathtakingly beautiful face was enchanting to the extreme, exuding an almost palpable hormonal charm.

Most striking was her tall, curvaceous figure, draped in an exotic outfit—the ceremonial garb of the Heavenly Desire Sect’s Divine Maiden. To Ye Chen, it resembled the flamboyant costumes of fortune-tellers from his past life’s cosplay events. It fit her perfectly, enhancing her otherworldly beauty, making her seem like a bewitching sprite.

Yao Gu, standing nearby, stared wide-eyed. He’d seen many female cultivators, plenty of whom admired him, but none compared to the Divine Maiden. He genuinely loved her and didn’t want her to fall into a trap.

He’d heard rumors of Ye Chen’s failed attempt to gift Yi Qingwu, spreading in small circles. To him, this confirmed Ye Chen’s duplicity—flirting with the Divine Maiden at the auction while secretly sending gifts to the Holy Maiden.

A master of time management.

Despite the beating he’d taken from Ye Chen before, Yao Gu mustered his courage. ”Divine Maiden, are you really set on bonding with Ye... Holy Son Ye? Why not reconsider? This generation is a golden age. My brother mentioned that ancient prodigies, sealed by fearsome means, may awaken in our era to vie for the immortal path. With your qualities, you could surely find someone better.”

Ye Chen glanced at Yao Gu, intrigued by the mention of ancient prodigies. Worth looking into later. But this ”little brother-in-law” had nearly called him ”Ye the Fourth” again. Clearly, the last lesson hadn’t sunk in.

Ye Chen stayed silent, waiting for Fan Qinghe’s response.

…

Fan Qinghe’s delicate brows furrowed. Last time, Ye Chen had grabbed her so hard it hurt, then took advantage and left. For a week, she’d been paranoid he’d slip away, barely sleeping.

Now that she was finally here, Yao Gu was prattling about ancient prodigies? Could they surpass Ye Chen’s talent or wealth? No comparison. Don’t shake my resolve—my mind’s made up.

She smiled gently at Yao Gu. ”Thank you for the reminder, Young Master Yao… But from the moment I met the Holy Son, his image took root deep in my heart. No matter how many prodigies exist, my eyes see only him.”

Yao Gu’s pupils froze. Ye Chen’s methods were that potent? To quietly win the Divine Maiden’s devotion? Watching the woman he loved speak so passionately of another, his heart trembled.

Ye Chen, meanwhile, chuckled inwardly. Love at first sight? Nonsense. He didn’t believe a word of Fan Qinghe’s flattery—she was a master at boosting favor.

But he didn’t call her out, instead gently taking her hand. ”Your words honor me, Divine Maiden… Since your heart remains steadfast, please follow me inside. I’ll bare everything, letting you plant the divine seed, and serve as your protector…”