Immortality Starts With Investment

The golden root shimmered with endless sunlight, as if forged from pure gold. Regrettably, it held no trace of life, dead for countless years. Not only Ye Chen, but many high-level cultivators, using their own methods, saw the truth within the array. Disappointed, many great powers left. A dead tree held little value compared to a living one, especially for the unique Fusang Divine Tree.

Unlike other immortal roots with myriad uses, the Fusang Divine Tree’s primary benefit was cultivating under it to condense Great Yang Holy Power. Its true strength lay in combat. Stationed in the Great Yang Dynasty, it could overpower even ordinary quasi-immortals. With ten Golden Crows atop it, its might was nearly unmatched below True Immortals. The Heavenly Emperor himself had suffered losses against it before achieving immortality and destroying it.

A living Fusang Divine Tree could be revived to quasi-immortal strength, a tempting prospect for any faction. But this was just a lifeless root, dead for ages. Though its wood was still immortal-grade material, it paled in comparison to a living tree. Hidden experts from Heavenly Intention Holy Land emerged from the void and left calmly. A white-haired great power, aura terrifying, sighed and departed with disappointment.

No one was surprised. A living Fusang Divine Tree would’ve sparked a far greater battle, drawing ancient Mahayana-stage elders.

”Just a root—such a pity!” Feng Baiyu shook his head, disappointed. The root could only extract Great Yang Holy Power to nurture a few prodigies, and the Great Yang Immortal Scripture was single-use. This trip was a loss.

Still, having come this far, they’d take even a branch back. Among the crowd, only Ye Chen wasn’t disappointed. A satisfied smile bloomed in his heart. A living tree would’ve drawn too many ancestors, making it hard to claim, even with his talent, due to its ties to the Great Yang Dynasty’s legacy. A root, however, was different. With some cost, he could easily secure it.

Without hesitation, Ye Chen turned to Feng Baiyu. ”Holy Master, that root could aid my cultivation. If we obtain it, may I have it? I’m willing to pay a price.”

Feng Baiyu frowned. Holy Land operations weren’t free; everyone contributed for fairness. Giving Ye Chen the Great Yang Immortal Scripture was already a favor, as he needed it. Wanting the root too seemed greedy.

”Do you know the Fusang Divine Tree’s value? Even its root is a supreme immortal treasure with immense uses, far beyond the trinkets you’ve collected.”

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The elders agreed. Though united for the Holy Land’s cause, and rewarded for their efforts, they craved more. Cultivation grew costlier at higher stages, and even Unity experts had little surplus.

Feng Baiyu hoped Ye Chen would back off, but Ye Chen nodded. ”Then… I’ll compensate each Unity elder here with ten years’ worth of offerings. Same for you and Senior Brother.”

The elders’ eyes widened in shock.

Unity offerings were astronomical for ordinary cultivators, unimaginable sums. Yet Ye Chen offered ten years’ worth for each? With so many elders, the total value rivaled or surpassed the Fusang Divine Tree’s root, now just dead wood despite its past glory.

Feng Baiyu and Hua Yunfei were stunned. Hua Yunfei waved it off. ”I don’t need it. Give my share to Junior Brother.”

Feng Baiyu’s eyes reddened, muttering curses about the ”damn Heavenly Emperor” who’d swindled his spirit stones despite such wealth.

With his financial prowess, Ye Chen easily won the elders’ approval. They deemed him the rightful owner of the treasures—virtue resided with the worthy, and Ye Chen was worthy. He secured both the Great Yang Immortal Scripture and the Fusang root effortlessly.

Lin Qingtan watched, eyes filled with awe and envy. The Great Yang Immortal Scripture was formidable but hard to master. With the Fusang root’s Great Yang Holy Power, cultivation would be far easier, potentially resolving her Yin Nether Demon Body. But with Ye Chen’s immense cost, gifting it was unlikely. She sighed inwardly, showing only blessings outwardly.

Then Ye Chen turned to her. ”Elder Lin…”

She lowered her head. ”What is it, Holy Son? If it’s about my earlier request, please forget it. I overstepped.”

Ye Chen raised an eyebrow, smiling. ”Overstepped? You’re an elder of Ascension Peak, stuck in your cultivation. How can you be surpassed by disciples? This Great Yang Immortal Scripture is for you, to break your constitution’s limits and roam the cultivation world freely.”

His calm words carried undeniable resolve. Lin Qingtan was shocked, as were Hua Yunfei and the others. They speculated further, certain Ye Chen wouldn’t neglect his own cultivation. Did he have a better technique? The Heavenly Emperor Scripture, perhaps?

It was a top-tier method, far surpassing a single Great Yang or Yin Scripture, though not their combined power. But with the Great Yin Scripture lost, Ye Chen might indeed dismiss the damaged Great Yang Scripture.

Lin Qingtan considered this, puzzled. If Ye Chen had the Heavenly Emperor Scripture, why wait at Tang Valley? Not for Yi Qingwu—that was absurd. Then who? The only female cultivator he’d gifted was her. Had he, after breaking through to Deity Transformation, learned she was at Tang Valley and come to help without hesitation?

Her frozen heart melted completely. Gratitude, disbelief, and joy swirled within her. Why did she deserve such favor? Just for joining Holy Son Peak first? Unlikely. The truth dawned: Ye Chen genuinely liked her, finding her beautiful, runes and all—not a deception, but true affection.