Immortality Starts With Investment

Protectors learned of Yan Qingcheng’s feats, intrigued by the mysterious ”ordinary” figure. Top factions had their prodigies, so her sudden emergence suggested a heaven-defying opportunity. A Mahayana cultivator secretly trailed her, seeking a chance to strike. But 100,000 miles from the Cave Heaven, golden hands appeared in the sky.

Yan Qingcheng remained expressionless. The hidden Mahayana, startled, tried to flee, but it was too late. Terrifying force pinned him, the golden hands clapping like swatting a fly, obliterating the void and all traces of him.

A gold-robed elder appeared beside Yan Qingcheng, ignoring the fallen Mahayana, focusing on his daughter.

”Don’t mind Ye Chen’s combat power, Qingcheng. He’s outrageously strong, but your Chaos Body grows stronger later. By Mahayana Second Heaven, you might match him, and surpass him after. Don’t let it shake you.”

Yan Qingcheng nodded calmly. Stunned by Ye Chen’s strength, she still believed her immortal path was hers, confident in her future invincibility. But her thoughts were elsewhere. ”Father, I want to give Ye Chen an immortal realm entry slot.”

The elder frowned. ”A true immortal’s ascension opens a gate for only eight. Our Heavenly Emperor Hall’s slots are taken by Yan ancestors. There’s none for Ye Chen.”

Worse, her attitude alarmed him. Wasn’t this trip to settle a debt? Now she wanted to give Ye Chen a slot? Had she been charmed?

Yan Qingcheng spoke calmly, ”Ye Chen knew he was a false heir yet bore no grudge, never revealing it. He even felt he owed me. During his Unity tribulation, he met the Emperor’s imprint—whether he won or the Emperor spared him, I don’t know. But he gained the fist insights, recognized me, and gave them to me without hesitation

”Father, Ye Chen’s different from other cultivators. We shouldn’t treat him this way. He even refused my offer to teach him the Heavenly Emperor Fist. He’d likely refuse other repayments. An immortal slot is the best way to ease my guilt.”

The elder’s eyes widened, anxious. She’d been deceived! He didn’t doubt her strength, but her heart. Countless prodigies fell to emotions in history.

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”He’s tricking you!” he blurted. ”Remember when he extorted our Hall for longevity medicine and top physique essence? He’s all about profit, not kindness!”

Yan Qingcheng shook her head firmly. ”I investigated. He sought the Eight-Petal Immortal Orchid for his confidante’s grandmother, giving it to Yi Qingwu, sparking a battle. He stayed at Green Cloud Sect, indebted to its old Sect Master, whose path was cut off without longevity medicine. That’s why he boldly asked us. Which Holy Land prodigy cares for a small sect’s elder? Ye Chen felt guilty for asking us, likely tied to the orchid.”

The elder’s eyes reddened. ”No! He’s not good! I’ve lived long, seen countless people—he’s profit-driven!”

The gold-robed elder watched his daughter, Yan Qingcheng, fall silent. Yet his heart remained heavy. As a doting father, he knew her temperament well. In that moment, regret gnawed at him. Had he known it would come to this, he never would’ve chosen Ye Chen as the false Heavenly Emperor’s heir.

Yan Qingcheng sighed, sensing her father’s deep bias. It was unfair—he’d framed Ye Chen to draw fire, yet slandered him. Unaccustomed to arguing, she stayed silent. Her decision was set: Ye Chen would get an immortal slot.

…

Ye Chen and Yan Qingcheng’s exchange was mostly through sound transmission. As she left, the cultivators in the cave-heaven were curious about her identity but were more focused on Ye Chen, the Heavenly Emperor’s heir, and the icy Lan Nuo up in the sky. They eagerly awaited the clash between the two.

Ye Chen’s strength outmatched nearly all prodigies of their generation. Yet Lan Nuo stood her ground, suggesting extraordinary power. The coming battle might determine the top prodigy of their era. The crowd buzzed with anticipation.

Ye Chen finally looked up at Lan Nuo. It was about to begin.

The onlookers’ excitement grew. Lan Nuo, feeling Ye Chen’s gaze, felt a flicker of unease. Her mind raced, plotting her response. Perhaps she could withstand one strike, then withdraw gracefully with a line like, “Heavenly Emperor’s heir, you’re as strong as expected. I’m not confident in defeating you today. Once I master my treasure technique, I’ll challenge you again!” Then she’d leave with dignity intact.

But could she withstand that one strike? Recalling Ye Chen’s terrifying offensive power, Lan Nuo wasn’t certain. Still, with her Heavy Pupils, she figured she could manage.

As her nerves wavered, Ye Chen spoke. “Fairy Lan, are you here to compete for the humanoid longevity herb?”

Lan Nuo blinked, caught off guard, but nodded firmly, her voice commanding. “A loved one’s lifespan is dwindling, so I must claim this herb. I fear no battle for it!”

The crowd murmured, impressed by her resolve. She seemed poised to surprise them. An elder from the Lan Clan, expecting her to take a beating, was stunned. So it wasn’t recklessness but filial piety. He’d misjudged her.

Ye Chen’s lips curved into a faint smile at her words.