Immortality Starts With Investment

Lan Nuo was panicking, but her instincts stopped her from blurting out, ”Let’s fight next time, I want to see Great-Great-Grandma.”

Her Heavy Pupils glowed, no terrifying aura emerging, yet onlookers froze. Her eyes evoked an ancient abyss, souls teetering on the edge of sinking. As her Heavy Pupils opened and closed, runes flickered, chains of order danced, subtly altering the heavens.

Vaguely, spectators glimpsed suns and moons collapsing, star rivers withering in her gaze. Same-realm cultivators couldn’t bear it, coughing blood after a glance. Even Mahayana felt a dangerous premonition.

All marveled—recordings showed Ye Chen’s Heavy Pupil battles, but Lan Nuo’s mastery clearly surpassed his. No wonder he treated her as a grave threat. Her protector, overjoyed, hadn’t realized Lan Nuo had developed her Heavy Pupils this far. He’d thought their clan had no hope for the immortal path this generation, but her insight was astonishing.

…

Anticipation for the battle soared. Lan Nuo, sensing the crowd’s awe, couldn’t utter ”let’s fight later.” But her Heavy Pupils, piercing illusions, sensed Ye Chen as a dormant volcano, hiding power that made her tremble. She couldn’t win—truly couldn’t. Too scared to speak, she stood rigid in the void, staring coldly at Ye Chen. Ye Chen, equally solemn, treated her as his greatest foe, his aura building to its peak.

In the sky, tribulation light flared, forming a Hand of Heaven far more terrifying than the one that shattered Alkaid’s half-body. Mahayana trembled; peers shivered.

As Lan Nuo and all braced for the devastating strike, Ye Chen sighed deeply. The apocalyptic Hand of Heaven dissipated. The bizarre scene stunned everyone.

What happened?

Lan Nuo was the most shocked. That Hand had no flaws, no counter—perfect, uncrackable. She’d had no courage to resist. Why did he stop?

Under puzzled gazes, Ye Chen sighed to Lan Nuo, ”I knew you’d gone far in the Heavy Pupil path, but not this far. Even the Heavenly Emperor’s archenemy at this realm likely paled beside you. You can see through and counter all my attacks. With my Supreme Heart, I could outlast you, perhaps win, but such a fight lacks thrill. This battle is meaningless. Your Heavy Pupil inspired me. By Mahayana, mine will match yours. I hope you’re still worthy to be my enemy then.”

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His words sparked an uproar. Lan Nuo’s Heavy Pupil could see through all his attacks? The Heavenly Emperor heir, deeming victory uncertain, chose not to fight? Too absurd. Had her Heavy Pupil reached such heights?

Countless cultivators reflected: facing an opponent who saw through every move and tactic would be stifling. Even if stronger, victory would be elusive. Ye Chen, clearly feeling this, chose to avoid the fight.

All eyes on Lan Nuo shifted—she was leagues ahead in the Heavy Pupil path. Even the Heavenly Emperor heir, with Heavy Pupils, Supreme Heart, and Sacred Body, lacked confidence against her. This proved that more physiques weren’t always better—mastering one path to its peak was just as formidable.

…

Lan Nuo was utterly bewildered. See through? What did I see? All I saw was that Hand of Heaven could kill me. Why didn’t Ye Chen fight? And why praise her strength? Was he mistaken?

But—no fight was good. Relieved yet embarrassed, mixed with joy, her heart raced. The crowd’s awe, her ancestor’s pride, and the Mahayana cultivators’ amazement amplified her complex emotions. Her life felt at its peak.

Ye Chen had spoken; it was her turn. She avoided arrogance, fearing she’d provoke him into fighting. Calmly, she said, ”Fellow Daoist Ye is too kind. Your foundation is unmatched in my life. Even if I see through all, I may not win. Let’s fight at Mahayana.”

Ye Chen’s lips curved, finding her adorable. Unlike others who boasted by belittling foes, Lan Nuo praised him to elevate herself—a cut above. Seeing her style, he added, ”Your Heavy Pupil mastery is supreme. In a real fight, you’d likely win.”

Lan Nuo waved coolly, ”No, your deep foundation and invincible physique give you the edge.”

Onlookers watched their mutual admiration, dumbfounded. Ye Chen proved himself against six; Lan Nuo’s threat to him meant she could too. Everyone anticipated a clash of titans, yet they didn’t fight—disappointing. But Lan Nuo’s worth was undeniable; Ye Chen’s deference proved it. Who’d avoid a fight without real doubt?

…

Ye Chen, tiring of the mutual flattery, wanted to end it. He raised a hand, claiming the longevity medicine. Onlookers raised eyebrows—avoiding the fight, yet taking the prize?

Lan Nuo, caught up in the exchange, suppressing a flush of excitement, eyed the medicine. Her great-great-grandma needed it. But she knew the gap—Ye Chen’s respect was a misunderstanding. If she pushed and forced a fight, she’d be done for. Silently, she hoped he’d take it and leave quickly.