Immortality Starts With Investment

Gazing at the plump, life-filled Ginseng Fruit in the jade box, Feng Baiyu felt no greed, only disappointment.

”Holy Son, I’ve always believed in you, supported your path to the next Holy Master, clearing all obstacles,” he sighed. ”Yet you hide from me. The Ginseng Fruit Tree belonged to the True Phoenix Clan, led by the Undying Heavenly King. When he failed to kill the Heavenly Emperor and was slain, the Emperor massacred half their clan. The tree, tied to their protective array, was split in two, its last fruits taken. Now you produce a Ginseng Fruit and claim you’re not the Emperor’s heir? Your secrecy disappoints me. Do you think I’d steal your fortune?”

Ye Chen was stunned. How many misdeeds did the Heavenly Emperor commit? Though Feng Baiyu’s indignation seemed feigned, Ye Chen felt compelled to explain. Despite the Holy Master’s scheming—pitting him against Eldest Senior Brother—he’d been a steadfast ally.

”Holy Master, I’m truly not the Emperor’s heir,” Ye Chen said earnestly.

Feng Baiyu rolled his eyes. ”Sacred Body, Supreme Heart, Ginseng Fruit, Enlightenment Tea…”

Ye Chen cut in, planning to keep his Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo as a trump card but trusting Feng Baiyu for now. ”I don’t have a Sacred Body.”

Feng Baiyu shook his head, more disappointed. ”Your golden, ferocious blood qi in battle is the Sacred Body’s unique mark. Name another physique with golden blood qi.”

Without hesitation, Ye Chen replied, ”Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo.”

Feng Baiyu froze, dumbfounded. Ye Chen unveiled his physique, its terrifying blood qi and innate Dao resonance unmatched by any other. Only one physique in the cultivation world could achieve this. Ye Chen wasn’t lying. Seeing Feng Baiyu’s gaping mouth, Ye Chen said no more, feeling it proved he wasn’t the Emperor’s heir.

But Feng Baiyu’s eyes lit up, pointing excitedly. ”Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo only comes from a Sacred Body and Innate Dao Embryo union. Heavy Pupils aren’t always hereditary, but a woman with an Innate Dao Embryo was once expected to ascend to immortality. She and the Emperor were trapped in a secret realm for a century. When they emerged, she lost her competitive drive, faded into obscurity, and vanished from records.

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”People thought the Emperor broke her Dao heart. But seeing your physique, I understand—she bore his child, spending years nurturing it. Exceptional offspring take decades, even centuries, to gestate. By the time she birthed you, the Emperor had severed the Jianmu Tree, splitting realms. Weakened, she couldn’t ascend or find him, so she sealed you, awaiting the immortal path’s reopening. You’re that child! That’s why you inherited so many of the Emperor’s fortunes and passed your tribulation so easily.”

Pointing at Ye Chen, Feng Baiyu concluded triumphantly.

Ye Chen, numb from the elaborate deduction, felt cornered. He’d tried to clarify, but it only made things worse.

”I’m really not…” Ye Chen tried to protest.

Feng Baiyu shook his head. ”No need to explain. I know you were unaware, not hiding it intentionally. You’re a pitiful soul, waking after a million years to a changed world, loved ones gone… as for the Heavenly Emperor… even if you seize this era’s immortal chance, meeting him will be hard…”

His gaze turned increasingly tender.

Ye Chen: ”…”

Fine, whatever. He gave up talking.

Feng Baiyu pocketed the Ginseng Fruit, promising delivery, then grinned. ”Your caution is admirable. So strong, yet hiding an Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo. When Central Continent prodigies think they can challenge you, they’ll cry facing the truth!”

Ye Chen stayed silent. Even to allies like the Holy Master, a revealed trump card ceased to be one. The Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo was just one of his hidden aces.

…

The longevity medicine dispute ended. Ye Chen returned to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, daily studying his gains and showing Senior An his immortal roots to reassure her. Just one more root, and her physique would soar.

Meanwhile, Elder Lin neared Unity breakthrough, her deep foundation—suppressed long by her physique—bolstered by Ye Chen’s generous gifts. He gave her the Three Charms Unity Method and the Unity chapter of the Immortal Guiding Scripture.

After confirming the old Sect Master received the Ginseng Fruit and sent a reply, Ye Chen began secluded cultivation. Except for weekly gift-feedback sessions, he focused on the Immortal Guiding Scripture, advancing his realm. With deeper mastery of his Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo, his cultivation speed surged, transforming daily.

In the Central Continent, as witnesses returned, tales of the cave-heaven spread rapidly across the cultivation world. The initial reaction was disbelief. Ye Chen’s prowess was credible, but one against six top prodigies? Too far-fetched—even the Heavenly Emperor hadn’t done that. And claims that Lan Nuo’s Heavy Pupil rivaled or surpassed him, possibly because hers was ”female”? That sounded like pure nonsense.