Immortality Starts With Investment

Wang Teng’s face darkened. Since his rise, no one had treated him so coldly. His fists clenched under his robe. Once he had this woman, he’d make her pay for today’s slight. Suppressing his anger, he spoke gently, ”Why keep me at arm’s length, Fairy Yi? I’m not in a rush—just hoping to be friends. I never met the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, but I’m sure he wouldn’t want you so melancholic.”

Other prodigies, sensing the tension, chimed in to ease it.

”Indeed, Fairy Yi, no need to resist. Let’s discuss the Dao today and leave other matters for later,” one said.

”Divine Son Wang’s star techniques are profound, sharing roots with your Moonlight Divine Art. If you have cultivation questions, he’ll surely answer freely,” another added.

”Brother Wang’s Star River King Body and Fairy Yi’s Broad Cold Immortal Body are a perfect match. In ancient times, before the Heavenly Emperor’s era, a Star River King Body and Broad Cold Immortal Body became partners, supporting each other to ascend the Immortal Path. If you two unite, it’ll be a legendary tale,” a third said, grinning. ”Who agrees?”

The prodigies pushed the match, and many from their factions cheered loudly. Great Yan’s cultivators, protective of their divine maiden, stayed silent, reluctant to see her claimed by an outsider but too wary to speak.

Yi Qingwu ignored them, her expression icy, her eyes still scanning the crowd, searching. Disappointment grew in her gaze. Then, her eyes locked on a figure, brightening. A smile broke across her face, warming Heavenly Intention Palace like spring.

Under her gaze, Ye Chen smiled back. A booming voice thundered through the palace: ”My friend here and I both disagree…”

Ye Chen’s voice echoed like thunder, stunning everyone. Who dared oppose the fearsome Star River King Body? Two people? Were they suicidal?

All eyes turned to the voice’s source. The crowd parted hastily, fearing involvement, clearing a path.

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On the platform, the prodigy who’d spoken frowned, snapping, ”The Star River King Body and Broad Cold Immortal Body are a perfect pair. Who are you two to—”

His terrifying aura surged, ready to crush the insolent pair. But seeing Ye Chen’s smiling face, his words died. His aura retracted, and he stepped back, sweating, unable to meet Ye Chen’s gaze.

Ye Chen was really here?

Though only First Heaven Mahayana, same as him, and possibly weakened by hidden injuries after eight years’ absence, the memory of Ye Chen’s feats—fighting six peers and slaying three Mahayana cultivators across realms—made his heart race. He had no courage to face him, no desire to provoke him.

Ye Chen hadn’t disguised himself. The crowd recognized him instantly, erupting in louder shock than before, parting further. Though expected, given his obsession with Yi Qingwu, his arrival still stunned them. A battle was now inevitable.

Many eyes fell on the young cultivator under Ye Chen’s arm. To be so close to the Heavenly Emperor’s heir, he must be extraordinary. Speculation about his identity swirled.

From the pavilion, the third-generation Star River King Body, Wang Teng, looked down at Ye Chen, chin raised. Noticing Ye Chen’s mere First Heaven Mahayana cultivation, he relaxed. His clan had informed him that they’d attacked Ye Chen at Heavenly Desire Sect to clear his path. Though Ye Chen killed three Mahayana cultivators, he must’ve used forbidden techniques, injuring himself gravely. His absence from the Immortal Path confirmed it.

At the same realm, Wang Teng might’ve been wary, but a full heaven above Ye Chen? With the vast gaps between Mahayana stages, victory was certain.

Moreover, he wasn’t alone. On the Immortal Path, he’d befriended the Alkaid Holy Son, who’d secretly arrived. If Ye Chen appeared, Alkaid would aid him.

”Heavenly Emperor’s heir, what right do you have to oppose Fairy Yi’s affairs?” Wang Teng suppressed his killing intent, aiming to use Ye Chen to establish his dominance, end his clan’s cursed legacy of fallen Divine Sons, and forge his reputation with Ye Chen’s blood.

But Ye Chen, like Yi Qingwu before, ignored him. Patting the trembling young cultivator’s shoulder, he said, ”Don’t worry, you’ve got good taste. It’s a waste as a rogue cultivator. Report to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land later—say I sent you. Pick any peak except Ascension.”

The young man’s ashen eyes widened with hope.

Ye Chen leisurely withdrew his arm, walking calmly through the crowd, his gaze fixed solely on Yi Qingwu, the Broad Cold Immortal Body.

Her radiant face bloomed with a smile, her eyes a mix of relief and playful reproach. ”Gone so long, I thought you were dead. But you’re still here…”

Her voice, melodious as an oriole, echoed like celestial music.

Ye Chen’s smile softened. ”Don’t worry. I’m here. I’ve always been here.”