Immortality Starts With Investment

Gu Yunyun’s flat rejection darkened Dugu Sheng’s face. He hadn’t expected her to leave no room for discussion. As a Second Heaven Mahayana Holy Master, if not for the Heavenly Emperor’s heir, would this woman dare negotiate with him?

Dugu Sheng stayed silent, the atmosphere tense.

Ye Chen, beside her, smirked. This was his master’s style—direct with outsiders, no nonsense, ready to fight. He still recalled her at Green Cloud Sect, storming Talisman Peak when he was bullied. During his Golden Core tribulation, she slew a curious Golden Core expert without hesitation. Only with him did she show that helpless, yielding side.

Ye Chen glanced at Dugu Sheng, wondering if he’d try stealing the Dugu Wooden Sword when he wasn’t around. If so, should he find a chance to kill him? Observing closely, if Dugu Sheng showed any killing intent, he was done for.

Seeing Dugu Sheng silent, Gu Yunyun, unfazed by offending a Mahayana expert, spoke calmly. ”If Senior Dugu has no other business, I’ll take my leave. I have matters to discuss with my rebellious disciple…”

Dugu Sheng glanced at Mahayana Ye Chen, then at Unity-stage Gu Yunyun. What could she possibly ”discuss” with such a gap?

With Ye Chen present, Dugu Sheng had no thoughts of seizing the sword. But his backup plan kicked in.

A Dugu clan Supreme Elder stepped forward, smiling at Gu Yunyun. ”Sect Leader Gu, Dugu Sheng is our sect’s brightest prodigy, with hopes of vying for the Immortal Path. I know the Dugu Wooden Sword matters to you, but for the sect’s future, could you part with it? The Sword Sect will thank you in time.”

”Indeed, Sect Leader. The Sword Sect traces back to the Dugu clan. That sword, though in your hands, belongs to Dugu Sheng’s ancestor. Isn’t it improper to keep it when his heir needs it?

”You may not know, but the Supreme Elder who passed you the sword intent was Dugu Sheng’s great-grandmother. Your cultivation speed and Invincible Sword Body owe much to her… Receiving such a great favor yet refusing to help her heir—wouldn’t she regret choosing you if she knew?”

Many Dugu clan elders clung to family loyalty. They wanted Dugu Sheng to rise. They also believed the Dugu Wooden Sword was the sect’s. Gu Yunyun, having retrieved it, was merely its temporary keeper. It should be returned.

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Ye Chen smirked. Moral blackmail, huh? This was getting interesting…

Seeing Ye Chen’s dark expression, the elders’ words faltered, and they fell silent. They had the courage to pressure Gu Yunyun. But crossing Ye Chen, risking his wrath? No way. The fourth Holy Son, womanizer though he was, had a terrifying killing streak. The Star River Clan’s three fallen divine sons were proof.

Ye Chen ignored them, glancing at Dugu Sheng, gripping his master’s hand tighter. She didn’t need to worry. He had everything covered. But he’d overestimated. His master, unsteady only with him, was otherwise resolute. No need for his concern.

Yet, unexpectedly, Gu Yunyun’s face turned pensive. She looked at him. ”If I leave the sword with the Sword Sect, will you be upset?”

Dugu Sheng’s eyelids twitched. He had no desire to clash with Ye Chen. He’d feared failure. But Gu Yunyun seemed willing?

The elders were shocked but uneasy, watching Ye Chen, fearing his grudge.

Ye Chen, unfazed by her unusual words, smiled, knowing her character. His master was clear on gratitude and grudges. She’d stayed in the Sword Sect for a Supreme Elder’s kindness. Now, leaving the Dugu Wooden Sword meant settling that debt. She’d leave with him.

The Dugu Wooden Sword? A supreme Extreme Dao Weapon, invaluable. But to Ye Chen, it was nothing. If his master wanted, he’d get her two more. Trading it for her peace of mind, to join him at Heavenly Intention Holy Land? A steal!

Without hesitation, he shook his head. ”I support whatever you do. The Dugu Wooden Sword isn’t worth a fraction of you!”

His words made Gu Yunyun smile, like blooming peach blossoms…

Luo Bingling, however, sneered. A supreme Extreme Dao Weapon, used by immortals, was rare even in major holy lands. Ye Chen gave it up to please a woman—what a wastrel. But this boosted her confidence. If he was so generous with Gu Yunyun, discarding a supreme Extreme Dao Weapon, she, superior to Gu Yunyun, could easily get the Dao Cauldron with a little effort. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation…

…

Before everyone, Gu Yunyun raised her hand, calmly summoning the Dugu Wooden Sword. Not yet Mahayana, she couldn’t wield it. As it appeared, its supreme Extreme Dao Weapon aura surged, shaking cultivators below Mahayana. Dugu Sheng, feeling its presence, trembled with excitement, staring at Gu Yunyun.

She scanned him and the elders. ”Long ago, a Supreme Elder’s kindness gave me the Dugu Sword Scripture, the Invincible Sword Body, and her sword intent. I’m deeply grateful. Today, I gift the Dugu Wooden Sword to her heir, returning it to the Sword Sect, repaying her grace. From today, I resign as sect leader and leave the Sword Sect…”

Her words stunned the elders. Gu Yunyun was leaving? But with the Dugu Wooden Sword staying, it wasn’t a loss!

Dugu Sheng had no objections.

Seeing no dissent, Gu Yunyun gently sent the sword to Dugu Sheng. His heart raced, hands trembling. Only decorum kept him from snatching it. But then, a cold voice echoed through the Sword Sect: ”I object…”

A large hand seized the Dugu Wooden Sword, returning it to Gu Yunyun!