Immortality Starts With Investment

After seeing Ye Chen off, Gu Yunyun finally had time to visit the ancestors. At that moment, Lin Qian flew over, his expression conflicted, hesitating over whether to speak. He had no intention of stirring trouble—only a desire to protect Gu Yunyun from deception and future heartbreak.

”Sect Leader, I have something to tell you,” Lin Qian said, maintaining a respectful distance with his refined demeanor.

Gu Yunyun’s cool gaze met his. ”Speak, Elder Lin.”

Sensing the subtle distance in her eyes, Lin Qian sighed inwardly but pressed on. ”During your seclusion, Sect Leader, Holy Son Ye frequently gifted treasures to the female cultivators of our sect, including several Dugu clan elders. I’m not trying to sow discord, but I hope you’ll take note and perhaps advise Holy Son Ye. His past is irrelevant, but as your dao companion and a guest in our sect, he should show some restraint.”

Gu Yunyun raised an eyebrow, then smiled with realization. ”No wonder, upon emerging, the Dugu elders, once hostile due to my outsider status, softened their stance. And the prodigy disciples, previously resentful, grew more respectful. So, while I was in seclusion, Ye Chen did all this? Not only did he secure my position as Sect Leader, but he also ensured its stability.”

Her gaze drifted toward the vanished skyship, her eyes brimming with tenderness. To have such a disciple was her greatest fortune. Recalling Ye Chen’s parting words—hoping she’d guide him with her hands—she resolved to neither agree nor refuse, leaving it to him next time.

Nodding to Lin Qian, she floated away. Lin Qian, stunned by her words, froze. Since learning of the Fourth Holy Son’s past, he’d felt Gu Yunyun deserved a devoted prodigy, not someone as fickle as Ye Chen. He believed no one loved her more than he did. But her words struck like lightning.

Ye Chen’s gifts targeted either prodigies or influential elders—all female, yes, but all either powerful now or promising in the future. Their gratitude would solidify Gu Yunyun’s leadership, ensuring a smooth transition of power.

This was true love—seizing the Sect Leader’s role with might and subtly winning over key figures. Ye Chen acted wholly for Gu Yunyun’s sake. Compared to him, Lin Qian’s ”love” was mere self-delusion. In that moment, he let go completely.

He sought his junior sister, who always waited patiently, listening to his woes and offering gentle comfort. But at her cave abode, he found her sealing it. Unfazed, he spoke softly, ”Junior Sister, I’ve finally given up. Looking back, I realize…”

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She smiled. ”It’s good you’ve let go, Senior Brother. With a prodigy like the Fourth Holy Son, the Sect Leader wouldn’t look elsewhere.”

Her words stung, but seeing her familiar smile and beauty he’d once overlooked, Lin Qian wanted to say more. She waved him off. ”Hold that thought, Senior Brother. I spoke with the Supreme Elder about training at Heavenly Evolution Holy Land, and he approved. I’m heading to ask the Sect Leader. If she agrees, I’ll leave immediately. With her influence, the Fourth Holy Son will surely accept me at Ascendant Peak. Training under such a prodigy will be invaluable. So, Senior Brother, until we meet again.”

With that, she drifted toward Sword Peak, leaving Lin Qian stunned, his eyes vacant. Ascendant Peak—Ye Chen’s ”harem peak”? His junior sister was going there?

After a long pause, Lin Qian came to, looking around. He had nothing left.

…

Aboard the returning skyship, after a brief chat with Hua Yunfei, Ye Chen settled into a cabin, sat cross-legged, and flashed into his small world. With the critical hit feedback secured, he finally had time to examine the system’s reward.

He’d chosen to place the Enlightenment Tea Tree on his main peak. Entering the small world and stepping onto the peak, he saw the Starlight Pool shimmering with radiance.

Nearby, several spiritual peach trees bloomed or bore fruit, a breathtaking sight. Ye Chen felt a pang of regret—he’d forgotten to show Gu Yunyun this pool, tailored for her. With the pool and peach trees, she’d surely be delighted, perhaps even joining him to cultivate in the Star Pool. A missed opportunity.

But his focus shifted. At the peak’s summit stood a ten-meter ancient tree—the Enlightenment Tea Tree. Its leaves varied in color and shape: some gleamed like divine gold, others like immortal silver or radiant jade. Each leaf glowed with life. The tree itself was vigorous, its trunk resembling a true dragon, exuding both ancient gravitas and vibrant renewal. A marvel to behold, its extraordinary nature was evident even from afar.

As Ye Chen ascended the peak, the world transformed. Within five hundred meters of the tree, the Great Dao seemed to converge, enveloping him in tranquility and serenity. The excitement from meeting his master and experiencing her commanding presence faded, replaced by calm. Gazing at the newborn tree, Ye Chen’s eyes filled with awe.

No wonder it was said that cultivating under the Enlightenment Tea Tree made one day equal a month outside—a supreme immortal root. He’d once thought the claim exaggerated, but now, standing before it, all doubts vanished. The tree bore 108 unique leaves, depicting true dragons, small cauldrons, divine emperors, true immortals, and landscapes, each pulsing with Dao charm.

Ye Chen gently plucked a leaf, its brilliance shimmering with dreamlike light. Sensing its Dao resonance, he confirmed it matched Hua Yunfei’s gift—effective even for Mahayana cultivators.

Yet, drinking tea paled beside cultivating under the tree itself. The leaves were treasures, but the living, Dao-infused tree was the true supreme artifact, coveted by Holy Lands and even the Heavenly Emperor, who’d tried to transplant it.

Now, this treasure was his alone. With it, he could swiftly close the gap with this era’s top prodigies, no longer relying on Hua Yunfei. His senior brother was reliable and caring, but Ye Chen couldn’t depend on him forever. True strength lay in himself.

…