Immortality Starts With Investment

The crowd grew increasingly anxious, desperate to know what was happening inside. Had a victor already emerged? Had someone boarded the divine maiden’s jade boat?

Amid their curiosity, the seemingly thin but impenetrable mist shrouding the Pure Moon River began to dissipate. In the blink of an eye, it melted away like spring snow. The scene on the river came into view. The moment it did, a wave of gasps swept through the crowd.

Atop the jade boat, the Heavenly Desire divine maiden was breathtakingly alluring. A single glance left countless mouths dry. The cultivation world was filled with countless beauties, but finding another like this generation’s divine maiden, Fan Qinghe, was near impossible.

This woman seemed to exist solely for men. Many felt that seeing her even once was enough to leave this life without regrets. No wonder the commotion inside was so intense. A vixen like her was absolutely worth such chaos. But when the onlookers outside saw the scene on the river, their shock deepened.

The river’s surface was littered with fragments of broken boats. In the sky, the two legacy disciples from the Heavenly Intention Holy Land radiated the oppressive aura of mid-Deity Transformation cultivators. The surging pressure stilled the river’s waves, turning the entire space into a mirror-like calm. Both glared furiously at the Fourth Holy Son. Clearly, a conflict had erupted. It seemed the Fourth Holy Son had struck first, aiming to take on both at once.

But that wasn’t all. The Little Roc King, Zhang Pengfei, stood on his boat, his face dark. His eyes glowed like molten gold, and behind him sprouted two wings, each feather like a peerless flying sword, radiating sky-piercing sword intent capable of cutting through anything. He, too, was glaring at the Fourth Holy Son of the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Some in the crowd, who’d been at the market street that day and heard Ye Chen speak, now realized it was he who’d exposed Zhang Pengfei’s identity.

What was going on? Was the Fourth Holy Son really planning to suppress everyone single-handedly?

That seemed impossible. No matter how strong he was, he was only at late Nascent Soul. His opponents included two mid-Deity Transformation cultivators and one early Deity Transformation—all prodigies with combat strength far exceeding their realms. How could the Fourth Holy Son be so reckless as to make so many enemies?

Yet, the fact that he was diving into the fray for the divine maiden suggested he was aiming to emulate the Heavenly Emperor, subduing her to aid his cultivation. Whatever the reason, the crowd was in an uproar. They’d expected plenty of prodigies to show up for the spectacle, but few to actually join the fight.

Now, not only was the Fourth Holy Son involved, but so were the two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples. And the Little Roc King likely had the same goal. Other prodigies, like Yao Gu of the Yao Clan, weren’t even watching the sky’s brewing battle, their eyes glued to the divine maiden. Clearly, he might jump in later too.

The scene left everyone in awe. This generation’s divine maiden was simply too extraordinary. Even holy sons and legacy disciples were casting aside their status to compete.

Yet, looking at Fan Qinghe, it felt entirely justified. The Heavenly Desire Sect’s divine maiden, Fan Qinghe, truly had the charm to upend the world. Even emotionless, Dao-focused elders might waver at the sight of her.

With such a spectacle, the crowd around the Pure Moon River grew larger. They watched Fan Qinghe delicately pluck moonlight, producing celestial music. They watched the brewing battle, eager to see who would strike next. And who would ultimately board the jade boat to discuss the Dao with the divine maiden, becoming her guardian and companion in her travels.

…

Under the gaze of countless onlookers, Zhang Pengfei’s eyes blazed with fury as he sensed his partner’s rapidly approaching aura. He was doomed. Either the grand elder would forsake him, cutting off his resources and demanding he return what he’d gained, or he’d have to grovel to appease his partner. But her peculiar tastes made even the thought of it chilling.

His anger toward Ye Chen surged. All he’d done that day was save face by revealing Ye Chen’s identity to avoid looking like he’d been scared off by a nobody. And earlier, he’d only thought about stepping on Ye Chen to boost his fame. He hadn’t done anything—just thought about it! Yet Ye Chen was pushing him to his death. Utterly despicable.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Zhang Pengfei was sharp, realizing his best move was to defeat Ye Chen and prove his worth. If he could beat Ye Chen, he’d rise to the top tier of prodigies, just below the likes of Hua, Yao, and Ying. Even the Sky Roc Sect would have to reassess him, perhaps elevating him further.

So, he locked eyes with Ye Chen, his voice icy. ”Ye the Fourth, I’ve long heard your Heavy Pupils are terrifying, holding the power of destruction and sealing all in the world. Today, I want to test them.”

With those words, Zhang Pengfei’s wings flared behind him. He soared into the sky. In the next moment, a colossal Sword Roc, as vast as a mountain, materialized. It was like an ancient beast reborn, coldly surveying the world. Its sword intent seemed to shake the heavens.

Zhang Pengfei stood at the roc’s brow, his battle intent surging, showing no fear of Ye Chen’s Holy Son status.

The onlookers were stunned.

”Zhang Pengfei’s Sword Roc Body has clearly awakened to a profound level. His Heaven and Earth Manifestation is almost identical to an ancient Sword Roc—terrifying!”

”That sword intent stings my eyes just looking at it, making them tear up. I can’t see clearly!”

”He may have risen through a woman, but his effort and talent are undeniably top-notch.”

”The Holy Son has Heavy Pupils, but he lacks a Heaven and Earth Manifestation. He’s at a disadvantage here.”

The crowd buzzed, marveling at Zhang Pengfei’s strength, eagerly anticipating the clash.

Zhang Pengfei knew his future hinged on this battle, so he unleashed his full power without hesitation.

Yet, despite being called ”Ye the Fourth” to his face and facing the terrifying Sword Roc manifestation, Ye Chen’s expression remained calm. No anger, no fear, no concern. He glanced at the Sword Roc from top to bottom, not lingering for even a moment. Then he turned to the two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples.

Having unleashed his Heaven and Earth Manifestation, only to be so blatantly ignored, Zhang Pengfei was livid. His Sword Roc manifestation spread its wings, head raised, exuding ferocious intent, ready to soar and strike Ye Chen.

Ye Chen still paid him no mind. Instead, he spoke calmly to the two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples. ”Both of you, come at me together.”

Two days ago, Ye Chen had considered Yao Gu’s words about the Heavenly Desire divine maiden avoiding top prodigies to prevent being freeloaded like the Heavenly Emperor. He’d wondered if he should play the pig—fight just barely enough to win, making it look like a close call, as if he’d only prevailed by luck. That might convince the world his reputation was earned, perhaps luring the divine maiden into taking the bait. But he quickly found the idea dull.

Why bother?

With his system, he could be direct and brutal. He could shower her with gifts until she surrendered.

Why play the pig?

Besides, most women admired strength. They’d fall for the powerful, even harboring ambitions to conquer them for immense satisfaction.

So today, Ye Chen wanted to end this swiftly. And make his name resound. The Heavenly Intention Holy Son might qualify as his rival, but the rest? They were just wasting his time.

After this battle, he’d ensure the likes of Zhang Pengfei would detour around him, not dare to leech off his fame.

Today wasn’t just about claiming the divine maiden to aid his cultivation. It was about cementing his legend across the Great Yan Continent. He wanted the world to look at him with awe, not trouble him with challenges.

Ye Chen’s words sent a shockwave through the crowd. The Holy Son was demanding that both Heavenly Intention legacy disciples attack him together? That was outrageously arrogant. It was understandable that he didn’t see Zhang Pengfei as a threat.

After all, despite lacking a Heaven and Earth Manifestation, Ye Chen had Heavy Pupils. Defeating Zhang Pengfei across realms wouldn’t be too shocking. But the two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples were no pushovers. They were only a step below their Holy Son, and both were at mid-Deity Transformation—higher than Ye Chen’s realm. Even with a bloodline Divine Ability like Heavy Pupils, this was too brazen. He’d pay a price. Had the Fourth Holy Son lost his mind, trying to show off for a woman?

…

Zhang Pengfei’s fury reached its peak. This was humiliation. He could bear it no longer.

High in the sky, the two Heavenly Intention legacy disciples, who hadn’t taken Ye Chen too seriously and were more focused on scheming how to secure the sole chance to board the jade boat, heard his words.

The sword-marked disciple sneered. ”Suppressing you? I’m enough on my own. Why would I team up with this woman-clinging trash?”

The fan-wielding disciple scoffed, casting a disdainful glance at Zhang Pengfei. ”Utterly repulsive!”

The Heavenly Intention Holy Land always claimed to embody the will of heaven, holding themselves above others. Aside from their own Holy Son and prodigies from other holy lands, they regarded most sect prodigies as mere rabble. Their words spared Zhang Pengfei no face.

The scene fell silent. The onlookers couldn’t help but feel secondhand embarrassment for Zhang Pengfei. Ignored by the Fourth Holy Son. Scorned by the Heavenly Intention legacy disciples. Despite being a prodigy with a terrifying Heaven and Earth Manifestation, he somehow seemed… pitiful. If the crowd put themselves in his shoes, they’d probably never show their face again after today.

…