Immortality Starts With Investment

Not only Hua Yunfei, but the two elders shared the same view. Ye Chen’s cultivated Immortal Scripture and Treasure Techniques were nearly identical to the Heavenly Emperor’s—too close to be coincidence. Add his Supreme Heart, the Emperor’s signature bloodline Divine Ability, rarer than Heavy Pupils, and it was clear: he wasn’t just a successor; he might be the Emperor’s son.

Though Ye Chen hailed from a small clan in Green Cloud City, everyone in Great Yan State knew he wasn’t his family’s biological child. His father had vanished. The trio speculated: could Ye Chen be the Heavenly Emperor’s true son?

After the Emperor’s rise, the cultivation world declined, immortality growing elusive. Perhaps he sealed his son to awaken in this era, destined to lock the gates of immortality forever.

Legends spoke of the Emperor’s double-pupil rival, a female cultivator from the myriad races, supposedly slain by him after reaching true immortality. But with the Emperor’s reputation for charming holy maidens, a myriad-race woman wasn’t out of the question—especially a Kuafu clan member, human-like in appearance. Perhaps they sparked a connection, secretly had a child, and kept it hidden. A stretch, but Ye Chen’s Heavy Pupils and Supreme Heart made it plausible.

Their gazes on Ye Chen shifted, heavy with implication. Ye Chen gave up explaining—it was futile. The Heavenly Emperor’s path was perfect: the best Immortal Scripture, the finest techniques.

With his system, Ye Chen naturally chose the same, unintentionally mirroring the Emperor. But he had no ties to the Heavenly Emperor Hall. Its recent activity suggested the true heir’s emergence was near, which would clear things up. Ye Chen had no interest in posing as the heir to claim the Hall’s resources. His own efforts sufficed.

As the tower ship entered the Holy Land, Elder He went to the Cloud Summit Heaven Palace to report, while Elder Mo demanded rest. Ye Chen chatted briefly with Hua Yunfei before flying to his Holy Son Peak. The trip was short but eventful, with immense gains. Next, he’d study the visualization diagram and prepare for the Deity Transformation Stage breakthrough.

In midair, a red-haired woman froze upon seeing him. Ye Chen noticed her, nodded with a smile, and flew toward An Miaoli’s cave abode. Though Holy Maidens and goddesses were captivating, An Miaoli held his heart. He planned to gift her the Infinite Ocean Visualization Diagram and any critical rewards it might yield, letting her choose. Previously, her constitution prevented deeper, more effective detox treatments like An Yuyi’s. But with the soul communion technique from Divine Maiden Fan Qinghe, that might change.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on .com. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Ignoring the red-haired woman, Li Feihuang, Ye Chen left. Her proud eyes, once akin to Yi Qingwu’s, now dimmed with dejection, a bitter smile on her lips. The Ye Chen who once adored her now treated her like a stranger.

Li Feihuang’s heart swirled with mixed emotions, her eyes brimming with regret. Over the years, she’d replayed countless times how Ye Chen had given her everything, while she, arrogant and lofty, never treated him as an equal. She deserved this outcome.

Watching Ye Chen enter An Miaoli’s cave abode, she sighed again. Though pointless, she couldn’t help but wonder: if she’d cherished his devotion back then, would he have rushed to her cave first upon returning? But the world offered no ”ifs.”

Li Feihuang’s cave was near her master, Lin Qingtan’s. Today was her routine visit. Inside, she sensed her master’s unusually good mood, despite Lin Qingtan’s face and limbs being veiled in mist, as always.

”Master seems in high spirits today,” Li Feihuang said softly.

Lin Qingtan didn’t hide it, her sultry, smoky voice tinged with excitement. ”Rumors within the Holy Land suggest fragments of a relic tied to the Great Yang Divine Dynasty have surfaced. The dynasty, destroyed by the Heavenly Emperor and sunk into the Endless Sea, was never found. If it emerges, the lost Great Yang Immortal Scripture might appear. Even a fragment could resolve my Yin Nether Demon Body’s issues.”

Li Feihuang rejoiced for her master. She knew Lin Qingtan’s condition: her overpowering Yin Nether Demon Body prevented her from condensing extreme yang energy, causing an imbalance that stalled her cultivation. The Great Yang Immortal Scripture, one of humanity’s oldest scriptures alongside the Great Yin Immortal Scripture, mastered yin-yang balance and could suppress the demon body’s side effects.

”Congratulations, Master!” Li Feihuang said sincerely.

Lin Qingtan sighed. ”The Holy Son is truly blessed by fortune. I searched for years without a hint, but just a few years after joining his peak, news of the Great Yang Immortal Scripture surfaces. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s better than no hope at all. Feihuang, I’m heading to the Endless Sea to be there when the relic emerges. I won’t be able to guide you until I return.”

Li Feihuang shook her head. ”Master, don’t worry about me. I hope you resolve your condition soon and return safely with the scripture.”

Lin Qingtan smiled lightly. Li Feihuang had matured, shedding her former impulsiveness and pride. Without further words, she departed for the Endless Sea, having already informed the Holy Land. Though only at the early Deity Transformation Stage with limited combat power, she trusted the Holy Land would send stronger cultivators when the relic fully appeared.

Unaware of Li Feihuang’s reflections or Lin Qingtan’s departure, Ye Chen arrived at An Miaoli’s cave abode and activated the transmission talisman. An Miaoli emerged, as breathtakingly flawless as ever, ethereal and otherworldly. Her misty eyes sparkled with delight upon seeing him.