Immortality Starts With Investment

After seven days, Ye Chen couldn’t refine more, leaving over ten portions of Phoenix Immortal Fire. Absorbing so much made vitality surge from every pore, overflowing. His lifespan felt extended—not a direct effect of the fire, but a side benefit of overindulgence.

Thinking of lifespan, Ye Chen recalled Green Cloud Sect’s old sect master, with perhaps a decade left. If he could obtain an immortality elixir or root, he’d share it to grant the old man another life.

A communication talisman stirred. Assuming Lin Qingtan had finished refining the Golden Crow Fire, Ye Chen planned to gift her the tail feathers. He opened the door remotely, but Feng Baiyu, looking scholarly, entered instead. Seeing Ye Chen brimming with vitality, he gaped. ”Ye Chen, you’re… overflowing with essence?”

Ye Chen: ???

What’s that supposed to mean, Holy Master?

Feng Baiyu got to business. ”Holy Land reports that Heavenly Emperor Hall in Central Continent announced this generation’s Heavenly Emperor heir—it’s you! You really are his heir, despite denying it.”

Ye Chen frowned. He knew his own status best. He’d hoped Heavenly Emperor Hall’s announcement would clear his name, but they’d confirmed him instead? What was going on? Did they see his talent, ditch their original heir, and pick him?

”What’s the benefit of being the heir? Are the resources good?” Ye Chen asked eagerly.

Feng Baiyu smirked. ”You’d know best, wouldn’t you? The Emperor swept the cultivation world, destroying or hiding treasures. His less-talented followers, unable to keep up, stayed behind. He left unused treasures to found Heavenly Emperor Hall for nurturing heirs. Over a million years, twelve heirs emerged; six became immortals, opening Heaven’s Gate. They were loaded with treasures, ancient artifacts, even immortal weapons stained with blood—utterly extravagant.”

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Ye Chen’s eyes gleamed. Heavenly Emperor Hall was that rich? Being the heir sounded good. ”They’ve named me the heir. When do they send treasures and protectors?”

Feng Baiyu shrugged. ”You’re asking me? With your lavish spending, haven’t you already received them?”

Ye Chen shook his head. ”Everything I have is from my own efforts, not the Emperor. Heavenly Emperor Hall never contacted me or gave me anything.”

Feng Baiyu ignored the first part but sensed something off. No contact, yet they announced him? Odd. Heirs were typically chosen early, invested in, and revealed after growth. Ye Chen’s case was unusual.

”Did those old geezers in Heavenly Emperor Hall pocket my heir resources?” Ye Chen mused.

Feng Baiyu, stumped, nodded absently in agreement.

Ye Chen’s eyes narrowed as Feng Baiyu nodded. ”I’m the Heavenly Emperor Hall’s heir—the whole Hall should be mine, yet they’re stealing my resources. How bold! Next time we meet, if they don’t explain, I’ll clean house!”

His eyes blazed with killing intent. Feng Baiyu’s mouth twitched. Just an heir, and you claim the entire Hall? Planning to purge them without even meeting? Even the reborn Emperor might not match your bloodlust.

Feng Baiyu, expecting Heavenly Emperor Hall as an ally for the immortal path, sensed something amiss. He left to investigate further, saying little.

Ye Chen’s cold gaze held no pretense. The Heavenly Emperor heir title, with vast resources, was appealing—everyone would want it. But a title alone, without support?

Laughable. The Emperor’s infamy made enemies reflexively hate his heir, as seen with the Golden Crows. The title drew scrutiny and suppression on the perilous immortal path. Yet Heavenly Emperor Hall never contacted him or provided resources, unilaterally declaring him heir. Malice was clear, though their motives eluded him.

Ye Chen didn’t dwell. With growing strength, no scheme could touch him. When strong enough, he’d storm the Hall, reclaiming what was his. No ties to the Emperor meant no mercy—even if the Emperor himself appeared, Ye Chen would smash his head if crossed.

Bold as ever, Ye Chen dismissed the matter, planning to gift Lin Qingtan the Golden Crow tail feathers with a pretext. But as if on cue, his chamber’s communication talisman buzzed.

Lin Qingtan’s voice came through: ”Holy Son, it’s Qingtan. I’ve fully refined the Golden Crow Fire, resolving my constitution. The runes can now be erased at will. I’m here to share my joy! May I enter?”

Ye Chen’s eyes lit up. Perfect timing.