Immortality Starts With Investment

When the news first broke, it was met with widespread ridicule—too fake. Alkaid, Yao Yuekong, and others had countless admirers, clan members, and disciples. Both human and myriad races were outraged, some vowing to slay the rumor-mongers. But soon, mass-produced recording stones flooded major immortal cities, except places like Alkaid City. Sales exploded; nearly everyone had one.

The recordings silenced all anger. Ye Chen’s invincible might shone: one hand crushed Yao Yuekong, another unleashed a Divine Ability sweeping Alkaid and four others, his domain trapped Ba Wang, splitting him repeatedly, preventing any approach. Amid this, he casually slapped the sneaking Star River King Body to death. Too absurd. Was the Heavenly Emperor heir that strong?

Many still doubted, but Alkaid, Yao Yuekong, and others vanished from sight. Ba Wang, newly emerged, reportedly retreated to his clan’s ancestral grounds for seclusion. Other top prodigies disappeared too. None of the Central Continent’s top ten prodigies refuted the claims, indirectly confirming them.

The cultivation world fell silent, especially the Central Continent, the heart of the realm. Central Continent prodigies always dominated other domains; defeats happened, but never a complete rout by an outsider. Even as the Heavenly Emperor’s heir, Ye Chen’s feat was unthinkable. Too outrageous. What was left to contest on the immortal path?

Yet, a silver lining emerged for the Central Continent. Though their top prodigies were crushed, Fairy Lan’s performance shone. Confident and bold, she showed no fear of Ye Chen, refusing to join the ambush.

Ye Chen, who fought six, lacked confidence against her, delaying their battle twice, ultimately avoiding it and setting a Mahayana rematch. He claimed her Heavy Pupil mastery surpassed his, but many seriously suspected the male-female Heavy Pupil theory—perhaps hers restrained his, explaining his caution.

With top prodigies suppressed and in hiding, Lan Nuo became the Central Continent’s young generation’s face. The Lan Clan soared as the most dazzling ancient immortal family, flooded with visitors. Great Yan had Ye Chen; Central Continent had Lan Nuo. Even the least talented Central Continent cultivator puffed with pride.

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The Star River Clan was mentioned too, but with complex emotions. Others, though battered, survived. Their new King Body, freshly chosen, was slapped dead. Hard to judge. The Star River Clan seemed truly cursed against the Heavenly Emperor.

Central Continent cultivators expected the Heavenly Emperor heir to stride into their domain post-victory, preparing for the immortal path. But, astonishingly, Ye Chen vanished—no trace, no appearances.

Speculation swirled: when would he come? Would he wait until the immortal path opened? Too slow, surely—yet arrogant enough to believe he could still crush all? Too bold.

Central Continent’s cultivation world quieted. Once teeming with prodigies clashing daily, the cave-heaven battle changed everything. Top prodigies secluded themselves, others found fights lackluster. Every clash paled against Ye Chen’s one-against-six annihilation, rendering all else dull. Prodigies despaired—his strength was too absurd, pursuit futile. On the immortal path, a mere glance from him might kill. What was left to fight for?

This era, before the immortal path opened, was eerily peaceful—no bloodshed, no grudges, unlike the recorded chaos of past eras. All because of Ye Chen, single-handedly suppressing top prodigies into hiding, sapping all fighting spirit. No one in history matched this feat.

Only the Lan Clan buzzed with activity. Prodigies flocked to visit Lan Nuo, most turned away. Those who saw her were awestruck, sensing an invincible aura and unprecedented Heavy Pupil mastery. Some begged for spars or guidance, but Lan Nuo, with a few glances and a shake of her head, dismissed them.

Rejections didn’t breed resentment—suitors realized their weakness, unworthy of her. Her aloof, otherworldly demeanor fueled Central Continent’s anticipation for her Mahayana clash with Ye Chen. How terrifying would it be? Could it shatter the immortal path itself?

…

Two and a half years passed amid this anticipation. At Heavenly Evolution Holy Land’s Ascension Peak, in the Holy Son’s mansion, Ye Chen, absent from gifting for a month, opened his eyes. Divine light and Dao charm cascaded from his gaze, godlike patterns swirling around him. Sitting cross-legged, he seemed a Dao Sovereign incarnate, his aura leagues beyond his last battle.

Inspecting himself, Ye Chen’s lips curved slightly. Two and a half years of seclusion brought him to Unity’s peak, progress maxed. His speed, though slower than expected, was still phenomenal.

Lan Nuo’s feedback deepened his Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo mastery, accelerating cultivation. Yet, the Immortal Guiding Scripture and his physique devoured Dao charm like a pump, taking two and a half years to fill.