Immortality Starts With Investment

Initially, the Sword Sect’s Saint wasn’t keen on Ye Chen’s visit. With only 400 years left to live—not the rumored thousand—he had no hope of immortality or reaching the highest realm. Beyond the Sword Sect’s legacy, nothing mattered. He agreed to meet Ye Chen only for the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land’s sake. Deep down, he disliked Ye Chen. Ye Chen’s presence blocked him from ousting Gu Yunyun, preventing the Dugu family from reclaiming control.

The Supreme Elder, aware of this, waited outside, expecting a brief meeting. But to his shock, Ye Chen stayed half a day. What stunned the Supreme Elder more was the scene when Ye Chen emerged.

The Saint, all smiles, patted Ye Chen’s shoulder, escorting him out like a cherished son, his face blooming like a chrysanthemum.

What was going on?

”Don’t worry, Ye Chen. I’m firmly with the sect faction, not the family faction. For the Sword Sect to regain glory, we need openness, not obsession with one family’s name. Decline looms otherwise. I’ll fully support Gu Yunyun. If she’s in trouble, I won’t stand idly by.”

Hearing the Saint’s words, the Supreme Elder was floored. The Saint had been a staunch family faction supporter, believing the Sword Sect belonged to the Dugu clan. Only after a severe injury and a thousand-year seclusion did the sect faction rise, reforming the Sword Sect. How had he suddenly switched sides?

Absurd, utterly absurd. If not for the Saint’s terrifying aura, a mere glance instilling fear, the Supreme Elder would’ve questioned his identity.

…

After the Saint left, Ye Chen smiled. Resources paved the way, unstoppable. This was just a casual move with unused resources—useful if it worked, no loss if it didn’t.

The Saint’s might was indeed terrifying. Though aged, his life force decaying, his fleeting aura still exerted immense pressure. But Ye Chen was confident. With his physique, talent, the Dao Cauldron, and effort, the Saint Realm wasn’t far off.

The Sword Sect’s Supreme Elder was even more courteous than before. He respectfully escorted Ye Chen to Gu Yunyun’s cave abode. As the Sword Sect’s leader, her abode had moved to Sword Valley’s core.

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Ye Chen entered without resistance, smiling. Clearly, his master had left his aura in the restrictions. Bidding the Supreme Elder farewell, Ye Chen entered eagerly, awaiting his master’s return. After some time, the cave’s restrictions hummed softly. A commanding figure in red rushed in.

Ye Chen looked up, smiling. That unique red dress, the sharp aura of a sword cultivator, and a figure strikingly at odds with that identity. Across the cultivation world, who else but his master?

Gu Yunyun, hurrying upon hearing of Ye Chen’s arrival, showed a flicker of joy in her eyes. His decade-long disappearance had worried her, prompting several trips to the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

But the joy vanished quickly, her expression turning cold. ”You’re here…” she began, only to be cut off.

Ye Chen silenced her, leaving her muffled. Anger flared in her eyes, but unable to rebuke, she resisted briefly. Ye Chen, now Mahayana Realm, was beyond her resistance.

Soon, Gu Yunyun gave in helplessly, letting Ye Chen’s hands move with a mind of their own…

After a long while, Ye Chen slowly parted from his master. Seeing her familiar expression—helpless, resigned to his actions—his smile widened. Holding her close, he whispered in her ear, ”Master, let me show you a treasure!”

Gu Yunyun scoffed lightly. His earlier kiss brimmed with longing and love. Clearly, Ye Chen wanted to fully claim her. That was improper. But he was Mahayana Realm, while she was only peak Unity. What could she do? Only let this rebellious disciple have his way…

But when Ye Chen reached down and pulled something out, her eyes widened, tinged with disappointment… It wasn’t what she expected. He produced an imprint pulsing with intense sword Dao aura.

Noticing her surprise, Ye Chen chuckled. He knew his master was ready. But he’d prepared many gifts, some with feedback potential. Of course, he’d give them all first.

Seeing his master’s signs of embarrassed anger at his stifled laugh, Ye Chen quickly explained, ”Master, this is the imprint of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. When I faced the Mahayana Realm tribulation, I encountered the Heavenly Emperor’s imprint. But he played dirty, swapping opponents, and I got mobbed. All were prodigies from various eras. The Nine-Leaf Sword Grass posed the greatest threat. Its sword intent was too sharp, piercing my body multiple times. After defeating them, I obtained this imprint and immediately thought to give it to you, Master. I believe with this, your sword Dao will advance further!”

Ye Chen spoke truthfully. Most opponents couldn’t breach his defenses. But the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass was the biggest threat. Its sword intent could cut through anything, refined to the extreme.

Gu Yunyun, hearing his casual tone, sensed the danger he’d faced. Yet, after overcoming the tribulation, his first thought was of her. Her lips pursed… As his master, she knew Ye Chen never took back gifts. He’d traveled far to give her this.

So, Gu Yunyun reached out, accepting the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass imprint, storing it in her ring. She didn’t thank him. Instead, like before, she leaned stiffly against the cave wall. Her cool eyes, complex with emotion, glanced at Ye Chen before closing slowly… Gu Yunyun stood completely unguarded…