Immortality Starts With Investment

With a thought, Ye Chen transferred the ten thousand Nine Hells Nether Flame Lotuses into his cave heaven. His divine sense swept through the vast space, carefully selecting the perfect location for them.

In an instant, a miraculous scene unfolded. The chosen expanse of land transformed dramatically. Billowing nether miasma surged like a tidal wave. A towering, majestic volcano erupted from the ground, its interior churning with molten lava that roared like furious dragons. The lotuses drifted down like graceful immortals, taking root above the magma and unfurling elegantly.

Over ten thousand blooms ignited in ethereal blue radiance, their combined glow turning that corner of the cave heaven into a dreamlike azure wonderland. This was the might of the Primordial Cave Heaven. Even for spiritual plants with the harshest survival requirements, it could instantly manifest the ideal environment through its heaven-defying creative power. Once transplanted, they suffered no acclimation issues.

Instead, as if returning home, they flourished visibly, radiating ever more vigorous vitality and spiritual charm.

Such a treasure ground filled Ye Chen with growing satisfaction toward his Primordial Cave Heaven.

As the myriad Nine Hells Nether Flame Lotuses took root and grew, Ye Chen keenly sensed the realm’s spiritual charm surge with fresh vitality. In just a few days, once they fully adapted, the cultivation feedback to him would soar. His cultivating speed would leap forward once more.

…

Yao Yuezhi entered seclusion. Her parents were not the sort to offer mere verbal thanks. Filled with gratitude, they visited Ye Chen multiple times. They solemnly presented a top-tier spiritual plant unique to the Northern Domain.

Ye Chen’s cave heaven origin had suffered for their daughter’s sake, inevitably slowing his cultivation and weakening his combat strength. Gifting a rare plant to enrich his realm’s spiritual charm and hasten recovery was the most practical, meaningful repayment. They continued searching for other suitable treasures. More would follow.

Ye Chen accepted without excessive refusal. When Yao Yuezhi emerged after settling the Nether Flame Lotuses, the system cooldown had just ended. He immediately passed her parents’ gift on to her.

Yao Yuezhi knew full well it had been meant for him. Yet he refused to use it himself, insisting on giving it to her. It sent waves of emotion crashing through her. After several futile protests, she accepted. And Ye Chen welcomed another maximum critical hit.

Yao Yuezhi wanted to demonstrate her newly learned skills. But a thoroughly satisfied Ye Chen mercilessly shooed her away, ordering her back into seclusion. Touched yet helpless, she departed. Ordinary cave heavens required careful nurturing of herbs, mindful of mortality rates. Especially those with sparse Spiritual Qi—they demanded gradual care. Otherwise, they couldn’t sustain the plants.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Yao Yuezhi’s cave heaven fared better, yet still needed attentive tending.

…

Meanwhile, news of Yao Yuezhi slaying Feng Youhuang swept through the myriad races like a fierce storm. It spread rapidly until everyone knew. Yet rumors of Ye Chen’s cave heaven possibly being drained circulated only among a select few upper echelons of the myriad races.

At the same time, the annual premier auction in the Myriad Races Immortal City was about to commence. Such events had long become routine. But this year’s auction generated unprecedented buzz. As though coordinated, every major power unearthed their most prized possessions. The auction catalog alone listed treasures so rare they left onlookers stunned and breathless. Even many human powerhouses, upon hearing the news, rushed to the Immortal City to participate.

…

Meanwhile, within the Peacock Clan, the atmosphere grew grave.

The clan leader’s eyes blazed as he glared at Little Peacock King, his face livid. ”Little Peacock King, are you certain you won’t act? You already committed a grave error, provoking the Undying Celestial Phoenix Clan. This is your chance to redeem yourself. Once Ye Chen falls, a gift will earn their forgiveness. Are you determined to oppose the clan?”

Little Peacock King showed no hesitation, his expression resolute. ”Ye Chen spared my life before and saved me in the fourth realm of the Immortal Path. I may lack gratitude—and I even find him rather irritating. But I won’t repay kindness with enmity. I refuse to strike him while he’s weakened. I can’t do something like that. Let someone else go, Clan Leader!”

His refusal rang firm.

Seeing him immovable, the Peacock Clan Leader narrowed his eyes and snorted coldly. ”Very well. From now on, expect no resourses from the clan. With your current state, immortality is hopeless anyway. When your aunt Yan Ruyu returns, I’ll tell her everything in detail. Then even those two ancestral tail feathers—you’ll hand them over obediently. What use is keeping them on someone who disregards clan interests?”

Were it not for fear of Little Peacock King’s aunt, Yan Ruyu, the Clan Leader—furious as he was—would have stripped those ancestral feathers on the spot. The Peacock Clan’s legacy never lacked prodigies. It certainly needed no disobedient one who prioritized self over family.

No longer wasting words, the Clan Leader waved dismissively and summoned two peak Half-Saints from the clan, ordering them to prepare. As long as the Peacock Clan participated in ambushing the Heavenly Emperor heir. Regardless of effort, they could justify themselves to the Undying Celestial Phoenix Clan.

Little Peacock King said nothing. He turned and left. Back in his courtyard, a beautiful woman sat in the pavilion. Her stunning brows held faint aloofness, pride, a touch of resentment, and puzzlement—as though burdened by unspoken worries. But Little Peacock King noticed none of it.

Seeing her son return with a troubled expression, the Peacock King’s mother asked at once what had happened. He concealed nothing, recounting the rumors he had heard and the Clan Leader’s demands. Learning Ye Chen’s origin might have been drained, her lovely face paled, worry flooding her eyes.

Little Peacock King continued, ”I suspected it back then. After all, Yao Yuezhi’s cave heaven core shattered right in front of me. There’s no way it recovered without reason!”