Immortality Starts With Investment

Ye Chen believed he had spoken clearly enough. Yet Yan Wenwen’s lips curved upward at his words. Far from anger, her watery eyes brimmed with amusement.

In her view, his remarks were mere excuses—words not matching his heart. Ye Chen must have learned of the peril from her warning. Fearing his death would grieve her, he invented this pretext to refuse.

But how could she fall for it? She would never retreat. She had promised repayment—and repay she would. It had nothing to do with his strength, Body, or looks.

Besides, tales of Ye Chen’s romantic exploits spread widely across the cultivation world. Even she, living in seclusion, knew of his boundless ”love” and universal affection. Her proactive offer proved she didn’t mind.

Thus, Yan Wenwen rose gracefully and stepped lightly toward him. Her breath warm as orchids, she murmured, ”Ruyu and I share deep bonds. She calls me sister affectionately—though I’m her sister-in-law, our closeness rivals blood sisters.”

She paused, eyes drifting as if lost in memory. ”I often urged her to find a Dao companion—to walk the immortal path together, supporting one another. Only then could I rest easy, for this world’s road to immortality is perilous. She, remembering my early widowhood, frequently advised me to seek a kindred heart again.

”But no man in this realm ever caught our eye. Once, we even jested—suitable men are rare. Should we ever find one truly worthy, why not share him? With our bond, we’d never quarrel over such trifles. I think you’d suit us well. When Ruyu returns, I’ll speak to her about you—see if our old idle talk still holds. But before that, I must settle this debt of gratitude. Otherwise, owing you, how could I stand tall and broach the subject with her?”

Ye Chen stared in shock, eyes widening. Worthy of a seasoned beauty—she turned even his refusal into gentle persuasion. Her words didn’t seem false. Ye Chen truly wavered.

Objectively, the woman before him was stunning. But without the extra ”multiplier” boost, his interest remained tepid. Yet if this opened a path to the legendary, heavenly beauty Yan Ruyu—it might not be unacceptable. He hesitated, torn inwardly. A battle raged between heaven and man.

Yan Wenwen watched him stand silent and conflicted. A soft laugh escaped her, eyes curving with deepening charm.

Silence meant consent. Thus, her slender, jade-like finger tapped lightly. A veil of tri-colored divine light instantly formed, covering his eyes. Then her graceful, alluring figure slowly sank downward…

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…

Seven days later.

Yan Wenwen seemed reborn. Her complexion radiant, that parched heart of hers—withered for centuries—now brimmed with renewed vitality, as though nourished by sweet rain. Already breathtakingly beautiful, she glowed even more vibrantly. Her gaze toward Ye Chen softened further, laced with reluctance.

”I could stay a few more days. After all, your lifesaving grace to my son can’t be repaid in mere moments.”

Yan Wenwen murmured gently, eager to continue her ”repayment.”

Ye Chen halted her at once. Addicted to gratitude, was she? His system cooldown had ended—he needed to gift Yao Yuezhi next.

Seeing his firm stance, Yan Wenwen felt regretful. No matter. Ye Chen showed no signs of leaving the Immortal City soon. She could return tomorrow or the day after.

As she rose and donned her flowing spiritual gown, a sudden thought struck her. She cautioned him, ”Next week’s auction will feature many treasures immensely beneficial to cave heavens from various clans. They aim to probe if yours is truly damaged—while harvesting your wealth. They’ll inflate prices sky-high, exploiting your desperation. Refuse once they exceed reason. Let them doubt and hesitate—questioning if your cave heaven truly falters.”

Ye Chen stretched languidly, inwardly marveling. Auntie lived up to her reputation—a veritable essence extractor refined. Without his extraordinary Body, he might have struggled. Her words first stunned him, then sparked undisguised delight. He had held modest hopes for this high-tier auction aimed at Mahayana cultivators. Held annually, prime items were scarce—one or two at best. But now, clans probing—and bleeding—him had unearthed cave heaven aids? Perhaps even hidden heirlooms? An unexpected windfall.

At this realm, treasures often served as foundations, rarely sold—especially by great clans. Such chances were fleeting. As for price hikes? Eightfold, tenfold—irrelevant. Even a hundredfold meant nothing. A single turnover yielded four to five thousandfold returns, minimum—without critical hits. Their markups were mere drops in his ocean. Bidding high would only confirm their suspicions of his ”desperation.”

Ye Chen nearly hummed aloud. The myriad races treated him too well. An auction delivering treasures, followed by prodigies offering origin. He felt almost overwhelmed.

”Thank you for the warning, Auntie Yan!”

He cupped his hands in thanks.

Yan Wenwen shot him a coquettish glare, nibbling her lip. ”And you still call me Auntie?”

Ye Chen paused, mouth twitching faintly. But considering the fine ”experience” and potential bridge to Yan Ruyu, he ventured, ”Madam?”

Her stunning face flushed. That mature nobility rarely betrayed girlish shyness. ”Just Wenwen from now on.”

Ye Chen pondered, then shook his head. ”I prefer Auntie!”

Yan Wenwen’s cheeks pinked. Truth be told, she relished the intimate, taboo ring of it. She rolled her eyes helplessly. ”As you wish!”

Ye Chen headed for Yao Yuezhi.

Yan Wenwen was prepared to return home. But as they exited the cave abode, two figures approached from afar.

A glance made Ye Chen’s mouth twitch. Yao Yuezhi and Little Peacock King. He turned back to Yan Wenwen—her rejuvenated glow unmistakable. Anyone not a fool could tell…