Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 613: Always Here for You

Wang Teng's expression grew grim. Ever since his ascent to power, nobody had dared to treat him with such disdain. Beneath his robe, his fists balled up tightly. Once he claimed this woman, he would make her regret her insult from today. Restraining his rage, he spoke in a soft tone, "Why distance yourself from me, Fairy Yi? I'm not rushing anything—just wanting to become friends. I never knew the Heavenly Intention Holy Son, but I'm certain he wouldn't wish to see you so sorrowful."

The other prodigies felt the rising tension and quickly interjected to smooth things over.

"That's right, Fairy Yi, there's no need to push back. Let us talk about the Dao for now and set aside other issues," one of them suggested.

"Divine Son Wang's stellar arts run deep, connected to the origins of your Moonlight Divine Art. Should you have any doubts in cultivation, he'll gladly share his insights," another chimed in.

"Brother Wang's Star River King Body pairs perfectly with Fairy Yi's Broad Cold Immortal Body. Back in ancient days, before the time of the Heavenly Emperor, a Star River King Body and a Broad Cold Immortal Body joined forces, aiding one another to climb the Immortal Path. Should you two come together, it would create a tale for the ages," a third prodigy declared with a grin. "Who's with me?"

The geniuses promoted the union enthusiastically, while many from their groups shouted in approval. Cultivators from Great Yan, fiercely guarding their divine maiden, held their tongues, unwilling to watch her taken by an outsider yet too cautious to voice opposition.

Yi Qingwu paid them no mind, her face remaining frosty as her gaze continued sweeping the assembly in search. Sorrow deepened in her eyes. Suddenly, they fixed on one person, lighting up with joy. A brilliant smile lit her features, filling Heavenly Intention Palace with the warmth of spring.

Meeting her look, Ye Chen grinned in return. A powerful voice boomed across the hall: "My friend here and I both disagree…"

Ye Chen's words resounded like rolling thunder, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Who would challenge the mighty Star River King Body? And two of them? Did they seek death?

Every gaze shifted toward the origin of the voice. The throng hurriedly split apart, avoiding any entanglement, opening up a wide passage.

On the platform, the prodigy who had just spoken scowled, barking, "The Star River King Body and Broad Cold Immortal Body form an ideal duo. What makes you two think you can—"

A fearsome aura erupted from him, poised to smash the audacious duo. Yet upon spotting Ye Chen's calm smile, his speech faltered. He pulled back his aura and retreated a step, beads of sweat forming as he couldn't hold Ye Chen's eyes.

Ye Chen had truly shown up?

Although merely at First Heaven Mahayana like himself, and likely hampered by secret wounds from his eight-year disappearance, recollections of Ye Chen's exploits—battling six equals and killing three Mahayana experts beyond his level—sent his pulse pounding. He lacked the guts to confront him or stir trouble.

Ye Chen showed no disguise. Recognition hit the crowd at once, sparking even greater uproar than earlier, as they scattered more. His presence was anticipated due to his fixation on Yi Qingwu, yet it still shocked them all. Conflict now loomed unavoidable.

Numerous stares landed on the youth tucked under Ye Chen's arm. Standing so near the Heavenly Emperor's successor marked him as someone special. Rumors about who he might be buzzed around.

From the pavilion above, third-generation Star River King Body Wang Teng gazed down at Ye Chen with lifted chin. Seeing Ye Chen stuck at First Heaven Mahayana, he eased up. His family had told him of their ambush on Ye Chen at Heavenly Desire Sect to pave his way. Even after Ye Chen slew three Mahayana foes, he must have burned forbidden arts, suffering severe damage. His vanishing from the Immortal Path proved it.

Against someone at his level, Wang Teng might have hesitated, but one full heaven higher than Ye Chen? Given the immense divides in Mahayana realms, triumph was assured.

Besides, he had backup. During the Immortal Path, he'd allied with Alkaid Holy Son, who had come covertly. Should Ye Chen emerge, Alkaid would support him.

"Heir of the Heavenly Emperor, by what authority do you meddle in Fairy Yi's matters?" Wang Teng curbed his murderous urge, planning to leverage Ye Chen for supremacy, shatter his clan's streak of doomed Divine Sons, and etch his name in glory with Ye Chen's blood.

Yet Ye Chen, just as Yi Qingwu had done earlier, brushed him off. He clapped the quivering youth's shoulder reassuringly. "Relax, your judgment's spot on. Wasting away as a loose cultivator is a shame. Head to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land soon—tell them I recommended you. Choose any peak but Ascension."

Hope flickered to life in the youth's pale eyes.

Ye Chen casually pulled back his arm, strolling steadily amid the masses, his sight locked only on Yi Qingwu, bearer of the Broad Cold Immortal Body.

A radiant smile blossomed on her stunning visage, her eyes blending ease and teasing blame. "Vanished for so long, I figured you'd perished. Yet here you stand…"

Her tone, sweet like a songbird's call, rang out as heavenly melody.

Ye Chen's grin grew tender. "No need to fret. I'm here now. I've never left."