Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 617: Sold Out?

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Previously on Immortality Starts With Investment...
Ye Chen swiftly slew Wang Teng, the Star River Clan's third Divine Son, with an annihilation beam infused with Six Paths of Reincarnation true intent, obliterating him completely and dispelling rumors of his own injuries. The crowd marveled at his cross-realm prowess as Yi Qingwu noted his missed Immortal Path opportunity, met with his confident declaration of unrivaled strength. Alkaid's Holy Light Scripture descended to claim Wang Teng's remnants, but Ye Chen repelled it with the Compliant Golden-Hooped Rod, forcing Alkaid to retreat without showing himself. Ye Chen then secured Wang Teng's soul, origin, and the Star River Divine Whip as massive gains.

Presenting the Extreme Dao Weapon to his fiancée might result in gaining an immortal artifact. Even though Ye Chen possessed two already, ones not yet practical for him, he welcomed having extras. More treasures were always preferable.

The origin within the Devouring Heaven Demon Jar would likewise be handed to the fiancée, strengthening his physique. The divine pill obtained from Wang Teng, whose feedback wouldn't benefit him personally, could be offered to fellow female cultivators.

This bounty represented a tremendous victory. Among the Star River Clan's three Divine Sons, the second one was insignificant, slain without leaving a mark, yet the remaining two delivered lavish prizes. Ye Chen wished the clan would continue spawning new Divine Sons.

The sole regret was Alkaid's no-show. Still, Ye Chen felt assured—Alkaid would tumble in time. No concerns on that front.

...

Down below, the onlookers remained in shock. Certain individuals witnessing Ye Chen for the first time noted he differed from the gossip. Stories depicted him as a playboy lavishing gifts on his paramours. But this day, he retained the Extreme Dao Weapon and divine pill, refusing to bestow them upon Yi Qingwu. Maybe he hesitated to let them go.

One person whispered this thought, only for a friend to hush him softly, "Absurd. The Law Qi containing 108 laws rivals an Extreme Dao Weapon in worth. The Heavenly Emperor's heir handed it over without a second thought—how could he act miserly? He's likely reserving them for other ladies."

The audience agreed, nodding in unison.

Inside the pavilion, Ye Chen and Yi Qingwu, blessed with sharp ears, overheard it all. Ye Chen fought back a grin. Yi Qingwu kept her composure serene, though her luminous eyes locked onto him. She harbored no greed nor right to his loot. Yet the notion of him granting them to some other woman ignited her rivalry—she couldn't tolerate it.

Feeling her stare, Ye Chen flashed a sly smile, stayed silent, and gazed upward.

The Star River Clan, faced with their Divine Son's death and the Extreme Dao Weapon confiscated plus imprint wiped clean, acted strangely nonchalant. They swallowed the defeat without spitting curses, merely climbing aboard their immortal ship and departing.

High above, just Heavenly Evolution and Heavenly Intention Holy Lands lingered. Heavenly Intention boasted larger forces and superior power—it was their turf. Strangely, they hadn't supported the Star River Clan before and displayed zero thirst for vengeance now.

Something felt amiss. What words had his Holy Master exchanged with them?

A majestic voice boomed: "Ye Chen, come greet Heavenly Intention Holy Land's seniors…"

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It belonged to Holy Master Feng Baiyu. Ye Chen's eyes widened in bewilderment. Hadn't he once dubbed them Heavenly Intention's old dogs? Why "seniors" suddenly?

Unfazed, he soared toward the city's lofty heights. Yi Qingwu, catching the summons, trailed him promptly.

Amid the clouds, elders from both holy lands clustered. Those from Heavenly Intention simmered with obvious grudge, smarting from previous defeats. Feng Baiyu, clad in elegant green scholar robes, beamed as though blind to their animosity.

Upon Ye Chen's arrival, Feng Baiyu turned to the Heavenly Intention Holy Master with a cheerful grin. "Friend, enmities ought to end, not fester. As the ultimate Immortal Path unlocks and the final True Immortal departs, our cultivation realm faces decline—lifespans dwindle, paths to power grow arduous. Persistent strife among holy lands will only speed our downfall. Yet as I suggested, alliance means dropping hatreds and vying with Central Continent for vital resources, enduring the storms ahead."

Ye Chen observed quietly as Feng Baiyu orated smoothly. What scheme lay behind this?

Feng Baiyu gestured at Ye Chen. "As mentioned, Ye Chen's loyalty to your Holy Maiden shines evident. He exited seclusion this morning, arriving here by midday. His prowess? Beyond dispute. Peak of his era, beyond doubt. Even Alkaid shunned the confrontation. Should Ye Chen wed Yi Qingwu, he joins as your Holy Son. Past Immortal Path spoils, should he reach immortality, your quota expands. Yi Qingwu's gifts, impressive as they are, lack surety for an immortal berth. Ye Chen, however? He stands a true contender for that Immortal Qi."

Ye Chen gaped, fixating on Feng Baiyu. No surprise Heavenly Intention held back earlier—his Holy Master had bartered him away? Unbelievable.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Master eyed Ye Chen thoughtfully, face conflicted. "His power impresses, yet immortality offers no promises. Central Continent's powers surpass ours. The Seven-Crown King plunges deep into the Immortal Path already. Rumors speak of a True Immortal's offspring, heir to the Immortal Emperor, reborn with Saint-level cultivation, his aptitude horrifying backed by immortal blood. Plus another bearing a fabled Immortal Spirit Root, reserved for True Immortals' descendants."

Ye Chen arched a brow. An Immortal Spirit Root surpassing Heavenly Spirit Root? His own foundation held potential for evolution—a delightful revelation.

Feng Baiyu grinned. "Allow me to reveal a secret regarding Ye Chen's physique…" His voice dropped to secret transmission, unheard by the rest.

The Heavenly Intention Holy Master's eyes bulged, appraising Ye Chen anew before steeling his decision. "Ye Chen, will you pledge partnership with our Holy Maiden Yi Qingwu, binding your fortunes together from now on?"

Though Ye Chen inwardly scorned Feng Baiyu's betrayal, he replied swiftly, "Senior, I'm ready to ally with Qingwu!"

His decisive words lit a faint delight in Yi Qingwu's gaze.

Satisfied, the Heavenly Intention Holy Master faced Yi Qingwu. "Qingwu, do you consent?"

She denied it vehemently, shaking her head. "No. He slew my fiancé. We stand as mortal foes."

Her declaration nearly cracked the elders' composure. Deceiving outsiders passed, but self-deception? All pierced the facade, yet with their Holy Son gone, they feigned belief to spare public shame.

Her resistance creased the Holy Master's brow, prompting him to retort, but Ye Chen interjected. "Senior, I offer to reside in Heavenly Intention Holy Land alongside Qingwu for a spell, probing if we might mend our rift."

The assembly reeled in astonishment. Amid their deep vendetta, stepping into Heavenly Intention handed his fate to them. Ye Chen's passion for Yi Qingwu had to run soul-deep for such peril.

Yi Qingwu's look deepened with feeling, on the verge of softening completely.