Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 631: He's Mahayana Realm, I Can't Do Anything…

At first, the Sword Sect's Saint showed no enthusiasm for Ye Chen's arrival. Only 400 years of life remained to him—not the thousand years rumored—and he held no illusions of immortality or ascending to the supreme realm. Nothing held value beyond the Sword Sect's enduring legacy. He reluctantly consented to the meeting purely out of regard for the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land. Secretly, resentment toward Ye Chen festered within him, as the young man's influence thwarted efforts to displace Gu Yunyun and restore Dugu family dominance.

The Supreme Elder, fully cognizant of these sentiments, stood vigil outside, bracing for a swift exchange. Shock rippled through him when Ye Chen lingered for a full half-day. Even more bewildering was the spectacle that unfolded upon Ye Chen's departure.

Beaming widely, the Saint clapped Ye Chen on the shoulder, ushering him forth like a prized heir, his countenance unfolding into a radiant chrysanthemum-like grin.

What in the world was happening?

"Rest assured, Ye Chen. I stand resolutely with the sect faction, not the family faction. For Sword Sect to reclaim its splendor, we must embrace openness rather than cling to one family's legacy. Decline awaits otherwise. I'll back Gu Yunyun without reservation. Should peril befall her, I won't remain passive."

The Supreme Elder stood stunned at the Saint's declaration. Long a die-hard advocate for the family faction, the Saint had viewed Sword Sect as the exclusive domain of the Dugu clan. The sect faction's ascent came only after his grievous wound forced a thousand-year seclusion, allowing Sword Sect's overhaul. How could he pivot so abruptly?

Utterly ridiculous, beyond comprehension. Absent the Saint's overwhelming aura—that single gaze evoking dread—the Supreme Elder might have challenged his very identity.

…

With the Saint's departure, Ye Chen's lips curved into a smile. Resources cleared every obstacle, inexorably. This proved a mere offhand expenditure of surplus assets—profitable if effective, harmless if not.

The Saint's prowess remained profoundly fearsome. Advanced in years with vitality ebbing away, even transient wisps of his aura imposed crushing dominance. Yet Ye Chen brimmed with assurance. Bolstered by his exceptional physique, innate gifts, Dao Cauldron, and relentless toil, the Saint Realm lay within grasp.

Courtesy from Sword Sect's Supreme Elder intensified further. Deferentially, he guided Ye Chen to Gu Yunyun's cave dwelling. As Sword Sect's helm, her quarters now nestled at Sword Valley's heart.

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Ye Chen passed through unhindered, a smile playing on his face. His master's aura unmistakably lingered within the protective barriers. Exchanging farewells with the Supreme Elder, Ye Chen stepped inside brimming with eagerness, anticipating her return. Shortly thereafter, the cave's formations emitted a gentle hum. A striking red-robed silhouette burst through.

Gazing upward with a smile, Ye Chen recognized it instantly. That signature crimson attire, the keen edge of a sword cultivator's bearing, clashing vividly with her alluring form. Throughout the cultivation world, who matched this but his master?

Alerted to Ye Chen's presence, Gu Yunyun hastened over, a spark of delight lighting her eyes. Anxiety over his decade in absence had gnawed at her, spurring repeated journeys to Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Yet delight ebbed in an instant, her visage chilling to frost. "You're here…" she uttered, words swiftly stifled.

Ye Chen sealed her lips, muffling her voice. Irritation blazed in her stare, though speech eluded her; a fleeting struggle ensued. At Mahayana Realm, Ye Chen proved utterly beyond her power to defy.

Helplessly, Gu Yunyun soon surrendered, permitting Ye Chen's hands to wander freely…

Only after an extended interval did Ye Chen gradually draw back from his master. Her classic look—resigned helplessness toward his boldness—drew an even broader smile from him. Drawing her near, he breathed into her ear, "Master, allow me to reveal a treasure!"

A faint scoff escaped Gu Yunyun. That prior kiss overflowed with yearning and tenderness. Ye Chen clearly sought to possess her utterly—an unacceptable breach. Yet Mahayana Realm set him leagues above her mere Unity peak. Resistance proved futile; she could only yield to her insolent disciple…

However, as Ye Chen delved below and withdrew an object, her eyes flew wide, shadowed by faint letdown… Not the item she'd anticipated. What emerged was an imprint radiating potent sword Dao essence.

Ye Chen chuckled at her startled reaction. He sensed his master's readiness. Numerous gifts awaited, some promising rich returns. Naturally, he'd bestow them in sequence.

Spotting traces of her abashed fury from his muted mirth, Ye Chen promptly elaborated, "Master, this is the imprint of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. During my Mahayana Realm tribulation, the Heavenly Emperor's imprint appeared. But he cheated, shuffling adversaries, and I faced a onslaught. Prodigies from countless eras assailed me. None threatened more than the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass. Its sword intent cut too fiercely, lacerating my form repeatedly. Victorious, I seized this imprint and at once decided it belonged to you, Master. With it, your sword Dao shall soar to greater heights!"

Ye Chen spoke the plain truth. The majority of foes couldn't pierce his defenses at all. However, the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass posed the gravest danger. Its sword intent sliced through everything, honed to absolute perfection.

From Ye Chen's relaxed tone, Gu Yunyun picked up on the peril he had endured. And yet, right after surviving the tribulation, his immediate concern turned to her. Her lips tightened… Knowing him as his master, she was aware that Ye Chen never reclaimed his gifts. He had journeyed a great distance solely to present this to her.

Thus, Gu Yunyun extended her hand, receiving the imprint of the Nine-Leaf Sword Grass and sealing it away in her ring. No thanks escaped her lips. Instead, just like earlier, she pressed rigidly against the cave wall. Her frosty eyes, swirling with tangled emotions, flicked toward Ye Chen before drifting shut gradually… Gu Yunyun left herself utterly exposed…