Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 657: Changing Faces So Fast!

Luo Bingling's unexpected generosity made Ye Chen connect the dots. Her target was the Dao Cauldron. But the Dao Cauldron? Absolutely non-negotiable.

With the Enlightenment Tea Tree, a physique cultivation boost, and his own relentless effort, it was his express path to immortality. Furthermore, it couldn't be shared—impossible to gift. Not even with a 10,000x multiplier, let alone her measly 4,000x.

Ye Chen didn't mind women scheming. His sole concern was their gratitude. He'd mostly lost interest in Luo Bingling. The Space Divine Stone was precious—perfect for breaking through to a Third Heaven King, and for forming a cave heaven. He had intended to gift it to Lan Nuo, who was also at the peak of the second tier, nearing King. This would give her a chance to show off, and a critical hit was a sure thing.

However, with the Minor Space Technique, which was far superior, the stone became dispensable. It was perfect to test Luo Bingling one last time. At 4,000x, she deserved another chance. If she landed a critical hit, she'd be a good girl—her past forgiven, a fresh start. Perhaps she could even partake in the Dao Cauldron's benefits. No critical hit? Then she was useless, destined to return to where she came from.

Therefore, facing her, Ye Chen accepted the Space Divine Stone without any hesitation.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Luo!"

Luo Bingling, astonished by his swift acceptance, showed surprise on her striking face. Given Ye Chen's usual magnanimity, shouldn't he have resisted? She had planned to feign reluctance, utter touching words to sway him, and maximize the effect. Why did he just take it so readily?

"I am relieved you accepted. After this, I shall return to the War God Clan. Cultivation is incredibly arduous without the Dao Cauldron—I will never reach higher realms. I might remain stuck at the third-tier King, unable to ascend to greater heights with you or fight by your side. Gazing up at you is all I can hope for. Do not seek me out later. You will be a Saint, Saint King, or even Great Saint, and I will not be worthy…"

Her mournful declaration fell completely flat.

Ye Chen judged her acting to be subpar—worse than Lu Jing or Lin Ke'er. Taking the stone, he promptly handed it back.

Luo Bingling stood frozen.

Ye Chen continued, "Fellow Daoist Luo gifted me the stone, and thus I return it to you! You are at the peak of the Second Heaven, making it perfect for you. I am not yet close to the Third Heaven. Keeping it would be a waste."

Luo Bingling was about to refuse and commence her planned act. But Ye Chen flicked the Space Divine Stone towards her, then retrieved the jade mat, stating calmly, "Do not refuse, Fellow Daoist Luo. My gifts are never returned. This suits you far better—how could I possibly snatch it away? The jade mat suits me, so I shall take it."

Luo Bingling's mouth hung open in disbelief.

Ye Chen ascended, flying out of the cave heaven. His voice echoed back, "I am deeply touched by your kindness, Fellow Daoist Luo! But if you refuse, you may leave it for another fated individual…"

Luo Bingling was left speechless. Her gaze upon Ye Chen's retreating back was incredibly complex. She had harbored doubts about the rumors of his lavish gifting. But witnessing him casually discard the Space Divine Stone and depart without a second thought, she was now fully convinced. Such boldness was simply stunning. It spoke of both immense strength and profound magnanimity.

She sighed—if not for his numerous Dao companions, and against the traditions of the War God Clan, she might have genuinely fallen for him. Soon after, she cleared her swirling thoughts.

Looking at the Space Divine Stone, she reached out. Since Ye Chen had accepted her gesture and remained so resolute, she decided to accept it. Without even needing to approach him, she would have claimed it anyway. It was merely returning to its rightful owner. Being twice the size of her clan's stone, it would be far more advantageous for forming a cave heaven.

Smiling, she declared, "Since you insist, I shall accept!" She anticipated Ye Chen would pause, awaiting her word. However, after she took the stone, his figure briefly halted—then he flew away even faster...

Luo Bingling was stunned. This was precisely the moment to press her advantage, lamenting her cultivation struggles. Ye Chen, swayed by her beauty and figure, would give her the stone—he wouldn't bear to see her suffer. If he possessed the Dao Cauldron, he would have hinted at it. Stowing the stone, her golden armor gleaming, she gave chase...

...

"How can the Heavenly Emperor's heir move so fast?"

"Incredibly swift!"

Within the second realm of the Immortal Path, the cultivators guarding the relic were utterly shocked that Ye Chen had emerged so quickly, marveling at his incredible speed.

Upon seeing the 4,000 Space Divine Stones, Ye Chen felt no surprise. This woman was finished. Yet, the Minor Space Technique fragment was a far better acquisition. He summoned his bronze chariot, setting course for the second realm's teleportation array to find Lan Nuo in the Central Continent.

"Where are you heading, Fellow Daoist Ye?" Luo Bingling, emerging moments later, was astonished to see him preparing to depart.

Ye Chen cast a cool glance her way. "To challenge Lan Nuo! Are you not returning to the War God Clan? Be on your way!"

The warmth he previously displayed vanished, leaving her bewildered. Had her performance been inadequate? Returning to the War God Clan was out of the question. Remaining by Ye Chen's side promised at least Dao Charm Pills, which would significantly enhance her cultivation. Abandoning this opportunity now would mean squandering months of effort. Utterly unacceptable! Yet, why was he acting this way? This man—his demeanor shifted so swiftly, like a changing tide!