Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 661: Damn, That Was My Line!

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Previously on Immortality Starts With Investment...
Ye Chen's allies arrived, evening the odds against his enemies, who eventually retreated. The crowd was stunned by his apparent intimacy with the First Divine Maiden of the Nether God Holy Land, and linked his rise to the death of the First Divine Son. The Little Demoness arrived, and after setting up a privacy formation, engaged in dual cultivation with Ye Chen. Luo Bingling witnessed this for half a week, enduring humiliation before Ye Chen gifted his weekly Dao Charm Pills to the Little Demoness instead of her, sparking her fury.

Days have drifted by.Despite numerous purification spells, Luo Bingling found no peace. It wasn't merely the shame of being doused with liquid; Ye Chen's actions were utterly intolerable. He had bestowed Dao Charm Pills upon Su Yuxuan, and moreover, he was dispensing them to her daily, with a frequency that far surpassed his attention to Luo Bingling herself. The creation of Dao Charm Pills necessitates the leaves of the Enlightenment Tea Tree. How vast could Ye Chen's supply possibly be? To dole out so many to Su Yuxuan—what provision was there for Luo Bingling?

What aggravated the situation further was his evident partiality. Towards Luo Bingling, he was aloof, yet he displayed warmth towards Su Yuxuan, Gu Yunyun, An Miaoli, and Lin Qingtan—all women she had observed at the Heavenly Evolution Holy Land.

Why? Her esteemed status, her potent cultivation, her exceptional talent, her alluring figure, and her impeccable looks all surpassed theirs. Why, then, did she face such differential treatment? As a prodigy endowed with immense pride, she had never encountered such a stark disparity before.

A burning rivalry ignited within her. Her desire was no longer solely for the Dao Cauldron; she now yearned to capture Ye Chen's heart. Once he was completely infatuated, she would discard him without a second thought, condemning him to eternal suffering…

The apex female cultivators all possessed a profound sense of pride. To capitulate after enduring such humiliation would be an act of even greater degradation. Luo Bingling remained in her current position for a fortnight. Finally, Su Yuxuan's heartfelt wishes were voiced.

"Senior Brother, I shall depart to commence my cultivation. Will you accompany me on the Immortal Path?"

Ye Chen inclined his head, refusing. He lacked a suitable token of affection for her. His current objective remained unchanged: proceed to the Lan Clan situated in the Central Continent, present Lan Nuo with the Minor Space Technique fragment, and subsequently enter a period of secluded cultivation. Armed with the technique, he could remain sequestered at the Holy Land until he reached the King realm. Upon achieving the peak of the Third Heaven, he intended to bestow a gift upon Fan Qinghe, preceding his ascension to the Saint realm. His itinerary was meticulously planned—there was simply no time for leisurely travels with the 'Little Demoness'.

She responded with a nod, refraining from any overt attempts to dissuade him. Reluctantly sliding away, she planted a kiss upon his cheek, offered a smile, exited the protective formation, and took her leave.

Ye Chen let out a soft chuckle, amused by her uninhibited demeanor. She committed her all when necessary, then departed with graceful finality. The adage of 'eat and go' was indeed fitting.

"Fellow Daoist Luo, I am presently en route to the Lan Clan. Your War God Clan has dispatched protectors, signifying your continued importance. It would be prudent for you to return and focus on your cultivation!"

Dismantling the formation, Ye Chen addressed Luo Bingling, who stood nearby, politely urging her to depart. She was, in his assessment, of limited utility. Her 'critical hit' ability, even at 4,000 times, was merely ordinary. This performance paled in comparison to the 'Little Demoness's' 2,500 times multiplier, which, when combined with a one-day gifting cooldown, effectively doubled to 5,000 times. Luo Bingling was, in his estimation, bland yet difficult to dismiss—an inconvenient presence.

Upon hearing his words, Luo Bingling's resentment intensified. He was reluctant to associate with others, yet he was always eager to rid himself of her? She shook her head resolutely, declaring, "I shall not return!"

Ye Chen offered a shrug. If she was adamant about staying, so be it—she could serve as a contingency. Without further discussion, he steered the chariot towards the Lan Clan.

Moments later, Luo Bingling's lips curved into a confident smirk. After Ye Chen had deactivated the formation, she had made contact with her clan. Aware of Ye Chen's likely possession of the Dao Cauldron, they had consented to provide him with the final portion of Yellow Spring Water as a gesture of goodwill, with delivery scheduled in half a month.

A low chuckle escaped her. While other women sought to gain from Ye Chen, she intended to provide him with precisely what he direly needed—the Yellow Spring Water. The distinction was abundantly clear. In time, he would undoubtedly fall for her. However, as her gaze fell upon her untouched waist, a frown creased her brow. She reached out, taking his hand and guiding it to rest upon her hip…

The Lan Clan, situated in the heart of the Central Continent, lay a considerable distance from Immortal City. While Ye Chen and Su Yuxuan reminisced about their shared affections, news began to circulate: Ye Chen was intent on honoring his prior commitment to contend with Lan Nuo at the Lan Clan's estate. His remarkable feats on the Immortal Path—specifically his victory against nine formidable opponents, resulting in the demise of eight—had sent shockwaves through the Lan Clan. He had nearly decimated the most promising talents of the Central Continent. His sheer power was astounding, instilling significant apprehension regarding Lan Nuo's prospects. Lan Nuo's parents and the clan elders convened at her secluded cave dwelling. Upon her emergence, they conveyed their profound concerns.

Lan Nuo's exquisitely beautiful visage remained serene. "The heir of the Heavenly Emperor is indeed formidable, perhaps the most powerful to have ever existed, but what significance does that hold for me?"

Her unwavering confidence provided a measure of reassurance to her family, though a kernel of unease persisted.

Within her heart, Lan Nuo's emotions churned. Ye Chen's strength was terrifying; she knew victory was beyond her reach. Her initial plan was to feign an inability to fight, citing her need to enter seclusion for a breakthrough to the Third Heaven—a perfectly legitimate and indisputable reason for cultivators.

However, before she could formally announce her intention to withdraw, her father interjected with a suggestion: "Nuonuo, his current momentum is overwhelmingly powerful. I strongly advise against engaging in this battle—the risks are simply too great. Proclaim that you are undergoing seclusion and postpone the fight. No one would dare question such a decision. Cultivation takes precedence; fleeting fame holds little value. He has already postponed twice—for you to delay once would be entirely reasonable…"

A chorus of agreement rose from the assembled elders.

Lan Nuo's expression grew rigid. Had she voiced her intention first, it would have been perceived as a genuine decision to retreat. Yet, her father's suggestion transformed her potential withdrawal into an act that would appear as cowardice to onlookers. Her family, however, would understand the truth!

With a sharp glare directed at her father, her fists clenched tightly at her sides.

Perceiving her determined expression, which clearly rejected their proposed strategy of avoidance, the elders sighed, filled with admiration. The clan progenitor, placing a hand on her shoulder, expressed his pride. "Our Phoenix Daughter's unwavering conviction in her own victory fills me with immense pride…"

Her parents, grasping her resolve, added, "If you are set on this course, we shall not impede you. We will offer our full support, including the arrangement of the grand battleground. I shall extend invitations to esteemed allies to bear witness to this clash of preeminent prodigies."

"…"