Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 662: Only Lan Nuo Makes Me Excited!

While her family prepared with eager celebration, Lan Nuo, embodying prodigal composure, offered no words and retreated to her cave mansion. Her family, observing her departing figure, interpreted it as a sign of unwavering confidence.

Confronted by the record of the Heavenly Emperor's heir, her outward calm masked an unshakeable conviction in her eventual triumph. Yet, inwardly, her expression crumbled, her spirit weighed down by an overwhelming sense of dread. Disaster loomed—Ye Chen was indeed coming!

She found herself regretting her earlier, ostentatious declarations. She knew deep down she couldn't possibly defeat him! Was utter ruin her inevitable fate? Then, a flicker of hope ignited within her. Perhaps all was not lost. Could Ye Chen have harbored feelings for her, intentionally holding back during their previous encounter? It seemed unlikely he would misjudge her capabilities. During their last meeting, he had bestowed upon her valuable treasures, even sharing insights from an ancient wielder of Heavy Pupils. This certainly signaled his interest…

Lan Nuo had to admit, albeit privately, that she held an affection for him. His formidable strength, coupled with the possibility that he had deliberately restrained himself for her sake, felt akin to him sacrificing his own reputation to allow her to bask in the spotlight. Such a grand, selfless act was undeniably a display of genuine affection. His notorious reputation as a womanizer did not, in her heart, deter her…

However, as the sole heir of the Lan Clan, she was bound by tradition and could not marry outside the clan. Conversely, Ye Chen, being the Heavenly Emperor's heir, would certainly never stoop to marry into her family. This presented a significant and troubling dilemma.

Before long, she resolved to decisively overcome this complex situation. If Ye Chen arrived and once again held back his true power, it would serve as confirmation of his feelings for her. For his understanding, his preservation of her reputation, and his assistance in her moment of glory, she vowed to repay him generously. There would be no need for him to marry into her clan—she would be with him in secret.

Provided that at least one child bore her surname to secure the lineage of the Lan Clan, a satisfactory arrangement could be reached. Yet, a nagging worry began to surface. What if her interpretation was incorrect, and he had indeed misjudged her abilities? He had, after all, defeated the Firmament Overlord Body with a single punch. A single, serious strike from him would undoubtedly spell her demise.

While death itself was not a primary concern, the thought of failing to withstand even a single blow after all her bold pronouncements was unbearable. Such an outcome would invite perpetual mockery, and even in the afterlife, she would suffer the ignominy. Within the confines of her cave mansion, Lan Nuo found herself incapable of focusing on her cultivation, utterly consumed by gnawing anxiety.

…

Luo Bingling’s mood took a turn for the worse. Upon realizing the precipice of her hasty actions, she ceased her overtures concerning the Dao Cauldron. However, Ye Chen’s favoritism was undeniably apparent! Merely a day after Su Yuxuan's departure, he presented Luo Bingling with a Phial of Dao Charm Pills. She had naively assumed he would continue this pattern of daily gifts, mirroring his treatment of Su Yuxuan.

Instead, she endured a week’s wait for his subsequent attention. Feeling deeply humiliated, her competitive spirit ignited with fierce intensity. In what way was she inferior? Were her feet somehow lacking?

Su Yuxuan’s feet were indeed exquisite, yet Luo Bingling’s were hardly unattractive. Her golden war boots were discarded, and she lifted a jade-like foot, emulating Su Yuxuan’s earlier gesture, placing it deliberately upon Ye Chen’s lap.

Ye Chen cast a fleeting glance, his expression one of mild bewilderment. What was her intention? There was no critical hit to be landed, yet she continuously offered such favors? It was utterly absurd.

Without ceremony, Ye Chen maintained one hand firmly around Luo Bingling’s waist, while his other hand cradled her foot, as he accelerated their journey towards the Lan Clan.

Luo Bingling, observing his compliance, allowed a confident smirk to grace her lips. He had touched her when she offered—clear proof of his desire! Yet, her smile faltered, and a frown creased her brow. He had kissed Su Yuxuan’s feet, so why not hers? Was he showing disdain?

Her fists clenched tightly. Once her cultivation reached soaring heights, she vowed to make him deeply regret his current arrogance. She would force him to his knees, compelling him to kiss her feet for an entire month!

…

After a period of nearly half a month, Ye Chen and Luo Bingling finally arrived at the ancestral grounds of the Lan Clan. As a venerable immortal family, their stronghold was an immortal city of immense scale. The inner city was strictly reserved for clan members, while the outer city, which had flourished around the core, was open to the public.

Aware that Ye Chen's arrival was to challenge the clan's top prodigy, Lan Nuo, an air of great anticipation filled the city. Esteemed figures and rising prodigies alike gathered, eager to witness the clash. The moment Ye Chen’s distinctive chariot materialized, the entire city erupted in a fever of excitement. Countless individuals ascended into the sky, their gazes fixed upon his approaching presence.

Several Lan Clan members swiftly emerged, landing gracefully before the chariot. They offered a polite greeting, stating, “We have long anticipated the arrival of the Heavenly Emperor’s heir. Your reputation precedes you, and your renown is widespread. Should you not be pressed for time, we cordially invite you into the city to partake in our local specialty—Lan Clan beef. Sourced from top-grade spiritual bovines imbued with faint immortal blood, it is known to significantly enhance breakthroughs and cultivate potential. While less potent for cultivators at the Mahayana stage, it remains a rare and exquisite delicacy…”

Despite Ye Chen’s explicit intention to confront their clan prodigy, the Lan Clan harbored no animosity. Rather, Lan Nuo’s burgeoning fame, significantly amplified by association with his name, had elevated the clan’s overall prestige and stimulated the city's economic activity. Furthermore, he had generously gifted her valuable treasures. Recognizing his status as the Heavenly Emperor's heir, possessing immortal potential, they deemed him a worthy individual to cultivate a relationship with. Hence, the Lan Clan extended a courteous welcome.

Ye Chen, harboring a degree of fondness for Lan Nuo, reciprocated their polite demeanor. However, the impending duel remained non-negotiable. His system’s cooldown period had concluded, and he was now obligated to engage in combat and bestow gifts.

Facing the welcoming party, he offered a dismissive shake of his head. “There is no need for a feast! The prodigies of this generation's Central Continent are akin to mere chickens and dogs, utterly beneath my notice. Only Lan Nuo distinguishes herself, and she alone is worthy of my challenge. This battle has been long overdue, hindered only by prior circumstances. I cannot defer any longer—let us commence the fight immediately.”

His pronouncements resonated throughout the city, his words laced with an almost unbearable arrogance, effectively dismissing all present, save for Lan Nuo, as insignificant. Many of the gathered prodigies could only offer bitter smiles, finding themselves utterly incapable of formulating a retort.