Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 670: Ye Chen's Guilty Face-Slapping!

Was Luo Bingling truly that swift?

Ye Chen's chariot was not an Extreme Dao Weapon, nor had he deployed any Movement Secret technique or employed the Kun Peng Treasure Technique. Yet, she had managed to outpace him. This was quite impressive, perhaps a secret art of the War God Clan? He would need to remain vigilant for such capabilities in future encounters with the clan.

As he drew nearer to her, Ye Chen deliberately reduced his speed, feeling a twinge of awkwardness. His initial intention was to depart and avoid any potential embarrassment. Now, with her directly before him, the situation felt… peculiar.

After months of shared intimacy, including the time he had held her waist, and considering her crucial role in obtaining the Minor Space Technique, he felt compelled to maintain a facade of cordiality.

"After my engagement with Lan Nuo, I was quite stirred up by the combat. My senses were overwhelmed, and in the ensuing chaos, I regrettably missed your presence, Fairy Luo. I had assumed you had departed. Without you by my side, I felt an inexplicable emptiness! Your supreme concealment technique managed to fool even me! I am truly ashamed…"

He made sure to address her as "Fairy" to convey a sense of genuine sincerity.

Luo Bingling let out a soft snort. Concealment? Utter nonsense. He had simply forgotten her, sped ahead, and had no intention of returning. There was no point in arguing the matter. With quiet dignity, she stepped onto the chariot, occupying the space he had indicated.

While Ye Chen, still feeling a bit awkward, contemplated resuming the familiar gesture of placing his arm around her waist, she instead took his hand and gently guided it to that very position herself. A subtle smirk played on his lips. He wasn't genuinely moved by the gesture, merely amused by her calculated efforts, likely orchestrated for the sake of the Dao Cauldron. A clan mission, was it?

Aware of her underlying motive, Ye Chen felt a distinct lack of emotional response. However, his brow then arched in surprise. She turned towards him, solemnly presenting a delicate jade bottle. Puzzled, he glanced at it.

She spoke with apparent casualness, "This contains Yellow Spring Water; you may find it unfamiliar. It originates from another world and possesses the remarkable ability to purify all things. Whether it be the essences of gold cores or the very souls of beings, it can refine and even elevate them! Its most profound application lies in breaking through from the First Heaven to the Second Heaven, purifying the body, soul, and one's domain, leading to a state of perfect unity!"

"A cultivator at the Second Heaven stage who utilizes this water immediately gains a twenty percent increase in combat power. Since the separation of Jianmu, which severed connections to other realms, the Yellow Spring Water has effectively vanished from this world. Even our War God Clan, despite its vast resources, possessed only two remaining bottles. I have already utilized one. The Divine Son, upon his revival at the half-Saint stage, had no need for it. This final bottle was reserved for future contingencies."

"As the cultivation world teeters on the brink of the End of Dharma era, this treasure could have sustained our clan for a longer duration. However, witnessing your proximity to the Second Heaven, I felt compelled to contend for it on your behalf. Please cherish it, Fellow Daoist Ye…"

She offered no further explanation. Yet, the immense value of the water—treated as a near-clan treasure—underscored the difficulty she must have faced in acquiring it. The mention of potential clan repercussions added another layer of implication. Her ultimate objective was to instill a sense of profound guilt and remorse in Ye Chen. She had expended considerable effort for him, only for him to forget her entirely. Her aim was to make him feel so wretched that he would lament his actions in the dead of night.

Ye Chen was taken aback. He had previously believed that no specific treasures would aid him in achieving a breakthrough. The Yellow Spring Water presented a welcome, albeit unexpected, boon. But moved? Guilty? Not in the slightest.

Luo Bingling's true objective was the Dao Cauldron, a mission undoubtedly orchestrated by the formidable powerhouses of the War God Clan. The Yellow Spring Water was merely a meticulously crafted lure.

Fully comprehending her stratagem, Ye Chen felt no stirring of emotion. However, as his gaze lingered on her, a spark ignited in his eyes. His interest shifted from a negative value to a positive one. The reason? While it wasn't a critical hit, he recognized she would likely continue to present such enticing bait in pursuit of the Dao Cauldron.

The War God Clan, an ancient and preeminent force, still harbored immense treasures even after the catastrophic purges by the Heavenly Emperor. By strategically dangling the Dao Cauldron, he could leverage her to acquire a steady stream of gifts or rare opportunities. His perception of her underwent a significant transformation. She was, in fact, quite useful. His previous outlook had been far too narrow.

Luo Bingling observed this subtle shift in his demeanor—the sudden brightness in his eyes, mingled with expressions of regret, guilt, confusion, and a faint hint of delight upon comprehending the water's value and the extent of her sacrifice. A surge of hope bubbled within her. He had indeed taken the bait. Her fabricated tale of hardship had proven effective. A single bottle of Yellow Spring Water had achieved this much. The next step, she anticipated, would be her feigned forgiveness, followed by the use of her physical proximity. He would then be compelled to kneel, begging for her pardon. A smug satisfaction began to bloom within her.

"Do not hesitate, Fellow Daoist Ye, please accept it. Seeing you ascend to immortality brings me immense joy…" she urged, further deepening his perceived guilt. There was, of course, no mention of the Dao Cauldron—that would be far too blatant.

Ye Chen nodded with seeming earnestness. "Thank you, Fairy Luo. I shall treasure it dearly—it is the most precious gift I have ever received. You are truly unlike any other female cultivator I have encountered…"

A gentle smile graced her lips. As she watched him carefully place the jade bottle into his storage, the corners of her mouth curved upward. He would likely preserve the bottle indefinitely. She had him! Seizing the opportune moment, she intended to press her advantage, slipping off her golden boots in a calculated move to amplify his guilt and awe.

However, Ye Chen solemnly produced his own jade bottle. "Since you have graced me with a gift, it is only fitting that I reciprocate. Allow me to present you with a bottle of Dao Charm Pills!"

She inwardly scoffed. Dao Charm Pills? How pedestrian. Nevertheless, she accepted them swiftly. Even without the Dao Cauldron, these pills would undoubtedly enhance her cultivation speed.

Ye Chen, anticipating the familiar feedback of four thousand bottles, felt no disappointment. He added, "In addition to the pills, I also have another token of appreciation…"

Her eyes widened with eagerness. Was it truly this effortless? She had merely offered the Yellow Spring Water, and now he was presenting the Dao Cauldron?