Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 691: Single Duel

"If you're ready, let's go," Feng Baiyu declared with a subtle smile. "Several ancestors have been awakened from their seclusion. In a hidden location unknown to anyone, they have prepared an absolute lethal formation. I've even brought individuals from the Heavenly Intention Holy Land. This way, if those demons and monsters decide to resort to dirty tactics out of desperation, we'll be prepared."

Trusting his Holy Master implicitly, Ye Chen stood immediately, poised to depart for the war front.

Luo Bingling, still basking in the recent surge of Ye Chen's favorability, insisted on accompanying him. Her plan was to intervene if another prodigy threatened Ye Chen, ensuring her heroic rescue and the subsequent accumulation of significant affection points, bringing her one step closer to the Dao Cauldron.

Regarding the larger implications of this conflict—the subtle undercurrent of a clash between the Myriad Races and the Human Race—and whether she would be labeled a traitor by the myriad races for her interference:

Luo Bingling remained unconcerned. She understood profoundly that genuine unity among the myriad races was a myth; it was merely a matter of convenience, like huddling for warmth.

During the period when the human race was subjugated, the myriad races were perpetually at each other's throats, engaging in brutal conflicts and wiping out entire lineages. Therefore, nothing—absolutely nothing in this world—held greater importance than the Dao Cauldron.

Observing Ye Chen's readiness, Feng Baiyu wasted no further words. He summoned his majestic ship, brought Ye Chen and Luo Bingling aboard, and they journeyed swiftly towards the Endless Sea. En route, Feng Baiyu relayed all his observations.

"That Holy Prince is formidable. His physical body is astonishingly robust; merely sitting there, his casual movements distort the surrounding void. The cave-heaven he has cultivated must be exceptional. Furthermore, his eyes possess the exceedingly rare hidden divine ability of the Victorious Fighting Ape lineage: Fiery Golden Eyes. This ability, among their most heaven-defying talents, awakens only after their bodies endure continuous refinement by the Three Flavors True Fire. It's a terrifying power that pierces all illusions, traces effects to their origins, and unleashes devastating might. In both potency and complexity, I believe it might rival the Heavy Pupils."

"Throughout the entire history of the Victorious Fighting Apes, the number of individuals who successfully cultivated Fiery Golden Eyes can be counted on a single hand. For instance, the Victorious Fighting Ape contemporary to the Heavenly Emperor achieved this feat, even causing a minor setback for the Heavenly Emperor himself. Additionally, I've heard that an immortal ancestor of their lineage once wielded the Three Heads Six Arms divine ability. It remains uncertain if this Holy Prince inherited it."

Feng Baiyu spoke with utmost seriousness.

Ye Chen listened attentively, nodding gravely and contemplating the information.

Feng Baiyu was pleased by Ye Chen's earnest consideration of his intelligence. He gave an approving nod, recognizing the disciple's receptiveness. Understanding oneself and one's adversary ensures victory.

What he failed to grasp was this: the moment Ye Chen comprehended the monstrous talents of the Holy Prince, he made a crucial decision. During the impending battle, he absolutely could not go all out. He resolved to orchestrate a narrow, hard-fought victory, one that would appear as a near-defeat. The reason being, if a genius this formidable were to be vanquished with a single blow once more, others might hesitate to challenge him in the future. For the sustained advancement of his cultivation path, it would be best to prolong this engagement for at least a couple of days.

...

Endless Sea.

High in the heavens, a colossal battlefield of radiant light hovered, spanning hundreds of square kilometers, emanating a brilliance comparable to a second sun. Encircling it, tens of thousands of immense immortal ships formed dense formations. This solitary duel had captivated the attention of half the world.

During the Heavenly Emperor's era, when he purged the myriad races, countless clans endured unimaginable devastation. Even now, the embers of hatred still smoldered in their blood. They now eagerly anticipated witnessing the downfall of the Heavenly Emperor's heir, seeking to assuage that ancient grievance.

However, the human forces had assembled in equal numbers. Regardless of their personal sentiments toward Ye Chen, every human faction acknowledged him as the preeminent genius of this generation. His defeat would shame the entire human race, forcing them into subjugation before the myriad races once more. This battle transcended mere pride; it was a contest for reputation, for momentum, for the future. Every eye was fixed upon the battlefield.

There, perched serenely upon a colossal black iron staff, sat the Holy Prince. His golden fur, like molten gold itself, shimmered across his form. With eyes kept closed and an expression of utter indifference, he remained still. Hovering above his head was a fragment of an ancient, unadorned stone tablet. From this relic, an unfathomable aura emanated, casting a soft radiance upon the Holy Prince.

He appeared lost in a moment of profound realization. Even in his state of inaction, the formidable pressure radiating from him caused the vast majority of the assembled spectators to quake with apprehension.

The arrival of the Heavenly Emperor heir was still anticipated. Murmurs spread like wildfire amongst the onlookers.

"That must undoubtedly be the Stasis Secret, correct? It's reputed to be the most singular among the Nine Secrets, surpassed only by the Front Secret."

"The Holy Prince was formidable enough already. Now that he possesses the Stasis Secret stele, his invincibility will be absolute once he reaches the Semi-Saint realm."

"It remains to be seen if the Heavenly Emperor heir can emerge victorious!"

"This confrontation is destined to be an event that echoes through the ages. Even for the Heavenly Emperor heir… I suspect he will finally encounter genuine adversity today."

"This could very well be the first truly arduous struggle he has ever faced!"

"Speaking of which, have any of you heard the news? Regarding those who cornered the Holy Prince on the Immortal Path previously, a few managed to escape, did they not?"

"Indeed… but subsequently, every single one of them disappeared without a trace. Their soul tablets were found shattered. They are all deceased…"

"This generation's Immortal Path is proving to be a deadly gauntlet indeed!"