Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 700: Regret, Deep Regret!

Amidst the gaze of countless spectators, Ye Chen, momentarily diverted by the titanic clash erupting high above, detected the shift and swiftly turned his head. He observed Lu Ya within the formation, the Immortal-Slaying Gourd already deployed.

An unusual sealing energy, bypassing his physical form entirely, descended directly upon his primordial spirit and Dantian, aiming for their complete confinement. This power was both profound and insidious, circumventing all defenses and rendering any attempt to resist futile.

However, Ye Chen’s countenance remained unfazed. His physique shuddered faintly as an immense surge of his bloodline power erupted, shattering the oppressive force in an instant. Without hesitation, he persisted in refining the wailing Holy Prince held in his left hand. With his right, Ye Chen activated the Indestructible Scripture, extended his grasp, and intercepted the incoming Immortal-Slaying Blade with his bare hand.

This development rendered Lu Ya’s face ashen. How could Ye Chen not be sealed? The gourd was never intended for a head-on clash; its primary strength lay in its unparalleled sharpness and the sealing effect, followed by the strike. It had never faltered before. Now, before the astonished eyes of tens of thousands, Ye Chen simply closed his fingers around the hurtling blade. The Immortal-Slaying Blade writhed fiercely. A significant gash opened across Ye Chen's palm, from which a few drops of blood trickled.

Prince Lu Ya’s eyes widened to an alarming degree. He actually caught the Immortal-Slaying Blade with his bare hand? His hand remained intact, merely cut? Was this a jest?

At this critical juncture, Prince Lu Ya descended into sheer panic. Ye Chen himself raised an eyebrow, a flicker of mild astonishment in his eyes. He had sustained a wound? A 'no healing' curse lingered within the gash. His physical body was truly extraordinary. The Holy Prince’s body had possessed considerable fortitude, hadn’t it? Yet, in Ye Chen's presence, it was deemed unworthy to even serve as footwear. This Immortal-Slaying Gourd indeed possessed a sharp edge. Nevertheless, the Indestructible Scripture was capable of suppressing any 'no healing' curse. Coupled with his phenomenal innate regeneration, he found no need for the Healing Secret or the True Phoenix Treasure Technique. The wound sealed itself in the span of a mere blink.

Ye Chen's fascination with the gourd intensified. It harbored genuine power. The Armament Secret surged, and a peculiar energy promptly infused the blade's core. The Immortal-Slaying Blade, which had been struggling uncontrollably in his grasp, yearning to return to Lu Ya, instantly ceased its movement.

A smile graced Ye Chen's lips. His gaze traversed the aerial battlefield. Four distinct figures had converged simultaneously.

Lu Ya's audacity in ambushing him guaranteed his doom.

The tri-colored Little Peacock King emanated potent origin essence; he would prove a worthy prize. As for Luo Bingling—she had already engaged the Little Peacock King, keeping him occupied. Although Ye Chen was acutely aware that her primary concern was not losing the opportunity for the Dao Cauldron should he perish. Still, her fearless charge to aid him was a gesture he acknowledged. He might afford Luo Bingling slightly better treatment henceforth. Yet, the individual who truly astonished Ye Chen was the five-thousand-times beauty, Yao Yuezhi! Her arrival was unexpected. Did she intend to kill him?

Ye Chen's eyes narrowed in contemplation. He then witnessed the delicate, willow-like maiden raise her hand. Brilliant divine light burst forth like blooming petals, ethereal and breathtaking. It descended upon Lu Ya with overwhelming might.

While launching her attack, she explained in an apologetic, gentle tone, "Prince Lu Ya, Fellow Daoist Ye once showed mercy to my brother. He bears a profound kindness towards our Heavenly Demon clan. I cannot stand idly by while he is besieged! I intend no offense! However, if you are willing to withdraw and depart, I shall cease my assault immediately!"

Ye Chen’s smile broadened considerably upon hearing these words.

…

Whether it was Ye Chen’s bare-handed interception of the Immortal-Slaying Blade, Yao Yuezhi's sudden turn against Prince Lu Ya, or Luo Bingling's engagement with the Little Peacock King, all these events transpired within the span of a single heartbeat.

The entirety of the Endless Sea erupted in a chaotic clamor. Yet, the most astounding spectacle remained Ye Chen. His power was terrifying beyond comprehension. The sealing energy from the Immortal-Slaying Gourd had not affected him in the slightest. He had even parried the blade with his flesh, sustaining only a superficial cut. That was a supreme Extreme Dao Weapon! Had the Heavenly Emperor's heir truly attained a state devoid of any vulnerabilities?

Awe filled the hearts of all present. Yet, beneath that admiration. A multitude of male cultivators gazed upon Ye Chen with undisguised envy. As the Heavenly Emperor's heir, he stood as the archenemy of nearly all the myriad races. Despite this, in this dire situation, two supreme beauties from the myriad races had, without a moment's hesitation, firmly aligned themselves with him. Such an irresistible charm was simply too devastating.

…

Beneath the expectant eyes of the crowd, Ye Chen didn't immediately strike. He continued his methodical dismantling of the Holy Prince in his grasp.

Soon after, with the Holy Prince's final outbursts of defiance, despair, and rage, an immense silence descended. The Holy Prince, freed from his prison after millennia, had his quest for immortality extinguished just as it began.

Ye Chen then called forth the Dragon-Subduing Yellow Spring Diagram. He cast both the Holy Prince's soul and essence into the diagrammatic yellow springs for refinement. Only after this did he turn his steady gaze towards Prince Lu Ya and the Little Peacock King. His killing intent, now directed at Lu Ya, seemed significantly more potent.

It was understandable. He had maintained his act for three full days—a flawless performance throughout. But due to this imbecile's surprise assault, he was compelled to endure a direct, full-power blow from a supreme Extreme Dao Weapon. Observing the reverence and apprehension on every face, all his meticulous scheming had been rendered meaningless.

From this point forward, far fewer individuals would dare to present themselves. And the culprit responsável for ruining everything was none other than Lu Ya. This feathered fiend absolutely could not be suffered to exist!

With this fierce resolve, Ye Chen launched himself forward, radiating murderous intent. His Movement Secret was pushed to its absolute limit, synergizing with the profound spatial understanding cultivated through the Minor Space Technique. His speed became akin to living lightning. In a mere instant, he materialized directly before Lu Ya.

Lu Ya had been gripped by sheer panic from the moment his connection to the Immortal-Slaying Blade snapped. In that critical second, he realized—Ye Chen wielded the Armament Secret. This was a famously potent technique among the Nine Secrets, allowing one to wield weapons of significantly higher realms prematurely and adapt to them with astounding rapidity. Most crucially, once an enemy's weapon was seized, its owner's brand could be effortlessly obliterated, transferring ownership.

Put simply, cultivators of the Armament Secret were the natural adversaries of all flying treasures. A single lapse in vigilance, and one's prized artifact would be purloined. Had he foreseen this, he would never have employed the Immortal-Slaying Gourd against Ye Chen. He would never have foolishly charged into this perilous battle. Alas, no amount of regret could undo the past.