Immortality Starts With Investment Chapter 703: Sister Luo Won't Be Mad, Right?

Outside the battlefield, a vast crowd had anticipated the Little Peacock King would be the next to fall. The myriad races braced for the loss of three top geniuses, a truly devastating blow.

However, Ye Chen ultimately chose not to strike, allowing the Little Peacock King to depart. This unexpected turn of events didn't perplex the onlookers for long. Upon recalling Ye Chen's infamous reputation and connecting it to the peacock's well-known aunt, the pieces fell into place.

It became clear that the Little Peacock King, much like Yao Yuekong, had leveraged his aunt's status for his own survival. This observation only solidified the general consensus: if one possessed a beautiful, high-potential female relative, provoking the Heir of the Heavenly Emperor came with the potential for a second chance at life. Yet, as this thought dawned, a wave of pity washed over many for the late Prince Lu Ya.

"Princess Golden Crow is also a peerless beauty, possessing both exquisite looks and a captivating figure. I recall seeing her once; she was utterly enchanting. And wasn't the Golden Crow matriarch considered the most beautiful woman among the myriad races generations ago? It's a true shame that Lu Ya perished too swiftly to ever engage with her. Had he been given the chance... perhaps things might have been different..."

Despite his defeat by Ye Chen, the Little Peacock King still commanded significant respect among lesser geniuses. Consequently, while the spectators pondered the day's events, no one dared to voice their speculations aloud, opting instead for discreet private messages.

Upon witnessing the Little Peacock King's survival, Yao Yuekong's face lit up with a sincere smile. Previously, having traded his sister (and aunt) for his life, he had felt unable to face the Little Peacock King's taunts and had remained silent. Now, however, with the peacock having also offered up his aunt, and with the identity of that aunt being no secret, they were, in a sense, even.

Yao Yuekong's broad smile was undeniably genuine. The Little Peacock King, unaware that his secret was known, suddenly caught sight of that smile, and his expression immediately soured.

…

Within the confines of the battlefield, having bid farewell to his "esteemed nephew," Ye Chen stretched languidly, feeling completely revitalized. A trace of annoyance persisted, however, stemming from the fool Lu Ya's actions, which had squandered three days of what could have been Oscar-worthy performances. Nevertheless, Ye Chen was not one to dwell on the past; Lu Ya was dead, and the matter was concluded. More pressing matters now demanded his attention.

Ye Chen's first course of action was to turn towards Luo Bingling. "My sincere gratitude for your timely intervention, Fairy Luo!"

Luo Bingling simply shook her head. Ye Chen's capabilities were too extraordinary. Even if he had been cornered by both Lu Ya and the Little Peacock King, he likely would have only required a few additional strikes to prevail. Her assistance, or lack thereof, would have ultimately made little difference to the outcome. Thus, she had already ceased expecting any personal gain from the situation and regarded his thanks as mere polite formality.

Yet, Ye Chen's smile deepened. "Fairy Luo, there is no need for such modesty. To step forward without hesitation at that critical juncture—I genuinely felt your sincerity. It truly touched my heart."

At these words, Luo Bingling's eyes sparkled. Ye Chen was truly grateful! She felt a palpable shift in his disposition towards her, bringing her one step closer to the coveted Dao Cauldron.

Luo Bingling's delight was evident.

Ye Chen offered another faint smile before shifting his gaze to Yao Yuezhi, inclining his head in greeting. "My thanks also to you, esteemed fairy, for your righteous assistance. You must be the younger sister of Fellow Daoist Yao Yuekong, correct?"

Yao Yuezhi bashfully lowered her head, offering a gentle shake. Her voice, soft as a whisper on the breeze, replied, "There is no need for thanks. Brother Ye once spared my elder brother's life. He has cherished me dearly since childhood, fulfilling my every wish. Our sibling bond is exceptionally strong. Therefore, I have always held immense gratitude towards Brother Ye. Furthermore, Brother Ye's strength is astonishing—even without my intervention, the result would have been the same."

Stolen story; please report.

Ye Chen's face was alight with a warm smile. "Assistance is assistance, regardless of the circumstances! Besides, between your brother and myself, there was never any mention of 'sparing lives.' The very first time I encountered Fellow Daoist Yao Yuekong, we established an instant connection. One might say our friendship truly began after a spirited confrontation. Since you aided me, and you are his beloved younger sister, please, you must accept this token. It is a heartfelt gift from me!"

As he spoke, Ye Chen produced the fractured stele inscribed with the Stasis Secret, still radiating warmth from its recent acquisition. A five-thousand-fold multiplier was an enticing prospect, and Yao Yuezhi, despite her evident mastery of veiled intentions, seemed far more outwardly innocent than even the Little Demoness. She possessed a keen understanding of the social dynamics at play and was remarkably shrewd. Presenting him with an unexpected delight was a distinct possibility. A five-thousand-fold multiplier, he mused, was undeniably worth the calculated risk.

Yao Yuezhi had only intervened because she witnessed Ye Chen's ability to withstand the Immortal-Slaying Gourd, aiming to forge a connection and nurture affection. However, Ye Chen's actual prowess far surpassed her expectations. Catching a supreme Extreme Dao Weapon with his bare hands and sustaining only a minor scratch? It was unbelievable. Yet, this formidable strength only intensified her desire. What she hadn't anticipated was that after her minor role in the events, Ye Chen would directly present the Stasis Secret stele to her.

Wasn't this an act of excessive generosity? She had heard tales of Ye Chen's magnanimity, but his current benevolence left her astonished. And most importantly—it was the Stasis Secret stele! This profound artifact was intrinsically linked to the laws of time. If she acquired it, advancing to the Fourth Heaven and attaining the status of a Semi-Saint would become significantly more attainable.

Yao Yuezhi's heart raced. It wasn't only her; every spectator outside the conflict zone stared with wide eyes. The Stasis Secret, being gifted so freely? The Heir of the Heavenly Emperor was incredibly generous towards women!

Numerous male cultivators suddenly lamented their gender. Had they been women and caught Ye Chen's attention, they might have bypassed decades, even centuries, of arduous cultivation. And the notion of an instant connection with Yao Yuekong? Utterly unbelievable. If Yao Yuekong lacked a sister, his grave would be overgrown by now.

Meanwhile, Luo Bingling, who had been secretly pleased, froze, her eyes widening. Ye Chen had obtained the Stasis Secret... and the first person he bestowed it upon was another? What about her? She had already reached the Third Heaven—she also required the laws of time! Why not her?

Luo Bingling's fists clenched. In the past, Ye Chen's other women had always held precedence, their bonds forged earlier. She hadn't minded much when he offered valuable items to them. But now, she was the most experienced! Yet Ye Chen continued to bestow treasures upon someone else.

Even with the Dao Cauldron shimmering before her, Luo Bingling's expression contorted. She felt an overpowering urge to question Ye Chen: Did he look down on her?!

Facing Ye Chen, even with Yao Yuezhi's exceptional composure, this heaven-defying gift momentarily stunned her. However, she quickly regained her senses and vehemently shook her head. "Brother Ye, this is truly not appropriate. The Stasis Secret is far too valuable. I cannot accept such a precious item for nothing. Please take it back!"

As she declined, her small hands gestured erratically. It was an utterly charming sight.

Ye Chen’s smile widened. He moved closer and spoke gently, "Your brother and I established an instant rapport—I consider him a true brother. Since you are his younger sister, you are also my younger sister. There's no need for thanks between us. Consider this a token of greeting!"

Yao Yuezhi's eyes still conveyed uncertainty. She raised a hand to refuse once more. But Ye Chen's demeanor turned resolute. "Or perhaps… you are unwilling to accept me as your sworn elder brother?"

Yao Yuezhi's lips twitched. But Ye Chen had already advanced this far in their exchange; she sensed the delicate balance of their interaction had reached its zenith. Thus, she lowered her head, her cheeks coloring, and whispered shyly, "Then… thank you, Elder Brother Ye!"

Ye Chen chuckled. He took her delicate hand and placed the stele into her palm. Yao Yuezhi's hand trembled, her face flushing even deeper.

Luo Bingling deliberately averted her gaze, yet the gem embedded in her navel vibrated intensely—a clear sign of her fury.

Yao Yuezhi noticed this as well and softly inquired, a hint of embarrassment in her voice, "Elder Brother Ye, Sister Luo does not seem pleased… Will she be upset? The Stasis Secret is exceptionally precious. If I were to share a portion with Sister Luo… Would you be displeased with me, Elder Brother Ye?"

Ye Chen laughed heartily. This was truly potent tea—aged, exquisite tea. And Luo Bingling, upon hearing Yao Yuezhi's words, trembled with even greater intensity…