Immortality Starts With Investment

"Yao Yuezhi should have been crippled. Yet what happened? She suddenly broke through her limits and rebuilt herself—even slaying Feng Youhuang across realms. Her strength now nearly rivals mine. It must be Ye Chen sacrificing his own cave heaven origin. Otherwise, with his personality, he'd never hide behind a woman. But this time, he might truly be in grave danger! As the Clan Leader said, too many will strike him. And his guardians will be blocked—unable to reach him in time."

Little Peacock King agreed with the Clan Leader's speculation. Yet he harbored no intent to fight alongside Ye Chen. He wouldn't attack Ye Chen, but neither would he join him in certain death. He still wanted to live until his aunt returned.

The faint resentment that had lingered in the beautiful woman's brows vanished like mist before a breeze. She had fretted endlessly. Why hadn't Ye Chen sought her out lately? Had he lost interest? Now, hearing her son's words, realization dawned. Ye Chen's cave heaven origin was damaged. Likely, he worried he no longer deserved her—or feared rejection—and thus hesitated to approach. Utterly unnecessary. She always honored her promises.

After a moment's thought, the beautiful woman rose gracefully. Her alluring figure swayed as she strode purposefully toward the door. Since Ye Chen felt too shy to come to her, she would go to him. And conveniently warn him of the danger.

Yes—a fine reason. Otherwise, it might seem she was throwing herself at him.

Little Peacock King, learning his mother intended to alert Ye Chen, pondered briefly before standing. "I'll go instead. Informing him will settle our debt."

Though Ye Chen vied for his aunt, he didn't wish him dead. A warning would let Ye Chen prepare. But his mother smiled and waved him off. "I'll handle it. Stay home and cultivate properly!"

Little Peacock King persisted. "Then let me accompany you, Mother. I can ask how much his cave heaven has grown—whether it exceeds twenty thousand li!"

His mother halted, turning back. Her eyes narrowed…

Little Peacock King shivered and fell silent. Raised by her hand, he remembered all too well—when he slacked in childhood cultivation, her discipline had been merciless. Now, that narrowed gaze summoned the old dread, washing over him like familiar authority. Even as a Half-Saint, the suppression etched in his blood overwhelmed him. He could only watch silently as she departed through the gate.

Yet inwardly puzzled. Mother had always been aloof, bothering with nothing beyond her own affairs. Why this sudden enthusiasm? But realization soon struck.

Ye Chen had saved him. And she adored her son—so naturally, gratitude toward Ye Chen overflowed. Understandable…

Thinking how deeply his mother loved him warmed Little Peacock King's heart. Filled with motivation, he headed off to cultivate.

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…

"Brother, you're so mean…"

Inside Ye Chen's cave abode, Yao Yuezhi harbored genuine resentment this time. Both her true form and Heavenly Demon Ancestral Form. Brother had savored her thoroughly, as though intent on devouring her whole. Yet when it came to the main event. He suddenly calmed, remembering "proper matters," and hurried her away. At first, she had indulged purely to please him. But now, she truly craved it. Halfway there—anyone would find it unbearable.

Ye Chen wiped the tea that had splashed on his eye corner and spoke gently. "We have all the time in the world. Why rush this moment? That Jade Profound Spiritual Ginseng has already been unsealed. Delaying further will only cause more Spiritual Qi to dissipate, greatly lowering transplant success. It's priceless—one stalk equals a hundred ordinary plants. In critical moments, it can instantly restore most injuries. Truly a rare treasure. So though I'd love to keep you here, I care more about your strength growing steadily. Go into seclusion first. Next time—for certain!"

He coaxed her patiently.

Hearing this, Yao Yuezhi's resentment melted into softness. Brother's earlier indulgence—letting her taste while tasting her—stemmed from deep love. Stopping midway and sending her away now—also from deep love.

"Fine… Brother, you're too good to me… Remember—next time for sure."

She pressed a gentle kiss to his lips, parting reluctantly.

Ye Chen felt the same halfway frustration. But his current mindset refused to be led by desire. So next time remained uncertain. After seeing Yao Yuezhi off, the system prompt echoed in his mind.

"Critical feedback triggered…"

"Reward: One Thousand Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng Plants!"

"Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng: Primary ingredient for Nine Revolutions Profound Origin Pills. Stimulates cultivator potential, enhances…"

The reward met his expectations. His little tea princess overflowed with gratitude. But lately, every gift had been spiritual plants—the emotional impact gradually stabilizing. Maximum critical hits couldn't occur endlessly. An ordinary critical now felt reasonable.

Ye Chen manipulated his cave heaven, tossing the carrot-like Nine Heavens Profound Ginseng plants downward. Letting the realm evolve suitable growing grounds on its own. He prepared to cultivate. But just as he settled, his cave abode's transmission talisman stirred.

Learning the visitor's identity, Ye Chen arched a brow. Why had she come? After a brief hesitation, he stepped out. There at the entrance stood a voluptuous, curvaceous beauty—her mature allure radiating, face stunningly exquisite. It was Little Peacock King's mother.

In looks alone, she rivaled the late Feng Youhuang. This only heightened Ye Chen's anticipation for Yan Ruyu's beauty. Little Peacock King himself wasn't bad-looking either. The Peacock Clan truly led in appearance.

"What brings you here, fellow Daoist?"

Ye Chen couldn't gauge her intentions. He had no plans to invite her in—preferring a quick resolution. Little Peacock King's mother had arrived nervous, intent on repaying a debt. But seeing Ye Chen's surprise mingled with restraint upon greeting her. Her tension eased.

As the experienced one, she should take the lead and guide him. Thus, she met his eyes with a soft smile. "My visit has two purposes. First, to thank you for saving my son earlier. The second… isn't suitable to discuss outside. Won't you invite me in?"

Ye Chen had no desire to. Something felt off about this woman—as though she intended to measure his worth. And without a multiplier, he held no interest. He refused. "Better not. Little Peacock King and I are brothers. With Auntie so beautiful, entering my cave abode—if he learned of it—might breed misunderstandings… so whatever it is, let's speak here outside!"