Immortality Starts With Investment

Cultivators possessed formidable divine sense. Yet most harbored secrets they wished hidden, so arrays to block divine sense abounded. Anyone who could afford pills installed such formations around their residences.

Great clans employed even stronger ones. Otherwise, a clan leader enjoying time with his wife—or an ancestor emerging from long seclusion needing release—would prove inconvenient.

As a top-tier great clan, the Heavenly Demon Clan's arrays were supreme—even Quasi-Immortals might struggle to penetrate silently. Thus, Ye Chen truly hadn't noticed their approach. Otherwise, he would have agreed to Yan Wenwen's plea for a few more days of "repayment."

Yet even caught by his little tea princess and Little Peacock King, Ye Chen remained unruffled. His persona was already set—no house to collapse.

Yan Wenwen faced the pair with calm, her moist eyes blinking serenely. The arrivals, however, stared in shock. Yao Yuezhi's emerald eyes filled with astonishment, sorrow, and disbelief. Her delicate face paled instantly, her entire frame radiating fragility. She even staggered back two steps.

Yet a glint of triumph hid in her gaze toward Yan Wenwen. She had suspected something amiss long ago. She had deliberately invited Little Peacock King today. Purely to shame Yan Wenwen into never returning. An old woman, stealing her man. Had she no face?

Thus, the only one truly shocked and incredulous was the Little Peacock King. Gazing at his radiant mother, his handsome face flushed crimson. She had been gone seven days. He had assumed she was discussing the Dao with Yao Yuezhi's mother.

But Yao Yuezhi, visiting, said she hadn't seen her. Puzzled, he came with her to check. Only to witness this staggering scene.

"You… you two…"

Little Peacock King trembled with rage, phantom images flickering around him—as though reverting to primal form. Especially toward Ye Chen—murderous intent surged. His finger shook as he pointed. "I regarded you as a benefactor. Even when the clan cut resources, I refused to strike you—and warned you! Yet you want to be my father?"

Seeing him point at Ye Chen, Yan Wenwen furrowed her phoenix brows. "How can you point at your lifesaver? That's far too rude!"

Little Peacock King stared in disbelief. Now you lecture me on manners?

As a man, Ye Chen couldn't stay silent. Smiling, he stepped forward. "It's fine. Little Peacock is still young."

Then gravely to Little Peacock King, "The deed is done. Anger changes nothing. As cultivators, let's face it openly. No need for formalities. You needn't call me father—you call me uncle, I'll call you nephew."

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

At those words, smoke practically poured from the Little Peacock King's head. His face twisted. He scanned left and right—as though seeking a weapon. Ye Chen felt that, having done the deed, he couldn't shirk uncle duties—even if unwilling to be stepfather. It would ease Yan Wenwen's heart.

Thus, he asked solicitously, "Nephew, what are you looking for? Uncle will fetch it!"

Little Peacock King clenched his fists. Five-colored divine light instantly formed a divine spear. The next moment, it stabbed toward Ye Chen!

Ye Chen arched a brow. Men who dared raise a hand against him mostly died. But given Little Peacock King's special status, he decided a finger block would suffice.

Yet in that instant, Yan Wenwen flashed forward, her alluring form shielding Ye Chen. She scolded Little Peacock King angrily, "Don't treat your Uncle Ye like that…"

The spear halted abruptly.

Little Peacock King's twisted expression brimmed with complexity. The spear dissipated. He shot Ye Chen a furious glare, then turned and stormed off.

Yan Wenwen sighed, rubbing her temples as she consoled Ye Chen. "You've been so good to him, yet he acts this way. I'll speak to him properly when we return. Next time, he won't."

Ye Chen shook his head understandingly, wrapping an arm around her slender waist. "It's fine. The boy's young—I understand…"

Little Peacock King, reaching the door, sensed something and whipped around. "Don't touch my mom…"

…

Little Peacock King stormed off.

Yan Wenwen, still eager to continue her "repayment," sensed the poor timing and left reluctantly. Before departing, she cast two deep glances at Yao Yuezhi.

Yao Yuezhi continued feigning heartbreak, sorrow, and shock.

Ye Chen strode over. He swept Yao Yuezhi into his arms.

Her face etched with grief, she murmured, "Brother, I never knew you two were… doing such things! I should have realized you prefer mature women. Little me can't satisfy you… It's all my fault—not yours… I won't blame you. I only blame myself. No wonder you always stop short—I'm simply unworthy of you…"

Watching Yao Yuezhi's acting, Ye Chen's mouth twitched. How could he miss that this little minx was acting? His little green tea needed a lesson. Too lazy for words, he slipped a precious herb into her arms. Then scooped her up and carried her toward the cave abode.

Yao Yuezhi's face remained half-dead with sorrow, but the herb startled her. Before she could react, she was already inside. She wasn't surprised Ye Chen saw through her act. Her performance aimed solely to shame Yan Wenwen into staying away. Yet Yan Wenwen had remained utterly composed, clearly planning to return. These mature women truly had no shame.

Soon, the cave abode doors sealed shut. Anticipation filled Yao Yuezhi. Finally her turn? But moments later, her plaintive voice echoed from within. "Brother, please stop drinking—do something…"

…

Outside the Heavenly Demon Clan encampment.

Yan Wenwen, radiant and buoyant, followed leisurely behind Little Peacock King. Seeing his mother utterly unconcerned only fueled his rage. He halted, intent on questioning her. But Yan Wenwen struck first. "My talent once rivaled your aunt's. Yet I married, met my husband only once, and he died… then I had you—splitting my focus. I've toiled to raise you. Am I not allowed my own life now? Must I widow myself forever for a man I barely knew?"

Little Peacock King felt instantly suppressed. He stammered wordlessly. "I… Mother, of course you deserve a new life—but why Ye Chen?"

Yan Wenwen arched a brow. "What's wrong with Ye Chen? He's merely broad in love. That's no flaw—it's a virtue. In the cultivation world, only strength enables such breadth."

Little Peacock King wanted to protest—Ye Chen coveted his aunt too; he wasn't good. But realization dawned, eyes brightening. Yes—if Ye Chen had his mother now. He must have given up on Aunt. His chance had returned…

…