Immortality Starts With Investment

Chapter 367: What's the Difference from Courting Death?

"With the Undefeated Sword Body, I now control ninety percent of my seal…" Gu Yunyun's words carried a clear hint.

Ye Chen was pleasantly surprised. Unlike Senior An Miaoli, who could justify her actions with a clear conscience, his master was different. Thin-skinned and unwilling to deceive herself, she might act but never speak openly about such matters. For her to voice such suggestive words was a rare feat, especially with her jade-like face, faintly flushed even under the golden glow, stirring his heart.

But her willingness was enough for Ye Chen. How could he let her take risks? Embracing her gently, feeling her commanding presence, he spoke earnestly.

"Ninety percent is too low. Even ninety-eight percent—what's the difference from courting death? I want to fully claim you, Master, to leave my mark and make you truly mine. But I'm not impatient. I want you to shine brighter. With your Sword Heart forged and the Undefeated Sword Body, you're but a step from prodigies like the Heavenly Intention Holy Son. How could I, for selfish desires, risk ruining everything you've built? Don't rush, Master. Once your seal is fully refined, I'll follow your lead."

Ye Chen's words were heartfelt. He longed to savor his master's unique allure but had cultivated enough restraint. Though the risk of mishap was small, the consequences could be dire. Indulging in fleeting pleasure at such a cost was utterly irresponsible. His decision had nothing to do with her 1,700x multiplier, her potential 2,000x with a Heavenly Spirit Root, or her unmatched critical hit potential. It was purely about protecting her.

Gu Yunyun, initially surprised—his longing gaze had been palpable—melted with emotion as he explained. Ye Chen couldn't bear to let her face any danger. True love meant never harming the beloved for selfish gain. This selfless devotion softened her heart and body alike.

But his final words struck a discordant note. Don't rush? It sounded like she was the eager one. She wasn't rushing! Why would she? Even with her composure, unshaken even by Dugu Yue's provocations, Gu Yunyun felt a spark of irritation, her teeth itching to nip at him.

"I was just telling you about the changes after gaining the Undefeated Sword Body. Don't overthink it!" Gu Yunyun insisted, trying to clarify.

Yet, she didn't push Ye Chen away, letting him hold her close, their bodies pressed seamlessly together. Ye Chen grinned, lowering his head. Moments later, he concluded that even his hard-talking master was soft when kissed.

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"Master, this Enlightenment Tea Leaf has been out for a while. Take it quickly. Use it when you comprehend the sword intent in Dugu's wooden sword. Don't hesitate—I'll definitely get you more in the future," Ye Chen said, releasing his softened master to focus on the matter at hand.

He genuinely didn't intend to gift the box. Dating back to the Heavenly Emperor's era, nearly a million years ago, the leaf's pristine preservation spoke to the box's status as a supreme treasure. Gifting it later could yield a massive critical hit surprise.

Gu Yunyun bit her lip, struggling to maintain her aloof facade around her disciple, who effortlessly pulled her into his rhythm. Despite knowing Ye Chen's character, she hesitated to accept the radiant leaf. His talk of getting more was clearly meant to reassure her.

The Enlightenment Tea Tree's destruction—botched by the Heavenly Emperor—was a infamous tale, a stain on his legacy. Most cultivators grew up hearing it. A tree extinct for a million years couldn't have many leaves left.

With Ye Chen, now a Holy Son, feuding with the Heavenly Intention Holy Son yet only at mid-Nascent Soul, the danger was palpable. She felt he needed the leaf more, to hasten his comprehension of Dao and laws and grow stronger.

"You should keep it. I just need to steadily refine my seal. When I reach Deity Transformation or Unity Realm, I can naturally comprehend the wooden sword without rushing," she urged, hoping he'd take it back.

Ye Chen's expression turned resolute. "If you don't accept it, Master, I won't agree next time."

Gu Yunyun's eyes widened. This rebellious disciple, always plotting against his master, dares threaten me? With that? No next time—you're dreaming!

Her composure cracked, but a wry smile followed. She knew Ye Chen's words were a ploy to make her accept the leaf. His deep affection only deepened her guilt. Had she known she couldn't forget him, she wouldn't have left. She should've stayed by his side. These years, Ye Chen must have missed her terribly, driving him to give her everything upon reuniting.

With a gentle flick of her storage ring, a wooden box appeared. She carefully placed the golden leaf inside. The box was ordinary, suited for common spiritual items, but sufficient to preserve the leaf for ten days or so. Her expression was solemn as she did so.

As Ye Chen's master, she'd felt inadequate, unable to shelter him further—a reason for her departure. But now, with the Sword Sect's heaven-defying opportunities, she'd leapt from ordinary genius to peerless prodigy.

With the Supreme Elder's lifetime sword intent sealed within her, fully refined alongside her Undefeated Sword Body and Dugu's wooden sword, reaching peak Unity Realm or even Mahayana Realm wasn't impossible. This restored her confidence. In the future immortal path battles, when Ye Chen faced danger, she wouldn't just worry from the sidelines—she could stand before him, shielding him once more.

Watching his master's serious expression, Ye Chen's mind echoed with a system prompt:

"Congratulations, Host, on successfully gifting the Enlightenment Tea Leaf! 1,700x feedback in progress…"

…