Investment Return System, Start by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple

Chapter 115: Identity of the Old Cripple, Arrival at the Holy Mountain

Eastern Domain, above a secluded mountain valley.

"Gentlemen, you've been tailing this old cripple for quite some time. Isn't it time to reveal yourselves?"

The elderly cultivator with a crippled leg, previously apprehended by Chen Daoxuan, came to a halt, his features now adorned with a faint smile.

As his words lingered, three silhouettes emerged in unison from behind the old man. It was the three great masters of the Void Refining Realm from the Eastern Territory.

"Your Excellency's magnanimous display earlier left us in awe. However… we three have endured considerable losses that far surpass our means. It wouldn't be fitting for you to depart from our Eastern Domain so easily."

Amidst them stood a piano-bearing individual, addressing the old cripple with a measured tone.

"We aren't demanding much. Five thousand top-grade spirit stones will suffice. But, kind sir, you must compensate each of us with a Heavenly-tier artifact. Upon your agreement, we three shall make way, with no intention to hinder you."

Another figure, a smile playing on their lips, conveyed their thoughts.

"Indeed, indeed, I'm of the same mind."

The last among them, wielding a long blade, nodded in agreement.

All three of them are at the Void Refining Realm, each standing as a pinnacle of the Third Layer. The old cripple, despite his Fifth Layer Void Refining Realm cultivation, was still met with confidence from the trio, who believed they held the upper hand due to their numerical advantage.

"Hehehe, you jest with this old cripple. Setting aside the matter of the Heavenly-tier artifacts surrendered to the senior earlier… Just imagine, fellow daoists, if this pauper-like old man were to produce three Heavenly-tier artifacts. Wouldn't that be tantamount to robbing me of my life?"

The old cripple's laughter rang out, as if he had heard the grandest joke in the world.

"If that's how you see it, then this matter might prove quite difficult…"

Seeing the old cripple's unwillingness to part with his wealth, the trio exchanged glances and nodded in silent agreement.

Before the old cripple could respond, they simultaneously launched their attacks, catching him off guard. They were determined to strike him incapacitated, believing that even if they couldn't end his life with a single blow, they could at least leave him severely wounded.

"Oh my, not a word before laying hands?" the old cripple taunted, feigning surprise at their sudden aggression, though he stood his ground without flinching.

Casually retrieving a token from his sleeve, he revealed an obsidian token forged from unique meteorite iron.

The inscription read "Tianyu."

At the sight of the token, the trio's expressions contorted in horror, their pupils dilating in shock.

"Puff-"

Simultaneously, all three spat out blood, their forced disruption of their own techniques causing a backfire of energy within their bodies.

The old cripple chuckled. It wasn't his doing that caused this, but their rash actions.

"Your Excellency is a member of the Central Region Tianyu Army, why didn't you say it earlier… Indeed, this time, we were at fault. We shall make way for you, Your Excellency."

One of them wiped the blood from his lips, an air of resignation about him.

"Cough, had you disclosed your identity earlier, we wouldn't have dared to take action against you."

"Same here!"

The other two looked ruefully at the token in the old cripple's hand, wiping sweat from their brows.

This old cripple was truly cunning, concealing his affiliation with the Tianyu Army until now. If he had spoken up earlier, who would have dared to challenge him?

As the old cripple had stated, if a Tianyu Army member were to meet their end in the Eastern Domain, dire consequences would ensue. The Tianyu Army was the personal guard of the Central Region General's mansion. Requirements for entry included at least the Profound Realm cultivation, with benefits scaling alongside one's cultivation level.

The trio couldn't afford to provoke the Tianyu Army.

"Hehe, the old cripple didn't expect the three of you to make a sudden move."

Seeing their defeated state, the old man laughed heartily, casually pocketing the token.

"However, since Your Excellency is, indeed, member of the Central Region's Tianyu Army, why did you not reveal your identity earlier to avoid the extortion?"

The one holding the piano displayed a hint of confusion.

The other two also wore puzzled expressions, struggling to comprehend why the old man, with such a powerful affiliation, had previously sought to please the senior cultivator.

Even if the other party is strong, can he really surpass the Central Region General's Mansion?

"Hehe, no need to worry about that, gentlemen. However, meeting each other is fate. Old Cripple advises you all, that individual is not someone to provoke."

With those words, Old Cripple turned away without waiting for their reactions. Despite his limping gait, his speed was surprisingly swift. Even as he departed, he cast a parting glance toward the direction of the Ren Family estate.

"I was fortunate enough to witness General's use of his divine technique to suppress powerful foes. But… that person's divine technique seems to be no weaker in terms of might than the General's, or perhaps even stronger! I just can't fathom it—where did such a formidable expert come from…"

Old Cripple mumbled to himself as he gazed toward the Ren Family estate, then hastened his pace to leave.

After Old Cripple's departure, the trio from the Eastern Region exchanged glances, all wearing wry smiles.

"Alright, let's each go our separate ways. We can't afford to provoke that senior, and the Central Region General's Mansion's Tianyu Army is even more beyond our means."

"Sigh, what a mess… Even watching a spectacle could cost us five thousand top-grade spiritual stones and a Heaven Rank artifact."

"It's just bad luck..."

These three veterans of the Void Refining Realm had never suffered humiliation in the Eastern Region for thousands of years. However, today, they had suffered two setbacks in such a short span, causing immense frustration.

In the end, they could only disperse with a pat on the back, each returning to their respective abodes.

…

Holy Mountain.

Guided by the two elders, Leng Yanran and Li Yourong quickly arrived at the foot of the holy mountain.

"Senior Sister, when Yourong was at the Holy Mountain before, she stayed in that house!"

Suddenly, Li Yourong pointed towards a small house at the foot of the mountain, excitedly introducing it to her senior sister.

Hearing this, Leng Yanran turned her gaze and looked at the small house, her eyebrows furrowing instantly.

While the Holy Mountain appeared grand, why would they relegate her junior sister to such a remote location at the foot of the mountain? Especially that small house, with its crooked and mismatched construction, it was downright unsightly—far below the standards of even a rustic mountain village.

Before Leng Yanran could voice her discontent, the Great elder by her side had already caught on to what she was thinking. The moment Leng Yanran's brows furrowed, he knew she had misunderstood something!

"Little friend, actually, on the mountain, we have also prepared a grand hall for Yourong. After all, she is the Holy Maiden of our Holy Mountain. Although she might not be as famous as her sister, we wouldn't treat her differently, right?

"This small house, she secretly built it on her own. The main purpose was to find opportunities to sneak out and explore the outside world…"