In Xianxia With The Investment Return System, Starting My Journey by taking Demon Empress as a Disciple

Chapter 117: Li Shenruo Emerges from Seclusion, Challenges Leng Yanran

Hearing the Grand Elder’s words, everyone suddenly understood.

No wonder the Ren Family had been “taken care of.”

So it was a Void Return Realm Realm powerhouse who made a move!

"Since Shenruo returned, she has been in seclusion, cultivating the newly acquired immortal-grade technique."

"But given her talent, she should be emerging soon."

One elder nodded slightly, his face filled with pride.

"Ah, if only our Holy Mountain’s two Saintesss were the same…"

"If Yurong put in even half the effort that Shenruo does, how great would that be?"

"After cultivating an immortal-grade technique, Shenruo's realm might regress slightly, but it won’t be long before she breaks through to the Unity Realm!"

Another elder sighed emotionally.

As his words fell, the others all nodded in agreement.

But then, someone inadvertently glanced at Li Yurong…

And when they saw her cultivation level, everyone froze in shock.

"Seventh Layer of the Profound Sky Realm?"

"Hiss—!"

"This— She's only been away from the mountain for less than a month! Did she encounter some incredible opportunity?"

Upon confirming Li Yurong's breakthrough to the Seventh Layer of the Profound Sky Realm, many elders inhaled sharply.

"Well… I took a bath… Does that… count as an opportunity?"

Li Yurong thought for a moment and weakly muttered.

For a moment, everyone was at a loss for words.

They absolutely refused to believe that she had simply taken a bath and managed to advance two entire levels.

If that were true, then who would even need to cultivate anymore?!

Just take baths and sleep, and you'd bathe your way to immortality!

Just as they were about to press for more details,

Suddenly—

A palace hall in the distance began to tremble, as countless streams of spiritual energy surged toward it!

"Shenruo has succeeded!"

Seeing this, everyone’s eyes lit up!

They immediately gathered in front of the great hall, eager to see how much Li Shenruo had improved after cultivating an immortal-grade technique!

Although switching techniques often caused temporary regression,

Because her new technique was of a higher grade, her actual combat strength wouldn’t decline—

It might even increase!

Leng Yanran glanced over indifferently and couldn’t help but scoff.

This so-called ‘phenomenon’… isn’t all that impressive…

A tiny spiritual energy vortex?

It probably wasn't even as dense as the natural spiritual energy in front of Heavenly Dao Hall on a regular day!

Although the Holy Mountain was a sacred land, its spiritual energy concentration was only about ten times higher than the outside world.

But compared to Heavenly Dao Hall?

It was at least a hundred times worse!

Even just breathing normally near Heavenly Dao Hall would yield better results than cultivating in this place!

Before long, the spiritual vortex dissipated.

"Shenruo managed to stir a vortex at the Profound Sky Realm—truly worthy of being the most talented Saintess our Holy Mountain has seen in thousands of years!"

"Back when I broke through to the Unity Realm, I didn’t even cause a phenomenon!"

"This is proof that her advancement must be significant!"

The elders all nodded in admiration.

But to Leng Yanran and Li Yurong,

These words sounded utterly ridiculous.

Especially when they recalled their master's cultivation…

When he broke through, the spiritual energy he attracted was as vast as an ocean, boundless and endless—

It even triggered a Heavenly Tribulation!

Compared to that…

This tiny vortex?

Calling it a "phenomenon" was laughable.

At best, it was just a ripple in a pond.

Rumble—

As the sound echoed, the stone doors of the great hall slowly opened.

Li Shenruo emerged, still carrying the air of a celestial being untouched by the mortal world.

A small silver bell dangled from her bare foot, ringing softly with each step.

Though she appeared to walk upon the ground, her feet never actually touched it—always maintaining a slight distance.

It was as if even dust itself dared not approach her.

She was the most noble and ethereal fairy beneath the heavens.

In terms of appearance, she bore about a seventy percent resemblance to Li Yurong.

However, unlike Yurong, Shenruo was far slimmer, making them appear like two extremes.

“Saintess, was your seclusion successful?”

The moment Li Shenruo appeared, the elders couldn’t help but ask with concern.

“I appreciate the elders’ concern. I have successfully mastered the immortal-grade technique during this retreat.”

“Although I have dropped two minor realms, it won’t be long before I regain the Ninth Layer of the Profound Sky Realm— No, I will soon break through to the Unity Realm!”

Li Shenruo replied calmly, her tone unwavering.

Then suddenly, she froze, her gaze shifting to two figures not far away—

Li Yurong and Leng Yanran.

“Fairy Leng?” 

“Yurong has returned as well?”

Shenruo looked at the two and took a few light steps forward, greeting Leng Yanran with a polite cupped-hand salute.

Leng Yanran simply nodded slightly in response.

“In the previous secret realm, I must thank Fairy Leng for yielding the opportunity to me. Otherwise, I would not have been able to obtain this immortal-grade technique.”

“Now that Fairy Leng is visiting our Holy Mountain, I must properly arrange a welcome for you.”

Li Shenruo still felt a trace of gratitude toward Leng Yanran.

After all, the inheritance of Scarlet Cloud Master was originally meant for Leng Yanran.

If Leng Yanran hadn’t refused it, Shenruo would never have obtained this immortal-grade technique.

“No need for thanks.”

“And honestly, that wasn’t even much of an ‘opportunity’ to begin with.”

“If possible, instead of any reception, just arrange a quiet place for me to cultivate.”

Leng Yanran waved her hand casually.

She had no interest in food, drink, or entertainment.

Her only goal was to cultivate to the Immortal Realm—

To become her master's most trusted right hand.

“Fairy Leng’s dedication to the Dao is truly admirable.”

“I will arrange a suitable cultivation chamber for you. Please wait just a moment.”

Shenruo nodded slightly and gestured to an elder, who immediately understood and left to make the arrangements.

At that moment, as Shenruo was observing Leng Yanran,

She suddenly noticed—

Leng Yanran’s cultivation level had already reached the Unity Realm!

How was this possible?!

It had only been a month since they returned from the secret realm.

Yet Leng Yanran had gone from the Seventh Layer of the Profound Sky Realm to the Unity Realm?

That was way too fast!

Thinking back, Shenruo recalled that during their time in the secret realm,

Nearly ninety percent of the rare artifacts had ended up in Leng Yanran’s hands.

It was likely that her breakthrough had been achieved by burning through those vast resources.

“Fairy Leng,” Shenruo suddenly spoke.

“I have just mastered my immortal-grade technique, and I am still adjusting to my new strength.”

“Would you honor me with a sparring session?”

Back in the secret realm, she had been outmatched by Leng Yanran.

Now, even though her cultivation had temporarily dropped, while Leng Yanran had reached the Unity Realm, she now wielded an immortal-grade technique!

Her talent had always allowed her to battle opponents above her realm.

With this new technique, perhaps she could finally match Leng Yanran!

“Hm… alright, as you wish.”

Leng Yanran had initially wanted to refuse.

But considering that Shenruo was her junior sister’s elder sister,

She decided to give her some face and offer some guidance.

“Many thanks, Fairy Leng!”

“I hope you will go easy on me.”

Shenruo made a respectful gesture, signaling to lead Leng Yanran toward the Holy Mountain’s training grounds.

“No need for all that trouble.”

“Right here is fine.”