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

Chapter 185: Release

"Ah? What's the matter? Do you need something, Yourong?" Ao Lan curiously inquired.

"Hehe, Yourong's hungry and wants to eat. Master is sleeping, and Senior Sister is cultivating under the Dao Enlightenment Tea Tree. Yourong has no one to play with. So, Yourong could only wait for Aunt Lan to finish seclusion."

Li Yourong gazed at Ao Lan, a pure smile lighting up her face.

"Alright, it's about time for dinner anyway. I'll cook for you. What would you like to eat today?"

Seeing Yourong's pitiable and gluttonous expression, Ao Lan naturally didn't refuse.

"Yay, Aunt Lan is the best! Yourong will quickly go check which friend is most active in the spirit circle today."

With that, Li Yourong dashed toward the spirit circle.

After spending these two days together, the spirit beasts seemed to perceive Li Yourong as a true friend. She would occasionally secretly toss them some spiritual rice, claiming it was to strengthen them. The beasts were genuinely moved.

Moreover, they hadn't seen any of their companions being captured and cooked in these two days. If life continued like this, it wasn't bad at all!

As Li Yourong approached, the multitude of spirit beasts crowded at the edge of the barrier, wagging their heads and tails, attempting to please her. At least, they hoped not to be eaten.

Among them, a bicephalic lion at the Unity Realm level worked hard to create a path, moving closer to Li Yourong while constantly performing various pleasing gestures.

"It's you! You've been the most active. Releasing you will definitely be a refreshing change!"

As expected, Li Yourong's attention was instantly captured by the bicephalic lion, much to its delight.

Release? Releasing was good! But what does "refreshing change" mean?

Before it could react, Li Yourong extended her hand, and the bicephalic lion was lifted off the barrier. The rules of the barrier only affected the spirit beasts and not people like Li Yourong.

After Li Yourong left, the numerous spirit beasts within the circle looked on with envy. They might not have understood everything, but the words "release" were crystal clear.

For a moment, they decided that next time, they would make a sincere effort to impress, striving to be the next one to be released.

Li Yourong was truly kind to her friends, not willing to eat them.

…

"Aunt Lan, remember to add Ginger too!"

As she handed over the bicephalic lion to Ao Lan, Li Yourong made her small request.

"Sure thing."

Ao Lan smiled softly and took the bicephalic lion into the kitchen.

In no time, a red-cooked lion head, a bicephalic lion at that, appeared on the table of the small pavilion. Following Li Yourong's idea, Ao Lan added some extra ginger.

"Master, dinner is served!" Li Yourong approached her sleeping Master and softly called by his ear.

"Hmm? Is it already evening?"

Chen Daoxuan slowly opened his eyes, stretched lazily, then realized the sun had set. Everyone had gathered at the small pavilion, with a table full of dishes, all waiting for him.

"Ah, life has been too comfortable lately. I'll need to figure out how to earn more system points. I can't even bear to spend a million system points for the auto-cultivation function. Also, I should exchange more cultivation resources for the disciples. It's time to prepare to leave the mountain and make money."

Walking along, Chen Daoxuan contemplated. Coupled with the resources Ao Lan collected in the Dragon's Den, he now had around sixteen million system points.

The Boundless Realm – to advance a single minor realm required a cultivation time of ten million years, even with a tenfold bonus from cultivation automation. Under a hundred-thousand-fold rate of automation, it would still take a full ten days to progress by a single minor realm.

The path to earning money stretched far into the distance.

"Master."

"Master, um, it's time to eat!"

"My Lord, are you satisfied with these dishes?"

As he arrived at the small pavilion, everyone stood and waited for him to sit first.

"Yes, not bad. Sit down, there's no need to be so formal. We're all family, so just relax."

Chen Daoxuan spoke, then sat down and began to eat without any fuss. The others followed suit.

After a satisfying meal, everyone was rubbing their stomachs.

After the meal, Chen Daoxuan gestured slightly toward the Enlightenment Tea Tree. Instantly, the Enlightenment Tea Tree understood, extending a branch towards his hand, offering him the freshest tea leaves.

"Master, let me."

Leng Yanran, seeing her Master preparing to brew tea, took the initiative to collect the tea set. She then poured the spirit fluid into the pot, heating it with spiritual fire.

For them, brewing Enlightenment Tea had become a routine. Ao Lan, on the other hand, had yet to experience it. She stopped her utensil cleaning and watched the tea pot expectantly.

In Ao Lan's eyes, the Enlightenment Tea Tree could be considered an extraordinary opportunity. After all, despite her cultivation reaching the Tribulation Crossing Realm, she had only experienced enlightenment twice.

Even twice was enough to label her as a supreme talent. Over ninety percent of cultivators never got the chance to enter the state of enlightenment.

In no time, the Enlightenment Tea was steeped by Leng Yanran. After multiple attempts, her skills had become more refined and visually appealing.

After serving Chen Daoxuan a cup of Enlightenment Tea, Leng Yanran set the teapot down. Normally, they wouldn't drink the Enlightenment Tea unless their Master offered it.

"As your realms have advanced recently, each of you, pour yourselves a cup. It's a good opportunity to make the most of the state of enlightenment for digestion."

Chen Daoxuan suggested casually.

"Yes, thank you, Master."

Upon hearing this, Leng Yanran picked up the teapot again, pouring a cup of Enlightenment Tea for each person.

"Hey hey, thanks, Senior Sister. Cheers!"

Li Yourong raised her cup of Enlightenment Tea and drained it in one go. Then, she closed her eyes, entering a state of enlightenment.

"Meow."

Yu Youwei gazed at the cup of Enlightenment Tea before her, let out a soft meow, and slowly sipped. As a being crystallized by rules, she didn't have a high demand for this type of thing. Her primary means of advancement was devouring origin energy.

Finally, Ao Lan looked at the cup of Enlightenment Tea before her. It seemed to contain the circulation of three thousand laws, and the rhythm of the Dao flowed along with the rising steam.

Without hesitation, she lifted the cup and downed it all in one gulp.

After consuming the Enlightenment Tea, before she could savor its fragrance, she quickly closed her eyes and entered a state of enlightenment. Internally astonished, she mused that the Enlightenment Tea was truly deserving of its name; its effects manifested incredibly swiftly.

Eventually, Leng Yanran also entered a state of enlightenment.

"Perfect. After everyone finishes their enlightenment, we'll leave the mountain to make some money."

Chen Daoxuan watched as everyone sank into their states of enlightenment, then waved his hand, clearing the table of bowls and chopsticks into the kitchen. He lay back on his enlightenment recliner, waiting patiently for everyone to awaken.