Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

The 'Cangqing Seal' was indeed powerful. Chen Jichuan unleashed the Sword Map, with seven stars aligned, striking Sun Jiuzhang, yet all attacks were neutralized, unable to shake him even slightly.

No matter how Chen Jichuan tried to change tactics, he could not break through.

After a moment, seeming to have discerned the depth of the Sword Map, Sun Jiuzhang intended to explore further. While standing within the Sword Map, he loudly reminded, "Be careful now."

As his voice rang out, a wisp of flame ignored the Sword Map's blockade and floated lightly toward Chen Jichuan.

Though seeming slow, it was actually fast, and in the blink of an eye was about to land on Chen Jichuan.

"This flame—"

Chen Jichuan's heart skipped a beat.

The inconspicuous wisp of flame startled him deeply the moment it came into view. Using 'Insight Skill' to examine it further, he was terrified.

Although he knew Sun Jiuzhang wouldn't truly harm him, Chen Jichuan couldn't help but respond instinctively.

Wings sprouted from his back, wind and thunder erupted around him.

Within the Heavenly Patching Hall, Chen Jichuan maneuvered and dodged the flame repeatedly. At the same time, he kept waving his arms, utilizing the 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' to encircle, hinder, and restrict the wisp of flame.

Yet, the disparity in strength was too vast.

The flame maintained its high speed, relentlessly pressing Chen Jichuan, forcing him to move faster to stay safe.

During his flight and evasion,

Chen Jichuan still had to maintain control over the Sword Map.

In an instant, the Heavenly Patching Hall was filled with Sword Qi, wind and thunder surged, flames flickered, and chaos broke loose. A battle of this scale would have easily turned an ordinary hall upside down.

But the Heavenly Patching Hall, as the main hall of the Heaven Mending Sect, had formations embedded within. Even if mid-to-late Second-order True Persons fought inside, the hall would remain unharmed.

Let alone Chen Jichuan.

Seven Elements Relieving Calamity Ruyi Tiangang Splitting Light Sword Technique.

Little Four Nine Wind and Thunder Escape Method.

Daluo Heavenly Sleeve.

Chen Jichuan knew Sun Jiuzhang had the intention to test him, so he performed these three techniques to their utmost.

A full hour later,

Sweat had begun to bead on Chen Jichuan's forehead. Sun Jiuzhang seemed to have seen enough and loudly called out, "That's enough for today."

At his words,

The flame chasing Chen Jichuan suddenly dissipated.

"Phew!"

Chen Jichuan quickly stopped, retracting his wings, dispersing the Sword Map, and descending before Sun Jiuzhang.

Aside from the few drops of sweat on Chen Jichuan's forehead, there wasn't the slightest trace of the fierce battle that had just occurred.

"Sect Master, your Divine Skills are boundless. Dai Zong is in awe!"

Chen Jichuan caught his breath, sincerely paying his respects.

This was his first encounter with the prowess of a top-tier True Person. In the battle just now, Chen Jichuan had fully unleashed the Sword Map, holding nothing back. Even so, he couldn't force Sun Jiuzhang back even half a step.

While the flame controlled by Sun Jiuzhang steadily hounded him without relenting. No matter how impressive his Escape Skills were, he couldn't escape.

If this had been a real fight,

The Sword Map wouldn't have been able to lay a finger on Sun Jiuzhang, yet that single wisp of flame could have reduced Chen Jichuan to ashes.

"The gap is far too vast."

Chen Jichuan thought to himself, marveling at Sun Jiuzhang's strength.

Meanwhile,

Sun Jiuzhang looked at Chen Jichuan with a similar expression of astonishment. "I had already deliberately raised my expectations of you beforehand, but I hadn't anticipated still being surprised."

"The Sword Map is sharp; it's hard for Fourth Layer Heaven cultivators to withstand its edge."

"But compared to your Escape Skills and Daluo Heavenly Sleeve, the Sword Map pales in comparison."

Sun Jiuzhang's discerning eye was indeed remarkable.

Chen Jichuan's mastery of the 'Seven Elements Relieving Calamity Ruyi Tiangang Splitting Light Sword Technique' couldn't compare to the 'Little Four Nine Wind and Thunder Escape Method' and 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve,' as the latter were already at the Fourth Realm.

The contrast was like night and day.

"Your escape speed is superior to that of many Sixth Layer Heaven True Persons."

"As for the 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve'—"

Sun Jiuzhang's eyes gleamed, "You're unmatched within the sect."

Sun Jiuzhang had some knowledge of 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve.' Although he hadn't practiced it himself, his judgement was precise.

"Dai Zong is humbled!"

Chen Jichuan quickly expressed his humility.

Sun Jiuzhang smiled but refrained from further praise, instead shifting the subject: "With your strength, I no longer have to worry."

"Sect Master—"

The remark sounded odd, prompting Chen Jichuan to look at Sun Jiuzhang.

"You're still unaware."

Sun Jiuzhang chuckled and explained to Chen Jichuan: "The Seven Sects are currently developing No.1 and No.2 Caves. There are many opportunities within. True Person Jiulong recommended you to me before departing, saying your abilities rival that of mid-stage True Persons. You may enter these caves to explore. Initially, I hesitated, but seeing you today, I understand: though you're in the Second-order of Enlightenment, your overall strength is commendable even among mid-stage True Persons."

Looking at Chen Jichuan, Sun Jiuzhang couldn't help but feel emotional.

In the beginning, he had thought the sect had gained another top-tier genius.

Sometime later, however, he witnessed the apparent 'demise' of the genius.

As time passed and the genius faded from his memory, a sudden turn of events rekindled his astonishment.

Twists and turns—what a tale.

"In the No.1 and No.2 Caves, there are no traces of Evil Gods; the Demon Kings are also relatively weak and few in number. But as the caves are newly formed, phenomena often appear at the edges. Comprehending these phenomena greatly aids Second-order True Persons in their cultivation. Occasionally, Exotic Treasures emerge—extremely valuable."

"What do you think?"

"Are you willing to abandon the foundation you've cultivated for over a century in the No.5 Cave and head to the 'No.2 Cave' for exploration?"

Sun Jiuzhang smiled warmly, looking at Chen Jichuan.

"Thank you, Sect Master!"

"Dai Zong is willing!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jichuan immediately agreed.

Over the years, he had gained increasing insight into the caves, understanding their unique opportunities.

In Tan State's cave, due to the presence of Evil Gods, the Seven Sects' cultivators were forced to cluster in the most barren central region. Even survival posed significant risks, let alone venturing toward the edges.

From what Chen Jichuan had learned,

The top-tier Evil Gods and Demon Kings in the Barbaric lands often resided near the edges to seize the phenomena and treasures emerging there. They had a solid foothold. The Seven Immortal Sects considered this carefully before halting exploration efforts and instead focusing on the less hazardous caves without Evil Gods.

Chen Jichuan had longed for the edge territories.

In the Barbaric lands, his cultivation was still shallow. He didn't dare cross the two Meteorite Rift Valleys to reach the edges for fear of encountering top-tier Evil Gods or Demon Kings and being slaughtered effortlessly.

Today's match with Sun Jiuzhang, recognizing the strength of top-tier True Persons, reinforced his belief.

Now, with a chance to enter No.2 Cave, to cultivate and search for treasures at the edge, he could hardly ask for more!

"In No.2 Cave, there are mainly mid-stage True Persons. Your cultivation is low, but in terms of combat strength, few within would pose much threat to you."

"However, be careful."

"Unlike in the No.5 Cave you were previously based, the Seven Sects' True Persons are unlikely to cooperate within the No.2 Cave because there's no external threat from Evil Gods or Demon Kings. Watch out for True Persons from other sects—stay vigilant and don't be careless."

"Once inside, it's better to act with a few sect comrades."

Seeing Chen Jichuan's anticipation, Sun Jiuzhang worried he might overlook potential dangers. His tone grew solemn as he issued the warning.

"Thank you, Sect Master. I will be cautious."

Chen Jichuan nodded seriously.

Having spent years in the Barbaric lands, he had witnessed Evil Gods, who should have been united by ideology, betray and fight one another—even to the death. This gave him a clear vision of the dynamics between the Seven Immortal Sects in the No.2 Cave.

After Sun Jiuzhang's earnest advice, his vigilance heightened further.

Following their extended conversation,

Sun Jiuzhang brought out the transfer order and handed it to Chen Jichuan.

All Chen Jichuan needed to do was return to the Barbaric lands of Tan State, manage the handover of responsibilities, and then head directly to the No.2 Cave.

Excited beyond measure, Chen Jichuan didn't stay long at Mount Tailao. After bidding farewell to Sun Jiuzhang, he hurried back to Tan State.

...

In the Barbaric lands, Wuling Mountain.

Years later, Wuling Mountain remained shrouded in mist. Humans and demons still moved in and out, and numerous workshops of varying sizes interspersed among the mountains created a lively atmosphere.

Upon returning to Fuling Cave, Chen Jichuan was greeted by his disciples—

Li Ji, Chuu Zhongyou, Zhang Kaixuan, and Fan Shengyang.

Still the same four disciples.

Only the individuals had changed; Chen Jichuan's first batch of disciples originally comprised twelve. Of them, Li Ji and three others were the earliest to ascend to Qi Refining Realm, following Chen Jichuan to the Barbaric lands.

Among the four disciples, Guu Zhengyang and Liu Han had already perished—the former due to bad luck during travel between Wuling Mountain and the base, while the latter succumbed to madness after cultivation went awry.

Thus only Li Ji and Chuu Zhongyou remained.

Later came Zhang Kaixuan, another member of the initial twelve disciples, the only one from the group who remained on Mount Tailao and eventually achieved Qi Refinement.

Fan Shengyang was the first to reach Qi Refinement among Chen Jichuan's second batch of disciples from several years prior. Chen Jichuan hadn't invested much time with this batch, relying more on Li Ji, Chuu Zhongyou, and Zhang Kaixuan to teach them. Progress was slow, and only Fan Shengyang had emerged so far.

Of the four disciples before him, Li Ji had the highest cultivation.

Over twenty years earlier, at just over 170 years old, Li Ji had successfully ascended to Qi Refining Tenth Layer.

A decade ago,

Chen Jichuan bestowed upon him the 'True God Pill' and 'Mystic God Pill' while secretly wielding the 'Great Method' of Enlightenment, allowing Li Ji to achieve an instant breakthrough and become a Second-order True Person.

The first Second-order disciple under Chen Jichuan's tutelage.

His attainment created quite a stir within the Wuling Mountain Alliance and across the Barbaric lands.

Two True Persons from one master.

This was a remarkable feat.

Master Baiyun of the Nine Refinement Immortal Mansion already had a stellar reputation within Heaven Mending Sect for producing the True Persons Chen Jichuan and Cheng Beixuan—noteworthy even among Lower Sects.

Chen Jichuan had broken through to Second-order less than two centuries earlier yet had already nurtured a disciple to the same level, who achieved this before turning 200 years old.

Praise flowed for Chen Jichuan's keen eye and ability to teach disciples.

But Chen Jichuan knew,

His success was owed to the 'Great Method of Enlightenment.' In truth, he had cheated.

Li Ji equally understood that his breakthrough to True Person status was entirely thanks to his master's sacrificial care. Even as a Second-order True Person, he remained humble and cautious around Chen Jichuan.

"The sect's transfer order has come. I'll be heading to No.2 Cave soon. Managing affairs here on Wuling Mountain will now fall to you and your fellow disciples."

Chen Jichuan surveyed them one by one, speaking.

"Master, let me accompany you!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ji was the first to speak up.

Through the years, Chen Jichuan's prolonged absences meant many of the Wuling Mountain Alliance responsibilities fell to Li Ji.

Particularly in the last decade since becoming a Second-order, he had gained the private title of 'Young Alliance Leader' among several Demon Kings. Yet Li Ji, ever grateful to his master, cared little for rank or wealth—all he wanted was to follow his master's footsteps.

"You'd love to, but only those with a rightful permit can enter."

Chen Jichuan retorted playfully, continuing, "Even I, your master, require an official order to enter No.2 Cave—not to mention I have no capacity to bring anyone along. Wuling Mountain is a result of my painstaking efforts, and I can't bear leaving it behind entirely. After I depart, you must protect and manage this foundation well."

His holdings in Wuling Mountain, Cangtou Mountain, and other territories yielded considerable profits.

Among them, Wuling Mountain and Cangtou Mountain required a 70% contribution to the sect. However, the rest was left unreported, leaving the surplus for Chen Jichuan's exclusive benefit.

His ability to consistently use Enlightenment methods and freely access pills largely depended on this foundation.

He couldn't just abandon it. Even in departure, he trusted his disciples like Li Ji to oversee these holdings.

Given his influence within Wuling Mountain Alliance, no disruptions were anticipated in the near term.

...