Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

No.2 Cave.

Deep in the borderlands.

The Baili Sea Domain is unpredictable, and a bright moon rises.

"Hundred-mile Phenomenon!"

"Sea Rising Bright Moon!"

"This is a top-tier phenomenon. If we can comprehend even a fraction, we might touch the threshold of the Seventh Layer Heaven this time!"

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang stared at the Baili Sea Domain ahead, watching the bright moon rise and fall, going through its cycles of waxing and waning. Both couldn't help but feel thrilled.

The borderlands were not lacking in phenomena.

With good fortune, one might encounter one every year or two.

But most of these phenomena were ordinary.

Like bamboo forests, seas of flowers, or flocks of birds returning to their nests. These were usually ten-mile phenomena—the lowest tier, containing limited mysteries.

Phenomena such as 'Cocks Crow, World Awake,' 'Blossoms of Peach Blossoms,' or 'Earth Bursting Golden Lotus,' rank higher. These range twenty miles or span thirty to forty miles in scope.

But when speaking of the pinnacle, the Hundred-mile Phenomena seen over the years in No.2 Cave stood unmatched.

And the 'Sea Rising Bright Moon' before them was precisely one such phenomenon.

Such phenomena are rare—and highly coveted. Since No.2 Cave's opening three hundred years ago, instances can be counted on one hand.

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang found themselves in the perfect position and timing to encounter this marvel, their excitement unsurpassed.

"Let's go."

"Let's head in quickly."

The two couldn't bear to waste another moment and stepped forward to enter the sea.

But just as they reached the edges of the Baili Sea Domain, they noticed a man in a green robe who had arrived earlier. He was sitting on a flat boat, gliding over the waves as he gazed up at the moon with an air of deep contemplation.

"Someone's here?"

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang frowned upon seeing someone ahead of them.

The mysteries contained within the Hundred-mile Phenomenon were abundant, but earlier comprehension and fewer participants yield greater rewards. Seeing someone occupying the opportunity—and reducing their share—naturally displeased them.

"Look into his background."

"If he's insignificant, then kick him out."

They were ready to act.

Clang!

Suddenly, their ears were struck by the sound of sword qi resonating. A piercing voice echoed from the Baili Sea Domain: "Dai Zong is cultivating here. Outsiders, stay back!"

The voice carried the sharp edge of sword qi, a blatant threat.

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang hesitated.

"What rotten luck?!"

"Seriously?!"

The two exchanged glances, conflicted expressions on their faces.

The allure of the Hundred-mile Phenomenon was captivating, making it hard to let go. Yet, if the man in green within the sea truly was none other than True Person Jade Face, then—

"Is it him?"

"Can you recognize him?"

Yan Liang turned questioningly to Jiangg Dongsheng, not willing to accept defeat so easily.

"His figure matches."

"And his aura feels similar."

Jiangg Dongsheng squinted at the figure in the distance, scrutinizing carefully but remaining uncertain.

The distance was simply too great, and he wasn't familiar with the man. They had only encountered him a few times, so recognizing someone from afar was naturally difficult.

"In this borderland, who would dare impersonate him?"

Jiangg Dongsheng thought for a moment and added.

But faced with a proverbial treasure mountain, being forced to merely watch—without even confirming whether the man was truly Jade Face—was agonizing.

"Forget it."

"Let's take a chance. Even if it's Jade Face, we can fend him off for a while. Then we can retreat quickly. Surely he wouldn't leave the Hundred-mile Phenomenon to chase us down!"

Yan Liang steeled himself, gritting his teeth.

"Let's do it!"

Jiangg Dongsheng wasn't willing to depart either. The two reached a hasty agreement.

"True Person Dai, please give us the space to catch a glimpse of brilliance. We'd be deeply grateful!"

The pair cautiously took a step forward while bowing their fists in a gesture of politeness.

The man in the sea did not respond.

The two wasted no more time and stepped past the boundary, formally entering the Baili Sea Domain. However, as soon as they entered—

"Boom!"

A deafening explosion erupted as sword qi surged omnidirectionally, and golden light intertwined across the ground.

"Seven-star Sword Diagram!"

"He really is Dai Zong!"

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang witnessed the sword qi envelop the heavens and the earth. Any doubts vanished in an instant. Fortunately, they were prepared. At the moment the sword qi surged, their figures darted backward.

They remained within the Baili Sea Domain for less than the blink of an eye.

But even in that fleeting moment, the sword qi roared, crashing down upon them. Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang simultaneously unleashed their magical treasures—

Boom!

The impact sent their bodies reeling as if struck by lightning. They were flung backward, rolling seven to eight times before halting several hundred meters away.

Struggling to look up—

"Pff!"

They spat mouthfuls of blood simultaneously, their faces pale.

The injuries were partly from sword qi, but largely from sheer fright.

"Retreat!"

"Retreat immediately!"

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang dared not even glance at the Baili Sea Domain or the man in green. After stabilizing their forms and suppressing their rampaging qi-blood and mana, they turned and fled without hesitation.

Although they speculated that Dai Zong wouldn't abandon comprehending the Hundred-mile Phenomenon to chase after them, they dared not wager their lives on the chance.

The two sprinted away in tandem.

Only after fleeing over a hundred miles did they dare pause. Glancing at each other's haggard appearances, mirroring their own, they shared a bitter smile.

"That man—"

"How could he be so terrifying?!"

Jiangg Dongsheng recalled the momentary brush with death. Even now, the memory filled him with dread.

It must be noted that they were both cultivators of the Sixth Layer Heaven.

Within No.2 Cave, such strength placed them among the pyramid's apex. Yet even so, they had no ability to withstand.

Without even glimpsing their opponent directly, they were reduced to such pitiful states and frightened out of their wits.

"The disparity is immense."

Jiangg Dongsheng's heart sank, finally coming to terms with the fearsome prowess of True Person Jade Face and understanding the man's renown across the Seven Immortal Sects.

"It's said Dai Zong was already hailed as the strongest below the Seventh Layer Heaven while still in the Fourth Layer Heaven."

"Two decades ago, he broke through to the Fifth Layer Heaven. It seems his strength has advanced further!"

Yan Liang, having swallowed two pills to stabilize his wounds, remained vigilant, scanning the surroundings sharply. Only after driving off the shadows lurking nearby did he let out a wry smile to Jiangg Dongsheng: "Some have plotted well, it seems. Knowing Dai Zong's fearsome reputation, they waited near us, expecting fools like us to provoke him. Once we're injured, they'll swoop in for the kill."

Jiangg Dongsheng tightened his grip on his sword, a nervous chuckle escaping him.

He had noticed the shadows trailing them from the Baili Sea Domain to their current location.

Had they been heavily wounded, those opportunists would have rushed in to kill them and rob them of their wealth—a reward far exceeding dozens of treasures.

A risk-free scheme.

Such audacity—and creativity—truly left one speechless. Who's to say Dai Zong wasn't already aware.

Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang deliberately spoke loudly to project strength, revealing their vitality to deter the hidden figures. Upon realizing their injuries were less severe and capable of defense, the shadows receded.

Danger was averted.

Only now did Jiangg Dongsheng let his guard down, discovering his back soaked in cold sweat.

"Far too dangerous."

"If four or five Sixth Layer cultivators rushed us, I doubt I could withstand it."

Jiangg Dongsheng transmitted soundlessly to Yan Liang, but maintained an outward facade of calm.

"The injuries are severe."

"We need to find a safe location to recover."

Yan Liang nodded, unwilling to linger longer. Together, the two pushed through their injuries, flying in the opposite direction from the Baili Sea Domain.

Before long, they vanished from sight.

...

Elsewhere.

Zhu Yongping, Ruan Heng, Chuu Chaoyang, and Tiann Zhan—four Sixth Layer cultivators—were heading toward the Baili Sea Domain.

Conversing as they traveled.

Ruan Heng spoke darkly: "If you ask me, Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang are likely heavily injured. Had we acted, we would've certainly caused them serious harm, if not death."

Facing True Person Jade Face's attack, even Sixth Layer cultivators wouldn't emerge unscathed.

What a pity.

The others were too cautious, preferring to tail the pair briefly. Upon realizing Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang retained some capability for battle, they chose not to act.

The result: this golden opportunity passed.

Two Sixth Layer cultivators—loaded with riches—left. Such a loss was lamentable.

"It's better to be cautious."

"Those two aren't easily dealt with; unnecessary risk is unwise."

Zhu Yongping didn't mind. This was an impromptu venture. If they could steal fruits from Jade Face's tree, so be it; if not, no bother.

"True Person Jade Face's name precedes him. Fools as brazen as those two are rare indeed."

"Miss this, and who knows if there'll be another chance."

Ruan Heng still regretted the lost opportunity.

For seven or eight days outside the Baili Sea Domain, several had arrived—but upon confirming Jade Face's identity, all promptly left.

Only Jiangg Dongsheng and Yan Liang dared gamble.

Chuu Chaoyang, seeing Ruan Heng's greed, laughed: "Ruan, there's no need to worry; the Hundred-mile Phenomenon's allure is far-reaching. Doubters will come eventually."

"Brother Chuu is right."

"Let's continue watching. The 'Sea Rising Bright Moon' will last an entire month, cycling through its wax and wane. Opportunities will arise."

Tiann Zhan, a cautious soul, showed no impatience.

With his companions in agreement, Ruan Heng held his tongue.

Soon, the four returned outside the Baili Sea Domain, remaining in hiding, silently observing.

...

Time passed swiftly.

A month elapsed.

Finally, the Baili Sea Domain dissipated. Chen Jichuan emerged, gazing upward to see a cluster of cold energy appear spontaneously in the air.

"Moon Essence Cold Essence."

"Such a rare treasure."

Chen Jichuan casually collected it, examining it to find a total of twelve drops, a satisfied smile gracing his face.

The 'Moon Essence Cold Essence' has countless uses.

It may be employed in artifact refinement to create the 'Nine Heavens Cold Soul Pearl,' a weapon of formidable power. Upon explosion, everything within hundreds of miles is devastated—mountains collapse, brutal cold freezes everything in its path, reducing all life to rubble or ice. survival becomes impossible.

However, its volatility makes it hard to recover after use. It also inflicts damage on one's Primordial Qi.

Regardless, once constructed, its value skyrockets, even deterring elite cultivators.

Furthermore.

The Five Elements Sect possesses a Miao Fa known as 'Heavenly Yin True Qi,' reliant upon the 'Moon Essence Cold Essence' for its cultivation. Once mastered, its power matches the Heaven Mending Sect's 'Daluo Heavenly Fire.' Twelve drops of this resource could elevate the method to the Third or Fourth Realm.

"Even if I don't use it, trading it with a Fifth Elements Sect cultivator could yield great returns."

Chen Jichuan stowed away the 'Moon Essence Cold Essence' and rode the wind and thunder to vanish into the sky.

...