Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

No.2 Cave entrance.

Chen Jichuan strode out, and the deacons of each sect guarding the cave portal stepped forward to verify his identity. They quickly bowed in greeting, collectively saying, "True Person Dai."

"True Person Dai."

"There are still seven years left in this cycle. Exiting now means you won't be able to re-enter for another seven years. True Person Dai, is there a specific matter? The disciple can deliver a message on your behalf."

The deacon from the Heaven Mending Sect had a respectful demeanor.

For mid-stage True People cultivating in No.2 Cave, cycles were structured in ten-year increments. One could exit early during that cycle but would have to wait for the next cycle to begin before reentering.

Generally speaking,

those mid-stage True People cultivating near the border of No.2 Cave, even if they did come out early, typically chose the ninth or tenth year — a year or so ahead of the full cycle.

They would complete their tasks, and the next cycle would start without causing delays.

But now, after just three years, Chen Jichuan had chosen to leave, meaning he wouldn't be able to return for the next seven years.

As a deacon of the Heaven Mending Sect, he clearly understood Chen Jichuan's status and influence within No.2 Cave.

Without Chen Jichuan holding the fort, the True People from the Heaven Mending Sect within No.2 Cave would face numerous challenges.

Though this inquiry by the Heaven Mending Sect deacon seemed to breach protocol, deacons from the other six sects didn't dare to breathe loudly. They acted as though they didn't hear it and refrained from uttering a single word.

After all, they were mere Qi Refining cultivators, and in the eyes of 'True Person Jade Face'—a figure who made even Fifth and Sixth Layer Heaven True People within their sects tremble—they were akin to ants.

Who would dare to offend him?

"No need."

"Guard this place well."

Chen Jichuan had no intention of returning, so he wasn't concerned about such matters. His response prompted the Heaven Mending Sect deacon to hurriedly agree before respectfully retreating.

Chen Jichuan strode forward.

Not long after,

an elderly man in a long robe unexpectedly appeared before Chen Jichuan. Upon seeing the newcomer, Chen Jichuan immediately smiled and said, "Dai Zong greets Elder Mu."

The Heaven Mending Sect's Supreme Elder, 'Mu Rong'!

When Chen Jichuan first entered the Second-order Cave, the Heaven Mending Sect's stationed guardian was 'Chen Yuanning.'

After a hundred years of holding the position, Chen Yuanning stepped down, and within a decade or so, he passed away.

His replacement was none other than the figure standing before him.

Previously the Hall Master of Danyi Hall, Mu Rong had broken through to the Second-order Late Stage three hundred years ago. Thirty years later, he succeeded Chen Yuanning as Hall Master of Danyi Hall.

A century afterward, he retired and ascended to the position of 'Supreme Elder,' coming to guard the portal of No.2 Cave.

This has been his role to date, spanning over a hundred and seventy years.

Chen Jichuan and Mu Rong were no strangers to each other. Much of Chen Jichuan's spoils from No.2 Cave had been exchanged with the sect in return for various pills.

He had interacted with Mu Rong quite frequently.

…

"Why have you come out now?"

Mu Rong escorted Chen Jichuan back to the Heaven Mending Sect's base, his curiosity evident.

Having dealt with Chen Jichuan for over a hundred and seventy years, he had substantial insight into the life of this legendary figure, whom the disciples and True People of the sect all revered as 'Dai Zong.'

Generally speaking,

unless a major figure within the sect neared the end of their lifespan, Chen Jichuan wouldn't emerge on his own accord. Sometimes Mu Rong himself would forget which prominent member of the sect was approaching their final days—only to see Chen Jichuan exit the cave, and then he would understand.

"Is someone nearing the end?"

Mu Rong pondered internally, reviewing the sect's high-ranking figures in the Second-order Late Stage one by one—but he still couldn't think of anyone.

Chen Jichuan had no idea about Mu Rong's thoughts, nor was he aware that within the sect he was gradually being nicknamed the 'Funeral Vanguard' and 'Funeral True Person.'

When Mu Rong inquired, Chen Jichuan candidly replied, "No.2 Cave isn't offering me much improvement anymore; I won't remain there any longer."

"You won't remain?"

Mu Rong was taken aback and curiously asked, "You're still at the Fifth Layer Heaven, aren't you? Why not stay a few more years?"

Chen Jichuan had dominated No.2 Cave like no other, practically walking unchallenged for nearly a century.

Under such circumstances,

any visions or treasures Chen Jichuan laid eyes on were inevitably his, treating the place almost like his personal garden.

It was truly a rare cultivation ground.

Many—including Mu Rong—had assumed that Chen Jichuan would remain in No.2 Cave to cultivate until he reached the Sixth or even Seventh Layer Heaven before emerging.

Nobody had expected him to leave so soon.

"I've been idle for too long."

"I'm preparing to change my environment and move around a bit."

Chen Jichuan smiled as he spoke to Mu Rong.

"Idle?"

Mu Rong understood then.

Chen Jichuan's statement was tactful, but Mu Rong clearly comprehended—

he found No.2 Cave dull and lacking competent opponents.

It made sense upon reflection; everyone was aware of Chen Jichuan's overwhelming battle prowess—what True Person from the Seven Sects would dare provoke him?

Mu Rong had even reviewed Chen Jichuan's past:

whether during his time in the Nine Refinement Immortal Mansion or as a True Inheritor of the Heaven Mending Sect, he had spent nearly every day out in the world vanquishing demons and evil entities without rest.

Later on,

he entered No.5 Cave, bringing several Demon Kings along to hunt Evil Gods everywhere.

Upon arriving at No.2 Cave, while initially engaged in constant battles large and small, his hand had even claimed the lives of True People from the other six sects.

Indeed,

Chen Jichuan's life was one of relentless combat and exhilarating triumphs.

Yet, as his cultivation level increased and his combat prowess grew, No.2 Cave ceased to provide worthy challengers.

A hundred years had passed without a single thrilling battle. From Mu Rong's perspective, for someone with the disposition of 'True Person Jade Face,' it was natural he couldn't hold back any longer.

Having this in mind, Mu Rong suddenly chuckled and remarked, "Your timing is perfect. The Seven Sects are presently discussing plans to develop No.5, No.6, and No.7 Caves. They're in need of capable individuals."

"I've heard as much."

Chen Jichuan nodded.

His decision to leave wasn't unrelated to this development.

Back when the seven Second-order caves were discovered, the Seven Immortal Sect established a strategy prioritizing the development of No.1 and No.2 Caves. By leveraging the anomalies and treasures along the borderlands, they aimed to improve individual sect strength.

Four centuries later, the results had indeed been remarkable.

In No.2 Cave, the Heaven Mending Sect stationed forty mid-stage True People during each cycle, and nearly every decade saw multiple breakthroughs.

From Fourth Layer Heaven to Fifth Layer Heaven.

From Fifth Layer Heaven to Sixth Layer Heaven.

Even breakthroughs to Seventh Layer Heaven, resulting in high-level True People, were not uncommon.

During Chen Jichuan's two-hundred-and-twenty-year tenure at No.2 Cave, he had either encountered or heard of 24 high-level True People promoted by the Heaven Mending Sect alone.

And this was only considering No.2 Cave—and only the Heaven Mending Sect.

Outside No.2 Cave, the numbers for newly promoted high-level True People within the Heaven Mending Sect were most likely considerable as well.

The other six sects would likely boast numbers similar to the Heaven Mending Sect.

Orb border anomalies.

Evil God Divine Bodies.

Evil God Divinity.

The discovery of seven Second-order caves had indeed fueled an explosive growth in strength across the Seven Immortal Sects. Compared to when Chen Jichuan first joined the Heaven Mending Sect, their combined might had surged exponentially.

High-level True People had increased by dozens.

As for mid-stage and low-level True People?

Far too many to count!

Feeling their strength sufficient and gauging the timing as right, the Seven Immortal Sects naturally shifted their strategic focus accordingly.

"It isn't merely because the Seven Sects feel powerful enough."

"A significant reason lies in the increasingly sharp tensions among the sects."

"Many of the new-generation mid-stage and high-level True People across the sects cut their teeth in No.2 Cave, creating an abundance of old and new grudges among them. As they gradually become the mainstream of their respective sects, divisions within the Seven Immortal Sects are becoming apparent."

"If it continues like this, it won't be more than a few hundred years before internal strife erupts—even before the Evil Gods are dealt with."

"And when that happens, it will be disastrous."

Mu Rong sighed.

Chen Jichuan listened in silence, understanding the situation deeply.

Having spent two-hundred-and-twenty years in No.2 Cave, he had witnessed these rivalries firsthand.

Although the Seven Immortal Sects had intentionally dispatched figures like Mu Rong—so-called 'moderates'—to oversee No.2 Cave, striving to gently counsel and remind their sect's members to tread carefully,

once cultivators faced rare opportunities and treasures at the borderlands, how many could truly remain calm and cede ground?

Conflict was inevitable, injuries unavoidable.

Hatred and grudges naturally accumulated.

Restraints alone proved ineffective.

Thus, the elders from each sect had convened to establish guidelines—

"Rather than fight internally, we should redirect the tension outward and unite against external threats."

"Consolidate our forces and combat the Evil Gods vehemently!"

"If we can conquer the seven Second-order caves fully, and allow each sect ownership over one cave, there won't be any grounds for discord."

"Moreover—"

Mu Rong smiled, his gaze filled with anticipation as he added, "Moreover, beyond the caves lies the Evil God World!"

…

Bidding farewell to Mu Rong, Chen Jichuan left the Tear Pearl Islands.

Originally, Chen Jichuan intended to head straight to Central Continent Tailao Mountain.

But Mu Rong's remarks caused him to alter his route, redirecting toward Tan State.

The two locations were connected via existing Transmission Formations.

Chen Jichuan needed only two transfers and arrived at Cangyan Mountain within a day.

"True Person Dai."

"Greetings, True Person Dai."

No.5 Cave, much like two centuries earlier, had mid-stage True People from each of the Seven Sects stationed here.

Representatives from Five Elements Sect, Jiuding Mountain, and Jiaye Temple had since changed; the original guardians had passed away.

Currently stationed at the base were mid-stage True People from both Five Elements Sect and Jiuding Mountain.

Chen Jichuan was somewhat familiar with these two, even though he hadn't interacted with them personally. Both had spent time in No.2 Cave and their profiles had crossed Chen Jichuan's desk.

Five Elements Sect's guardian was named 'Zhou Yang,' while Jiuding Mountain's was called 'Peng Hai.' Both were at the Sixth Layer Heaven.

Though Chen Jichuan only knew their general details, his reputation preceded him, thundering loudly in the ears of Zhou Yang and Peng Hai.

Upon his arrival, they rushed out of seclusion to greet him without hesitation.

Beyond these two, Chen Jichuan also encountered an old friend.

"My son sent a letter a few days ago."

"I was planning to step down in a few years to pay a personal visit to True Person Dai and express my gratitude for saving his life. I never expected to meet you here again."

Murong Jue, now grayed and frail compared to his image over two centuries ago,

had once addressed Chen Jichuan as 'brother.'

Now upon meeting Chen Jichuan again, he greeted him respectfully with 'True Person.'

Times had truly shifted.

Back then, Murong Jue had held the higher status. Now, having met again, Chen Jichuan had left him far behind.

"Mr. Murong, you're being too polite. It was merely a small favor."

Chen Jichuan replied with a smile.

Zhou Yang and Peng Hai listened curiously from the side, prompting Murong Jue with questions. Only then did they learn that Chen Jichuan had actually saved Murong Jue's son, Murong Hai, in No.2 Cave.

Zhou Yang felt somewhat awkward and gave a forced laugh.

This was because among the four cultivators who had besieged Murong Hai, one hailed from his own sect. Zhou Yang even had good relations with the ringleader, 'Zhu Yongping.'

Now standing before the 'victim' and Chen Jichuan, Zhou Yang couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Fortunately, Chen Jichuan didn't linger long at the base. After exchanging polite words with Murong Jue, he proceeded directly toward Wuling Mountain.

…