Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

Zhang Wuya's fingertips radiated chaotic brilliance.

This was the 'Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light,' one of Heaven Mending Sect's Nine Great Skills, renowned for Demon Suppression and Refining Demon.

Zhang Wuya had cultivated this absolute skill to the realm of perfection; once unleashed, it was an earth-shattering display.

"It's over!"

Luo Pu's mind was in turmoil, as he helplessly watched himself about to be captured.

Suddenly, a voice resounded amidst the mountains—

"Hall Master Zhang is too domineering."

With a mere gesture, Chen Jichuan pointed his finger, and an enormous thunderclap rang in the clear sky, shattering the 'Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light' into pieces.

A mild breeze brushed past.

Luo Pu remained safe.

Above in the sky, Zhang Wuya displayed a chilling and indifferent countenance, as if he had anticipated Chen Jichuan's intervention. Without uttering a single word, the five dragons beneath his feet roared toward the heavens, transforming into five streams of mystical light that soared and dove, charging straight toward Chen Jichuan.

Boom!

It was as if the heavens had collapsed and the earth had caved in.

Zhang Wuya unleashed his full power, deploying the 'Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light.' Luo Pu, who was incidentally caught in the effects, felt his head spinning and was internally injured, his organs suffering—

Bang! Bang! Bang!

His body uncontrollably staggered back step by step.

Amid this, Chen Jichuan could also perceive the formidable potency of this technique.

"Third Realm."

"Indeed, quite the achievement."

Being highly perceptive to spells and techniques, Chen Jichuan instantly discerned the depth of Zhang Wuya's skill upon its manifestation. It was evident that he had achieved mastery in the Third Realm for some time now, with profound expertise.

The skill appeared to be nearing the Fourth Realm.

Among Second-order cultivators, this was already impressive.

But fate was unkind—he had encountered Chen Jichuan.

"Thunder Descent!"

Chen Jichuan, having not exercised his muscles and bones for a while and seeing Zhang Wuya initiating a fight, found his spirits unexpectedly lifted.

Rumble!

Activating the 'Five Thunders True Skill,' he summoned bolts of lightning with immense force.

The thunder divided into two parts. One portion shattered the 'Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light's' suppression and pressure; the other part struck Zhang Wuya directly.

"This Thunder Skill—"

Zhang Wuya's heart sank.

His 'Five Directions Five Elements Great Yan True Light' had dominated far and wide, rarely failing him. Yet here he was, unable to triumph over a mere Fifth Layer Heaven cultivator?!

And it didn't stop there.

This Dai Zong, while countering his Great Method, simultaneously used Divine Thunder to attack him.

Rumble!

The thunder roared violently. Zhang Wuya chose not to use his movement technique to evade but instead waved his hand, attempting to disperse the incoming lightning.

This was an arrogant mistake.

Not only did the lightning refuse to scatter, but it also clung to his palm, coursing through his body with shocking intensity. His entire body went numb, and his mind faltered for a moment.

Fortunately, the 'Cangqing Seal' safeguarded him in secret.

The Seal Technique enveloped his body, neutralizing the lightning infiltrating him internally. Zhang Wuya no longer dared to take things lightly, focusing all his efforts on driving the 'Cangqing Seal' to resist the endless waves of thunder.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Crack! Crack!

Amid the chaotic rumbles of thunder, Chen Jichuan had long broken free from Zhang Wuya's suppression, now standing proudly in the skies, commanding the thunder. In stark contrast, Zhang Wuya, due to his earlier arrogance, was trapped in the storm of overwhelming lightning strikes, unable to break free or escape, forced into a purely defensive stance.

...

On Qingniu Peak, the fierce battle sent shockwaves across the region.

Within Mount Tailao.

The high-level cultivators of the Second-order late stage were the first to sense the commotion. However, upon identifying the combatants, each chose to hide in silence.

Some chose not to act due to unfamiliarity with Zhang Wuya.

Others were acquaintances of Zhang Wuya but didn't intervene because the opponent was Chen Jichuan, a junior. They didn't wish to take sides, as helping wouldn't look good, nor would remaining passive.

Still others initially intended to intervene but, upon realizing that Chen Jichuan held the upper hand, discreetly withdrew—

"What an extraordinary Dai Zong!"

"Fifth Layer Heaven fighting Eighth Layer Heaven, and still handling it with ease?!"

Ultimately, some wanted to observe Chen Jichuan's limits and held back their actions.

A group of prestigious figures with differing thoughts stayed in the shadows.

Meanwhile, the vice hall masters, chamber elders, and dharma-protecting elders of Mount Tailao lacked the qualifications to meddle in this high-level conflict.

As a result, they contentedly gathered around Qingniu Peak, watching the duel with keen interest.

Among them was Guan Chao, one of the vice hall masters of the Law Enforcement Hall, whose expression was the most dramatic. Witnessing Chen Jichuan treading the skies and wielding thunder while Zhang Wuya could only defend without a chance to strike back, an overwhelming sense of gratitude crept into his heart: "I thought he was merely Seventh Layer Heaven battle strength, but now it turns out he can suppress even Eighth Layer Heaven. Truly terrifying!"

Guan Chao knew.

Regardless of the battle's outcome, Dai Zong would emerge undefeated.

"A Fifth Layer Heaven capable of defeating Eighth Layer Heaven—what heights might he reach after further advancement?!"

Such an extraordinary individual would never face persecution within Heaven Mending Sect.

Pity for Zhang Wuya, though.

In the battlefield.

"This child!"

Amid the relentless storm of thunder, Zhang Wuya, protected by the 'Cangqing Seal,' managed to endure, his body occasionally paralyzed but withstanding the attacks for now.

Still, being trapped was mortifying.

Yet breaking through the intricate technique and escaping was proving impossible for the time being.

Unless he employed a Magical Treasure!

"Staying trapped is equally disgraceful. Breaking out comes first before anything else!"

Facing a Fifth Layer Heaven True Person and still requiring Magical Treasures to prevail—whether victorious or not, his reputation was bound to suffer. But at this moment, Zhang Wuya could hardly concern himself with future implications; his focus was entirely on breaking through the Thunder Skill to teach Chen Jichuan a lesson.

With a single thought.

A Green Blade Sword hummed to life, emerging from its sheath. Its sharp cry seemed to challenge the heavens themselves.

It soared into the sky, ready to pierce through the lightning.

But just as the sword began to take action, an otherworldly light flickered across the heavens. The sword stumbled mid-flight, vanishing without a trace.

"Impossible!"

Zhang Wuya's face turned ashen. Hastily, he attempted to sense it and, to his relief, found it easily perceivable. Joy surged within him as he tried to summon it back.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

The flying sword trembled violently, struggling to break free but incapable of escaping its constraint.

Realization hit Zhang Wuya as he glanced beyond the bolts of lightning and saw Chen Jichuan outside. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, "Daluo Heavenly Sleeve!"

For a brief moment, he had forgotten.

Besides his ferocious Thunder Skill, this Dai Zong also possessed extraordinary mastery of the Sword Dao, standing unrivaled even in the Seven Emperors Sword Sect. Furthermore, his famed 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' had earned him recognition among Heaven Mending Sect's high-ranking members since his True Inheritance Stage.

Stories were one thing, but today Zhang Wuya had experienced it firsthand.

His meticulously refined Third-order Flying Sword—considered an absolute masterpiece among Third-order treasures—was casually taken away by a flick of a sleeve.

Such prowess was terrifying.

Regret swelled within Zhang Wuya's heart: "Fifth Layer Heaven! Fifth Layer Heaven! How could this be Fifth Layer Heaven?!"

Zhang Wuya couldn't comprehend it.

How could a mere Fifth Layer Heaven possess such combat strength and skill mastery at such an unfathomable level?

He could not understand!

Nor was he alone—across Mount Tailao, even the True Persons spectating the combat exhibited shock and disbelief.

"Five Thunders True Skill."

"Daluo Heavenly Sleeve."

"Unbelievably powerful!"

"Dai Zong was said to dominate No.2 Cave with combat strength no weaker than Seventh Layer Heaven. In hindsight, he was severely underestimated!"

"Eighth Layer Heaven!"

"Possibly even Ninth Layer Heaven!"

The True Persons couldn't help their astonished expressions.

Deep within Mount Tailao, Sun Jiuzhang—the ancient Sect Master who had been in Death Seclusion for many years—had now emerged and was watching the battle. Witnessing Chen Jichuan deploy Daluo Heavenly Sleeve to seize Zhang Wuya's Third-order Flying Sword, he clapped his hands and laughed, exclaiming, "In the future, the dominant figure of Central Continent shall be none other than Dai Zong!"

Former Dharma Transmission Hall Master Chen Pu stood nearby Sun Jiuzhang.

His appearance was even older, with a hunched figure that bore no resemblance to his prime. The wind blew past him, and his frail form looked as if it could collapse at any moment.

Chen Pu silently gazed at Qingniu Peak, where Chen Jichuan, vigorous and radiant, seemed to revive poignant memories of leading him through the Heart-Shining Hall and Scripture Pavilion three times.

The voices of their earnest advice still echoed in his ears.

The youthful image of the Immortal List Leader's face lingered before his eyes.

But time had inevitably changed.

"At six hundred years, Dai Zong still has four hundred years of brilliance ahead."

"With the merger of two realms and an uncertain future ahead, this child's exceptional talent should not be suppressed."

Chen Pu cast a glance at Sun Jiuzhang.

"The Sect Master's integrity remains untarnished. His appointment cannot be changed. However, the Dharma Transmission Hall Master's position is currently vacant, and its authority over the 'Heart Mirror' and the 'Sixfold Golden Lotus' is perfectly suited to protect him."

Sun Jiuzhang smiled, revealing a golden lotus in his hand, its sixfold luster gleaming brilliantly.

...

Beyond Qingniu Peak.

The battle intensified.

Thunder descended wildly, while Chen Jichuan maintained his composure.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wuya's 'Cangqing Seal' quivered under the strikes, gradually revealing signs of his defeat.

He gritted his teeth and persisted, adamantly refusing to summon more Magical Treasures. With 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' lying in wait outside, any treasure he attempted to use would surely end up captured by Chen Jichuan.

Accepting reality.

He focused entirely on wielding the 'Cangqing Seal,' determined to resist the unrelenting thunderstorm. He silently hoped for sect reinforcements to arrive and call for an end to the duel, allowing him to exit gracefully.

Zhang Wuya battled stoically, even as cunning thoughts churned in his mind.

And then, unexpectedly—

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The thunder roaring overhead abruptly faded. Zhang Wuya felt the pressure on him lift, and upon scanning his surroundings, he realized the lightning bolts had dissipated entirely.

With the Thunder Skill dissipated, clarity returned to the world.

Relieved, Zhang Wuya dismissed the 'Cangqing Seal' from his body, turning his gaze toward Chen Jichuan. His eyes betrayed a mix of complex emotions.

Chen Jichuan, however, remained nonchalant.

He stepped forward with the 'Green Blade Sword' in hand and respectfully presented it with both hands to Zhang Wuya, addressing him, "Dai Zong has behaved poorly and been disrespectful. I humbly ask Hall Master Zhang to spare my indiscretions and refrain from bearing a grudge."

After all, they were from the same sect.

Moreover, Zhang Wuya was executing his duties without fault, while Chen Jichuan and Luo Pu, in truth, had indeed erred. Chen Jichuan had deliberately anticipated this confrontation, using Zhang Wuya to demonstrate his abilities and secure his reputation on Tailao Mountain. His heart weighed heavily with regret.

Having achieved his goal, prolonging the dispute would only seem aggressive.

Chen Jichuan prided himself on being a reasonable man; he didn't want to embarrass Zhang Wuya further and therefore ceased combat, lowering his stance.

"Dai Zong's techniques are impressive!"

Zhang Wuya gave Chen Jichuan one last look and took back the 'Green Blade Sword.'

He hesitated, as though searching for words, but faced with Chen Jichuan's bowed demeanor—and recalling how the latter hadn't fully exerted his 'Seven-star Sword Diagram' nor employed treasures offensively—the restraint shown by 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' and 'Five Thunders True Skill' didn't escape him.

If Chen Jichuan had unleashed everything—

"Let it be, let it be!"

With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Wuya felt drained of motivation. He sighed heavily, took another glance at Chen Jichuan, and disregarded Luo Pu's involvement altogether. He chose not to speak further and simply turned to leave Qingniu Peak.

Chen Jichuan raised his eyes and saw the departing figure of the Law Enforcement Hall's head elder. Zhang Wuya's back seemed particularly despondent as he walked away in silence.

To suffer defeat under the scrutiny of countless spectators, despite his rank as Hall Master and Eighth Layer Heaven cultivation, at the hands of a Fifth Layer Heaven chamber elder no less—

And to compound matters, their age difference was an astonishing two hundred and ninety years!

On reflection.

If the roles were reversed, Chen Jichuan's mental state might well have unraveled, too.

Though such occurrences weren't unheard of in the cultivation world, the involved party seldom found them easier to accept.

"My apologies."

Chen Jichuan sighed inwardly.

Returning to the mountain, he encountered Luo Pu, whose face reflected undisguised relief and the exultation of someone who had narrowly escaped a calamity. Seeing this, Chen Jichuan felt indifferent.

He had originally intended to ask what sort of "petty squabble" had led to Zhang Wuya's lingering anger through the years.

But upon glimpsing Luo Pu and recalling Zhang Wuya's disconsolate figure, Chen Jichuan changed his mind.

"Alas!"

Chen Jichuan sighed once more and ultimately refrained from asking.

"This matter is over. Hall Master Zhang will no longer trouble you. However, your involvement with No.5 Cave ends here as well. Going forward, remain within the sect, teaching disciples and mentoring juniors as your way of repaying the sect."

Luo Pu listened and nodded quietly.

Having endured this ordeal, though he escaped unharmed, his spirit was thoroughly battered and lacked its previous vitality. His long-standing "career" was relinquished with a heavy heart—alleviating his burden but leaving him hollow and unsatisfied. The experience seemed to have aged him in an instant.

...