Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

Zhang Yiming was stunned, recalling Fann Jinren's praise of Xu Ning—

"Xu Ning possesses extraordinary talent and mastery in the fields of alchemy, artifact refining, and talisman crafting."

A second-order Alchemist.

A second-order Artifact Refiner.

A second-order Talisman Maker.

Not only was Xu Ning a once-in-a-generation genius in cultivation, but in various skills of immortality cultivation, he was equally unparalleled.

And it didn't stop there.

In the domain of array formations, Xu Ning also displayed significant interest and remarkable talent.

Outside of Shiwu City, in the wild mountain ranges, he practiced setting up formations, slaying countless demon beasts.

He often cultivated in a large mountain.

The original name of this mountain had long been forgotten, but because Xu Ning often resided within, laying down countless formations that turned the mountain into an inescapable prison, it came to be known as 'Prison Mountain.'

Because of his mastery over 'alchemy, artifact refining, talisman crafting, and formations,' Xu Ning was hailed as the 'Four Extremes True Person' among the cultivators of Shiwu City.

Apart from these achievements,

Xu Ning had a passion for teaching. In his early years, he guided mortals and Innate cultivators, and in a short period of time, raised three to four dozen Qi Refinement cultivators under his tutelage.

This caused a sensation in Shiwu City.

The combined lifespans of these Qi Refinement cultivators amounted to tens of thousands of years.

Thus, Xu Ning earned the nickname 'Longevity Master.'

As the years passed, the number of Qi Refinement cultivators who had progressed under his guidance far exceeded three or four dozen, and the title of 'Longevity Master' only grew more prominent.

"Four Extremes True Person!"

"Longevity Master!"

The name of Xu Ning of Prison Mountain resonated throughout the entire Ning City territory.

It was even heard in scattered whispers in the nearby major cities.

...

"His wealth and resources are even more abundant than mine as the City Lord. A mere Four-Nine Heavenly Tribulation cannot trouble him."

Fann Jinren laughed, his mood light and cheerful.

With another True Person emerging in Shiwu City, he, as City Lord, couldn't help but feel pride.

This was also a valuable connection.

Xu Ning's future was limitless. Even now, he had fully mastered 'alchemy, artifact refining, talisman crafting, and formations.'

Before even formally advancing to second-order, he was already hailed by many in Shiwu City as the 'Four Extremes True Person.'

Fann Jinren had a good relationship with Xu Ning, and the sooner Chen Jichuan reached the second-order, the happier he felt.

"Brother Fann, this Shiwu City has truly nurtured an extraordinary genius!"

Zhang Yiming couldn't help but exclaim in amazement.

Glancing again toward the heavenly tribulation clouds, Zhang Yiming felt his heart ease.

Sure enough.

Soon after.

Heavenly thunder descended, the tribulation clouds dispersed, and the skies cleared.

Sword Intent suddenly soared skyward, accompanied by a dazzling display of sword light and shadow. From the blue skies, a powerful announcement resounded—

"This Xu has advanced and could not be more delighted."

"These trivial demon beasts are mere tokens of my gratitude—please, fellow Daoists, feel free to take them."

The sword light slaughtered the demon beasts.

Before the cultivators near Prison Mountain, each one had a demon beast corpse lying on the ground before them.

"Many thanks, True Person!"

"Thank you, True Person Xu!"

"Congratulations to the True Person—may your immortal blessings last forever!"

"Our thanks to the Four Extremes True Person!"

The gathered cultivators never expected such a heavenly windfall—a demon beast literally falling into their laps. Overjoyed, they quickly bowed in the direction of Prison Mountain to give their thanks.

"Haha!"

"Advancing to True Personhood truly warrants universal celebration!"

Fann Jinren laughed heartily at the sight.

Zhang Yiming also watched with a smile.

Before Fann Jinren's voice had even faded, a streak of light suddenly flashed from the direction of Prison Mountain. Like a sword, it swiftly arrived outside the city, landing in front of Fann Jinren and Zhang Yiming. Saluting Fann Jinren with cupped hands, it spoke, "Xu Ning greets the City Lord!"

"Good!"

"On this day of your advancement to True Personhood, Xu Daoist, we must toast until we're merry!"

Fann Jinren moved forward, holding Chen Jichuan's hand warmly, laughing with evident joy.

"Zhang Yiming of Yuan City pays respects to the Daoist."

Zhang Yiming, standing beside him, cupped his hands toward Chen Jichuan.

"So it is Senior Zhang."

Chen Jichuan quickly returned the courtesy and smiled as he said, "Xu Ning has long admired Senior's reputation through the City Lord, but I never imagined I would meet him today."

"Daoist Xu and I both share the title of True Person, so let us address each other as fellow Daoists—calling me 'Senior' is far too much."

Zhang Yiming was an easygoing individual, and he replied to Chen Jichuan, "Brother Zhang has also heard much of Daoist Xu's reputation from Brother Fann and has always been deeply impressed!"

The two exchanged courteous compliments.

Fann Jinren, watching from the side, found the interaction amusing and couldn't help but say, "You two have much to say—why not save it for the wine table? Why stand here outside the city, enduring the wind?"

Chen Jichuan and Zhang Yiming exchanged glances before bursting into laughter.

Without further ado, the three True Persons returned to Shiwu City.

...

Shiwu City.

The City Lord Mansion.

The host and guests took their seats, and after three rounds of wine,

Fann Jinren turned to Chen Jichuan and asked, "Now that Daoist Xu has achieved True Personhood, what plans do you have for the future?"

In the Galaxy Sword Sect, second-order True Persons were not uncommon, but spread out across the continents, each major city typically had only two or three True Persons at most.

Smaller cities like Shiwu had only a single True Person acting as the City Lord, overseeing all matters within the city.

Due to their rarity,

The Galaxy Sword Sect maintained corresponding management policies for True Persons within its territory.

Not stringent,

And not overly forceful either.

"Newly advanced True Persons are ordinarily required to serve a hundred-year term."

"Either as a City Lord of a smaller city."

"Or occupying a high administrative post in a major city, such as overseeing a division in a University."

"Given Daoist Xu's renown as the 'Four Extremes,' his options are far broader than those of ordinary True Persons. He could enter agencies specializing in 'alchemy, artifact refining, and talisman crafting,' or even take on the role of lecturer at the superior 'Galaxy Academy.' The disciples there are the elite Qi Refinement cultivators from major and minor cities, nearly all of whom have the potential to ascend to True Personhood. Becoming a lecturer would cultivate widespread connections and bring numerous benefits."

Fann Jinren, concerned that Chen Jichuan might not be informed, elaborated in detail.

After hearing this, Chen Jichuan felt more settled.

Overall,

The Galaxy Sword Sect maintained a relatively relaxed approach to second-order True Persons while setting certain obligatory requirements.

After all, across the vast territories with countless cities big and small, the enormous Galaxy Sword Sect required second-order True Persons to fill crucial roles and govern essential matters.

Yet, most cultivators naturally yearned for freedom.

And so, the Galaxy Sword Sect mandated that newly advanced True Persons serve specific positions for a hundred years.

Take Fann Jinren, for example.

He had been a True Person for eighty-four years and had served as Shiwu City's City Lord for over eighty of those years. In just over ten more years, he could step down.

Or Zhang Yiming.

A True Person for over a hundred years, he had previously served as a City Lord of a Guard City.

After completing his term,

Zhang Yiming had begun wandering the world and engaging in adventures. He spent most of his time outdoors, battling demon beasts,

exploring ancient ruins and the dwellings of previous generations.

This was far more liberating and thrilling than being confined to a single city.

...

Leaving the City Lord Mansion, Chen Jichuan returned straight to Lin Chuan Square.

As soon as he arrived,

"Greetings, True Person!"

"Greetings, Master!"

Huang Xuan, Huang Quan, Huang Biao, and many others were already waiting. Upon seeing Chen Jichuan, they hurried up to greet him and congratulated him in unison.

The news of Chen Jichuan's advancement to True Personhood had long since spread through the city.

Everyone present, without exception, was visibly overjoyed.

A True Person!

In all of Shiwu City, aside from the City Lord, there was no other.

In Ning City, the major city, there were only three.

Across the entire Sea Continent, a second-order True Person was a figure regarded as the pinnacle of existence.

And today,

Their Master now stood at the pinnacle—not merely in title as the 'Four Extremes True Person,'

But in truth as a second-order True Person!

"Alright."

"Everyone, rise."

Chen Jichuan addressed his disciples—led by Huang Quan—and the high-ranking members of the White Tiger Commerce and White Tiger Demon Hunting Team.

Then turning to Huang Xuan, he smiled and said, "Uncle Huang, why have you decided to join the lively crowd today?"

In a flash, seven or eight decades had passed.

Chen Jichuan entered Wuhe Star at eighteen and arrived at Shiwu City at twenty-three.

In a blink, he was now a full hundred years old.

Huang Xuan, too, was a hundred and forty.

"The head of our household has advanced to True Personhood, causing an uproar across the entire city—my heart is practically leaping out of my chest, and I simply had to let them celebrate."

Huang Xuan grinned widely as he spoke.

From the time Huang Quan and others formally became disciples of Chen Jichuan, Huang Xuan had naturally changed the way he addressed Chen Jichuan, calling him 'Household Head.' He positioned himself as the senior steward of the Xu family.

He no longer leaned on seniority to treat Chen Jichuan as a mere younger relative.

Decades into this role, it had long become second nature.

This time,

Hearing the news of Chen Jichuan's second-order advancement, Huang Xuan found his heart racing with excitement. He recalled the days in Golden Corner City, when he had helped Xu Jishi and Xu Ning out of a sense of old ties.

At first, he hadn't thought much of it.

Only later, after noticing Chen Jichuan's exceptional talent in alchemy and cultivation, did he realize their family might prosper because of him.

But even then, Huang Xuan could never have anticipated—

"In just a few decades!"

"That young man who was expelled from school and rejected in marriage by the Xiao Family has now become a True Person?!"

Looking at Chen Jichuan, Huang Xuan felt as if he were shrouded in a dazzling halo, leaving him awestruck.

Reflecting on these decades,

The five years of stealthy survival in Golden Corner City.

The rapid rise in Shiwu City.

The title of 'Longevity Master.'

The authority of the 'Prison Mountain Master.'

The reputation of the 'Four Extremes True Person.'

...

Huang Xuan had personally witnessed Chen Jichuan's steady ascent from a newcomer with no foundation to a figure revered, with disciples everywhere and friends among the elite.

And now,

He had become a True Person.

As for the Huang Family,

Due to their decision to follow Chen Jichuan to Shiwu City, they too had rapidly risen—

Huang Xuan, Feng Heng, Huang Quan, Huang Biao, Huang Jiao, Huang Dong, and Huang Liang.

The seven members of the Huang Family had all reached Qi Refinement.

Some jealous individuals had even mocked them behind their backs, quipping that the Huang Family should have raised more livestock—cows, horses, pigs, and dogs—so perhaps they'd now have Qi Refinement demon beasts guarding their household.

Huang Xuan, hearing such jabs, simply chuckled and paid them no mind.

Cultivation was one thing.

Power and influence were another.

Huang Xuan managed the White Tiger Trading Company and White Tiger Demon Hunting Team on behalf of Chen Jichuan.

Over the years, the White Tiger Trading Company's business had flourished in Ning City, Shiwu City, and seven other cities, with intricate networks of connections spanning far and wide.

Chen Jichuan's identity as the 'Four Extremes True Person' granted the Trading Company a voice in the presence of city lords across these regions.

The White Tiger Demon Hunting Team, with its many Qi Refinement cultivators, wielded considerable power as well.

Huang Xuan's personal cultivation might have been unremarkable, but he held immense authority.

Of course, this status didn't compare to a True Person's might.

But among Qi Refinement cultivators, no one near Shiwu City dared underestimate him. Most, in fact, treated him with great deference.

...

"It all feels like a dream."

That evening, Huang Xuan drank himself into a stupor, nestled against his wife Feng Heng, and slept with a wide grin.

"Indeed."

"Like a dream."

Feng Heng laughed as well, silently giving thanks for her fortunes.

...

The news of Chen Jichuan advancing to True Personhood swept through Shiwu City and quickly spread to Ning City and the seven guard cities.

Over the past seventy to eighty years,

Chen Jichuan's name was well-renowned within the Ning City territory.

With this ascension,

City lords from various cities sent their representatives to offer congratulations. Even wandering True Persons like Zhang Yiming made their way to Shiwu City to celebrate.

Chen Jichuan stayed in Shiwu City for one month.

After a month,

The report of his advancement was submitted, and orders from the sect soon arrived.

Chen Jichuan immediately began his journey to the Galaxy Sword Sect's primary city—Sword City.

But before heading to 'Sword City,' he first planned to stop by Golden Corner City.

"The grudges of the past—

Today, they will be settled."

...