Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

"Senior Brother!"

Chen Jichuan did not modestly decline.

From now on, they would both be Fourth-order cultivators and fellow disciples. Calling each other 'Upper Immortal' or 'Daoist' would indeed seem too formal—using 'Senior Brother' and 'Junior Brother' felt much closer.

Immortal Wan Ming nodded slightly and asked, "When will you face the tribulation?"

"Three years from now."

Chen Jichuan replied.

Having comprehended the mysteries of the Inner Realm and advanced to Half-step Fourth-order, the arrival of the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations' could vary. For some, it might descend immediately, while for others, it might take thirty or fifty years to appear.

This depended on one's foundation and the depth of their Daoist cultivation.

For Chen Jichuan, three years was considered very fortunate.

"Three years?"

Immortal Wan Ming was startled at first, then overjoyed. "Junior Brother, your talent is indeed extraordinary. Facing the tribulation in three years—both your foundation and potential far exceed those of ordinary cultivators. Even within our Eight Extremes Holy Hall, only Senior Brother Sanyang surpasses you."

"Immortal Sanyang!"

Chen Jichuan's heart was stirred.

His time in the Eight Extremes Holy Hall had been short, and his understanding of the sect was limited. Among the sect's Fourth-order Immortals, he had only met Immortal Wan Ming.

As for the others, their exact number was unclear, and he only knew the names of a few.

Among them was this 'Immortal Sanyang.'

It was said that Immortal Sanyang was the most senior ancestor of the Eight Extremes Holy Hall, personally taught by the sect's founder. He had long achieved mastery over the mysteries of creation and spent most of his time freely wandering the Four Directions Heaven, rarely returning to the Star Constellation Sea.

"Having accumulated wisdom across several lifetimes, my foundation naturally surpasses that of most newly-promoted Fourth-orders. It makes sense that other Upper Immortals in the Eight Extremes Holy Hall cannot compare to me."

"But for this 'Immortal Sanyang' to face the tribulation even earlier than me, he must be counted as an extraordinary talent among the Fourth-order Immortals."

Chen Jichuan thought to himself, though he outwardly replied with humble words, "I dare not accept such praise."

"Regrettably, Senior Brother Sanyang is in the heavens, rarely returning. Even when matters arise, he seldom does so. Junior Brother, you likely won't meet him in the short term."

Immortal Wan Ming shook his head and added, "But sooner or later, Junior Brother will ascend to the heavens, and when that time comes, you will surely have the chance to meet him."

With that, he smiled again and continued, "Although you may not see Senior Brother Sanyang for now, you will soon encounter two others. I have already sent word to them. With their presence, Junior Brother can face the tribulation three years from now without worry, leaving everything else to us."

Two Upper Immortals.

Along with Immortal Wan Ming.

To have three Upper Immortals protecting during the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations' was undoubtedly an unparalleled safeguard.

"Many thanks, Senior Brother!"

Chen Jichuan cupped his hands in gratitude.

Immortal Wan Ming smiled but said little more. He pulled Chen Jichuan forward, leading him toward the mountain's cave mansion while inquiring about the breakthrough process he had just undergone.

His words carried a tone of guidance.

Chen Jichuan had just advanced to Half-step Fourth-order, but he had yet to face the tribulation and undergo complete transformation. Even after that transformation, progressing from 'newly-promoted' to 'One-Pattern' and later to 'Two-Pattern' still had a long way to go.

In terms of both cultivation and Daoist attainment, Immortal Wan Ming was currently far ahead of Chen Jichuan.

Chen Jichuan would not miss this opportunity and took the chance to seek advice.

One offered guidance wholeheartedly.

One sought advice humbly.

The two entered the cave mansion hand-in-hand.

...

Time flew by.

Three years passed in the blink of an eye.

On one particular day.

The storm had subsided, and the black clouds dispersed.

A solitary figure landed in a vast desert, and from four directions, three streaks of light came hurtling in, appearing like celestial beings descending. Before their forms arrived, their voices rang out—

"Congratulations!"

"Congratulations, Junior Brother Qii!"

"Congratulations on passing the tribulation successfully!"

On Mysterious Turtle Island, which stretched 30,000 miles, Chen Jichuan stood in the southwestern desert. His figure was somewhat battered, and his face slightly weary, but his eyes were brimming with joy.

Seeing the three streaks of light approaching and hearing their congratulations only made the smile on his face grow brighter.

The power of the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations' was just as he had imagined—

Neither absurdly overwhelming...

Nor overly lenient.

In short, with his preparations and innate conditions, he had navigated through the tribulation stably and steadily.

As eighty-one strikes of lightning rained down, accompanied by the trials of mental demons, eerie winds, sinister flames, and other hidden calamities...

Chen Jichuan underwent his final transformation, achieving the pinnacle of Immortal Fourth-order: the Aspiring Realm.

Years of unfulfilled aspirations were realized in an instant, and his heart was filled with boundless joy.

"I owe my thanks to you three Senior Brothers for your efforts."

Chen Jichuan cupped his hands toward the three, warmth filling his heart.

Standing before him were these three individuals.

Besides Immortal Wan Ming, whom he was already familiar with, the other two were also Upper Immortal ancestors of the Eight Extremes Holy Hall. They had returned to Mysterious Turtle Island not long before his tribulation—

One was called the 'Eight-Armed Immortal.'

The other was the 'Wulou Immortal.'

...

Name: Eight-Armed Immortal

Age: 22,098

Cultivation: Aspiring·Late-stage Inner Realm

Cultivation Technique: "Undying List Element Map"

...

Name: Wulou Immortal

Age: 8,324

Cultivation: Aspiring·Early-stage Inner Realm

Cultivation Technique: "Mountain River Wind and Rain Map"

...

The Eight Extremes Holy Hall spared no effort to ensure Chen Jichuan's safe passage through the tribulation.

Immortal Wan Ming, a Second-Pattern Immortal, alone was not enough.

Two more Upper Immortals were summoned to assist.

Among them, the 'Eight-Armed Immortal,' a Late-stage Inner Realm Three-Pattern Immortal, provided an exceptional safeguard.

With three Upper Immortals stationed and the tribulation occurring within the stronghold of Mysterious Turtle Island...

Even though the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations' resonated across a million miles, no Fourth-order Immortals dared to disturb the occasion.

Chen Jichuan performed solidly and successfully overcame the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations.'

"We are all family; there's no need for thanks."

"Junior Brother has just passed the tribulation. You should return to the cave mansion to stabilize your condition. The tribulation caused quite a commotion, and we must meet with neighboring Daoists while also preparing a grand Immortal Ascension Ceremony to spread Junior Brother's name across the Star Constellation Sea!"

The Eight-Armed Immortal, broad-shouldered and hearty, slapped his large palm against his chest with a bold laugh, exuding boundless heroism.

The turmoil of the 'Nine-Nine Tribulations' echoed across a million miles and could not escape the notice of the Upper Immortals within the Star Constellation Sea.

Earlier, during the tribulation, those Upper Immortals had refrained from approaching, fearing unnecessary misunderstandings.