Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit

From above, Panlong Mountain lies coiled like a dormant dragon, its rivers and peaks interconnected like a living painting. Beyond the nine-layered firmament, clouds billow without end, flowing like endless mountain ridges. Occasionally, green thunder explodes, lightning dances, danger abounds—this is not a land mortals can tread upon.

High above the cloud sea of the nine heavens, at unfathomable heights, Chen Jichuan sits cross-legged amidst the clouds. With each breath, spiritual light flickers, and specks of pure spirit separate from the heavens, gradually coalescing into a tangible form.

Ordinary folk would be unable to discern its true nature, but should Grandmaster Wul or other Divinity Transformation Stage cultivators witness this sight, they would surely lose their composure. For each crystalline drop of spirit carries a profound vitality, its purity and elegance surpassing any treasures of heaven and earth they might have encountered in their lifetimes.

Truly, this was no ordinary substance.

At the dawn of creation, pure Qi rose while turbid Qi descended. Over countless eons, the interplay of these two forces birthed boundless mysteries and essences.

What Chen Jichuan was now gathering and refining was one of these: the "Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism" from the heavens above.

"The pure Qi of the heavens contains spiritual essence, and the turbid Qi of the earth also conceals its profundities. Both surpass Primordial Stones and Spirit Crystals, offering boundless benefits to those cultivating corresponding cultivation techniques."

"The interplay of pure and turbid Qi embodies the Five Elements and carries the breath of heaven and earth. By harvesting the heavenly 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism' and the earthly 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism,' I can not only elevate my cultivation but also make great strides in the 'Dayan Divination Method.'"

Yet whether it is the 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism' or the 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism,' harvesting them is no easy feat. Even for Upper Immortals, condensing just a single strand would take a decade of painstaking labor. Such strands fetch astronomical prices, with two hundred strands being worth a single Spirit Crystal.

Though Chen Jichuan possessed his experiences from the Chongming Realm, his cultivation in reality was far weaker, making it extraordinarily difficult to gather these mechanisms.

During his two thousand years in the Chongming Realm, fifty-one fleeting years passed in the real world, yet to this day he had not managed to accumulate a single complete strand of 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism.' In contrast, the 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism' had been more fortuitous—through a stroke of luck, he discovered a mystic vein beneath Panlong Mountain, easily gathering five strands, much to his delight.

"For those practicing turbid methods, a single strand of 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism' equates to hundreds of years of cultivation in the Fourth Realm of Divinity Transformation—a top-tier spiritual treasure. Furthermore, it holds immense value for advancing divine skills, greatly enhancing their potency."

Ordinary magic contrasts starkly with divine skills. The former relies on personal insight and Mana change to progress, while the latter taps into the creative forces of the cosmos, requiring alignment with the world's authority.

Such alignment demands both internal comprehension and the external aid of heavenly materials and treasures for further elevation.

Take the 'Dayan Divination Method' for example.

This was Chen Jichuan's first divine skill and, so far, his only one. Advancing this skill demands not only prolonged meditation but also the assistance of the 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism' and 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism.'

In the Chongming Realm, Chen Jichuan could acquire pure and turbid Qi from other Upper Immortals. But here in Panlong Mountain, it was doubtful that even Grandmaster Wul and others had heard of 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism' or 'Red Muddy Profound Mechanism,' leaving him reliant on himself. As a result, his progress was painstakingly slow.

And this was merely the second realm of the 'Dayan Divination Method.' Ascending to the third and fourth realms would yield far greater mysteries but also face exponentially heightened difficulty.

"Cultivating divine skills is no easy feat!"

Chen Jichuan swallowed the 'Purple Pure Spirit Mechanism' strand he had spent thirty-two years condensing, but his heart was not filled with much joy.

This was but one divine skill. In time, other techniques like the 'Wind Thunder All Heavens Great Escape' and 'Daluo Heavenly Sleeve' would all need to be advanced to divine skill level. Each would require distinct and equally precious treasures, making progress in the Chongming Realm arduous, and nearly impossible here in Panlong Mountain.

On top of that, as Chen Jichuan ascended in realms, the constraints and inadequacies of Panlong Mountain were becoming increasingly apparent.

The scarcity of cultivation resources was one.

Aside from resources for divine skills, even the resources required for maintaining Mana cultivation were becoming ever more deficient.

First Realm of Divinity Transformation.

Second Realm of Divinity Transformation.

Third Realm of Divinity Transformation.

Having broken through to Upper Immortal in the Chongming Realm, Chen Jichuan no longer suppressed his cultivation in reality. Over fifty-one years, his progress was astonishing, reaching the 'Divine Separation Stage' of the Third Realm of Divinity Transformation—a matchless feat within Panlong Mountain. Yet already, he could sense the Spiritual Energy of Panlong Mountain had grown so thin that even sustaining his routine cultivation and recovery was becoming difficult.

"No wonder there aren't any top-tier Divinity Transformation cultivators in Panlong Mountain. Apart from the inherent difficulty, anyone who reaches such a level would be forced to gamble everything to venture into the Mysterious Realm seeking new paths."

Chen Jichuan reflected thoughtfully, gazing into the depths of the clouds. There, a streak of green light pierced upward, traversing the skies as if searching for the fabled Outer Heaven. Alas, the heavens were insurmountably high; the figure was trapped, advancing and faltering like a lost soul, moving in circles without escape.

"A newly advanced cultivator in Panlong Mountain."

Chen Jichuan glanced briefly and recognized them.

This was a Divinity Transformation Stage cultivator who had ascended just over twenty years ago. Though Chen Jichuan had never met them, he was familiar with their reputation.

Yet from Chen Jichuan's perspective, this individual—a revered Divinity Transformation Grandmaster whose presence commanded awe throughout Panlong Mountain—appeared somewhat pitiful. "Centuries of bitter cultivation to achieve Divinity Transformation, only to die confined to this one corner of the world. What use are unmatched cultivation and divine skills in the end?"

Chen Jichuan stood up. He no longer paid attention to the figure, and in a flash, he descended from the heavens back to the mortal world.

...

In Panlong Mountain, Dragon Tail Domain...

At Seven Mysterious Mountain, within Red Maple Valley...

Chen Jichuan gazed at the ordinary-looking Chen Shaohu before him—

Name: Chen Shaohu

Age: 139

Cultivation: Tenth Realm of Enlightenment

Cultivation Technique: White Tiger Sword Prison Scripture (True Sect Level)

Magic Skills: Five Elements Escape Technique, Seven Elements Relieving Calamity Ruyi Tiangang Splitting Light Sword Technique, Three-in-One Indestructible Golden Light Body Protection Technique, Heaven Mending Seal, …, and more.

...

"Not bad."

Chen Jichuan nodded approvingly. "The Tenth Realm is stabilizing. Soon, you'll be ready to attempt the breakthrough to the Enlightenment Realm and strive for Divinity Transformation."

Fifty-one years ago, Chen Shaohu was merely at the eighth realm of Qi Refinement. Fifty-one years later, he had reached the pinnacle of the Tenth Realm—a True Person unparalleled in all of Panlong Mountain, save for Chen Jichuan.

An Enlightenment True Person's lifespan extends a thousand years, and at just 139 years old, Chen Shaohu's future prospects were limitless.

"With your guidance, Brother, my cultivation resources surpass even those of Panlong Mountain's Divinity Transformation ancestors."

Chen Shaohu smiled leisurely, clearly in high spirits.

Fifty years prior, though his cultivation speed was astounding, it had remained within the bounds of normalcy. But beginning fifty years ago, his elder brother seemed to grow "uninhibited."

Through secret techniques, pills, and formations, Chen Shaohu's cultivation soared exponentially, to an extent bordering on unbelievable.

Yet despite this rapid ascent, his foundation remained unshaken.

Thirteen first-class secret techniques, 132 flawless spirit pills, combined with countless trials in the 'Small Sumeru Right and Left Nine Palace Immortal Formation.'

Even still, Chen Jichuan waited patiently until his cultivation in the Dao Fruit World advanced to the Fourth Realm of Upper Immortality—possessing far greater insight—before beginning such work.

An entire two-realm difference, with an Upper Immortal personally crafting a plan for an Enlightenment True Person—developing methods, refining resources, and orchestrating the finest formations.

Such treatment was a rarity even among direct disciples of great sects. Chen Shaohu's flourishing cultivation was hard-won and solidly grounded.

"It's no wonder favored heirs are so often groomed by prominent sects and clans. Beyond talent, the advantages of resources and opportunities weigh heavily."

Through cultivating his younger brother into Panlong Mountain's preeminent prodigy, Chen Jichuan now understood this principle deeply.

Though with his Fourth Realm cultivation in the Dao Fruit World, matching this in reality wouldn't be overly challenging. Ensuring that Chen Shaohu likewise ascended to the Third or even Fourth Realm, however, was a far more demanding task.

"Cultivation grows increasingly arduous as one progresses. In the earlier stages—Qi Refinement and Enlightenment—I could assist a lot. But the higher stages test individual ability more and more. You already surpass most of Panlong Mountain's cultivators and even outshine some Divinity Transformation Stage resources. But your aspirations must reach further; the Third and Fourth Realms should not be your limits. At the very least, aim for immortality, true eternal life."

Chen Jichuan repeated these age-old lessons with tireless patience.

"I understand."

Chen Shaohu wasn't annoyed. Grinning, he replied, "With you by my side, Brother, I must at least strive for immortality. Once I achieve eternal life, even as a lazy 'independent immortal,' I'll still be free and content."

Chen Shaohu understood his path clearly, cultivating hard in the present to secure a brighter future. To him, the temporary hardships were worthwhile. Having roamed all corners of Panlong Mountain, witnessing both mortal suffering and the countless cultivators succumbing to old age and sickness, he dared not slacken even a moment in his pursuit of immortality.

At least for now, before achieving it, that was his resolve.

As for after achieving immortality—

"Immortality—"

Chen Jichuan chuckled. "Even I don't yet have full confidence in achieving it, and here you are imagining life as an idle immortal already?"

He teased, then shifted the conversation: "So I hear quite a few female disciples in the sect fancy you. Just recently, a sect elder came to me acting the matchmaker. What's your opinion on this?"

Though their brotherly bond was secret within the Seven Mysterious Sect, Chen Jichuan's position as Hall Master of the Alchemy Hall still invited elders to speak to him about such matters, as Chen Shaohu was nominally his disciple.

"A matchmaker?"

Chen Shaohu waved dismissively. "Your secrets are too numerous, Brother, and I have my share as well. Seeking a Dao companion now would only bring trouble."

He already had plans in mind. "If I must, I'd rather wait until I achieve immortality and ascend to the Immortal Realm. Then I'll consider finding an immortal partner at that time."

Consistent as ever.

Chen Jichuan recalled how, after their escape from the Black Prison, Chen Shaohu had once joked that he was too unattractive back then, so any wife he might find would surely share the same fate.

Now his logic was much the same—

"Right now, the Immortal Fairies have no interest in me, and I have no interest in these ordinary cultivators doomed to mortality."

"I'm in no rush. I'll wait."

Chen Shaohu's clarity of purpose was unwavering. These years, countless female cultivators had pursued him, some even offering themselves freely. Yet none had captivated his interest—all were met with rejection.

With his heart set on immortality, there was no room for fleeting romance.

"You!"

Chen Jichuan pointed at Chen Shaohu, smiling fondly as his thoughts turned to Wang Yan. "I wonder how he's doing now."

Back in the Qinling and Central Continent Worlds, Chen Jichuan had harbored considerable hopes for Wang Yan's immortality. But after witnessing the vastness of the Starry Sky World and the Chongming Spirit Realm, those hopes had sunk into despair.

As he had told Chen Shaohu, the higher one climbed in cultivation, the more he understood just how difficult the path truly was.

When they had parted ways in the Qinling World, even with Chen Jichuan's sacrifice, Wang Yan barely managed a breakthrough to the Second Realm. Yet unwilling to undergo a body-switch that would alter his original sex and appearance, Wang Yan had declined superior talents, leaving himself thoroughly average.

Forty thousand years had since passed in a blur.

Chen Jichuan could only hope his old friend still lived and that a reunion awaited them someday.

...