Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 104 - 82 ’Jade Qilin’: Chen Shaohu! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

Chapter 104: Chapter 82 ’Jade Qilin’: Chen Shaohu! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

"Seeing through the Ghost Sparrow is not difficult."

"But to actually break my ’Beast Taming Technique’—"

Tushan Ji’s face turned pale and blue, his lips slightly whitening.

The connection with the Ghost Sparrow was forcibly severed, and the broken technique caused minor damage to Tushan Ji’s Primordial Qi.

However, it was not fatal, with the injury being almost negligible.

In comparison, losing the Ghost Sparrow, whose life or death was now unknown, was a far greater loss.

Though the Ghost Sparrow’s combat ability was weak and nearly nonexistent, its reconnaissance capabilities were second to none. Resembling a thrush bird, it was easy to conceal. Whether flying in the wild or perching in a courtyard, it would arouse no suspicion.

With the Ghost Sparrow.

Tushan Ji could foresee external intelligence and accurately grasp inner thoughts and motivations.

Now.

His eyes and ears were essentially severed.

"Looks like my guess was correct; a hidden expert within Shi’an County must be behind all these events over the past few months."

Tushan Ji paced back and forth, suddenly breaking into a laugh: "Why bother worrying about it? I’ll cultivate my Dao, and leave these troublesome matters to the subordinates."

As his thoughts shifted.

His spirit platform cleared.

All worries and troubles vanished completely.

Tushan Ji laughed to himself and strode forward.

Only now did the scene become vivid—Tushan Ji was amidst mountains. The peaks soared high like reaching into the clouds. At the foot of the mountain lay ruins strewn about, heavy and ancient. Even though dilapidated and broken, they exuded an otherworldly elegance unlike anything mortal.

Familiar with the terrain, Tushan Ji crossed the crumbled ruins and arrived at a location resembling an eagle’s nest.

Made of withered branches, shredded halfway apart. Within the nest stood a towering ice crystal, several people high, inside of which was an imposing and ferocious golden-crested eagle frozen in ice.

Motionless.

Its mere gaze radiated a terrifying aura, as though facing an army of thousands, or an onslaught of tens of thousands of arrows blanketing the sky.

As soon as Tushan Ji approached, he felt the tangible oppression and murderous aura, causing his Innate True Essence, robust as rivers, to activate and circulate unceasingly on its own.

Yet, a crushing force remained.

Step by step, inch by inch, Tushan Ji took a full fifteen minutes to reach the ice crystal and placed both palms on it, then closed his eyes without moving.

...

Haitang Mountain.

"Circular Light, manifest!"

Chen Jichuan pointed at the copper mirror, but the copper mirror remained inert, completely ignoring his command, unable to locate the person who had enslaved the Ghost Sparrow.

"No use."

Chen Jichuan shook his head.

But he was accustomed to this; the Circular Light Skill often failed, and he was not surprised by this occasion.

Putting away the copper mirror.

For now, he refrained from investigating the person behind the Ghost Sparrow, as he turned his attention to the ’Ghost Sparrow’ tied to the Dharma Platform.

"Caw~"

"Caw~"

The Ghost Sparrow chirped incessantly at Chen Jichuan, and seeing he ignored it, it began showing submission, playing up its pitiful appearance.

"Considering you’ve been enslaved, I won’t hold your spying against you."

"Once your wings are mended, if you are willing to stay and help me, you may build your nest here. When I need your help, I will summon you and even grant you techniques later for your cultivation. If you’re unwilling, you can fly anywhere you wish. But if you cross me again, there’s only death ahead."

While speaking, Chen Jichuan rummaged through the cave and found the Broken Continuation Ointment, applying it to the chirping Ghost Sparrow.

It was specially crafted by Baozhi Forest and had miraculous effects for treating tendon and bone injuries.

After applying the medicine.

Chen Jichuan grabbed some grains of rice and scattered them on the altar, bringing over a jar of fresh water.

Dropping all pretense.

He turned and left the cave.

The Ghost Sparrow, previously enslaved and unable to act independently, was of little threat to Chen Jichuan, save for its reconnaissance capabilities and occasional intimidating presence.

Chen Jichuan feigned aloofness yet saved it anyway.

This kind of ’external cold, internal warmth’ might irritate some people, yet it was often the most effective way to win the favor of those weaker ones he lent aid to.

If the Ghost Sparrow were grateful and loyal, it could prove useful to him. If it were ungrateful and flew away, so be it—it wouldn’t make a difference.

It wasn’t about being cautious.

Chen Jichuan wasn’t a sentimental idealist.

With a fifty percent chance of taming the Ghost Sparrow, he’d gain another effective reconnaissance tool apart from the ’Thousand-mile Eye,’ ’Sharp-Hearing Ear,’ and ’Circular Light Skill.’ Why not give it a shot?

There was no need for undue caution killing potential helpers.

"Woo~"

"Woo woo~"

As Chen Jichuan stepped away, the Ghost Sparrow spread its wings, calling out with soft, pleading cries.

Chen Jichuan did not even turn his head.

Striding out of the cave.

He made his way through twists and turns, ensuring there were no prying eyes or followers, before changing his attire and returning to his residence.

...

"Old Fifth, come here, I have something to tell you."

Chen Jichuan gestured to Chen Shaohu, who was busy tending various herbs in the courtyard, inviting him over.

"Fourth Brother, what’s up?"

Chen Shaohu jogged over excitedly, and before Chen Jichuan could speak, began pointing at the herbs with pride: "Look at these—all planted by me. I cast ’Plant Growth’ on them every day, and they’re growing like crazy."

’Plant Growth’ was a talent from White Jade City’s ’Hundred Victories General’ Xie Tao.

Chen Jichuan had replicated it, passing it on to Chen Shaohu via the Iron Lotus Seed.

Spending considerable time in the Da Liang world, followed by cultivation, left Chen Jichuan little room to spend with Chen Shaohu.

Recently, amidst the chaos in Shi’an County, Chen Shaohu’s time outside of reading and cultivation was dedicated to these herbs.

In just a few months.

The growth of these plants rivaled those cultivated for one to two years.

With these skills, even if he failed in cultivation, Chen Shaohu would never starve as a medicine farmer.

"Do you enjoy planting herbs?"

Chen Jichuan glanced at Chen Shaohu and asked.

"It’s alright."

"Mostly, I wanted to experiment, see if ’Plant Growth’ could mature medicinal herbs beyond their natural age. You did mention in some of your stories that older herbs have stronger medicinal properties, right? Just trying out the idea."

Chen Shaohu pursed his lips, eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Age?"

"Medicinal properties?"

Chen Jichuan blinked.

He was versed in medicine and pharmacology, having authored volumes like ’Medicinal Herbs’ and ’Cultivation and Propagation of Common Medicinal Plants’.

Knowing most herbs don’t gain potency simply with age.

Chen Shaohu had read those works and should know too.

But perhaps influenced by Chen Jichuan’s tales of magical fantasies and immortal heroes, Shaohu was applying fictional theories to real-world experiments.

Should such a notion prove successful.

Every reader of those novels could theoretically form an Inner Universe or rise as a Hongmeng Controller!

With a mind to reprimand, Chen Jichuan saw Chen Shaohu’s eager demeanor and decided against dampening his enthusiasm.

Instead, he loudly lauded: "Excellent! We martial artists ought to embody a spirit of daring exploration and trial. Later, I’ll fetch some books detailing medicinal herbs and their properties for you to study. Strive to sooner cultivate legendary spiritual and immortal medicines."

By reading more grounded texts, his whimsical ideas might align with correct methodologies.

"Thank you, Fourth Brother."

At that, Chen Shaohu’s face lit up, his excitement palpable.

Chen Jichuan, watching him, smiled in kind before broaching the main issue: "The Martial Alliance is soon posting its ’Talent Recruitment List,’ seeking skilled individuals both internally and externally. Whatever your skill, if not for fighting, then consider joining the Ministry of Revenue or Ministry of Industry. You enjoy research into cultivation and refining artifacts, don’t you? New bureaus within the Ministry of Industry will be established soon, pick a division aligned with your interests."

Sending Chen Shaohu to the Martial Alliance was a long-considered plan.

Not in the Military Department, Ministry of War, or Judicial Ministry—but to the quietly secure Revenue or Industry Ministries. Chen Shaohu grasped numerous copied skills.

Like ’Plant Growth’.

Integration into Martial Alliance would be effortless.

This way, idling at Haitang Mountain would no longer be an option. At seventeen years old, Chen Shaohu needed to start engaging with others and learning how to interact socially.

Staying isolated with Chen Jichuan was not a sustainable path.

With Chen Jichuan at the top of the Martial Alliance pyramid, surpassing even Mu Junxiong and the three other leaders, the sky was the limit. Within Shi’an County, if Shaohu veered off course, he’d be the ultimate scoundrel. Walking the righteous path, his way would always be open, privileges abundant.

"Me?"

"Joining the Martial Alliance?"

Chen Shaohu blinked, slightly bewildered.

Having grown up alongside his fourth brother, he’d become accustomed to this life. Now, being told to join the Martial Alliance left him unsure.

"You’re passionate about researching herbs and refining artifacts, but an individual’s resources and strength are inherently limited. Many comparative experiments require significant manpower and investment. Joining Martial Alliance, with your skills, you’ll quickly rise to a management role. With subordinates, plus some leeway allowed for researchers, you’ll gain freedom to pursue anything at ease."

Chen Jichuan smiled warmly at Shaohu, persuasive as ever.

Shaohu’s passion for research was a blessing.

Neither dangerous.

Nor wasteful.

And no matter the circumstance, innovative researchers were always highly sought after. Even if the Martial Alliance fell, shifting to another power ensured stability.

With Chen Jichuan’s protection.

Shaohe’s future prospects were secure, far better than shadowing Chen Jichuan or rotting away as an idle parasite as he’d joked.

"Alright, I’ll give it a shot."

Slightly hesitant yet bolstered by his brother’s encouragement, Chen Shaohu timidly agreed.

"Good."

"Leave the arrangements to me."

With a resolute clap, Chen Jichuan set the matter in motion.

For others, joining the Martial Alliance might involve countless hurdles. For him, just one word sufficed.

In days that followed, the Martial Alliance indeed posted its ’Talent Recruitment List,’ disregarding background and status. As long as potential applicants lacked heinous crimes and possessed unique capabilities, they’d be welcomed.

Suddenly.

An influx of talent emerged, undiscovered jewels among the sands. The Alliance recruited genuinely capable individuals.

Among them—a newly added member of White Jade City’s Yann Building—

’Jade Qilin’ Chen Shaohu.

...

Chen Shaohu’s entry into the Martial Alliance marked the beginning of a new Chapter for him.

And with his future seemingly settled, a weight lifted from Chen Jichuan’s mind.

He then shifted focus back to his cultivation.

Holding the ’Dao Fruit’ and utilizing a four-hundred-fold time dilation, many spells perfected within the Da Liang world required no further practice in reality.

Skills like ’Circular Light Skill.’

Skills like ’Transformation Technique.’

In fact, many of ’Ancestor Chen’s 48 Techniques’ were mastered this way.

However, some still demanded diligent effort and time.

Such as ’Paper Cutting into Soldiers Skill.’

Such as ’Five Ghosts Yin Soldiers Skill.’

These required continuous, painstaking cultivation to unleash their full potency.

Not to mention foundational magic arts—

Such as ’Taiyin Refining Body Technique.’

Such as ’Divine Pouncing Saber.’

Such as ’Chen’s 72 Skills.’

Daoist Skills, Inner Strength, External Skills—all extensively honed within the Da Liang world to supreme mastery. Although this transferred knowledge allowed him to replicate in reality, catching up fully—

Typically speaking, even with the time difference, it was hardly realistic to entirely equal his Da Liang progress.

Yet Chen Jichuan possessed ’Source Power,’ and by relentless striving, he kept pace.

Name: Chen Jichuan

Age: 19

Immortal-order: None

Official position: None

Level: 8

Talent: Creation·Insight

Cultivation Technique: Chen’s 72 Skills (Eighth Layer), Divine Pouncing Saber (Eighth Layer), Taiyin Refining Body Technique (Seventh Layer), Primordial Skill (Sixth Layer)

Spell: Ancestor Chen’s 48 Techniques...

Replication: Exorcism (Seventh Layer), Devouring Ghost (Seventh Layer), Precision (Fifth Layer), Fire Control Technique (Fourth Layer), Blood Burning Skill (Fourth Layer), Thousand-mile Eye (Fourth Layer), Sharp-Hearing Ear (Fourth Layer), Plant Growth (Third Layer), Swift Movement (Third Layer), ghost wall (Fourth Layer), Gathering Fog (Fourth Layer)...(abridged)

Immortal Devotion: 1

Source Power: 10024

...

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Today’s exhaustion due to travel and feeling mentally foggy, must sleep early or risk immunity drop leading to viral infection. Will resume owed Chapters starting tomorrow.

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