Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 114 - 91 ’Yang Xiu’ Promoted, ’Chen Lin’ Takes Office! [3rd Update, Extra for 600 Monthly Votes!]

Chapter 114: Chapter 91 ’Yang Xiu’ Promoted, ’Chen Lin’ Takes Office! [3rd Update, Extra for 600 Monthly Votes!]

"Two flower buds, two new worlds."

"Obtained the ’Immortal-order’."

"From now on, I can simultaneously explore two worlds."

Chen Jichuan looked at the root system before him, his thoughts shifted, grasping the benefits within.

Simultaneously exploring two worlds, on the surface, didn’t seem to hold much significance.

After all, Chen Jichuan couldn’t clone himself, making it impossible to cultivate in two worlds at once. Furthermore, through the ’Dao Fruit,’ one could only enter a single world at a time.

The ’simultaneously’ mentioned here refers to the ability to open another world and enter it without having cultivated to the peak in the existing one.

Thus, if he ever faced a deadlock or desperate situation in one world, he could switch to another world to continue cultivating.

Not only that.

In these two worlds, as long as one could be conquered, he could open a new world without having to clear both worlds.

It effectively granted Chen Jichuan an extra option entirely out of thin air.

No longer would he be forced to enter any world randomly given to him.

"Two worlds."

"I can choose the one that offers greater benefits and focus my efforts there."

Chen Jichuan thought to himself.

For now, he couldn’t conceive of any other specific advantages this change might bring, but perhaps he would understand them in the future.

There was no need to dwell on it.

His gaze shifted.

As soon as he looked at the ten thousand silver threads within the second root system, Chen Jichuan couldn’t help but feel a headache rising again.

Earlier, forming two affiliated Dao Fruits had already consumed twenty thousand Source Power.

His net worth plummeted significantly.

Just when misfortune strikes, it seems to come all at once.

Not only had twenty thousand Source Power vanished in one fell swoop,

but the cost to open a Dao Fruit World, previously just ten thousand Source Power, had now soared to one hundred thousand.

"Where am I supposed to find one hundred thousand Source Power?!"

Chen Jichuan felt his head swelling with stress and couldn’t help but let out a long sigh.

But after sighing,

he still had to face reality.

"There’s no other choice."

"I can only keep cultivating deeply in the Black Prison and Water Mansion."

Chen Jichuan exited his consciousness sea, stood up, and walked out of the cave.

...

The Martial Alliance.

Mu Hua County Government.

’Wu City’ remained under fervent construction, with the Martial Alliance headquarters still temporarily based in Mu Hua County.

At the rear office.

Mu Junxiong, Wang Quan, Xue Zhong, and Chuu Sanyang gathered, conversing about various Martial Alliance affairs.

Yet, their minds were clearly distracted.

Today was December 10th.

Since November 2nd,

’Yangg Xiu’ had entered the Black Prison, staying for two days. Apart from the routine meetings every ten days, he had not convened any additional gatherings.

This time, however, he summoned them all together and even called upon Chuu Sanyang, leaving everyone wondering what pill he had hidden inside his gourd.

But due to ’Yangg Xiu’s’ extraordinary means, they dared not casually speculate for fear of being spied upon by the copper mirror.

They could only suppress their curiosity, feeling increasingly uneasy.

Thankfully, they didn’t have to wait long.

About an hour later,

sounds stirred from outside. Soon, two figures strode in, shoulder to shoulder. One among them was the Guest Elder ’Yangg Xiu.’

"My lord."

"Lord Yangg."

Mu Junxiong and the other three quickly stood up to greet Chen Jichuan.

Chuu Sanyang was particularly uneasy, bowing deeply in fear. Over the last month, he had been living with constant anxiety, dreading the possibility that his reckless words from before might provoke this ’Living Yama’ into retaliation or trouble.

Forcing him into trepidation, sleepless nights.

This sudden summons filled him with both terror and relief.

Whether stretching out his neck or retracting it, the blade awaited—a clean confrontation was better than a prolonged torment. Best to hear it clearly and get an answer.

To live or to die.

To be executed or pardoned.

He was ready to accept it.

"Hmm."

’Yangg Xiu’ greeted the four, his expression as cold as ever, yet a trace of joy lingered on his brow.

Leaving Mu Junxiong and the others puzzled.

As ’Yangg Xiu’ approached, he didn’t sit, merely nodded to them before introducing the individual beside him, "This is White Jade City’s Liang Building Earth Evil Sequence Sixty-two ’Chen Lin.’ From now on, I will no longer serve as the Martial Alliance Guest Elder. All alliance affairs will be managed by Mr. Chen. You must cooperate and remain diligent in your duties!"

"Mr. Chen."

"Greetings, Mr. Chen."

"We dare not slack off, we will cooperate diligently."

Mu Junxiong and the others, startled at first, quickly bowed to ’Chen Lin.’

Not daring to neglect the outgoing elder either, Mu Junxiong took the lead in expressing concern to ’Yangg Xiu’: "The Martial Alliance has six Guest Elder seats. Since Lord Yangg and Mr. Chen are colleagues in White Jade City, why not jointly oversee the alliance? This way, we can constantly seek guidance."

Wang Quan and Xue Zhong quickly echoed his sentiment.

’Yangg Xiu’ remained silent.

Beside him, ’Chen Lin’ chuckled aloud, speaking warmly: "Mr. Yangg has recently made a great contribution and will soon enter a secret realm for cultivation. After he emerges, not only will his cultivation advance further, but his sequence rank will also rise, with other appointments likely awaiting. It would not be appropriate to delay Lord Yangg’s bright future."

Hearing this.

Wang Quan and Xue Zhong seemed confused.

Yet Mu Junxiong and Chuu Sanyang instantly understood: "Yangg Xiu must have presented treasures obtained from the Black Prison to White Jade City, receiving immense rewards in return!"

Both men felt regretful and resentful.

Regretful that even treasures valued highly by White Jade City had slipped under their radar.

Resentful that Yangg Xiu was so unscrupulous. Those treasures, even if not shared fully, could have at least afforded them a sip of soup. Right?

Instead? Nothing.

Even crumbs were withheld.

To monopolize everything to this degree was utterly infuriating.

These thoughts churned in their minds.

But they dared not show their displeasure.

Instead, they feigned exhilaration alongside Wang Quan and Xue Zhong, excitedly congratulating Yangg Xiu: "So it’s a promotion! Congratulations, Lord Yangg!"

The four raised their voices high.

Finally, a faint smile broke through ’Yangg Xiu’s’ otherwise stoic demeanor as he nodded in acknowledgment of their well-wishes, without offering any tangible gestures of gratitude.

Soon after, he cupped his hands toward ’Chen Lin’ and said, "I’ve escorted Mr. Chen to this post. The affairs here are now entirely in Mr. Chen’s hands. I have other matters to attend to and must take my leave."

An unmistakable eagerness to depart.

One had to wonder what sort of treasures awaited him in this ’secret realm’ to make him so impatient.

"Very well."

"Next time we meet, Mr. Chen shall prepare gifts to celebrate your success."

’Chen Lin’ cupped his hands in return and began to escort ’Yangg Xiu’ out. Mu Junxiong and the others followed suit. Yet before leaving the rear office, Yangg Xiu bid Chen Lin to stay while he briskly left the government office on his own.

...

Exiting the county office.

’Yangg Xiu’ activated ’Thousand-mile Eye’ and ’Sharp-Hearing Ear’ to confirm no one was tailing him. Then, he twisted through the winding alleys of the county city.

When he finally reappeared, his ’Illusion Technique’ had vanished and his scent altered. The revered, cold middle-aged man transformed into a dusky, cheerful youth.

None other than ’Jade Qilin’ Chen Shaohu.

"Phew!"

"Scared the wits out of me!"

Chen Shaohu patted his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.

At least his role alongside Fourth Brother hadn’t been botched. While most credit belonged to his elder’s unparalleled illusion skills, he could still claim part of the effort.

Equal parts nervous and smug.

Glancing around cautiously, Chen Shaohu chose not to wait for his brother to emerge, instead jogging back to his office at the Ministry of Industry’s Drug Department to continue fiddling with those herbs.

...

Back at the rear office.

With one sly "Crown Prince swapped with a commoner," Chen Jichuan smoothly transitioned identities, now embodying ’Chen Lin.’ Taking the main seat, he observed the somewhat rigid Mu Junxiong and his group, silently chuckling before he gestured casually: "Sit."

"Thank you, my lord."

The four obeyed, cautiously perching on their seats.

Uneasy.

Uncertain.

Changing leaders without warning, they knew nothing about ’Chen Lin’s temperament.

Though Yangg Xiu was known for his vicious and ruthless ways, familiarity made him manageable. Introducing a new superior out of the blue naturally brought trepidation.

Chen Jichuan noticed their unease but didn’t address it directly, instead maintaining a warm smile as he turned to Mu Junxiong: "I believe this must be the renowned ’River Flipping Dragon,’ Alliance Hierarch Mu Junxiong?"

"Oh, I would never presume."

"Indeed, it’s Mu."

Mu Junxiong, startled, instantly rose to reply.

"No need to be so formal."

Chen Jichuan smiled, taking out the ’Iron Lotus Seed’ crafted by Chen Shaohu and presenting it to Mu Junxiong. Seeing the latter’s confusion, he explained, "This is White Jade City’s prized ’Enlightenment Lotus Seed,’ imbued with the cultivation insights of our experts, spanning first to eighth rank. Given your recent significant contributions, White Jade City has specially bestowed this to you. Study it thoroughly; it will bring immense progress."

This was an Eighth Grade Iron Lotus Seed.

It cost him a full three thousand Source Power, a considerable expenditure.

To unlock the next Dao Fruit World, ten thousand Source Power was needed. Based on his current accumulation rate, even if Chen Jichuan spent nothing, it would take half a year.

Assuming the Martial Alliance remained stable and neither Black Prison nor Water Mansion fell into turmoil.

If the Martial Alliance crumbled.

All efforts would be for naught, leaving him with no Source Power acquisition avenues besides waiting on meager stipends.

Hence ensuring the Alliance’s continuity was non-negotiable.

In light of this, Chen Jichuan could scarcely afford to be stingy with Source Power.

Granting Mu Junxiong the Iron Lotus Seed would anchor his loyalty while enabling swift cultivation improvements, indirectly inspiring Wang Quan, Xue Zhong, and the others with ambition and prospects.

A masterstroke with triple benefits.

"Enlightenment Lotus Seed?"

Mu Junxiong and the others’ eyes immediately brightened with realization of the Iron Lotus Seed’s extraordinary value.

Mu Junxiong’s breathing became erratic in a heartbeat.

Wang Quan and Xue Zhong couldn’t hide their envy either.

Chen Jichuan remained unaffected as he extracted another lotus seed from his possession, offering it to Chuu Sanyang: "You too contributed that day. This Seventh Grade Lotus Seed holds a chance to help you break through to the Innate stage, so make the most of it."

"Innate?!"

Mu Junxiong, Wang Quan, and Xue Zhong turned their attention toward Chuu Sanyang unanimously.

Mu Junxiong felt somewhat assured, his own Eighth Grade Lotus Seed weighing favorably.

Yet Wang Quan and Xue Zhong burned with jealousy.

Meanwhile, Chuu Sanyang was overwhelmed with gratitude, trembling as he accepted the Seventh Grade Lotus Seed. Falling to his knees with reverence, he cried out: "Thank you, my lord, for nurturing me!"

Sincere.

Unswerving loyalty.

"No need for this."

"Continue working diligently, and rewards will not be scarce."

Chen Jichuan offered an encouraging remark to Chuu Sanyang before turning his attention toward Wang Quan and Xue Zhong, whose envy had twisted their expressions. Smirking slightly, he said, "You two have been tireless and dedicated recently. Here are two sword techniques of high caliber. Cultivate them earnestly, and your combat power will undoubtedly advance."

With that, Chen Jichuan produced two Iron Lotus Seeds, each embedded with one sword technique.

To Wang Quan, he bestowed the grand and dignified ’Cloud-clearing Sword Technique.’

To Xue Zhong, he gifted the more intricate ’Songfeng Sword Technique,’ characterized by agility akin to pine’s resilience and wind’s swiftness, embodying a lighter and quicker style.

Both techniques were Absolute Skills mastered by ’Ann Jishi.’

These two Iron Lotus Seeds contained solely the sword techniques, excluding cultivation insights from ’Ann Jishi.’ Requiring minimal Source Power, their design mirrored the functionality of ’Jade Scrolls’ favored by Daoists recording magical spells.

"Cloud-clearing Sword Technique."

"Songfeng Sword Technique."

Wang Quan and Xue Zhong lit up with elation, their envy fading substantially.

White Jade City’s bestowed sword techniques certainly wouldn’t be ordinary fare.

Though unlikely as practical as cultivation insights.

Obtaining profound sword techniques nonetheless afforded them a significant channel for improving their strength in future efforts.

"Thank you, Lord Chen!"

Both expressed wholehearted gratitude.

Thus,

’Yama’ Yangg Xiu departed, and the ’new governor’ Chen Lin stepped in, immediately distributing grand rewards while projecting an amiable demeanor, earning everyone’s delight.

For the moment, laughter filled the rear office.

...