Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 150 - 119 10 Years: The Deadline Approaches! [Request for Monthly Tickets!]

Chapter 150: Chapter 119 10 Years: The Deadline Approaches! [Request for Monthly Tickets!]

The Core Formation Pill was finally obtained, and Pei Ze’s injuries fully healed. Not only could he cultivate as usual, but he also seized the opportunity from the pill’s medicinal effects to successfully break through to the Innate level.

The heavy burden was lifted.

The impurities were washed away.

Chen Jichuan felt genuinely happy for him, and at the same time, heaved a long sigh of relief, feeling much less burdened.

Time passed.

Everything returned to its proper course.

During this period, while Chen Jichuan was working tirelessly on Pei Ze’s matters, he was also gathering information around White Jade Island, searching for a suitable island for Echo Valley to settle.

Once Pei Ze’s situation was resolved, Chen Jichuan also finalized a target.

On this particular day.

Chen Jichuan gathered Wun Shouyang, Zhong Dahai, and other disciples, spreading two maps across the table.

One of them was a sea chart centered around White Jade Island, depicting the western area of the Mysterious Nether Sea. It marked several simplified routes as well as famous islands, with special annotations for those guarded by Qi Refining Immortal Masters.

The other map was a more detailed topographic map.

Chen Jichuan placed his finger on the sea chart at White Jade Island. Tracing northeastward for a distance, he pointed to a cluster of islands. A closer look revealed that this area comprised four larger islands, each significantly larger than White Jade Island or Jade Spring Island, spanning approximately seventy to eighty miles in circumference.

Among them were several smaller islands, some of which were also larger than White Jade Island or Jade Spring Island.

"Here—"

Chen Jichuan tapped the area with his finger and addressed the eleven disciples, saying, "This location is northwest of White Jade Island, about 1,800 nautical miles away. It’s called ’Four Spirits Island.’ It’s predominantly occupied by loose cultivators and small sects, but it lacks any Qi Refining Immortal Masters. Although the internal situation is complex and breaking into it won’t be easy, once we establish a foothold, the potential for future development is significant."

Though the scale of Four Spirits Island was substantial, it was far less renowned than Jade Spring Island or White Jade Island.

Jade Spring Island was notable for housing Wuk Yuan, a Qi Refining Immortal Master renowned throughout the Mysterious Nether Sea as an alchemist of great repute, whose own cultivation level was also quite remarkable.

A mountain does not need to be tall; it’s renowned for harboring an immortal.

Jade Spring Island exemplified this.

Additionally, Jade Spring Mountain contained a Spiritual Spring, rumored to produce a stream of Spiritual Energy at intervals, which offered significant advantages for alchemy.

It was precisely because of this Spiritual Spring that Wuk Yuan Immortal Master chose Jade Spring Island as his base for cultivation.

As for White Jade Island—

The Spiritual Energy there was average, but its advantageous location made it one of the commercial hubs in the eastern region of the Mysterious Nether Sea, with numerous shops and a significant annual traffic of cultivators.

In contrast, Four Spirits Island lacked both Qi Refining Immortal Masters and status as a commercial center, so its renown was naturally inferior.

The name derived from the earlier presence of four types of demon beasts—a dragon, a turtle, a bird, and a tiger. However, with the passage of time, those original demon beasts were entirely hunted down by human cultivators.

The island didn’t boast any notable resources.

Areas rich in Spiritual Energy were rare, let alone spots with Spiritual Eyes akin to those on Jade Spring Island.

It was unsuitable for Qi Refining Immortal Masters to use for cultivation, which is why it fell into the hands of loose cultivators and small sects.

"Despite its intricate situation, the Four Spirits Island region presents opportunities for us to blend in and establish ourselves."

After much deliberation with his disciples, Chen Jichuan ultimately decided to temporarily set their sect’s main base in the Four Spirits Island area.

...

Time in the path of cultivation flows without notice.

In the blink of an eye.

Another ten years passed.

On this particular day.

Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing stood on the ship’s deck, surrounded by the sound of crashing waves as they gazed into the distance at tiny black dots on the horizon. A trace of joy appeared on their faces.

"After a two-year round trip, we’ve finally returned."

Wang Wenqing sighed with emotion.

He was the second-ranked ’Chonghe Sword’ among the ’Twelve Swords’ of Echo Valley and had been one of the eleven disciples who followed their master, Chen Jichuan, to the seas ten years ago.

Shortly after arriving in the Mysterious Nether Sea, Chen Jichuan led them to stake out and secure territory on Four Spirits Island, establishing a foundation.

Two years ago.

Once the foundation had stabilized, Wun Shouyang and Zhong Dahai proposed forging a connection between Four Spirits Island and the Three Realms Pass to provide inland disciples with talent and ambition, a gateway to venture overseas.

The move served two purposes:

Firstly, to honor their roots.

Secondly, to funnel talent and support into Four Spirits Island’s operations.

After consulting their peers and requesting Chen Jichuan’s approval, the proposal was granted.

Because Wun Shouyang had numerous responsibilities managing sect affairs, he couldn’t leave, so Zhong Dahai volunteered. His cultivation focused on external skills, reaching the Transforming Strength Ninth Layer, making him unmatched in close combat.

Yet even he wasn’t entirely safe alone.

Wun Shouyang assigned Wang Wenqing to accompany him.

Although Wang Wenqing’s strength wasn’t on par with Wun Shouyang’s, he cultivated the Sword Map, possessing sharp Swordsmanship and proficient Magic. Together with Zhong Dahai, they covered both long-range and close-range combat, making them formidable enough to withstand most threats from even Innate Tenth Layer cultivators.

Indeed.

The duo encountered thrilling but ultimately harmless situations throughout their journey. Not only did they return safely, but they also brought along eight junior disciples from the Three Realms Pass.

Zhong Dahai had been tense throughout the expedition. After enduring the hardships of travel and labor, he was mentally and physically exhausted. Now that their destination was finally in sight, the weight in his heart eased significantly, grounding him in relaxation and a brightened mood.

"That’s Four Spirits Island up ahead," he said.

He pointed to the distance and turned to the eight disciples behind him with a smile.

"We’ve arrived?"

"So that’s Four Spirits Island?"

The eight new disciples, much like Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing themselves years ago, stirred with excitement, unable to contain their eagerness.

Their journey had been truly arduous.

From setting off at the Three Realms Pass, they first traversed mountains and rivers for half a year to reach Shamen Island. Then, they waited several months for the Qingshan ship to dock. The subsequent half-year sea voyage brought them to White Jade Island. Since the Qingshan ship bypassed Four Spirits Island, they had to transfer to another vessel.

The continuous toils of travel—

Now that they had finally reached their final destination, the end of their hardships seemed near, and each grew restless with anticipation for a life of cultivation on Four Spirits Island.

Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing shared a smile of understanding.

Seeing the mountain can tire a horse.

The same logic applied to the sea.

Although they sighted the island on the horizon, it took another half-day of sailing before they finally docked.

When they stepped onto land, the palpable feeling of solid ground underfoot overcame them.

"Feels like home," Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing remarked, smiling as they ushered the eight disciples further inland.

Along the way, they provided an introduction: "This area comprises dozens of islands collectively known as ’Four Spirits Island.’ Our Echo Valley resides on this one, called ’Cold Smoke Island.’ Although it’s not one of the four main islands, its expanse is significant, and we control the entire western region."

As Zhong Dahai explained, a sense of pride mingled with belonging in his tone.

Establishing Echo Valley’s foothold on Cold Smoke Island came through their blood and sweat—

The hardships they endured need not be elaborated upon.

Ten years of development—

The place had begun to achieve a visible charm.

As Zhong Dahai and his group disembarked at the dock, they saw a commotion ahead with many people gathered noisily. It was hard to tell what was going on.

"Could someone be causing trouble?"

Disciples like Wang Qie and Wei Daming stared in alarm.

Before leaving in pursuit of Echo Valley, they’d heard of the chaos overseas—fierce battles and survival of the fittest were commonplace. Seeing such a scene, it was natural for their thoughts to lean in that direction.

"This is—"

Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing were also momentarily surprised. However, upon clearer inspection, Wang Wenqing let out a bitter laugh: "It seems the water conservancy project we proposed earlier has finally been put into planning. My timing couldn’t be worse for coming back."

"Haha!"

"Clearing riverways and digging ditches are better suited to your Qi Refining vein."

"The capable get tasked with more."

"Junior Brother, as you’re proficient in Magic, particularly in the water and earth elements, how could this project proceed without you?"

Zhong Dahai laughed boisterously, teasing Wang Wenqing.

Since Echo Valley settled on Cold Smoke Island, they naturally sought good relations with the local inhabitants.

Before their inland journey years ago, they plotted a water conservancy plan to benefit the islanders, thus fostering the disciples’ sense of belonging to Echo Valley.

Due to a lack of specialized personnel and other priorities, the project was delayed.

It took a full two to three years to finalize plans, and implementation had just begun.

Echo Valley was divided into Qi Refining and Body Refinement branches. Qi Refining disciples, practicing Sword Map or the Water Classics, specialized in Magic and Swordsmanship. Menial tasks like clearing waterways and digging ditches fell under the Qi Refining branch’s purview.

Returning at this time, it was impossible for Wang Wenqing to avoid participating.

"Senior brother, gloating won’t help you; with so many sect affairs, you’re not getting off easy either."

Wang Wenqing retorted.

Zhong Dahai’s expression immediately turned grim.

This statement wasn’t untrue.

Although Echo Valley had been on Cold Smoke Island for ten years, they had only just begun to establish themselves. Sect affairs were abundant, and water conservancy was just one aspect.

He wouldn’t evade responsibility either.

Nonetheless.

The two teased each other, but their hearts brimmed with resolve.

It was no small feat to establish a foundation overseas, but the struggle filled them with a sense of purpose, reminiscent of Echo Valley’s early days at the Three Realms Pass.

...

After some light conversation with Yu and Miao, whom they had just encountered, the two moved on ahead, arriving at Echo Valley’s main gate.

Amid the rolling hills—

Structures scattered the terrain, while medicine fields sprawled across the slopes. Some cultivated medicinal herbs; others grew Green Sprout Rice and Yellow Bud Rice.

Disciples managed the fields.

A scene full of vitality unfolded.

Along the way, many disciples greeted Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing, addressing them as ’Senior Uncle’ or ’Uncle Master.’

Echo Valley, with Chen Jichuan as its patriarch, counted Zhong Dahai and others among the first generation of disciples, while those greeting them were second-generation disciples.

The sect now consisted of only these two generations, still in its infancy.

The two nodded in acknowledgment.

As they proceeded inward—

They saw a prominent peak where around a dozen buildings stood, some located near the mountainside, others higher up, with far fewer disciples coming and going.

As they arrived—

A middle-aged man dressed in the attire of a Confucian scholar hurried out to meet them, bursting into laughter: "So you two junior brothers have finally returned!"

This man was none other than Wun Shouyang, the leader of Echo Valley’s Twelve Swords and the eldest senior brother.

Echo Valley was still in its early stages of development.

The disciples were not yet mature, and only the original eleven first-generation disciples maintained the sect. With Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing gone for two years, not only had they worried about their safety, but the burden on Wun Shouyang and the others had also been heavier.

Now seeing them return, Wun Shouyang felt both relief and great joy.

"Eldest Senior Brother."

"Master Eldest Brother."

Zhong Dahai and Wang Wenqing greeted him warmly, stepping forward to pay respects.

Wun Shouyang grasped them both by the arms, inquiring about their journey while also asking for updates on the changes in the Three Realms Pass.

After chatting for some time, Zhong Dahai finally found the opportunity to ask, "Is Master in the sect?"

Wang Wenqing looked to Wun Shouyang as well.

Having been away for two years, they naturally wished to see their master.

At these words, Wun Shouyang glanced left and right, then leaned in close and whispered, "The senior on Jade Spring Island is nearing his end. Master has spent the past year on Jade Spring Mountain."

"You mean—"

Zhong and Wang both froze, their expressions turning grave.

...