Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 160 - 129 Panlong 9999, Innate Worse Than a Dog! [Requesting Monthly Votes!]

Chapter 160: Chapter 129 Panlong 9999, Innate Worse Than a Dog! [Requesting Monthly Votes!]

"Brother Hann, this place is rather humble. Why don’t you come with me to the Water Mansion for a detailed discussion?"

Chen Jichuan looked at Hann Jin and said.

"I was just about to suggest the same."

Hann Jin smiled, without the slightest hesitation.

"Such audacity!"

Chen Jichuan secretly praised. Regardless of Hann Jin’s methods, just this level of courage put himself to shame.

If their roles were reversed, he absolutely wouldn’t dare step so easily into someone else’s domain.

Of course,

there was always the possibility that Hann Jin trusted his exceptional skills and hid extraordinary means.

Without dwelling on it,

Chen Jichuan immediately led Hann Jin out of the ruins and headed toward the Water Mansion.

Dream Fox was clever.

Without Chen Jichuan speaking, it just quietly followed from a distance.

Though it was their first meeting, even though both were Lords of Lishui Mansion, Chen Jichuan had no desire to reveal Dream Fox in front of Hann Jin.

There was no rush to test a person’s nature.

Along the way,

they occasionally encountered Evil Soldier Crab Generals coming and going. Whenever they saw Chen Jichuan, they raised their massive claws in salute.

These small minions were numerous, but they were beneath Hann Jin’s notice.

Only upon reaching the Water Mansion

did Hann Jin finally see the first Innate-level figure: none other than Gui Prime Minister.

"Gui Prime Minister, we have an esteemed guest. Quickly, prepare fine wine and delicacies!"

As Chen Jichuan entered the Water Mansion, he immediately ordered Gui Prime Minister.

The latter acknowledged the command and hurriedly went to make preparations.

Chen Jichuan then led Hann Jin into the hall, where they each took their seats.

Hann Jin had just sat down when he shook his head and said, "Brother Chen, you’ve managed the Water Mansion in such a lively manner. It makes me feel truly inadequate."

"Brother Hann, you praise me too much."

"Panlong Mountain must surely be a place teeming with hidden talents and immortal cultivators like clouds and rain. My little Water Mansion, with its mere handful of small fish and shrimp, could never catch Brother Hann’s eye."

Chen Jichuan spoke with a blend of modesty and probing intent.

He was indeed quite curious about Panlong Mountain, from which Hann Jin hailed.

Rumors suggested that if the Lishui Water Mansion were to relocate there, it would be a place where Spiritual Energy gathered—a more prosperous cultivation haven compared to the still-reviving Great Chu.

But this Hann Jin, merely at the Innate level, actually claimed the title of "Lord." This puzzled Chen Jichuan—

"Has the Lishui Water Mansion truly declined?"

"Or is Panlong Mountain just another version of Great Chu?"

Chen Jichuan felt restless.

If it were the former, that would be manageable.

But if it were the latter, then he could pin no hopes on Panlong Mountain.

"Alas!"

"You don’t understand, Brother Chen."

Hann Jin sighed deeply and gave Chen Jichuan a bitter smile. "Panlong Mountain truly is a place teeming with hidden talents. There’s even a saying: ’Panlong Nine Thousand Nine, Innates are as common as dogs, Qi Refiners crowd the ground, only Enlightened ones can stand out.’ But the Water Mansion experienced a severance of its masters long ago; even its foundational technique, the ’Water Classics,’ is incomplete. It only retains the Innate section and has long fallen into decline. Now I am both the Lishui Mansion Lord of Panlong Mountain and the very last disciple of the Water Mansion within it. Left with no better options, I took a leap of faith and used the transmission formation created by the sect in the past to journey to our ancestral land."

Hann Jin spoke with a somewhat sorrowful tone.

Panlong Mountain thrived, but the Water Mansion had fallen. In enormous territories, he found no place to shelter, forcing him to activate the transmission formation and come to the ancestral lands.

Alone in an unfamiliar place—

If Great Chu were still in its End of Dharma Era, he might not even have a way back.

If powerful or malevolent individuals lurked on this side, his life would also be at risk.

Indeed, it was a gamble.

’Panlong Nine Thousand Nine, Innates are as common as dogs, Qi Refiners crowd the ground, only Enlightened ones can stand out!’

Hann Jin’s words ignited a flame in Chen Jichuan’s heart.

Innates.

Qi Refiners.

Enlightened ones.

According to this ranking, Divinity Transformation would come after "Enlightenment," and if Panlong Mountain boasted numerous Qi Refiners and Enlightened cultivators, there might even be Divinity Transformation cultivators present.

This wasn’t just another Great Chu.

It was a far more prosperous cultivation holy land than the Mysterious Nether Sea of Jade Spring World!

"Brother Hann, with your outstanding talent, you’re sure to restore the Water Mansion to its former glory."

Chen Jichuan suppressed the heat in his heart and casually consoled Hann Jin while adding, "Since we share the same sect, it’s only right we support each other. I have a copy of the ’Qi Refining Chapter’ of the Water Classics. After our meal, I will transcribe a copy for you. I hope Brother Hann reaches the Qi Refinement level at an early date."

Chen Jichuan was unreserved with a cultivation technique or two.

What mattered to him was Hann Jin as a person.

"Hann Jin can come to Great Chu; other Panlong Mountain cultivators might come too. One day, I will make my way there as well."

"Understanding more about Panlong Mountain is definitely beneficial."

Chen Jichuan reflected inwardly.

Meanwhile,

"Many thanks, Brother Chen!"

Hann Jin was overjoyed upon hearing those words. He immediately stood up and bowed to Chen Jichuan. "My first priority in coming to the ancestral lands was to locate the follow-up sections of the ’Water Classics.’ To think—"

Hann Jin was visibly moved.

He fetched seven or eight jade scrolls from his chest and placed them on the table before him. Turning to Chen Jichuan, he said, "These are some of the remaining techniques of the Water Mansion. Most are ordinary, but one technique called the ’Water Mirror Technique’ stands out. In the Seven Emotions Marsh spanning eighty thousand miles, it is quite renowned."

Giving peaches in exchange for plums.

The two exchanged favors back and forth, growing more familiar, with their bond seemingly deepening.

When the wine and food were served, Chen Jichuan, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Forgive me, Brother Hann. I have never left Great Chu. May I ask where exactly Panlong Mountain is located, and how far it is from Great Chu?"

Chen Jichuan appeared genuinely eager to learn.

"No need to be so formal, Brother Chen."

Hann Jin was candid. Between sips of wine, he explained, "According to the sect’s records, Panlong Mountain is situated to the southeast of the ancestral land, with its westernmost boundary approximately a million miles away. The journey is fraught with countless dangers. Even ordinary Qi Refining cultivators find it hard to cross such a distance. Enlightened ones would need to fly ceaselessly for years."

As Hann Jin elaborated, Chen Jichuan gradually formed a clearer picture of Panlong Mountain.

Though named a "mountain," it was actually an unimaginably vast region, boasting the reputation of ’Panlong has ninety-nine thousand peaks.’

The terrain encompassed water and land, where mortals dwelled, while cultivators resided in lush mountains and serene waters.

For instance, Hann Jin’s ’Seven Emotions Marsh’ spanned eighty thousand miles and was home to numerous cultivators.

Lishui Water Mansion once held considerable power within this landscape.

There were even several Enlightened cultivators in the sect, with impressive capabilities. However, times changed, and as these Enlightened masters passed away one by one, the Lishui Water Mansion fell into decay.

By five hundred years ago, they hadn’t produced a single Qi Refining cultivator.

It was long considered inconsequential.

Yet Panlong Mountain’s overall environment remained vibrant. Its great rivers, mountains, and lakes were home to innumerable Enlightened cultivators. Qi Refining cultivators were as countless as the stars above.

The rarest, however, were Divinity Transformation Ancestors.

Known Divinity Transformation figures in Panlong Mountain numbered less than ten, half of whom were Loose Cultivators or Great Demons.

The rest were Ancestor-level figures from some of the oldest and most formidable sects in Panlong Mountain.

Such as the Seven Treasures Sect’s ’Immortal Lady Cui.’

Or Fantian Mountain’s ’Ancestor Yuann.’

Or Rash Sea’s ’Golden Blade Ancestor.’

Or the Ten Thousand Sword Sect’s ’Grandmaster Wul.’

"The Four Great Immortal Sects are legendary."

"These four Ancestors are renowned across Panlong Mountain, known to all."

Hann Jin’s face lit up with admiration.

In Panlong Mountain, what cultivator wouldn’t dream of becoming a Divinity Transformation Ancestor?

To countless "Hann Jins," these four individuals represented the pinnacle they hoped one day to reach.

Chen Jichuan didn’t notice Hann Jin’s expression of longing.

When he heard the mention of the ’Ten Thousand Sword Sect,’ his heart suddenly stirred—

Last November,

he had obtained a ’Yuanchen Sword’ in the Black Prison. Contained within it was a ’Sword Map,’ which turned out to represent an absolute skill of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.

"That Li Jiye—does he have a background this formidable?!"

Chen Jichuan felt a shock in his heart.

He immediately began weighing the pros and cons.

"The ’Sword Map’ I have on me was acquired through legitimate means. If I visit Panlong Mountain in the future, I might try to ’acknowledge my lineage and return to my sect.’"

As the saying goes: leaning against a sturdy tree provides better shade.

In Panlong Mountain, there was likely no mightier tree than the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.

But there was no rush.

He wasn’t planning to visit Panlong Mountain anytime soon, nor did he have sufficient knowledge of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect.

This was a lifelong decision and warranted the utmost caution.

...

After a lengthy conversation and a satisfying meal,

Chen Jichuan gained a deeper understanding of Panlong Mountain and cultivation levels,

and Hann Jin developed an initial impression of Shi’an County and Great Chu.

There was no hurry to leave.

At Chen Jichuan’s invitation, Hann Jin stayed at the Water Mansion to rest.

The room was neat and well-lit.

Hann Jin set up an array to block internal and external probing.

Then he retrieved a scroll from his chest.

It was the transcription of the ’Qi Refining Chapter’ of the Water Classics given by Chen Jichuan.

At this moment, Hann Jin showed none of the intense craving for the ’Water Classics’ he had displayed before Chen Jichuan.

He casually flipped through it, nodding slightly after a brief look: "That Chen Lin is still somewhat trustworthy, not trying to deceive me with a fake technique."

Holding the ’Water Classics,’

Hann Jin’s mind wandered off-topic, furrowing his brow in contemplation: "This place is in the second phase of Spiritual Energy Recovery. Postnatal and Innate cultivators progress faster here than in Panlong Mountain. However, cultivating to Qi Refining is far more challenging."

But these differences had no impact on him.

His purpose in coming to Great Chu wasn’t to achieve Qi Refinement.

"In fact,"

"even if I could achieve it, I would suppress it."

"The limitations of ultra-long-distance transmission formations only allow Innate cultivators to be transmitted."

"Before advancing to Qi Refinement, I must acquire as many cultivation resources as possible and secure the legacies and treasures left behind by cultivators and Immortal Sects of the End of Dharma Era."

"Ideally, I would obtain the legacies from the Four Great Immortal Sects, gain an entryway, and join one of the Four Sects. This way, I wouldn’t need to fear pursuit by the Gui Water Sect."

Hann Jin sorted his plans.

This trip was indeed a gamble, but with his survival methods, it wasn’t excessively dangerous.

The worst-case scenario was merely wasting some time.

And at twenty-seven years old, he had already achieved the Innate Extreme. He could afford to delay a year or two.

Besides,

his luck wasn’t bad. As soon as he arrived, he encountered a "fellow sect member." His starting point wasn’t too shabby.

Next, he would build on this momentum.

If he could gain some significant opportunities, it would be akin to a carp leaping over the dragon gate, with boundless prospects ahead.

...

"What a calculating mind."

"He clearly holds the ’Qi Refining Chapter,’ and possibly the higher ’Enlightenment Chapter’ and ’Divinity Transformation Chapter,’ yet falsely claimed the inheritance was lost and that only the Innate-level technique remains."

Holding a copper mirror, Chen Jichuan observed Hann Jin’s attitude toward the ’Qi Refining Chapter’ of the Water Classics through the mirror’s reflection, and it became obvious to him that Hann Jin had been lying earlier.

Still, he could understand Hann Jin’s caution.

Whether it was to test him or simply a matter of prudence,

it was natural for a person crossing a million miles into an unfamiliar territory, knowing nobody, to conceal their background and avoid exposing their cards, lest they attract unnecessary attention.

"After all, Qi Refining-level techniques alone are enough to draw schemers."

Chen Jichuan mused.

Seeing Hann Jin quickly enter a meditative state for cultivation, he dismissed the Circular Light Skill and put away the copper mirror.

Unfortunately, Hann Jin didn’t have the habit of talking to himself.

And while the Circular Light Skill allowed Chen Jichuan to see images, it couldn’t read minds.

Still, the motives were no doubt limited to a few possibilities—

"Either he’s avoiding an enemy,"

"or driven by curiosity,"

"or he has an agenda. In Great Chu, the sort of treasures and legacies—like the Yuanchen Sword and ’Sword Map’—that could lure such a prodigy from afar are few but immensely valuable."

Chen Jichuan pondered, then chuckled: "Great Chu’s Thirteen States must hide countless Immortal Dao legacies. Even if artifacts as rare as the Yuanchen Sword or ’Sword Map’ are encountered only once in a blue moon, treasures of slightly lesser value are still abundant and precious. It might be worth considering a collaboration with Hann Jin to carefully plan our moves."

In Great Chu, Immortal Dao legacies were numerous, but so were its hidden masters.

Take Yongg State, for instance.

Biqing Cliff housed Tushan Ji, who inherited a Beast Taming lineage. Chen Jichuan had used the "Cooking Rice and Meat Spell" against him but failed to eliminate him, which demonstrated Tushan Ji’s formidable capabilities.

Iron Leaf Island also had a Yangg Qiu, skilled in crafting talismans.

Then there were the Zhou Family and the Five Immortals Sect to the south, holding unknown techniques and expertise.

And that was just a single Yongg State.

The other twelve states of Great Chu likely concealed even more hidden masters.

Going it alone might be risky.

But with Hann Jin leading the charge, Chen Jichuan could safely follow behind, waving flags and cheering while enjoying a share of the spoils.

...