Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 181 - 146: Taking Office! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

Chapter 181: Chapter 146: Taking Office! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

Xiyu City.

Assistant General Mansion.

Chen Jichuan composed himself and arrived outside the mansion.

"Who goes there?!"

The guards stopped Chen Jichuan and loudly questioned.

"I am Pengshan’s Wang Shan, here to take up my post in Xiyu City."

Chen Jichuan took out his appointment letter from his chest and handed it to the guards.

"Wang Shan?"

The guard outside the mansion took the letter, quickly becoming respectful, and said, "So it’s the new Colonel. Please wait a moment, my lord, I will report this immediately."

"Hmm."

Chen Jichuan nodded.

A guard went into the mansion to report the matter.

The remaining guards looked at Chen Jichuan, surprised for a moment.

The position of the Northern Captain of Xiyu City had been vacant since Li Yong was killed in an ambush months earlier. Most of Xiyu City’s residents were aware of this and had been speculating as to who would assume the role.

But unexpectedly, the newly appointed Colonel was a young man who looked barely in his twenties!

"Wang Shan."

"Wang Shan."

"Could he be the same as the renowned ’Black Cyclone’? I wonder how strong he is."

The guards eyed Chen Jichuan surreptitiously, evaluating him in silence.

Ten days ago.

The Shenji Sect simultaneously published the Heavenly, Earthly, and Human Three Rankings for the Central Earth Seven States.

In Pengshan County, who didn’t know that their region recently produced a new expert listed in the ’Earthly List’?

As for Xiyu City, it was needless to say. The battle that established the name of the ’Black Cyclone’ happened within Xiyu City’s borders when he slew the ’Double Spear General’ Zhu Ning.

The name of Wang Shan, the Black Cyclone, had already spread widely throughout the city.

"I heard the ’Black Cyclone’ is also in his twenties. Before making the ’Earthly List,’ he was listed on the ’Hidden Dragon List.’ Now here comes another young man named Wang Shan in his twenties, who’s also taken the position of Northern Captain. Could it be—"

"Impossible!"

"The ’Black Cyclone’ is rough, dark-skinned, and ferocious. This person is scholarly and refined, clearly not the same individual."

"The name ’Wang Shan’ is ordinary; there are plenty of people with the same name."

...

The guards whispered among themselves.

Recently, the name of the ’Black Cyclone’ Wang Shan had been resounding throughout Xiyu City. Now they encountered someone with the same name, and they couldn’t help but gossip a little.

"..."

Chen Jichuan’s expression remained cold, ignoring the conversation around him.

Soon, the guard who went to report returned, accompanied by a middle-aged man dressed in a long black robe, striding forward with purpose.

"Brother Wang, you’ve come such a long way—pardon me for not welcoming you sooner. Please forgive me."

Before the man arrived, his voice already reached them.

The guards at the gate immediately bowed to the newcomer and shouted in unison, "General."

Internally, however, they were startled.

Their general was none other than Hann Shichang, the Assistant General of Xiyu City, whose status was akin to the City Lord’s, holding command over the city’s military forces. He himself was a Transforming Strength Grandmaster, with formidable abilities.

Such a figure was showing such respect to the newly arrived Colonel, even addressing him as ’brother’?

"Could it be—?"

The guards swallowed nervously, each forming their own conclusions.

Nearby.

Chen Jichuan looked at the newcomer and cupped his fists in greeting. "Wang Shan greets General Hann."

Hann Shichang, the Assistant General of Xiyu City, was forty-seven years old. Previously the Western Captain of Baihua City, he was transferred to Xiyu City as Assistant General seven years ago after advancing to Transforming Strength.

He was skilled in the ’Arhat Fist,’ known for its ferocity. His fighting style was wild and frenzied, earning him the nickname ’Mad Arhat.’ He had quite the reputation.

"No need for formalities."

"Your master sent a letter a few days ago, so I’ve been anticipating your arrival, Black Cyclone!"

Hann Shichang laughed heartily, beaming at Chen Jichuan.

With that, he guided Chen Jichuan into the mansion.

After the two left—

"The Black Cyclone!"

"So it really is him!"

"I knew it! There might be many with the same name, but how many in their twenties could secure the position of Northern Captain if not for the Black Cyclone?"

"Seeing truly is believing. They all said the Black Cyclone looked rugged and imposing, but who would have thought he’s actually so handsome."

"Indeed, very handsome!"

...

The guards outside the gate exclaimed and started discussing again in spirited tones.

...

Assistant General Mansion.

Rear courtyard.

Hann Shichang brought Chen Jichuan into the room. After instructing the attendants to serve tea and dismissing them, he finally spoke. "The news of your advancement to Transforming Strength is currently known only to me and Brother Tao within Xiyu City. Elder Wang proposed that it is best to keep it confidential for now. After all, advancing to Transforming Strength at twenty-five will draw dangerous attention. If the Spring Silkworm Sect or Five Cloud Sect learn of it, they might resort to underhanded tactics."

The Central Earth Seven States.

Yuezhou, home to the Taixu Sword Sect, was the largest and most populated state in the Central Earth and its core region.

It was divided into fourteen counties.

The Taixu Sword Sect controlled only Pengshan County.

Of the remaining thirteen counties, ten were divided between the Spring Silkworm Sect and Five Cloud Sect.

The other three counties were rife with sects and bandits, treacherous swamps that none of the three sects dared to tread lightly, lest they take excessive losses and be taken advantage of.

Taixu, Spring Silkworm, and Five Cloud had an unspoken agreement not to dispatch Innate masters against Postnatal ones or Grandmasters against ordinary Transforming Strength practitioners.

But among peers, there were no such restrictions.

Take ’Poison Dragon’ Li Qingshan’s rise as an example. He was once listed on the ’Hidden Dragon List’ and the ’Earthly List,’ enduring countless battles during that time. Even so, the Spring Silkworm Sect and Five Cloud Sect refrained from sending Innate or Transforming Strength masters after him.

Once Li Qingshan advanced to the Innate level at the age of twenty-nine, however, he faced incessant challenges from older Innate-level masters.

He came close to death on several occasions.

Chen Jichuan’s current situation bore striking similarities to Li Qingshan’s former plight.

In fact, his advancement to Transforming Strength at just twenty-five might draw even more antagonism and attention than Li Qingshan did.

Precautions were necessary.

"Thank you for the trouble, General Hann."

Chen Jichuan nodded in agreement.

He had come to Xiyu City to focus on cultivation. With his talent, he could achieve invincibility at the Innate level before the age of thirty at most.

Advancing to Core Formation and beyond would not be a difficult task.

Until then, the fewer distractions, the better.

"No need for thanks."

Hann Shichang chuckled.

The two continued conversing for a while. After sharing lunch, Hann Shichang ordered someone to accompany Chen Jichuan to the Northern Camp to take command of the troops stationed in Xiyu City’s northern district.

...

Northern Camp.

This was the garrison location for Xiyu City’s two thousand northern troops. Including those stationed in the east, west, and south, as well as troops under the direct command of the City Lord’s Mansion and the Assistant General Mansion, Xiyu City had a total of over 14,000 soldiers.

Chen Jichuan arrived in Xiyu City to assume the position of the Northern Captain.

Outside the camp gate.

Someone had already gone ahead to announce his arrival, and several commanders had been waiting for some time.

As soon as Chen Jichuan appeared, these individuals stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your subordinates welcome General Wang!"

"At ease."

Chen Jichuan nodded in response, his gaze falling on the four men at the front.

Their positions suggested that they were likely the commanders of the Northern Four Camps.

Each of them possessed either Postnatal Extreme or dark strength at the peak level, though their actual combat prowess was uncertain without a chance to test them.

Standing behind them were a few lightly armored civil officers, likely military judges and internal affairs officers.

There were also several Black Armor-clad officers, seemingly second-class or first-class martial artists, presumably the centurions of the Northern Four Camps.

In the Blood Clothes Army, only first-class martial artists were eligible to compete for the position of centurion.

Those who succeeded were among the best of the first-class martial artists.

However, in the City Guard, some centurions were merely second-class martial artists. The disparity between the two forces was readily apparent.

"These centurions would probably only qualify as squad leaders in the Blood Clothes Army,"

Chen Jichuan mused.

Before he could think further.

One of the four leading men stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said to Chen Jichuan, "This subordinate is Zhu Biao, the commander of the Northern First Camp. General, you’ve traveled a long way and must be weary. We’ve prepared hot water and a feast for you. Please, come inside."

"Thoughtful of you."

Chen Jichuan nodded and walked into the camp.

Seeing his response, the others breathed a sigh of relief.

It seemed that this new Colonel was not difficult to get along with, though his background was still a mystery.

Wang Shan.

The name alone was enough for some to ignore the connection.

But others took notice.

As Chen Jichuan walked through the camp, he took note of the four commanders under him.

The one who just spoke, Zhu Biao, was tall and stout, serving as the commander of the First Camp.

The commander of the Second Camp was named Cai Yun, an average-sized man who appeared shrewd.

The Third Camp’s commander, Guu Kaifa, had a scar across his face, giving him a menacing appearance.

The Fourth Camp’s commander, Ding Dajian, had particularly muscular arms, suggesting expertise in cross-training techniques, especially those focusing on arm strength.

The four seemed respectful toward Chen Jichuan and showed no signs of rebelliousness.

This was to be expected.

To rise to the rank of commander, none of them were fools. Confronted with an unknown superior of mysterious depth and background, who would dare to offend him based on personal likes or dislikes?

After bathing, Chen Jichuan joined the feast.

After several rounds of drinks and many dishes,

the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Ding Dajian, the Fourth Camp commander, raised his glass to Chen Jichuan and couldn’t help but ask, "May I ask if General Wang is the same Wang Shan listed on the Earthly List as the ’Black Cyclone’?"

As soon as the question was raised, the other officers turned their attention to Chen Jichuan, curiosity lighting up their faces.

The same age.

The same name.

It seemed highly likely that their new Colonel was the recently celebrated Black Cyclone.

Ding Dajian, being straightforward by nature, bypassed all pretense and asked directly.

"Indeed, that is me."

Chen Jichuan nodded in acknowledgment.

"Hiss!"

"It really is you, my lord!"

"Goodness! The Black Cyclone has become our Northern Captain. We’ve got stories to tell now!"

"Indeed. Confronting strong foes in the future, we’ll have confidence. The Colonel beheaded Zhu Ning, the ’Double Spear General.’ Although he currently ranks last on the Earthly List due to having just one recorded ranking-level battle, his actual strength likely places him among the top one hundred, perhaps even the top eighty!"

...

Chen Jichuan’s open confirmation of his identity as the Black Cyclone immediately electrified the crowd.

The command tent erupted into lively chatter.

Even Zhu Biao, Ding Dajian, and the other commanders turned red with excitement.

Regularly encountering traveling Jianghu folk, merchant guards, and even ruthless horse bandits, they had seen real experts on the Earthly List before and deeply understood their might.

Having such a superior meant they wouldn’t have to stake their lives recklessly against formidable foes in the future.

Their excitement was natural.

What’s more,

according to the latest Earthly List, the Black Cyclone Wang Shan practiced Five Forms Fist. Many in both the City Guard and Blood Clothes Army also trained in one or two of the Five Forms.

For example, Zhu Biao trained in the tiger and leopard forms of Five Forms Fist.

Guu Kaifa practiced the crane form of Five Forms Fist.

With a superior skilled in Five Forms Fist, they now had someone to learn from, which was a priceless opportunity.

"My lord’s killing of Zhu Ning was a most satisfying deed. This subordinate toasts you and drinks first as a sign of respect!"

"This subordinate also toasts my lord!"

"A master from the Earthly List! It’s my first time seeing one in person. I toast to my lord as well!"

For a while,

the atmosphere grew even more boisterous as everyone rushed to toast.

Chen Jichuan did not refuse, though he didn’t drink every cup, his glass was never empty.

As someone focused on cultivation, he was not deeply invested in military matters.

The management of affairs would rely on these subordinates, so building good relationships couldn’t hurt.

After everyone had eaten and drunk their fill,

and the festivities reached their peak,

Chen Jichuan returned to his quarters.

His first day stepping into office ended with endless toasts and him being surrounded by admiration.

...