Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 183 - 148 Cunning and Sly! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

Chapter 183: Chapter 148 Cunning and Sly! [Vote for Monthly Ticket!]

"You’ve spoken too highly."

"In the future, as we serve the sect together, let us support each other."

Chen Jichuan silently made a note in his heart, then said to Guu Kaifa, "Getting listed on the Earthly List is joyous news. Let’s lift the alcohol ban today and celebrate."

"Thank you, sir!"

Guu Kaifa’s smile broadened even further.

Without lingering long, he presented the "Earthly List" in his hands to Chen Jichuan and then took his leave.

In the courtyard.

Only Zhu Biao and Chen Jichuan remained.

Holding the "Earthly List," Chen Jichuan opened it and first glanced at the directory—

108th: ’Silver Flower Saber’ Tong Chun.

107th: ’Golden Eye’ Du Sheng.

106th: ’Five Tigers Saber’ Guu Kaifa.

...

"My ’Black Tornado’ has actually been bumped off the list?!"

Chen Jichuan flipped through and reviewed the full roster of the top 108 masters on the Earthly List before jokingly saying to Zhu Biao.

"Your strength easily qualifies for a top spot on the Earthly List. It’s just that you’re modest and low-key, hence you temporarily don’t appear on the list." Zhu Biao replied from the side.

This wasn’t entirely flattery.

After half a year of sparring and receiving guidance from Chen Jichuan, Zhu Biao naturally understood that this officer’s strength was undoubtedly superior to his own and even surpasses Guu Kaifa.

However, for the past half year, Chen Jichuan had remained within the Captain Mansion, focused on practicing his fists and sword techniques, without any notable accomplishments. Meanwhile, a wave of newcomers had joined the list—thus he had fallen off.

It’s no cause for concern.

"Commander Zhu exaggerates."

Chen Jichuan casually responded and continued flipping through.

Compared to the previous edition, this issue of the Earthly List featured 24 new entries—meaning, including his ’Black Tornado,’ 24 individuals had fallen off the list.

Meanwhile, those who made the list had shown distinct achievements.

The reason ’Five Tigers Saber’ Guu Kaifa appeared on the list was, however, somewhat convoluted.

"Speaking of which—"

"It’s due to your guidance, sir, that Old Guu made the list. Secondly, it’s because ’Silver Flower Saber’ Tong Chun and ’Golden Eye’ Du Sheng had once come to Xiyu City intending to challenge you, sir. However, you were exclusively focused on cultivating at the time, so we blocked them for you. Among them, Tong Chun and Du Sheng were soundly defeated by Old Guu and left with their tails between their legs. However, unexpectedly, after departing Pengshan County, they each challenged and defeated an Earthly List master elsewhere."

"Given the proximity between these events, Shenji Sect deliberated and decided to place Old Guu on the Earthly List—above Tong Chun and Du Sheng."

Zhu Biao explained nearby.

Chen Jichuan read through the "Earthly List" and indeed found the records of these three individuals’ accomplishments and the reasons for their rankings.

Interestingly,

in the entry for ’Five Tigers Saber’ Guu Kaifa, ’Black Tornado’ Wang Shan was also briefly mentioned.

Having only fleetingly appeared on the Earthly List, Wang Shan now resurfaced—this time as a piece of contrast to highlight Guu Kaifa’s status as a newly listed master.

"Luck is indeed a factor."

"Otherwise, he likely would’ve had to wait another half a year before being listed."

Chen Jichuan said as he continued reviewing the "Earthly List," "Commander Zhu’s strength surpasses that of Commander Guu. I intend to recommend you in the sect for promotion alongside Commander Guu. Do you have any preferred locations?"

The four Governors of the Northern Four Camps were all comparably skilled.

Under Chen Jichuan’s mentorship over the past half year, their strength had significantly improved, particularly Zhu Biao, whose abilities stood out the most. Governor Ding Dajian ranked second, while Guu Kaifa was only third.

In terms of sheer power.

Even Governor Cai Yun could qualify for the Earthly List.

If Zhu Biao desired advancement, Chen Jichuan would gladly assist him, helping expedite his promotion. As for the Northern Four Camps, to Chen Jichuan, cultivating a few more Centurions to reach the Earthly List level was hardly a challenge.

Should Zhu Biao, Ding Dajian, and Guu Kaifa all harbor ambitions akin to Guu Kaifa’s, it might be wiser to train others anew.

"This humble subordinate has no desire to go anywhere else; I only wish to follow you and serve you faithfully!"

Zhu Biao replied resolutely, without hesitation.

He wasn’t like Guu Kaifa, who lacked foresight. The officer before him, in just half a year, had elevated them to Earthly List mastery. Continuing under his guidance promised even greater prospects.

Unlike Guu Kaifa—

to borrow common parlance: he has gotten carried away.

Emerging suddenly on the Earthly List, his composure had faltered, resulting in an inflated ego and short-sightedness when faced with true greatness.

However, as an observer, Zhu Biao saw clearly, particularly noticing the enigmatic smile Chen Jichuan reserved for Guu Kaifa. He was certain that the elation Guu Kaifa felt now from his ranking and promotion would later turn into deep regret.

With this clarity—

Though Zhu Biao himself initially felt a bit elated, he now found peace through Chen Jichuan’s question.

"With Earthly List-tier strength, serving under me will be a waste of your talents."

Chen Jichuan continued to persuade.

"This humble subordinate’s decision is made; no need for further persuasion, sir."

Zhu Biao affirmed his stance with determination.

Seeing this, Chen Jichuan chuckled, "Very well, since you’re willing to humble yourself in my little temple, stay here then. Just don’t regret it later on."

As he spoke,

Chen Jichuan added, "Help me inquire with Governors Cai and Ding. Should they wish for external transfers, have them come to me directly. If they prefer to stay, the Northern military affairs will proceed as before—they’ll simply need to remain attentive."

"Understood."

"When they return, I’ll convey the message at once."

Zhu Biao replied.

Even after his response, he lingered in the courtyard, hesitant to leave.

Chen Jichuan regarded the tall, burly man who appeared upright yet seemed to possess a shrewd mind, and his esteem for Zhu Biao grew further.

Seeing his hesitation, Chen Jichuan shook his head: "Attack me. Whatever questions you have, say them while we spar."

"Thank you, sir!"

Zhu Biao grinned, took a shifting step, and struck with tiger claws—reminiscent of a Lying Tiger’s leap—aiming at Chen Jichuan.

Chen Jichuan casually deflected, offering guidance as they fought.

...

As time passed,

news of Northern Third Camp’s Governor Guu Kaifa earning a place on the Earthly List quickly spread through the entirety of Xiyu City.

The vast Xiyu City.