Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit
Chapter 231 - 192 Supreme Founder Emperor: Chen Jichuan!

Chapter 231: Chapter 192 Supreme Founder Emperor: Chen Jichuan!

"During the Deyou Era under Emperor Rong Gongzong of the previous dynasty, the emperor was incompetent and muddled, with treacherous officials controlling the court, leading the common people to live in hardship and despair."

"At that time, the Supreme Founder Emperor, still a ’Side-by-Side King’ of the Great Rong dynasty, rose up to uphold righteousness. With the army from a single prefecture, he won battle after battle, marched into the Divine Capital, protected the imperial family, reclaimed power, purged disloyalty in the court, and brought order to the palace. With his genius in warfare, he established achievements unparalleled throughout the ages."

"Emperor Gongzong, overcome with shame, intended to abdicate in favor of the Supreme Founder Emperor."

"The Supreme Founder Emperor declined."

"At that time, rumors spread by ill-minded individuals claimed that Prince Chen held the situation in his hands, possessing strong soldiers and loyal followers. They conjectured that if the emperor moved the capital to Taiping Prefecture, Prince Chen could use the emperor to command the feudal lords, amassing an army and horses to suppress disobedience. No one could oppose him."

"The Supreme Founder Emperor, undeterred by rumors, committed himself to governance, helping Emperor Gongzong restore order to the court."

"However, Gongzong listened to the words of eunuchs and doubted the Supreme Founder Emperor. Secretly, he issued a ’Clothes Decree,’ summoning various lords to the capital to confront Chen. At the mighty fortress of ’Dragon Elephant City,’ the Supreme Founder Emperor single-handedly faced eighteen factions of the Anti-Chen Coalition, fighting for ten consecutive days against twenty-four of their top generals. He slew more than half of them, emerging victorious in every battle."

"He was hailed as the ’God of War’ of the world."

"In this campaign, the eighteen factions failed to advance, creating a months-long stalemate. Months later, the Supreme Founder Emperor discovered the truth, grew disheartened, and withdrew his army from the Divine Capital, returning to Taiping Prefecture. The Anti-Chen Coalition then surged into the Divine Capital, turning the thousand-year-old city into a bloodbath. Emperor Gongzong met his end in regret, hanging himself from a crooked tree on Mei Mountain."

"Thus, the last veneer of dignity for the Great Rong dynasty was stripped away, and the world descended into chaos."

"The Supreme Founder Emperor could not bear to see the people engulfed in war and suffering, so he once again rose in rebellion. In just seven years, he swept across hundreds of prefectures, winning every battle, participating in hundreds of campaigns, slaying countless enemy generals, and ultimately unifying the realm."

"The Supreme Founder Emperor, Chen Jichuan, ascended as the ’Supreme Founder Emperor of Great Hui,’ hailed as the ’Great Sage and Divine Ruler of Benevolence, Literary Prowess, Martial Brilliance, and Virtuous Achievements.’ In the eighteenth year of Deyou, during the first month, the Great Hui dynasty was established, and the era name was changed to Jianlong. In Jianlong’s second year, during the tenth month, the capital was relocated to Taiping Prefecture. On April 12 of Jianlong’s seventh year, the Supreme Founder Emperor abdicated the throne after seven years of reign."

...

Taiping Prefecture, Dangtu County.

In an ordinary academy, a group of students gathered around, poring over some storybook they had unearthed, their faces bright with enthusiasm.

The realm had enjoyed peace for nearly a hundred years.

Great Hui had flourished under the reigns of the Supreme Founder Emperor and Emperor Taizong, and the current Holy Emperor, the sixth son of Emperor Taizong, was renowned for his kindness and virtuous rule, admired across the world.

But to these energetic and passionate youths, their reverence lay predominantly with the Supreme Founder Emperor.

The Supreme Founder Emperor swept across the world, uniting the realm. In his time, he was hailed as the ’Greatest God of War in History’ and the ’Unmatched Divine General.’ Even a century later, his legacy continued to inspire awe.

Especially in the Taiping Prefecture, the renown of the Supreme Founder Emperor remained unrivaled.

"Yann Xian."

"Linn Yong."

"Xuu Chen."

"The Mountain Master is calling for you three."

The group of boys, engrossed in lively discussion, scattered like startled birds at the sudden announcement, leaving only three despondent figures trailing reluctantly behind the lecturer.

...

"Mountain Master."

Arriving at a secluded courtyard, the three boys solemnly saluted the Mountain Master, whose otherworldly demeanor and elegant aura seemed to embody an immortal.

Though the Mountain Master was known for his severity, he possessed a kind heart. It was thanks to his generosity in waiving fees that these impoverished children could study at the academy.

Not only that, but even their names had been gifted to them by the Mountain Master.

Despite years of study, Yann Xian struggled greatly, consistently failing in academics and feeling deeply ashamed whenever he faced the Mountain Master.

Xuu Chen, devoted to the Qihuang Skill, aspired to heal others and save lives. Although diligent in his studies, his performance was only average at best.

Only Linn Yong, endowed with both talent and dedication, stood as the academy’s best hope of achieving scholarly success.

The three boys stood side by side.

The first two seemed uneasy, while the third appeared more composed.

The Mountain Master was reviewing the students’ essays and lessons.

After a long while, he set down his pen, stretched his wrist slightly, then raised his head to reveal his face.

At first glance, he appeared unremarkable, with no outward sharpness.

In truth, his aura was deeply restrained, imperceptible to the ordinary eye.

He was none other than the former ’Side-by-Side King’ of Great Rong, the founding Supreme Founder Emperor of Great Hui, renowned God of War —

Chen Jichuan.

...

"How long have you three been studying at the academy?"

Chen Jichuan looked at the trio.

Yann Xian kept his head down, Xuu Chen pursed his lips, while Linn Yong responded, "Six years, Mountain Master."

All three were of the same age, having joined the academy at the age of ten. They were now sixteen, standing at the threshold of adulthood.

"Six years."

"This year’s autumn examinations—you three should give them a try."

Chen Jichuan said to them.

"Autumn examinations—"

"Yes, Mountain Master."

Yann Xian and Xuu Chen bowed their heads even lower, and joined Linn Yong in their reply.

Chen Jichuan was well aware of his disciples’ situations. He retrieved three letters from his robes and handed them out, saying, "The road of life is long, and the imperial examinations are not the only path. These three letters—one addressed to True Person Jiucang of Qingyun Sect on Beimang Mountain, one to the Blue Ox Daoist of Medicine King Valley on Snow Toad Mountain, and one to Great Scholar Meng Yong of Yazhou Prefecture—will lead you to masters who can guide you in learning various arts should you choose to seek them after the autumn examinations, regardless of the results."

Chen Jichuan handed the letters to the three of them.

"Qingyun Sect on Beimang Mountain?!"

"Medicine King Valley on Snow Toad Mountain?!"

Yann Xian and Xuu Chen received their letters with faces filled with shock and joy.

These were two of the most renowned sects in all of Great Hui’s Jianghu.

The Qingyun Sect was rumored to have been founded by the Supreme Founder Emperor himself. Based on Beimang Mountain, it was famous for its exquisite swordsmanship and the Five Thunders Skill. Many aspired to enter its gates but could not find their way in.

Medicine King Valley, on the other hand, specialized in Daoist methods and Qihuang Skill, excelling in both curing illnesses and exorcising demons. It held a distinguished reputation as well.

For Yann Xian, who was chivalrous, and Xuu Chen, whose kindness knew no bounds, these sects were perfect fits.

"Thank you, Mountain Master!"

Yann Xian and Xuu Chen clutched their letters, hardly able to contain their excitement.

And not just the two of them.

Linn Yong’s exhilaration was no less intense: "Mr. Baiyuan of Yazhou Prefecture! He is the greatest scholar of our time!"

Meng Yong, known by the courtesy name Yao Fu, was a famous philosopher, mathematician, Taoist, and poet of the era.

From a young age, he had aspired to scholarship, arduously reading and traveling far and wide, eventually discovering the principle that ’Dao is present here.’ He later studied under Li Zhicai, mastering works like the River Map, Luoshu, and Fuxi Bagua, achieving immense accomplishments and penning works such as ’Imperial Pole Worldly Affairs,’ ’Observing Things Internal and External,’ ’Innate Diagram,’ ’Fisherman and Woodcutter,’ ’Yichuan Jirang Collection,’ and ’Plum Blossom Poems.’

His reputation stretched across the land.

It was said that even spirit monsters in the wilderness would quiet themselves while Meng Yong read, not daring to interrupt.

"The Mountain Master knows Mr. Baiyuan?!"

Linn Yong was just as stunned.

All three looked at their Mountain Master, their hearts filled with astonishment and curiosity.

The seemingly ordinary Mountain Master turned out to have connections with Qingyun Sect, Medicine King Valley, and even the celebrated scholar Meng Yong—this was unbelievably surreal.

The three boys staggered out of the courtyard in a daze before snapping back to their senses. Clutching their letters tightly, they treated them with utmost care.

...

In the study.

Chen Jichuan watched as the three boys left, a smile gracing his face.

In the blink of an eye, a hundred years had passed.

He had begun conquering the world at the age of 518, spending a year to uphold righteousness, seven years on the battlefield, and later establishing Great Hui. Now, ninety-two years had passed.

Counting it all, he had lived in this world for exactly six hundred years, reaching the age of 618—long past the limit of his natural lifespan.

His survival was not due to any extension of his life but because of his breakthrough in this world. Having extracted forty years to focus on cultivation in the Qinling World, he had raised his external skills and Daoist methods to the First-order Tenth Layer.

Subtracting those forty years, Chen Jichuan’s real physical age in this world was only 298, with two years left before his end.

The twilight of a hero.

Hope for breakthrough in this life seemed slender.

Since the day he began his campaign, Chen Jichuan had fought across the realm, engaging fierce generals and expert warriors and tempering his martial skills. Across eight years, his techniques grew exceedingly refined, earning him the title of ’Greatest God of War in History.’

But even in such achievements, he failed to break through.

Instead, he ended up accumulating internal injuries.

During his seven-year reign, he barely managed to nurse his wounds. Chen Jichuan, uninterested in power, ceded the throne to his adoptive son Chen Puu, who became Emperor Taizong of Great Hui, and embarked on travels across the world.

Unable to advance his external skills, Chen Jichuan shifted his focus to Daoist methods.

He delved deeply into research while experiencing the diversity of life.

He worked as a cook in a tavern.

He served as a physician in a clinic.

He performed as a government official in the courthouse.

...

Seven years ago, sensing his days were numbered, Chen Jichuan returned to Taiping Prefecture and founded an academy in Dangtu County, dedicating himself to teaching and finding solace in its tranquil simplicity.

During his travels, he always sought promising individuals.

For instance, Yann Xian, Xuu Chen, and Linn Yong had each displayed their unique talents and were thus nurtured within the academy.

Yann Xian’s chivalry and exuberant, childlike innocence made him deeply opposed to demons.

Xuu Chen’s virtuous and honest nature drove him to salvation through medicine, inspiring his wish to heal the world.

Linn Yong was open-hearted, upright, and exceptionally gifted in academics.

Thus, Chen Jichuan recommended Yann Xian go to Qingyun Sect to study Daoist methods and swordsmanship, setting him on the path of righteousness and demon-slaying.

He urged Xuu Chen to join Medicine King Valley and master the Qihuang Skill, aiding him in his mission of saving lives.

He encouraged Linn Yong to travel to Yazhou Prefecture and apprentice under Meng Yong, delving into scholarly pursuits to eventually govern with wisdom and benefit society.

Chen Jichuan laid out their paths—their future successes depended solely on their own diligence and fortune.

"Only two years left."

"It’s time to rally the forces and eliminate the ’Nine Mountains King’!"

Having resolved the final matters of the academy, Chen Jichuan began to plan.

Taking up his pen, he drafted dozens of letters and folded them into paper cranes. Upon blowing gently, the paper cranes transformed into celestial cranes, taking flight.

Chen Jichuan followed suit, departing Dangtu County and heading westward.

...

The world was ever-changing.

Over six hundred years, the realm had seen the rise and fall of the Sui and Rong dynasties, while Great Hui flourished with renewed vigor.

As dynasties shifted, the forces of sect teachings, monstrous creatures, and ghosts continued their perpetual clashes.

The Three Mountains Dharma Teachings remained steadfast.

Qingyun Sect and Medicine King Valley were rising forces, both rapidly gaining prominence.

The powers of the monstrous realm also continued to grow.

Four forces stood out among them as particularly formidable.

The first was the ’Black Mountain Ghost City.’ Led by ancient spirits, it had usurped the Daqing Mountain God’s divine seal, entrenched itself in the mountain god’s domain, and gained momentum. From its base in the Netherworld, it transformed Daqing Mountain into Black Mountain, establishing a ghost city ruled by the Ghost King, dominating the region with invulnerability.

The second was the ’White Lotus Sect.’ Years ago, the Taiping Prefecture’s City God had expelled the sect from the prefecture, and it had diminished for a long time.

But with the rise of the White Lotus Sect Leader, who forged a Will Power Golden Body through the worship of countless followers, even the Three Mountains Dharma Teachings no longer dared to underestimate them.

They had since been labeled as ’demons’ by the people.

The third was ’Song Family’s Manor.’ Situated in the eerie southern Da Liang Mountain of Great Hui, it was renowned for its inexplicable mysteries; even high-level experts could perish upon entering, their lives forfeit.

Its eeriness was unmatched.

Fortunately, the Song Family’s Manor seemed content to remain dormant within Da Liang Mountain and refrained from instigating trouble.

These three were regarded as the apex powers of ’ghost,’ ’demon,’ and ’monster.’

The final force was a nexus of spirit monsters.

The Nine Heaven Mountains housed a convergence of monsters from across the realm. They gathered in Great Hui’s western region, inhabiting the Nine Heaven Mountains. Its strongest ruler, known as the ’Nine Mountains King,’ had a mysterious origin and immense strength, subduing the Nine Mountains Demons one by one to form an empire rivaling both the White Lotus Sect and Black Mountain Ghost City.

This force had become a major threat in the eyes of the righteous path.

On this day.

Chen Jichuan, fully shrouded in a black cloak, radiating an ominous chill, strode decisively into the Nine Mountains!

...