Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit-Chapter 196 - 157 ’Gentleman Sword’ Chen Jichuan! [Vote for monthly ticket]
Chapter 196: Chapter 157 ’Gentleman Sword’ Chen Jichuan! [Vote for monthly ticket]
"Junior Master is growing more handsome by the day. That girl just now stared at you for a long while, nearly drooling."
Wang Yan wiped his sweat as he looked at Chen Jichuan, jesting loudly.
"When martial arts are practiced deeply, the temperament changes. From inside out, even one’s appearance naturally becomes more striking than that of ordinary people."
"The love of beauty is universal."
"There’s nothing surprising about an extra glance or two."
Chen Jichuan, impervious to praise and criticism, was unfazed by his good looks. Looking good is just looking good; there’s no reason to feel embarrassed.
"You, Elder, are rather magnanimous."
Wang Yan rolled his eyes at Chen Jichuan, then transitioned to the main topic: "Has the Sect Master spoken to Junior Master about the matter of Iron Arm Monkey Mountain?"
"Yes."
"It was explained as soon as I returned."
Chen Jichuan nodded, sheathing his sword, then asked, "How are preparations for the Fourth Division coming along?"
"Defense plans have been orderly replaced. The six battalions in the First Division have assembled and are ready to deploy at any time, just waiting for Junior Master’s return."
When discussing serious matters, Wang Yan’s demeanor became far more solemn.
Her responses and questions carried a sharp decisiveness, the result of ten years of life and training, far beyond what an average young woman could display.
In earlier years, when the sect mentioned the brightest stars, they spoke of ’Poison Dragon’ Li Qingshan, followed by ’Black Tornado’ Wang Shan.
As Li Qingshan and Wang Shan aged, the Acting Commander of the Fourth Division of the Blood Clothes Army, ’Lightning Sword’ Wang Yan, gradually emerged as the standard-bearer among the younger generation of Taixu Sword Sect.
Position shapes temperament; environment molds the body.
Status and surroundings truly have the power to transform a person’s essence.
"This time entering Qinling, the Fourth Division will be entirely under your command; I will not intervene."
Chen Jichuan shook his head at Wang Yan as he spoke.
"Junior Master isn’t coming?"
Wang Yan froze momentarily, then her expression shifted as if realizing something. She blinked and said, "Of course—’Gentleman Sword’s’ reputation and strength surpass those of ’Black Tornado.’ If Junior Master were to join us, it might limit the full unleashing of your true potential."
Chen Jichuan cultivated at an astonishing pace. Any swordsmanship he practiced was mastered easily, reaching proficiency with almost effortless grace.
Over the past decade, his cultivation had advanced by leaps and bounds. Although ’Black Tornado Wang Shan’ appeared highly understated, the truth was that Chen Jichuan, operating under his alias, had made an enormous name for himself. Known as the ’Gentleman Sword,’ he ranked tenth on the "Heavenly List," a rare rival among the world’s Grandmasters.
People said:
’Gentleman Sword’s’ mastery of swordsmanship was peerless; he absorbed the Hundred Swordsmanship methods and merged them into his own creation, the ’Four-character Poem Sword.’
His sword techniques blended seamlessly with poetic imagery, akin to a scholar emulating the essence of a gentleman. A line of poetry, a stroke of the sword, traveling the Jianghu, unrivaled.
Chen Jichuan harbored intentions to develop extensively within Taixu Sword Sect. His identity during outside expeditions was thus laid bare before Yang Xiong.
Open and square-dealing.
The more transparent he was, the more Yang Xiong and the Sect’s elders trusted him utterly.
They praised him as sincere and virtuous.
Chen Jichuan revealed his external identity to Yang Xiong, and certainly wouldn’t deliberately conceal it from Wang Yan either.
Hence, Wang Yan also knew of his alternate identity—
Tenth on the Heavenly List: ’Gentleman Sword’ Chen Jichuan!
Though she could not share it with others, Wang Yan consistently felt proud of Junior Master for achieving such heights.
"They say the ’Gentleman Sword’ appears in white robes wielding a long blade. When the sword is drawn, poetry flows like an immortal descending to earth, captivating countless heroines and noblewomen in the Jianghu."
"This time, as we enter Qinling, and amidst continuous battles in Iron Arm Monkey Mountain, there will surely be an opportunity to witness Junior Master’s unparalleled elegance."
Wang Yan chuckled softly, sizing up Chen Jichuan.
She had long known about Junior Master’s alternate identity and had been yearning to see the Gentleman Sword’s iconic appearance—white robes, elegant demeanor, and the legendary prowess of the ’Four-character Poem Sword.’
She pleaded several times, even preparing white robes and a silk headpiece, offering to style Junior Master herself, just to witness him in character.
But alas.
Chen Jichuan always refused her wishes.
Now when Junior Master enters Qinling as the ’Gentleman Sword,’ heading toward Iron Arm Monkey Mountain, there will undoubtedly be a chance to personally witness his magnificent presence as legend foretold.
Thinking of this delightful prospect,
her mind combined the image of Junior Master’s current face with the Gentleman Sword’s white-robed appearance. Wang Yan couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
"..."
Chen Jichuan offered a faint smile, choosing not to reply.
...
In the blink of an eye.
Three days later.
On this morning, before the sky fully brightened,
clip-clop! clip-clop!
clip-clop! clip-clop!
All the riders heard the steady pounding of hooves, dispersing the thin mist and kicking up dust.
Early-market vendors and villagers peered through the lingering haze and dust, catching sight of dense masses of cavalry galloping forward, each clad in armor and wielding weapons, their inner garments dyed a deep blood-red.
Such distinguishing features ensured that even those unversed in martial arts recognized them—
"Blood Clothes Army."
"It’s the Blood Clothes Army."
"Good heavens, that must be tens of thousands!"
"Ridiculous! The Blood Clothes Army only has four divisions, barely over ten thousand; where did tens of thousands come from?"
"Look at the flags—this is the Fourth Division. Its Commander is ’Black Tornado’ Wang Shan, also known as ’Golden Touch,’ surrounded by several Earthly List experts under his command."
"Where are they headed? Are they preparing for war?"
"Surely they’re going to the depths of Qinling. I’ve heard rumors of Emperor Yong’s Treasure hidden within!"
...
The Fourth Division of the Blood Clothes Army set out, three thousand cavalry advancing with such commotion that they drew widespread discussion from within and outside Pengshan City.
Wang Yan rode at the forefront,
clad in military attire, her heroic aura unmistakable.
Beside her rode Zhu Biao, Cai Yun, Ding Dajian, Qin Sheng, and Yang Pu—all five Governors.
Among these five, the first three were Chen Jichuan’s old subordinates when he served as Northern Captain at Xiyu City. After entering the Blood Clothes Army, due to their seniority and solid strength, they maintained their Governor positions.
Meanwhile, Qin Sheng and Yang Pu rose from among the ranks of Centurions.
In terms of combat capabilities, they likely surpassed even Zhu Biao and his peers.
Qin Sheng had originally been a Centurion with the Second Battalion at Xiyu City’s Northern Division and an old subordinate of Cai Yun. Skilled in the ’Five Forms Fist,’ he particularly excelled in ’Snake Form Fist’ and ’Crane Form Boxing,’ combining agility, precision, and steadiness for lethality. He was nicknamed ’Cloud-piercing Hand.’
He ranked eighteenth on the "Earthly List."
Yang Pu was a loose cultivator from Pengshan County, who had roamed the Yulin Three Counties. His mastery in swordsmanship was known for its unpredictable movements, earning him the title ’Eight-direction Sword.’ He later joined the Blood Clothes Army’s Fourth Division upon hearing of its reputation and benefited greatly from Chen Jichuan’s guidance, greatly advancing his swordsmanship. He rapidly secured his place as one of the Sixth Division’s Governors.
He ranked eleventh on the "Earthly List."
Both were highly renowned figures in the Jianghu.
However, their fame extended only within the ranks of Postnatal cultivators. Faced with Innate or Transforming Strength masters, regardless of their ranking on the Earthly List, escape would be their sole recourse.
"Our primary concerns in Qinling are not the masters below Grandmaster level—they’re numerous and great at stirring chaos. As for Grandmaster-level opponents, our sect’s own masters will deal with them. We need only follow directives, maintain coordination, and avoid direct confrontation or reckless sacrifices. At most, we’ll provide long-range archery suppression."
As she rode, Wang Yan shared her insights with Zhu Biao and the others.
Three thousand Blood Clothes Army members acting in unison might even challenge a Heavenly List Grandmaster, but such a feat would come at great cost, crippling their strength.
The sect’s decision to deploy the Fourth Division wasn’t meant for self-destruction but to leverage their numbers as a fortified defense, sealing access points that could let intruders enter Iron Arm Monkey Mountain.
Innate Grandmasters and Transforming Strength Grandmasters were naturally left to the Taixu Sword Sect’s own masters to handle.
To quell any unease, Wang Yan openly shared the plan with Zhu Biao and the others.
"Frankly speaking, Qinling’s true challenges aren’t the various martial artists nor the Grandmaster-level threats. The most daunting obstacles remain the toxic pests and venomous snakes in the mountains, impossible to eradicate or avoid."
"Upon arrival, our priority is to conduct a comprehensive sweep of the campsite, exterminating all poisonous creatures and establishing thorough protection measures."
Before setting out, Mrs. Wang had repeatedly reminded Wang Yan of numerous considerations.
While on route, Wang Yan tirelessly reiterated the warning to Zhu Biao and the others.
In her temporary role as the Fourth Division’s acting commander for Chen Jichuan, she worked diligently and cautiously, refusing to let even the smallest oversight result in unnecessary losses for her division.
Otherwise, even if no one demanded accountability from her, Wang Yan would feel profound guilt toward Junior Master.
Zhu Biao, Cai Yun, and their comrades had been besieged by her reminders throughout the journey.
The group covered three hundred li per day,
finally reaching White Elephant City by evening on the third day.
From here onward, horseback travel was impossible—they had to continue on foot. Leaving White Elephant City, they entered mountainous terrain, progressing deeper into Qinling.
Six more days passed swiftly.
That day.
Wang Yan emerged from a forest, showing faint signs of fatigue.
Looking up, she saw two peaks standing side by side, resembling the twin humps of a camel. The mountains were strewn with jagged rocks and sparse vegetation; the valley between the peaks provided a convenient passage.
Beside her.
A scout with mastery at the Innate Grandmaster level smiled and gestured towards Camel Peaks: "This will be the Fourth Division’s future base!"
...
Qinling encompasses eighty thousand li, extending horizontally between east and west.
Its vertical depth from north to south is equally vast.
At its narrowest points, such as the Qinling Ten Passes around White Elephant City, spanning from its southern edge to its northern end requires over seven hundred li. At its widest points, the breadth reaches over two thousand li.
Qinling was once an effective barrier between the north and south—even Emperor Yong only managed to annex Lingnan’s Three States without ever reaching the northern territories, showcasing its foreboding nature.
Today, even though pathways connect north and south,
aside from the ten passes built by Sword Ancestor, traversing other areas remains arduous.
Even now, interaction between Lingnan and Lingbei remains limited.
Southern goods in Lingbei and northern goods in Lingnan continue to command high prices.
The Taixu Sword Sect controls White Elephant City, fortifying one of the passes. Merely taxing the North and South Trading Caravans brings enough wealth to sustain the four divisions of the Blood Clothes Army, with surplus budget to spare.
Moreover, Qinling’s mountains harbor countless treasures—not only attracting waves of martial artists eager to seek them out but also prompting large sects like Taixu Sword Sect to deploy their long-standing Mountain Patrol Teams. These teams scour the mountains for Spiritual Medicine, mineral resources, and other valuables while simultaneously monitoring Demon Beast activity to prevent them from attacking Pengshan County.
The discovery of Iron Arm Monkeys and Iron Arm Monkey Mountain wasn’t credited to the Taixu Sword Sect’s patrol teams,
but rather to a few loose cultivators venturing into Qinling. They first spotted traces of the Iron Arm Monkeys before eventually identifying the location of Iron Arm Monkey Mountain.
These cultivators possessed only Postnatal strength and, upon encountering the thousands-strong Iron Arm Monkey Group, realized they had no hope of obtaining the group’s treasured Red Fruit Wine. Thus, they sold this information, including the mountain’s location, to Taixu Sword Sect, Five Cloud Sect, and Spring Silkworm Sect.
After profiting, they likely sold the information to countless others as well,
creating widespread buzz.
As the rumors circulated, details inevitably became distorted, blending truth with fiction. Eventually, the modest information on Iron Arm Monkey Mountain and Red Fruit Wine was overshadowed by sensational rumors of ’Emperor Yong’s Treasure’ and ’Sword Ancestor’s Treasure,’ transforming into mere footnotes.
However, the amplified buzz attracted scores of martial artists from the Seven States of Central Earth, converging in Pengshan County and Qinling.
In no time:
A surge of martial artists.
A congregation of Grandmasters.
...
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