Invincible Starts From Dao Fruit-Chapter 81 - 62 Death Is Imminent!

The next day.

The fourth day under the "Plow Head Curse."

Chen Jichuan woke up again, opened his eyes—

Ban Zhao, Ban Ya, Jin Shenggu, Sun Sihai, along with the Daoists Hong Yuan and Miao Fa, were all gathered by his bedside.

However, the latter two appeared pale and ghastly, their breaths uneven, clearly still recovering from their injuries.

"I am deeply ashamed,"

"For implicating the two fellow Daoists."

Chen Jichuan, supported by Sun Sihai, sat up and looked at Miao Fa and Hong Yuan, whose spirits had visibly waned. He was filled with guilt.

This time, he had overestimated himself.

He had thought that, having achieved the Transforming Strength stage and made progress in the "Five Ghosts Yin Soldiers Skill," he was capable of eradicating Tongshen Temple and killing Qizhenzi.

But how could he have expected—

When Qizhenzi became serious, a single "Plow Head Curse" had rendered him powerless, even dragging Miao Fa and Hong Yuan into the fray, leaving them injured and their primordial qi depleted.

Such Daoist prowess, such skills—

What could he possibly use to go up against that?

"Evil demons and heresies must be exterminated by all,"

"Qizhenzi is deceitful and malicious. Fellow Daoists are victims too."

Miao Fa spoke, his voice weak and lacking vigor, yet he forced himself to say, "My cultivation isn’t strong enough to break the evil spell. However, I sent word yesterday to several friends up north, all of whom are first-rate experts in our Daoist sect. They will arrive shortly and will surely be able to break Qizhenzi’s ’Plow Head Curse.’"

The world divides into Daoism and Buddhism.

The Daoist sect is abundant with skilled practitioners.

Among them are experts no less powerful than Qizhenzi, and perhaps even stronger. Breaking Qizhenzi’s "Plow Head Curse" seems possible.

If they came—

It might truly save Chen Jichuan’s life.

But—

Across the world, evil spirits and monsters run rampant, while Daoist sects and their masters are stationed in various regions, guarding against threats even more formidable than Qizhenzi.

If they move—

Disasters could erupt.

Those available to act might not be any stronger than Miao Fa and Hong Yuan.

Otherwise—

Why hadn’t they already rallied to exterminate Qizhenzi?

These thoughts flashed across Chen Jichuan’s mind. He forced himself to rise and said aloud, "I appreciate your kind offer, but I know well the severity of the curse on me. I’ve already implicated the two of you. To trouble others further—I wouldn’t dare."

He knew that waiting here would be a mere waste of time.

"Why not keep trying?"

"The world holds countless mystical techniques; surely one can break the ’Plow Head Curse.’"

Hong Yuan implored.

"It’s too late,"

"Rather than sitting and waiting to die, it’s better to risk a life-or-death duel with Qizhenzi. At least then, I’ll die with purpose."

Chen Jichuan smiled.

The "Plow Head Curse" was so formidable that it could effortlessly spell death for a Transforming Strength grandmaster like him, and even injure those like Miao Fa and Hong Yuan who sought to counter it.

He couldn’t believe that Qizhenzi would escape unscathed.

Perhaps—

Qizhenzi, too, had suffered major losses and was at his weakest now.

"Fellow Daoist—"

The two Daoists opened their mouths to persuade further.

Chen Jichuan signaled to Sun Sihai, asking to be supported upright, and shook his head, saying, "My mind is made up. You don’t need to try convincing me anymore. While I still have a few days left to live, I wonder—would I have the honor of viewing the profound essences of White Cloud Temple and Baoyi Temple’s Daoist teachings?"

To hear of the Dao in the morning,

And die in the evening.

Miao Fa and Hong Yuan had never understood such sentiments before, but today, upon witnessing Chen Jichuan, they finally did—

A man nearing death yet still yearning to immerse himself in the essence of other Daoist sects.

The unwavering pursuit of the Dao was truly as radiant as the sun and moon!

The two Daoists could not bear to refuse.

Though their sects’ teachings were not to be passed on lightly, Chen Jichuan had but three or four days left to live. Such an exception was permissible.

They agreed.

Chen Jichuan was elated beyond measure.

Over the next two days, he studied with Miao Fa and Hong Yuan, delving into the profound teachings of the two sects. Though he couldn’t comprehend much in such a short time, Chen Jichuan memorized it all for future contemplation.

The Daoist texts held extraordinary value.

Especially White Cloud Temple’s "White Cloud Immortal Spirit Grass Song" and Baoyi Temple’s "Fetal Breathing Embrace One Song," which were on par with the "High Above Moon Palace Taiyin Primordial Lord Filial Immortal King Jinhua Yellow Book."

These texts contained Daoist truths no less profound than the "Taiyin Refining Body Technique."

If he were to join White Cloud Temple or Baoyi Temple and dedicate decades of meticulous effort, he might never have had access to such teachings.

But now, with death imminent, he had obtained them by sheer fortune.

This filled Chen Jichuan’s heart with joy.

The delight radiating from Chen Jichuan struck Miao Fa and Hong Yuan differently: "Fellow Daoist’s determination to pursue the Dao is steadfast. It’s lamentable that he succumbed to Qizhenzi’s curse, making his resolve toward death equally unwavering."

Pity.

Sympathy.

Admiration.

They shared all they could without reserve.

On the fifth day under the "Plow Head Curse," Chen Jichuan’s condition worsened, growing ever frailer. Even Miao Fa and Hong Yuan could no longer delay tending to their injuries.

Thus—

Chen Jichuan left Ban Ya behind, instructing him to guard against petty threats and to protect the two Daoists. Meanwhile, he himself mounted Jin Shenggu’s back, returning to Baozhi Forest.

...

Dai County.

Baozhi Forest.

Chen Jichuan summoned Guan Yi, Lin Sheng, Hua Dafang, Ban Zhao, Jin Shenggu, Sun Sihai, and others.

Among them—

Guan Yi, Lin Sheng, and Hua Dafang were disciples Chen Jichuan had taken in during his early years, having raised them from childhood. By now, they were all seventy or eighty years old.

Guan Yi excelled in medical skills and managed Baozhi Forest’s "Art Department."

Hua Dafang had remarkable martial skills and had even trained Sun Sihai, a disciple at the Transforming Strength level, handling Baozhi Forest’s "Military Department."

Lin Sheng was agile and resourceful, akin to his younger fellow disciple Dong Zongwang, both adept at maneuvering. Chen Jichuan tasked Lin Sheng with co-managing White Jade City.

Unfortunately—

Dong Zongwang, plagued by ill fortune, had been killed by thieves during market expansion, passing away at the age of forty.

Aside from these four, Chen Jichuan had another disciple, Hua Dazheng, the elder brother of Hua Dafang and master of Sun Sihai. Hua Dazheng had died thirty years ago while traveling outside Meishan Prefecture.

The world of Da Liang was chaotic.

Even those skilled in medicine or martial arts couldn’t necessarily guarantee their survival.

Five disciples.

Only three had lived to their current age of nearly eighty—a significant proportion.

Given Chen Jichuan’s experience in the Great Yann World, he had only accepted Guan Yi and four others in this lifetime. His intent was to avoid the heartbreak of watching one disciple after another pass away.

Looking back now—

It was undoubtedly wise.

"Master."

Guan Yi, Lin Sheng, and Hua Dafang still appeared robust. But their advanced age was undeniable, with wrinkles, white hair, and beards marking their faces. Compared to the seemingly younger Chen Jichuan, they were visibly aged. freewebnσvel.cѳm

And now, seeing their once steadfast master’s feeble state—unable even to sit unaided, reliant on Sun Sihai’s support—their hearts trembled, and an overwhelming sorrow surged forth.

We are not plants or stones.

Who can remain unmoved?

From their youth spent apprenticing at Baozhi Forest to their later achievements, their feelings for Chen Jichuan ran deep.

"Life and death are decreed by fate,"

"You need not grieve excessively."

Chen Jichuan smiled and turned to Lin Sheng, saying, "After my passing, White Jade City will merge into Baozhi Forest, known internally as the ’Art Department.’ Any major decisions will be deliberated jointly by the three departments, adhering to the core principles of ’protecting the land and aiding the people, punishing evil and promoting virtue,’ and ’helping the suffering and impoverished but not the lazy.’"

"Master’s benevolence toward the world will surely earn him a long life!"

Lin Sheng’s beard quivered with emotion as he exclaimed.

A long life?

Chen Jichuan did some mental calculations. He was eighty-four years old now, and if Lin Sheng’s hopes came true, he’d only have sixteen more years left.

Such brevity.

But seeing his disciple’s good intentions, he felt no urge to rebuke him.

He merely shook his head and said, "Today’s discussion isn’t about wishful thinking. I called you here to settle my affairs, so don’t interrupt."

Once Chen Jichuan adopted a stern tone—

None dared to interject further.

Chen Jichuan continued, "I’ve been cursed with Qizhenzi’s ’Plow Head Curse,’ leaving me with only seven days to live. Six have already passed, so tomorrow marks the final day of my life. Before I die, I will make one last strike, aiming to perish alongside Qizhenzi. If that proves impossible, I’ll do my utmost to severely injure him. At that time, you must join forces with White Cloud Temple and Baoyi Temple to eliminate Qizhenzi and retrieve all the secret texts within Tongshen Temple."

Life for life.

Chen Jichuan would suffer losses, but compared to Qizhenzi’s fate of total annihilation, it was a trade-off he was willing to make.

If he could acquire the various secret techniques hidden within Tongshen Temple, study them thoroughly upon rebirth, it would be an incredible gain.

Of course—

All of this presupposed his ability to exchange his life for Qizhenzi’s.

When they learned of Chen Jichuan’s resolve to fight to the death, Guan Yi and the others felt anguished. But seeing their master’s firm conviction, they refrained from further persuasion, nodding in agreement: "Rest assured, Master (Master Chen) (Master Chen) (Grandmaster). We will make sure that foul Daoist meets a grisly end!"

"Good."

Chen Jichuan felt comforted, smiling as he concluded, "Fate always leaves a thread of hope. Though this battle is perilous, seeming fatal, there is a chance for me to find life within death. After I die, do not allow outsiders into this courtyard. Keep everything untouched and unchanged."

He didn’t elaborate.

His apprentices interpreted this as an attempt to console them.

"Go now!"

"Dismissed!"

"Leave this place!"

Chen Jichuan offered no further explanations. He waved his hand to disperse the group and retreated alone into the underground chamber.

...