Instant-Death Cultivation: Surviving in an Immortal World with Instant Kill - Chapter 105

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 105: Spirit Bird (1)

“Jin Si-hyeok, the Flame Emperor Sect Master, is originally a person who inherited the bloodline of the Taeul Yeokri Sect’s main lineage.”

Seo Seol-ryeong spoke in a cold voice.

“Song Mu-yeol, the Sect Master of Taeul Yeokri Sect, is Jin Si-hyeok’s biological father. Normally, he would have entered Taeul Yeokri Sect and become a disciple, but because his mother’s background wasn’t good, he was entrusted to the Flame Emperor Sect.”

In massive Orthodox Sect organizations like Taeul Yeokri Sect, family background is also strictly scrutinized.

If you’re from a prestigious family that has produced Cultivators for generations, you can immediately become an Inner Sect Disciple, but otherwise you start as an Outer Sect Disciple and must endure all sorts of menial tasks.

If he was the son of Sect Master Song Mu-yeol, it would be normal to start directly as an Inner Sect Disciple.

However, Jin Si-hyeok’s mother’s background became a problem.

But making him enter as an Outer Sect Disciple and suffer all kinds of hardships would also look bad.

So he ended up going to the Branch Faction, the Flame Emperor Sect.

“Jin Si-hyeok received special treatment at the Flame Emperor Sect and grew rapidly. Thanks to Guyang Hu acting as his patron and providing all sorts of conveniences.”

“Why did Guyang Hu support Jin Si-hyeok so much?”

“Usually, the Flame Emperor Sect was in a position where they had to unilaterally submit to Taeul Yeokri Sect. But by putting Jin Si-hyeok forward, they could improve that relationship to some degree. He probably raised Jin Si-hyeok with that goal in mind.”

It was an interesting story.

So Guyang Hu’s obsession with Jin Si-hyeok was due to that psychology.

“Jin Si-hyeok himself rapidly advanced his realm under Guyang Hu’s protection. He reached the Core Formation Realm at a relatively young age and ascended to the position of Flame Emperor Sect Master.”

“….”

“But perhaps due to the inferiority complex from being despised as an illegitimate child, he has a distinct tendency to show off his abilities. He tries to personally handle even tasks that could be left to his Subordinates, and takes an attitude of flaunting those achievements to others.”

Cheon Woo-jin had seen such behavior several times in the game.

Jin Si-hyeok was a person who couldn’t escape from that psychology.

“His decision to personally come to Ghost Head City to reclaim the Heavenly Silkworm Shadow Cloak is probably also due to Jin Si-hyeok’s personality. Even if the advance team led by Guyang Hu had resolved everything before Jin Si-hyeok’s arrival, he would have definitely come to Ghost Head City to claim all the credit for himself.”

“….”

“But the advance team was annihilated and Guyang Hu also fell. Now that this has happened, Jin Si-hyeok must enter Ghost Head City. He’ll try to show off his abilities by personally resolving everything and announcing that he avenged Guyang Hu.”

Now the Heavenly Silkworm Shadow Cloak isn’t what’s important.

Capturing Cheon Woo-jin has become more important.

“Jin Si-hyeok has mastered the Flame Jade Blazing Yang Method, which is considered the pinnacle of Fire Element techniques. His combat power would be above Guyang Hu’s. He’s a very dangerous opponent.”

“….”

“Moreover, Jin Si-hyeok has the Flame Emperor Sect’s guardian spirit beast, the Flame Sparrow Po-yeong. This one also possesses Core Formation Realm power, so if you have to face Jin Si-hyeok and Po-yeong simultaneously, you should consider your chances of victory almost nonexistent.”

Having said that, Seo Seol-ryeong looked at Cheon Woo-jin’s face.

“So it would be better to call for more reinforcements.”

“Reinforcements?”

“Na Chwi-ryang is also a skilled individual, but honestly, he won’t be much help against Jin Si-hyeok or Po-yeong. Rather, try borrowing the power of Sect Master Wi Ju-seon of Corpse Ghost Hell Gate or Sect Master Yo Eun-hui of Shadow Scale Sunken Sect.”

Wi Ju-seon and Yo Eun-hui.

Both of them are Core Formation Realm masters and can be considered on par with Jin Si-hyeok.

Wi Ju-seon is close to Seo Seol-ryeong and also has a friendship with Cheon Woo-jin.

Yo Eun-hui likes Cheon Woo-jin enough to say she’d take him as a son-in-law or new husband.

Both would lend their strength if asked for help.

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Cheon Daoist.”

“If I involve those two, it won’t be a fight between me and the Flame Emperor Sect. There’s no need to wage war between Sects.”

There’s no need to unnecessarily escalate things.

Finishing it as a fight between Cheon Woo-jin and the Flame Emperor Sect, or between Cheon Woo-jin and Jin Si-hyeok, would make the aftermath easier to handle.

“Then how about this?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll help.”

“….”

He had momentarily forgotten.

Seo Seol-ryeong was also a Core Formation Realm master, and had shown combat power exceeding Cheon Woo-jin’s in the fight over the Ghost Spirit Summoning Banner.

However, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t feel particularly moved by this.

“That’s also unnecessary.”

“You’re being stubborn. Is it because of pride?”

“No, it’s because of greed to monopolize.”

“Monopolize? You want to monopolize the spoils from defeating the Flame Emperor Sect?”

“That’s part of it.”

Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a cold voice.

“I don’t want to share the opportunity to clash with such opponents with someone else.”

“….”

“If I fight together with you, you’ll steal many opportunities from me.”

Na Chwi-ryang is fine.

But if Seo Seol-ryeong participates in battle, he would become heavily dependent on her.

Fighting in such a state wouldn’t allow Cheon Woo-jin to gain the experience he wants.

“You don’t want to give up the chance to gain enlightenment… may I interpret it that way?”

“You may interpret it that way.”

“I understand. Then it can’t be helped.”

Seo Seol-ryeong answered in a calm voice and nodded.

“I’ll respect your wishes. Then I’ll focus on rear support as I have been doing.”

“Thank you.”

In fact, Seo Seol-ryeong has no reason to help with this matter.

It’s not like there’s a commission coming in that would give Seo Seol-ryeong a fee.

Yet the reason Seo Seol-ryeong naturally offers help like this is probably because their recognition of being in the same boat has grown stronger.

“Then are you planning to stop Jin Si-hyeok on the 5th Layer again this time?”

“No, that’s not it.”

Cheon Woo-jin answered calmly.

“I’m planning to greet him on the 6th Layer.”

* * *

On the 2nd Layer of Ghost Head City, there is a Branch Hall of the Sacred Horn Unity Gate.

It’s usually a place where Outer Sect Disciples and Inner Sect Disciples of the Sacred Horn Unity Gate cultivate, but today a True Transmission Disciple had come down from the Main Hall in the upper levels of Ghost Head City.

A Resolution Realm cultivator named Bok Si-un, who was a contemporary of Taesa Ryang who lost his life in the previous battle with the Gwangse Sound Spirit Sect.

“First, welcome to Ghost Head City,”

Saying this, Bok Si-un gazed at the Man sitting before him.

It was a Man with mysterious red hair.

He had an inverted triangular face with a sharp chin and developed forehead, giving him a physiognomically strong fire energy impression.

“I heard that an Elder of the Flame Emperor Gate recently lost his life on the 5th Layer. On behalf of the Sacred Horn Unity Gate, I express my condolences, Sect Leader Jin.”

The Man before him was Jin Si-hyeok, the Sect Leader of the Flame Emperor Gate.

Upon entering Ghost Head City, he had first visited the Sacred Horn Unity Gate, the largest Orthodox Sect in Ghost Head City.

Though he visited the Branch Hall rather than the Main Hall, the Sacred Horn Unity Gate Main Hall was in the upper levels of Ghost Head City, so he couldn’t visit there right away.

“I heard you have something you want to hear from our Sacred Horn Unity Gate… What kind of story do you want to hear?”

Hearing that question, the corners of Jin Si-hyeok’s red lips slightly rose.

“I heard you once fought against Demonic Path forces.”

“Ah, you mean the Gwangse Sound Spirit Sect?”

Bok Si-un answered while thinking of his departed Fellow Daoist.

“A True Transmission Disciple named Taesa Ryang subjugated them.”

“I heard that story. But there are rumors that it differs from the truth.”

“What do you mean?”

“They say the one who played the decisive role in subjugating the Demonic Path forces wasn’t Taesa Ryang… but a Mercenary named Cheon Woo-jin.”

“…”

At Jin Si-hyeok’s statement, Bok Si-un frowned.

“That’s just a groundless rumor. Do you believe such nonsense? At that time, Cheon Woo-jin was merely at the Smoke Realm.”

“You remember quite well a guy who was merely at the Smoke Realm.”

“That’s…”

“The Sacred Horn Unity Gate side must have felt it too. That guy called Cheon Woo-jin, something suspicious about him.”

Bok Si-un closed his mouth.

In fact, even within the Sacred Horn Unity Gate, there had been voices saying they should investigate the truth.

But the opinion that there was no need to go to such trouble over something that happened in the lower levels was dominant, so they ended up just letting it pass.

“Anyway, we have nothing more to say about Cheon Woo-jin on our side.”

He spoke firmly.

This was also to protect the honor of his departed Fellow Daoist Taesa Ryang.

“It’s useless to try threatening us to give up information. Don’t forget that we’re different from places like the Golden Wing Sect.”

“I’m not foolish enough to threaten the Sacred Horn Unity Gate, the foremost sect in Ghost Head City.”

Jin Si-hyeok smiled.

“Still, Cultivator Bok… there may come a day when you regret your current response.”

“What do you mean?”

“You never know how the relationship between our Flame Emperor Gate and the Sacred Horn Unity Gate might change in the future.”

At Jin Si-hyeok’s words, Bok Si-un frowned.

“Do you think the Flame Emperor Gate will become an existence that rivals the Sacred Horn Unity Gate? This is inside Ghost Head City. Outside Ghost Head City, you might have been able to act arrogantly with the Taeul Yeokri Sect backing you, but we don’t acknowledge such things here.”

“Whether I’m a fox borrowing the tiger’s authority or a spirit beast that devours even tigers, you’ll be able to confirm that soon enough.”

Replying thus, Jin Si-hyeok rose from his seat.

“It was a good meeting, Cultivator Bok. If there’s another opportunity, let’s meet again.”

“…”

Leaving behind Bok Si-un who was glaring with an angry expression, Jin Si-hyeok tried to leave the Sacred Horn Unity Gate Branch Hall with his waiting Subordinates.

But while walking down the Corridor, there was a Man approaching.

“My, my lord!”

His gait was somewhat awkward, as if one of his legs was a prosthetic magical device.

“I am Jin Su-hak, an Inner Sect Disciple of the Sacred Horn Unity Gate. I have something urgent to tell you…”

“Insolent fool! How dare you directly approach the Sect Leader…!”

“I know well about that guy called Cheon Woo-jin!”

Jin Su-hak urgently clasped his hands together and spoke.

“In the Gwangse Sound Spirit Sect subjugation battle, I fought alongside Cheon Woo-jin! I also saw Cheon Woo-jin come out alive alone after getting caught up in the fight between Senior Taesa Ryang and Jeok Ya-wol of the Gwangse Sound Spirit Sect! If you’re curious about Cheon Woo-jin, I can tell you a lot!”

Seeing Jin Su-hak trying to sell out information about Cheon Woo-jin, who had once fought alongside him, Jin Si-hyeok’s eyes changed.

“Tell me in detail.”

Jin Si-hyeok smiled and spread his arms wide.

“I am a magnanimous person. If you tell me something useful, I’ll make sure to pay you handsomely.”

“I, I’ll tell you everything!”

Jin Su-hak’s face brightened with color.

* * *

“I’ve roughly figured out this guy called Cheon Woo-jin.”

Walking on the path up to the 3rd Layer, Jin Si-hyeok spoke to his subordinates.

“That fellow seems to possess talent on par with mine.”

“Sect Master! How can you say such a thing…!”

“How could some rootless mercenary be on the same level as you, Sect Master? That’s absurd!”

His subordinates immediately raised objections.

They were essentially Jin Si-hyeok’s personal guard, harboring infinite loyalty toward him.

“The Cultivation World is vast. There are naturally others who possess talent equal to mine.”

“But still…”

“His progressive attitude of stepping forward personally to defeat strong enemies one by one is also similar to mine.”

Jin Si-hyeok had already gotten a general sense of things.

And after hearing Jin Su-hak’s account of directly experiencing Cheon Woo-jin, he became even more certain.

“So I’ll make him kneel and become my subordinate.”

“Se, Sect Master! How can you say such a thing…!”

“I need someone to serve as my right hand in place of Guyang Hu. Cheon Woo-jin should be able to fill that role.”

Making Cheon Woo-jin submit and offer his loyalty.

All his subordinates trembled at that bold notion.

“So I will personally break Cheon Woo-jin myself. Don’t any of you interfere.”

“Ah, understood…”

At first glance, it seemed like a very spirited display.

But if you thought about it carefully, it was a ridiculous scene.

A Core Formation Realm expert and sect master of a prestigious sect was showing competitive spirit about defeating a single mercenary who was still in the Qi Accumulation Stage.

Watching this scene… Po-yeong, the guardian spirit beast of the Flame Emperor Gate, felt uneasy.

‘Something feels ominous.’

Po-yeong, who had the form of a red bird, had been sitting on Jin Si-hyeok’s shoulder the entire time.

So he had also watched Jin Si-hyeok’s conversations with Bok Si-un and Jin Su-hak.

‘Cheon Woo-jin might not be such an easy opponent.’

If he had directly defeated Guyang Hu, then he was certainly someone worth being wary of.

Jin Si-hyeok seemed to be thinking too lightly of him.

Of course, even among Core Formation Realm experts, Jin Si-hyeok was much stronger than Guyang Hu.

Even if Cheon Woo-jin had defeated Guyang Hu, there was a high possibility he would be no match for Jin Si-hyeok.

Still, if he was having such an ominous premonition… it seemed better to check things out in advance.

“Sect Master.”

“Hmm?”

When Po-yeong, who had been maintaining silence, spoke in a human voice, Jin Si-hyeok frowned.

“What is it?”

“I’ll go up to the 6th Floor and scout out Cheon Woo-jin in advance.”

Saying this, Po-yeong flapped his wings.

“If I go alone, I can reach the 6th Floor quickly. I’ll go ahead and observe Cheon Woo-jin, so Sect Master, take your time coming up while networking with the people of Ghost Head City.”

“Hmm…”

“I’m simply taking over part of the role that Guyang Hu, our advance party, was supposed to fulfill. And if I bring back information about Cheon Woo-jin, won’t you be able to make him submit even more perfectly?”

Jin Si-hyeok smiled at Po-yeong’s last words.

He seemed intrigued by the idea of being able to make Cheon Woo-jin submit more perfectly.

“Good. If you see Cheon Woo-jin directly with your Transparent Reflection Spirit Eyes, you’ll be able to get more reliable information about him than just hearing these secondhand accounts.”

The Transparent Reflection Spirit Eyes were a rare ability that Po-yeong possessed.

Just by looking with his eyes, he could see through an opponent’s talent and major cultivation techniques.

He couldn’t see through beings at a higher realm than Po-yeong himself, but it should work on Cheon Woo-jin, who was in the Qi Accumulation Stage.

He might be able to discover why Cheon Woo-jin possessed such strong power.

“Good, go ahead.”

“Thank you for the permission.”

Po-yeong took flight from Jin Si-hyeok’s shoulder.

Jin Si-hyeok gave him one final instruction.

“Don’t think about fighting Cheon Woo-jin directly. I’m the one who will make him submit.”

Don’t worry.

Answering with a flap of his wings, Po-yeong, the extreme yang spirit bird, headed alone toward the 6th Floor.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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