Instant-Death Cultivation: Surviving in an Immortal World with Instant Kill - Chapter 115

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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 115: Departure (3)

 

“Before I discuss the second matter.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a calm voice.

 

“I’d like to talk about the first matter first.”

 

“Hmm, should we do that?”

 

“I think I need to before I can bring up the second matter.”

 

Though Gong Wu showed a slightly disappointed expression, he still smiled and nodded his head.

 

“Then it can’t be helped. Let’s see, it was about the current political situation in Wei Jin Kingdom, right?”

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

Gong Wu took a sip of alcohol to wet his throat.

 

“Fellow Daoist Cheon, do you know what shape the continent we live on has?”

 

“I know.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin nodded and said.

 

“Ring-shaped… an annular continent.”

 

“That’s right.

 

Annular.

 

In other words, donut-shaped.

 

“Outside the continent, outer seas spread in all four directions – north, south, east, and west, and in the center lies the inner sea called the True Desolate Sea. Our continent is trapped by the sea while simultaneously trapping the sea within it.”

 

Gong Wu drew a circle in the air with his finger.

 

Then he pointed to the center of that circle.

 

“The imperial capital of Wei Jin Kingdom is located in that True Desolate Sea. To be precise, it’s on the Desolate Flying Archipelago floating in the True Desolate Sea.”

 

The Desolate Flying Archipelago is an archipelago composed of several islands.

 

Wei Jin Kingdom has its capital on the largest of these islands.

 

“Therefore, the Desolate Flying Archipelago can be called the center of secular power. On the other hand, it wasn’t such an important place in the Cultivation World.”

 

“…”

 

“But currently, many cultivators are gathering at the Desolate Flying Archipelago.”

 

Gong Wu spoke in a serious voice.

 

“Because it’s become known that Emperor Gong Ui-ryun, who has sat on the throne for over fifty years, seems about to leave this world.”

 

Wei Jin Kingdom’s Emperor Gong Ui-ryun.

 

He was a ruler famous for being weak.

 

Many people clicked their tongues at his appearance, which was unworthy of a descendant of the Gong Ui Family that boasted the continent’s strongest military power.

 

He had even fallen bedridden without properly resolving the succession issue, causing great chaos.

 

“Originally, Gong Ui-ryun was under the protection of the Dongri Family, which had produced Wei Jin Kingdom’s empresses for hundreds of years. The Dongri Family was also a prestigious cultivation family that had produced cultivators for generations, so they also played the role of blocking other cultivation sects from interfering in Wei Jin Kingdom’s governance.”

 

“…”

 

“Gong Ui-ryun also took a woman from the Dongri Family as his empress. But a problem arose. Not a single child was born between him and the empress. On the other hand, three sons were born with his concubines.”

 

It would have been fine if he had designated one of the three as crown prince, but the weak Gong Ui-ryun couldn’t even do that properly.

 

“Initially, the Dongri Family tried to install the First Prince Gong Ui-hwi as the next emperor. But they missed the timing while waiting to see if the empress might have a late child, and failed to officially designate Gong Ui-hwi as crown prince. Meanwhile, Gong Ui-hwi began suffering from a severe illness, and voices saying he was unfit to be the next emperor grew louder.”

 

“…”

 

“In this situation, movements to install the Second Prince Gong Ui-un inevitably emerged. Gong Ui-un was originally close to the renowned Won Family Clan in the martial world, and had achieved many military merits with the Won Family Clan’s cooperation, including suppressing rebel forces. This time too, the Won Family Clan is taking the lead in trying to make Gong Ui-un the next emperor.”

 

“…”

 

Won Family Clan. It was a name he hadn’t heard in a long time.

 

Ghost Shadow, Cheon Woo-jin’s first master, was from the Won Family Clan.

 

And behind that Won Family Clan was…

 

“What’s moving the Won Family Clan is none other than the Taeul Yeokri Sect. They’re trying to get their hands on all of Wei Jin Kingdom by installing the Second Prince Gong Ui-un as the next emperor.”

 

The Taeul Yeokri Sect’s goal is sect ascension.

 

Like the Yin Soul Ghost Bone Palace did before, they dream of ascending their entire sect at once.

 

The reason the Taeul Yeokri Sect is trying to install Gong Ui-un as emperor this time is also ultimately because of sect ascension.

 

Their plan was to implement a great technique using all of Wei Jin Kingdom to secure the resources needed for sect ascension.

 

“But a new variable has emerged. The Jongli Family, considered Wei Jin Kingdom’s greatest noble house, has begun backing the Third Prince Gong Ui-se.”

 

“…”

 

“Behind the Jongli Family is the Bright Light Sect, another prestigious sect of the Orthodox faction. The Bright Light Sect dreams of overtaking the Taeul Yeokri Sect to become the leader of the Orthodox faction, so they plan to prevent the Second Prince Gong Ui-un from becoming emperor by any means necessary.”

 

The First Prince Gong Ui-hwi has the support of the Dongri Family, the empress’s family.

 

The Second Prince Gong Ui-un has the support of the Taeul Yeokri Sect and Won Family Clan.

 

The Third Prince Gong Ui-se has the support of the Bright Light Sect and Jongli Family.

 

At present, the Second Prince Gong Ui-un was most advantageous, but the outcome was still difficult to predict.

 

“Fellow Daoist Cheon, who would you like to see become the next emperor?”

 

“I have no thoughts about that matter.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin answered Gong Wu’s question in a cold voice.

 

“What matters is only what I can gain from that struggle.”

 

“Hmm, that’s the right attitude for one who walks the path of cultivation.”

 

Gong Wu nodded his head.

 

“Honestly, for scattered cultivators like us, it doesn’t matter much who becomes emperor. When you spend decades in closed door cultivation, the emperor often changes several times. But… it would be different for the great sects trying to implement nation-scale great techniques.”

 

“…”

 

“Right now they’re still only engaging in underwater power struggles, but around the time of the emperor’s death, a full-scale fight will break out. Then mid-level sects will also join the war to get their share, and great chaos will ensue.”

 

The power struggles of the secular world were developing into a great upheaval that would shake the entire Cultivation World.

 

“The Thirteen Alliances Under the Moon and the Blood World Demon Sect are probably already making their moves. Especially the Blood World Demon Sect, which has previously attempted to seize control of Wei Jin Kingdom to cause a massive blood calamity, so they definitely won’t let this opportunity slip by.”

 

“….”

 

Cheon Woo-jin nodded with his mouth closed.

 

The stories Gong Wu had told him almost perfectly matched what Cheon Woo-jin already knew.

 

‘As expected, it seems to be almost identical to the game situation.’

 

The conflict surrounding Wei Jin Kingdom’s next emperor was an event that occupied a very significant portion of the early stages of Spirit Path Cultivation Chronicle.

 

Various developments and endings were prepared depending on how the player chose to get involved.

 

Of course, it was also possible to completely ignore it and not get involved at all.

 

But in reality, it was no different from a forced event.

 

‘If you ignore this event, it automatically leads to the worst ending… the destruction of Wei Jin Kingdom and the collapse of the continent.’

 

This was one of the reasons why Cheon Woo-jin couldn’t choose to just hide and live quietly.

 

Within a few years, he would end up dying caught up in the continent’s collapse.

 

‘Of course, even if I don’t get involved, it might reach a different ending than the game. That’s probably more likely. But even so, I can’t just completely ignore it.’

 

Looking at the game story, the destruction of Wei Jin Kingdom and the collapse of the continent was an ending that could only be reached when various elements became tangled beyond repair.

 

Automatically reaching that ending when not participating in the event should be seen as a trick by the developers to constrain the player’s actions.

 

But the possibility of facing such an ending this time couldn’t be ruled out either.

 

There was a need to observe the situation from close by.

 

“Master Gong, I’d like to tell you my second request.”

 

“Ah, you’re finally telling me.”

 

In front of Gong Wu, who was leaning forward, Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a calm voice.

 

“I want to go to the Imperial Archipelago.”

 

“….”

 

Gong Wu’s gaze changed for a moment.

 

Unlike usual, he stared intently at Cheon Woo-jin with cold, calculating eyes.

 

But Cheon Woo-jin didn’t look away.

 

He held his head straight and met Gong Wu’s gaze.

 

“Hehe….”

 

Confirming that Cheon Woo-jin’s will was firm, Gong Wu chuckled softly.

 

“This is why I like Fellow Daoist Cheon. You show the courage to boldly jump in regardless of what dangers might be lurking.”

 

“….”

 

“However….”

 

Gong Wu said while resting his chin on his hand.

 

“The Imperial Archipelago is a place that cannot be approached through conventional methods. Not only teleportation arrays, but even flying there with flight magic is impossible.”

 

“I know that.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

 

“Without the only means of transportation that can cross the True Imperial Sea… the Sea-Crossing Ship, you cannot enter the Imperial Archipelago.”

 

“You know well. Then you must also know that only people whose identities have been properly verified can board the Sea-Crossing Ship?”

 

“That’s right. That’s why I came to request help from Master Gong.”

 

A mercenary operating in Ghost Head City.

 

Moreover, a dangerous individual who had massacred the leadership of the Flame Emperor Sect.

 

There was no way they would allow such a person to approach near the capital.

 

So a new identity was needed.

 

A fake identity that would allow access to the Imperial Archipelago without being stopped by anyone.

 

“You came to the right person for that. I can certainly create such an identity using my connections.”

 

With Gong Wu’s connections built over more than a thousand years of life, such a thing would be a piece of cake.

 

“Then I’d like to ask for your help. As for compensation….”

 

“No compensation is needed. I’m just doing this because I want to help, so don’t worry about it.”

 

Gong Wu smiled, cutting off Cheon Woo-jin’s words.

 

It was an attitude befitting the greatest magnanimous person on the 6th Floor.

 

“Thank you. I’ll definitely repay this debt someday.”

 

“But will it be alright? I think Seo Dou might be disappointed if Fellow Daoist Cheon leaves like that.”

 

“I don’t think that will be the case.”

 

Saying that, Cheon Woo-jin looked toward Seo Seol-ryeong.

 

Indeed, Seo Seol-ryeong showed no particular reaction even after hearing that Cheon Woo-jin was going to the Imperial Archipelago.

 

“Don’t arbitrarily assume other people’s feelings, Fellow Daoist Cheon.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong spoke in a cold voice.

 

“Still, it’s not wrong. There’s no particular reason for me to be disappointed.”

 

“Why is that?”

 

“Because I was also thinking of visiting the Imperial Archipelago.”

 

Gong Wu showed a surprised expression at Seo Seol-ryeong’s statement.

 

But Cheon Woo-jin wasn’t that surprised.

 

He had vaguely sensed it from the moment she said she would come along when visiting Gong Wu.

 

When it comes to connections within Ghost Head City, Seo Seol-ryeong doesn’t fall far behind Gong Wu, but outside Ghost Head City is a different story.

 

If Seo Seol-ryeong wanted to meet Gong Wu, it would be because of matters outside Ghost Head City, and in that case, it was likely for the same reason as Cheon Woo-jin.

 

“You’re following Cheon Daoist? You two get along very well.”

 

“Please don’t misunderstand. I’m not saying I’ll accompany this person.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong spoke in a cold voice.

 

“I also have something I want. I’ll be moving separately from Cheon Daoist.”

 

Just as Cheon Woo-jin was hiding his secrets, Seo Seol-ryeong was also concealing her own purpose.

 

The reason they could continue collaborating while hiding things from each other was because there was solid trust between the two.

 

It was trust that when they joined hands for mutual benefit, they would be more reliable than anyone else.

 

Knowing this, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t express disappointment when Seo Seol-ryeong said she would move separately. Seo Seol-ryeong felt the same way.

 

They knew that the moment their interests aligned, they would join hands and collaborate as if nothing had happened.

 

“Hehe, good.”

 

Gong Wu nodded with a smile.

 

He liked people who had firm will and tried to carve out their own path.

 

Whether it was Seo Seol-ryeong or Cheon Woo-jin, Gong Wu was the kind of person who would help without reservation if they showed him something he liked.

 

“I’ll open the path for you two juniors. Go wild to your heart’s content.”

 

* * *

 

After finishing their meeting with Gong Wu, Cheon Woo-jin and Seo Seol-ryeong left the Moon Red Tower.

 

They had some trouble because other cultivators tried to grab them and make them drink.

 

As they came outside receiving greetings from the gatekeepers, Seo Seol-ryeong tucked her black hair behind her ear and asked.

 

“What will you do from now on?”

 

“Well.”

 

The two stopped for a moment on the night streets of Central Mirror Town.

 

Would it be better to part ways like this, or…

 

“…”

 

Then they felt a chilling presence from around them.

 

Someone was revealing killing intent toward them.

 

“The Taeul Yeokri Sect wouldn’t have sent assassins this quickly.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong muttered quietly.

 

“It seems there are people willing to offer your head voluntarily.”

 

“They could receive considerable compensation for bringing my head.”

 

Replying like that, Cheon Woo-jin quickly scanned the surroundings.

 

Even if they were hiding their bodies, the status window was visible. They were the Decisive Realm cultivators who had been watching Cheon Woo-jin from afar inside the shop.

 

While other cultivators were congratulating and encouraging Cheon Woo-jin, there had also been those watching with malicious eyes.

 

Swoooosh!

 

Wind blades flew through the darkness.

 

Invisible blades rushed from multiple directions, targeting Cheon Woo-jin.

 

But Cheon Woo-jin had already deployed his magic arts.

 

[Lightning Flash]

 

Crack!

 

Watching Cheon Woo-jin escape the encirclement of blades while scattering lightning energy, someone muttered.

 

“He dodged that?”

 

Right after that, a thudding sound was heard.

 

Black water spirit energy extending from Cheon Woo-jin’s shadow had pierced through one of the Decisive Realm cultivators.

 

It was the guy who had just been incredulous about dodging that.

 

“Seo Seol-ryeong, step back.”

 

“That won’t be necessary.”

 

A chilling cold energy was already flowing from Seo Seol-ryeong.

 

“It’ll be faster if we handle them together.”

 

“Since they’re targeting me, you don’t need to help.”

 

“Don’t worry, I’m not thinking of helping for free. I’m not as benevolent as Master Gong.”

 

Hearing that answer, Cheon Woo-jin nodded.

 

“Have you eaten dinner?”

 

“I had a lot to handle today, so I haven’t eaten anything since morning.”

 

Before they knew it, the enemies had revealed themselves and were surrounding them.

 

Though the preemptive attack had failed, they seemed to want to continue their coordinated attack while maintaining the encirclement.

 

Spectators had also gathered around them.

 

In front of the cultivators watching with curious gazes, Cheon Woo-jin spoke in a cold voice.

 

“Then let’s have dinner together afterward. I’ll pay.”

 

“Of course you should.”

 

Crack crack crack!

 

Seo Seol-ryeong suddenly released chilling cold energy around them without warning.

 

Within that, Cheon Woo-jin generated thunder and flew up.

 

He extended a whip of lightning energy toward a man who reflexively stepped back to avoid Seo Seol-ryeong’s cold energy.

 

The whip that writhed like a snake coiled around the man’s right arm, and despite his resistance, it completely burst apart one of his arms.

 

A display of Magic Arts that showed what kind of existence Cheon Woo-jin had become upon reaching the Core Formation Realm.

 

Before the crowd that held their breath, Cheon Woo-jin once again drew out his Lightning Energy in a long arc.

 

That alone was enough to bring fear to the faces of the attackers.

—————
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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