Instant-Death Cultivation: Surviving in an Immortal World with Instant Kill - Chapter 177

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

Chapter 177: Broad Cold Dark Realm (4)

Above the mountain region.

On the White Stage Divine Boat hidden by invisibility techniques, Mujung Soma sighed.

The events that had unfolded on the ground were too shocking.

‘Cheon Daoist, what kind of power did you obtain?’

When Cheon Woo-jin leaped into Snow Flower True Lord’s domain, he had been secretly anxious.

He could tell from afar that he had reached the Nascent Soul realm, but directly fighting Snow Flower True Lord seemed too dangerous.

But Cheon Woo-jin returned leisurely alive.

Seeing that the domain had disappeared, it seemed Cheon Woo-jin had defeated Snow Flower True Lord.

Moreover, Cheon Woo-jin was deploying a pseudo-domain, and its implementation method was unique.

Rather than creating a subspace isolated from the outside, he was creating a domain centered on himself and using its power.

‘That kind of domain… I’ve never seen it before.’

Cheon Woo-jin used the power of that domain to defeat four Nascent Soul Daoists by himself.

Though they were defeated individually because they couldn’t coordinate and attack together, moving separately instead, there were still four Nascent Soul Daoists who couldn’t handle Cheon Woo-jin and were completely annihilated.

Considering that Cheon Woo-jin was still in the early Nascent Soul stage, it was truly a wondrous power.

“Cheon Woo-jin, truly an interesting fellow.”

“…!”

Then a voice was heard from behind Mujung Soma.

Before he knew it, a demonic cultivator wearing a gray hood was floating beside the White Stage Divine Boat.

It was Yowon Gyeon, the Elder Ancestor of the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect, who had been dragged into Snow Flower True Lord’s domain earlier.

“Why are you staring like that? Is it strange that I’m perfectly alive?”

“No.”

Looking at Yowon Gyeon, Mujung Soma spoke in a calm voice.

“I know you’ve mastered the Shell-Shedding Life-Returning Great Technique.”

The Yowon Gyeon who was sucked into Snow Flower True Lord’s domain earlier wasn’t strictly speaking Yowon Gyeon’s main body.

Its true identity was a ‘shed skin’ that Yowon Gyeon had cast off, while the real Yowon Gyeon was waiting at a distant location.

Though called a shed skin, it appeared identical to the real Yowon Gyeon and shared the same personality.

When sucked into the domain and isolated from the outside, the connection with the main body would be severed, but even in that state, Yowon Gyeon’s personality was maintained.

Snow Flower True Lord probably only realized much later that what he was facing was Yowon Gyeon’s shed skin.

“Ho, as expected of the White-Faced Horn Master of the Blood World Demon Sect. You’ve grasped even that?”

Yowon Gyeon flicked his tongue while looking at Mujung Soma’s masked face.

“Why exactly is the White-Faced Horn Master here? Is the Blood World Demon Sect behind this incident?”

“That’s not it. This is purely personal business.”

“Was hunting the fleeing nascent souls also for personal reasons?”

“That’s right.”

In front of Mujung Soma who was making such excuses, Yowon Gyeon shrugged his shoulders and laughed.

“Anyway, it seems you’re not an ally of the Ghost Bone Alliance. That’s enough then.”

“An executive of the Blood World Demon Sect has entered Ghost Head City, and you’re just going to leave it be?”

“I don’t care about such things. And didn’t you say it was personal business unrelated to the Blood World Demon Sect?”

Mujung Soma felt relieved inwardly.

He also thought it was fortunate that it was Yowon Gyeon he encountered.

If this had been So Hyo-bu of the Baekwha-pa, she would have tried to capture Mujung Soma first, setting aside the fight with the Ghost Bone Alliance.

“Anyway, that Cheon Woo-jin fellow is truly remarkable. Don’t you think so?”

“Indeed…”

“The power Cheon Woo-jin used earlier was definitely a domain. But rather than a subspace isolated from the outside, he deployed the domain in normal space.”

Yowon Gyeon also seemed very interested in the domain Cheon Woo-jin had deployed.

“Moreover… this is just my thought, but that’s probably not the completed form.”

“Not the completed form?”

“Right, what he showed just now is likely a half-finished domain that hasn’t been fully completed yet.”

“…”

Indeed, Cheon Woo-jin had just reached the Nascent Soul realm.

Being a hastily constructed domain, its completion level was bound to be lacking.

If Cheon Woo-jin further researched and improved his domain in the future, it could grow into a more powerful domain than now.

“Moreover, Cheon Woo-jin is still in the early Nascent Soul stage. Seeing him display such power while in early Nascent Soul…”

Yowon Gyeon flicked his tongue as if savoring the taste.

“When Cheon Woo-jin climbs up to where we are, he’ll have become a monster that truly no one can touch.”

“…”

How strong would Cheon Woo-jin become if he reached the late Nascent Soul stage?

Mujung Soma imagined it briefly. But he soon stopped.

He felt it was obvious that it would surpass his imagination.

“So… I need to act quickly.”

Then Yowon Gyeon suddenly lowered his voice and muttered to himself.

Could he mean to eliminate Cheon Woo-jin early before he became any stronger?

If Yowon Gyeon harbored such intentions, he needed to stop him in advance.

When Mujung Soma was watching Yowon Gyeon with such judgment.

“I need to quickly make him my son-in-law or granddaughter’s husband.”

“Pardon?”

Mujung Soma was caught off guard.

“Son-in-law or grandson-in-law?”

“Why are you surprised?”

“No, why so suddenly…?”

“It’s not sudden. There have been talks about this for a while now.”

If he became Yowon Gyeon’s son-in-law, it would mean marrying Yo Eun-hui, the Sect Master of the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect.

If he became a grandson-in-law, it would mean marrying one of Yo Eun-hui’s daughters.

“Our Shadow Scale Sunken Sect is a sect of demonic cultivators, but we’re not particularly purist about bloodlines. My daughter Yo Eun-hui is also of mixed blood with the human race. So there would be no problem accepting Cheon Woo-jin’s bloodline.”

“…”

“The talent for cultivation has a high probability of being inherited by children. If I have my daughter or granddaughter bear about ten children with Cheon Woo-jin, we’ll surely be able to salvage at least one of them.”

Mujung Soma felt a headache coming on.

“Yo Clan Elder Ancestor, I believe that person… has a woman he’s close with.”

“As far as I know, she’s neither his Daoist companion nor someone he’s engaged to, right? I heard they’re just working together?”

“But… they might work out well in the future.”

At those words, Yowon Gyeon stared intently at Mujung Soma.

“Mujung Soma, you seem to be quite the romantic type.”

“…”

Mujung Soma kept his mouth shut beneath his mask.

* * *

“Ugh…”

After defeating all the Wonnyeonggyeong Daoists of Ghost Head City.

Cheon Woo-jin, who had released his domain, felt dizzy and staggered.

His limbs lost strength and he couldn’t properly support his body.

He was about to collapse and roll down the mountain, but a large arm extended from beside him and caught Cheon Woo-jin.

“Can’t even take care of your own body? Pathetic bastard.”

The one who caught Cheon Woo-jin was none other than Na Chwi-ryang.

He had been stuck at the mountain slope in the distance, but had somehow rushed over and was now supporting Cheon Woo-jin.

“Use the Six Extremes Heaven Strength Divine Art to readjust your entire body. Then you should at least be able to support yourself.”

“…”

Cheon Woo-jin did as Na Chwi-ryang instructed.

When he circulated his energy according to the incantations of the Six Extremes Heaven Strength Divine Art, he was finally able to support his body.

“Thank you. I survived thanks to you.”

“Hmph, how did someone who can’t even do this much obtain such power?”

Na Chwi-ryang snorted and turned his head away sharply.

“Cheon Woo-jin!”

“Fellow Cheon Daoist…!”

Before long, Yo Eun-hui, Ho Yeon-rin, Gwak Gyeong-in and others had also gathered around.

They were all looking at Cheon Woo-jin with eyes filled with awe.

“Cheon Woo-jin… no, I shouldn’t address you like this anymore.”

Yo Eun-hui clasped her hands together with a respectful attitude.

“I congratulate you on reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, Cheon Daoist.”

“…!”

Seeing Yo Eun-hui showing courtesy first, the others also hurriedly lowered themselves.

However, Cheon Woo-jin coolly shook his head.

“Everyone, please stop. Just because I’ve reached the Nascent Soul Realm doesn’t mean you need to suddenly lower yourselves.”

“But…”

“I wasn’t someone who showed courtesy to seniors in the first place. I have no intention of demanding that you show me courtesy just because I’ve reached a higher realm.”

When Cheon Woo-jin said that, Na Chwi-ryang, who was the only one not lowering himself and just standing with his arms crossed, chuckled.

“Well, that’s how he always was. Even when he was in the Qi Accumulation Stage, he used to speak informally and babble carelessly to me, a Core Formation cultivator.”

“Even among Core Formation cultivators, I showed courtesy in front of Sect Master Yo.”

“Huh? Now that you mention it, this bastard…”

“Anyway.”

Cheon Woo-jin looked around at the other people and said.

“Just because I’ve become Nascent Soul doesn’t mean I have any intention of going around acting arrogant. So please treat me the same as before.”

“Hmm… if that’s Fellow Cheon Daoist’s wish…”

In the Cultivation World, there are those who completely change as if they’ve become different people every time they succeed in advancing their realm.

There are countless cultivators who look down on their former teachers and despise those they used to consider friends.

But Cheon Woo-jin had no desire to do such things.

He had always tried to maintain a consistent attitude in front of his acquaintances, and he planned to continue doing so.

‘Honestly, it would be bothersome too.’

Cheon Woo-jin was growing at a speed incomparable to ordinary cultivators.

If he had to reset relationships every time based on the highs and lows of cultivation realms, it would be too mentally exhausting.

“That’s just like you.”

Then a cold voice was heard from behind.

Seo Seol-ryeong had come close at some point and was looking at Cheon Woo-jin.

“Then I don’t need to change my attitude toward you either. I’ll treat you exactly the same as before, Fellow Cheon Daoist.”

“….”

Upon hearing those words, Cheon Woo-jin closed his mouth for a moment and stared at Seo Seol-ryeong.

Originally, when Cheon Woo-jin first met Seo Seol-ryeong, he was still in the Qi Refining Realm.

Seo Seol-ryeong was a Core Formation Realm cultivator, so there was an immense difference between them.

However, Cheon Woo-jin quickly reached the Foundation Establishment Realm, then became Core Formation Realm, becoming equal to Seo Seol-ryeong.

And finally, he ascended to the Nascent Soul Realm, surpassing Seo Seol-ryeong.

But Cheon Woo-jin didn’t feel particularly proud.

Because there was something he had realized about Seo Seol-ryeong this time.

‘I was wrong about Seo Seol-ryeong.’

In the past, Cheon Woo-jin had never doubted that Seo Seol-ryeong was a Core Formation Realm cultivator.

Because the Status Window clearly displayed her as a Core Formation Realm cultivator.

But recently, Cheon Woo-jin began to suspect that Seo Seol-ryeong might have originally been in the Nascent Soul Realm.

He wondered if she had lost her Nascent Soul Realm power for some reason and weakened to the Core Formation level.

But….

‘Even that was my misconception.’

Earlier, after finishing his Nascent Soul condensation and supporting Seo Seol-ryeong, he realized one possibility.

Cheon Woo-jin’s Divine Consciousness, newly developed upon reaching the Nascent Soul Realm, allowed him to intuitively understand what Seo Seol-ryeong’s true identity was.

‘Seo Seol-ryeong wasn’t even in the Nascent Soul Realm.’

A realm higher than the Nascent Soul Realm.

An existence who had the qualification to ascend to the Upper Realm together with her kin from Mount Miaogushe.

Seo Seol-ryeong was a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator, the highest level in the Lower Realm.

* * *

7th Layer of Ghost Head City.

North Palace Annihilation, the leader of the Ghost Bone Alliance, was performing divination at her main base.

Divination sticks scattered on a wooden board moved here and there, and North Palace Annihilation interpreted their movements to obtain a divination result.

“They’re all dead.”

North Palace Annihilation frowned and overturned the wooden board.

The divination sticks fell to the floor, making a loud noise.

“Tsk tsk, why are you so angry?”

The one who spoke while picking up the scattered divination sticks from the floor was a man accompanied by several dogs.

He wore a benevolent smile as he tried to comfort North Palace Annihilation.

“Things don’t always go well. Don’t be too upset.”

“Don’t speak so easily about others’ affairs, Tan Lan Gu Ma.”

The man’s identity was Tan Lan Gu Ma, a demon head from the Blood World Demon Race.

He was famous for his Grudge Dog sorcery, created by painfully killing dogs and sealing their resentment.

He had previously entered the 7th Layer of Ghost Head City to avoid pursuit from Baekwha-pa, whom he had made enemies with, and was currently under North Palace Annihilation’s protection.

“I thought I could finally secure Seo Seol-ryeong this time… It was my mistake to have expectations of those guys.”

“Seo Seol-ryeong, Seo Seol-ryeong.”

Tan Lan Gu Ma smiled.

“She was a Soul Transformation Realm cultivator from Mount Miaogushe. Is she currently in a state where her power has weakened to the Core Formation level?”

“Tan Lan Gu Ma, how do you know that fact?”

North Palace Annihilation glared at Tan Lan Gu Ma.

The fact that Seo Seol-ryeong was originally in the Soul Transformation Realm was information kept secret from other cultivators in the Ghost Bone Alliance.

Even when Snow Flower True Lord asked why she specifically wanted a dropout like Seo Seol-ryeong, she hadn’t told him.

“Listen here, Daoist North Palace. Why do you think I betrayed the Blood World Demon Race and am acting independently?”

Tan Lan Gu Ma tapped his head with his fingertip.

“Inside my head right now are the secrets of this world. Secrets so valuable that being loyal to the Blood World Demon Race would seem foolish.”

“Tan Lan Gu Ma, you bastard….”

“It seems like the information we know probably has many common parts.”

In front of North Palace Annihilation, who was glaring with a frightening expression, Tan Lan Gu Ma wore a relaxed smile.

“So, Daoist North Palace… How about we join hands in earnest?”

“With you?”

“If we combine our forces, don’t you think we could easily secure someone like Seo Seol-ryeong? I’m confident I’d be more useful than those other Daoists who’ve grown complacent on the 6th Floor.”

“….”

Certainly, Tan Lan Gu Ma would be more useful than the other Daoists in the Ghost Bone Alliance.

After all, he was someone who had roamed the continent as a demon head of the Blood World Demon Race, committing all sorts of evil acts.

But she couldn’t trust Tan Lan Gu Ma’s words at face value either.

As North Palace Annihilation continued to look at him with suspicious eyes, Tan Lan Gu Ma burst into hearty laughter and spoke again.

“I’ll hand Seo Seol-ryeong over to you completely, so don’t worry about anything. I have no need for something like the last descendant of Guye True Person.”

Tan Lan Gu Ma wore a benevolent smile as he petted the dogs at his feet.

“I’ll be satisfied if I can feed Cheon Woo-jin to these guys as dog food.”

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