Instant-Death Cultivation: Surviving in an Immortal World with Instant Kill - Chapter 181
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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 181: Upper Levels (2)
Yowon Gyeon seemed to be trying to make Cheon Woo-jin his son-in-law or granddaughter’s husband.
Yo Eun-hui had made advances before, but he never expected Yowon Gyeon to have his eye on him too.
“Elder Ancestor, I expressed my refusal when Sect Master Yo Eun-hui made that proposal last time as well.”
Cheon Woo-jin explained carefully.
“As I mentioned then, I don’t have any particular thoughts about marriage…”
“Oh my, that’s a bit different from what I heard.”
Yowon Gyeon interrupted Cheon Woo-jin mid-sentence.
“I heard from Yo Eun-hui that you refused because it was difficult due to your relationship with that Seo Seol-ryeong over there?”
“What?”
Suddenly his spine went cold.
Seo Seol-ryeong was facing Cheon Woo-jin with her blindfolded face and a chilly expression.
“Oh my, so you were using me as an excuse to refuse marriage proposals, Cheon Daoist.”
“…”
In fact, it wasn’t Cheon Woo-jin who had mentioned Seo Seol-ryeong first to refuse.
Na Chwi-ryang had arbitrarily blabbered that ‘Cheon Woo-jin already has Seo Seol-ryeong so it won’t work,’ and Yo Eun-hui, hearing this, backed down saying ‘I have no hobby of stealing a man who already has an owner.’
At that time, Cheon Woo-jin had just remained silent without either confirming or denying it.
But explaining all those circumstances in detail would be a pathetic affair.
“Elder Ancestor, this person and I are merely in a cooperative relationship. So feel free to take him away.”
“Ooh, I thought so.”
Yowon Gyeon smiled meaningfully.
Seeing that expression, Cheon Woo-jin realized that Yowon Gyeon had deliberately steered the conversation this way.
Yowon Gyeon must have already confirmed that Cheon Woo-jin and Seo Seol-ryeong were neither in a romantic relationship nor engaged.
Knowing this, he had deliberately brought up the topic in front of Seo Seol-ryeong to make her deny it with her own mouth.
It was a strategy to eliminate any escape route for Cheon Woo-jin.
‘This has become troublesome.’
Cheon Woo-jin needed Yowon Gyeon’s power.
Yowon Gyeon, a late Won Yeong-gyeong demonic cultivator, not only had excellent combat abilities but could also easily annihilate souls with his sonic attacks from the Musk Deer True Rain technique.
Moreover, he had even mastered the Molting Rebirth Great Method, a shedding technique.
Since he was essential military strength for the fight against North Palace Annihilation and Tan Lan Gu Ma, he wanted to maintain the most amicable relationship possible.
Therefore, it would be difficult to coldly refuse by saying ‘I have absolutely no intention of becoming a son-in-law of the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect.’
“Ahem, how about we discuss such matters later?”
Just then.
Mujung Soma, who had been quietly observing, cleared his throat and interjected.
“It seems demons are gathering around us right now. Unlike the insect cultivator who attacked earlier, these appear to be demons that live purely on instinct. They seem to be rushing here quickly to not miss prey that has appeared after a long time.”
At those words, the others also surveyed their surroundings.
Indeed, presences could be felt from around them.
“We don’t have the luxury to dawdle here chatting. Let’s advance immediately.”
“Hmm, Seong Jun’s words seem right.”
So Hyo-bu of the Baihua Sect also nodded in agreement.
Eventually the conversation was suspended, and they decided to break through the swarming demons and move to their primary destination.
“You should all be sufficiently recovered, so show your strength here.”
“Yes, Sect Master!”
The Baihua Sect disciples including Ju Yang responded to So Hyo-bu’s command and swung their swords.
Although they couldn’t participate in the fight against Snow Flower True Lord due to damage suffered from Azure Wind Valley Master Yu Jin-bong, they had all recovered now and were engaging in battle.
Moreover…
“I’ll reduce their numbers.”
Whoooong!
When So Hyo-bu swung her sword, massive sword qi sliced across space.
Immediately after, more than 80% of the demons swarming in front were annihilated.
Since So Hyo-bu was also late Won Yeong-gyeong, her pure combat power was by no means inferior to Yowon Gyeon’s.
Honestly, So Hyo-bu alone could probably easily destroy an entire sect.
‘However… the problem is that the enemies we’ll have to face from now on are also at that level.’
Currently on the 7th Layer were North Palace Annihilation and Tan Lan Gu Ma.
Moreover, North Palace Annihilation could mobilize other Won Yeong-gyeong cultivators belonging to the Bone Ghost Alliance.
Even with Yowon Gyeon and So Hyo-bu present, it wasn’t a situation where they could feel at ease.
‘At least it’s fortunate that Mujung Soma is here.’
Cheon Woo-jin glanced at Mujung Soma.
Though Mujung Soma was disguising himself as an ordinary Gyeoldan-gyeong cultivator, he was actually late Won Yeong-gyeong like Yowon Gyeon and So Hyo-bu.
His pure combat power was even a step above those two.
Among the people here now, he could be considered the most reliable military strength.
“Cheon Daoist.”
Then Mujung Soma approached Cheon Woo-jin and whispered in a low voice.
“I had a brief conversation with the Yo Elder Ancestor recently, and he seemed to be seriously targeting Cheon Daoist.”
“As a son-in-law?”
“I tried to bring up Seo Daoist’s matter and handle it well somehow, but it was no use.”
“…”
Beside the silent Cheon Woo-jin, Mujung Soma let out a sigh.
“Cheon Daoist, this doesn’t seem like something we can just brush off.”
“Do you think the Yo Elder Ancestor is that serious about it?”
“Isn’t it unusual for an Elder Ancestor who retired from sect affairs to come forward so actively?”
“….”
Mujung Soma’s words had merit.
Typical Elder Ancestors are people who entrust their affairs to juniors and live in seclusion.
Since they withdrew from the front lines to focus on their own cultivation, they usually show little interest in the sect’s major or minor affairs.
There are plenty of Elder Ancestors who show no interest whether their sect prospers or perishes.
Making Cheon Woo-jin the son-in-law of the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect should be something for the current Sect Master Yo Eun-hui to handle.
It was unusual for the former Sect Master Yowon Gyeon to show such interest.
“There might be some special reason.”
“A special reason….”
Cheon Woo-jin pulled up information about Yowon Gyeon from his memory.
But no matter how much he searched his memories, no information that could serve as a hint came to mind.
‘He was a character I couldn’t properly interact with in the game.’
The Shadow Scale Sunken Sect’s Elder Ancestor, Yowon Gyeon.
He was a character who would somehow end up dead on his own while playing the game.
* * *
“Is it true that Mujung Soma was on the 6th Floor?”
“It’s true, North Palace Daoist.”
Tan Lan Gu Ma, who had returned to North Palace Annihilation’s ruins, grumbled as he sat down in a chair.
“Thanks to that, I lost one of my precious servant dogs. Quite regrettable.”
“Why on earth did Mujung Soma enter Ghost Head City? Did he perhaps receive orders to assassinate you?”
“That’s possible, or it could simply be for information gathering.”
Information gathering in the Blood World Demon Sect is handled by the Hundred Faces Division.
Since Mujung Soma is the division head of the Hundred Faces Division, he might have infiltrated to gather information from inside Ghost Head City.
“Tell me Mujung Soma’s appearance and features. I think we need to use people to monitor his movements.”
“It won’t be much use. He’s someone who constantly changes his appearance.”
Even as he said this, Tan Lan Gu Ma took out a brush and paper from his spatial storage and began drawing the appearance of Mujung Soma he had seen.
“If Mujung Soma entered Ghost Head City to eliminate you, you’ll be attacked by both Baekwha-pa and Mujung Soma.”
“Don’t say such things. Just imagining it makes me tired.”
Tan Lan Gu Ma let out a sigh.
“At least it’s fortunate that both sides won’t join hands to attack me.”
“Is that so?”
“Baekwha-pa isn’t a sect that would tolerate a demon like Mujung Soma. If Mujung Soma appeared before them, they’d put pursuing me on hold and try to kill him first.”
“Well, that makes sense too.”
While they were having such a conversation.
The bell hanging from North Palace Annihilation’s waist suddenly rang with a jingling sound.
“What’s that?”
“Don’t tell me….”
North Palace Annihilation hurriedly took out divination sticks and performed divination.
And soon her eyes widened greatly.
“Did something happen?”
“It seems Cheon Woo-jin and Seo Seol-ryeong have come up to the 7th Layer.”
“What?”
“There’s no doubt. Moreover… it appears they brought Baekwha-pa’s So Hyo-bu and Shadow Scale Sunken Sect’s Yowon Gyeon with them.”
North Palace Annihilation made a serious expression while mentioning that two Nascent Soul experts were accompanying them.
“Besides that, about forty people are moving together, which are probably Baekwha-pa’s disciples. They must have swarmed up to the 7th Layer to catch you.”
“Oh my….”
Tan Lan Gu Ma covered his face with both hands.
“North Palace Daoist, is that all? Is there no other information?”
“I can’t find out everything with my divination. This is the limit for now.”
What kind of plan they’re moving with.
Whether they have any hidden trump cards.
Such information couldn’t be known at all.
He could only obtain information glimpsed briefly.
To get more detailed information, preparation would be needed.
“I was wondering how to capture Cheon Woo-jin and Seo Seol-ryeong on the 6th Floor… but for them to come up to the 7th Layer themselves, I’ll have to rethink our strategy from scratch.”
“The fact that they came up to the 7th Layer… means they came up to fight us, right?”
“Yes, there’s a high possibility they noticed we’ve already joined hands.”
At North Palace Annihilation’s words, Tan Lan Gu Ma stroked his chin.
“I understand Cheon Woo-jin and Baekwha-pa cooperating to catch us two… but why did Yowon Gyeon get involved? I heard he interfered when Snow Flower True Lord went down last time too.”
“He must have ulterior motives.”
Tan Lan Gu Ma revealed his speculation.
“He’s probably trying to steal Cheon Woo-jin’s body to attempt possession.”
“Possession?”
Tan Lan Gu Ma showed a surprised expression.
“What, Yowon Gyeon is also aiming for body possession? That doesn’t make sense.”
“Why do you think that?”
“For Yowon Gyeon, a snake demon, to steal the body of Cheon Woo-jin, an ordinary human, would be dangerous. There’s no need to take such a risk by abandoning the Snake King Body.”
At Tan Lan Gu Ma’s question, North Palace Annihilation chuckled.
“You claim to know a lot, but you really don’t know much about the internal affairs of Ghost Head City.”
“What?”
“Tan Lan Gu Ma, Yowon Gyeon has circumstances that require body possession.”
North Palace Annihilation interlaced her withered fingers as she spoke.
“Yowon Gyeon will never reach Avatar Mirror. He’ll even die before ascending to Won Yeong-gyeong Arena.”
“…!”
At this confident statement, Tan Lan Gu Ma’s eyes widened.
“Then you’re saying Yowon Gyeon has been cooperating with the intention of betraying Cheon Woo-jin from the start?”
* * *
After breaking through the demons gathered around the teleportation array, Cheon Woo-jin’s group discovered a massive structure in the middle of the desert region.
From a distance, it looked like a tall tower had collapsed, but it was actually the corpse of a gigantic demon.
Since a long time had passed and it had weathered, only parts of the hide and skeleton remained.
“Let’s take shelter inside there and rest while avoiding the sandstorm.”
When Seo Seol-ryeong suggested this, everyone nodded.
Since fierce sandstorms had been blowing for a while, they needed a space where they could rest.
“What kind of sandstorm is this vicious…”
As could be seen from even Ju Yang, a Core Formation Realm Arena cultivator, struggling, this sandstorm was not a simple natural phenomenon.
Since it was no different from a powerful magic arts attack, to pass through that sandstorm, one had to continuously deploy defensive magic.
Since stamina and spiritual power were consumed in large quantities, they needed to rest intermittently.
“I’ll create a barrier using the demon’s corpse.”
When Seo Seol-ryeong created a barrier to block the sandstorm, a comfortable space was finally created.
Thanks to this, everyone could catch their breath and rest.
Cheon Woo-jin was about to do some qi circulation cultivation, but someone approached him first.
“Cheon Woo-jin, let’s talk for a moment.”
Yowon Gyeon called out to Cheon Woo-jin.
Cheon Woo-jin briefly exchanged glances with Seo Seol-ryeong and Mujung Soma before following Yowon Gyeon.
Was he planning to seriously discuss taking him as a son-in-law?
“It seems you’ve gained tremendous power upon reaching Won Yeong-gyeong.”
But the topic Yowon Gyeon brought up was different.
“But when you faced those Won Yeong-gyeong cultivators last time, you didn’t use lightning energy. Why was that?”
“That’s… because the power of my domain alone was sufficient to subdue the enemies.”
“Do you plan to continue using only your domain’s power? Won’t your spiritual power be easily depleted that way?”
“….”
Certainly, the Broad Cold Dark Realm was a powerful force.
But in exchange, it consumed massive amounts of spiritual power.
Even deploying the domain in just a 1-zhang radius space caused spiritual power to be rapidly depleted.
“When breaking through the demons earlier, you didn’t use lightning energy either. I thought you were famous for using lightning energy well before.”
“To be honest… the lightning attribute technique I’ve been using until now isn’t suitable for Won Yeong-gyeong level.”
The Thunder Spirit Great Evolution Art he had been using was originally a technique created by Thunder Spirit True Person during his Foundation Establishment stage.
Since it was far superior to ordinary Foundation Establishment techniques, it could be used sufficiently even during Core Formation Realm, but honestly, it was inadequate after ascending to Won Yeong-gyeong.
“Cheon Woo-jin, then…”
Yowon Gyeon met Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes as he spoke.
“What would you do if I gave you a lightning attribute technique suitable for Won Yeong-gyeong? It’s a technique from Thunder Spirit True Person, who made his name as Thunder Lightning in the distant past.”
“…!”
Thunder Spirit True Person’s Won Yeong-gyeong technique!
That must be the Extreme Thunder Realm Shaking Art, the superior technique to Thunder Spirit Great Evolution Art.
In the game, it was a technique that could be obtained from the 8th floor and above of Ghost Head City, but who would have thought Yowon Gyeon had secured it.
‘Right, Yowon Gyeon was also a Won Yeong-gyeong monster who operated in the upper levels of Ghost Head City.’
Yowon Gyeon was a late Won Yeong-gyeong stage Daoist who had lived for hundreds of years, and also an Elder Ancestor of a major sect counted among the best in Ghost Head City.
It wouldn’t be strange if he had obtained and hidden away powerful techniques.
If he could obtain the Extreme Thunder Realm Shaking Art through Yowon Gyeon, Cheon Woo-jin would be able to unleash lightning energy befitting Won Yeong-gyeong level.
“However, there’s one condition.”
As if there was no such thing as free, Yowon Gyeon raised one finger.
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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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