Instant-Death Cultivation: Surviving in an Immortal World with Instant Kill - Chapter 94

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

Chapter 94: Shadow Scale Sunken Sect (1)

 

 

Cheon Woo-jin had known from the beginning that the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak was scheduled to be delivered to the Flame Emperor Sect.

It was because this part had been described in the Spirit Path Cultivation Chronicle game.

 

Cheol Hwa-jung hadn’t appeared in the game, but it was sufficiently predictable that stealing the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak from Cheol Hwa-jung would make him a target of the Flame Emperor Sect.

 

‘The Flame Emperor Sect will definitely come to Ghost Head City to retrieve the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak. They’ll try to capture Na Chwi-ryang and me to punish us.’

 

While soaking his body in the hot spring water, Cheon Woo-jin recalled the Flame Emperor Sect from the game.

Befitting a sect that specialized in Fire element techniques, they were guys who endlessly poured out wide-range, high-powered magic arts that turned the entire screen red.

 

Even though such guys would enter Ghost Head City to punish him, Cheon Woo-jin remained calm.

Because this was what he had wanted from the beginning.

 

‘Then I can start the fight with the Flame Emperor Sect.’

 

Cheon Woo-jin needed to somehow lure the Flame Emperor Sect to Ghost Head City.

This was related to Cheon Woo-jin reaching the Foundation Establishment stage at too early a time.

 

‘To obtain the spirit materials needed to challenge the Core Formation Realm, I need to use the Flame Emperor Sect as sacrifice.’

 

Just as Foundation Spirit Beasts were needed when challenging Foundation Establishment, Core Formation spirit materials were needed when challenging the Core Formation Realm.

However, unlike Foundation Spirit Beasts where six of each attribute needed to be collected, only exactly two were needed.

 

One could challenge the Core Formation Realm by obtaining one extreme Yin spirit material and one extreme Yang spirit material each.

This was because creating the primordial Taiji by operating Yin and Yang within the body had to precede gathering all spiritual power into one to create a Golden Core.

 

But these spirit materials also had grades.

Using low-grade spirit materials wouldn’t yield great achievements even after creating a Golden Core, but supreme-grade spirit materials would greatly enhance one’s standing as a cultivator.

 

Cheon Woo-jin planned to obtain both extreme Yin and extreme Yang spirit materials at supreme grade.

Supreme-grade extreme Yin spirit materials could be obtained even here in Ghost Head City.

But supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit materials had to be found outside Ghost Head City.

 

And the most reliable method to acquire them at this point was… fighting the Flame Emperor Sect.

 

‘The Flame Emperor Sect’s guardian spirit beast, the Flame Sparrow Po-yeong… Its Golden Core could become a supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit material.’

 

The Flame Sparrow Po-yeong was a guardian deity-like existence that protected the Flame Emperor Sect, similar to the Ten Thousand Night Ice Palace’s Thousand Year Snow Leopard.

It was a divine bird that used the power of fire and possessed extreme Yang power from birth.

 

‘If I wait several decades, I could obtain supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit materials from other places, but at this point, this is the most reliable method.’

 

In the game, it was impossible to reach the Foundation Establishment stage this early.

So Cheon Woo-jin had never tried to acquire supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit materials at this point either.

 

While reviewing information from the game and considering various methods, luring the Flame Emperor Sect to hunt the Flame Sparrow Po-yeong was the most reliable way to acquire supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit materials right now.

Obtaining supreme-grade extreme Yang spirit materials from other places would require waiting and preparing for decades or more, but using the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak as bait to lure the Flame Emperor Sect could create an opportunity right now.

 

‘So hurry and come to Ghost Head City, Jin Si-hyeok.’

 

Jin Si-hyeok.

The sect master of the Flame Emperor Sect who had mastered the Flame Jade Blazing Yang Technique.

 

He was a person with secrets regarding his birth.

Originally, he should have been treated like a precious jewel at the Taeul Yeokri Sect and received gifted education, but due to complicated circumstances, he was entrusted to the Flame Emperor Sect, a branch faction of the Taeul Yeokri Sect.

 

Perhaps because of this, Jin Si-hyeok had a strong desire to step onto the front lines himself and prove his abilities.

He had a tendency to show off his power as if trying to demonstrate it to the mainstream Taeul Yeokri Sect that had not acknowledged him.

 

Since this involved an important Dharma Artifact like the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak, there was a high possibility that Jin Si-hyeok would come to Ghost Head City himself.

Bringing along his guardian spirit beast, the Flame Sparrow Po-yeong.

 

‘Using you as a stepping stone, I will reach the Core Formation Realm.’

 

* * *

 

“We’ve gotten involved in a troublesome matter.”

 

When he returned to Central Mirror Town and told her about the Flame Emperor Sect, Seo Seol-ryeong let out a small sigh.

 

“If the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak was truly an item that should have gone to the Flame Emperor Sect, there’s a high possibility that the Flame Emperor Sect will show up in Ghost Head City soon. Naturally, they’ll try to find and punish Fellow Daoist Cheon. Even if it was Na Chwi-ryang who took the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak.”

 

The Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak had been taken by Na Chwi-ryang for now.

He said he would keep it well stored and decide how to dispose of it later.

 

“The most amicable way to resolve this would be to return the Celestial Silkworm Shadow Cloak to the Flame Emperor Sect. Then we could receive a modest reward as well.”

“Na Chwi-ryang didn’t seem to have any intention of being satisfied with a modest reward.”

“Yes, if he would be satisfied with just that much, he wouldn’t have taken action in the first place. So ultimately, a clash with the Flame Emperor Sect is unavoidable.”

 

After saying that, Seo Seol-ryeong closed her mouth and fell into thought.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“You’re being too calm, Fellow Daoist Cheon.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong pointed out Cheon Woo-jin’s attitude.

 

“You’ve always been calm, but your reaction is too indifferent today. Did you perhaps know from the beginning that it belonged to the Flame Emperor Sect?”

“Was there any way I could have known that at that point?”

 

When Cheon Woo-jin deflected like that, Seo Seol-ryeong sighed again.

 

“If things turn out this way, the sparks could fly to me as well. I’d appreciate it if you could acknowledge that.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Well… it’s also my fault for not investigating beforehand.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong spoke in a stiff voice.

 

“We’ve been quite busy establishing ourselves on the 6th Floor, so information gathering hasn’t been as smooth as before. Under normal circumstances, I would have noticed the Flame Emperor Gate’s involvement and addressed it in advance.”

“….”

“Missing this is something I should apologize for.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

 

“It’s not something you need to apologize for. I’m also at fault for accepting immediately without giving enough time to investigate.”

“That’s… your freedom.”

“If we keep dwelling on this, there’ll be no end to it. I’d prefer we discuss something more productive.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong nodded in agreement.

 

“Then let’s talk about our future plans.”

“Let’s do that.”

“If the Flame Emperor Gate appears, various forces within Ghost Head City will have no choice but to react. While some will oppose them, there will certainly be forces trying to establish friendly relations with the Flame Emperor Gate through this opportunity.”

 

A similar situation had occurred when the Mad World Yin Spirit Sect advanced into Ghost Head City.

There were sects like the Demon Slaying Gate that completely submitted under the Mad World Yin Spirit Sect.

 

“In that case, not only the Flame Emperor Gate but also forces trying to curry favor with them could turn against Fellow Daoist Cheon.”

“That would be quite troublesome.”

“Besides that…”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong went through the various situations that could unfold if the Flame Emperor Gate appeared in Ghost Head City.

Among them were things that Cheon Woo-jin hadn’t fully considered.

 

“Considering these points… it might be better to simply evacuate outside Ghost Head City for about a year. Then the Flame Emperor Gate would focus on catching Na Chwi-ryang first, and Fellow Daoist Cheon might be overlooked.”

“That’s not possible.”

 

Cheon Woo-jin shook his head.

 

“No matter how threatening the Flame Emperor Gate is, I don’t want to run away from them. I’d rather face them head-on directly.”

“I expected you would say that, Fellow Daoist Cheon.”

 

Just as Gong Wu had said at the Moon Red Pavilion.

Cheon Woo-jin intended to walk his own path and maintain his true self regardless of any danger.

He believed there was a future that could only be obtained by advancing with such determination.

 

“I understand. Then I’ll keep that in mind and do my best as well.”

“Don’t worry too much about my affairs. You must have your own things to do.”

“At this point, the most important thing for me is you, Fellow Daoist Cheon.”

 

Saying this, Seo Seol-ryeong held out a thick bundle of papers.

 

“This is a list of people who have been trying to commission work from Fellow Daoist Cheon. I’ve marked the cases that could be of great help to you in the future, so please take a look. I’ve also compiled various information related to the commissions.”

“You created such detailed materials when only a few days have passed?”

“I told you it was the most important matter.”

 

Seo Seol-ryeong spoke in a cold voice.

 

“You’ll also need to receive training in the Body Refinement Technique from Na Chwi-ryang, right?”

“That’s the reward for this job, so naturally I should.”

“Then you can proceed with work in parallel with that. For now, what I’d like to recommend is…”

 

The Flame Emperor Gate would appear in Ghost Head City soon.

They needed to prepare as much as possible until then.

 

* * *

 

Five days later.

Cheon Woo-jin left Central Mirror Town and headed to the wetland region.

This was because he had promised to receive training in the Six Extremes Heaven Strong Divine Art from Na Chwi-ryang.

 

The wetland region of the 6th Floor was where the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect’s Main Hall was located, an area where various monsters appeared.

Particularly, many insect-type monsters and reptilian monsters appeared there.

 

Originally, these monsters and monster cultivators like Na Chwi-ryang were of the same species.

Na Chwi-ryang was of the same species as the lizard monsters that attacked humans in swamps, but he possessed a personality no different from humans.

This was because he had awakened as a being with intelligence after being stimulated by the spiritual energy of heaven and earth.

 

The Shadow Scale Sunken Sect was a sect of monster cultivators who had acquired intelligence in this acquired manner.

 

“That human walking over there… is that the guy from back then?”

“Right, that’s the Qi Accumulation Stage cultivator who caused us so much damage in Central Mirror Town.”

 

As Cheon Woo-jin approached the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect, the monster cultivators began whispering among themselves.

However, none of them came forward to pick a fight.

This was because many cultivators had directly experienced Cheon Woo-jin’s abilities in the battle over the Ghost Spirit Summoning Banner.

 

“Is that guy really that strong? Should I try challenging him to a match?”

“Forget it. He’s a skilled fighter even Senior Brother Na acknowledges. With your abilities, you’ll only be humiliated.”

“He’s a monster who kills Core Formation Realm cultivators without batting an eye despite still being in Qi Accumulation Stage. He’s truly frightening.”

 

Everyone just whispered while looking at Cheon Woo-jin, but no one approached him.

 

Thanks to this, Cheon Woo-jin had no choice but to stand around awkwardly near the entrance of the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect.

 

‘I wish someone would guide me.’

 

Even when he looked around trying to ask for guidance, everyone avoided Cheon Woo-jin’s eyes.

Unfortunately, the Shadow Scale Sunken Sect didn’t even have a gatekeeper guarding the entrance, so he couldn’t tell who to approach.

 

“Why is everyone so frightened?”

 

Just then.

A weighty voice came from inside.

A woman with silver hair wearing a white wide-sleeved robe was approaching.

At first glance, she was a beauty with neat features and clean skin, but silver scales were visible below her neck.

 

“S-Sect Master!”

“We greet the Sect Master!”

 

The demon cultivators hastily cleared the way and bowed in greeting.

 

Watching her approach with her flowing sleeves fluttering, Cheon Woo-jin bit his lips.

Unlike the demons around her, she had an appearance close to human, but she could be called the greatest monster among all the cultivators here.

 

[Yo Eun-hee ]

* Race: Demon Race

* Age: 354 years

* Realm: Core Formation Realm Great Perfection

* Constitution: Earth Spirit Root, Serpent King Body

* Faction: Black Gate

* Affiliation: Shadow Scale Sunken Sect

* Destiny: Love of Family

 

As could be seen from her Serpent King Body constitution, her true identity was a snake demon.

 

‘Yo Eun-hee… The Sect Master of Shadow Scale Sunken Sect and the only daughter of the previous Sect Master, Yo Won-gyeon.’

 

Cheon Woo-jin had briefly seen Yo Won-gyeon during the Ghost Spirit Radiance Domain Banner incident.

Yo Won-gyeon had looked at Cheon Woo-jin and said, ‘Come visit Shadow Scale Sunken Sect later. I’ll treat you well.’

 

Perhaps Yo Won-gyeon had told his daughter Yo Eun-hee about this in advance.

 

“Did you come to see Na Chwi-ryang?”

“That’s right.”

 

Yo Eun-hee approached Cheon Woo-jin and smiled, raising one corner of her mouth.

It was a bewitching smile that befitted a snake demon.

 

“That fellow is currently being punished.”

“Punished?”

“He created unnecessary trouble. Things are already chaotic in various ways lately, so why does he have to create such headaches.”

 

Whether he had revealed it himself or not, it seemed she had heard from Na Chwi-ryang about the expected conflict with the Flame Emperor Gate.

 

But… chaotic in various ways.

Was it because of the power structure reorganization on the 6th Floor due to Ten Thousand Night Ice Palace’s downfall?

Or was it because of the great upheaval that would soon occur over the next Emperor’s position in Wei Jin Kingdom?

 

“What kind of punishment exactly…”

“It’s nothing too serious, so don’t worry. Once his punishment time is over, he’ll pop out with a nonchalant face anyway. There’s about one more hour left, so if you want to meet Na Chwi-ryang, wait until then.”

“One hour… I understand.”

 

When Cheon Woo-jin nodded, Yo Eun-hee leaned forward.

 

“Father told you to come visit Shadow Scale Sunken Sect, didn’t he?”

 

Yo Eun-hee, being a snake demon, was about two or three heads taller than Cheon Woo-jin.

She looked down at Cheon Woo-jin’s face as she spoke.

 

“He promised to treat you well, so I must keep that promise.”

“There’s no need to go out of your way to treat me…”

“Follow me, Cheon Woo-jin.”

 

Cutting off Cheon Woo-jin’s words as he was about to say he would just wait outside, Yo Eun-hee turned around and began walking inward.

 

“I’ll treat you lavishly, hoho.”

 

Flick.

She flicked her forked red tongue.

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