The Chaotic Immortal Wood Sect: Immortal Cultivation War - Chapter 18
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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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18. Leaving the Mystic Realm, We Strangely Arrived in Nok Province
Hang-o Realm.
This is the name for the world where Kang Hyeon and In Deok were born and raised, but those who know this are generally people from outside the Hang-o Realm.
One must know that there are thousands of realms in the Daecheon World to understand that naming each individual realm has meaning.
Therefore, those without awareness of realms live in the Hang-o Realm without knowing that the place they live is the Hang-o Realm.
Given these circumstances, how could one blame Kang Hyeon and In Deok for living without knowing about the Hang-o Realm?
Even Kang Hyeon and In Deok didn’t know exactly what other countries bordered their nation until they were dragged to the Great Unity Festival.
So how could they have imagined the scale of the Twelve Sects, which encompass several or even half a dozen ordinary nations as their territory?
The problem is that even such Twelve Sects are merely mediocre when viewed from the perspective of the entire Cultivation World of the Hang-o Realm.
Since there are no sect masters or elders among the various sects who have reached the Incarnation Stage, how could they raise their voices in the Cultivation World of the Hang-o Realm?
“So you’re saying we can’t tell where the outside is?”
In Deok asked Kang Hyeon again.
“That’s what I’m saying. At least it doesn’t seem to be Hyeop Province where the Twelve Sects are located.”
“It’s not just some slightly distant region, but different on a continental scale?”
“Hyeop Province where we were has mostly deep gorges and volcanic terrain. Well, where we lived was relatively ordinary, but generally Hyeop Province is like that.”
“When we learned in the Tower, that’s how we were taught.”
“But when I examined outside the spatial rift, I couldn’t see such characteristics of Hyeop Province there.”
“Isn’t it because you only saw a part of it?”
“I may only be at the Great Perfection of the Spiritual Energy Technique, but I observed the world with a cultivator’s perspective. This is the result of examining even the nature of the flowing spiritual energy. The composition of spiritual energy is different from Hyeop Province.”
“If it were Hyeop Province, earth and fire attributes would be strong. And water attribute would be particularly weak.”
In Deok also speculated and listed the general attribute distribution of spiritual energy in Hyeop Province.
“Right. Due to the environmental characteristics of Hyeop Province, the spiritual energy inevitably takes on a similar appearance. But outside the spatial rift we discovered, wood and water attributes are strong, and it’s a place overflowing with vitality.”
“Huh? If such spiritual energy is average, doesn’t that mean outside there is Nok Province?”
“The probability is high.”
“Wow, I’ve never properly toured even Hyeop Province where I was born, and now I’m suddenly going to end up in Nok Province?”
In Deok muttered with a dazed expression as if he couldn’t believe it.
“Nok Province is to the east of Cheon Province, the center of the world, and Hyeop Province is to the south of Cheon Province, so if we go to Nok Province, returning to Hyeop Province won’t be easy.”
“We wouldn’t just cross a continent. We’d have to cross the ocean too, right?”
“That would be the case. They said there are oceans between each continent.”
“This is driving me crazy. How about we look for other spatial rifts?”
In Deok asked with a thoroughly reluctant expression upon hearing that the spatial rift they had been examining led to Nok Province.
But Kang Hyeon shook his head.
“Finding other spatial rifts is also difficult, but even if we find them, those spatial rifts would also likely be connected to Nok Province.”
“No, why!? How come?”
“You know too. The spatial rifts created by Mystic Realms have fixed destinations.”
“Of course I know that.”
“And generally, the destinations of spatial rifts rarely become farther apart than the size of the Mystic Realm itself.”
“So since the width of this Mystic Realm can’t be larger than Nok Province, whatever spatial rift we find will inevitably be connected to Nok Province?”
“Originally there would have been spatial rifts connected to Hyeop Province where we were, but those were created by the small Mystic Realm where the Great Unity Festival was held, and this large Mystic Realm should be seen as connected to Nok Province.”
“But now that the two Mystic Realms have become one, we can’t expect spatial rifts to Hyeop Province?”
“It’s a situation where the big one devoured the small one, so would it have left the breathing holes of the small one? Moreover, although the Twelve Sects closed the Tower and hastily withdrew, no one has entered again since then, which clearly means they couldn’t find the spatial rifts.”
“Haaa. So it means we have no other choice.”
In Deok realized there was no choice and groaned while sighing.
“I’m sorry the result turned out this way, but it can’t be helped.”
“It’s not really your fault, Kang Hyeon.”
“Anyway, we’ll have to go outside someday, so I told you to let you know.”
“Hmm, it doesn’t seem like we’re going out right away?”
“There’s no reason to hurry.”
“Hahaha. That’s true. With such a good cultivation environment, there’s no need to rush into gambling. Who knows what dangerous situation we might encounter if we go outside.”
“At least around where the spatial rift opens, there seemed to be no danger at all. I didn’t sense any beings with strong spiritual energy. However, the overall spiritual energy and vitality itself is very dense, so it’s a bit unsettling.”
“The spiritual energy is dense but there are no beings with particular spiritual energy? That’s really suspicious. It could be dangerous.”
At Kang Hyeon’s words, In Deok’s expression hardened.
Places with dense spiritual energy always have their owners.
If there isn’t one, it’s either temporarily ownerless due to being defeated by enemies, or the territory owner is so far away that Kang Hyeon can’t detect them.
But in the latter case, if they’re so far that Kang Hyeon can’t sense them, it means they occupy such a vast territory.
Naturally, that would mean they’re strong enough to occupy such a vast territory.
In Deok also guessed such facts and his expression darkened.
“It’s okay. Don’t worry too much. I’m planning to scout more carefully through Trent.”
Kang Hyeon carefully comforted the anxious In Deok.
He was worried it might be troublesome if In Deok started insisting he would absolutely never go out.
And after several more years passed since learning that outside the spatial rift he discovered was likely Nok Province.
“You’ve also reached Great Perfection now, so it’s time to go.”
Kang Hyeon made up his mind to leave the Mystic Realm and notified In Deok.
In Deok had been suffering under Kang Hyeon’s training and only cultivating, so he had been singing about wanting to go outside the spatial rift instead.
Perhaps because of that, In Deok instantly organized his belongings into his storage pouch and rushed to the front of the spatial rift.
“We’re finally going.”
“Since you worked hard and finally reached the Great Perfection of the Spiritual Energy Technique, it’s time to go.”
“If we try to do Foundation Establishment here, we might draw the attention of those six monsters over there, right?”
“Doing such realm advancement inside the Mystic Realm is dangerous. While the Spiritual Energy Technique might be fine, Foundation Establishment advancement inevitably draws the attention of other demonic beasts or magical beasts, and there’s a high possibility those monsters fighting over territory would also take interest.”
“Then we might end up becoming food for the monsters.”
“Right. Since you know this story, let’s not talk long and just go out.”
“Uh, y-yeah.”
In Deok felt embarrassed to show reluctance now, so he stood beside Kang Hyeon as if nothing was wrong.
“You know, but spatial rifts have many unstable aspects. So when passing through, the physical burden becomes tremendously heavy. They said you could lose limbs or suffer serious injuries if you’re not careful.”
“I know. But it shouldn’t be able to penetrate my Diamond Body Protection Technique, right?”
“Right. Since you’ve also reached the Great Perfection of the Spiritual Energy Technique, you won’t get hurt if you just maintain the Diamond Body Protection Technique well.”
“Rather, I’m worried about you, Kang Hyeon.”
“Me? Are you ignoring my Ancient Wood Armor right now?”
“Honestly, it’s true that it’s weaker than my skin strengthened with the Diamond Body Protection Technique.”
“Your Diamond Body Protection competes with raw power, while my Ancient Wood Armor endures with decent defense and tremendous regeneration – how can you even compare them? They’re completely different in nature.”
“Even so, you can’t match my defensive power. That’s certain.”
“Fine. So absolutely don’t get hurt and cross over safely.”
“Huh? You want me to go in now?”
“Well, is there anything else we need to do? Someone you need to say goodbye to?”
“No, nothing like that, but.”
“Hurry up and go in. I’ll follow right behind you.”
“Okay.”
“And when you get inside, there will be Trent’s vines in the passage. Follow those. Don’t slip off into other gaps.”
“Yeah, yeah. I know. I remember.”
When Kang Hyeon’s nagging started again, In Deok jumped in surprise and immediately leaped into the spatial rift.
Though he hesitated briefly, he recalled Kang Hyeon’s repeated assurances that it would be safe, squeezed his eyes shut, and jumped in.
***
Eung Ryeong, one of the five elders of Blue Wood Academy, coughed up blood and collapsed in the depths of Spirit Wood Sea.
“Kugh!”
But staying like this would catch the attention of his pursuers and lead to a grim end.
Eung Ryeong drew Wood Spiritual Energy from his Spiritual Root, cracked like a drought-stricken Rice Field, and activated the formation flag in his sleeve.
The flag was shaped like a leafy tree branch, actually made from a branch of the Wood Soul Tree, Blue Wood Academy’s guardian tree.
The Wood Soul Tree was a divine tree over 10,000 years old, like the very foundation of Blue Wood Academy.
The Wood Soul Tree not only contained powerful Wood Spiritual Energy, but also had the power to absorb and command enemy souls.
Thus, the branch with which Eung Ryeong now deployed the Blue Wood Circulation Formation also contained a soul, greatly enhancing the formation’s effects.
‘The Blue Wood Circulation Formation not only harmonizes with surrounding trees to conceal one’s presence, but is fundamentally a formation that aids physical recovery and wound healing. So if I can endure without being discovered, I should be able to overcome this danger.’
Elder Eung Ryeong desperately hoped this would be the case, but ultimately couldn’t hold onto his fading consciousness and let it slip away.
Thus, while Elder Eung Ryeong lay unconscious in the Blue Wood Circulation Formation, his pursuers quickly passed by nearby.
The pursuers hadn’t thought Eung Ryeong’s condition would be so poor, and never expected he would take the risk of deploying a formation to hide.
Thanks to this, the unconscious Eung Ryeong was able to enjoy the brief fortune of avoiding danger.
But then, beside the collapsed Elder Eung Ryeong, a spatial distortion formed within the Blue Wood Circulation Formation.
Wooooong! Woooong!
“Ouch!”
“Tsk, you should have stayed alert until the end.”
In Deok burst out of the Twisted Space as if thrown and crashed into the ground, while Kang Hyeon descended gracefully beside him.
In Deok’s entire body was shimmering golden, and Kang Hyeon’s body was wrapped in armor resembling old tree bark.
This was the result of invoking the Diamond Body Protection Technique and Ancient Wood Armor.
“Huh? There’s someone collapsed here?”
“Sigh, what is this now? We’re inside someone’s formation right now?”
In Deok discovered Elder Eung Ryeong, and Kang Hyeon recognized the Wood Element Formation spread around them.
“Kang Hyeon, this person is in danger!”
“Huh?”
“He looks like he’s about to die.”
In Deok urgently shouted to Kang Hyeon.
Kang Hyeon went to In Deok’s side and examined the condition of Eung Ryeong, who was leaning against a tree.
“Not only his Spiritual Energy but even his innate vital energy has dried up. It would be difficult for him to survive on his own like this.”
“Then what do we do?”
“Hmm. I think it’s important why this person was collapsed here. To reach this state, he must have fought fiercely for a long time, or fled for an extended period, or done both simultaneously.”
“So there’s a high chance he’s being pursued? And since there might be people chasing him nearby, we could also be in danger if we get involved?”
In Deok immediately understood Kang Hyeon’s words and muttered.
“Right. So what should we do now?”
Kang Hyeon asked for In Deok’s opinion.
“You said it yourself. That the Cultivation World is a dangerous place.”
“So?”
“But even so, you, Kang Hyeon, wouldn’t cross the line first, right? Then as your friend, I should do the same.”
“So you want to save him first and see what happens?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Alright. I understand.”
Recognizing that In Deok’s decision was firm, Kang Hyeon immediately took out a Spirit Fruit from his sleeve.
It was a Spirit Fruit produced by Trent, containing both Wood Spiritual Energy and life force.
“You’re going to feed him that?”
In Deok also recognized that the Spirit Fruit was kept for emergencies and asked with a surprised expression.
“Without something this potent, it would be difficult for him to recover. And this elder seems to cultivate Wood Spiritual Energy, so this could be the perfect remedy.”
Saying this, Kang Hyeon pushed the Spirit Fruit into Eung Ryeong’s mouth.
The Spirit Fruit was indeed different from ordinary fruit – when Kang Hyeon gently infused it with Spiritual Energy, it transformed into liquid and went down Eung Ryeong’s throat.
The liquid from the Spirit Fruit moistened Eung Ryeong’s dried interior and rapidly regenerated it.
“Mmgh.”
Eung Ryeong immediately showed a reaction.
The instincts of the pursued Eung Ryeong judged being unconscious as dangerous, so as soon as he had a small margin, they immediately awakened his consciousness.
“Are you conscious?”
In Deok asked Eung Ryeong, who was groaning and opening his eyes.
Eung Ryeong looked at Kang Hyeon with unfocused eyes, then instantly focused them, and immediately released powerful Mental Intent to suppress both Kang Hyeon and In Deok.
“Mmm.”
“Huh? What is this…”
At this, Kang Hyeon let out a short groan, and In Deok was about to charge at Eung Ryeong with an incredulous expression to argue, but upon receiving Kang Hyeon’s gaze, he shut his mouth tight.
Kang Hyeon’s brainwashing education to maintain a courteous demeanor whenever possible had proven effective.
“I believe you have already grasped the situation to some extent. You must know that we have bestowed a life-saving grace upon you, Elder.”
“Heh. Yes. The fragrance of the Spirit Fruit still lingers richly in my mouth, so how could I not know such a fact.”
“Yet why do you oppress us like this?”
“Personally, I have received the grace of life-saving from you, so it would be natural to repay it. Also, if I could save you by offering my life when you are in dire straits, having received life-saving grace, I should do so. But that is only when considering my personal circumstances alone.”
“If not personally, then you mean the affairs of the sect or organization you belong to become an obstacle?”
“How perceptive. That’s right. I am someone for whom the affairs of my sect must take priority over my personal matters.”
“I see. But what do the affairs of your sect have to do with us, Elder? We are meeting you for the first time, and we know nothing about your sect.”
“Seeing you say such things even after looking at my Taoist Robe, it seems you don’t know my sect, Blue Wood Academy.”
Since Eung Ryeong was wearing the official Taoist Robe of Blue Wood Academy, he showed a puzzled expression at Kang Hyeon and In Deok’s failure to recognize it.
“We are originally people from Hyeopju Continent, but we happened to get caught up in a Mystic Realm merger and ended up here.”
“Do you know this place is Nok Province?”
“After arriving, we examined the surrounding energy, but couldn’t learn anything due to the Formation Technique you had deployed, Elder. So this place was Nokju Continent?”
“Yes. That is certainly so.”
“I see.”
“I am Eung Ryeong, the fourth elder of Blue Wood Academy.”
“I am Kang Hyeon.”
“I am Hwang In Deok.”
Following Elder Eung Ryeong’s self-introduction, Kang Hyeon and In Deok also revealed their names and bowed deeply in greeting.
“You came from Hyeopju Continent?”
After exchanging greetings, Eung Ryeong suddenly asked a question with a stern expression, as if confirming.
“That’s correct.”
Kang Hyeon answered.
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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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