My crazy Cultivation Path

CHAPTER 113

So, one of the Chang clan’s cities is destroyed. The sudden surge of Aether on the planet. And your plan. Totally insane. Laughter.

Kurdes recapped.

You don’t seem shocked by what happened to the Chang clan.

Tony questioned.

What’s shocking about it? Members betraying their clan, or even hating it. I find that perfectly normal. Coming from us humans. And I’m more interested in the Aether surge anyway.

Kurdes added, lying down.

And why’s that?

Asti asked him.

Let’s just say where I come from, they had books detailing mysterious figures opening some kind of doors. Before crossing through themselves, these mysterious people warned those around them. And told them: “Only those ready to brave danger or even death should pass through this door. But don’t fool yourselves—weak beings like you won’t get to choose the destination. But if you want to escape your pitiful fate, be my guest.” And now that I’ve experienced it myself, it’s easy for me to say that massive door was actually a portal.

Kurdes clarified, sensing a persistent stare directed at him.

Simone. Right? Instead of staring daggers at me, just ask your question.

Despite her mental state—wandering between rage, disgust, and an anxiety that caused endless headaches—Simone asked her questions.

First, how can you see us? There’s no flashlight in here.

Sitting up, Kurdes leaned his back against the wall and stretched his legs.

With Aether, which lets me sense where you are. And as for the looks and expressions, I’ve always had a sharp sense for reading people… even if I can’t see their faces.

Second, you’re probably a member of the Chang or Payo clan.

Simone declared.

Kurdes’s face lit up with surprise.

I’d bet Tony would be the one to notice. But even someone mentally disturbed like you right now figured it out.

How about you answer the question first, Kurdes.

Tony snapped, raising his voice.

I’m not just anyone. I’m actually someone high up. Before you stands one of the many princes of the Payo clan. My name… Kurdes.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

He snickered.

At this revelation, Asti tried to get as close as possible to the bars. When his hand brushed another, thinking it was one of his companions, he still wanted to confirm. Sliding up the arm, he touched the face in front of him. He felt a tense expression, veins bulging. And for a split second, he caught a glimpse of a glare. Pure rage. As if this person would flip the entire world just to kill him.

He jerked back, trembling. When he felt long hair brush his hand.

… Weren’t you listening when I was talking? Right now, your dear friend—who already seemed a bit broken when you arrived—must have witnessed the atrocities of the island’s cultivators… Ah, the weak-minded, what a plague.

Kurdes whispered into Asti’s ear.

You mean she’s rejecting what we saw?

Asti asked, stressed by Kurdes’s presence behind him.

That’s all I can think of. Unless your friend sees herself as a hero of justice, purging evil from this world.

Approaching Simone, Kurdes grabbed her chin and said:

Sorry, but I won’t be the first villain you kill. I’m not asking you to believe me. But I’ve never taken part in any of that depravity. Or tortured slaves. It all disgusts me. But it’s part of the world, so keep rejecting it. And you’ll end up thinking you have to erase this nuisance from reality. But you’ll die. Pathetically. Before that happens.

… Are you suggesting I approve of what they do?

Simone roared.

No. Just accept it as a fact of this reality. Even if you manage to kill them all, now that we know there are many other inhabited planets—could you stop them when they kill a newborn? When they rape a young girl? The answer is no. Sometimes, you just have to admit that despite all our powers, we’re only human.

Kurdes replied, plunging her into silence.

Can you tell me what a prince is doing here?

Tony asked.

Let’s say every cultivator I’ve been around since I was young thinks they’re superior to non-cultivators. And in a way, they’re not wrong. At a certain realm of cultivation, I don’t think they even consider themselves human anymore.

Noticing Tony’s eyes questioning him after mentioning a cultivation realm, Kurdes cut him off.

Stop right there—I don’t know what it’s called, I got that from a book too. But I’d love to meet its author.

Visibly disappointed, Tony asked which realms he knew.

Well, Tony, you’re the first Earthling who knows about cultivation realms. To answer you: first, there’s the Human Realm, divided into nine ranks. Then there’s the Immortal Realm. But don’t be fooled—you don’t become truly immortal. You can still die of old age. Of course, after an incredibly long time. That one, I know is split into three stages. Which ones, I couldn’t tell you. And the last one I know: the Ascendant Spirit Realm. But I only know its name.

Pleased to learn a bit more, Tony thought of other questions.

Hey, are there other people besides those in our cells?

Finally a good question. Around us, there are about five other cells. But none of them will talk to me. Who knows—maybe they’re dead after fifty years down here, or madness has taken over their minds. Try if you want, and just to remind you, the prison is circular—so two on the sides and three across.

Falling silent, Kurdes lay back down.

Turning toward where the voice had vanished, Asti wondered if he was still there.

When he jumped at the sound of Tony yelling:

AND… AND… AND… I KNOW THERE ARE PEOPLE. I JUST WANT TO TALK. HEY. HEY. HEY.

FINE, YOU ASKED FOR IT.

Rubbing his throat, Tony got ready.

With an excruciatingly high-pitched voice, he started singing a Michael Jackson song. But in such a disastrous way.

Plugging his ears with his fingers, Asti forced himself to cry.

Please, someone make him shut that mouth.

Kurdes cried with laughter at the horrific performance Tony was serving them.

It didn’t take long. Ten minutes was enough for thirteen voices to scream for this catastrophe to stop.