Absolute Regression

Chapter 465: We Have to Find out the Amount

Had he ever laughed so heartily in recent days?

Yong Jamyeong laughed out loud.

Asking if he had some money?

Asking such a question to the richest man in the Central Plains was no different from asking the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, ‘Do you know some martial arts?’ It was that absurd of a joke—and the one making the joke was none other than the current Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

While raising the Galaxy Trading Company, he had always been cautious of martial artists. Among them, he was most wary of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Because when something went wrong, he didn’t think negotiations would work with them. They were a force that seemed as if they would sweep in like a tidal wave.

Then came the news from the Demonic Cult.

This young man standing right in front of him. It was about the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.

The information trickling in secretly was truly astonishing. Tales hard to believe were presented as truth.

Even as he kept hearing that the Young Cult Leader was different from all previous demons, he thought, How different could he really be? A demon is still a demon.

But this Young Cult Leader, whom he had met in person—was different. How different could he be? As you can see, too different. He was someone even more extraordinary than the rumors.

"How much would it take?"

At Yong Jamyeong’s question, Geom Mugeuk smiled and replied.

"The more, the better."

"That’s the one thing I can do well."

At his humble remark, Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.

"But you don’t actually have to give it."

"What do you mean?"

"Just pretend to give it."

Yong Jamyeong guessed Geom Mugeuk’s intent.

He likely meant that it would be enough to spread information that the Galaxy Trading Company had given a huge amount to the Seodo Sect.

"And the question of how much—it’s not something you should ask, Company Head. It’s a question for the other side."

Yong Jamyeong was impressed by Geom Mugeuk. It had been just a moment ago that he asked to stay here. And so he was granted three days.

In other words, in this short time, Geom Mugeuk had already formed a plan.

The most extraordinary Young Cult Leader in history.

He was certainly living up to that reputation.

"Young Cult Leader."

"Yes, Company Head."

Now it was time to formally express his gratitude.

"Thank you."

If not for Geom Mugeuk, he wouldn’t have realized that Geom Woojin was the benefactor.

If he hadn’t asked to hear the old story, if he hadn’t asked to see the portrait with the facial features, if he hadn’t seen Geom Woojin in Geom Mugeuk— 𝔯άNοꞖÈş

He would have never found out that Geom Woojin was the benefactor.

Even knowing Yong Jamyeong meant it that way, Geom Mugeuk smiled and said:

"To think I asked the richest man in the world for money and received a thank-you in return."

Yong Jamyeong liked Geom Mugeuk. What the Cult Leader had said—that it wouldn’t be a bad thing for him either—he now understood clearly. No, it wasn’t just not bad. If he could continue building a good connection with a Young Cult Leader like this, it would be of great help not only to himself but also to the Galaxy Trading Company.

That must’ve been why. Why such words came out so naturally.

"Those three days start counting from tomorrow."

He was someone for whom even a single day was too precious.

*         *         *

"Galaxy Trading Company is plotting something."

At Geum Arin’s words, the personal bodyguard Lim Hyuk nodded silently.

The fact that the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company had personally appeared here was proof enough. At first glance, it seemed like the Galaxy Trading Company and the Seodo Sect had joined hands.

"Seodo Sect is no group of ordinary individuals."

Lim Hyuk recalled Hui, who had revealed himself from concealment.

It was the first time he had seen such a masterful stealth technique. The kind of stealth technique only someone who had trained in it could recognize—truly at the pinnacle.

He remembered the words Hui had said back then.

―Do you wish to protect your master? Then stop. Your thoughts, your actions. And close your mouth.

He had said that as a warning not to act rashly within that manor.

For some reason, it kept feeling like that warning should apply to everything going on now.

"That’s probably why the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company came personally."

The figure named Geom Yeon, and the demeanor shown by his father and uncle—they were no ordinary people. Especially the presence exuded by his father—it was beyond description.

"If they really did join hands, then in the end, my subordinates fell victim to the Galaxy Trading Company."

This wasn’t just some random clash with a martial sect. It hinted at the possibility that the Galaxy Trading Company could be behind this entire incident. Of course, that possibility was slim.

If that had been the case, they wouldn’t have let them leave the manor peacefully that day.

"A message will come from the noble family."

She had already reported to the noble family that the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company was moving independently.

"But I can’t just wait for that message to arrive."

The situation here might be over before then.

She would have to investigate it herself. What kind of relationship the Galaxy Trading Company had with the Seodo Sect, and why the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company had come here in person.

"What are you planning to do?"

"I need to figure out what’s going on through this man named Geom Yeon."

Lim Hyuk looked at her with worry in his eyes. She had carried out all her tasks well so far. For her age, she clearly had remarkable qualities. But this time, he had a bad feeling.

Geum Arin sensed Lim Hyuk’s concern.

"I know. He’s no easy opponent."

She recalled Geom Mugeuk. Whenever she thought of him, it was his smiling, joking face that came to mind first. And she knew—only the strong could laugh like that.

Geom Mugeuk’s laughter came from ease. And that ease came from strength.

Just then, a subordinate came to report.

"Geom Yeon and the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company have made a move."

"Just the two of them?"

"Yes, that’s correct."

"Where to?"

"Continental Money Exchange."

Geum Arin immediately guessed the reason why.

If a merchant and a martial artist went to a money exchange, what other reason could there be? It was certain that the Galaxy Trading Company had handed money over to the Seodo Sect.

Geum Arin gave her subordinate an order.

"Find out, quietly, how much money was exchanged. You must uncover the exact amount."

That afternoon, Geum Arin came to visit Geom Mugeuk’s residence.

"What brings you here?"

"I came because I had something to say to you."

"Come in."

"It’s stuffy inside. Let’s go for a walk."

Geum Arin refused to enter the house. She knew the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company was still staying here. On top of that, this man’s father was inside as well. That place was a tiger’s den.

Geom Mugeuk readily accepted her suggestion.

"Very well, let’s do that."

It was because of this kind of attitude. Somehow, she felt she could draw something out of this man.

She needed to use his confidence. She had to insert a tube into that confidence and extract only the humility from it. When confidence loses humility, it turns into arrogance.

The two began walking slowly toward the marketplace. She walked at a slight distance from Geom Mugeuk.

"Why are you walking so far away?"

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Geum Arin answered.

"Did you forget? Last time we met, we were trying to kill each other."

"Let’s get it straight. Not ‘we,’ but you were trying to kill me."

"My subordinates’ blood must still be on your sword."

"You tried to kill me first."

"Either way, you’re alive, aren’t you?"

Every word she spoke was cautious, and she was fully focused. She had never dealt with this kind of person before. Even a joke had to be approached with full mental alertness.

"But there’s one thing that’s strange."

"What is?"

"As you know, I ran into the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company that day. Normally, the warriors of your trading company would’ve looked into me afterward, but there’s been no movement at all."

She was probing to find out whether the Galaxy Trading Company knew about her identity.

In truth, the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company’s guards were known to be ironclad—if an unknown person came into contact, they always investigated.

"I was the one who told them about you first."

"What did you say?"

"You heard it that day, didn’t you? That you’re a woman blessed with good fortune."

When Geum Arin gave him an incredulous look, Geom Mugeuk added with a smile,

"I said you’re someone I have a personal connection with. So, for my sake, they wouldn’t look into you."

Geum Arin briefly stopped walking. Naturally, Geom Mugeuk stopped as well.

"We have a hostile relationship."

She intentionally refrained from saying anything kind to Geom Mugeuk. He had said they had a personal connection. In other words, he was showing kindness. It was at times like this that one had to respond coldly.

Sure enough, the other party didn’t see it as a hostile relationship.

"Isn’t that something we still don’t know? Our meeting isn’t over yet."

The two resumed walking. She subtly inserted a tube into him and drew out a sip of humility.

"The Head of the Galaxy Trading Company came in person. You’re more impressive than I thought."

At that, Geom Mugeuk looked at her with a curious smile. His eyes at moments like this—felt as if they saw right through one’s heart.

"You seem more impressive."

"What do you mean?"

"You came to see someone that impressive without any fear, didn’t you?"

’Someone that impressive?’

It seemed that previous line had drawn out humility quite effectively.

"Why did you come to see me?"

"To be honest, dealing with someone like you is a burden even for me. But since the matter has already happened, it has to be settled one way or another."

As they conversed, the two entered the marketplace.

Geom Mugeuk was the first to make a suggestion.

"Let’s have a drink."

It was exactly the suggestion she wanted, but she deflected once. If she wanted to draw out information, she couldn’t appear eager. She had to approach this completely strategically.

"We’re not in a relationship where we sit across from each other and drink."

That was her confidence speaking.

A woman’s confidence that even if she brushed him off, the man wouldn’t back away. Until now, she had solved everything with a sword, so this kind of charm had simply been unnecessary.

"But we’re not in a relationship where we can’t drink either, are we? Come now, let’s go."

Geom Mugeuk took the lead and entered the inn.

Following behind, a faint smile appeared at the edge of Geum Arin’s lips. So far, the plan was going smoothly.

"There are plenty of other taverns, but you seem to like this one."

"Isn’t this where I met you? It’s a place that holds meaning with you."

At the unexpected line, Geum Arin flinched slightly.

She stared quietly at Geom Mugeuk, but couldn’t tell whether he meant it sincerely or was just joking.

"Bring us some liquor."

Geom Mugeuk ordered one dish for her, and one for himself.

After a sip of liquor, Geom Mugeuk asked with a curious expression,

"Let me ask just one thing. Where do you belong?"

"Why do you assume I belong somewhere?"

"Because for someone doing something like this…"

Geom Mugeuk trailed off, and Geum Arin finished the sentence for him.

"You think I’m too young."

But Geom Mugeuk shook his head.

"No. I was going to say, you don’t seem like someone suited for this kind of work."

"What kind of person is suited for this kind of work?"

"Someone who can steal another’s family business without blinking. Someone who has no hesitation in killing those who try to stop it."

The corner of Geum Arin’s lips curled slightly at the sharp jab. With her perceptiveness, there was no way she didn’t understand.

’He’s talking about me.’

He said she wasn’t suited for this kind of work, but in the end, it was a rebuke directed at her.

She was inwardly angry, but pretended not to be and changed the subject. She hadn’t come to fight—she had come to gather information.

"Your father truly seems extraordinary. I used to think that only a Leader from one of three factions could have a private audience with the Head of the Galaxy Trading Company."

She deliberately praised his father. After all, few things strip humility from someone like stirring up jealousy.

And just as she expected—

"I was the one who suggested calling the Galaxy Trading Company."

"For what reason did you call them?"

As if it weren’t much of a secret, Geom Mugeuk explained it to her.

"The Galaxy Trading Company was secretly looking to hire a martial master. One not known by name in the Central Plains. In that regard, my father was the perfect candidate. After all, it’s been ages since he last appeared in the martial world."

It wasn’t a lie. His father had indeed returned to the martial world after a long absence.

Geum Arin’s mind raced, trying to process the unexpected piece of valuable information.

’The Galaxy Trading Company is secretly looking for a master? But why?’

The company already had a lineup full of martial experts.

As if he had read her thoughts, Geom Mugeuk spoke again.

"I was also curious why they needed a master in secret, so I asked them directly."

Geum Arin waited for the answer, tense on the inside.

But Geom Mugeuk didn’t answer right away and deliberately took his time. He called over the server and ordered more liquor, along with a new dish.

As if he had forgotten what he was saying, he drank and shifted the conversation to food.

After a few more drinks, she asked,

"So what did the Galaxy Trading Company say about why they were seeking a martial master?"

"Oh, I didn’t tell you that yet?"

The way he told the story like that scattered her suspicion—Why is this man telling me all this so easily?

"They said there’s an organization moving in secret within the trade world. A group that disregards trading ethics and disrupts order. They asked us to eliminate them."

"!"

Geum Arin was truly shocked but forced herself to act calm. That secret organization—there was no doubt it referred to her own. She had expected the Galaxy Trading Company to eventually catch on, but she never imagined they’d respond like this.

"Then why don’t they deal with it themselves and instead involve outside forces?"

"Isn’t that obvious?"

Geom Mugeuk spoke with confidence, as though he had already seen through everything.

"They must be trying to take over the vacancy that’ll be left after those people are gone."

"That can’t be. They’re The Greatest Trading Company Under the Heavens."

After emptying his glass, Geom Mugeuk replied,

"That’s probably how they became The Greatest Trading Company Under the Heavens."

After a moment of silence, Geum Arin asked,

"Why are you telling me such secrets so easily?"

"You seemed curious. At this point, can we say it’s not bad blood but a kind of connection?"

Geom Mugeuk stared directly at Geum Arin.

She still couldn’t figure out what this man was thinking. In any case, whether it was true or not, she could confirm it later. Since he was already speaking so freely, she figured she might as well ask everything she needed to.

"How much did they offer you?"

If what Geom Mugeuk said was true, then she had to stop them from joining hands. The loss would be far greater than the money spent to hire them. No—more importantly, her own life would be at risk.

Until now, Geom Mugeuk had answered without hesitation. But this time, he held back.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because if I offer more, you might come to our side instead."

Geom Mugeuk laughed outright.

"Forgive me. I didn’t mean to mock you."

It must’ve seemed like she was trying to buy off someone facing the richest man in the world.

’Hey, we rank among the top three too.’

"Tell me—how much would it take?"