Absolute Regression

Chapter 475: You Smile When Borrowing, Draw the Sword When Repaying

The immortals to the left of Geom Mugeuk tensed up all at once.

Thankfully, there were no paintings on this wall—wasn’t that another way of saying he’d unleash his sword energy here as well?

Moreover, Geom Mugeuk’s aura had grown even colder. By cutting down twenty people in a single stroke, he had pushed their fear to the next level.

“Stop!”

Yeom Je stepped forward to stop him. Yet he still harbored suspicion.

‘Could he possibly have enough internal energy left to use that fearsome sword energy again?’

It didn’t seem likely, but what if he did? The subordinates on the left would be swept away all at once. He wasn’t concerned for their lives.

He was thinking about the money his subordinates earned for him. No matter how he calculated it, it was a loss. The money they earned now was significant, but the cost of raising or recruiting experts like them couldn’t be ignored either.

Trying to save three million nyang might end up losing him even more in the long run.

Even so, he didn’t want to hand over three million nyang so easily.

‘First, I need to buy time.’

Yeom Je’s gaze turned to the Ten Immortals standing before him. From rank one to rank ten.

It would be best if one or two of them stepped up on their own to verify the situation. But none of them moved. Understandable—it wasn’t easy to step forward after witnessing that sword energy earlier.

Yeom Je sent a voice transmission to the First Immortal.

—First Immortal.

—Yes, Gang Leader.

—Drain more of that man’s internal energy.

—Understood.

The First Immortal then sent a voice transmission to the Sixth Immortal. Whether it was out of initiative or genuine loyalty to the Gang Leader—

There were no such people here. Everyone knew that well. No one expected otherwise from the start. These were people who moved solely for desire and gain.

Because this was a gathering of such individuals, the First Immortal’s choice was naturally emotional. Among the Ten Immortals, the Sixth Immortal was the one he disliked the most.

— Sixth Immortal, gauge that man’s skill and make him use up his internal energy.

The Sixth Immortal didn’t want to step forward.

‘Damn it!’

The sword technique the opponent had just shown was something he had never seen in his life. Like a mirror shattering, a sharp line was drawn and bodies were severed—that image flashed through his mind.

But if he disobeyed the First Immortal’s command, he’d be the one to suffer as an example. Yeom Je and the First Immortal were more than capable of doing that. Ꞧ𝔞ƝＯＢĚS

the Sixth Immortal didn’t dive into the swamp alone. As he stepped forward, he sent a voice transmission to the Eleventh Immortal.

—Help me and I’ll put you in the Ten Immortals.

For the Eleventh Immortal, earning a place among the Ten Immortals was his earnest wish—one strong enough to overcome even the fear of death. If the Sixth Immortal supported him, it was within reach.

And if he earned merit in a situation like this? He might even surpass the Sixth Immortal.

The Eleventh Immortal stepped forward along with the Sixth Immortal.

As the two stepped forward, Geom Mugeuk first asked the Sixth Immortal,

“Who are you?”

“I am the Sixth Immortal.”

Geom Mugeuk took out the document from his robe and read it again.

“So you’re the Sixth Immortal.”

His expression twisted slightly as he read through the information about the Sixth Immortal.

“How could one person kill so many?”

Then Geom Mugeuk turned to the Eleventh Immortal.

“And you?”

“Eleventh Immortal.”

This time, his frown deepened even more.

“So the rankings aren’t determined by who killed more people, it seems.”

In fact, the Eleventh Immortal was the one who had committed even more slaughter. But Geom Mugeuk’s scowl wasn’t only because of the sheer number of killings.

“You even killed children.”

The Eleventh Immortal neither affirmed nor denied it, but his eyes admitted it. So what? What are you going to do about it? — That was the look in his eyes. Even within the Hundred Immortals Gang, he was treated like a madman.

The Sixth Immortal asked Geom Mugeuk,

“Who exactly are you?”

Instead of answering, Geom Mugeuk slowly began walking toward the Eleventh Immortal.

As he approached, the Eleventh Immortal tensed up, fully prepared to strike at any moment. the Sixth Immortal also braced himself completely.

If you draw your sword, we’ll draw ours too. The two of us together—?

They clearly had that kind of confidence.

Shwik! Shwik! Shwik!

Thud! Thud! Thuuud!

Geom Mugeuk’s sword stabbed into the Eleventh Immortal’s stomach, chest, and neck in rapid succession.

It was so fast that there wasn’t even time to dodge, block, let alone counterattack.

In that instant, as the Sixth Immortal beside him instinctively tried to strike back, his eyes met Geom Mugeuk’s. Geom Mugeuk, who had already stabbed the Eleventh Immortal three times, was calmly looking at him.

‘He’s fast!’

And I thought the two of us could face someone like this? What kind of confidence was that?

The Eleventh Immortal collapsed backward, dead on his feet, and only then did Geom Mugeuk ask,

“Oh right, what was it you asked a moment ago?”

His continued politeness only made it more chilling.

The Sixth Immortal didn’t respond—he simply poured all his internal energy into the hand gripping his sword. The man had already answered his question by killing the Eleventh Immortal with that very sword.

I’m the reaper who came to kill you.

the Sixth Immortal had only one thought left in his mind.

‘Only striking first gives me a chance to live.’

As soon as the distance allowed for an attack, the Sixth Immortal’s sword flew in first, and Geom Mugeuk’s sword followed right after.

But the sword that flew later arrived first.

Slash!

Blood burst from the Sixth Immortal’s slashed neck, spraying in every direction. With the deaths of both men, the scent of blood in the hall grew even heavier.

Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Geom Mugeuk.

They were villains through and through. Even as their comrades were dying in a line, not a single one of them felt the slightest regret over their deaths.

Then someone stepped forward—it was the Third Immortal.

“Enough talk about money! Come fight me!”

Among the immortals of the Hundred Immortals Gang, he was the one who enjoyed fighting the most. Like a moth diving into fire, he couldn’t resist the murderous urge stirred by the thick scent of blood. If the Eleventh Immortal was a madman, then this the Third Immortal was even more of a madman.

“Isn’t the world full of things you want to kill?”

Without hesitation, the Third Immortal unleashed his sword energy.

Shraaaak!

The violent sword energy flew straight toward Geom Mugeuk, intent on tearing him to shreds.

When Geom Mugeuk dodged it, the sword energy crashed into the immortals standing behind him.

Two of the immortals in the rear couldn’t avoid it in time and were swept away.

Shraaaaaaak!

Even though his comrades had died, the Third Immortal unleashed his sword energy again. This time, it was even rougher and more powerful.

Geom Mugeuk could have countered with his own sword energy to neutralize it, but he let it go. As a result, yet another group of immortals behind him was caught in the attack. Curses erupted from every direction.

But the Third Immortal, like a madman, kept firing off sword energy. He didn’t care if his comrades died or not.

Shraak! Shraaaak!

KWAANG! BOOM!

Sword energy was fired to block sword energy. Then more sword energy flew to counter that.

The place instantly turned into a battlefield of chaos. Geom Mugeuk moved about, dodging the flying attacks with uncanny precision.

Thuuud!

The Third Immortal’s figure came to a halt.

The sword that pierced through his heart was Yeom Je’s.

“You stupid bastard.”

Cursing coldly, Yeom Je pulled out his sword. The Third Immortal spewed blood and collapsed, dying on the spot. Only after his death did the chaos in the hall subside. From his crazed attacks alone, over a dozen allies had died from friendly fire.

Yeom Je said to Geom Mugeuk,

“I’ve lost. I’ll give you the money.”

He could no longer hold out.

‘To kill this man, I’d have to bet everything I have.’

And "everything" included his own life. Going all-in against someone who had shown power like this was an attack meant for mutual destruction. Even if he won, there was nothing to gain from it.

‘For now, I have to let him go. Revenge can come later.’

Without showing a trace of anger, Yeom Je spoke calmly.

“With these few mouths left, I can give you the money and still keep the gang running.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled.

“That’s a relief.”

“But it’ll take time to prepare a sum as large as three million nyang. I need to liquidate some businesses. For now, take that and give me time.”

Yeom Je’s gaze turned toward the table where accounting had taken place. Slips and notes were piled there.

Of course, it wasn’t something that would work on Geom Mugeuk.

“Isn’t the money in the vault?”

“There isn’t that much in there. Who would keep such a large sum in a vault?”

Yeom Je denied it flatly.

Geom Mugeuk stared at him and said,

“What if I open it and it’s there?”

Yeom Je flinched.

“If it’s there, can I take it all?”

Geom Mugeuk saw it. Though Yeom Je wore an awkward expression, a flicker of joy passed through his eyes.

“Very well, I’ll make the promise.”

Yeom Je was confident that there wasn’t three million nyang in the vault.

“The main vault of the gang is here, in the Grand Hall where I spend most of my time.”

Yeom Je rose from his seat and walked toward the back wall.

He manipulated the fixtures attached to the back wall. Because he blocked the view with his body, it was impossible to see exactly how he operated them.

“If you try to force it open, the mechanism will activate and kill the intruder.”

Clack.

After a moment, the hidden wall opened, revealing the vault.

“Come, take a look.”

Geom Mugeuk walked over to it.

The remaining Ten Immortals followed along and stood guard around Yeom Je.

Yeom Je took out the promissory notes and gold bars from the vault.

“There’s a little over two million five hundred thousand nyang in notes. Even if I sell off all the gold, it still falls far short of three million. Does this look like I tried to deceive you?”

Yeom Je was boldly insisting that he had not lied.

“Bring the money that was being accounted for earlier.”

The immortals brought the promissory notes piled on the table. Those who had not yet been accounted for also added their money there.

Once all the money was gathered, it totaled three million nyang.

“Fortunately, I can give you the money. Take it and go. Since today’s matter also includes my failure to repay the debt, let’s call it even.”

“As expected! You are truly a man of great generosity.”

Of course, there was no way that was true.

He was already planning his revenge. Not only this bastard—he would kill his entire family, friends, even his neighbors. He wouldn’t leave the Golden Dragon Family alone either. He would kill ten times the number that died today and make sure the world knew what kind of place the Hundred Immortals Gang truly was. Even if he had to buy every assassin in the martial world.

It would’ve been great if Geom Mugeuk had just taken the money and left.

“Oh, right. I nearly forgot. Sorry, but there’s still more money I have to collect.”

Geom Mugeuk pulled a piece of paper from his robe and held it out.

It was a sheet densely filled with names and amounts. It was a record of all the money the Hundred Immortals Gang had extorted from various trading companies.

“I’ve been asked to collect this money as well.”

Yeom Je’s eyes narrowed sharply.

‘These bastards!’

Yeom Je’s killing intent surged. They were demanding he hand over all the money he had stolen? He’d rather die than repay such an amount. Forcing down his boiling rage, Yeom Je spoke.

“As you can see, the vault is empty. Come back another time.”

Then came a statement that pushed Yeom Je to the edge of the cliff.

“Our Gang Leader has a personal vault, doesn’t he?”

Only now did Yeom Je fully understand.

‘They came fully prepared.’

If he had known this would happen, he wouldn’t have opened this vault either. No—none of it mattered anymore. Even if it meant dying, he no longer intended to hand over that money.

Yeom Je glared at Geom Mugeuk with cold eyes.

“So you came to take all my money.”

“There are two things wrong with that statement. First, it’s not your money, Gang Leader. Second, I’m not taking all of it, am I? That money, borrowed without even paying interest, must’ve grown quite a bit over time.”

He was right. That money had been the foundation for numerous business ventures.

“Repay the borrowed funds and from now on, conduct your business with integrity.”

Of course, Geom Mugeuk was certain Yeom Je would never do that. If he were the kind of man who would, this situation wouldn’t have happened in the first place.

For a very brief moment, Yeom Je hesitated.

‘Should I just hand over everything and settle this for another day?’

But he didn’t make that decision.

Not because he merely had to repay borrowed money. It was because, once this young bastard saw the inside of the vault, he would surely become greedy and clean it out completely. Because if it were him, he would do the same without hesitation.

In the end, even this last choice was simply another move in the life he had lived.

“To whoever kills that man—I’ll give the First Immortal’s position and the three million nyang!”

The immortals all released their killing intent at once. Even after witnessing his strength, the reward of the First Immortal’s position and three million nyang was enough to make them risk death. Besides, this wasn’t a situation where anyone could defy the Gang Leader’s order.

“You smile when borrowing money, and draw your sword when it’s time to repay it. Don’t you think that’s a bit much?”

Ignoring Geom Mugeuk’s words, Yeom Je shouted,

“Kill him!”

Immortals charged in from all sides. Sixty martial masters rushing in at once was an overwhelming sight. Their thoughts were simple: as long as I don’t die. If they survived by luck, the three million nyang would be theirs.

For some reason, Geom Mugeuk seemed to be pushed back by them. At that sight, Yeom Je shouted,

“His internal energy is depleted! Kill him!”

And yet, he didn’t step forward. To him, only money and his own life mattered.

Thus, Geom Mugeuk was driven toward one wall, and all the remaining immortals gathered in front of him. If his internal energy was truly depleted—

Then whoever killed him first would become the owner of three million nyang.

The First Immortal stepped up to protect his position, while the rest charged in, seeking both money and rank.

They gathered like a pack of jackals, watching Geom Mugeuk and waiting for the perfect chance.

But the eyes of the man cornered against the wall were far too clear and deep—so much so that the First Immortal, standing at the front, wanted to step back. A sudden, dreadful premonition!

‘No way… Did he gather us here on purpose?’

Geom Mugeuk spoke calmly to the horde of greed-driven men before him.

“I hope none of you are reborn in your next life.”

The moment he finished speaking—

The most terrifying demon spirit appeared in front of Geom Mugeuk.

At its horrifying visage, those in the front screamed. They had never seen such a terrifying demon spirit before.

Then that horrifying demon spirit split into twelve.

It was the Great Annihilation Form of the Nine Calamities Demon Art, which, thanks to relentless training, had increased from ten to twelve spirits.

The moment they faced the demon spirits, their bodies froze completely.

KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA-KWA!

The demon spirits charged forward without mercy or hesitation, sweeping away everything in their path. No technique, no protective energy could stop them. All were shattered and annihilated.

Just like that, over sixty villains were reduced to nothing but pools of blood.

Left alone, Yeom Je’s eyes bulged wide. Shaking uncontrollably like a quaking tree, he was paralyzed with fear. He had never witnessed martial arts this terrifying. He knew—even in death—he would never forget those demon spirits.

“W-Who are you… really?”

His voice trembled with raw fear.

Splish, splash.

“You already know, don’t you? I’m the one who came to collect the debt.”

Geom Mugeuk walked across the pools of blood and spoke politely.

“Repay your debt.”