Absolute Regression

Chapter 503: Still, Nothing Changes

If Geom Mugeuk’s prediction was correct?

Then it meant he would die today. Together with the elite Demon-Slaying Brigade of the Martial Alliance.

Would he have believed it if it wasn’t Geom Mugeuk who said it? That there were those who had laid a trap to kill him and the Demon-Slaying Brigade in one sweep?

‘I never would have believed it.’

But now, he believed it.

Had Geom Mugeuk ever been wrong since they first met? No, not once. His words always became reality.

His prediction that the Chongqing Branch might be attacked had also hit the mark. If the Demonic Army hadn’t come to help, the previous report would have been far more horrific.

That was why Jin Hagun’s expression naturally hardened.

‘They’re even more vicious than those we faced last time.’

Jin Hagun looked at Geom Mugeuk.

“Good thing. They likely didn’t account for the variable that is you.”

But Geom Mugeuk didn’t let his guard down.

“That’s uncertain.”

Blood Heaven Blade Demon had gotten involved, and Seo Daeryong had been drawn in. How could he be sure he wouldn’t be an exception?

“So, what will you do now?”

To that question, Geom Mugeuk left the decision to Jin Hagun.

“You should decide. The matter of Famed Name Manor is your responsibility.”

It was his way of expressing that he wanted Jin Hagun to take the lead this time.

Jin Hagun’s gaze turned toward the Manor.

If danger was lurking there, one option was to withdraw first, then return with the full force of the branch’s martial artists.

But that could lead to heavy sacrifices among the ordinary martial artists. If there were people waiting to kill the Demon-Slaying Brigade, the losses among the common martial artists would be massive.

Alternatively, they could request the experts from the Alliance.

But that would take time. Could they afford to delay this matter?

Neither option felt right.

And so the conclusion he reached was—

“I want to break through the front right now.”

He wanted to rescue the Famed Name Manor Master and his household in time.

If he didn’t know, that’d be one thing, but now that he did, he had to save them.

That was the reason the Demon-Slaying Brigade of the Martial Alliance existed.

Sensing his thoughts, Geom Mugeuk smiled and said,

“I’ll cover the rear, so take the lead.”

At those words, more reassuring than anything in the world, Jin Hagun nodded.

Jin Hagun gathered all the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade.

“There’s a high chance enemies are waiting for us in that lodge. So stay sharp!”

If they had no idea, they might fall victim. But if they prepared in advance, they wouldn’t go down so easily.

Even if there was an overwhelming supreme master among the enemy—

Jin Hagun looked toward Geom Mugeuk.

‘We have a supreme master too.’

With that, Geom Mugeuk and Jin Hagun took the lead, followed by the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade.

Jin Hagun felt strange and renewed, walking toward a place that could be a trap, alongside the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

The anxious feeling he once had from not fully trusting Geom Mugeuk had now completely vanished. He decided that even the trust of nine-tenths was more than enough. ŕ𝘼Ꞑö₿Ê𝙨

Maybe that was why. Why he could say something like this so comfortably.

“I have a favor to ask.”

And that favor was something he truly hadn’t expected.

“If I happen to die, please take care of my younger sibling.”

Jin Hagun never thought he would end up asking Geom Mugeuk such a favor. But while there was still a chance, he wanted to make sure to say it. Whether as a friend, a fellow martial artist, or a man—Geom Mugeuk was the only one he could entrust his sibling to.

After a short pause, Geom Mugeuk replied.

“I can’t grant that favor.”

“Why not?”

“If you die here and I survive, then it’s as good as me killing you. Even if I don’t think so myself, your sibling or the Alliance Leader will never forgive me for failing to save you. That’s why—you must not die.”

Jin Hagun nodded. Come to think of it, it made sense. His death would surely serve as the signal flare for the start of the Great War of Orthodox and Demonic Forces.

With that, the two arrived in front of the Manor.

“So we’re going in through the front door?”

“They probably didn’t expect us to knock and walk right in, did they? That’s the surprise.”

As he finished speaking, Geom Mugeuk banged on the door loudly.

The one who opened the door was a middle-aged martial artist. He looked like someone affiliated with the mountain lodge, and behind him stood three or four more martial artists dressed the same.

The middle-aged man was startled when he saw the Demon-Slaying Brigade lined up behind Jin Hagun. It felt as if dozens of sharp blades were aimed directly at him.

One of the Demon-Slaying Brigade martial artists stepped forward.

“We’ve come to see the Manor Master. Is he present?”

The middle-aged man asked in a trembling voice,

“Where are you from?”

“Inform them that the Leader of the Demon-Slaying Brigade of the Martial Alliance is here.”

The man was visibly shaken by those words. His gaze turned to Jin Hagun.

“You’re really the Leader of the Demon-Slaying Brigade?”

Jin Hagun asked him in return,

“Do I look foolish enough to impersonate the Leader of the Demon-Slaying Brigade and spend countless years locked up in prison?”

Even without displaying his internal energy, the sheer presence of the Demon-Slaying Brigade martial artists behind him was more than enough to prove his identity.

“No, of course not.”

The middle-aged man gave an order to one of the martial artists behind him to inform the inside that the Leader of the Demon-Slaying Brigade had arrived. The man rushed in immediately.

It was clear from their response that this visit had caught them completely off guard.

Seeing this, Jin Hagun sent a sound transmission.

—Doesn’t feel like a trap?

They were clearly flustered and surprised by the sudden visit of the Demon-Slaying Brigade leader.

—That’s what makes the best traps, isn’t it?

Geom Mugeuk was still suspicious of the place.

—This one’s martial arts are not ordinary. He probably holds a fairly high position in this mountain lodge. But he came out to greet us himself. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?

Jin Hagun understood what Geom Mugeuk meant through the sound transmission.

—It means they were preparing for external intrusion, right?

—Exactly.

Moments later, the martial artist who had run inside came rushing back.

“He says to bring you in quickly.”

The middle-aged martial artist spoke politely to Jin Hagun.

“Please, this way.”

Jin Hagun walked after him, and the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade spread out to the sides, keeping alert as they followed.

As they entered the inner compound, they saw martial artists stationed throughout.

Jin Hagun tested the waters by asking the middle-aged man,

“This level of security seems a bit excessive for a regular manor.”

The middle-aged man replied calmly,

“There have been unsettling incidents in Chongqing recently, so we’ve heightened our vigilance.”

Eventually, Geom Mugeuk and Jin Hagun arrived at the Grand Hall.

There, Yoo Beom, the Master of Hyangsu Mountain Lodge, came out to greet Jin Hagun.

“Welcome. What brings such an honored guest to our humble place?”

Geom Mugeuk stood a few steps behind Jin Hagun, among the Demon-Slaying Brigade, observing the lodge master’s reaction. Yoo Beom was a man of age and experience who had seen much, but his reaction clearly showed he hadn’t expected this visit.

“I came because there’s something I need to ask you directly, Manor Master.”

“Please, speak freely.”

Yoo Beom was courteous. The guest was a strong candidate for the next Alliance Leader, and the commander of the Martial Alliance’s most elite unit, the Demon-Slaying Brigade.

“Are you aware of the incident that occurred at Famed Name Manor?”

“Of course.”

“A martial artist from that manor was witnessed at this mountain lodge.”

“Here? That can’t be. You must be mistaken—it was likely someone who resembled them.”

His surprised expression and reaction made it seem like he genuinely didn’t know.

Whether he was outright denying it or truly unaware, this wasn’t a matter to resolve with words alone.

“May we look around the manor?”

He looked reluctant but couldn’t bring himself to refuse.

“Of course. I’ll guide you.”

Yoo Beom took the lead and guided the two through the lodge.

He showed them around the place. Other than the heightened security, there was nothing particularly suspicious. No signs of hidden martial artists or traps prepared for an ambush.

Geom Mugeuk sent a sound transmission to Jin Hagun.

—Ask to see the medical ward.

Jin Hagun caught Geom Mugeuk’s intent immediately.

“Does the lodge have a medical ward?”

In that instant, Geom Mugeuk noticed a flicker of unease flash across Yoo Beom’s face.

“We do, though it’s quite small.”

“I’d like to see it as well.”

And so, they were led to the medical ward.

There were a few beds inside, but no one was present.

“Is there a physician attached to the lodge?”

“Yes, there’s one.”

"Where is he now?"

"It seems he went out."

Just then, a martial artist from the Demon-Slaying Brigade discovered something.

"Take a look at this."

Behind the medical ward building, a pile of plants had accumulated. They were the leftover scraps from herbs—parts not used after extracting what was needed. Perhaps they hadn’t had time to dispose of them yet, as the amount was considerable.

Jin Hagun spoke to Yoo Beom.

"I’m aware that a nearby physician recently purchased a large quantity of medicinal herbs. Most of them were used for treating external and internal injuries. Who were you treating?"

Once again, Yoo Beom flatly denied everything.

"My subordinates were injured during training."

"And where are these injured subordinates?"

"I sent them back to their hometowns to rest."

As Jin Hagun’s expression turned cold and his sharp qi surged forth, Yoo Beom flinched.

The middle-aged martial artist who had guided them earlier stepped forward to protect his master, but the martial artists of the Demon-Slaying Brigade simultaneously released their own qi.

Overwhelmed by the pressure, the middle-aged man retreated.

"Master Yoo."

"Go on, speak."

"I came here to rescue the Famed Name Manor Master and his family. Why are you trying to hide something from me?"

Yoo Beom denied it to the end.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about."

"If I give the order, my men will search this entire mountain lodge. Given the nature of this matter, if you are hiding anything, you’ll be held accountable for it."

Sensing Yoo Beom’s wavering, Jin Hagun gently tried to persuade him.

"We’re the Demon-Slaying Brigade. I don’t know what it is you’re worried about, but please trust us."

Eventually, Yoo Beom let out a sigh and said,

"Please, follow me."

Yoo Beom left his subordinates behind and took only Jin Hagun and the Demon-Slaying Brigade with him toward the rear garden.

There, a hidden passage led underground.

"This lodge has had a secret refuge passed down from long ago."

As they descended the stairs, they came upon an underground passage, at the end of which was a large room.

As they opened the door and entered, a heavy scent of unfamiliar herbs filled the air.

Inside, there were dozens of beds, all occupied by people lying down.

Yoo Beom sighed deeply and spoke.

"These are the martial artists who survived the attack on Famed Name Manor. The Manor Master brought the survivors here to our lodge."

Jin Hagun was overjoyed to learn they were still alive.

"Where is the Famed Name Manor Master?"

Then Yoo Beom let out a sorrowful sigh and delivered tragic news.

"The Famed Name Manor Master passed away the day after they hid here. His wounds were too severe—we couldn’t save him."

Jin Hagun sighed as well.

"Why didn’t you inform us sooner?"

"The Manor Master begged me before he died. He asked me not to tell anyone until his family’s injuries were healed."

"Did he explain why?"

Yoo Beom nodded.

"He said if word got out that they survived, someone would come to kill them again. And shortly afterward, we heard news that Great Justice Warrior’s Sect had been annihilated. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just Famed Name Manor’s problem."

Jin Hagun could now grasp the situation to some extent. That was likely why Yoo Beom had been so afraid—afraid that they too would be dragged into this incident and suffer annihilation. But Jin Hagun didn’t intend to blame him. After all, he had gone as far as to treat the wounded.

“Did he say who was behind it?”

Yoo Beom hesitated briefly before answering in a low voice.

“He said it was a young man wielding a large saber.”

From that alone, the culprit was almost certainly Seo Daeryong.

“I apologize for not telling you from the start.”

“No, Master Yoo. I understand your position. For now, we’ll take these people with us.”

“Please do. But I ask that you keep it secret that they were hiding here.”

“I will.”

Yoo Beom actually looked relieved.

Jin Hagun turned to the Demon-Slaying Brigade martial artists.

“Carefully move the Famed Name Manor martial artists to the branch.”

Since the Demon-Slaying Brigade was composed of highly skilled martial artists, they would be able to transport the patients safely and without complications. Compared to ordinary martial artists, they were far more suited to the task.

Just as the Demon-Slaying Brigade martial artists were about to move in, Geom Mugeuk, who had been silently listening, suddenly spoke.

“Strangely enough, the number of injured people matches the number of our Demon-Slaying Brigade members.”

All eyes instantly turned to Geom Mugeuk.

“Now I understand.”

“What is it that you understand?”

Yoo Beom looked at Geom Mugeuk with a startled expression. He had assumed the man was a subordinate, yet the two were speaking like close friends.

Geom Mugeuk then uttered something shocking.

“I finally understand how they planned to kill you and the Demon-Slaying Brigade.”

At the abrupt statement, Jin Hagun was speechless. The Demon-Slaying Brigade members also stared at Geom Mugeuk in shock.

“They were all supposed to be dead before leaving this place.”

“!”

Jin Hagun silently stared at Geom Mugeuk. Though Geom Mugeuk enjoyed playful tricks, he had never joked about human lives. He wasn’t the kind of person who would.

“What do you mean?”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze turned toward the patients lying on the beds.

“You would’ve been ambushed while carrying them out.”

The implication was clear—those people were all enemies!

Everyone was stunned. Not just Jin Hagun, but not a single member of the Demon-Slaying Brigade had suspected those patients of being enemies.

"Of course no one would suspect them. These aren’t people we just happened to meet on the road."

After the incident at Famed Name Manor and the fall of the Great Justice Warrior’s Sect, they had searched, investigated, and barely managed to find these people. It was finally the moment they thought they had rescued them.

"Those aren’t the martial artists from Famed Name Manor. They were all likely killed that day. Labeled as missing to set up this very moment."

Jin Hagun felt a chill in his chest. If that was true, then this had been a meticulously orchestrated plot to kill both him and the Demon-Slaying Brigade.

Yoo Beom spoke with an incredulous look.

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Ignoring his reaction, Geom Mugeuk addressed Jin Hagun.

"The scent we smelled when we first entered this place—it was incense made from Western Spirit Grass."

Geom Mugeuk walked toward the beds.

"And over here, the scent of False Life Grass. On their own, neither of these herbs harms the body. But when combined, they produce a brief effect similar to having consumed Energy Dispersing Poison. A very short moment, yes—but more than enough to neutralize a target."

Geom Mugeuk, with his profound knowledge and learning in poisonous and medicinal herbs, was unmatched.

He turned to Jin Hagun.

"Despite all these people being injured, the one person caught by the Martial Alliance’s surveillance was perfectly fine. Isn’t that strange? They even left obvious traces of herb usage behind the medical ward?"

Jin Hagun nodded.

"They wanted to draw us in here."

The Demon-Slaying Brigade martial artists all drew their swords in unison.

Then, the people lying on the beds slowly began to rise. One glance at their eyes told enough—they too were elite martial artists, thoroughly trained.

The expression and voice of Yoo Beom, who until now had shown nothing but fear and confusion, changed completely. Even his qi transformed into something entirely different.

"Still, nothing changes."

He turned to look behind him.

Clack—

A hidden door at the back opened, and someone walked out.

It was Blood Heaven Blade Demon, with the Heaven-Extinguishing Saber strapped to his back.