Absolute Regression

Chapter 508: You Use a Greatsaber Too

Geom Mugeuk and Seo Daeryong stood side by side on the rooftop of a building overlooking Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate.

Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate wasn’t located in a secluded area—it had been built in a place with heavy foot traffic.

Looking down from above, the scale of it was considerable. The very fact that such a massive place sat adjacent to the market was proof enough of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate’s formidable influence.

The sects attending the gathering were arriving at Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate one by one. There was still time before the scheduled hour, but some were arriving early.

Seo Daeryong was flipping through the documents. The data in his hands included information on Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate and on the sects invited to today’s gathering. Of course, it had been sent by the Heavenly Communication Pavilion.

“The Gate Master of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate, Bang Cheongmun, harbors deep hatred for our cult. The purpose of today’s gathering is to unite against us. Ah, look over there.”

A new sect had just arrived.

“The one that just arrived is Southern Central Gate. The expected number of attendees was twelve... and yes, there are twelve. The Gate Master, Won Hong, is favorable toward our cult. He serves as a bridge between us and the orthodox martial world of Chongqing, and he’s been invited to today’s gathering.”

“Outwardly, the slogan is unity against our cult, but in the end, this is a political meeting.”

Nodding, Seo Daeryong continued.

“Their goal in exterminating clans is to enrage the orthodox sects, so this Southern Central Gate Master is the furthest from their ideal target.”

Then, Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.

“If it were me, I’d have targeted Southern Central Gate.”

“What? Why?”

Seo Daeryong asked, looking startled.

“If you strike Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate, which openly opposes us, the orthodox sects will be angry, sure, but they’ll see it as inevitable. This place has always shown open hostility to us.”

“That’s true.”

“But what if we struck Southern Central Gate instead? Would they really be happy about the destruction of a sect that was friendly to us?”

“Well, they wouldn’t like it, since it’s still one of their own.”

What Geom Mugeuk was pointing to was the nature of wrath.

“Exactly. So how would they perceive us then? Exterminating a sect that had goodwill toward us? Wouldn’t they think we’re truly insane? What kind of emotions would they feel toward us, seeing us commit such irrational and barbaric acts? I don’t think the hatred toward us would be lessened. If anything, it would only grow stronger.”

It was something Seo Daeryong hadn’t considered at all. Upon hearing it, he realized the impact of attacking Southern Central Gate would indeed be far greater. ꞦÅNố𝐛Еṥ

“And you say I’m smarter than our Young Cult Leader?”

Seo Daeryong was convinced. If Geom Mugeuk ever became their enemy, he would be a hundred—no, a thousand times harder to deal with.

“You are smarter than I am. You’ve memorized all the documents, haven’t you?”

“I have, yes.”

This time, it was Geom Mugeuk who flinched in surprise.

“You memorized it? Really? I was joking.”

“……”

“You’re joking too, right? Right?”

“……It’s a joke.”

“Don’t say it’s a joke with that kind of confident look in your eyes!”

There was clearly a kind of composure in Seo Daeryong that only someone who had truly memorized everything could show.

But that couldn’t be. There was no way he had memorized all that information in such a short time.

Ah, now that he thought about it—when they first met, Seo Daeryong had memorized all the personal details of the Demonic Army. Could it be? No, surely not.

“Let’s go.”

Before setting off, Geom Mugeuk burned the documents he had read in his palm using Heat Yang Energy. The papers crumbled into ash and scattered away.

Fwhoosh.

“When can I do that?”

That was what Seo Daeryong envied the most. One day, when he could do it too, he would definitely try it in front of his subordinates. Reading classified documents and then, as if it were nothing, burning them in his palm. Nonchalantly—fwhoosh. Just imagining it felt amazing.

Then, Geom Mugeuk said something completely unexpected.

“You have enough internal energy now.”

“Really?”

“It’s not far off.”

Those thrilling words made Seo Daeryong once again realize just how great the opportunity he had gained this time truly was.

“All right, let’s go!”

Geom Mugeuk soared through the air with his lightness skill, and Seo Daeryong followed closely behind.

With internal energy overflowing from his lower core, Seo Daeryong felt confident in every movement.

Sects participating in the gathering were arriving one after another at the main gate of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate.

Indeed, the leaders of each sect had brought at least a dozen to several dozen subordinates. Given the current situation, they were taking every possible precaution for safety.

Since entering through the front gate wasn’t an option, Geom Mugeuk and Seo Daeryong leapt over the wall. Security was tight, but not to the extent that the two of them couldn’t slip in.

“Are we really allowed to walk around like this?”

After crossing the wall, Geom Mugeuk walked openly and confidently.

“Stand tall. Act like you’re an invited guest.”

“Won’t we stand out?”

“You’ll only stand out the moment you start worrying about it.”

Indeed, the martial artists of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate whom they passed simply gave slight nods of acknowledgement. No one asked who they were. No one imagined that a killer would be strolling around in broad daylight wearing a greatsaber.

“Keep your eyes open. The recon squad might already be inside.”

“Like the attack on the Chongqing Branch, you think a large force will ambush?”

“Who knows? Maybe one will come, maybe a hundred. But one thing’s certain—they’ll try to kill the leaders using Heaven-Extinguishing Saber.”

At the thought of someone slaughtering people using Heaven-Extinguishing Saber, Seo Daeryong’s heart pounded as if it might burst. One thing was clear.

‘If we don’t stop them, countless people will die here today.’

If I told the people here, no one would believe me.

With so many top experts gathered, who would dare to come and try to kill them? Especially in broad daylight. Moreover, Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate wasn’t even in some remote location, so the idea of a surprise attack was even more unthinkable.

But they would come.

Just as they had come for him when he was in the thunder prison.

“What do we do now?”

Geom Mugeuk had already considered how to respond as they came.

“We need to meet the Gate Master of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate.”

Seo Daeryong was startled. It was an unexpected approach. He had assumed they would hide in secret and intervene once the attackers appeared.

“If we try to handle it blindly without knowing how the attack will come, the damage could be severe. If no one else, we must at least speak with the Phoenix Mountain Gate Master beforehand.”

“Do you think he’ll believe us if we say we’re here to help?”

He wouldn’t even believe he was the Young Cult Leader.

“We’ll make him believe.”

Seo Daeryong thought this plan was only possible because it was Geom Mugeuk. He truly believed that Geom Mugeuk would somehow be able to convince the Gate Master of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate.

“Let’s go, the Gate Master’s Hall is over there.”

“I’ll go alone to meet the Gate Master.”

Geom Mugeuk pointed to the greatsaber Seo Daeryong was carrying.

“If someone carrying a greatsaber accompanies me when I’m revealing myself as a demonic cultist, the Gate Master will think some bloodthirsty maniac is up to something.”

“That’s true. Then where should I be during that time?”

“Find out if there are any suspicious individuals.”

“By myself?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled as he replied.

“Isn’t tracking down enemies in a dangerous place cooler than burning paper in your palm?”

Leaving Seo Daeryong behind, Geom Mugeuk headed toward the Gate Master’s Hall.

He judged the situation to still be safe. The enemy would likely make their move once the gathering was in full swing.

*         *         *

The Gate Master of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate, Bang Cheongmun, was in the Gate Master’s Hall.

He stood by the window, watching the martial artists from each sect arriving at the gate.

A subordinate came up and gave a report.

“The invited sects are arriving one after another.”

“None have sent word of absence?”

“Not a single one.”

“Go double-check the preparations for the gathering.”

“Yes!”

After dismissing the subordinate, Bang Cheongmun wore a satisfied expression.

This gathering was an opportunity for advancement.

Though it wasn’t right to seize an opportunity through someone else’s tragedy, the annihilation of the Great Justice Warrior had undoubtedly created a chance for Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate. They had always clashed and competed with them. Now, Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate was naturally absorbing the various interests that the Great Justice Warrior had once held.

Today’s gathering was intended to show off the strength of Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate while forming alliances with sects aligned with them.

‘This is my chance to become the number one sect in Chongqing.’

That was his goal.

At that moment, someone opened the door and entered.

If it were a subordinate, they would’ve announced themselves before coming in.

As he turned around, he saw a young man he didn’t recognize entering.

Bang Cheongmun quietly gathered his internal energy and asked calmly,

“Who are you?”

This was a place guarded tightly by his subordinates. Even the bodyguards who only appeared during emergencies had not shown up. That could only mean they had already been neutralized.

“I may not be an invited guest, but today, I’m the one guest you need most.”

Of course, the young man was none other than Geom Mugeuk.

“What happened to my subordinates?”

“I only subdued their energy points, so you need not worry.”

Fortunately, there was no trace of blood anywhere.

“Who are you?”

Geom Mugeuk didn’t hide his identity.

“I’m Geom Mugeuk, the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”

Bang Cheongmun’s eyes widened.

If it weren’t for the recent bloodbath in Chongqing, or if today’s official reason for the gathering hadn’t been to unite against the demonic cult, he would never have believed such an absurd claim.

“That’s a hard thing to believe.”

Bang Cheongmun drew his sword. It was a blade he would have to draw regardless. If this man truly was the Young Cult Leader of the demonic cult, then there was no way he had come with good intentions. And if he wasn’t, then all the more reason to draw—it meant he was someone dangerously impersonating a demonic figure.

Geom Mugeuk had no intention of persuading him through words. He knew full well that words wouldn’t resolve this.

Swish.

In a flash, Geom Mugeuk rushed toward Bang Cheongmun.

As he blinked, Geom Mugeuk was already right in front of him, and he thrust his sword in response.

But the tip of the sword pierced nothing but empty air.

Slick.

The Black Demon Sword was now at the back of his neck.

Though he was the head of a major sect like Phoenix Mountain Sword Gate, Bang Cheongmun couldn’t withstand Geom Mugeuk’s Underworld King Step.

“I’m not here to kill you.”

“Then why did you sneak in? Why point your sword at me?”

“I couldn’t exactly walk through the front gate of a gathering being held to unite against my cult, could I? As for pointing the sword—well, it was to convince you of who I am.”

Geom Mugeuk withdrew his sword.

At that moment, Bang Cheongmun turned like lightning and swung his blade.

Shhhk!

But the back was once again empty.

Slick.

Once again, a sword was at his neck from behind.

“I’ll forgive it twice. But there won’t be a third time. I don’t intend to deal with someone so foolish.”

As Bang Cheongmun gave a small nod, Geom Mugeuk lowered his sword.

Bang Cheongmun no longer had the will to attack. Maybe the first time was a careless counter, but the second was definitely a preemptive strike on his part. And the overwhelming gap in strength had been made perfectly clear.

“If I had come to kill you, you’d already be dead. I’d be writing words on that wall with your blood.”

As Geom Mugeuk spoke, Bang Cheongmun turned his back to him.

“Someone is going to come today with the intent to actually do just that.”

“!”

Bang Cheongmun’s heart dropped. The clear, deep gaze in Geom Mugeuk’s eyes was not the kind that lied.

“Who is it?”

“I don’t know either. There are those trying to instigate a war by driving a wedge between us and the orthodox sects.”

Bang Cheongmun still wore a look of disbelief.

“A wedge? I’ve heard that the martial technique used to kill the Great Justice Warrior’s lord was that of the Demon Supreme.”

It wouldn’t have been the Martial Alliance spreading such a rumor on purpose. So, that rumor must’ve been spread by the culprits themselves. Even if they hadn’t, it was the kind of story bound to spread.

“That’s why I came personally today. To reveal what truly happened.”

Though Bang Cheongmun hadn’t yet let go of his suspicion, his tone had softened compared to before. Among martial artists, showing skill even once often produced faster results than saying a hundred words.

“To be honest, it’s hard to believe. That the Young Cult Leader of the demonic cult is walking around alone like this.”

“I understand.”

Geom Mugeuk spoke as he looked out the window.

“You’ll see many more things today that are even harder to believe.”

His gaze, which had been turned outside, returned to Bang Cheongmun.

“If you can’t trust me, then trust this sword that spared your life twice. It’s the sword that’ll spare your life a third time as well.”

Bang Cheongmun now had a strong conviction that this man really was the Young Cult Leader.

So young, and yet he had subdued him in a single exchange?

That was something no young man short of the Young Cult Leader of the demonic cult could do.

Whether all his words were true or not remained to be seen, but for now, he had to ask.

“What is it you want?”

*         *         *

Meanwhile, Seo Daeryong was moving about, observing people closely.

‘Be confident.’

With his shoulders squared boldly, no one suspected a thing.

He walked around, scanning for anything suspicious.

“You’re a new face, aren’t you?”

The voice came from an elderly martial artist with white hair and twin swords at his waist. He had likely been drawn to Seo Daeryong because of the greatsaber on his back. There were many martial artists at the gathering who carried sabers, but Seo Daeryong was the only one with a saber that large.

And with the attention of those nearby turning to him as well—

“I’m hurt, Master Yang. I greeted you when we met last time. You even said we should share a drink sometime.”

“Oh, did I? My apologies. Age makes me forget things.”

Once he was recognized, the man called Master Yang stopped pressing.

Seo Daeryong knew exactly who this old man was. Fortunately, there was only one white-haired martial artist who used twin swords.

He had truly memorized all the identifying traits of the figures in the documents.

While Seo Daeryong was inwardly relieved, someone behind him spoke up.

“You use a greatsaber too, I see.”

Turning around, Seo Daeryong saw a young man standing there.

He was a tall and handsome martial artist, and on his back was a saber as large as Seo Daeryong’s.

‘Who among the younger generation used a greatsaber like that?’

There was no need to try and recall. No such person had been mentioned in the materials.

The man, wearing a friendly smile, began walking toward Seo Daeryong.