Absolute Regression

Chapter 527: She's Looking for You

The urgent letter arrived just as they stopped the carriage and let the horses rest.

“An urgent message has arrived from the Heavenly Communication Pavilion.”

Hui handed the letter to Geom Woojin.

After confirming the contents, Geom Woojin handed the message to his son.

Having read the letter, Geom Mugeuk broke into a bright smile. When he showed it to Blood Heaven Blade Demon, he returned the same smile.

Geom Mugeuk looked over at Seo Daeryong. Seo Daeryong was strolling beside the horses grazing in the distant field.

Geom Mugeuk said to Geom Woojin and Blood Heaven Blade Demon,

“We should go ahead first.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s words, the two nodded.

With a leap, Geom Mugeuk launched himself toward where Seo Daeryong was.

“Let’s go, right arm!”

Without a second thought, he started running, and Seo Daeryong instinctively followed.

“What’s going on?”

“An urgent letter just came.”

Then, from Geom Mugeuk’s mouth came words that Seo Daeryong would never forget for the rest of his life.

“She’s looking for you.”

“!”

At those words, Seo Daeryong overtook Geom Mugeuk and took the lead. His speed in that moment surpassed even the Star Light Step.

But then, far ahead, Seo Daeryong came to a sudden stop.

“Where is she?”

“You fool, you’re going to burst your heart at this rate.”

With a flushed face, Seo Daeryong shouted.

“I said, where is she!”

*         *         *

“Are you okay?”

In front of the newly awakened second sister, Dan Bi, stood her older sister, Dan Ah.

“What happened?”

“You lost consciousness for a while due to the poison on the hidden weapon.”

Fortunately, Dan Bi had been treated here at the branch, and her fever had gone down.

“Where are we?”

“Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, Jeongan Branch.”

“What?”

To the shocked girl, Dan Ah gave a smile.

“That’s how it turned out. I’ll explain later.”

“What about Yeon?”

“She woke up earlier and is eating. Do you want something to eat too?”

“I’m thirsty.”

Dan Ah brought her water. Only then did Dan Bi begin to feel clear-headed and started worrying about her sister.

“Are you okay, unni?”

She had faded in and out of consciousness, hearing the sounds of fighting with no pause. She didn’t need to ask to know how her sister had protected her.

“I’m okay.”

“You always say that, don’t you?”

She was someone who had given her entire youth for her younger siblings. Always saying she was okay, okay.

Then Dan Bi noticed all the blood on her sister’s clothes. Seeing the worried look in her eyes, Dan Ah smiled and responded.

“It’s okay. It’s not my blood, so stop worrying. Want something to eat?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“Then sleep a bit more.”

“I’ll get up.”

As she tried to rise, she staggered. Her body still wasn’t in a condition to move.

Dan Ah gently laid her sister back onto the bed.

“If we need to fight, wake me too.”

“Alright.”

“Promise!”

After saying that, Dan Bi fell back asleep.

Dan Ah silently looked down at her younger sister. From the worry and affection overflowing in her gaze, one could tell—fighting was something that should only happen in dreams.

At that moment, Chohee entered.

“I’ll stay with her.”

“Then I’ll leave her to you.”

As she turned to leave, Chohee spoke.

“Thank you.”

At her sincere expression of gratitude, Dan Ah gave a slight bow and stepped outside.

All the martial artists of the branch were gathered in the courtyard.

All eyes were on her. Though they likely had a rough idea of who was responsible for today’s events, perhaps because the Branch Leader Kang Dal was sitting on the wall and watching outward, no one cursed at her or picked a fight.

Kang Dal jumped down from the wall.

The Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit had already assembled ahead—numbering over a hundred. On their side, there were barely twenty. If the others charged to kill, it would not be an easy battle.

“No matter how insane they are, if they attack us, they won’t be able to clean up the aftermath.”

Kang Dal spoke with disbelief, but Dan Ah already had an idea why.

To go this far, even while facing off against the demonic cult, the goal must be to kill Chohee no matter what.

But why? Just how much were they paid?

At that moment, the youngest, Dan Yeon, came outside. She respectfully formed a martial salute toward Kang Dal and made a request.

“May I borrow some throwing daggers?”

Dan Ah tried to stop her.

“Not with that body. Rest.”

“This happened because of us. I have to fight too.”

Kang Dal ordered one of his subordinates.

“Give the young lady a box of throwing daggers.”

“Yes, sir.”

A martial artist brought a box and handed it to Dan Yeon. After receiving the weapons, she bowed to Kang Dal.

“Thank you.”

“Thank me? I’m giving them so you can die instead of me.”

When Dan Yeon’s eyes widened, Kang Dal gave her a look that said, what other reason could there be?

At that moment, a subordinate came running with a report.

“They’ve requested a meeting with the Branch Leader.”

“Just tell them to get lost.”

“It’s the leader of the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit. He came personally.”

“What?”

Kang Dal jumped back onto the wall. Dan Ah followed him up.

From within the formation of the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit, a man began walking forward.

He was none other than the leader of the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit, Yao Gung.

Even though he was a wanderer, he was known to possess exceptional martial prowess.

He rarely appeared in public, yet today he had shown himself here. His presence made it clear once more how important today’s mission was to them.

And he hadn’t come alone. The elite known as the Four Companions, his usual followers, had also arrived. Each of them far surpassed the average members of the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit.

With the appearance of Yao Gung and the Four Companions, the unit’s morale soared. They all shouted in unison, radiating killing intent.

Kang Dal's expression stiffened.

“These bastards must have a death wish!”

But his gaze was grave.

If Yao Gung had come, it truly meant they might cross this wall. It meant they were fully committed.

“What the hell did that woman do for things to go this far?”

Dan Ah looked at the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit, filled with malice, and muttered quietly.

“At the very least, it couldn’t have been something evil, don’t you think?”

Just then, a voice rang out.

“Branch Leader, let us speak.”

The one who had spoken, his voice resonating with internal energy to flaunt his martial prowess, was Yao Gung.

Kang Dal, watching him with a complicated expression, suddenly leapt down to the ground. He opened the gate and the martial artists followed behind.

Dan Ah silently observed the meeting. With Yao Gung's appearance, the situation had taken a sharp turn for the worse. With both Yao Gung and the Four Companions present, would they really be able to refuse handing them over? Everything now depended on Kang Dal's decision.

Kang Dal and Yao Gung stood face to face, thirty paces apart.

“Apologies for the disturbance.”

Kang Dal knew there was not a shred of sincerity behind that polite apology.

He also knew full well how twisted Yao Gung was—a man who took pleasure in burning people alive.

“We’ve heard that those we’re pursuing have taken refuge here. If you hand them over, we’ll leave right away.”

Kang Dal responded in a calm and gentle tone.

“They didn’t take refuge. They came here as our guests.”

Though he didn’t even want to exchange words with him, there was no need to provoke him in front of his subordinates.

“A guest, perhaps, but likely an unwelcome one. Just hand them over.”

The murderous intent radiating from the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit standing behind Yao Gung was met with Kang Dal’s pride—not just as a Branch Leader, but as a martial artist of the Demonic Cult.

“What if I refuse?”

A sharp tension filled the air between their eyes.

“Even if we leave now, won’t the Branch Leader and his subordinates remain here afterward?”

That was an outright threat—implying revenge could come at any time.

But of course, it didn’t work on Kang Dal.

“Who knows? Maybe after beating the fools who dared look down on our cult, I’ll get promoted and head to the Main Division.”

If he weren’t the branch leader of the Demonic Cult, he might have already drawn his sword several times over. Yao Gung was showing a patience today that was rarely ever seen in his life.

Kang Dal glanced up at the signboard behind him.

“If you cross this signboard, there’s no turning back. Don’t forget who we are when you decide how to act.”

Then came Yao Gung’s voice from behind.

“Would we try to cross your wall if we weren’t desperate? Branch Leader, just this once, please give way. I’ll make sure to repay your favor.”

What did those words mean? They clearly meant he would repay him with money later.

“I’ll give you ample time to think it over. We’ll wait.”

Kang Dal didn’t reply and turned to go inside. The moment he stepped in, he spoke to his subordinates.

“They’ll strike soon. Prepare to meet them.”

“Yes, sir!”

He sensed the enemy had realized he would not hand over the women. Above all, he had never seen scum like them ever keep a promise.

The martial artists of the cult moved in perfect coordination.

Iron pillars were erected on both sides of the courtyard, and nearly invisible thread-like lines were set in front of them. These were Blood-Severing Threads used in warfare.

Other martial artists pulled out mobile devices that could launch hidden weapons all at once. As expected, the branch followed the will of its leader. The martial artists of the Jeongan Branch were not to be underestimated.

Dan Ah was quietly astonished at the sight.

‘Now I understand why the martial world fears the Demonic Cult. If even a small branch is like this...’

What would happen if the true Demonic Cult waged war?

Kang Dal briefly glanced at Dan Ah and Dan Yeon.

The two women were standing guard in front of the building where Dan Bi and Chohee were. When their eyes met, Dan Ah spoke to Kang Dal.

“In case we die and don’t get to say it later, let me say it now. Thank you for taking us in.”

Dan Yeon, standing beside her, bowed her head.

Kang Dal replied bluntly.

“I didn’t take you in for your sake, so there’s no need to thank me. This was my own gamble. So that expert you mentioned—he’d better outrank me.”

Dan Ah thought of Seo Daeryong. Could that pure-looking man really have a higher status than these fierce warriors? She doubted it.

‘I’m sorry. In the end, I’ve deceived you.’

If they hadn’t met him at the inn… If they hadn’t accepted this commission… If he hadn’t taken them in… If she had to give an excuse, the only thing she could say was that fate had driven them to this.

It was right then.

A martial artist watching from beyond the wall shouted.

“They’re coming!”

Chaang!

The martial artists simultaneously drew their swords from their positions.

At the same moment, the enemies swarmed over the wall in unison. It was clearly a surprise attack—but the defenders were prepared.

Puak! Pahak! Puaaaak!

Masked attackers who had leapt into the Blood-Severing Threads had their limbs severed instantly.

But the enemies continued to pour in. The second wave, now able to see the threads covered in blood, slashed through them with their swords.

However, hidden weapons launched from the mechanical devices struck them down.

Swish swish swish swish swish swish swish swish swish!

All who had cut the threads were hit by the weapons and fell in heaps.

Yet the enemies didn’t allow even a moment to reset the devices. They kept coming over the wall.

A chaotic battle erupted within the compound. It appeared they were operating under strict orders. They overwhelmed the cultists with numbers and quickly began searching for the women.

It was clear: their intention was not to engage in full combat with the cultists, but to minimize resistance, assassinate the women quickly, and retreat.

A dozen masked attackers rushed toward Dan Ah and Dan Yeon.

Dan Ah fought without leaving her sister’s side.

Though her skills were superior to theirs, the enemies overwhelmed them with sheer numbers.

Still, Dan Ah clenched her teeth and fought like a madwoman. With the resolve that if she died, her sisters would die too, she became a force they couldn’t easily overcome. Dan Yeon also hurled throwing daggers, taking down enemies.

Then it happened.

Yao Gung and the Four Companions were walking toward them. As they appeared, the martial artists of the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit stepped back.

Kang Dal witnessed the scene. But he couldn’t leave his position to help her. The enemies were pushing so aggressively that if he stepped away, his subordinates would be slaughtered. He chose to protect his people.

Dan Yeon hurled throwing daggers at Yao Gung in rapid succession—not to kill, but to gauge their skills by how they blocked them.

Clang! Clang!

Yao Gung didn’t even draw his sword. The Four Companions walking beside him casually swung their swords and deflected the daggers.

‘They’re as skilled as unni!’

And there were four of them. On top of that, their leader Yao Gung was also present.

Dan Ah and Dan Yeon charged, courageously slashing with their swords.

Yao Gung leapt forward and faced them himself.

Every strike from the two women held a strong will to protect one another, but they couldn’t overcome the stark difference in skill.

Before they could even last five moves, Dan Yeon was struck and flung backward. Hearing the sound of her coughing blood, Dan Ah cried out.

“Yeon-ah!”

Panicking at the thought her sister might be seriously hurt, Dan Ah too was struck and rolled across the ground. Both women were taken down by Yao Gung, who had not even drawn his sword.

Dan Ah, coughing up blood, picked up a fallen sword and stood in front of her sister.

“You okay?”

“...I’m fine.”

Her voice revealed it. They both had suffered internal injuries.

Dan Yeon stood up again. If they fell, Dan Bi and Chohee were right behind them.

Yao Gung’s eyes as he looked at them were cold, like a serpent.

“Because of you damn wenches, this got messy. Kill them and bring me that bitch’s head!”

The Four Companions stepped forward at the order.

“They’re pretty decent-looking. Would be a shame to kill them just like this.”

Their gazes turned to Yao Gung, clearly asking if they could take them alive instead. Even in this situation, these twisted bastards were showing their lust.

Yao Gung gave a cold order.

“Cut the crap and rip them to pieces!”

The Four Companions aimed their swords at the two women all at once.

Dan Ah grasped Dan Yeon’s hand tightly.

She felt her sister’s trembling hand clench hers back. She felt unbearably sorry for not being able to protect her.

‘I’m sorry.’

The moment the Four Companions simultaneously unleashed their sword energy—

Shwaaaah—!

At that exact instant, from the other side, something came flying in, spinning like a whirlwind. Its target was the Four Companions.

Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Blades of swirling energy rotated at a terrifying speed, ripping through them.

Thud! Thud! Thud-thud-thud-thud-thud!

Before they could even react, the Four Companions were torn apart, their bodies shredded and blasted in all directions.

But their released sword energy was still flying toward the two sisters.

Shwaaaah—!

Dan Ah tightly shut her eyes at the oncoming barrage. Because of her internal injuries, she couldn’t dodge or block it. At the final moment, she pulled her sister behind her back.

KWAANG!

An ear-splitting explosion rang out. It was the sound of the sword energy colliding with something and bursting apart.

And then—silence.

Their bodies should’ve been blown to pieces.

‘We’re alive?’

When Dan Ah slowly opened her eyes, the battlefield had gone quiet.

Everyone had stopped fighting and was staring in her direction.

Yao Gung stood aghast, staring at the bloody, scattered remains of the Four Companions. Kang Dal, bleeding from his arm, was also looking toward them with a shocked expression. The martial artists, both from the cult and the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit, were all staring at the same spot.

In front of her, someone’s back stood tall.

“Haa, haa, haa...”

He was panting heavily from having rushed over in such urgency.

And in front of him, planted firmly in the ground, was a massive blade.

Over the narrow back of the small-framed man, a single word could be seen.

Peerless.