Absolute Regression

Chapter 530: Just Another Ordinary Day

Kang Dal felt a shiver run through his entire body.

"See you at the Main Division."

It was merely six words, yet more moving than anything he had heard in his entire life.

Even if the richest man in the world came and said, "I’ll give you all my wealth," or if an absolute master came and said, "Become my disciple,"—no six words could ever replace these.

Kang Dal felt as if he were dreaming.

‘If this is a dream, may I never wake up!’

But it was no dream. The Cult Leader, whom he had thought he would never lay eyes on in his lifetime, was standing right before him, looking directly at him. A presence so overwhelming couldn’t even be fabricated in a dream.

Geom Woojin turned and began to walk away.

"Thank... you."

It should have rung out loud and clear, but it came out more like a mumble. The moment he opened his mouth, he realized that mere gratitude wasn’t enough, and his thoughts became a whirlwind.

"Cult Leader!"

A sudden shout burst out of him, unable to suppress the panic of not having properly paid his respects.

Geom Woojin slowly turned toward him.

With a flushed face, Kang Dal bowed deeply and spoke. It was the only thing he could think of.

"See you at the Main Division."

Even in front of Yao Gung, Kang Dal had spoken with confidence, but now his voice trembled.

Geom Woojin gave a slight nod and turned away once more.

The members of the branch gathered around to congratulate Kang Dal.

"Congratulations, Branch Leader!"

"Congratulations."

While the subordinates were happy, there was also a sense of regret. Kang Dal had truly been a great leader.

"Once you go to the Main Division, we won’t be able to see you anymore."

Parting from his subordinates was sad, but advancing to the Main Division had always been his long-held wish.

Any position would be fine. What did it matter if he was just cleaning up horse dung? It was a task personally given by the Cult Leader.

Dan Ah approached Kang Dal and expressed her gratitude.

"Thank you, Branch Leader. You saved me."

Kang Dal shook his head and replied. Since she was the woman whom the Underworld Pavilion Lord had come to retrieve personally, he now responded with due respect.

"I should be the one to thank you. I’m grateful you came to find me."

Had he not accepted them, they would have died. Had he not accepted them, this opportunity for promotion would never have come.

Both had tried their best to uphold their beliefs and had achieved the best possible outcome.

As Dan Ah returned after giving her thanks, Dan Yeon spoke.

"Move, I can’t see."

Dan Ah turned and saw Geom Woojin ahead in the distance.

"He’s so cool."

Now that she knew he was the Heavenly Demon, Dan Yeon found him even more admirable.

"If a man like that existed, I’d run to him right away!"

Was it the excitement? She intended to whisper only to her sister, but it reached Geom Mugeuk’s ears as well.

Of course, Geom Mugeuk didn’t let it slide.

"Young lady."

"Yes, Young Cult Leader."

No matter how friendly he appeared, he was still the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult.

"Let’s start by correcting our poor choices."

Curious about what was being said, everyone watched as Geom Mugeuk, with a face full of lingering feelings, asked,

"That day, when the dish was sent to Father—whose idea was it? Was it all three of yours?"

Hearing that, even Seo Daeryong instinctively tensed and perked up his ears.

"It was my idea."

At Dan Yeon's answer, a bright smile formed on Seo Daeryong's lips. Just the fact that it wasn’t Dan Ah who sent the food was enough to make him happy.

A woman who considered the Cult Leader her ideal type—ah, even the thought of it was burdensome.

Geom Mugeuk leaned in close to Dan Yeon.

"That day, you must’ve mistaken it from afar. Here, take a good look at my face up close. Come now, our youngest lady. If you were to send a dish again, who would you send it to?"

But Dan Yeon hesitated to answer. And that hesitation in itself meant, "Not you."

Geom Mugeuk put on a crestfallen expression.

"Youngest lady, that’s too much."

Then, from in front of the building, Geom Mugeuk shouted loudly to his father, who was speaking with Blood Heaven Blade Demon.

"The youngest lady says she’ll still send the food to you, Father! That’s one more person to take to the Main Division!"

It was a bit of banter meant to cheer up his father. He was grateful. That his father had come all the way here to support Seo Daeryong. Which, ultimately, meant he had supported him as well.

It was as if to say, “He’s your right-hand man, so I’ll look after him.”

To his son’s antics, Geom Woojin said to Blood Heaven Blade Demon,

"Wonder when he’ll finally mature."

"But you’re pleased, aren’t you?"

"Pleased? It’s exhausting."

Yes, exhausting was the perfect word to describe being around Geom Mugeuk. But Blood Heaven Blade Demon knew. Just as he himself did, the Cult Leader also enjoyed and cherished this chaos.

If they hadn’t come out together like this, when else would such a moment happen?

"Let’s take a walk."

"Let’s do that."

The two of them began walking toward the rear garden.

'Cult Leader, it’s okay to show it now.'

He couldn’t tolerate others bragging about their children, but he could tolerate the Cult Leader bragging about his.

So the two strolled slowly, eventually arriving at the rear garden.

Standing side by side, they looked out beyond the wall.

Leaves of the tall tree beside the wall rustled in the breeze, and birds perched on the branches took flight at the passing wind.

Beyond the birds, white clouds drifted ever so slowly, as if time itself had been forgotten.

"Are you really planning to win?"

Though the question was abrupt and lacking context, the Cult Leader would understand. He had asked once before—whether the Cult Leader could endure the five years with a son like that. At the time, Geom Woojin had answered with a question of his own.

'Why don’t you ask him instead? Whether he can endure me?'

"Would you rather I lost?"

Blood Heaven Blade Demon was, through and through, on the Cult Leader’s side. He was prepared to accept the Cult Leader’s wishes, whatever they may be.

As before, and especially after going through the matter with his master together this time, his feelings for the Cult Leader had deepened.

That was why. Because he was truly on the Cult Leader’s side. That’s why he could say this. Because he sincerely wished for the Cult Leader’s happiness.

"The only one in this martial world who can afford to lose to the Young Cult Leader... is you, Cult Leader."

At the look asking what he meant, Blood Heaven Blade Demon answered calmly.

"Because conceding is something only someone greater can do."

* * *

"But what brought you three to be targeted by the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit?"

Geom Mugeuk asked the women.

Since Dan Ah had formed a connection with Seo Daeryong, he needed to be concerned for their safety.

At that, Chohee stepped forward and spoke.

"They tried to kill me. The three of them were only trying to protect me."

Chohee formally revealed her identity.

"I am a courtesan of the Sky Flower Pavilion. I used to work at the Sky Flower Pavilion in Bonghwang, Hunan Province."

She had already revealed her identity to the other two women.

At her words, Geom Mugeuk flinched slightly.

Sky Flower Pavilion.

The place run by the woman who adored the Evil Smiling Demon.

"I must travel to the Main Division of the Sky Flower Pavilion in Guizhou and meet with the Pavilion Mistress."

"May I ask why?"

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Chohee answered cautiously.

"Since it is a noble figure asking, I should certainly give an answer, but this is a matter I must speak to the Pavilion Mistress directly about. I ask for your understanding with a generous heart."

She bowed her head apologetically.

Geom Mugeuk did not pressure her.

"Everyone has their unspeakable reasons. There’s no need to apologize."

He understood her. She likely did not know about the relationship between the Pavilion Mistress of the Sky Flower Pavilion and the Evil Smiling Demon. Nor about the connection between the Evil Smiling Demon and him.

But even so, it was not something he could reveal to her here.

At that moment, Dan Ah stepped up to reassure her.

"We will escort you safely all the way to your destination."

She was someone who took full responsibility for what she had taken on.

Seo Daeryong looked at her with worried eyes. He didn’t know exactly what had caused Chohee to be pursued, but whoever had orchestrated this had enough money and power to mobilize the Seven-Route Pursuit and Assassination Unit.

If they let her go just like this, it was certain the women would face danger again.

Seo Daeryong looked to Geom Mugeuk, silently asking for permission with his eyes.

Knowing exactly what was meant, there was no need for a secret transmission between them.

Geom Mugeuk gave a nod.

Seo Daeryong then spoke gently to Dan Ah.

"I understand how important this matter is to you, Miss Dan. But all three of you are injured. Wouldn’t it be better to leave this matter to me?"

Seo Daeryong's face was filled with concern as he looked at her. Dan Ah could feel it clearly. How could she not? With those pure eyes so openly expressing worry for her.

"Even so, I can’t leave my matter in the hands of someone so important."

If this task was dangerous, wouldn’t Seo Daeryong be in danger too? She couldn’t drag him into risk because of her personal issue.

"You’re in no condition for this. You need rest."

"I may not look it, but I’m sturdier than I seem. Don’t worry."

"I will take care of it."

Watching the back-and-forth between the two, Geom Mugeuk stepped forward.

"I will handle this matter."

At that, everyone looked at Geom Mugeuk in shock. It was understandable for Seo Daeryong to volunteer because of his connection with Dan Ah, but no one expected the Young Cult Leader to take this matter upon himself.

Because it involved the Sky Flower Pavilion, Geom Mugeuk had no choice but to step forward.

"I am acquainted with the Pavilion Mistress of the Sky Flower Pavilion."

At those words, Chohee was visibly startled. But of course, she could not dare to ask the Young Cult Leader of the Demonic Cult how he knew her.

Geom Mugeuk turned to Dan Ah.

"Would you trust me and leave it in my hands?"

He had said he knew the Pavilion Mistress and would personally take charge—there was no way she could refuse. Truthfully, she had insisted on going herself, but she had been worried about her sisters.

But if it was the Young Cult Leader, she could feel at ease.

‘He's the Young Cult Leader, so surely martial experts of the Demonic Cult will protect him, right?’

Just thinking of those terrifying members of the Demonic Army was enough to bring peace of mind.

Dan Ah looked to Chohee and asked. After all, the client was Chohee.

"Would you be alright with this?"

Chohee nodded. Had the Demonic Cult not helped her, she would already be dead. She had decided to follow the flow of this fate.

Geom Mugeuk turned to the youngest.

"Youngest lady, once you treat your internal injuries and see me again, your thoughts will change."

Dan Yeon smiled. As the youngest, she was the most playful of the three sisters. Even now, she knew Geom Mugeuk was teasing her, but she couldn’t respond in jest.

One day, when things were more comfortable, she’d like to joke around. They seemed like they'd get along so well. But that day probably wouldn’t come, would it?

Geom Mugeuk spoke to Seo Daeryong.

"Take the three ladies to one of our nearby secured bases and treat their injuries."

"I will do that."

As Geom Mugeuk walked toward the rear garden to see his father, an urgent sound transmission from Seo Daeryong flew to him.

—What do I do once I get there? I’m afraid I’ll mess up this great relationship! Should I recite poetry again? Or not? Please don’t leave me alone in this!

Geom Mugeuk didn’t respond and simply continued on to the rear garden. Of course, he was concerned about Seo Daeryong.

‘When it comes to romance, I really don’t trust you.’

But romance was always a matter of mutual feeling. Geom Mugeuk believed in Dan Ah’s confident personality.

Geom Mugeuk relayed Chohee’s words to his father.

"Since this is a matter of the Sky Flower Pavilion, it seems I must go myself."

His father knew as well. That the Pavilion Mistress of the Sky Flower Pavilion shared a deep connection with the Evil Smiling Demon. After all, she had once visited the main sect just to see the Evil Smiling Demon.

Geom Mugeuk felt regret. Deep, sincere regret. This marked the end of the journey he had so long hoped would go slowly—a journey with his father.

"Please return first. I’ll handle this matter and come back."

No matter how precious the time spent with his father was, he couldn’t accompany him even in the matter of escorting Chohee. His father had already been away from the cult far too long.

"This trip has been the most valuable journey of my life."

His father might think of it as just a trip in his son’s youth.

But it encompassed every journey he had taken before the regression.

"I truly enjoyed the ordinary days I spent with you, Father. Eating meals, drinking tea, walking together, and fishing. More than taking elixirs, killing enemies, or improving in martial arts—those ordinary moments were the ones I cherished most."

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk bowed respectfully.

"Thank you for spending that time with me, Father."

Geom Woojin silently looked at his son.

That solemn moment lasted but a while, and then Geom Mugeuk, lifting his head, suddenly spoke in a rush.

"We still haven’t gone to the noodle place we said we’d visit together, have we? The one that used to be a dumpling shop. So this isn’t the end, Father! This was just our first trip! The second, third, and even the hundredth are all waiting!"

A faint smirk curled at the corner of Geom Woojin’s lips. The journey ended with that smirk from his father. Today, that smirk seemed to say:

‘I’ll look forward to the next trip.’

Yes, please do look forward to it! I’ll fill it with even more ordinary, everyday moments.

Geom Mugeuk did not forget to bid farewell to Blood Heaven Blade Demon, who had been with them.

"I’ll see you back at the Cult, Elder."

For Blood Heaven Blade Demon, with this journey, the days of being a disciple had been left behind. From now on, he would live his life as a master.

‘Elder, if it’s Daeryong, that life will be meaningful.’

Moved by Geom Mugeuk’s earnest gaze, Blood Heaven Blade Demon gave a nod.

"I’ll head straight to your place with my sleepwear once I return, so you must let me stay over."

And lastly, he bid farewell to Hui.

"Uncle Hui! Let’s go on another trip next time, after convincing Father! You worked hard driving the carriage!"

At that, Hui appeared.

"Please return safely."

Geom Woojin and Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Hui with surprised expressions. He was not the type to show himself just to say goodbye.

But Hui wanted to say this directly.

"Thank you, Young Cult Leader."

This trip had become an unforgettable one for him. Thanks to it, his relationship with Geom Woojin had deepened further, he could see many new sides of him.

It had been a precious time with Hui unhidden.

Even this very moment where he revealed himself—it had been a journey that taught him his life was valuable.

"I really enjoyed walking together with you, Uncle."