Absolute Regression

Chapter 542: No One Survives Tonight

Evil Smiling Demon stood alone in the backyard of the Sky Flower Pavilion.

Geom Mugeuk walked over to his side and stood beside him.

“There will be many clouds tonight.”

As Evil Smiling Demon said, the moon was already hidden behind the clouds and not visible.

“I have good night vision, so it’s fine.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s words, Evil Smiling Demon turned his gaze toward him, who was looking at him with a bright face under the dark night sky.

“There’s something I must tell you.”

Even if no one else knew, Evil Smiling Demon had to be informed.

“The ultimate target behind this was not the Young Leader, but Sky Flower Pavilion itself.”

Surprisingly, Evil Smiling Demon didn’t look shocked. Perhaps, aside from the Pavilion Mistress, he was the one who understood Sky Flower Pavilion’s value best.

“If the Pavilion Mistress is framed for attempting to assassinate the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance, all dozens of Sky Flower Pavilion locations across the Central Plains will be shut down. I believe the people behind this intended to either buy out Sky Flower Pavilion with enormous funds or open a new courtesan house and take over those regions.”

Evil Smiling Demon had once said that the money the Sky Flower Pavilion earned was staggering.

Now, compared to then, they had expanded so many courtesan houses that the current value of Sky Flower Pavilion was beyond description.

Evil Smiling Demon didn’t show his anger. But Geom Mugeuk could feel it—he knew that he was angry. After all, they had tried to kill his woman and take the Sky Flower Pavilion.

“When their funding line from Shaanxi was cut off, they must have devised this scheme to secure funds.”

“But of all people, they got caught by the Young Cult Leader.”

“That’s thanks to the Dan Sisters, who asked for help from our branch.”

If she had made a different choice, the outcome would have been entirely different.

Thinking back, their connection to the Dan Sisters was deep. They not only managed to save Yeo Jeong but also formed a significant bond with Seo Daeryong.

“Perhaps this is the connection that Branch Lord Seo brought to us.”

Geom Mugeuk gave credit to Seo Daeryong.

“There’s something Branch Lord Seo has hanging in his room like a treasured item. Do you know what it is?”

Naturally, Evil Smiling Demon gave a look that he didn’t know.

“It’s the mask you once gave him as a gift, Soma-nim.”

Evil Smiling Demon stared silently at Geom Mugeuk.

With a smile, Geom Mugeuk said,

“I believe our connection continues in that way.”

At that moment, the sound of people bustling beyond the wall was heard.

“Seems the Vice Leader of the Baekgye Trading Company has arrived.”

Geom Mugeuk began unwrapping the Supreme Silkworm Silk wrapped around the handle of the Black Demon Sword.

“One thing I can’t understand is why they sent the Vice Leader even though they knew our cult was involved. That’s why we must be cautious.”

He handed half of the Supreme Silkworm Silk to Evil Smiling Demon.

This time, Evil Smiling Demon didn’t refuse and accepted it.

The two of them removed their upper garments on the spot and wrapped the Supreme Silkworm Silk around their hearts, abdomens, and other vital areas of the body.

“Soma-nim, please be careful.”

“You as well, Young Cult Leader.”

The two looked at each other.

“Let’s show them who they tried to mess with.”

From within the eye holes of the mask, Soma’s eyes curved into a cold smile.

* * *

Pyeong Wi, the Vice Leader of the Baekgye Trading Company, stepped into Sky Flower Pavilion.

A dozen or so subordinates followed behind him. He could have brought more, but sheer numbers didn’t matter in a place teeming with tigers and wolves.

“Welcome, Vice Leader Pyeong.”

Yeo Jeong came all the way to the main gate to personally receive him. Behind her, Jin Haryeong stuck closely, fulfilling the promise to guard her to the end.

“The guest has already arrived ahead of you.”

“An esteemed one, I see. I assume everything’s been prepared without issue?”

“Please don’t worry.”

Yeo Jeong led them inside.

In front of the main building of Sky Flower Pavilion stood the Thirteen Wolves. Il-rang sharply observed Pyeong Wi and his subordinates with a piercing gaze.

The trading company’s martial artists watched the Thirteen Wolves’ reactions carefully as they took their places around the building’s entrance and surroundings.

Il-rang let them do as they pleased. He could have denied them entry altogether, but chose not to.

It was better to keep them in sight and under surveillance.

Moreover, inside this building, members of the Demon-Slaying Brigade moved about like regular staff, ensuring impenetrable security.

A special reception area had been arranged on the first floor of Sky Flower Pavilion.

In the wide circular space surrounded by courtesans’ quarters, today’s banquet venue had been prepared. Lavish folding screens, high-end tables and chairs, and an extravagant feast of delicacies prepared by Sky Flower Pavilion’s head chefs had been laid out so abundantly the table seemed ready to break.

At the seat of honor sat Bih Sa-in.

“I greet the Young Leader.”

“It has been a while.”

Pyeong Wi gave a respectful bow with a fist-and-palm salute. Bih Sa-in returned the greeting with a light nod.

“I heard you declined our offer to escort you.”

“I dislike unnecessary trouble.”

“Allow me to offer you a drink.”

“Receive mine first.”

Bih Sa-in poured the drink himself and then filled his own cup. He didn’t let Pyeong Wi even touch the bottle. The only thing Pyeong Wi could do with it was poison it, after all.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“I’ve long wished to host you.”

The two clinked cups and emptied their drinks.

“Sky Flower Pavilion is known for its many beautiful courtesans. Since I’ve rented this entire space today, let all the courtesans in and enjoy yourselves to the fullest!”

The reason Pyeong Wi had asked for a special arrangement in such a spacious area was exactly this—so he could surround himself with courtesans on all sides.

Just as he was about to call for the Pavilion Mistress, Bih Sa-in stopped him.

“Wait. Before that, there’s something I need to say to you, Vice Leader.”

“Please speak.”

“I heard something strange on the way here.”

Bih Sa-in stared straight into Pyeong Wi’s eyes. His face, frightening even at a glance, now seemed to glare at him, and Pyeong Wi felt genuine fear rise within him.

“I received information that there’s a plan to ambush me here at Sky Flower Pavilion.”

“Who would dare to scheme such a thing?”

Pyeong Wi’s surprised expression was quite convincing.

“I heard it was you.”

Pyeong Wi asked with a bold face,

“Who on earth said that?”

Just then, a voice rang out from behind.

“I did.”

Geom Mugeuk strode in confidently and took a seat.

He skipped any formal greeting and went straight to the point.

“Tonight, there will be a grand banquet held here. My friends and everyone present here will be part of the celebration. But make no mistake—this banquet is not for you.”

Pyeong Wi’s expression stiffened. But he wasn’t afraid. He had already anticipated a situation like this.

“Tonight’s banquet will be for our trading company.”

With unwavering conviction, he spoke, and Bih Sa-in asked,

“Let me ask you one thing. Back when you withdrew from Guizhou, why did you spread the rumor that you were the ones who paid the money?”

For a moment, Pyeong Wi’s expression twitched.

“Did you say... a rumor?”

His tone remained respectful, but the words were clearly accusatory.

“That money came from our Baekgye Trading Company.”

He raised his voice in anger as he added,

“Did we not pay it?”

His eyes revealed he truly believed that to be the case.

“Because of that matter, our company’s fortunes have declined, and our Trading Company Head even fell ill with rage. And now, you dare lie shamelessly while holding the title of Young Leader?”

It was clear he had resolved to face death.

Bih Sa-in neither grew angry nor offered any excuses. He simply stared at him. To Pyeong Wi, it might have seemed like a silent confirmation. But to Geom Mugeuk, it was the same blunt friend who never bothered with excuses.

“My friend may belong to the unorthodox path and might appear cold and heartless, but he’s not the kind of petty man who claims to have given something he didn’t.”

Of course, Pyeong Wi didn’t believe a word of it.

Geom Mugeuk turned to Bih Sa-in and said,

“I think I know where they dug into.”

Bih Sa-in understood what Geom Mugeuk meant.

It meant that someone within the Baekgye Trading Company had pocketed the money. Someone high up enough to deceive even the Vice Leader. And someone capable of using that person as a pawn.

“Who’s someone that can even deceive you?”

Just as Geom Mugeuk asked this, Pyeong Wi nearly spat out, “What nonsense is this?!” but stopped short. He suddenly froze. A certain person came to mind—someone who could possibly do that now.

—I trust only you, Vice Leader.

The back of the Trading Company Head’s wife, who had been caring for her bedridden husband.

After the Trading Company Head fell ill, Pyeong Wi recalled the expression on his wife’s face—vacant, as if possessed. A venomous will unlike her usual self, begging for vengeance.

‘What a ridiculous thought!’

Pyeong Wi quickly shook it off and glared coldly at the two men.

“You shameless bastards! You disgust me to the very end!”

While he was boiling with fury, Geom Mugeuk remained calm.

“Fine. In a place teeming with villains like this, what were you even relying on to come here?”

“Certainly not your sense of justice.”

“What did the person who sent you say? That if you managed to get the Young Leader drunk, someone would come to rescue you?”

“They won’t come to save me.”

Pyeong Wi spoke with a meaningful glint in his eye.

“They said no one would leave here alive today.”

Just as Geom Mugeuk and Bih Sa-in’s eyes met—

Ssssssshhhhhhh!

A mournful wind echoed from the distance.

In the darkness, a black palanquin flew toward them, cutting through the air.

Gliding as if on an invisible silk road, the palanquin made no sound as it gently approached.

Saaaaah.

Wherever the palanquin passed, flowers and trees withered, and insects and birds fell lifeless. It felt as though life itself was being drained, turning the world into black and white.

From each side of the flying palanquin, four figures in black accompanied it, holding lanterns that glowed with ghostly blue flames.

The Faceless Swordsmen, who had been hidden around Sky Flower Pavilion, revealed themselves one by one from all directions.

On the roof of Sky Flower Pavilion, Evil Smiling Demon stood watching the scene with his arms crossed.

He gave no command to stop the palanquin, nor to attack.

The Faceless Swordsmen simply watched its passing with cold eyes.

A suffocating, dreadful energy seeped from within the palanquin.

The Faceless Swordsmen’s gazes then shifted toward where the palanquin had come from. The palanquin was not the only thing that had arrived.

The end of the road was filled with something hidden in darkness.

An eerie energy steadily grew stronger.

Then—they all opened their eyes at once.

What appeared from the dark were countless eyes.

Every single one of those eyes had a white outline. It was a truly bizarre and unsettling sight.

Evil Smiling Demon recognized it immediately. He knew what martial art produced eyes like that.

Dark Heaven Night God Art.

A martial art that could only be used at night, and when activated, dramatically enhanced the user's original abilities. However, those who mastered this technique could never again bask in sunlight.

Though the palanquin had been allowed through, those beings were not.

The Faceless Swordsmen descended, forming a line to block their approach, allowing none to draw near.

Some of the Faceless Swordsmen were crouched on tree branches, while others stood atop the walls, gazing down at them.

The eyes laughing from behind the masks showed no fear whatsoever. It didn’t matter who the opponents were or where they came from. Whether their eyes had white outlines or yellow ones, fear was something for the other side to feel.

After all, they had come from the Valley of Wicked.

The palanquin descended into the front courtyard of Sky Flower Pavilion.

The ghostly blue lights in the lanterns held by the four black-robed figures bewitched the hearts of those who looked at them.

“Ghhak!”

One of the trading company’s martial artists, standing closest to the palanquin, was drawn in by the light as if mesmerized. He vomited blood and collapsed. He was the weakest in internal energy among them and was the first to fall under its influence.

They began to retreat from the palanquin.

Standing in their place, however, was Jin Hagun, who had been carrying bottles of liquor.

Jin Hagun stared at the palanquin with a sunken gaze. Members of the Demon-Slaying Brigade quickly surrounded and formed a formation around it. The four figures standing at the corners of the palanquin radiated an unusual and ominous aura.

Whoooooosh.

A fierce wind blew, and the doors on the first floor of Sky Flower Pavilion all swung open at once.

The moment he saw the palanquin, Geom Mugeuk knew who their opponent was.

Among the Twelve Zodiac Kings, the Sixth King—

Dark King Heuk Sarin.

Of the Twelve Zodiac Kings, she was known to be the weakest during the day and the strongest at night.

Though a woman, she had mastered the power of darkness and was a true ruler of the night, so feared that no one dared confront her once darkness fell.

Her martial art was like a treasure buried deep in shadow—unknown to all.

At last, a woman’s voice came from inside the palanquin.

“So the ones destined to rule the future of the martial world have all gathered.”

It was a voice of deep seduction, capable of shaking a person’s very soul. At the sound of it, one of the trading company’s martial artists, who had retreated earlier, began walking toward the palanquin.

Jin Hagun struck the man's pressure point as he passed and flung him backward with a sweep.

Then he transmitted a message to the subordinates.

—Her voice contains a mind-controlling force. Maintain inner focus and raise your internal energy to resist it.

Geom Mugeuk answered her words.

“Isn’t it you people trying to rule the future of the martial world? Seems like you’re putting in more effort than we are.”

A soft laughter came from within the palanquin. It was clear and gentle, pleasant to the ears. But that laughter disturbed the heart more strongly than any words.

“As expected, the Young Cult Leader recognizes me at a glance.”

“Who are you?”

Geom Mugeuk asked, pretending not to know her.

“A sinful life that cannot live in the light.”

“Then you’ve met the right person. Wasn’t I once the Pavilion Lord of the Underworld Pavilion? I handle sinners quite well. Shall we have a counseling session? You might become a new person in just a month.”

“As the rumors say, the Young Cult Leader truly is delightful.”

“I could’ve lived far more cheerfully if it weren’t for people like you.”

The woman let out a quiet laugh.

“I know well that you’re deeply involved in our affairs. Thanks to you, many of our plans had to be changed.”

Since returning through the Great Regression Technique, so much had changed. We had grown stronger, and they had grown weaker.

It was impossible to know how this change had affected Hwa Moogi. Why had he remained silent? Would he appear at that destined point in the future, just as fate intended? Or would he show up sooner—or even later? It was truly unknowable.

“Your plans will keep changing. As you can see, we’re younger and full of energy. If we keep blocking you again and again, you’ll probably die of old age before we do.”

Beside him stood Bih Sa-in, and from across the courtyard, Jin Hagun. The three of them looked at one another.

The woman still spoke in that soft, bewitching voice.

“What a pity. I won’t get to see this beautiful friendship anymore.”

And her confidence—was not about herself.

“There’s someone here who very much wishes to see our Young Cult Leader.”

For a brief moment, Geom Mugeuk flinched. He had not expected that.

The palanquin door began to open slowly.

The inside, shielded by a hanging beaded curtain, was dark. Not even the New Eye Technique, capable of penetrating any veil, could reveal what was within. In other words, some kind of advanced darkness technique was being applied inside.

Everyone’s gaze fixated on that silent space, where it seemed even breath had stilled.

Clink.

With a metallic clatter, a man’s hand emerged and parted the curtain.

From the dead-black, scorched skin of the hand, poisonous energy rose. Coiled around the hand was a chain emitting a blue glow, as though restraining that toxic aura.

Through the parted curtain, the man’s face emerged.

And it was even more horrific. A charred and twisted face, its flesh blackened beyond recognition—only a pair of fierce, cold eyes shone intensely through the horror.

“It’s been a while.”