Absolute Regression

Chapter 559: More Handsome Than a Doll!

Han Seol followed Geom Mugeuk as he walked ahead.

Passing martial artists respectfully greeted Geom Mugeuk with proper etiquette.

It could be felt in their eyes—the deep trust and loyalty they held toward Geom Mugeuk.

Was it because of what happened in Maga Village? She kept comparing herself to Geom Mugeuk.

Until now, she had never seen the martial artists of the Northern Sea Ice Palace look at her in that way. No—perhaps she had, but never cared enough to remember. For the first time, she became curious about what their eyes might reveal.

They entered the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

Han Seol’s heart pounded at the thought of meeting the Cult Leader for the first time.

At that moment, Sahan’s voice transmission flew in.

—Do not be nervous! We will protect you.

In truth, the Cold Ice Twin Swords were even more tense. They had never thought they would lay eyes on the Heavenly Demon in their lifetime.

Far ahead, Geom Woojin sat upon the Celestial Zenith Throne.

Han Seol found it unfamiliar and even lonely to see him alone in this grand Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

As they walked the path of blood, Geom Mugeuk spoke loudly.

“Father! Your son has returned after completing his mission.”

His voice rang out resoundingly.

Though they were far away and none would have noticed, Geom Mugeuk saw a faint smile form at the corners of his father’s mouth through the New Eye Technique. He must have been pleased by his son’s return.

Having arrived beneath the Celestial Zenith Throne, Geom Mugeuk looked up at his father. Their eyes met.

“Only now, seeing you again, does it feel like I’ve truly returned to our cult.”

To think he felt this relief just by seeing his father—something unimaginable when he first regressed.

Han Seol quietly looked up at Geom Woojin.

His gaze turned toward her.

‘More handsome than the doll!’

The appearance and presence of Geom Woojin, seen in person, were something no doll could ever capture.

She had thought the dolls were beautified representations because he was the ‘Heavenly Demon,’ but the real person was far more handsome. She had expected a fearsome appearance.

Only when she stood near him did she realize this space wasn’t vast at all. The presence of Geom Woojin alone filled it completely.

Geom Mugeuk introduced Han Seol.

“She is the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”

Of course, since word had already been sent to the Heavenly Communication Pavilion, he must have known she would be returning with them.

Han Seol offered a polite and formal greeting.

“I am Han Seol. It is a great honor to meet such a venerable figure.”

“You’ve had a hard journey.”

“Thanks to the Young Cult Leader, I was able to enjoy a fine tour of the Central Plains.”

The Cold Ice Twin Swords, who had accompanied her, also bowed respectfully.

“We are the Cold Ice Twin Swords. We greet the Supreme One of the Cult.”

“I have long heard of your renown.”

The two felt an impression far more intense than Han Seol’s.

The moment Han Seol’s eyes met Geom Woojin’s, it felt as if her entire body had frozen.

Though he hadn’t emitted any Qi, Geom Woojin’s overwhelming presence alone subdued the two of them.

Just then, as Sahan tried to brace himself against that presence—

Swiik.

Seokeok.

With the sound of slicing wind came the sound of flesh being cut.

Sahan looked down at his chest. Blood was soaking through. A long bloodline was drawn across Sobing’s chest as well, who stood beside him.

Sahan turned his head.

He saw the back of Geom Woojin, who had just passed by, cutting through both himself and Sobing.

Sahan looked back down at his sword. It had been drawn about a palm's length.

‘So this is the difference in strength between the Heavenly Demon and me!’

But all of it had occurred within Sahan’s imagination.

He often read his opponent’s presence or Qi and imagined the outcome of a fight, and in most cases, reality aligned with his predictions.

What if he had attempted to fight the Heavenly Demon today? The result would likely have been no different from this.

‘A defeat in just one second!’

He knew the Cult Leader was powerful, but he hadn’t expected such an overwhelming presence.

Geom Woojin spoke to the three.

“Please rest comfortably in our cult before you leave.”

Han Seol and the Cold Ice Twin Swords performed a martial salute and bowed.

“Thank you.”

Geom Woojin turned to Geom Mugeuk.

“Treat them well.”

“Yes. Then, I will return to see you again later.”

There were many things he wished to say to his father, but that would have to wait for a moment meant just for the two of them.

After Han Seol and the Cold Ice Twin Swords bid farewell to Geom Woojin, they exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion with Geom Mugeuk.

“Haa.”

As soon as the doors opened, Han Seol let out a long sigh. Though they had merely exchanged greetings, her whole body felt sore as if stricken with a fever. It was because of how tense she had been.

Sahan’s expression had stiffened. Seeing it, Sobing could guess what kind of imagination her husband had played out and how it had ended.

“What did you think of my father?”

To Geom Mugeuk’s question, Han Seol answered honestly.

“He was truly amazing.”

“Don’t you start too. Lately, I keep losing popularity battles to my father.”

“He deserves it.”

“That’s too much!”

Geom Mugeuk guided them to the guest quarters where only the most honored guests were accommodated. The place was decorated so splendidly that one could hardly believe it was meant for guests.

“You’ve come a long way and must be tired. Get some good rest for now. Let’s meet at Flowing Wind Tavern this evening.”

“Thank you.”

Just then, a subordinate came to report. Before heading to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, Geom Mugeuk had told his subordinate to check whether Lee Ahn had returned.

“The martial artist has not returned yet.”

Upon hearing that, a hint of disappointment passed across Han Seol’s face.

“Looks like I might leave without seeing Unnie.”

This was a strange sort of disappointment. She had never felt regret about not being able to meet someone before.

At that moment, the subordinate added a few more words.

“Oh, and the Underworld Pavilion Master has just returned.”

“Did he come back alone?”

Geom Mugeuk knew well that the answer to this question could determine Seo Daeryong’s fate.

“No. He returned with some women.”

Geom Mugeuk’s face lit up brightly.

As the subordinate finished the report and stepped away, Han Seol turned to Geom Mugeuk and asked,

“What’s made you so happy?”

“It seems my right-hand man has finally found his springtime.”

She gave him a look of not understanding what he meant, but instead of explaining, Geom Mugeuk made an unexpected proposal.

“How about staying in our cult until Lee Ahn returns?”

Han Seol, and even the Cold Ice Twin Swords, were surprised by his unexpected suggestion.

“Is there any urgent reason for you to return to the Northern Sea?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“Then what’s the harm?”

“Isn’t it strange? For the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace to stay in the Cult.”

“Just think of it like visiting a friend’s home.”

He had used the word “friend” back at the Sky Flower Pavilion as well. And once again, he was calling her a friend.

“Do you really think of me as a friend?”

It was a cautious question, but the answer came easily.

“Yes.”

“But we don’t really know much about each other.”

“What kind of friends start off knowing everything about one another? If the feeling’s right, you become friends. Honestly, the more you know, the harder it is to become friends.”

Han Seol had no response to that. She had never had a friend before.

“Think about it. If we tried to become friends when we’re older, we’d have to consider everything—what they’ve done in the past, their personality, how they act when drunk, if they hold grudges, how greedy they are. And if even one thing doesn’t sit right, it becomes awkward, and we can’t connect. But when you’re young, it’s the opposite, right? Even if everything else is wrong, if there’s just one thing that clicks, you can become friends.”

“Then what clicked between us?”

What followed was something she never expected to hear.

“Because you’re as refreshing as the Northern Sea wind.”

Han Seol’s eyes slightly widened.

“If I say, ‘Let’s go to the Main Division,’ and you’re the kind of person who just goes. If some says, ‘Let’s meet at the Unorthodox Alliance,’ and you go there too. Someone who buys all the dolls. I just thought it’d be nice to have a friend who lives by instinct. I’m someone who worries a lot and overthinks things, so even more so. Well then, get some rest and I’ll see you later.”

With that, Geom Mugeuk left the guest quarters. Han Seol stood there for a moment, dazed.

He said they clicked because she was as refreshing as the Northern Sea wind?

That she was a friend who lived by feeling?

Words she had never heard in her life. And they didn’t sound bad.

Of course, Geom Mugeuk’s suggestion didn’t sit well with the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

“You mustn’t stay in the Cult for too long.”

Han Seol asked him in return,

“Are you worried the Young Cult Leader might be plotting something?”

“Even if that’s not the case, this place is the most dangerous ‘dragon's pool and tiger's den’ in the martial world. No one can predict what might happen next.”

Han Seol walked over to the window. Beyond the guest quarters’ garden, she saw the back of Geom Mugeuk walking outside. Now that she thought about it, she had truly come all the way here relying on just that one person.

“Isn’t this place the only spot we can briefly rest within the blade-covered forest of the Central Plains?”

At her words, the Cold Ice Twin Swords looked at each other. Lately, Han Seol—whom they had known since she was young—felt strangely unfamiliar. She used to rise from her seat at the slightest discomfort when the cold wind blew even a little.

Sahan said to her,

“Don’t trust the Young Cult Leader too much. In the end, he is still a demonic cultivator. No, even before that, you shouldn’t trust people at all.”

Han Seol looked back at the two and asked,

“But you two trust each other, don’t you?”

“Well…”

Just as Sahan was about to try persuading her, Sobing spoke.

“However long you stay, just enjoy it while you can.”

Sahan glanced at Sobing.

—It’s the Young Palace Master’s first trip to the Central Plains, isn’t it?

After sending the voice transmission to her husband, Sobing spoke in a calm tone. It wasn’t necessarily directed at Han Seol alone.

“When will we ever get a chance to come to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult again?”

*         *         *

“Is this going to be where we live now?”

The youngest, Dan Yeon, asked in a trembling voice as she gazed at the grand Main Division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Though she tried to act unaffected, Dan Ah was no different—she, too, was trembling inside.

She looked at Seo Daeryong, who stood beside her. She had followed this man all the way to the cult’s Main Division. And she had even brought along her two younger sisters.

Seo Daeryong looked at Dan Ah and said,

“From now on, this is home. Come, let’s go inside.”

Seo Daeryong entered through the main gate with the sisters.

The guards stationed at the gate were terrifying demonic cultivators that one could hardly bear to meet eyes with.

Yet they bowed respectfully to Seo Daeryong.

“Oh, Brother-in-law! That was cool!”

Dan Yeon whispered, and Seo Daeryong straightened his shoulders with pride.

Once they entered through a smaller side gate—

“Waaaah!”

Dan Yeon couldn’t help but shout. She had been startled by a massive demon statue.

“It looks so scary!”

“Scary? It’s going to protect us from now on.”

Hearing that, the Dan sisters fully realized that their fate had changed.

As the three women walked toward the inner court, they looked around constantly, marveling at everything. The scale was truly overwhelming.

Among those passing by, several demonic cultivators recognized the Underworld Pavilion Master and bowed respectfully.

Seeing that others bowed first to him, the Dan sisters were struck anew by Seo Daeryong’s status.

They had vaguely known he was an important figure, but now they saw with their own eyes that he held a high position in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

Seo Daeryong first brought them to his residence.

The servants had cleaned thoroughly, so despite his long absence, the house was spotless.

“Stay here for the time being.”

Since it was the residence of the Underworld Pavilion Master, there were several rooms available.

“Choose whichever room you like, Sister-in-law!”

Seo Daeryong now found the title “Sister-in-law” rolling naturally off his tongue. Of course, he only used it for the youngest, who readily accepted his teasing.

“This house is amazing!”

Dan Yeon, delighted as she went from room to room, spoke to her second sister.

“You get first pick. Which one do you want?”

She knew better than anyone how much her second sister longed to settle down, so she offered her the chance to choose first.

Lying on the bed in the room she had picked, Dan Bi looked out the window with a trace of relief on her face.

She had stayed in many finer places before, but no matter how good they were, they had never felt like home. Now, this place was her home—her room.

Dan Yeon smiled at the sight of her. In truth, she didn’t feel as desperate to settle down as her sister did. She still preferred roaming the Central Plains, but she kept those feelings to herself for her sisters’ sake.

With the rooms chosen, the three sisters gathered in one place.

Dan Ah bowed her head to Seo Daeryong and expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you.”

“What are you talking about? I’m the one who’s thankful you trusted me and came with me.”

Dan Ah had made a decision on the way here.

“I won’t be a burden to the Pavilion Leader. And there’s no need for you to strain yourself on our account. I’ll start from the lowest rank of martial artists. I’ll take the test and join officially.”

She had heard that the Underworld Pavilion was the branch responsible for enforcing the law within the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. She was worried that if he used his authority as Pavilion Master to place them somewhere directly, it might cause trouble later.

She had full confidence in their ability to survive on their own. After all, they had already endured the hardships of a wanderer’s life.

“Don’t worry about us, Brother-in-law! If worst comes to worst, we can even do chores!”

Just then, someone spoke.

“They’re distinguished guests. That won’t do.”

The four of them turned in surprise. Standing at the door was Geom Mugeuk.

“Young Cult Leader!”

The Dan sisters quickly greeted him with urgency.

“We greet the Young Cult Leader.”

They had met him before, both at the inn and at the branch.

Seo Daeryong hurried over to Geom Mugeuk.

“Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I’m fine as usual.”

In front of Dan Ah, still being considerate as ever, Seo Daeryong said,

“You can speak comfortably now. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other from now on.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly at them and said,

“Welcome.”

“I will serve you with all my loyalty from this day forward.”

Geom Mugeuk looked at Seo Daeryong. Seo Daeryong gave an awkward smile but wore a challenger’s expression, provoking him. Geom Mugeuk, matching the mood of someone wanting to play after a long while, responded in kind.

“To think you dared fall in love before the Young Cult Leader?”

“Well, I am a bit older.”

The two faced each other and laughed.

Geom Mugeuk turned to Dan Ah and said,

“You’ve got an incredible eye for men.”

Dan Ah smiled, and Seo Daeryong waved his hand as if to say, “Don’t say that.” But the look in Seo Daeryong’s eyes clearly said, “Say a little more.”

“Back then, Branch Leader Seo once told me—our cult would never change. But the moment he spoke those words, the change began. I suppose he said that because he already wanted to bring you three into the cult.”

The three women didn’t fully understand what was being said, but Seo Daeryong’s heart stirred at the memory. He was deeply grateful to Geom Mugeuk, who always said that change began because of him.

Geom Mugeuk then spoke to the three women.

“If it weren’t for all of you this time, we would’ve faced a terrible disaster.”

It would have led to the death of the Sky Flower Pavilion Mistress.

“Those who have rendered such great service cannot possibly start as low-ranking martial artists. I will prepare proper positions for each of you.”

As if he had already considered the right roles for each, Geom Mugeuk continued,

“You’ve spent your whole lives together. How about starting to practice being apart?”