Absolute Regression

Chapter 560: The Wind Has Already Blown

The Dan Sisters were shocked and flustered.

They never imagined the Young Cult Leader would personally arrange roles for them.

Dan Ah looked at Seo Daeryong in a daze.

With a face filled with emotion, he expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk.

“Young Cult Leader, thank you.”

It was all thanks to Geom Mugeuk that he had made it this far. And now, he was personally stepping up for the woman he liked—along with her sisters.

“Don’t get ahead of yourself! It might just be cleaning up horse dung in the stables!”

At that, Dan Ah spoke out firmly.

“If it’s something the Young Cult Leader ordered, I’ll do anything. Even if I’m told to clean up corpses every day instead of dung, I’ll do it.”

Her two younger sisters shouted along.

“Please leave it to us!”

They were sincere. The fact that the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was personally looking after them was already more than enough.

“Then follow me.”

The first place Geom Mugeuk headed to was the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps led by Lee Ahn.

First Squad Leader Cheong Myeon greeted Geom Mugeuk.

“Young Cult Leader! I heard news of your return.”

All the martial artists of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps came out and respectfully greeted him. They seemed to have dedicated themselves to training—sharper in aura than the last time he saw them.

After observing them, Geom Mugeuk turned his gaze back to Cheong Myeon.

He didn’t ask how he had been lately. Instead, he asked:

“Are you happy?”

After all, Cheong Myeon had chosen the path of a mere leader rather than being the personal disciple of the Evil Smiling Demon.

From within the mask, his eyes smiled with contentment.

“Yes.”

That brief answer was enough. Geom Mugeuk felt that he was living in satisfaction with his life.

“This time, you fought alongside the Evil Smiling Demon.”

Geom Mugeuk intentionally mentioned the Evil Smiling Demon. Would avoiding the name make Cheong Myeon forget him? On the contrary, speaking naturally about him seemed like the better path for his sake.

“I survived thanks to the Evil Smiling Demon.”

A trace of unhidden longing passed through Cheong Myeon’s eyes.

“Thank you for bringing me news.”

After that long-overdue reunion, Geom Mugeuk revealed the reason for his visit.

“Today, I’ve come to recommend a new recruit to the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps.”

Since it was Geom Mugeuk’s first recommendation, Cheong Myeon looked surprised as he turned to the three women who had come with him.

The person Geom Mugeuk had chosen was Dan Yeon.

“Youngest Lady!”

Dan Yeon was startled. She had never imagined she’d be called.

“Me?”

“Youngest Lady, the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps is my direct unit—my heart resides there as its leader. It is also the place where the Cheong Myeon I trust serves as First Squad Leader.”

“You intend to place me in such an important place?”

Geom Mugeuk nodded.

“With your lively personality, I believe the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps suits you well. From now on, the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps will carry out missions across the Central Plains. What do you think? Want to give it a try?”

Dan Yeon was surprised that Geom Mugeuk had so accurately understood her personality.

Her gaze shifted from Geom Mugeuk to the martial artists of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps. Cheong Myeon, wearing a blue mask, and the warriors lined up behind him all exuded an unmistakable air of strength. She was no longer a wanderer—she was now becoming an elite martial artist of the Demonic Cult.

“Will I be able to do it?”

“Neither I nor that First Squad Leader over there can answer that. Only you, Youngest Lady, will know. Lady, do you think you can do it?”

Despite the weight of the question, she didn’t hesitate long. What stamped her decision wasn’t a vague hope to do well or a baseless confidence that she could.

It was the path she had walked. Her past, surviving the harsh life of a wanderer, slammed down the seal on her decision.

Dan Yeon respectfully offered a clasped-fist salute to Cheong Myeon and lowered her head.

“If you accept me, I will do my utmost.”

Geom Mugeuk thought the youngest was clever. Since he had brought her, Cheong Myeon would have to accept her either way—but she still sought Cheong Myeon’s permission.

“It may be the Young Cult Leader’s recommendation, but there will be no special treatment.”

“That is exactly what I hope for.”

Cheong Myeon accepted her with a satisfied smile.

“Report here starting tomorrow.”

“Thank you!”

“Give your thanks to the Young Cult Leader. We are but shadows that exist only for him.”

Dan Yeon turned to Geom Mugeuk, returning the clasped-fist salute with energy.

“Young Cult Leader, thank you.”

Dan Ah and Dan Bi bowed at the same time.

“Thank you so much for looking after our sister.”

A mischievous smile passed over Geom Mugeuk’s face.

“Not because of you two—but for our Youngest Lady here. Now, Youngest Lady, even after all this, are you still going to send food to my father?”

Dan Yeon gave a bright smile that showed she wouldn’t give up on that matter.

“You’re too much! Youngest Lady!”

Dan Yeon’s heart pounded. It still didn’t feel real. To be speaking so freely with the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, to be accepted into the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps...

She had known a new life would begin—but not that it would change so suddenly on her very first day in the cult. She hadn’t even unpacked yet.

How could Geom Mugeuk not understand her complicated feelings? He added a warm word of encouragement.

“The wind has already blown. Now, our Youngest Lady must steer the sail well.”

*         *         *

“Thank you. You saved my life.”

A polite bow came from Jonghwa, the investigator from the Underworld Pavilion.

He had been in grave danger while apprehending an inner cult member guilty of corruption, as the man suddenly drew his sword and tried to take the investigator hostage.

Fortunately, the newly appointed third leader of the Enforcement Division acted swiftly and saved his life.

“This is excessive force, damn it! You bastards are all finished!”

The corrupt martial artist, stabbed in the process, shouted in anger. Frightened and drunk, he had no idea what he was even doing.

“This is nothing. You’ll encounter all kinds of bastards from now on.”

At Jonghwa’s words, the third leader nodded.

With that, Jonghwa and the enforcement martial artists departed first after arresting the criminal, leaving the third leader alone with a sigh.

Then came a voice from behind.

“Do you already miss the Jeongan Branch?”

Startled, he turned around to see Geom Mugeuk, Seo Daeryong, and the Dan Sisters walking toward him.

“Young Cult Leader?”

“It’s been a while, Branch Leader Kang. No—Leader Kang.”

He was none other than Kang Dal, former branch leader of the Jeongan Branch of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. After rendering great service by rescuing the Dan Sisters and catching the eye of Geom Woojin, he had been appointed as the third leader of the Enforcement Division.

Under the chief leader, there were three division leaders, and he had been assigned to the third division. It was an unprecedented promotion for someone moving from a regional branch leader to a division leader at the Underworld Pavilion. It was a reward from Geom Woojin, who valued his judgment and capability in handling matters.

When he first received the assignment and came to the main division, he was filled with concerns. Unusual appointments often came with rumors and complaints.

But this time, not a single word of complaint or rumor followed.

On the day of his appointment, Geom Woojin had personally visited the Underworld Pavilion. In the presence of all enforcement martial artists, he praised Kang Dal’s great service and appointed him directly as a division leader.

The sight of the Cult Leader himself walking through the doors to the place where Kang Dal would be stationed—he would never forget that moment until the day he died.

After bowing respectfully to Geom Mugeuk, Kang Dal also offered a formal greeting to Seo Daeryong.

“I will serve you with utmost loyalty from now on.”

Seo Daeryong was now his direct superior.

Though this was their first time meeting at work, Seo Daeryong had already received the report of Kang Dal’s appointment as division leader.

“If it’s Leader Kang, I trust you’ll do well.”

“I’ll do my best not to disappoint.”

After their greetings ended, Geom Mugeuk stated the reason for their visit to Kang Dal.

“Please accept one new recruit into the third division of the Enforcement Division.”

“I was just thinking it was time to add someone new.”

Geom Mugeuk looked at the second sister, Dan Bi.

“Second Lady is calm and rational—I believe she’s well-suited for the Enforcement Division. What do you think? Would you like to try it?”

She had been prepared to take on even the lowest positions and menial work, and now she was being assigned as an enforcement martial artist of the Underworld Pavilion? How could she not be pleased?

“Thank you so much.”

Dan Bi’s martial arts skills were more than sufficient for the role.

They were grateful not only for the important positions being entrusted to them, but also deeply moved by the thoughtfulness Geom Mugeuk had shown in considering each of their personalities. In truth, that was the most crucial part.

If the positions arranged by the Young Cult Leader didn’t suit them, what could they do? It would be agonizing, especially since quitting wasn’t an option.

Dan Bi bowed respectfully to Kang Dal.

“I look forward to working with you, Leader!”

“I’m even more glad to see you again.”

Kang Dal smiled. In truth, the reason he had risen so high was because the Dan Sisters had come to his branch that day.

Young Cult Leader, Underworld Pavilion Leader, and the Dan Sisters.

That bond continued even after arriving at the main division.

Thus, Geom Mugeuk had arranged positions for the second and third sisters.

“There’s no position for the eldest, Young Lady.”

Naturally, there was a reason why Geom Mugeuk had made such a decision.

“First, I want the two of you to have more time together.”

The two liked each other enough to come all the way to the main division together. But if Dan Ah took on a new role, she would be too busy and distracted adjusting to it.

“For now, take your time and enjoy yourselves. Go out together, eat delicious things. Get used to the cult, and also look after your younger sisters.”

Moved by Geom Mugeuk’s thoughtfulness, Seo Daeryong’s whole body trembled.

‘There’s no more awe I can feel for the Young Cult Leader. I’ve already used all the awe in my life on him. And yet, if he keeps doing this, what am I supposed to do?’

Those were his true feelings. Which naturally led him to ask:

“What are you planning to do later on?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’re already this amazing while still young—what are you going to do when you’re older?”

“If I end up shabby, dull, and no longer impressive, then you just tell people this—‘Our Young Cult Leader used up all the coolness of life in his twenties! So let’s cut him some slack.’”

Not only Seo Daeryong, but also Kang Dal and the Dan Sisters laughed.

Geom Mugeuk sincerely hoped Seo Daeryong and Dan Ah would do well. But he knew that wasn’t something he could make happen through interference.

“If you’ve lived as a wanderer and followed the Underworld Pavilion Leader all the way to the cult, then I believe there’s a fate of your own waiting. Go where that fate leads you.”

Dan Ah bowed her head respectfully.

“I will never forget the grace you have shown me.”

Now she could understand why Seo Daeryong had talked about the Young Cult Leader every time he opened his mouth. Geom Mugeuk was this kind of person.

“Then let’s all meet tonight at the Flowing Wind Tavern! You too, Leader Kang!”

With that, Geom Mugeuk went to find the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.

“Elder!”

When he ran into the courtyard, someone was already there.

“Young Cult Leader, this is always the first place you come when you return from leaving the cult.”

The woman tending the flower garden straightened up. With her bare face and pure white hair, she was now perfectly suited to her current appearance—One-Slash Sword Supreme.

“I like you the most, Elder. Have you been well, Sword Supreme?”

The One-Slash Sword Supreme smiled brightly and nodded. Her aura felt even gentler now—it seemed her training had never ceased.

At that moment, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon emerged from a storage building and spoke.

“Words you don’t mean!”

Even as he said it, he couldn’t hide the pleased expression on his face.

“Elder!”

Geom Mugeuk ran forward to embrace him, but as always, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon used footwork to dodge.

Holding a hoe he had brought from the storage building, he crouched down beside the One-Slash Sword Supreme and began digging the earth.

Geom Mugeuk quietly watched the two as they tended the flower garden.

What might they be feeling toward each other?

At the very least, he could sense one thing. They weren’t forcing closeness—they simply observed each other from just that distance.

He thought, perhaps that exact amount of distance was what protected the space between them.

While hoeing the soil, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon asked,

“How was your mission?”

“I barely came back alive. If the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance and the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader hadn’t been there—especially if the Evil Smiling Demon hadn’t shown up—I’d be dead.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon’s hand paused for a moment, then resumed moving.

“It’s only going to get harder. The more you kill, the fiercer and stronger their retaliation will be.”

“You’ll have to protect me, Elder.”

“Don’t think about using an old man—just focus on your training.”

He truly intended to train harder from now on. It wasn’t just the Heavenly Demon Soul in his dreams whose pride had been wounded by the failure of the Nine Calamities Demon Art at the Seven Stars.

“Sword Supreme, I think it’s time to restart the sparring sessions.”

The One-Slash Sword Supreme smiled.

“I welcome it anytime.”

Just then, two people entered the courtyard.

They were Seo Daeryong and Dan Ah. Having returned from a mission, he came to pay his respects to his master. He had brought Dan Ah along to introduce her as well.

“Master, I’ve returned.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon stood up and walked over to Seo Daeryong.

His eyes scanned his disciple with concern.

“No injuries?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Good, then.”

Geom Mugeuk wasn’t one to just quietly stand by and watch.

“Now hold on. I know he’s your top disciple, but isn’t this favoritism going too far? I was in more danger, you know!”

Pretending not to hear, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned his attention to Dan Ah.

“And who is this young lady?”

“This is Lady Dan Ah. She came with me to the cult this time.”

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon looked at Seo Daeryong with a questioning expression. Seo Daeryong, unsure of how to explain, only blushed.

Dan Ah was nervous. She desperately wanted to make a good impression on the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, Seo Daeryong’s master. Her heart pounded harder than it had when she was surrounded by enemies.

At that moment, the One-Slash Sword Supreme stood up and walked toward them.

“Why even ask?”

She looked at Seo Daeryong and Dan Ah. Their shy glances, unable to even look each other in the eyes, and their fresh, budding connection brought a smile to her face.

‘I had times like that too.’

Seo Daeryong introduced the One-Slash Sword Supreme to Dan Ah.

“This is the Demon Supreme of our cult, the One-Slash Sword Supreme.”

At those words, Dan Ah looked at her in surprise. For anyone who wielded a sword, there was no one who didn’t know her.

A woman who had risen to the position of Demon Supreme with just a single sword.

To Dan Ah, the One-Slash Sword Supreme felt especially meaningful. On her way here, she had wanted to meet only two people—the Blood Heaven Blade Demon, Seo Daeryong’s master, and this woman.

“It’s an honor to meet you.”

Dan Ah’s voice trembled. Her admiration for the One-Slash Sword Supreme was written plainly across her face, and her first impression had passed.

“It couldn’t have been easy to decide to devote yourself to the cult as a woman.”

Perhaps it was because she knew Dan Ah was in a relationship with Seo Daeryong, who wore a great saber at his back. Memories of her younger years rose up in her mind.

“What was it that you liked so much?”

Since it was the One-Slash Sword Supreme who asked, Dan Ah answered honestly.

“I liked how he was pure in a way unbecoming of a martial artist.”

The One-Slash Sword Supreme nodded and turned back toward the flower garden. Then, seeing the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and Seo Daeryong standing side by side, both with great sabers on their backs, she suddenly turned again and asked,

“By any chance, does Pavilion Leader Seo…”

Perhaps he had guessed the nature of her question? The Blood Heaven Blade Demon quickly cut her off and said,

“Let’s not do this out here—come inside. I happen to have a fine tea prepared.”

With that, the Blood Heaven Blade Demon led Dan Ah inside, and Seo Daeryong followed behind.

The One-Slash Sword Supreme smiled, reminiscing about that day long ago.

“Like master, like disciple indeed!”