Absolute Regression

Chapter 562: Hypocrisy Stronger Than Sincerity

Everyone sat in a circle on the second floor.

The Three Dan Sisters introduced themselves first.

Unlike the calm greetings from the two older sisters, the youngest, Dan Yeon, energetically boasted about her new affiliation.

“Up to today, I’ve been a wanderer, but starting tomorrow, I’ll be part of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps! I’m Dan Yeon!”

Han Seol gave a faint smile. She had introduced the tavern owner right after arriving, and now she was introducing the wanderer sisters as his friends. From the successors of the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance to a tavern owner and wanderers, having all of them as friends was what made Geom Mugeuk who he was.

Jangho looked at Geom Mugeuk, asking with his eyes how this had come to be.

Although he had met the Three Dan Sisters earlier during the Jeongan Branch conflict, he hadn't expected to see them here at the main division.

Geom Mugeuk looked at Dan Ah and spoke.

“My right arm has finally found his other wing.”

That alone was explanation enough.

Instead of congratulating Seo Daeryong, Jangho addressed Dan Ah respectfully.

“May I offer you a drink?”

“Ah, yes.”

Jangho politely poured a drink for the flustered Dan Ah. It was a moment where a woman who had lived as a wanderer was now being served by the Demonic Army Commander.

“Welcome, sister-in-law.”

The term 'sister-in-law' surprised Dan Ah—and even more so, Seo Daeryong. It meant Jangho saw him as not just a friend, but as a brother.

Only after that did Jangho offer a proper greeting to everyone. By singling out Dan Ah, he was extending his courtesy to Seo Daeryong.

And how could Seo Daeryong not understand Jangho’s heart? He bowed his head and greeted Jangho. Thank you, Commander.

Next, Kang Dal gave his greeting. He still felt awkward being in this position.

Geom Mugeuk stepped forward and introduced him properly.

“Leader Kang here saved these three young ladies. Thanks to him, countless lives were spared.”

Kang Dal felt grateful to Geom Mugeuk. Truthfully, that decision had ultimately been made for himself. It hadn’t been driven by a grand cause or a spirit of sacrifice.

But Geom Mugeuk didn’t belittle that decision as mere luck. Instead, he valued it as something greater than it was. In a world where everyone rushed to diminish others, this meant a lot.

Geom Mugeuk handed a drink to Kang Dal.

“Accept a drink from me.”

“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”

“The responsibility you now bear is great. Uphold the laws and rules of this cult faithfully.”

“I will protect them with all my loyalty.”

As the drink poured by the Young Cult Leader passed down his throat, Kang Dal finally felt that he was living a new life.

After Kang Dal’s greeting, Cheon So-hee stepped forward. She had rushed over as soon as she got word from Geom Mugeuk. No matter where she was, she would always come if Geom Mugeuk called.

It wasn’t merely because she had become the successor thanks to him. It was because once she became the Fist Demon King, she would one day serve him, the future Cult Leader.

“She is the personal disciple of the Fist Demon King and the one who will become the next Fist Demon King.”

Everyone who didn’t know her was startled. Who would have expected the next Fist Demon King to be at this gathering? And more surprisingly, that the successor would be a woman?

The Three Dan Sisters looked at each other and exchanged shocked glances. The Demonic Army Commander and now even the next Fist Demon King. Was it really alright for them to be present at such an occasion? Truly, from the moment they arrived at the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, it had been a string of surprises.

“And she’s also my only younger martial sister.”

Geom Mugeuk smiled brightly as he looked at Cheon So-hee.

“How have you been?”

“Yes, senior brother.”

Normally, she would have addressed him as Young Cult Leader in front of others, but since he introduced her as his younger martial sister at the end, she replied with “senior brother.”

One could tell just how proud he was to call her his younger martial sister. Today, thanks to Geom Mugeuk laying the groundwork, she finally let her pride show.

“How is Master doing? We’re throwing a drinking party without even greeting him first.”

It wasn’t just the Fist Demon King. Aside from Blood Heaven Blade Demon and One-Slash Sword Supreme, they hadn’t even met the other Demon Supremes yet.

“Now then, let me introduce the star of today.”

Geom Mugeuk finally introduced Han Seol.

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

Once again, those unfamiliar with her were shocked. Meeting the next Fist Demon King at the main division of the cult was one thing, but the next master of the Ice Palace?

“Today’s gathering is to introduce my friends of the Central Plains to the Young Palace Master of the Ice Palace.”

The phrase ‘my friends’ made Kang Dal and the Three Dan Sisters tense up inside. Friends of the Young Cult Leader? That was something unbelievable.

“And it is also a celebration for Leader Kang’s advancement to the main division.”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze shifted from Kang Dal to the Three Dan Sisters.

“And a celebration of the three ladies’ new beginnings.”

Next, he looked at Cheon So-hee.

“And a joyful occasion to finally have some fun with my younger martial sister after a long time.”

Lastly, he looked to Jangho and Seo Daeryong.

“And a moment to finally attach my right arm and left arm back onto this body that has safely returned alive.”

Geom Mugeuk raised his glass.

“Now, for today, let’s set everything aside and have fun!”

With a spirited toast, everyone emptied their cups. As Geom Mugeuk led the mood, the atmosphere of the banquet quickly heated up.

Geom Mugeuk refilled Han Seol’s glass and asked,

“What did you talk about with the Drunken Demon?”

Han Seol smiled with a look that concealed her thoughts. Who else would the conversation be about but you?

“We talked about liquor, beautiful lakes, and a certain madman.”

“A madman? Who might that be?”

“There’s a person who always infuriates me whenever I see him.”

As Han Seol stared directly at him, Geom Mugeuk realized that the person in question was himself.

“Don’t believe the ramblings of the drunk!”

At that, Han Seol laughed.

“That’s right. There probably isn’t another madman as diligent as you.”

Geom Mugeuk shook his head as if refusing to acknowledge the statement.

“Do you know what I realized during this dispatch? I need to become more diligent. I thought I was already working hard, but I nearly died this time. I had forgotten for a moment.”

Geom Mugeuk spoke as he emptied his cup.

“That the enemy is always more diligent than I am.”

Jangho drank alone upon hearing that Geom Mugeuk had nearly lost his life. It upset him. It was a relief that he had come back alive—what if something really had happened?

If it were at all possible, he wanted to assist Geom Mugeuk by leading the Demonic Army at his side. It was only reality that prevented it, and that pained him.

Seo Daeryong silently held out his glass, and Jangho toasted with him. The frustration in Seo Daeryong’s cup echoed Jangho’s own regrets.

Just as the mood began to quiet, Jo Chunbae came upstairs, arms full of dishes.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Oh, I was really struggling, waiting to eat the food made by our tavern owner.”

“These were prepared with specially selected ingredients, so please enjoy them.”

As Jo Chunbae was about to set the food down and leave, Geom Mugeuk stopped him.

“Where are you going? It’s been a while—have a drink before you go.”

“Oh no, I couldn’t possibly. How could I intrude in a gathering of such esteemed individuals?”

Jo Chunbae tried to wave his hands and withdraw, but Geom Mugeuk made him sit.

“There’s no one more esteemed here than the tavern owner. Come now, sit and have a drink.”

“I’ll pour one first.”

“Drink.”

Jo Chunbae received the drink with a humbled expression and drank. Geom Mugeuk always treated him the same, whether in good times or bad.

Jo Chunbae had lived a long life selling liquor, weathering many storms. He understood just how hard it was to treat someone consistently without change—especially when there was such a vast difference in status.

“This tastes truly excellent.”

Jo Chunbae respectfully poured a drink for Geom Mugeuk.

“The drink poured by our tavern owner always tastes the best.”

“I’m truly glad you returned safely.”

“Oh, and keep a bottle separate for yourself. Drink it when you feel like reminiscing about the tavern.”

“Oh my, there’s no need for that.”

“It’s a gift from the Drunken Demon himself. Don’t refuse it.”

“Thank you.”

Han Seol was watching Geom Mugeuk, as if trying to discern something.

Could all of this really be without pretense? Wasn’t he just putting on an act for her? As if to say, ‘Look at how generous and inclusive I am.’ Wasn’t it all a scam?

She knew it probably wasn’t, and yet she kept doubting. How could someone like him exist?

Then, she suddenly recalled what the Drunken Demon had said.

—I’ve thought that dozens of times over.

Those dozens of times probably didn’t just mean, “I want to live like him too,” but also endless doubt—wondering, again and again, if it wasn’t all just hypocrisy.

Leaning against the railing, Han Seol watched Geom Mugeuk continue chatting with Jo Chunbae as he descended to the first floor. She came to a conclusion.

Sure, maybe it was pretense. But that pretense was stronger than sincerity. No one’s sincerity could match that level of pretense.

Han Seol drank another glass of liquor.

Just then, her eyes met Dan Ah’s, who had been watching her from the side.

Dan Ah gave a gentle smile and slightly bowed her head. It was an expression that said, “How could someone like me dare to meet eyes with the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace?”

“Please accept a drink from me.”

Han Seol poured a drink for Dan Ah.

“You’re the first wanderer friend I’ve made in my life.”

At that, Dan Ah was visibly startled.

“A friend? That’s far too generous of you.”

But Han Seol knew it wasn’t. Just looking at this gathering—Seo Daeryong genuinely liked this woman, and Jangho treated her with respectful formality. And Geom Mugeuk—did he look down on her because she was a wanderer or elevate herself because she was the Young Palace Master?

This was a place where what mattered wasn’t one’s status, but the kind of person they were.

She looked at Geom Mugeuk again. He had introduced her as the main guest, but in truth, the real host of this gathering was him.

That host was now speaking with Cheon So-hee.

“Tired?”

Her burst of laughter in response showed just how exhausted she truly was. She was giving it her all, to the point of collapse. For her, the thought that people might say the successor was chosen poorly—that was worse than death. Because that would bring shame to both her Master and to Geom Mugeuk.

“Sometimes I miss the Midnight Training Group.”

“So do I.”

Thinking back, it was those late-night training sessions that had brought her closer to the Fist Demon King.

“There will be a day when we all gather again.”

“Will that day really come?”

“It will, no matter what.”

For that day—for a day like this, where they could gather, laugh, and enjoy themselves.

That was why Geom Mugeuk kept pushing forward.

And so, the drinking party gradually ripened. Everyone relaxed their hearts and drank freely.

It was something that couldn’t normally happen, but for this gathering alone, it felt like there was a kind of guarantor present.

If they were someone Geom Mugeuk had invited—

Then they were someone you could safely open up to.

At one point, Han Seol and Jangho’s gazes met.

When they first greeted each other, he had offered a drink to Dan Ah but not yet to her. In the past, such a small thing might have made her feel ignored.

“Please accept a drink from me.”

Now, she offered first.

“Thank you.”

Jangho respectfully accepted and drank.

“May I offer you a glass in return?”

“Of course.”

Jangho poured her a drink with formal care. From his expression, she could tell he bore no ill will. He wasn’t someone who sought favor from anyone—he was simply someone who quietly held his place. His gesture was simply an act of courtesy for Seo Daeryong.

Had she not offered the drink herself, she might have been left with a lingering discomfort. But just offering that one glass had changed her impression of him.

Perhaps it was by building up these small acts, one by one, that someone became Geom Mugeuk.

When she looked toward Geom Mugeuk, he was no longer at his seat.

He was in an unexpected place.

At some point, he had gone down to the first floor and was now drinking with the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

Sahan and Sobing, who had once warned her never to trust the Young Cult Leader, were now laughing heartily at something they had heard.

Yes, the Drunken Demon was right.

‘I can’t live like you.’

She acknowledged it. No matter how much she accumulated and built, she could never become like him. Taking care of these people here on the second floor and still finding time to look after the Cold Ice Twin Swords on the first?

Even if she couldn’t live like Geom Mugeuk, she had felt and learned a great deal.

When she left the Northern Sea, she had still been a child—but now, she felt that perhaps she might return as an adult.

When Geom Mugeuk returned to his seat, this time Dan Yeon came up beside him, her face flushed with drink, and asked with curiosity,

“You said it before, right? That the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps is where your heart, the Division Leader resides.”

“I did.”

“What kind of person is the Division Leader? I’m so curious.”

It was a question she had gathered the courage to ask with the help of alcohol.

Seo Daeryong answered in his place.

“She’s beautiful.”

The moment the name of Lee Ahn came up, he joined in with delight.

Dan Yeon narrowed her eyes. She had asked what kind of person she was, and he said beautiful?

“How much?”

Seo Daeryong, excited, was about to say she could be called the most beautiful under heaven.

Then Geom Mugeuk’s urgent sound transmission struck him.

—Pull yourself together!

Seo Daeryong instantly sobered up.

He looked toward Dan Ah and quickly said,

“Not as much as Miss Dan, of course, but still quite beautiful.”

Dan Ah blushed lightly.

“Please, don’t say such things.”

Yet, seeing that she wasn’t displeased, Seo Daeryong sent Geom Mugeuk a sound transmission.

—I survived! Thank you!

—One moment of carelessness and you're dead!

Dan Yeon asked again,

“Then where is the Division Leader now?”

 As Han Seol was listening, she suddenly found herself longing to see her older sister.

Creeeak—

Just then, the tavern door opened and someone stepped inside.

All eyes turned in that direction.

When he saw the person enter, Jo Chunbae broke into a delighted smile.

The Cold Ice Twin Swords looked up in shock. A woman had entered, and with her entrance, it felt as if the very surroundings had brightened.

The Three Dan Sisters and even Kang Dal widened their eyes in amazement. Never in their lives had they seen a woman so beautiful.

Jangho and Seo Daeryong both lit up with bright smiles, as if saying, “Finally, she’s here!”

The woman was none other than Lee Ahn.

Her gaze had become even clearer and deeper, and her presence gave off a completely different impression than before.

Geom Mugeuk could tell immediately.

‘She’s finally achieved full mastery of the Soaring Sword Art!’

That mastery had granted her a new kind of beauty. No longer just lovely—now she radiated a strength-filled beauty.

Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Mugeuk and calmly spoke.

“Division Leader of the Tenebrous Ghosts Corps, Lee Ahn, reporting back from my mission.”

Her eyes turned to Geom Mugeuk, to Seo Daeryong, to Jangho, and then to Han Seol.

A face full of blooming joy. Lee Ahn beamed brightly and said,

“What, you’re all having fun without me?”