Absolute Regression

Chapter 564: It Was Something I Gave You

“What on earth is going on?”

At Lee Ahn’s question, Geom Mugeuk hesitated, thinking about how he should respond.

“I once heard there was some trouble within the Golden Dragon Martial Hall. I was worried it might affect Lady Seo negatively.”

Simply rushing to her based on a vague rumor was something hard to justify. But this was the one thing that might convince Lee Ahn.

“I have a bad feeling.”

Sure enough, Lee Ahn nodded immediately.

“Then we have to go right away.”

How could anyone understand all the things Geom Mugeuk had accomplished thus far? Lee Ahn understood everything she couldn’t understand through the simple fact that he was someone sent from the heavens.

“You didn’t even get to rest after coming back. I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Lady Seo’s matter is mine as well. But… is the Young Cult Leader coming with us?”

“Of course.”

At the mention of traveling together, Lee Ahn’s face lit up brightly. Leaving the cult alongside Geom Mugeuk was truly what she had hoped for.

“Are we leaving right now?”

“The sun will rise soon. Let’s meet Lady Han, have a word with her, and then depart.”

“Then I’ll be able to see Father before we go.”

There had only ever been the Young Cult Leader in her life, but now she had a father, and a younger sibling too.

Just like that, the two of them returned to the Main Division and parted ways to their respective quarters.

“Try to get some sleep for a couple of hours. See you later.”

“Yes, Young Cult Leader.”

As Geom Mugeuk turned away, Lee Ahn called out.

“Thank you for the Sun and Moon Sword. I love it so much I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep for a while.”

Geom Mugeuk looked at the sword fastened at her waist and spoke.

“It suits you well.”

It wasn’t just empty praise. The Sun and Moon Sword, embroidered with the celestial sun and moon, matched her beauty perfectly.

Back in her room, Lee Ahn began packing.

A change of clothes, Golden Wound Medicine, internal injury medicine. She filled her new travel pouch with all the items she’d need for the journey.

She placed the sword box safely in her quarters. Every time she looked at it, she would remember how Geom Mugeuk had even prepared the box with care, just for her.

Her heart was so restless that she couldn’t fall asleep.

Lee Ahn used her inner strength to drive the intoxication out of her body, then stepped out into the courtyard.

After taking a deep breath, she slowly drew the Sun and Moon Sword.

Shrring.

The blade slipped out smoothly and revealed itself in the dark.

Dawnlight—where light and shadow coexisted—flowed along the sword’s edge. The blade was so sharp it felt like it might draw in the soul of anyone who dared gaze upon it.

Lee Ahn slowly summoned her inner force.

She had heard from Geom Mugeuk countless times that the moment one first obtained a treasured blade was the most crucial. One had to bond with the sword. There was a clear difference in strength between a sword that accepted its master and one that didn’t.

Woom.

The Sun and Moon Sword, infused with true energy, vibrated faintly.

Lee Ahn focused on becoming one with the sword.

Whether her effort had succeeded or not—she would only know once the battle came.

‘Sun and Moon, we’re in this for life.’

*         *         *

As soon as the sun rose, Geom Mugeuk visited Han Seol together with Lee Ahn.

“What’s going on?”

She was surprised by their visit. It was early morning, so early she hadn’t even washed her face yet, and the two had already come to see her.

“Something’s come up suddenly. I think I’ll have to leave the cult with Lee Ahn.”

What brushed through Han Seol’s heart in that moment was unmistakably regret. Of course, Han Seol did not let it show.

“I see. If the two of you are going, we should leave as well.”

Han Seol promptly informed the Cold Ice Twin Swords that they’d be departing soon.

Geom Mugeuk couldn’t bring himself to say they should stay longer and enjoy themselves.

She had come to see him and Lee Ahn. While Seo Daeryong or Jangho could look after her, she wouldn’t feel the need to remain any longer.

“I’m sorry.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s apology, Han Seol looked at Lee Ahn.

“You came to see me, didn’t you? Now that you’ve seen me, it’s fine.”

This time, Lee Ahn was the one to apologize to her.

“Sorry. I promised to show you around the Central Plains.”

“Next time. And the Young Cult Leader let me see a lot on the way here.”

“Are you heading straight back to the Northern Sea?”

“No. There’s somewhere I need to stop by first.”

Han Seol planned to visit Bih Sa-in before returning.

“You’ll probably see some very interesting sights there.”

At Geom Mugeuk’s meaningful words, Lee Ahn looked puzzled, while Han Seol pretended not to hear.

Geom Mugeuk gave the two women some time alone.

“I’ll go ahead and visit Father. Let’s meet at the Heavenly Demon Pavilion shortly.”

Even when leaving, he had to bid farewell to the Cult Leader.

Geom Mugeuk exited the room first.

“The Young Cult Leader is always busy.”

At Han Seol’s words, Lee Ahn looked out the window, gazing past the wall at Geom Mugeuk soaring away in the distance.

“There should be enough time for a cup of tea, right?”

To Han Seol’s question, Lee Ahn nodded.

“I’ll brew it for you.”

Lee Ahn personally brewed tea for her younger sister.

“How’s the Palace Mistress doing?”

“She’s doing well.”

“Still, it’s amazing she let you come to the Central Plains.”

“She let me go because she trusted the Young Cult Leader.”

It was true. Without her connection to Geom Mugeuk, her mother would never have allowed her daughter to come to the Central Plains.

“You seem different from when I last saw you.”

Lee Ahn looked back at Han Seol with a smile.

“I’ve been through a bit.”

At that, a conversation with Geom Mugeuk came to her mind. When she had called Lee Ahn his heart, she had asked if it was really okay to send her off alone. Geom Mugeuk had answered:

—She needs to learn how to walk alone, too.

Perhaps what Han Seol was witnessing now… was the result of that solitary journey.

In the meantime, Lee Ahn returned with the tea.

The two sat across from each other, drinking tea.

“It smells wonderful.”

“Tastes good too.”

As Lee Ahn savored the aroma, Han Seol suddenly asked,

“You love the Young Cult Leader, don’t you?”

It was an abrupt question, but Lee Ahn wasn’t the least bit surprised. After all, Geom Mugeuk always called her his heart—wouldn’t it be stranger not to ask such a thing?

“I do.”

Han Seol stared at Lee Ahn in silence.

“Why? Are you worried I’ll get my heart broken?”

Lee Ahn sipped her tea with a slurp as she spoke.

“Life’s already overwhelming with just the wounds from blades.”

Lee Ahn turned her gaze out the window, and Han Seol followed.

Beyond the wall, a bird flew freely through the clear, bright sky.

“Enjoy the Central Plains while you can.”

*         *         *

Meanwhile, Geom Mugeuk arrived at his father’s quarters.

Even if he couldn’t see any of the other Demon Supremes, he at least had to bid his father farewell.

His father was in the middle of morning training.

Geom Mugeuk waited outside the training hall when Hui’s voice called out,

“He says to come in.”

Geom Mugeuk stepped into the training hall.

His father stood there, eyes closed, holding the Heavenly Demon Sword before him. He wasn’t exhaling his Qi nor infusing the sword with true energy. He simply stood there, immersed in the sword.

Last time, his father had taught him to fully sense the sword’s presence.

Geom Mugeuk also drew the Black Demon Sword.

He, too, refrained from injecting any true energy, or forming any sword techniques, and focused solely on the Black Demon Sword.

‘You’ve been busy, haven’t you?’

Busy killing enemies.

Busy training in the Nine Calamities Demon Art.

And so he rarely had the chance to close his eyes and quietly attune himself to the essence of the sword.

Just like how he kept telling himself to look up at the sky but kept forgetting.

With eyes closed, immersed in the sword, he was suddenly reminded of his childhood.

A day from his younger years.

The first time he had ever drawn a real blade instead of a wooden sword.

The steel edge felt terrifying in his young hands, but Geom Mugeuk pretended not to be scared.

In fact, he put on a confident expression.

Even at that age, he remembered vividly wanting to impress his father.

He recalled the words his father had spoken to him back then.

—You must know how to fear the sword.

In hindsight, one would expect his father to say not to fear the sword.

Anyway, at the time, he hadn’t thought much of it and let it pass.

‘Am I afraid of the sword now?’

Geom Mugeuk slowly opened his eyes.

His father had already opened his and was gazing at him.

“Now that I think of it, lately I’ve been focusing solely on the demons born of the Nine Calamities Demon Art.

Its power. Its completion.

I was so obsessed with wondering when I might witness the Heavenly Demon Spirit…”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze deepened as he continued,

“I had completely forgotten… that the sword is something to be feared.”

Had he perhaps lost sight of this fear—that which lies at the very core of swordsmanship?

“Even though those were the very words you once told me yourself.”

A flicker of emotion crossed Geom Woojin’s eyes as he looked at his son.

What kind of conversation was Father having with the Heavenly Demon Sword?

What was truly passing between them?

Geom Mugeuk looked down at the Black Demon Sword in his hand for a moment, then sheathed it again.

“What brings you here at this hour?”

“I’ve been called to leave the cult again, so I came to offer my greetings.”

“You’ve barely just returned. Where are you off to now?”

Geom Mugeuk looked at his father with a faint smile.

“You’re feeling a bit sad because your son’s leaving again, aren’t you?”

His father’s lips curled up slightly, but he did not deny it.

“Something urgent came up involving Lee Ahn. If any problems arise, I’ll send word through the Heavenly Communication Pavilion.”

Geom Woojin nodded.

“Lady Han and Lee Ahn will come to the Heavenly Demon Pavilion to greet you. I’ll go ahead and wait for them there.”

As Geom Mugeuk turned to leave, Geom Woojin spoke behind him.

“I am still afraid of the sword.”

Geom Mugeuk turned back to look at his father.

Their gazes met and crossed in the air.

That honest admission, spoken for his son, carried with it the ultimate truth of swordsmanship—something only those who had reached the highest realm could comprehend.

“That must be why I respect your sword, Father.”

Because it was not a cruel demonic sword.

Because it was a sword that was stronger than any other, yet remained wary of its own strength.

“From today on, I will once again begin to fear the sword.”

At the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, Lee Ahn, Han Seol, and the Cold Ice Twin Swords said their farewells.

Han Seol offered a respectful martial salute as she greeted Geom Woojin.

“Thanks to you, I’m leaving safely.”

“Take care on your journey. Give my regards to the Palace Mistress.”

“I will. Until we meet again, I wish you peace and health.”

Han Seol bowed, and the Cold Ice Twin Swords followed.

“We’ll see you next time, Cult Leader.”

“Travel safely, both of you.”

Next, Lee Ahn stepped forward, her heart trembling, and bowed respectfully.

“Thank you for looking after my younger sister. I’ll do my best to serve the Young Cult Leader well on this trip.”

She had come alongside Han Seol because she, too, was of the Northern Sea Ice Palace bloodline.

At that moment, Geom Woojin spoke to Han Seol and the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

“Would you excuse us for a moment?”

“Yes, please take your time.”

Geom Mugeuk turned to Han Seol.

“Please wait in front of the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.”

Then Geom Woojin addressed Geom Mugeuk.

“You, too!”

“Me?”

He meant to leave only Lee Ahn behind—everyone else was to step out.

Lee Ahn looked at Geom Mugeuk with surprise.

Don’t leave me alone!

“Lee Ahn, let’s meet again alive!”

Don’t leave me alone! That was the cry echoing inside Lee Ahn’s heart.

And so the four of them exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

Left alone, Lee Ahn bowed her head, heart pounding with anxiety.

‘What could this be about? Did I do something wrong? Or… is he about to say something about the Young Cult Leader?’

Countless thoughts filled her mind as her heart thudded in her chest—

And then, from Geom Woojin came unexpected words.

“You’ve achieved mastery in the Soaring Sword Art.”

From the moment Lee Ahn entered the Heavenly Demon Pavilion, Geom Woojin had already recognized her accomplishment. It wasn’t just any martial art—it was the Soaring Sword Art, and there was no way he wouldn’t notice.

“Yes, I achieved it not long ago. The Young Cult Leader has bestowed great teachings upon someone as foolish as myself. But ultimately, it was only possible because you, Cult Leader, granted me permission to learn in the first place.”

Lee Ahn bowed deeply.

“Without innate talent, even if I had taught you myself instead of Mugeuk, you wouldn’t have reached mastery in that time.”

Just then, Hui emerged with a box and handed it to Lee Ahn.

“A gift from the Cult Leader.”

With trembling hands, Lee Ahn opened the box—and to her astonishment, inside was a Millennium Snow Ginseng.

Startled, Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Woojin, who calmly said,

“It’s a gift to commemorate your mastery of the Soaring Sword Art.”

In that moment, Lee Ahn was overwhelmed with shock.

How could she have ever imagined the Heavenly Demon would bestow such a gift upon her?

She immediately dropped to her knees and exclaimed loudly,

“I cannot accept such a precious gift.”

Her voice trembled.

Then came the command that could not be refused.

“Take it.”

Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Woojin, then lowered her head once more and replied,

“Yes, Cult Leader.”

And that wasn’t all.

“Consume it now. I’ll supervise.”

Lee Ahn’s mind went blank.

With trembling hands, she consumed the Millennium Snow Ginseng.

Who could understand the feeling of chewing a Millennium Snow Ginseng in front of the Heavenly Demon?

It was truly an indescribable experience.

After she finished, Geom Woojin placed his hand on her back and channeled a stream of internal energy to help her absorb it.

Who would find it difficult to circulate energy with such assistance?

The immense internal energy of the Millennium Snow Ginseng infused into Lee Ahn’s core.

She had already significantly boosted her inner strength recently by consuming the Ice Snow Grass given by the Ice Palace Mistress.

Now, with the addition of the Millennium Snow Ginseng, her cultivation deepened even further.

She had truly become someone whose internal energy would not fall behind anyone’s.

Mastery of the Soaring Sword Art, the Sun and Moon Sword, and now even the Millennium Snow Ginseng—

She had truly become strong.

Lee Ahn bowed her head deeply in gratitude.

Even for the Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, the Millennium Snow Ginseng was not something given lightly.

“I will never forget this grace until the day I die. I will repay this favor with my loyalty to the Young Cult Leader.”

She understood this as a message to protect the Young Cult Leader well.

But that was not the reason Geom Woojin had given her the Millennium Snow Ginseng.

“It’s not because of Mugeuk.”

“…Pardon?”

“I gave it for you.”

Lee Ahn looked up at Geom Woojin, astonished.

‘Wasn’t it originally only permitted because of the Young Cult Leader’s request—because the Soaring Sword Art is only passed down to bloodline descendants?’

But there was a reason she had never imagined.

It wasn’t because she was the Young Cult Leader’s guard.

Nor was it because she was of the Northern Sea Ice Palace bloodline.

The reason… was because of someone he cherished.

“The daughter of the Fist Demon King is no different from my own daughter.”

“!”

Geom Woojin spoke to her gently.

“Travel safely and take care.”