Absolute Regression

Chapter 578: Anyone Would Think We’re Heading to Face the Demonic Cult

The Sword King's gaze turned to the shoes in his hand.

When was the last time he’d received a gift like this from someone?

“I don’t even wear shoes that often.”

“That’s exactly why you should wear clean ones.”

“What do you mean?”

“Because you walk around barefoot, those shoes dangling at your waist stand out even more, don’t they?”

“Now that I think about it, that’s true.”

The Sword King still hadn’t said thank you for the shoes. Clearly, he was more flustered than when Geom Mugeuk had drawn his sword.

“If I accept something like this, it’ll be troublesome when I ask for a favor later.”

Geom Mugeuk didn’t ask what kind of favor he had in mind. Instead, he responded with a joke.

“When you ask me for a favor, please make sure to look down at your waist first!”

The Sword King stared at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, then sat down and clapped the soles of his feet clean with his hands.

And right in front of Geom Mugeuk, he put the shoes on.

“They fit perfectly.”

“Do you think my eye for measurements is average? One day it’ll pierce right through your heart, past even your advanced techniques.”

“Then I suppose I’ll have to stab those eyes first.”

The Sword King stood up and dusted off his backside.

“But what if I had done something to those shoes? Why are you putting them on so casually?”

“If I died because I failed to see through such a petty trick, then it’s my poor judgment that killed me. I’d deserve it.”

The Sword King pulled out the worn shoes that had been hanging at his waist.

“I’ve worn these for a long time.”

They were so worn-out, it was hard to tell when he’d first started using them.

“Do they have any meaning?”

The Sword King shook his head.

“If there’s any meaning to these old shoes, it’s probably just that I’ve lived without caring much about what others think.”

“I envy you. I care a great deal about what others think.”

“You do?”

It was surprising, especially coming from Geom Mugeuk, who seemed freer than anyone.

“I want to be someone impressive to that person, to appear witty to that person. In urgent moments, I wish I’d be the first one they think of. I want to be the center of attention. I really do care about all those things. Even being honest with you right now—it's because I care how you see me. I want to be seen as someone sincere.”

The Sword King sensed that Geom Mugeuk wasn’t lying.

“Doesn’t living like that make you tired?”

“It does, but it’s also rewarding. If I hadn’t cared this much, would we even be having this conversation right now?”

Probably not. Things would have taken a completely different path by now. No, perhaps everything would have already been decided.

Fwoooosh.

The Sword King ignited Heat Yang Energy in his palm and burned the shoes he’d been holding.

Watching the shoes burn brightly for a moment, he then left the ashen remains behind and strode off without looking back.

As he walked away, Geom Mugeuk shouted after him.

“Please don’t stab my eyes! That’s the one thing I’m most confident in!”

*         *         *

Geom Mugeuk called Lee Ahn and Seo Jin to a deserted clearing.

“From now on, I will pass down the Golden Dragon Sword Art to Unit Leader Seo.”

Seo Jin looked at Geom Mugeuk in shock. She understood. Over the past ten or so days, something had been exchanged between the instructor and Geom Mugeuk, using the Golden Dragon Sword Art as a medium. And now, he was offering her the result of that exchange.

Startled, she looked to Lee Ahn. Her expression asked, ‘Is it alright to accept this so easily?’ Lee Ahn responded with a smile and nodded.

Only then did Seo Jin turn to Geom Mugeuk and express her gratitude.

“Thank you very much.”

Lately, she had been consumed by the desire to become stronger. But Ghost Art wasn’t a martial art that bore fruit overnight, and she couldn’t simply take up a new technique either.

And yet, as if he had read her heart, Geom Mugeuk was offering to pass down his swordsmanship—how could she not feel thankful?

“If you’re passing down swordsmanship to Unit Leader Seo, then I’ll step aside.”

Lee Ahn tactfully offered to withdraw. It was customary not to remain when martial arts were being passed down to another.

If Geom Mugeuk had intended to send her away, he would have called only Seo Jin from the start.

“No. You’re learning it too.”

“Me? I am?”

“It will surely help if you learn it as a supplementary sword art.”

He himself mainly relied on the Nine Calamities Demon Art, but there were times when he used the Soaring Sword Art instead. For opponents he didn’t need to use Nine Calamities Demon Art against, he chose Soaring Sword Art. She would likely face similar situations.

“There’s something especially important to keep in mind as you learn. Reflect on why the original Golden Dragon Sword Art was reinterpreted this way.”

And more than anything, this was the most crucial point of the training.

“Think about how you would reinterpret it.”

Lee Ahn asked with a surprised face,

“Am I qualified for that?”

Geom Mugeuk nodded.

“You are more than qualified.”

Geom Mugeuk believed with certainty that the process of reflection would be more valuable to Lee Ahn than the swordsmanship itself.

And Lee Ahn could feel it. This training too was a precious opportunity. Geom Mugeuk always gave her moments like this.

Seeing the tremble in her eyes, Geom Mugeuk gave a single nod.

Instead of saying thank you, Lee Ahn bowed her head.

While reinterpretation held more significance for Lee Ahn, it meant something different for Seo Jin.

“Unit Leader Seo, you’ll carry this sword art until the day you die.”

He was confident that the chance of her finding a better sword art was almost nonexistent. The newly completed Golden Dragon Sword Art, shaped by the interpretations of both himself and the Sword King, was a truly exceptional martial art.

She needed proper swordsmanship. While she wouldn’t need other martial arts once she became a true master of Ghost Art, she had to survive until then. No— even when that time came, knowing a proper sword art would still prove far more useful.

Geom Mugeuk passed down the Golden Dragon Sword Art he had reinterpreted to the two women exactly as it was.

He explained it incredibly simply. As with any field, only those who truly understand something can explain it simply. The essence of his profound martial insight was conveyed to the two women in plain language.

Not only Lee Ahn, but Seo Jin too was exceptionally bright. Because of that, the martial arts transmission proceeded without any hindrance. Whenever something was unclear, they asked questions on the spot and discussed it together.

Now that Lee Ahn had learned it as well, they would be able to consult each other and continue their training together if any confusion arose in the future.

As the transmission neared its end, a person arrived and silently handed Lee Ahn a small slip of paper before vanishing. The messenger was a martial artist from Hidden Moon.

Previously, Lee Ahn and Seo Jin had instructed the members of the Heavenly Communication Pavilion and Hidden Moon to investigate all information related to the Golden Dragon Martial Hall. And today, urgent information had arrived from Hidden Moon.

Lee Ahn read aloud the contents written on the slip.

“The White Snake Corps is heading this way.”

Geom Mugeuk, as if he had already expected it, showed no surprise whatsoever.

“What’s their estimated time of arrival?”

“They say it’ll be around midnight tonight.”

Geom Mugeuk looked down at Lee Ahn’s Sun and Moon Sword. She had wrapped its scabbard in an old cloth to avoid drawing attention.

“It seems the time has finally come to stain that sword with blood.”

*         *         *

A carriage raced down the road at high speed.

Inside were three people.

One of the men opened his mouth.

“This is the first time in years that I’ve gone on a mission as the junior member.”

The man was none other than Baek Pal-Sa (White Eight Snake) of the White Snake Corps.

Among the hundred venomous snakes that comprised the White Snake Corps, he had become central to operations ever since breaking into the top ten rankings.

But today’s mission was different. The carriage held three people—and the other two outranked him.

Baek Il-Sa (White One Snake) and Baek O-Sa (White Five Snake).

The numbers, of course, indicated rank. In other words, Baek Il-Sa was the most skilled expert in the White Snake Corps, second only to the Division Leader. Baek O-Sa was ranked fifth.

Even Baek O-Sa commanded an exorbitant fee for his services—let alone Baek Il-Sa?

There were numerous legendary assassinations attributed to Baek Il-Sa. One such tale, passed down like myth within the White Snake Corps, was that he had single-handedly slain and escaped after killing the elder master of the Martial Alliance, Ja Cheonggeom (Purple Clear Sword).

“For this job... is there something I don’t know about?”

He had joined the carriage just yesterday after completing another contract, and when he saw the two who were already inside, he was genuinely surprised. No doubt, when Baek O-Sa had joined earlier, he must’ve been just as shocked to see Baek Il-Sa.

In any case, considering the current assassination target, he had thought he could easily handle it alone.

“This isn’t the kind of contract that needs all three of us.”

As he said that, Baek Pal-Sa glanced between the two of them. This was the first time something like this had happened since he began working as a contractor.

At last, Baek O-Sa opened his mouth.

“Of course.”

Baek O-Sa looked at Baek Il-Sa, who sat beside him, and spoke.

“If this were a job that required all three of us, would we even be coming back alive?”

It would be a suicide mission, plain and simple.

Of course, Baek O-Sa didn’t actually believe that. Based on everything he knew about the Division Leader's personality.

“The Division Leader smelled money.”

With that, Baek Pal-Sa immediately understood the situation.

The Division Leader wanted to wring out as much money as possible from the Golden Dragon Martial Hall.

The moment Baek Il-Sa was dispatched, the fee for the contract would skyrocket. Baek Il-Sa’s name alone carried immense weight.

In short, it was like using a butcher’s blade to slaughter a chicken—completely overkill, just to drive the price up.

And would that greedy White Snake Corps Leader really stop at just this one contract? No. He’d surely fabricate further trouble to suck out more money.

‘He’ll bleed them dry for every copper-earned coin from that martial hall.’

The real problem was that someone from a martial hall had gotten involved with the White Snake Corps in the first place. That naive soul could never have known that once you take the first step down this road, there’s no turning back. The start of villainy always disguises itself as polite, respectable, and trustworthy.

Which meant this job would fall on him to complete. He couldn’t possibly make his heaven-like seniors do the work just because they’d come out together.

Baek Pal-Sa snuck a glance at Baek Il-Sa. Baek Il-Sa remained silent with his eyes closed.

‘How much will he make from this job?’

Three times what I’ll earn? Five times? And I’ll be the one actually handling everything. Once you’re at the top, you can earn money just by showing up.

Of course, he wasn’t bitter. One day, he too would be in that seat—earning money while doing nothing but holding his posture.

Baek Pal-Sa asked the driver’s seat,

“When will we arrive?”

“Before midnight.”

Baek Pal-Sa turned to the two of them and said,

“When we arrive, have a drink. I’ll go in and take care of it.”

Then Baek Il-Sa opened his eyes. In his snake-like, cold gaze, there was not even a hint of negligence.

“The Division Leader…”

In his low voice, there was a resonant depth of inner energy.

“If it were Baek I-Sa (White Two Snake) they had sent, it would just be about money. But the fact that they sent me means there’s something that doesn’t sit right.”

Baek Il-Sa spoke as he slowly closed his eyes again.

“If you want to make it back alive, it’s best we move together.”

Baek Pal-Sa politely bowed his head in agreement, but he thought Baek Il-Sa’s words were merely an expression of guilt over earning easy money.

‘Why so dramatic? Anyone would think we’re heading to face the Demonic Cult, not a martial hall.’

*         *         *

“Someone might think you're mastering a Supreme Divine Art or something.”

The one who stepped into the clearing was Yeon Baekjin.

Geom Mugeuk had suddenly sent word asking to meet. He said it was a matter of life and death, so don’t be late, and come to this exact place.

‘What could be so urgent?’

He had come to the appointed place with some nervousness—only to find Lee Ahn and Seo Jin demonstrating the Golden Dragon Sword Art.

Both Geom Mugeuk, who was teaching, and the two women, who were learning, were deadly serious.

“But this looks a little different from the Golden Dragon Sword Art I know.”

Geom Mugeuk responded with a smile.

“They’ve only been learning it a few days, so they’re still unpolished.”

“That’s not it. It must be because the instructor is teaching it in a strange way.”

Yeon Baekjin couldn’t stop thinking about the temporary instructor he had met in his elder brother’s office. So he had looked into it—and learned that the man really was acting as a temporary instructor for the White Dragon Class.

But the complaints from the staff were piling up. He had been teaching the Golden Dragon Sword Art in a strange way.

“I met that so-called instructor in my brother’s office. My brother usually doesn’t concern himself with instructors, but that one came to see him.”

“So you met your elder brother.”

Yeon Baekjin nodded. Since Geom Mugeuk had once advised him to meet his elder brother, he explained the situation in a single sentence.

“I went to have a conversation, but my brother made me draw my sword.”

And now, Yeon Baekjin suspected that Geom Mugeuk calling him out today had something to do with his brother.

“So why did you ask to see me? You said it was a matter of life and death?”

He truly wasn’t the type of person to respond to this sort of thing. Normally, he was someone who would say, “If it’s life or death, then you should be the one coming.” Just because some trainee asked him to come—he wasn’t the kind of man to comply so easily.

Maybe it was because of Geom Mugeuk. Maybe it was because of Seo Jin. Or maybe it was because of that beautiful woman. For some reason, he kept finding himself drawn into their orbit.

Then Geom Mugeuk delivered a shocking piece of news.

“Experts from the White Snake Corps are heading for the Golden Dragon Martial Hall.”

It was so unexpected that Yeon Baekjin was visibly startled.

“Is that information certain? The White Snake Corps isn’t the type to leak details easily—how did you find out?”

“A martial artist from the White Snake Corps was killed by the sword of a mere White Dragon Class official. Do you think they’d just let that go? So I had people monitor them.”

Yeon Baekjin figured that, if it was the Ghost Clan, they were capable of gathering that level of intelligence.

And if what he just heard was true? His gaze naturally shifted toward Seo Jin.

“I’ll protect you.”

He wasn’t the kind of man who said things like that to others—least of all to a woman.

Yet for some reason, she kept drawing his attention. And beyond that, this entire situation had started because of his older brother.

It was a moment when she should’ve responded with thanks, but Seo Jin showed no reaction at all.

Sensing something off, Yeon Baekjin looked to Geom Mugeuk.

And then Geom Mugeuk revealed something even more shocking than the fact that the White Snake Corps was on their way.

“The target of the contract isn’t just Seo Jin. Martial artist Yeon is included as well.”

A wave of delayed shock hit Yeon Baekjin, who had been standing in a daze from the initial surprise. The words “I can’t believe it” reached his throat but didn’t leave his lips.

When he had gone to see his brother, he’d sensed it was a possibility. But were they really trying to kill him? Did they actually commission a hit with the White Snake Corps?

“Do you know when they’re arriving?”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze shifted to just behind Yeon Baekjin. He had purposely called Yeon Baekjin to such a remote location, timed perfectly.

He believed that the contractors, knowing where their targets would be, wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to strike in a secluded place like this.

“It seems they’re already here.”

From the darkness, masked figures revealed themselves.

Yeon Baekjin turned around and stepped in front of Seo Jin as he shouted,

“If you want to live, stick close behind me!”