Absolute Regression

Chapter 593: That Newcomer Sure Has Guts

With the appearance of the Martial Emperor Divine Sword, Geom Mugeuk understood what kind of war this battle truly was.

‘This war is between the Martial Alliance and Heavenly Will Palace (Heavenly Will Palace).’

The reason the Martial Emperor Divine Sword was still talked about even after three hundred years was not only because of his absolute martial prowess that earned him the title of Divine Sword, but also due to one significant achievement.

The annihilation of Heavenly Will Palace.

At the time, within the martial world, there was a mysterious force called Heavenly Will Palace attempting to overthrow the Martial Alliance and take control of the orthodox martial sects.

Heavenly Will Palace wielded all sorts of bizarre illusion arts and formation techniques, revealing immense power. Martial masters were helplessly trapped by their formations and died miserably. Because of that, the hatred and resentment of the orthodox factions, who desired a fair and honorable fight, only grew stronger—and the greater their fear, the deeper their hatred became.

There were rumors that the Blood Sect was behind them, that the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was backing them, that the Unorthodox Alliance was involved—every kind of rumor spread wildly as the full-scale war between the Martial Alliance and Heavenly Will Palace began.

At first, when the war broke out, many thought it would end quickly. No matter how powerful Heavenly Will Palace was, their opponent was the Martial Alliance. And not just any Martial Alliance—one led by the supreme martial master, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword.

But contrary to expectations, the war did not end easily.

Although the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance did not intervene directly, numerous other sects became involved in the war. From those who joined for noble causes to those pursuing profit—and even merchants who came to sell weapons—it became a tangled mess of chaos.

After all, not everyone in the martial world supported the Martial Alliance.

Many sects supported Heavenly Will Palace and despised the Martial Alliance. Rumors even spread that the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance were secretly providing them aid.

‘Why?’

For some reason, the Secret Box had brought him to the heart of this war between the Martial Alliance and Heavenly Will Palace from three hundred years ago.

‘What is it trying to show me?’

Meanwhile, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword stepped before the martial artists.

The roar of the crowd grew louder!

The martial artists were all deeply moved to witness him in person. Most of the martial artists present here were of lower rank, and this was a rare chance to see the Martial Alliance Leader up close.

With a calm gaze, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword looked around at the martial artists. His mere gaze overwhelmed the masses before him.

Moreover, he looked younger than expected—just entering middle age in appearance—and that made the crowd even more excited.

The martial artists who met his gaze lowered their heads in reverence, expressions filled with emotion.

At last, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword spoke.

“Since the battle began, there have been many sacrifices. We’ve lost countless comrades.”

His low voice, infused with internal energy, clearly reached even those standing far at the back.

“Many masters who sought to uphold justice were trapped by their wicked illusion arts and formations, and perished.”

With each and every word, the martial artists let out a wave of impassioned heat. In this war, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword was their hero and pillar of strength.

Of course, Geom Mugeuk watched him with a cool mind. There was certainly a reason why the Secret Box had brought him here today, of all days.

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword’s voice carried greater strength.

“Even so, we must keep fighting. Because we cannot let our comrades' deaths be in vain, and because we cannot allow wicked enemies to consume this martial world, we must move forward.”

After sweeping his gaze over everyone, he spoke with resolute eyes.

“We shall fight our final battle here.”

Although the reason the Secret Box had brought him here still remained unclear, he could now tell why it was at this time and this place.

It was because this was the location of the final decisive battle against Heavenly Will Palace.

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword’s thunderous shout echoed across the plains.

“Do not fear death! Your blood will protect this martial world!”

Even though his words demanded sacrifice, the martial artists responded with fervor.

Having finished his speech, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword approached those standing at the front. Though there was always the chance an assassin might be hiding among them, he showed no fear.

Geom Mugeuk quietly observed him.

‘The old masters really do give off a different feeling.’

His presence was unlike any other. Even the way he released his energy was different.

Rough, yet immensely powerful.

The Martial Emperor Divine Sword offered words of encouragement to a few standing in front, representing the whole.

“The martial world will remember your efforts and sacrifice.”

Each time their eyes met with the Alliance Leader’s, the martial artists lowered their heads with deeply moved expressions.

Finally, it was Geom Mugeuk’s turn.

“You’ve worked hard.”

Geom Mugeuk did not let it pass lightly.

“That’s not true for me.”

Everyone’s attention turned to Geom Mugeuk, curious as to what he dared say to the Alliance Leader. The Martial Emperor Divine Sword also looked at him with a questioning gaze.

“It’s my first day.”

Only then did the Martial Emperor Divine Sword smile, and the surrounding martial artists burst into laughter. The solemn atmosphere was instantly relieved.

“What is your name?”

“Geom Yeon.”

“I will do everything I can to ensure you return home safely.”

As he moved to pass by, Geom Mugeuk added a remark.

“Is there a way we can win?”

At that moment, Geom Mugeuk saw it. The slight tremble in the man’s eyes. That emotion was unmistakably distress.

He had asked on purpose. This battle, after all, was supposed to end with the victory of the orthodox faction and the Martial Emperor Divine Sword. The outcome had already been determined.

But he remembered hearing something once—that no detailed records remained about that final battle.

‘How did that final battle actually end?’

Among the martial artists escorting the Alliance Leader, one middle-aged man stepped forward, his expression hardening.

“How dare you act as if you’re responsible for someone’s safety?”

At that, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword raised his hand to stop the man and spoke to Geom Mugeuk.

“I have a way to end this war.”

It wasn’t just a reply to Geom Mugeuk—it was a statement to every martial artist present. As expected, the martial artists first reacted with surprise, then burst into a thunderous cheer.

“But I can’t reveal something so important in a public setting. So just fulfill your role.”

“Yes, understood.”

After encouraging a few more individuals, the Martial Emperor Divine Sword turned and walked toward the command tent in the center. The middle-aged martial artist who had earlier stepped forward with a hardened expression gave Geom Mugeuk a disapproving glare before following after the Alliance Leader.

Then came a low voice from behind.

“That newcomer’s got guts.”

Turning around, Geom Mugeuk saw that it was Unit Leader Jeong Dae.

“Who was that man glaring at me so fiercely?”

“He’s the one in charge here.”

His name was Jo Ung, the one commanding this battlefield that would become the final stage.

“What were you thinking, stepping forward like that?”

“When else would I get the chance to talk to the Alliance Leader?”

Jeong Dae stared intently at Geom Mugeuk, then turned away after muttering, “Crazy bastard.” Even if he was called insane, Geom Mugeuk’s instincts had told him he couldn’t let the Alliance Leader just pass him by.

It was a calculated move—making himself known in this way might come in handy later.

Geom Mugeuk watched the figure of the Martial Emperor Divine Sword disappear into the distance.

“Great Secret Box, why have you brought me here? For what purpose?”

Back in the tent, Geom Mugeuk quietly closed his eyes and circulated his internal energy. Compared to before, his inner strength was still feeble, but he continued striving to increase it even slightly and to refine it further. He didn’t know what situation awaited him, but it was clear that escaping from here wouldn’t be easy.

“Attention, everyone! A scouting mission has been assigned.”

Unit Leader Jeong Dae roused even those who had been asleep.

“Is it a night mission?”

To the surprised question of a squad member, Jeong Dae nodded.

Geom Mugeuk left the tent with his squad.

The 117th White Tiger Squad had five members, including Geom Mugeuk. They had originally numbered thirteen, but after two major battles, only five remained—the rest had all died.

“This is all your fault.”

Jeong Dae pinned the blame for the night scouting mission on Geom Mugeuk.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m saying that your pointless words to the Alliance Leader are why we got this night assignment. Ever since our squad’s numbers dropped to four, we hadn’t been assigned any night missions.”

Still, he didn’t curse or berate him for it. From what Geom Mugeuk could tell, Jeong Dae was the very image of an orthodox martial artist—kind and composed. Though they would likely part ways soon, he was someone Geom Mugeuk wanted to treat well while they were together.

“But I’m here now, aren’t I?”

“Four or five, what’s the difference!”

Yes, he was right.

There was no way this had happened by coincidence. It must have been Jo Ung, seeking favor with the Alliance Leader, who had ordered this as punishment.

Geom Mugeuk hoped that even this event was not chance but inevitability. He had to find something amid a string of inevitabilities. He had to escape from this place as soon as possible.

“To think I'd be penalized just for asking a question? Alliance Leader, that’s too much!”

“As if the Alliance Leader himself would’ve done that.”

Jeong Dae held back from saying that it was probably Jo Ung punishing him for earlier. He knew better than anyone that if you had to hesitate on whether to speak or not, it was wiser to stay silent. All the more so on a battlefield where dozens died every day. If you hesitated on whether to kill, you had to kill.

Thus, the 117th White Tiger Squad, which included Geom Mugeuk, entered the mountains.

The two forces were facing off with only a ridge between them, and for now, only small localized skirmishes were taking place.

As someone who had survived long in this area, Jeong Dae skillfully led them through the dark mountain path.

“Cross that ridge over there, and you’ll be in enemy territory. Don’t go any further. Understand? There are ambushes everywhere.”

“Understood.”

Of course, Geom Mugeuk’s answer was obedient, but in truth, he wanted to check the enemy camp first. In fact, he was more curious about that side than this one.

Who was the Palace Master of Heavenly Will Palace? What kind of person was he, what was he thinking? Who was at his side?

If only he had started in their camp instead—perhaps that would’ve been better. Why was it this side?

Surely the Secret Box didn’t bring him here just to meet the Martial Emperor Divine Sword.

“Alright, we’re heading back for today.”

Just as they were preparing to return from the scouting mission—

“Watch out!”

Shwik!

Geom Mugeuk threw himself forward, pushing Jeong Dae to the side.

A hidden weapon whistled through the air, slicing through the spot where Jeong Dae had just stood.

From the forest ahead, martial artists rushed out with swords drawn.

There were four enemies in total.

They lunged at Geom Mugeuk, who was closest, launching a combined attack. They moved fast and were well-trained, but unfortunately for them, their opponent was Geom Mugeuk.

Shhiik.

He evaded their direct attack by dropping low to the ground, almost lying flat.

It looked like he was about to collapse, but Geom Mugeuk’s waist was not so weak.

Springing up like a coil, Geom Mugeuk thrust his sword upward.

Sseog!

Slashing deeply through the chest of one enemy, he stepped on the falling man’s stomach and dashed toward the foe on the left. Caught off guard by the unexpected movement, the enemy faltered.

Two swords swept through the air—but only one reached its mark.

Puk!

Geom Mugeuk’s sword pierced through the enemy’s heart. He then spun swiftly and slashed behind him.

Shhiik.

The enemy charging from behind widened his eyes in shock.

Even if he had eyes on the back of his head, he could never have imagined someone would exploit his blind spot with such speed and precision.

Sseog.

As the third enemy fell, the last one dashed off into the darkness. Geom Mugeuk considered throwing his sword at the man's back to stop him—but for some reason, he held back.

It had all happened in an instant. While the other squad members hesitated, unsure of how to react, and just as Jeong Dae, who had rolled across the ground after being pushed, jumped up—everything was already over.

Jeong Dae, wide-eyed and startled, asked,

“You! What was that? You're good at martial arts!”

“I never said I wasn't.”

“Then why did you come in as a newcomer?”

“So I can live longer. If I fight well, they’ll make me fight experts, won’t they?”

Jeong Dae, wearing a dumbfounded expression, didn’t ask further. Instead, he looked at Geom Mugeuk with sincere gratitude.

“Thanks. I owe you my life.”

“Then can I have the good bed?”

“I’ll swap mine with yours.”

He was truly moved. After surviving this far—and with the war nearing its end—if he had died here today from a dagger thrown by someone he didn’t even see, it would’ve been an injustice too bitter to bear.

Geom Mugeuk examined the fallen bodies.

“Were these men also a scouting party?”

“No. When scouting parties meet, they avoid each other by unspoken rule.”

It was a survival tactic that had emerged during the war.

“Then what were they doing out here at this hour?”

Jeong Dae shook his head, unable to say.

“But they didn’t use illusion arts or dark sorcery.”

“Only the experts of Heavenly Will Palace use formations and illusion arts. Not all enemies are from Heavenly Will Palace, and even if they are, the lower-ranked martial artists stick to ordinary martial techniques. Come on, let’s head back.”

That’s when Geom Mugeuk spoke something unexpected.

“Go ahead without me. I’ll go capture the one who got away earlier.”

“It’s dangerous!”

“With the Alliance Leader himself here, I can’t just ignore this suspicious movement.”

“I thought you wanted to live long? Isn’t that why you were hiding your martial arts?”

“If I make a major contribution, maybe they’ll send me home early. Now, please go ahead.”

Geom Mugeuk sprinted into the darkness.

Jeong Dae didn’t try to stop him. After this fight, he knew that Geom Mugeuk was no ordinary martial artist.

“Make sure you come back alive!”

That was why he hadn’t killed the last one earlier. To use the pursuit as a reason to investigate the enemy camp.

Following the route Jeong Dae had told him, Geom Mugeuk arrived at their encampment.

Dozens of tents were built around a large central tent.

He didn’t approach recklessly. If the Palace Master was there, then surely powerful experts would be as well.

Geom Mugeuk activated the New Eye Technique. Though his internal energy had diminished, his immunity to all poisons remained intact, and he could still use the New Eye Technique.

While scanning their tents, Geom Mugeuk’s eyes stopped at one location.

“!”

In that moment, Geom Mugeuk was struck with shock.

At last, he understood why the Secret Box had brought him to this place from three hundred years ago.

At the entrance to a large tent he was observing, a single symbol was drawn.

It was a symbol Geom Mugeuk recognized—and it wasn’t the mark of the Secret Box.

It was the exact same symbol engraved throughout the underground passageway of the Golden Dragon Martial Hall—the one he had suspected belonged to the family who constructed the first gate, and which had helped him decipher the method to break it.

Now, the first clue had revealed itself.

‘So it was Heavenly Will Palace, the exterminated sect, who created the underground treasury of the Golden Dragon Martial Hall.’